3 minute read

An eye catching performance last start leaves the Michael Clements trained Knight Wager well placed to break through in the eighth event at Singapore this evening.

Set quite the task on straightening, the son of Casino Prince stormed down the outside to just miss under Barend Vorster.

A key sectional star, Knight Wager clearly appreciated the drop back in grade having competed at Group 1 company at his two starts prior.

Although he clearly didn't stay when finishing well back in the Group 1 Singapore Derby, Knight Wager does boast a Group 2 placing behind War Affair in the Steward's Cup [1400m].

From eight attempts over 1400m, Knight Wager has placed in six including the sole victory.

Interesting to note Michael Rodd has chosen to ride Knight Wager as opposed to sticking with back to back winner Gold Peregrine.

In four attempts aboard the five-year-old, Rodd has placed in three with his only failure coming in the Group 1 Patron's Bowl [1600m].

A winner of three of his 15 starts, no question Knight Wager's racing pattern does work against him, however he isn't likely to get too far back from the inside draw.

The Laurie Laxon trained Ideal Guide is expected to press forward along with Brahma Circus and Gold Peregrine.

In the relatively small field, Knight Wager shouldn't get too far back, as opposed to his last start when 7L away at the turn.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings Knight Wager appears very well placed and sets a decent standard if given the opportunity to run his race.

The lack of obvious speed is against, however he clearly possesses the best turn of foot in the race.

A winner of two of eight starts in Singapore, expect Knight Wager to build on that record this evening.

Ideal Guide wasn't beaten all that far here last start and with Manoel Nunes linking back aboard, it looks a good pointer for a sharp return to form.

Nunes is unbeaten aboard the five-year-old and notably strikes at 37 per cent with Laxon stable.

Ideal Guide much like Knight Wager has simply been outclassed in recent efforts and is expected to display good improvement.

With 40 days between runs last start, he was clearly in need of it and notably four of his five career wins have come over this trip.

In 13 attempts at this track Ideal Guide has placed in six and has placed in four of six attempts when having 21 days between runs.

From the favourable draw he looks to receive all the favours on-speed and should prove hard to get past in the straight.

Dominant last start winner Indian Jade has to be included in the main chances following his sharp return to form.

Taking advantage of the drop back in grade, Indian Jade relished the strong tempo when charging home from the back to win easily over 1200m.

Backing up relatively quick (12 days), Indian Jade will have no concerns with the step up in trip, having placed in six of nine attempts.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, he measures right up on his last start performance and has to be respected.

Of the rest the Steven Burridge trained Gold Peregrine appears the next in line.

Successful in notching up back to back victories for his new stable, the son of Intikhab went to a new peak last start and remains open to further improvement racing third up.

While obviously tougher, he is only lightly raced and looks more than capable of taking that next step.

Good luck and happy punting.