3 minute read

Impressive first up winner Walking Thunder appears poised to go back to back when due to contest the third event at Kranji this evening.

Trained by Dan Meagher Walking Thunder easily accounted for his rivals last start and is a galloper of good promise.

Stepping out on debut back in January, Walking Thunder displayed decent ability when finishing second behind subsequent Group 1 Singapore winner Forever Young.

Given plenty of time (113 days) following that performance, Walking Thunder trialled very well in the lead up and proceeded to justify his heavy market support ($1.20).

Ridden by Danny Beasley, Walking Thunder always appeared in firm control, settling just off the speed in second.

Under a vice like grip entering the straight, Walking Thunder quickly ambled up to the lead before taking over shortly after.

Cut loose passing the 200m, Walking Thunder's response was immediate, dropping his rivals and racing away to score by 3.5L.

Admittedly his opposition was fairly limited, however there was still plenty to like and he appears a nice horse on the way up.

Stepping up in grade, Walking Thunder will have to improve, however it is not the strongest Class 4 assembled.

Drawn one of the outside stalls, Danny Beasley is expected to press forward and either lead or sit just off.

Unlike a majority of his rivals, Walking Thunder is yet to reach his theoretical peak and remains open to good improvement.

Although it's never easy making the rise from maiden company, Walking Thunder appears more than capable.

Notably Beasley strikes at 17% when combined with the Meagher stable and Walking Thunder can continue that winning trend this evening.

The Ricardo Le Grange trained Barnato returned to form at this track last start and has to be kept safe with Juglall sticking aboard.

A winner of four of his 32 starts, Barnato has placed on a further seven occasions and is a noted performer at this C&D.

While prone to mixing his form, if able to repeat the level of his last start effort, he is sure to make his presence felt.

The consistent Hades has placed in 12 of his 22 attempts and while giving weight away, he has to be kept safe with Duric aboard.

Only narrowly beaten at this C&D last start, Hades has since been kept fresh (33 days) and has trialled well in the lead up.

Drawn a touch awkwardly but still commands respect.

Of the rest the John O'Hara trained Dragon Kingdom appears the next in line following a solid run of recent form.

Despite still a maiden after eight starts, he rates well down in the weights and cannot be taken lightly from the middle draw.

Good luck and happy punting.