3 minute read
A capacity field is due to face the starter in this evening's Group 2 Stewards Cup with talented mare Kiwi Karma looking to set a decent standard.
Unlike previous years were we have seen the race dominated by short priced favourites — War Affair, Emperor Max and Gingerbread Man to name a few, this year's renewal is quite open with a host of leading chances.
Granted unable to fill the placings at her last two starts, Kiwi Karma wasn't disgraced in either event and appears well placed back against her own age.
Star sprinter Zac Spirit proved a level above in the Group 1 Lion City Cup [1200m] and while Kiwi Karma could only manage fifth it's hard to suggest any of her rivals would have fared any better.
In her last three starts Kiwi Karma has bumped into Singapore's best sprinters — Zac Spirit, Emperor Max and Spalato — a distinct class drop this evening.
Admittedly it is a competitive affair however Kiwi Karma is sure to find this easier than her recent efforts.
Her two victories earlier in this campaign leave her well placed when assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings and Kiwi Karma is notably unbeaten in her sole attempt at this trip.
The wide draw obviously isn't ideal however she does possess enough early speed to cross and adopt a forward position.
The James Peters trained Spanish Bay appears the likely leader from the middle draw with My Lucky Strike,Jay Eff Express, Poseidon and Bring Money Home also capable of adopting forward position.
In truth there doesn't appear a great deal of early speed and Kiwi Karma should be able to slot in fairly comfortably.
Her best form has been achieved at 1200m, however Kiwi Karma's sole attempt at the trip was very impressive when taking out the Group 3 CECF Singapore Prestige Classic.On that occasion she gave considerable weight away to A La Victory [5.5kg], Jimmy Rea [4kg] and Wimbledon [6.5kg] and still easily accounted for her rivals.
In what was a slowly run affair Kiwi Karma settled back in the field and was simply too sharp for her rivals saluting by just under a length.
Admittedly that race was held over a year ago and a lot of water has since gone under the bridge, however on current evidence Kiwi Karma may not be a query at the trip.
Class will always carry you a long way and no question she is the best performed horse in this event.
The in-form Vlad Duric will have to be at his best from the wide draw but if able to enjoy an economical run in transit she is sure to be hard to beat.
The Laurie Laxon trained Affleck has mixed his form in recent efforts however his first up run was a lot better than what it first appears.
Set quite the task at the weights he worked home solidly and is sure to take good improvement from the performance.
In four attempts over this trip Affleck has placed in three and has never missed the money racing second up.On career best form he is well placed under the set-weights conditions and cannot be taken lightly despite the wide draw.
The Hideyuki Takaoka trained Believe Yourself has returned in great order this time in and has to be included in the leading hopes.
A dominant winner first up she went on to finish third behind Best Tothelign and should be ready to fire kept on the fresh side [28 days].
At her best she rates highly in this line up and while drawn a touch awkwardly regular jockey Alan Munro sticks and she shapes as one of the main contenders.
Of the rest the Patrick Shaw trained Majestic Moments appears the next in line following an impressive victory last start.
A winner of seven of 23 starts he has since trialled well and from the inside draw he has to be respected.
Enjoy what should be a great race!
Good luck and happy punting.
