3 minute read

Talented three-year-old Jimmy Rea is expected to rise to the occasion, when set to contest the inaugural Group 3 Singapore Prestige Classic this evening.

Backing up quickly following his dominant display last weekend, the son of Thewayyouare has continued to raise the bar, culminating with a new career peak last start.

Improving six pounds on his previous start, Jimmy Rea again ran time ahead of the bare form and is clearly heading in the right direction.

Ridden by Manoel Nunes, Jimmy Rea displayed a devastating turn of foot, when coming from midfield, to quickly sweep up to his rivals — putting them away in a few strides.

Drawing away to score by two lengths, Jimmy Rea averaged 10.91 second 200m sections for his last 800m, rivalling some of Singapore's elite sprinters.

Stepping out beyond 1200m for the first time is some query, however he has given all the right indications to this point.

Adding to that the way he closed off his last start, suggests he should relish the step up in trip.

Allotted three kilograms less than star filly Kiwi Karma, swings the race firmly in his favour using Timeform weight adjusted ratings.

His last start performance has him rated clear and he is likely to springboard off this mark again — continuing his upwards ratings spiral.

Click Here To View Jimmy Rea's Upwards Rating Spiral

Leading rider Manoel Nunes has elected to stick with Kiwi Karma, leaving the door open for Australian based rider Tommy Berry to take over.

While he has never ridden for the Mark Walker stable, Berry possesses a great record at Kranji striking at just shy of 20 per cent.

More notably Berry has already ridden two Group 1 winners in Singapore, having saluted aboard Tropaios in the 2013 Singapore Gold Cup and Dan Excel in last year's Singapore International Cup.

Jimmy Rea remains one of the more exciting prospects in Singapore and should continue his winning run.

Star filly Kiwi Karma remains the biggest danger following her return to the winner's stall last start, when on debut for the Michael Clements stable.

The only galloper to ever defeat Affleck, Kiwi Karma finished in the top two in all eight starts for the Laurie Laxon stable.

The victor of the Group 2 Golden Horseshoe, Kiwi Karma has always displayed plenty of ability and appears back on track.

On Timeform ratings, Kiwi Karma improved marginally on her previous best, in what was her first victory since May last year.

Her fourth win from nine starts, more wins now appear in store for the three-year-old, with the clock also backing up the strength of her performance.

Overall Kiwi Karma was marked just 0.07 seconds slower than Open Stakes victor El Milagro, with her closing sectional over six lengths inside standard.

She recorded her last 400m in 21.42 seconds, close to six lengths quicker than what Zac Spirit produced for his final section.

Making her return of a 56 day break, Kiwi Karma notably returned at her heaviest weight to date, which is a good sign moving forward.

Although the weights remain against her this evening, she is likely to take up the running and give them all something to catch.

The Laurie Laxon trained Mexican Gal appears the next best, following an encouraging victory last start.

Having filled the minor placings in all three starts prior, the daughter of Encosta De Lago proceeded to display sharp improvement, when demoralising her elder rivals.

Improving eight pounds on his previous effort, Mexican Gal returned a new career peak and the form has since proven quite strong, with three subsequent winners.

From the inside draw, she is likely to camp just off the speed and shapes as one of the main contenders.

Of the rest the Steven Burridge trained Hermano Menor appears the next best, after not disgraced in the Group 3 Three Rings Trophy last start.

Beaten just over three lengths, he appears better suited racing back against his own age group and a return to his best form, sees him with solid claims down in the weights.

Good luck and happy punting.