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Talented galloper Spanish Bay can confirm his status as one of Singapore's leading three-year-olds when lining up against the older horses in the ninth event this evening.
Already a Group 2 winner at this track and trip, the son of Nadeem has continued to make impressive ratings spikes culminating with a third placing in the Group 1 Singapore Guineas.
Attempting to lead throughout in the feature event, Spanish Bay was headed inside the 300m, but did stick on strongly thereafter.Star galloper Affleck proved too good on that occasion, with Spanish Bay only denied second place by the fast-finishing Jimmy Rea.
This year's renewal of the Singapore Guineas was only rated just below that of Stepitup and Super Ninetyseven with the depth in this year's three-year-old ranks continuing to impress.Star gallopers War Affair and Better Than Ever remain the equal highest ever rated winners of the Singapore Guineas.
A winner of four of his eight career starts including three minor placings, Spanish Bay has improved 14 pounds this time in and is clearly heading in the right direction.Unbeaten in both attempts over seven furlongs, Spanish Bay should appreciate the drop back from the mile and appears well placed under the set weights conditions.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings his performance in the Singapore Guineas sees him rated on top with further improvement expected.Regular rider Saifudin Ismail sticks aboard having placed in all five previous attempts and is likely to adopt a forward position from the rails draw.
The Shane Baertschiger trained El Milagro appears the only other front-runner, which should allow Spanish Bay to control the race from the outset.When you tie in his form around through Kiwi Karma, there is plenty to like about Spanish Bay as he also possesses the most upside in the field.
Although unable to hold out either Affleck or Jimmy Rea last start, his closing sectionals were still very strong and he should prove very hard to get past.Class galloper [n[]El Milagro[/n] must be respected as while giving weight away all round, he looks to get the race run to suit and rates highly on best form.
Prepared to forgive his performance over the mile last start as he is clearly better than that and should also appreciate the drop back in trip.In nine attempts over this distance range he has placed on six occasions and has placed in 12 of 24 attempts at this track.
From the inside draw he is likely to sit just off expected leader Spanish Bay and if up to his best he should be right around the mark.Newcomer Order Of The Sun creates plenty of interest as while he is expected to be better over further, he has trialled very well in the lead up.
Formerly trained by Gai Waterhouse the son of Encosta De Lago won the 2014 VRC St Leger [2800m] by seven lengths and was placed in the Listed Bendigo Cup [2400m] two starts back.Now under the care of Desmond Koh, Order Of The Sun has not raced since November last year, but appears in good order and is clearly up to this on best form.
Earmarked as a possible Singapore Derby contender, he will no doubt improve with the run under his belt, however he appears capable of sprinting well fresh.Of the rest the Bruce Marsh trained Trudeau appears the next best, as while not the most reliable he is more than up to this on peak form.
Unable to feature over 1800m two back, Trudeau displayed good improvement last start when finishing a close fourth behind Happy Money — form which has since been franked with the latter performing very well in the Steward's Cup.Trudeau has placed in eight of 14 attempts over this distance range and has to be kept safe with the in-form Michael Rodd aboard.
From 20 rides, Rodd is impressively striking at 20 per cent with the Marsh stable and although he is likely to get back from the wide draw, he still holds solid claims.Good luck and happy punting.