3 minute read
The lightly raced Seasons Echo proved ultra impressive when justifying his short odds at Singapore last time out and can make the next step up in grade on Friday night.
Successful in notching up his third career victory from 10 career starts the son of Echo Of Light proceeded to relish the step up to the mile when coming from near last to sweep down the outside and salute in the shadows of the post.
In what proved one of the more visually impressive victories of the day, Season Echo's performance was also rated up to his career best which he had previously achieved at this very course and distance last preparation.
On that basis we thus can expect Seasons Echo to springboard off this mark on Friday as he has proven to keep improving throughout his campaigns and the fact he was able to run up to his best so early on in his preparation suggests he is going to reach a new career peak this time in.
Another key factor which highlights the high level of his performance was the fact that the tempo of the race had clearly favoured the front-runners with the first three horses passing the 600m going on to fill three of the top five placings.
Season's Echo's final 600m was also recorded to be one of the quickest of the day and emphasised his ability to reel off a very fast closing sectional.
It is this ability that does see him very well placed on the weekend as he does appear to possess a quicker closing speed than that of his main danger Sweet Lodge.
While only marginal, given the two are expected to settle towards the rear of the field, Seasons Echo does appear to have the slight upper hand at this stage.
On Timeform weight adjusted ratings there is only a pound between Seasons Echo and Sweet Lodge however the Time figures of their last start efforts tells a different story, with the latter's rated to be a lot weaker.
The fact Seasons Echo is also expected to raise the bar again on Friday night further sways the race in his favour as if able to improve three or four pounds he should prove too good for his rivals.
From the gun draw expect Ivaldo Santana to settle Seasons Echo in the back half of the field with the Michael Clements trained Don Platense expected to take up the running.
In a race which doesn't appear to contain a lot of speed, it is Season Echo's ability to reel off a fast closing sectional that does see him well placed as he shouldn't be further than three lengths off the leader in the small field.
Although up in grade he does appear a galloper who is on an upward spiral and can prove very hard to beat in this affair.
The Stephen Burridge trained Sweet Lodge was successful in recording a new career peak last time out and does appear the main danger to Seasons Echo.
Unsuited by the slow tempo last start when unable to peg back the margin on the winner her performance still had plenty of merit and does appear better suited dropping back to the mile.
In six previous attempts over the mile she has saluted the judge twice and placed on a further two occasions.
Her recent trial in the lead up to this was also very good and suggests she is well on track to hold her form on Friday night.
With so little between both Sweet Lodge and Seasons Echo if the latter does prove to be a touch off his game then expect the daughter of Danzero to right there to take full advantage.
The Leslie Khoo trained World War was a touch outclassed behind the talented Stepitup last start but is expected to record an improved result on Friday.
The son of Lonhro had been racing in great form prior to tackling that tougher company and does appear far better suited in this affair.
His record at this course and distance is very good with his effort two back behind Bendicion reading very well for this event.
From the good draw he is expected to settle just off the speed and be in it for a long way.
The Michael Freedman trained Mr Armstrong has proven a model of consistency this time in and does appear the next in line following his game effort to finish second last time out.
Having placed in seven of his last 10 starts the son of Dylan Thomas possesses a very good record over the mile and isn't far off the top two on Timeform weight adjusted ratings.
Another who is likely to settle back in the field, the fact he doesn't possess as sharp a turn of foot as the top two does appear to play against his chances however he cannot be taken lightly.
Good luck and happy punting.