3 minute read

Star galloper War Affair aims to collect his sixth Group 1 victory this evening when due to contest the Kranji Mile in Singapore.

While safely held first up, War Affair's performance was a lot better than what it first appeared and he proceeded to confirm that notion when winning last start.

Unseen since narrowly beaten in the 2015 Group 1 Singapore Derby [2000m], War Affair was off the scene for a total of 425 days and now is under the care of new trainer Bruce Marsh.

In what could only be described as a barrier trial first up, War Affair was clearly not out to break any records when eased back to last from the wide draw.

Despite a number of handy sprinters engaged, the early tempo of the race was pedestrian at best with the second half of the race run 14L faster than the first 600m.

All in all given where War Affair settled (7L last - 800m) it was simply impossible for him to mount a winning challenge.

War Affair also returned to the scales 30kg heavier than what can be described as his ideal race weight (532kg) and clearly was in need of the run.

At his last start he tipped the scales at 539kg and while not fully wound up he certainly had taken good improvement from his first up effort.

Danny Beasley was quick to make his intentions felt early when pressing forward to settle second aboard War Affair, a completely different scenario to his first up defeat.

Held together War Affair trucked up to the leader Spanish Bayinside the 400m before let rip passing the 300m.

Taking over shortly after, War Affair held a narrow lead inside the 100m before just holding off the fast finishing Majestic Moments.

His 15th win from 22 starts, War Affair was back!

All in all War Affair improved 18 pounds from his first up effort and should be right at his peak racing third up.

Despite only a narrow margin, he conceded weight to all bar one of his rivals (Quechua) and he once again emphasised that he is simply a winner.

At his best he holds a distinct class edge over his rivals and if able to continue his progression it is likely he will set the bar too high for his rivals.

War Affair is unbeaten fifth up from five attempts and has won four of five attempts over the mile, his only defeat coming behind Magneto in the Group 3 Committee's Prize.

From the good draw War Affair looks to get a lovely run in transit and should prove very hard to beat.

The Cliff Brown trained Debt Collector returned in a big way last start and looms as the main/only danger.

A dominant victor of the Group 1 Singapore Guineas [1600m], the now four-year-old was well supported to make a winning return, and that he did, albeit narrowly.

Ridden by regular rider Michael Rodd, Debt Collector adopted his usual position towards the rear with the Patrick Shaw trained Eclair Choice setting a fairly solid tempo in front.

Spotting the leaders close to five lengths passing the 400m, Rodd never appeared to panic easing the four-year-old to the outside on straightening.

Cut loose inside the 300m, Debt Collector began to launch down the outside and despite wanting to drift outwards inside the final 100m, he still landed the verdict over the Alvin Tan trained Nova Strike.

His fifth win from eight starts, the son of Thorn Park continues to raise the bar and returned a new career peak in the process.

Although only a narrow victor, the race sectionals tell a different story.

For his last 800m Debt Collector was marked over 2.5L faster than his nearest rival with his last 400m marked 2.7L superior to his opposition.

Minor placegetters Nova Strike and Spanish Bay were only narrowly beaten however they were most advantaged by the race shape and in truth were flattered by the result.

Having only broken his maiden status in November last year, the improvement Debt Collector has displayed has been nothing short of remarkable.

All in all he has improved close to 35 pounds and is clearly a galloper heading in the right direction.

Admittedly he will have to raise the bar again to trouble War Affair, however he is a winner and has to be respected.

The Patrick Shaw trained Majestic Moments has finished second at his last four starts and is obviously racing in great form.

A winner of seven of his 28 starts, the five-year-old has placed in five of six attempts over the mile and 15 of 24 at this track.

While he lacks the class of the above two, he is clearly flying and has to be included in all the multiples.

Of the rest stablemate Quechua also has to be included as while clearly better over further, he has never missed the money over the mile and notably is a multiple Group 1 winner.

Enjoy what should be a cracking renewal! Good luck and happy punting.