3 minute read

Two encouraging performances to begin this campaign leave the Mark Walker trained Chase well placed to return to the winner's stall in eighth event at Singapore this evening.

An eye catching performance first up when only narrowly beaten, the son of Nicconi went on to finish third when unsuited by the moderate tempo last start.

Hitting the line gamely down the outside, Chase made up considerable ground and was another flashing light performance.

A winner of three of his 10 career starts, Chase has always displayed good ability and notably started a 11-1 chance in the Group 1 Singapore Guineas.

Unsuited by the very slow tempo in that event, he hit the line well and rounded out his second campaign in good fashion.

In two previous attempts third up, Chase has placed once and finished fourth behind A La Victory in his other attempt.

On that occasion he arguably should of won after he only got out late in the piece, when blocked for the majority of the straight.

In the same event, handy stayer Twickenham finished third, which is a further push for the level of performance.

From the wide draw, apprentice rider Rizuan Shafiq is likely to settle just off-midfield with Eagle Storm, Dragon Fury, Elusive Emperor, Board Walk and Strubeli all capable of adopting forward positions.

In five attempts over this distance range Chase has placed on four occasions and has placed in seven of nine attempts at this track.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Chase rates clear and looks to only have to hold his form to be right in the finish.

Admittedly his racing pattern is against, however he looks to get the speed on up-front and hence should be very hard to hold out late.

The Michael Freedman trained Shanghai Bund has returned in great order this time in and looms as a major threat.

After only being narrowly beaten first up, Shanghai Bund went on to notch up a dominant win at this track and trip last start.

Simply too sharp when ridden just off the speed, the son of Denman returned a new career peak and is clearly heading in the right direction.

Leading rider Corey Brown sticks aboard and is currently striking at 23% with the Freedman camp.

From the middle draw, he looks to receive all the favours just off the speed and should get a head start on Chase when straightening.

On his last start win he does have a bit to find on Chase, however he remains open to further improvement and is on an upwards rating spiral.

If Chase leaves his run too late, expect Shanghai Bund to take full advantage and he could prove the one to run down.

The Patrick Shaw trained Elusive Emperor has struggled with his consistency, however he is clearly capable when right and has to be kept safe.

A winner of three of his eight starts, Elusive Emperor lines up against more suitable company here and has placed in three of five attempts over this distance range.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, his best form leaves him well placed and given he comes into this on the fresh side (61 days), he remains under strong notice.

Of the rest last start winner Strubeli has to be included stepping out for the Stephen Gray stable.

A dominant on-speed winner over 1100m, Strubeli is yet to prove himself at this trip, however he rates well and is worth including.

Placing in 10 of 20 career starts, he is rarely far away and if able to hold his form, he shouldn't be too far away.

Good luck and happy punting.