3 minute read
The Stephen Burridge trained Vanderbilt wasn't beaten far behind the talented The Nutcracker last start and can return to the winner's stall in the sixth event at Singapore this evening.
Having impressed in his Singapore debut, the son of Dreamscape was unable to take that next step, however his performance still held merit.
Formerly trained by Team Hawkes in Australia (Old Name: Bugatty), the now four-year-old came over to Singapore with some handy form in the book.Rated as high as 105 by Timeform as a two-year-old, Bugatty failed to reach those heights again, however there is no knock around the form behind the likes of Kuro and Nostradamus.
Bugatty rounded out his career in Australia earlier this year with a narrow win at Moonee Valley, proving too good on-speed.Now under the care of Steven Burridge, Vanderbilt has had two starts in Singapore and while handy in both, he is still open to further improvement on best form.
Last start he appeared to be run off his feet early with The Nutcracker setting a very fast tempo out in front.Under urgings prior to the turn, Vanderbilt looked to be struggling along the inside before knuckling down over the concluding stages.
Beaten just over two lengths, that piece of form is expected to leave him in good stead and he appears set to peak racing third up.Leading rider Corey Brown sticks aboard and he should receive all the favours from the inside draw.
Quite adaptable, he is likely press forward and hold the rail with Mycaptainoblivious also likely to press forward from the awkward draw.Star General, Coronet Peak and Lively Dragon appear the other likely front-runners.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Vanderbilt appears well placed on his debut win two back and has placed third up previously.Admittedly there is decent speed engaged, however given he is likely to receive a cosy run along the rails, he should have a bit left in the tank on straightening.
If able to perform up to his best, he looks to set a decent standard.The Leslie Khoo trained Star General boasts some very strong collateral form and looms as a major threat.
Only lightly raced, Khoo has clearly taken his time with the son of Mint Lane not looking to push him early.In his maiden preparation he failed to fire at his first two starts, before breaking through for his maiden success in dominant fashion.
Only narrowly beaten prior to a break, Star General returned in good order when finishing third over 1100m.Displaying good improvement second up, Star General was too strong on speed when saluting by half a length.
In what has clearly been a very good form race, four subsequent winners have been produced from the event, including four minor placings.Magnum (2nd), Rafaello (4th), Rockfast (5th) and Asprey (7th) all have won since giving a strong push for Star General moving forward.
Using Timeform ratings, Star General has continued to make steady improvement and appears set to record a new career peak this evening.Unseen for 42 days, Star General has since trialled well and looks to be ticking over nicely.
While obviously lining up against tougher company, he appears more than capable of rising to the occasion.The Mark Walker trained Kam's Comet failed to fire first up, however he is clearly better than that and is worth another chance.
His form at the back end of his last campaign reads well for this and notably he was beaten only 3.3L behind stablemate My Lucky Strike.Kam's Comet has won second up previously and has placed in four of five attempts at this track.
He should appreciate the slight step up in trip and is expected to be right around the mark.Of the rest the Shane Baertschiger trained Mycaptainoblivious has to be included following his brilliant return behind The Nutcracker.
Finishing second, Mycaptainoblivious is clearly back in great order and has placed in three of four attempts racing second up.He was on three of four over this trip and has placed in five of seven at this track.
Admittedly he has to give weight away all around, however he is clearly capable and must be kept safe.Good luck and happy punting.