3 minute read

Emerging three-year-old Macarthur failed to salute as favourite last start but he is expected to bounce right back in the seventh event at Kranji this evening.

An impressive winner first up, Macarthur was sent out the short priced favourite ($2.20) at his next outing, only to go down at the hands of fellow promising 3YO I've Got A Feeling.

While no match for the latter on that occasion, his performance still held plenty of merit and he is expected to relish the step up to 1400m.

Formerly trained by Stephen Burridge, Macarthur joined James Peters' team mid-way through last year and boasts the record of three wins from seven starts, including two minor placings.

While yet to be seen beyond 1200m, he gives the impression it will suit and he is clearly a galloper heading in the right direction.

In six attempts at this track, he has placed in four and is unbeaten with Kasim A'isisuhairi aboard.

From the rails draw Macarthur looks to receive all the favours, and while settling off the speed last start, he is expected to take up the running this time around.

His career best performances have been achieved when adopting these tactics and see no reason why he would want to give up the rail in this instance.

When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Macarthur sets a decent standard and surprisingly meets main rival Aramco on better terms, despite beating him comfortably first up.

Macarthur is one of many promising 3YOs currently racing in Singapore and while it's never easy lining up against the older horses, this appears a very strong crop.

He is unbeaten in his sole attempt racing third up and on best form he looks to set the bar too high for his rivals.

If able to control from the front, Macarthur will no doubt prove very hard to gun down in the straight.

The Shane Baertschiger trained Aramco returned to the winner's stall last start and looms as a major threat from the favourable draw.

Formerly trained in Australia [Old Name: Mawahibb], Aramco has already doubled his win tally since being transferred and is another who should appreciate the step up in trip.

The fact he gives weight away to Macarthur is the big concern, however he too remains open to improvement and has featured over this trip previously.

From the middle draw he looks to receive a lovely run in transit and is sure to be hitting the line hard late.

The Mark Walker trained Storm Trooper is renowned for mixing his form, however he is more than capable on his day and has to be kept safe with Nunes aboard.

A winner of four of his 24 starts, Storm Trooper has placed in five of 10 attempts over this trip and rates highly on best form.

While likely to get back from the wide draw, if the speed is on up front, expect him to be working home solidly late.

Of the rest the Ricardo Le Grange trained Ode To Joy appears the next in line.

While forced to give weight away to all of his rivals, Ode To Joy is certainly more than capable and will no doubt appreciate the drop back in grade.

Leading rider Barend Vorster sticks aboard having placed in three of four attempts and he has to be kept safe.

Good luck and happy punting.