3 minute read
Although plain in both starts to begin this preparation, talented galloper Fastnet Dragon appears set to peak bounce back at Singapore this evening.
Due to contest the seventh event, Fastnet Dragon is only a recent addition to the Stephen Gray stable and appears back on track following a recent trial win.
A multiple Group 1 placegetter when formerly trained by Leslie Khoo, Fastnet Dragon has struggled to recapture his best form, but is certainly more than capable when right.
Fastnet Dragon notably split Stepitup and Quechua in last year's Raffles Cup [1800m] before finishing a narrow second in the Singapore Gold Cup [2200m].
In six runs since he is yet to fill the minor placings and in truth has yet to show much at all.
Fastnet Dragon joined Gray's care back in July and has since finished unplaced in two attempts.
First up Fastnet Dragon finished eighth behind War Affair before finishing at the tail in the Group 1 Kranji Mile.
Since given a solid trial, Fastnet Dragon couldn't have been any more impressive when saluting by close to eight lengths.
Ridden by Danny Beasley, Fastnet Dragon settled nicely in the run before setting his sights on tearaway leader Han Solo.
Shaken up passing the 400m, Fastnet Dragon began to work through his gears and quickly tackled Han Solo inside the 200m.
Drawing well clear over the concluding stages, Fastnet Dragon went to the line under his own steam and appears right on track for this evening's event.
Fastnet Dragon has placed in two of three attempts racing third up and has placed in two of four attempts over the mile.
From the inside draw he should be able to adopt a fairly prominent position and appears well placed at the weights on best form.
While obviously a risk that he may not have come up this preparation, Gray is a master of training these middle distance type gallopers and willing to stick with Fastnet Dragon.
At his best he has a lap on his rivals and expecting the real Fastnet Dragon to stand up.
The Laurie Laxon trained Daniel has mixed his form in recent efforts but is more than capable when right and he too has trialled well in the lead up.
While failing to fire in the Saas Fee Stakes [1400m] last start, he clearly wasn't suited by the moderate tempo and is worth another chance.
In five attempts over this trip he has placed in three and should be able to settle closer to the speed this time around.
Daniel has placed in 12 of 24 attempts at this track and has to be respected with Glen Boss sticking aboard.
The Shane Baertschiger trained Best Tothelign wasn't disgraced first up and remains open to good improvement racing second up.
A distinct model of consistency, Best Tothelign has placed in three of four attempts racing second up and 10 of 15 attempts at this track.
From the good draw he looks to get a lovely run in transit and remains under strong notice.
Of the rest the Stephen Gray trained Twickenham appears the next in line.
A notably failure last start, however his form prior was very good and much like Best Tothelign, he is rarely far away and has to be kept safe.
Good luck and happy punting.