3 minute read
The Patrick Shaw trained Emperor's Banquet can make amends in Singapore this afternoon, after his unfortunate late scratching in the Group 1 Singapore Derby last start.
After the field was locked away in the feature staying event, the son of Holy Roman Emperor became cast in the barriers, forcing his withdrawal.
A cruel blow to connections given his solid form in the lead up, the now five-year-old makes his return from seven weeks off the scene, and does appear well placed in the sixth event.
Sticking to the mile shouldn't prove much of a concern, as despite being 49 days between runs, he has been kept ticking over with three solid trials in the lead up.
Formerly trained in Australia, Emperor's Banquet has proven a handy galloper for connections, boasting a solid record of 12 starts for four wins and three minor placings in Singapore.
Successful in recording a new career peak last start, Emperor's Banquet has continued to raise the bar with each start — and the form behind Goodman does read very well for this.
In a race which wasn't run to suit, Emperor's Banquet performance had plenty of merit, and given the latter has since won the Group 2 Chairman's Handicap, it does read very well for his chances.
On Timeform weight adjusted ratings, he rates clear of his rivals and from the rails draw he should be able to position up just off the speed.
Nooresh Juglall links aboard for the first time. He has ridden Emperor's Banquet in all three lead - up trials and has enjoyed some recent success.
In a race which doesn't appear to have a lot of speed engaged, Emperor's Banquet could take up the running, though the Shane Baertschiger trained One Smart Cat is likely to lead.
Given the lack of tempo in the race, it could prove a sit and sprint affair, which would suit Emperor's Banquet, as it was only Goodman who outsprinted him last start.
There isn't a great deal between the top chances in this evening's affair, but given the way the race is likely to be run, Emperor's Banquet does appear the hardest to beat.
The Cliff Brown trained Lord Brompton has not been seen for close to a year, however his form prior to a break sees him a solid hope.
A notable fifth placing behind Stepitup prior to a break, the son of Delago Brom has featured fresh previously, having placed in three of four attempts.
He has placed in four of six attempts on the polytrack and the engagement of Corey Brown is a good push, given he has placed in three of five attempts aboard the six-year-old.
From the inside draw he is expected to settle — midfield, and while the race doesn't appear to be run to suit, he has sprinted well fresh previously and must be respected.
The Bruce Marsh trained Cheetah On Fire has enjoyed a good run of form, and does appear the next in line.
His narrow defeat last start was an eye catcher, and if able to hold that form he is expected to be right around the mark.
He too, doesn't appear suited by the lack of tempo engaged, however his closing sectionals behind Thumping and One Rar were both impressive and he is capable.
On best form he isn't rated far off the top two leading hopes and with even luck, he is expected to be right around the mark.
Of the rest, One Smart Cat appears the next best as his performance behind Goodman was quite handy, though he was not able to match it with the now four-year-old.
He does appear to get the lead on his own this evening and if John Powell is able to pinch a few cheap sectionals, he is the one they will all have to run down.
In 15 starts on the polytrack he has placed in 10 and has now placed in five of his last nine starts.
The main query for One Smart Cat this evening is whether he can run out a strong mile, as he is yet to salute beyond 1200m.
Nonetheless, this evening's affair doesn't appear like it will be run at a solid tempo and hence he is the one they will all have to catch.
Good luck and happy punting.
