3 minute read
A distinct drop in grade leaves the Mark Walker trained Damon well placed to salute in the opening event at Singapore.
An eye catcher behind Intense Gold last start the son of O’Reilly was given little hope when settled towards the rear.
With the race run to suit those on-speed, Damon’s performance to finish a close fourth was a lot better than what it first appeared on paper.
Successful in breaking through for his maiden win three starts back, Damon has been solid in two subsequent performances and will no doubt appreciate the step up to the mile.
Placing in five of his nine starts to this point, Damon has displayed good ability and appears well placed in this Kranji Stakes D event.
His last start performance came in Class 4 company and while he rises significantly at the weights, it is a fairly decent class drop.
Another factor in his favour is the booking of leading rider Manoel Nunes - a key jockey switch given Nunes’ solid strike rate with the Walker stable.
Although customary to getting back in his races, from the inside draw Damon is expected to settle closer to the speed.
The lesser tempo of the mile event plus the addition of blinkers should also aid him in settling closer to the speed, both key pointers to him performing well this afternoon.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings Damon is the clear top pick and if up to his best he looks to set a decent standard for his rivals.
Only relatively lightly raced Damon remains open to further improvement moving forward and can confirm these claims in this event.
His closing sectionals continue to be very sharp and if close enough he should prove very hard to beat.
The Alvin Tan trained Perfect Challenger continues to race well in recent efforts and shapes as the main danger.
Placing at his last three starts the son of Mr. Nancho is not a noted performer at this trip (won 1/9), but nonetheless cannot be discounted.
His effort to win in this class at this track and trip three starts back obviously sees him hold solid claims here.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings he does have a bit to find on Damon, though if the latter is below his best expect Perfect Challenger to be right there to take full advantage.
Last start winner Rosegold appears the next best as if able to hold his form he shouldn’t be too far away.
Trained by Steven Burridge the son of Elusive City is another who is racing in good form and has to be respected from the favourable draw.
A noted performer at this course and distance, Rosegold should get the pace angle to suit and is expected to be in this for a long way.
Of the rest the Brian Dean trained Lucky Strategy cannot be taken lightly.
Although not the most consistent, he is more than capable on his day and although drawn awkwardly he has to be included.
Good luck and happy punting.