3 minute read

Promising sprinter Golden Brilliant appears on-track to make a winning return, when set to contest the seventh event at Singapore this evening.

Trained by John O'Hara the son of Mr. Greenly has not been seen since finishing a close third behind Valevole in January.

A winner of four of his nine career starts, Golden Brilliant notably beat star filly Kiwi Karma two starts back and is yet to ever miss the minor placings.

The four-year-old has placed in both attempts first up and is a noted flier at this course and distance.

Only lightly raced, Golden Brilliant was given the sole trial in the lead up, in which he worked home nicely under his own steam.

Finishing a close fourth, both Hughsy (1st) and Jimmy Rea (3rd) have since come out and won impressively.

Leading rider Manoel Nunes links aboard for the first time and enjoys a fantastic strike rate with the O'Hara stable - 57 per cent.

Nunes is enjoying a fantastic run of form at present, striking at 26% and currently leads the Jockey's Premiership by 22 wins.

In nine starts, Golden Brilliant has proven quite versatile having been able to sit both on and off the speed and win.

From the middle draw, Golden Brilliant is likely to settle just off the back of the speed, with the Shane Baertschiger trained Flak Jacket expected to take up the running.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Golden Brilliant appears well placed on best form and still appears open to further improvement.

He arguably possesses the most upside of his rivals and sets a good standard.

The Michael Freedman trained Ming Zhi Cosmos obviously remains under strong notice, having placed in Group 1 company last time out.

Formerly trained by Nicolas Clement, the daughter of Duke Of Marmalade was a notable third placing in the inaugural CECF Singapore Cup.

Now under the care of Freedman, the four-year-old debuts over 1200m, a trip likely to be short of her best.

In 14 career starts, Ming Zhi Cosmos has only raced once previously over 1200m, with her best form achieved over a mile and beyond.

Nonetheless she is extremely well placed under these weight conditions and did display good speed in a recent barrier trial.

She is not required to run up to her best to feature in the finish and hence remains under strong notice.

The Bruce Marsh trained Hypernova raced well below his best behind El Padrino last start, but is worth another chance racing back against this company.

His performance to win first up sees him well placed using Timeform weight adjusted ratings and he has since won a trial in the lead up.

Hypernova has placed in three of five attempts at this track and does get some weight relief with the aid of Zuriman's claim.

From the wide draw, he is likely to settle midfield and cannot be taken lightly.

Of the rest the Steven Burridge trained Indicio should be included in the multiples, despite not winning for some time (278 days - 11 starts).

His recent run of form has been far better than what it first appears on paper and he has placed in 15 of 26 attempts at this track.

From the inside draw, he should receive all the favours and has to be kept safe.

Good luck and happy punting.