3 minute read

Talented sprint Knight Wager appears well placed to notch up back-to-back wins when due to line up in the seventh race at Singapore this evening.

A real eye catcher when narrowly beaten two back, the son of Casino Prince overcame a moderate tempo to break back into the winner's stall last start.

Ridden by Michael Rodd, Knight Wager was able to settle a lot closer to the speed, holding the rail in sixth, but only 3L away.

Two back it was quite the opposite with Knight Wager conceding more than 7L to his rivals on straightening.

Forcing his way into the clear passing the 300m, Knight Wager displayed a sharp turn of foot to quickly challenge for the lead.

Drawing level passing the 100m, Knight Wager drew clear over the concluding stages to score narrowly, albeit soft on the line.

A key sectional star, Knight Wager has clearly appreciated the drop back in grade in recent starts, having competed at Group 1 company in June and July.

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 nine attempts over 1400m, Knight Wager has now placed in seven including two victories.

Knight Wager returned a Timeform rating just shy of his peak last start, however key sectional analysis tells a different story.

For his last 800m, Knight Wager was marked 2.5L quicker than any of his rivals, with Ideal Guide marginally faster than second placegetter Gold Peregrine.

Using sectional mark ups, Knight Wager has close to five pounds up his sleeve and creates plenty of interest this evening.

Under the handicap conditions he appears well placed in the Benchmark 83 event and has notably drawn to receive all the favours.

Leading rider Michael Rodd continues his association with the five-year-old having placed in four of five attempts, his only failure came in the Group 1 Patron's Bowl [1600m].

The Shane Baertschiger trained Flak Jacket should set a decent tempo out in front with High Council, Ocean General and Strubeli not too far away.

A winner of three of his eight starts in Singapore, no question Knight Wager's racing pattern does work against, however he is clearly a talent and can continue his winning ways.

The Michael Freedman trained Titanium has struggled to live up to market expectations in recent efforts, however he is clearly capable when right.

Given a slight freshen up (61 days) since finishing at the tail behind Perfect P, Titanium has placed in two of three attempts over this trip and has placed in six of ten attempts at this track.

From the wide draw he is likely to drop out and settle towards the rear, however he is expected to be charging home late.

The Stephen Burridge trained High Council won well last start and can continue his upwards rating spiral down in the weights.

Only lightly raced the son of High Chaparral boasts two wins to his name and measures right up using Timeform weight adjusted ratings.

Former Australian based hoop Timothy Bell links aboard for the first time and should look to adopt a forward position from the rails draw.

While obviously a lot tougher here, he looks to be heading in the right direction and has to be kept safe.

Of the rest Ocean General continues to race well and if able to hold his form, he has to be respected.

His performance finishing behind Red Dawn last start leaves him around the mark and while a query at the trip, he has placed in six of his last nine starts.

From the wide draw he is likely to adopt a forward position and is worth throwing into the multiples.

Good luck and happy punting.