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The return of premier rider Joao Moreira appears set to ignite capable sprinter Huka Falls in the ninth event at Singapore, this evening.
Having not been disgraced behind El Padrino last start, Huka Falls is building nicely this time in, and should be close to his peak racing third up.
Forced to settle up on a fast tempo last start, Huka Falls' performance held plenty of merit.
He stuck on solidly in the Woodlands Handicap, to be beaten only three lengths.
With the first three across the line (El Padrino, Hypernova & Indicio) all settling towards the rear, it was a race that clearly suited the backmarkers.
Huka Falls returned a Timeform rating not far off his peak, and in fact finished second in the race at the weights.
Dropping sharply in the weights from 58.5kg to 52.5 appears the biggest push for his claims, as he is well placed on Timeform weight adjusted ratings.
The added bonus of world class jockey, Joao Moreira also bodes well for Huka Falls' chances.
Unseen at Kranji since the Singapore International Cup weekend in May, Moreira's return is highly anticipated.
Prior to his departure, the combination of Moreira and leading trainer Laurie Laxon, was always one to be respected, and little changes this evening.
Overall Moreira strikes at an impressive 25% and has ridden 125 winners for the Laxon stable.
Moreira has placed in 10 of 12 attempts aboard Huka Falls, with Corey Brown and Danny Beasley the only other jockeys to win aboard the gelding.
With little between a number of the leading hopes, the race pattern looks to be the main factor in deriving the most likely winner.
Having seen the Woodlands Handicap run at a frantic pace, little should differ in this event.
The Michael Freedman trained Mr Big, the Theo Keiser trained Goal Keeper, the Alvin Tan trained Perfect Charger and the David Kok trained Italian Job are all expected to roll forward.
When taking the average lead speeds off these select few, the race will be run at a fast tempo, and should favour gallopers back off the speed.
From the favourable draw, Moreira is expected to take a sit aboard Huka Falls, as he is a more likely winner, when ridden in this manner.
On career best form, there is no question Huka Falls has the measure of his rivals under the current weight scale, and he should prove very hard to hold out.
Impressive last start winner Cavallo appears the main danger, as he too should benefit from the likely fast tempo.
A victor of four of his last 12 starts, the son of Testa Rossa returned a new career peak last start, and rates well on Timeform weight adjusted ratings.
Cavallo has placed in 12 of 13 attempts on the polytrack and has placed in seven of 10 attempts over this distance range.
Jockey John Sundradas continues his association with the gelding, saluting in four of 12 attempts.
From the awkward draw, Cavallo should settle midfield and be very hard to hold out in the straight.
The ever consistent Goal Keeper returned to the winner's stall last start, and is capable of fighting out the finish.
Successful in leading throughout, the son of Untouchable is another polytrack specialist, having never missed the money in 10 attempts.
He has placed in five of his last nine starts and if able to run up to his career best, he rates as one of the main contenders.
Whether Goal Keeper can overcome the likely fast tempo, is the main concern, however his class cannot be ignored, and he has to be respected.
Of the rest the Stephen Burridge trained Indicio caught the eye last start and looks the next best.
Drawn well in the middle, the son of Ishiguru has placed at his past five starts, and while unfavoured by the weight scale, he does look to get the race run to suit.
On Timeform weight adjusted ratings, he does have a bit too find on the top contenders, however he still appears capable of filling the minor placings.
Good luck and happy punting.