3 minute read
The Mark Walker trained Distinctive Darci created quite the impression last time in and now appears well placed to make a winning return at Kranji this evening.
Due to contest the ninth event at Kranji, Distinctive Darci chases his fifth straight win having continued to raise the bar last preparation.
Somewhat thrown in the deep-end prior to a break, Distinctive Darci clearly rose to the occasion when making light work of his rivals in the Class 3 event.Ridden by regular rider Manoel Nunes, Distinctive Darci enjoyed a lovely trail just off the speed with the Desmond Koh trained Sun Pioneer setting a fast tempo in-front.
Popped off the fence entering the straight, Distinctive Darci tracked into the race strongly and while taking a while to wind up, he asserted his authority late, drawing clear inside the 100m to score by 1.5L.In what proved quite a soft win, Distinctive Darci continued his upwards rating spiral and returned a new career peak in the process.
Following that success he also gave the impression that he will be better over 1400m and possibly up to the mile, another plus moving forward.Only very good horses achieve what Distinctive Darci did in his maiden preparation and if able to continue that progression, it's very hard to pinpoint just where he will end up.
Also in his favour is that he is very well bred, being the half-brother to the multiple Group 1 placed Kuro.A notable third placing in the 2014 Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes behind Brazen Beau, Kuro went on to also place in the 2015 Group 1 Galaxy behind Sweet Idea.
Again whether Distinctive Darci can reach those lofty heights in Singapore remains to be seen, however he has done little wrong to this point.With 79 days between runs the drop back to 1000m should post no concerns and it was hard not to like his sole trial in the lead up.
Alan Munro replaces the suspended Manoel Nunes and appears likely to adopt a forward position from the awkward draw.Munro has ridden the three-year-old previously, when finishing fourth in the Group 2 Golden Horseshoe [1200m].
Although being set for loftier targets, Distinctive Darci rates clear when assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings and looks to have a fair bit up his sleeve.Distinctive Darci is unbeaten from four attempts on the polytrack and with even luck he appears well placed to stretch that sequence to five.
Distinctive Darci is one of a number of promising three-year-olds in Singapore that appear destined for better company — he should prove very hard to beat.The lightly raced Constant Justice went to the paddock in winning form and looms as a major threat.
A winner of four of his 10 starts, the son of Magnus has placed in eight of nine attempts over this trip and rates well when assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings.Previously based in Australia, Constant Justice displayed good ability when formerly trained by Matt Laurie and he appears to have adapted well to his new surroundings.
His sole trial in the lead up was very good and he sets up nicely for a solid performance fresh.The Alvin Tan trained Conflight mixed his form last preparation but is certainly capable when right and remains under strong notice.
Conflight placed in his only previous first up attempt and boasts a very impressive record at this course and distance.From the rails draw he looks to receive a charmed run in transit and has to be kept safe.
Of the rest last start winner Sun Pioneer appears the next in line.A winner of five of his 20 starts, he appears well placed after CC Wong's claim and cannot be taken lightly from the favourable draw.
Good luck and happy punting.