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After throwing the race away at the start in the Korea Racing Authority Trophy, the Michael Freedman trained Olympic Anthem appears well placed to make amends at Singapore this evening.
Due to line up in the sixth event, the son of Starcraft was a complete forgive run behind Super Winner and did well to finish as close as he did.
Jumping away extremely awkwardly, Olympic Anthem missed the start hopelessly and gave away eight lengths on settling.Never in the hunt thereafter, Olympic Anthem did well to tack onto the field and made up good ground in the straight.
Forced to trial since, Olympic Anthem led throughout and did it comfortably under Michael Rodd saluting by just over two lengths.An impressive winner at this course and distance two back, Olympic Anthem appears well placed using Timeform weight adjusted ratings.
Formerly trained in Australia, Olympic Anthem is notably yet to reach his peak ratings when formerly trained by Robert Heathcote and looks to still have a bit up his sleeve.In five starts in Singapore the five-year-old has placed on three occasions with his only failures coming last start and four starts back, when he in-fact bled.
Olympic Anthem is unbeaten from three attempts over this trip and from a ratings perspective he generally has continued to improve throughout his campaigns.During his 3YO campaign Olympic Anthem wasn't disgraced in the Fred Brett Classic fifth up before finishing a narrow fourth in the Group 2 Queensland Guineas, he then went on to win a 3YO Open event at his seventh run for the preparation.
Obviously barring his last start effort, Olympic Anthem is progressing nicely under Freedman's care and is clearly a talent when right.From the rails draw he appears to get an ideal run in transit with the Laurie Laxon trained Exceed Express expected to take up the running from the favourable draw.
Raise No Doubt and Petrenui are also likely to roll forward with Olympic Anthem appearing to get the perfect trail just off the speed.If able to remain on his best behaviour, Olympic Anthem sets a decent standard for his rivals and should prove hard to beat.
The recent addition to the Stephen Gray stable — Raise No Doubt won well last start and looms as a major threat.Formerly trained by Leticia Dragon, Raise No Doubt has always displayed plenty of ability and wasn't marked far off his best when easily defeating Sebas last start.
His fourth win from 12 starts, Raise No Doubt is a noted flier on the polytrack and has placed two of three racing second up.The much in-form Corey Brown continues his association with the five-year-old and is currently striking at 16 per cent with the Gray stable.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Raise No Doubt does have a bit to find on Olympic Anthem if both gallopers produce their best, however he still holds solid claims.The fact Raise No Doubt is likely to settle closer to the speed could be advantageous though, as he is likely to get first run at the lead.
The Mark Walker trained Indian Jade has returned two encouraging performances to begin this campaign and should be right at his peak racing third up.Forced to give weight all-round is obviously against, however he should appreciate the drop back in grade and stacks right up using Timeform weight adjusted ratings.
His performance when only narrowly beaten behind Fraajilistic sees him well placed and he is unbeaten in his sole attempt at this trip.A noted backmarker he will require the speed on upfront, however his finishing sectionals continue to impress and if close enough, he will prove hard to hold out.
Of the rest the Laurie Laxon trained Exceed Express appears the next in line as while below par in two efforts to begin this campaign, he is clearly capable and must be respected down in the weights.He appears to get an uncontested lead and with Manoel Nunes sticking aboard, he has to be kept safe.
Good luck and happy punting.