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In-form trainer Stephen Gray is already eying of the 2015 Singapore Derby, after Twickenham made a winning return at Kranji on Friday evening.
Unseen since July, the son of Artie Schiller notched up his fourth win from six starts, when proving too good in the sixth event.
TwickenhamTwickenham averaged 11.23 second furlongs for his last 800m and more notably recorded his last 400m in 21.72 (average - 10.86 200m splits).
This increased closing speed emphasised the difficulty faced by both Wonderful Prince and Thumping making any impression in the straight.In what was easily his hardest test to date, Twickenham bettered his previous Timeform master rating by three pounds.
Though only a marginal improvement, the fact he was able to achieve this rating first up gives a good push for further improvement in the future.In his first preparation, Twickenham improved eight pounds from his maiden victory and is now on track to continue a similar progression this time in.
Twickenham is the half-brother to Black Ice, a multiple Group 3 placegetter in Singapore (between 1400m - 1900m), though surprisingly the latter was not seen beyond 1400m until his 20th start.In six starts Twickenham is yet to be tried over further than 1400m, a key factor which we believe will see him raise the bar again when stepped up in trip.
Trainer Stephen Gray also confirmed this belief following the race."I will probably run him in the Four-Year-Old series next year," Gray said.
"He’s a stayer in the making, 2000m is his go, and the Singapore Derby would be his race."Twickenham is a galloper clearly heading in the right direction and should be followed closely in upcoming events.
ThumpingHer last 800m was only marginally slower (0.03 seconds) than Twickenham and she did so carrying five kilograms more — which equates to almost seven kilograms after the fillies and mares allowance.
She was only narrowly beaten at the weights and was arguably the run of the race.Thumping's best form has been seen at a mile and stays under strong notice for her next start.
TitaniumThe Michael Freedman trained Titanium ran up to his very short quote on Sunday when saluting easily in the fourth event.
Having only been edged out narrowly on debut, the son of Tavistock relished the step up to 1400m when saluting by two lengths.Settled midfield, Titanium was niggled passing the 600m with Manoel Nunes urging him along to the outside.
Into the clear entering the straight, Titanium proved quite wayward, before quickly looming up to the leaders, putting them away in a few strides.He displayed a very sharp turn of foot, with the final 600m marked over 1.5L inside standard, his last 400m in 21.96 seconds (average - 10.98 second 200m splits).
Titanium improved his Timeform master rating by five pounds, with more to come.Bred to be better over a mile and beyond, he is a galloper who can be followed — as he is open to improvement both physically and mentally.
Snitzel SpiritFacing easily his toughest test to date, the son of Snitzel impressively rose to the occasion when kicking on strongly in the straight to hold off the Brian Dean trained Eagle Storm.
Successful in bringing up a hat-trick of wins, Snitzel Spirit has now improved 26 pounds since breaking his maiden status in July.From a handicapping perspective he has been a hard galloper to get a good gauge on because he has only won by narrow margins.
His last two victories have both been by less than half a length, yet he improved 13 pounds between each victory.These significant spikes in his ratings profile are very significant, as it is quite rare and suggests he is a galloper of above average ability.
Michael Freedman claimed Snitzel Spirit is likely to have one more start this time in before being spelled and brought back later this year — we strongly suggest you stick with him.