3 minute read

The unbeaten Emperor Max proceeded to steal the show at Singapore on Sunday evening and was the weekend's key standout performance.

In what was easily his sternest test to date the son of Holy Roman Emperor proceeded to rise to the occasion when denying the very talented War Affair.

Previously trained in Melbourne under the care of Peter Moody, Emperor Max first stepped out on debut for the Stephen Gray stable back in October last year when proving quite impressive when overcoming a tough run in transit to salute over 1200m.

Going on to remain undefeated at his following three starts, Emperor Max proceeded to notched up his fifth straight win on Sunday culminating with a new career peak.

While impressive when defeating the likes of Bale Star, Savannah Dancer and Got Luck last start he had yet to take on the likes of Mr Big, Goal Keeper or War Affair and it did appear he would struggle to keep his unbeaten run alive.

However such is the case with his past proceedings, Emperor Max was able raise the bar and deny his very talented opposition.

The average winning margin of his last five starts sits just shy of one length yet the improvement he has shown overall has been close to 30 pounds thus pushing forward the idea that he is a galloper who simply does all that is required.

On raw form it was very hard to suggest Emperor Max was the deserved favourite on Sunday given he conceded close to 10 pounds to War Affair on best form, however that did not deter the confidence of his supporters as he started the hot favourite and dually saluted.

Given he is not renowned for winning his races by large margins it is hard to really pinpoint how much further improvement he can make but it is clear he is a galloper on an upward spiral which has yet to be halted.

There weren't many absentee's from Sunday's affair and while War Affair will obviously improve sharply when stepping up in trip, Emperor Max has clearly stamped himself as one of the emerging sprinters in Singapore and no reason to think he can't raise the bar again at his next start.

The Patrick Shaw trained Slew Of Lode also proved very impressive on Sunday when making a winning return in the ninth event on the card.

Having displayed plenty of ability in his two career starts to date the son of Lode proceeded to pick up right where he left off when proving ultra impressive when defeating the Laurie Laxon trained Eurozone.

Although appearing to be in trouble when snookered along the rail in the straight, Slew Of Lode proved very impressive when forcing his way into the clear to sprint quickly and tackle Euro Zone on the inside before drawing away to score by a neck.

Rated to be just shy of his career best is a very positive sign moving forward as he clearly will take plenty of benefit out of that performance and with any luck in running you can build a case for him winning by a more decisive margin.

His closing sectional also proved very impressive as it was recorded to be almost a second and a half inside standard and this emphasises the sharp turn of foot he possesses.

Likely to be next seen on the polytrack he is a very exciting galloper who must be followed closely in the upcoming weeks.

Another lightly raced galloper to keep a close eye on is the Laurie Laxon trained Turangawaewae who notched up his second career victory in the fifth event on Sunday.

Formerly based in New Zealand the son of Postponed proved quite impressive racing up on the speed when proving too good for Eagle Storm over the concluding stages.

Rated nicely by Corey Brown he worked home impressively in the straight and gave the impression he will relish the step up in trip down the track.

More notably he also has a fair bit of improvement left up his sleeve from his prior form in New Zealand and hence is a galloper worth sticking with as he will likely continue his winning ways.

Out of Friday's proceedings one galloper worth keeping a close eye on is the Bruce Marsh trained Sir Lovesalot who saluted at just his second start in Singapore.

Formerly based in New Zealand he boasted some fair form in Group 1 company and was proven to be at his best when up to seven furlongs.

Successful in saluting over 1200m suggests he is in for a very good preparation and is expected to progress further in the coming weeks.