3 minute read
The Patrick Shaw trained The General has been knocking on the door in recent efforts and appears well placed to break through in the eighth event at Singapore this evening.
Bred in Argentina, the son of Mutakddim has finished second in two of his three starts since joining Shaw's care in May.
In his Singapore debut, The General finished second behind Mexican Gal before only fair behind the handy Golden Tomahawk at his second outing.Tuned up with a solid trial in-between, the three-year-old went on to finish second behind Northern Boss last start, when very game in defeat.
Attempting to lead throughout, The General set a good tempo out in front and returned his best performance ever in Singapore.Notably he returned time figures well ahead of the bare form — which indicates he can raise the bar again this evening.
Drawn ideally on the rails, The General is expected to press forward and control the tempo with Amityship, Smart Supreme and D'Don not too far away.Although there looks to be good speed engaged, when assessing average lead speeds, The General shouldn't have any concerns finding the front.
Barend Vorster continues his association with The General having ridden him in all three starts to this point.Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, The General rates clear following his last start performance and if able to improve further, he sets a good standard.
In what is not an overly strong Class 4 event, if able to receive all the favours in front, The General should prove very hard to get past in the straight.The Desmond Koh trained Cash Box is another who has raced in good order since being transferred to Singapore, though the decision to remain at 1200m is a query.
Formerly trained by Team Hawkes in Australia (Old Name: My Question To You), the son of Shamardal displayed good ability notching up two wins from his eight starts.In Australia his best form was achieved over 1400m, having won at Warwick Farm back in April last year.
Under Koh's care, Cash Box has placed in two of his three attempts and most recently wasn't disgraced when finishing fifth behind the promising Hermano Menor and Jay Eff Express.On that occasion he was simply outsprinted after Hermano Menor dictated freely in front and reeled off a closing sectional close to four lengths inside standard.
Set to peak racing third up, the engagement of Manoel Nunes is a good push for his chances with the leading rider striking at just shy of 20 per cent with Koh's stable.From the middle draw Cash Box is likely to settle just off the speed and while he will be better suited over further, he rates well and has to be respected.
The Laurie Laxon trained Cote De Nuits displayed good improvement last start and while obviously tougher here, he cannot be taken lightly.Lining up for just his fifth start in Singapore the son of Stravinsky remains open to good improvement on his prior best form in New Zealand.
While not disgraced in his performances on the turf track, he appeared to appreciate running on the polytrack last start and has drawn to receive all the favours.He too is likely to be better at 1400m, however he measures right up on his performance last start and has to be included.
Of the rest the Stephen Burridge trained Cheyenne Warrior appears a likely improver, as while mixing his form he is clearly capable when right.A winner of four of his 25 starts, he has placed in four of nine attempts over this trip and gets in well after Joseph See's claim.
His performance two back behind Red Dawn leaves him well placed using Timeform weight adjusted ratings and he cannot be taken lightly.Good luck and happy punting.