3 minute read

A career peak performance last start, leaves the Sonny Yeoh trained Astrostar well placed to salute in the ninth event at Singapore this evening.

Stepping out for just his eleventh start, the son of Testa Rossa has improved with each performance and has drawn to get the run of the race.

Boasting form around Super Kenny, War Affair and Strubeli, the lightly raced four-year-old has displayed good ability and is well placed on Timeform weight adjusted ratings.

Astrostar's latest performance recorded a new career peak and sets him apart from his rivals.

Main rival, Mycaptainobvlious is an expected improver, though Astrostar still has a few pounds up his sleeve on best form.

The engagement of Ivaldo Santana also gives a good push for his chances, having placed in five of seven attempts aboard the gelding.

Santana is currently striking at 22% for the Yeoh stable, and is expected to roll forward on Astrostar with the Shane Baertschiger trained Mycaptainoblivious likely to lead from the wide draw.

A good speed battle is anticipated, though John Powell should cross and find the rail aboard Mycaptainoblivious.

From the rails draw, Astrostar should find a nice spot just off the speed, before asked for his full effort in the straight.

His career peak performances have come when ridden in this manner.

The Shane Baertschiger trained Mycaptainoblivious continued his steady rise through the grades last start, and does shape as the main danger.

Improving four pounds on his previous best, the son of Captain Rio has continued to raise the bar, and while susceptible after doing plenty of work early, he still proved too good.

The main query out of his latest effort was the slow closing sectional (37.29) and whether he was flattered in the event.

He has proven victorious in both starts this time in, though on both occasions he has recorded poor time figures.

While never one to knock winning form, given he will likely have to work early from the wide draw it could leave him susceptible at the end of the race.

The David Hill trained Coronet Peak showed a sharp return to form behind Mycaptainobvlious last start and appears the next in line.

While not the most consistent, his best form does read well for this affair, and he also draws to get a nice run just off the speed.

The engagement of apprentice rider Zack Zurriman should also aid his chances and Coronet Peak is a notable performer on the polytrack surface.

In 13 starts, he has placed in 10, with four of five victories coming over this trip, and his latest five starts back.

On Timeform weight adjusted ratings he isn't rated far off the leading duo, and with any luck in running he is expected to be right around the mark.

Of the rest the John O'Hara trained Flash Gift and the Patrick Shaw trained Magneto appear the next best.

Flash Gift wasn't far off the talented Goodman last start, and if able to run up to that form, he is capable of filling the minor placings.

Newcomer Magneto is a big watch fresh in this affair, having trialled well in the lead up for the Shaw stable.

With three trials under his belt, he should be forward enough and expect the market to provide a good guide for his chances.

Officially rated 79, there is no question he is a talented type on his day and if right, he can make his presence felt in his Singapore debut.

Good luck and happy punting.