3 minute read

An encouraging performance first up leaves the Shane Baertschiger trained Makawao well placed to return to the winner's stall in the seventh event at Singapore this evening.

Though unable to lead throughout, the son of Elusive Quality put up a game performance, when only collared late in the piece.

Beaten two lengths by the David Kok trained California Eagle, Makawao returned a figure only four pounds shy of his peak.

Proven to improve with racing, the now five-year-old should show good improvement racing second up.

The drop back to 1000m looks to also aid his chances, given Makawao's best form has been achieved at this course and distance.

Drawn favourably on the inside, Makawao is likely to take up the running with both Sure Win and Lively Dragon hotly on his heels.

Matthew Kellady links aboard for the first time and provides a valuable claim, with the apprentice rider currently striking at 11% for the Baertschiger stable.

In this line up only Corey Brown possesses a similar strike rate with their respective trainer (Michael Freedman).

The Baertschiger stable strikes at 15 per cent with gallopers racing second up and is striking at just shy of 17 per cent on the polytrack this season.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, little separates the main contenders and tactics look to play a vital role in the outcome.

If Kellady is able to pinch a few cheap sectionals aboard Makawao, it could see him very hard to run down in the straight.

The Michael Freedman trained Sure Win proved very disappointing here last start, however he is clearly worth another chance.

Beaten 20L by Super Kenny, the son of Stravinsky didn't have a lot of luck and was a complete forgive performance.

Prior to that he defeated Appreciation at this track and distance — form which reads very well for this affair.

In seven attempts over this distance range, Sure Win has only missed the money once and has placed in eight of 11 attempts on the polytrack.

From the middle draw Corey Brown is expected to track Makawao, before producing Sure Win to make his run in the straight.

If able to return to his best form, Sure Win is clearly capable and must be respected in this line up.

The John O'Hara trained Flash Gift has mixed his form, but is clearly capable and has trialled nicely off a let up (54 days).

Safely held behind Scrat last start, Flash Gift was clearly below his best and wasn't a true reflection of his ability.

On career best form Flash Gift is very well placed with the aid of the claim and is expected to make his presence felt from the soft draw.

Of the rest Gato Negro appears the next in line, despite his flop last start.

Unable to come into contention behind Super Kenny, he was clearly below his best and is worth another chance.

Beaten less than two lengths by Southern Boss two back is form easily good enough to be winning here, and he remains under strong notice.

Good luck and happy punting.