Singapore star sprinter Spalato is set to make a winning return this evening when due to contest the third event.

Unheralded mare Gold Rutile sprang a big surprise in the $350,000 Group 2 EW Barker Trophy (1400m) to give trainer Hideyuki Takaoka his first major win since Better Life’s Group 1 Singapore Derby win in 2013.

An encouraging performance first up leaves the Michael Freedman trained Holy Empire well placed to return to the winner's stall, when set to contest the fifth event at Singapore this evening.

Trainer Steven Burridge is hoping for a big run from the horse he affectionately calls “The Goose” in this Sunday’s $300,000 Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy.

A thrilling finish at the end of the Hello Africa Stakes on Sunday had trainer Hideyuki Takaoka and jockey Alan Munro heaving a huge sigh of relief as Gold Rutile emerged victorious.