3 minute read

Promising sprinter The Nutcracker steps out on debut for the Patrick Shaw stable this evening and is expected to make his presence felt in the seventh event.

Formerly trained by Michael Clements, The Nutcracker is one of seven Argentinean bred gallopers to be transferred to Shaw's care in recent months.

Only seen twice at the races in Singapore, The Nutcracker won well on debut before finishing fifth after he reportedly bled.

A Group 2 winning sprinter in Argentina no question he has plenty of ability and loved the way he has trialled in the lead up.

The Nutcracker was actually due to resume in the Group 1 Lion City Cup only to be scratched on race morning.

The fact Shaw wanted to saddle up The Nutcracker in Singapore's premier sprint suggests he is back in good order and hence appears well placed in this grade.

The Nutcracker is proven to perform well fresh and the Shaw stable is in great form of late striking at 18 per cent from their last 50 runners.

Admittedly lined up against a few handy sprinters however The Nutcracker rates well using Timeform weight adjusted ratings.

His performance when saluting first up last campaign leaves him as the horse to beat and while drawn a touch awkwardly he should have enough tactical speed to overcome this hindrance.

Leading rider Barend Vorster links aboard for the first time and should look to adopt a prominent position with Nova Warrior, Sebas and Pioneer Seven also likely to press forward.

The Nutcracker is expected to improve with this evening's run under his belt however with four trials in the lead up he should be forward enough to sprint well fresh.

He is already a winner over 1200m so the trip should pose no concern and if up to his best The Nutcracker shapes as one of the hardest to beat.

The Alvin Tan trained Nova Warrior continued his upward spiral last start when notching up the hat-trick at this course and distance.

His sixth victory from 12 starts the son of Bachelor Duke has been a distinct model of consistency and while harder here he appears capable of taking that next step.

In 10 attempts at this track he has placed in seven and has placed in three of four attempts over this trip.

Rizuan Shafiq continues his association with the four-year-old having placed in six of eight attempts including five victories.

Overall Shafiq is striking at 28 per cent with the Tan stable and from the inside draw he looks to receive all the favours.

Not a great deal separates The Nutcracker and Nova Warrior on weight adjusted ratings and if the former does falter first up expect Nova Warrior to take full advantage.

The James Peters trained Olympic Anthem couldn't have been more impressive first up and while allotted the big weight he still looms as a major threat.

A winner of seven of his 20 starts the son of Starcraft has been plagued with injuries however when right he is a very capable galloper.

The in-form Michael Rodd links back aboard (placed four of five) and is expected to ride Olympic Anthem quietly from the wide draw.

Kept fresh (42 days) he has trialled well in the lead up and if the speed is on up front he is expected to be charging home late.

Of the rest the consistent Good News cannot be taken lightly from the favourable draw.

Having finished second at all three attempts prior to a break he is a noted flier at this course and distance and has to be kept safe.

Good luck and happy punting.