3 minute read
Improving stayer Magstock appears poised to return to the winner's stall when due to contest the fourth event at Kranji this evening.
An impressive winner over the mile three starts back, Magstock went on to finish a close eighth in the Group 3 Moonbeam Vase [1800m], before finishing a narrow second last start.
Settled fourth, Magstock travelled into the race strongly but was unable to get past the leader/winner Dance In The Wind.In what proved a real sit and sprint, Magstock's performance held plenty of merit and he now appears set to relish the step up in trip.
Leading rider Michael Rodd sticks aboard (placed 7/7) and he will certainly appreciate the drop back in grade.A winner of four of his 17 starts, Magstock has placed in six of his last eight starts and is starting to come of age.
Off the scene for 40 days prior to his last start, Magstock should strip fitter and has drawn to receive all the favours on the inside.Racing in career best form, he appears in great order and rates highly when assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings.
His performance in the Moonbeam Vase leaves him as the horse to beat and if able to run up to that level of performance, he looks to set a decent standard.Michael Rodd possesses a fantastic record with the Cliff Brown stable (21% S/R) and expect Magstock to continue that winning trend this evening.
The Hideyuki Takaoka trained Dance In The Wind defeated the latter last start and while rising at the weights (2.5kg) he still commands respect.Clearly appreciating the step up in trip in recent outings, Dane In The Wind is racing in career best form and looms as a major threat.
A bold front-runner, he has drawn to find the front and with Derrick David sticking aboard he is sure to give plenty of cheek out in front.The Bruce Marsh trained Lucky Stride won well at this track last start and while stepping up sharply in trip, he still has to be kept safe.
Only lightly raced, Lucky Stride has won three of his nine starts and gets in well after the claim.From the inside draw he shouldn't be too far away and while this is a lot harder, he appears capable of taking that next step.
Of the rest the Cliff Brown trained Certainly appears the next in line.Despite a somewhat non-winner (3/21) he has placed on a further 10 occasions and is rarely far away.
His performance last start behind Dance In The Wind was solid enough and he holds place claims.Good luck and happy punting.