3 minute read

The highly touted Tannhauser couldn't have been any more impressive last start and appears well placed to go back to back in the eighth event at Singapore this evening.

Not since the likes of Spalato have we seen such an impressive maiden victory, with Tannhauser saluting by 9.5L.

Spalato kicked off his career in May 2014, saluting by 9.8L before going on to win his next six starts including the Group 1 Singapore Derby [2000m].

Barring Rocket Man, Spalato still boasts two of the best sprint performances we have seen in Singapore.

Whether Tannhauser reaches those heights remains to be seen, however given what he achieved last start, he is highly promising to say the least.

While not disgraced on debut back in November last year, Tannhauser looked a better horse having since received the ultimate gear change (gelded), while also undergoing a wind operation.

Given a sole trial in the lead up, Tannhauser put the writing on the wall and easily justified his solid market support ($2.60F).

Beginning well from one of the outside stalls, Tannhauser pressed on to take up the running, though was never able to find the fence.

Clicked up by Duric rounding the home turn, Tannhauser quickly put a space on his rivals and drew well clear over the final 200m.

Though quite wayward in the straight, Tannhauser absolutely bolted in and the clock backed up the strength of his performance.

Comparing raw times is always fraught with danger, however given there was a BM97 race held on the same night, same distance, it is useful guide in helping to determine the level of performance.

Handy sprinter Good News took out the BM97 event, marked only 0.07 seconds quicker than Tannhauser.

The BM97 race was run faster early (approx. 5L faster for the first 500m), however Tannhauser's closing sectional was approx. 4.5L faster and was marked approx. 7L inside standard.

To achieve such a feat at just his second start and notably first as a gelding is indicative of a supremely talented galloper.

This evening's event is another test, however Tannhauser rates well clear and is expected to pass it with flying colours.

From the wide draw he is likely to press forward and will no doubt give them all something to run down.

In a race lacking depth, debut winner Bear Witness shapes as the main danger.

Trained by Stephen Gray, Bear Witness did enough last start to suggest he can progress further and has to be respected from the middle draw.

Recent Group 1 winning jockey Danny Beasley links aboard for the first time and he shapes as the main/only threat to Tannhauser.

The Laurie Laxon trained Aotearoa hasn't been far off the mark in recent outings and cannot be underestimated with Nunes aboard.

Unbeaten in her sole attempt on the polytrack, she has drawn favourably on the inside and has placed in three of four attempts over this trip – don't take lightly.

The Steven Burridge trained Great Seven wasn't disgraced behind Red Duke last start and appears the next best.

From the middle draw, he shouldn't be too far away and can fill minor honours with a touch of luck.