3 minute read
Former New Zealand based galloper Viviano proved quite impressive in his Singapore debut last start and can take that next step this evening.
Due to contest the final event, the son of Keeper should appreciate the slight step up in trip now under the care of Mark Walker.
Previously trained by Stephen McKee, Viviano came over to Singapore with some decent form in the book, placing in four of his nine career starts.
Joining Walker’s care towards the back end of last year, Viviano had trialled nicely in the lead up and proceeded to live up to his solid market expectations.
Although winning narrowly, Viviano was only marked marginally below his best form which is a great sign moving forward.
Viviano is expected to take good improvement from the first up hit-out, having made his return from a lengthy break (205 days).
The fact he was also able to salute over the short course (1000m) also reads well for his claims given he is proven to be better over further.
Generally it can take a while for horses to adapt to their new surroundings, however Viviano appears to have settled in well for his new trainer.
Leading rider Manoel Nunes links aboard for the first time and overall strikes at just shy of 20 per cent with the Walker stable.
Nunes had in fact ridden the four-year-old at his first public appearance in November last year when saluting by two lengths in his 1000m trial.
From the favourable draw he is expected to roll forward and settle just off the speed, if not lead.
Rising 2kg from his first up win, he is required to improve but clearly is more than capable.
When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings his best form sees him rated clear of his rivals and he should prove very hard to beat.
The Cliff Brown trained Roselli possesses good upside at just his eighth career start and looms as a major threat.
While possessing just the sole win to his name, his latest performance behind Katagas was solid enough and he has to be kept safe.
Leading rider Corey sticks aboard and is currently striking at 20 per cent with the Brown stable.
From the middle draw he shapes as one of the likely leaders and should be in this for a long way.
In-form trainer Patrick Shaw saddles up the promising Royal Ruler and he has to be kept safe.
A winner of two of his six career starts to this point, he is clearly capable and possesses ratings more than good enough to be winning this event.
His trials in the lead up have all been solid and while drawn out, he is unbeaten on the all-weather surface and looms as a major threat fresh.
Of the rest the Theo Kieser trained Honest Truth won well two back before confirming that figure last start behind Aloha.
Marked up to his peak on that occasion the nine-year-old is racing in great form and a repeat should see him right around the mark.
A proven flier at this track Honest Truth has placed in 13 of 39 attempts.
While somewhat on trial at the trip, his last start performance suggests he can see out the 1100m journey and he rates well on weight adjusted ratings.
From the awkward draw he will require some luck but still shapes as one of the leading hopes.
Good luck and happy punting.