3 minute read
The Lee Freedman trained Circuit Land is in career best form and appears well placed to break through at Kranji this evening.
Due to contest the ninth event, the Group 3 Colonial Chief Stakes [1600m], Circuit Land drops back in trip after only being narrowly beaten in the Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup [2000m] last start.
Game in defeat with the big weight, Circuit Land has been a distinct model of consistency and appears very well placed under the conditions of the race tonight.Since transferred to Singapore, Circuit Land has placed in five of seven attempts, three of which were in Group 1 company.
Although racing well over 1800m and 2000m at his last two starts, his best form is at a mile, with four of his five career wins.Having taken on the best of the best in recent starts, this is a big drop back in grade and he certainly looks to get his chance.
His best form leaves him with a clear edge over his rivals and he has drawn to receive all the favours for Placais.Although yet to ride the seven-year-old, Placais has a great record with the Freedman stable, overall striking at 22% from 55 rides.
One must always take notice when Placais legs aboard for the champion trainer.Bad luck appears his biggest danger, though it would be surprising to see him not get his chance from the middle draw.
Expect Placais to be fairly prominent early and with clear air on straightening, he should prove very hard to beat.The Alvin Tan trained Maximus really impressed winning last time out and shapes as the main danger.
Only relatively lightly raced, he has won seven of 17 attempts, including four of his last 10.He surprised a few over 1100m last start and it's hard seeing take a backwards step racing third up — clearly trending the right way and has to be respected.
Singapore Guineas winner Forever Young hasn't won for some time (490 days), but is more than capable when right and has to be kept safe in his return.Of the rest the consistent Nova Strike appears the next in line.
On debut for the James Peters stable, Nova Strike has never missed the money on the polytrack, winning six of 10 attempts.Michael Rodd appears a key booking and he has to be included.
Good luck and happy punting.