3 minute read
Trainer Patrick Shaw boasts a very strong hand in this evening's Group 3 New Years Cup headed by dual Group 1 winner Quechua.
While unable to match it with his stablemate Cooptado in the Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup [2200m], Quechua won the race easily at the weights and was gallant in defeat.
Since freshened (47 days), Quechua is following the exact same path as last year having won this feature event following his Gold Cup success.No question he is the class galloper and while conceding weight to all of his rivals he is more than capable.
Since joining Shaw's care in the beginning of 2014, Quechua has lined up 16 times in Singapore, placing in 15 and winning five.In both attempts on the polytrack he is yet to miss the money and is unbeaten in his sole attempt over this trip.
Given two trials in the lead up, Quechua appears on track to perform up to his best with John Powell linking aboard for the first time.Overall Powell strikes at 17 per cent with the Shaw stable and expect Quechua to receive all the favours from the inside draw.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings little separates the leading contenders, however Quechua's class will leave him in good stead and he should prove very hard to beat.Stablemate Perfect P continues to raise the bar with each start in Singapore and comes into this off the back of a third placing in the Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup.
In seven starts in Singapore he has placed in six, winning four.He returned a new career peak last start, form which sees him very well placed down on the limit weight.
If able to hold his form he shapes as one of the hardest to beat with Nooresh Juglall linking back aboard.In two previous attempts aboard the four-year-old he has won both.
From the inside draw he is likely to settle close to the speed and should be in this for a long way.The Mark Walker trained Sebrose failed to fire last start in the Group 3 Colonial Chief Stakes [1700m], however he is clearly better than that and is worth another chance.
His performance when fourth two back in the Gold Cup sees him right around the mark and he has to be kept safe.Group 1 Gold Cup winner Cooptado is yet to win in two attempts over this trip, however he now looks to be putting it all together and obviously has to be respected.
A winner of four of his 17 starts, he is a multiple Group 1 winner and gets in well at the weights if able to hold his form.From the rails draw he should receive all the favours and is expected to make his presence felt.
Good luck and happy punting.