3 minute read
The Michael Clements trained Top Knight took it all before him last preparation and remains a big watch fresh in the seventh event on Sunday.
A winner of six of his nine attempts, Top Knight is the horse on everyone's lips having easily landed Duric a Group 1 double in the Singapore Guineas [1600m].
A sectional star in the Singapore 3YO Classic [1400m], Top Knight had few issues replicating that form out to the mile when scoring by 1.8L.
Now rated 101 by Timeform, Top Knight joined an elite list of horses to have won the Guineas, including Debt Collector, War Affair, Stepitup, Super Easy and Better Than Ever.
Without pointing out the obvious it's a good horse's race and in nine months time, wouldn't be surprised to see Top Knight as Singapore's leading contender in the Kranji Mile.
Could he win it? He'd obviously have to improve, but nothing to suggest he won't and he is clearly the horse to beat next year's Derby - he is simply a class above at this stage.
Kicking off over 1400m, Top Knight returns from a 92 day break in the seventh event this evening.
Allowed to coast to the line in his sole trial, Top Knight appears in good order with leading rider Daniel Moor taking over.
He has won three of four attempts over this trip and appears very well placed at the weights.
While likely to be short of his best, he is more than capable and you'd be game tipping against him.
The wide draw should keep him out of trouble and while likely to get a long way back, he should be too strong late.
The Stephen Gray trained Wecando chases the hat-trick following a strong display at this course and distance last start.
Having won very well fresh, Wecando took a good step forward last start when too strong late ahead of Nationality.
Returning a new career peak, Wecando is clearly a galloper trending the right way and while stepping up in grade again, he gets in well with the claim.
From the middle draw, he is sure to adopt a prominent position and should be in this for a long way.
The Michael Clements trained Eye Guy drops back sharply in grade and has to be respected off the back of a solid trial win.
Duric takes over and no question at his best, he is right in this.
Of the rest stablemate and the ever consistent Yabadabadoo appears the next in line.
He has finished second at his last three starts and cannot be taken lightly down in the weights.
Good luck and happy punting.