3 minute read
Talented galloper Daniel proceeded to steal the show on Sunday evening when most impressive in the SG50 Trophy in Singapore.
A somewhat surprise winner first up in the Group 3 Paititi Gold Trophy, the son of Guillotine would again prove too good when digging in deep to hold out his rivals in the ninth event.
Stablemate Affleck was the well supported favourite, but again failed to live up to expectations in what was a horror day for favourite punters.Having displayed plenty of ability early on in his career — only narrowly beaten by War Affair in the Group 3 More Magic 3YO Championship, Daniel has always been quite the talent.
Proceeding to somewhat go off the boil at times, when right Daniel has generally held his form, a key factor which many witnessed over the weekend.Last preparation he brought up back to back victories before finishing a narrow second behind Flax in the Group 3 Jumbo Jet Trophy.
Successful in recording a new career peak on that occasion, Daniel appears to be set for bigger and better this time in with his last two performances equalling that mark.Although only narrow winning margins, his performances have held plenty of merit with his latest effort seeing him concede weight to all of his rivals.
A trip to Korea was on the cards early doors after Sunday, however by all reports Daniel will now remain home and be set for races like the Group 3 Jumbo Jet Trophy (1400m on September 6), the Group 1 Kranji Mile (1600m on October 4) and the Group 2 EW Barker Trophy (1400m on November 13).Off his current Timeform rating of 109, that figure would place him in good stead in all the above, given he ran 106 when finishing fourth in the Kranji Mile last year.
The average winning figure for the Kranji Mile in the last five years has been 110, although this year's renewal is likely to be a lot higher with a number of Singapore's leading stars heading that way.Out of the same event the Michael Clements trained Darci Charmer continued his great run of form when only narrowly beaten.
A key sectional star the son of Darci Brahma has been a revelation in recent efforts, improving 14 pounds since winning at the end of January.A winner of seven of his 16 starts, Darci Charmer has continued to raise the bar and see no reason why he would take a backwards step in the near future.
His closing sectionals continue to be most impressive and he is definitely one to stick with if placed in similar company moving forward.The Patrick Shaw trained Rafaello was another galloper who impressed on Sunday evening when saluting narrowly in the eighth event.
A winner of two of his three career starts, the son of Oratorio has displayed above average ability in his short career and he confirmed that notion over the weekend.Successful in denying the short priced favourite Timo, Rafaello really fought hard to win and gave the impression he will only improve further when stepped up in trip.
Although only improving marginally on his last start win, the three-year-old notably returned time figures well above the bare form and was comparatively marked less than half a length slower than Daniel.Using Timeform predictive ratings he is expected to raise the bar further in the future and is definitely a galloper worth sticking with.
Only lightly raced he obviously remains open to natural progression and is ticking all the right boxes to this point.On Friday night the Mark Walker trained Chase was unable to make a winning return, however his performance held plenty of merit and he appears set for a great preparation.
Marked down as a horse to follow last preparation, the son of Nicconi failed to live up to expectations in the Group 1 Singapore Guineas, however it clearly came all to soon.His first up performance when finishing second was very good and saw him record a new career peak in the process.
Last preparation his best form was achieved over seven furlongs and if able to follow a similar progression this time in, he is definitely a galloper to stick with.His closing sectionals continue to impress and given he appears to be a more furnished product this time in, he has to be thrown into your blackbook.