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Emerging sprinter Famous Artist appears well placed to return to the winner's stall when set to contest the eighth event at Singapore this evening.
An ultra impressive winner on debut, Famous Artist went on to finish second behind talented filly Divided House on Singapore International Cup Day.
Although having his colours lowered Famous Artist did take another step forward and is clearly heading in the right direction.Trained by Desmond Koh Famous Artist first turn heads back in April when leading throughout on debut.
Jumping away well in the centre, Famous Artist took up the running and while keen under Manoel Nunes, he travelled strongly entering the straight.Shaken up passing the 500m, Famous Artist exploded away drawing four lengths clear inside the 300m.
Eased down the last 100m, the three-year-old trotted in, saluting by five lengths.Comparatively he recorded easily the second quickest time of the night and was marked just two-and-a-half lengths slower than talented sprinter Ghost.
Marked up as a horse to follow after the event, Famous Artist went on to confirm that rating when very game in defeat.On that occasion there was a further three lengths back to third and over six lengths back to fourth — typically a good indicator of a strong piece of form.
Following the event the race has provided two subsequent winners (Divided House and Mings Man) and three minor placings.Unseen for 40 days, Famous Artist has since trialled nicely in the lead up with the three-year-old leading throughout under minimal pressure.
Leading rider Manoel Nunes looks to make his much anticipated return with the star jockey set to continue his association with the promising galloper.Having spent a month on the sidelines due to suspension, it doesn't appear a coincidence that Nunes makes his return just in time to ride Famous Artist — overall Nunes is striking at 22 per cent with the Koh stable.
From the favourable draw Famous Artist is likely to take up the running with Lizaz, Mighty Man and Elite Star not too far away.In both starts to this point Famous Artist has recorded time ahead of the bare form and appears more than capable of taking that next step.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings Famous Artist already rates clear and given he is expected to improve a further four - six pounds he sets a lofty standard for his rivals.The Laurie Laxon trained Cuaron did enough on debut to suggest he can make his presence felt and looms as a major threat.
Stepping out at the back end of last month, the son of Iffraaj lived up to his solid market support when displaying a sharp turn of foot to score by just under two lengths.Tracking the speed in fourth, Cuaron was forced to take a narrow gap inside the 300m and once clear he quickly hit the front before powering away over the concluding stages.
On raw times he was marked just half a length slower than Golden Tomahawk and recorded time figures well ahead of the bare form.Using Timeform ratings Cuaron returned an above average maiden winning figure and possesses scope for further improvement.
No question he will have to springboard off that mark to defeat Famous Artist, however he has drawn to receive all the favours and obviously has to be respected.One galloper who creates plenty of interest in the event is two-year-old Elite Star.
Trained by Shane Baertschiger the son of Pins displayed good ability on debut when finishing third behind Dash Of Class.Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings he appears well placed and should derive good improvement from the raceday experience.
In-form jockey Barend Vorster links aboard for the first time and should look to adopt a forward position from the inside draw.While never easy taking on the older horses he appears more than capable and remains under strong notice.
The Stephen Gray trained Lizaz appears the next in line as while yet to win since his debut, he has raced in good order.While unable to match it with Famous Artist or Divided House last start, he was unsuited by the slow tempo and rates well on best form.
The Gray stable has been in great form of late and he has to be included with Corey Brown sticking aboard.Good luck and happy punting.