3 minute read

Emerging star Titanium appears well placed to notch up back to back wins, when set to contest the Group 1 Patron's Bowl this evening.

An impressive winner of the Group 2 Stewards' Cup last start, Titanium looks to have turned the corner and is sure to relish the step up to the mile in the ninth event.

Despite a narrow defeat in the Group 3 Moonbeam Vase [1800m] two back, four-year-old Titanium was surprisingly given little hope in the Stewards' Cup sent out a 40-1 chance.

A winner of six of his 16 starts Titanium has always displayed plenty of promise and as a result has been sent out the market elect on eight occasions.

While he has struggled with consistency, the penny looks to have finally dropped with his last start performance most impressive.

In just his second start for young trainer James Peters, Titanium displayed sharp improvement when working home strongly, easily disposing of his rivals.

A sectional star behind In Factin the Moonbeam Vase, Titanium proved to have little concerns with the drop back in trip aided by a patient ride from Harry Kasim.

Settled at the rear Titanium spotted the leaders a considerable start on straightening however Kasim didn't panic and simply let him work through his gears.

Pulled the widest runner on straightening Titanium began to lengthen nicely and quickly began to wear down the margin.

In a line of five inside the 300m Titanium then asserted his dominance, drawing away late to score by two and a half lengths.

Visually his performance was very impressive and the clock certainly confirmed this.

For his last 800m Titanium was marked over four lengths superior to his nearest rival (My Lucky Strike)and over six lengths superior to third placegetter Believe Yourself.

His final 200m was recorded in 22.64 seconds, over three lengths superior to his nearest rival and was the key section that cemented his dominant victory.

Comparing raw times is obviously flawed but can be of some interest.

Last year when winning the Stewards' Cup War Affair averaged 11.36 second 200m sections for his last 800m — Titanium averaged 11.42 second 200m sections for his last 800m.

This year's renewal recorded an overall time of 1.22:54 which was marked one length faster than last year.

The sluggish early tempo in the 2015 Stewards' Cup resulted in the overall slower time however the fact Titanium could maintain such a strong finishing speed off a faster tempo indicates he should be even better over further.

While not one to suggest he is anywhere near the level of a horse like War Affair, however Titanium's effort last start rates highly from a historical perspective.

Only War Affair has bettered Titanium's level of performance and thus Titanium creates plenty of interest moving forward in the 4YO series (Group 1 Patron's Bowl [1600m] and Group 1 Singapore Derby [2000m].

When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Titanium possesses a distinct class edge and looks to set a decent standard from the favourable draw.

If able to continue his progression, Titanium should prove very hard to beat and is expected to prove his last start performance was no fluke.

The Patrick Shaw trained Majestic Moments was no match for Titanium last start however he still hit the line well and has placed in four of five attempts over the mile, including three wins.

A winner of seven of his 24 starts he is more than capable on his day and while he has a bit to find to turn the tables on Titanium, he commands respect.

The Hideyuki Takaoka trained Believe Yourself is an obvious query at the trip (0/2) but is racing in great form this time in and has to be included on class alone.

Much like Majestic Moments she was no match for Titanium last start but is a capable mare on her day and has drawn to receive all the favours.

Regular rider Alan Munro sticks and she is expected to be right around the mark.

Of the rest the Laurie Laxon trained Affleck remains under strong notice as while disappointing last start he is more than capable on best form.

Since given a solid trial in the lead up Affleck has won two of three attempts over the mile and has to be included in the leading chances.

Good luck and happy punting.