Trainer Sam Chua is hoping sheer class will see stable newcomer Nandowra make light of his top impost in his bid to take Singapore’s first feature of the new 2014 season, the $200,000 Group 3 New Year Cup (1900m) next Wednesday.

Stepitup has underwhelmed in a couple of runs this campaign but the Colonial Chief Stakes provides a good opportunity to live up to his name.

Trainer Bruce Marsh will look to end the year on a high by attempting to claim a hat trick of “black type” victories with Trudeau at the $175,000 Group 3 Colonial Chief Stakes over 1700m on the Polytrack on Sunday.

For a change, there was hardly a glum face at the Post Position Draw for Sunday’s $1.35 million Group 1 Longines Singapore Gold Cup (2200m) on Thursday morning.

​Much improved galloper Street Legal takes the next big step on his climb up the ratings ladder when he lines-up in the Group 1 $500,000 Raffles Cup over 1800m on Sunday.