3 minute read
The Stephen Gray trained No Fun No Gain returned in a big way last start and appears well placed to go back to back at Kranji tonight.
Due to contest the third event, Gray has always held quite the high opinion of No Fun No Gain and he quickly confirmed those claims first up.
Tried against Singapore's best 3YOs last preparation, No Fun No Gain struggled up against that class, but was much better suited in his return.
Lining up off a 160 day break, No Fun No Gain had trialled very well and was met with plenty of support ($1.80).
Ridden by Vlad Duric, No Fun No Gain began nicely from the wide draw and pressed on to lead, clearly Duric was keen to make a good thing of it.
Travelling very well into the straight, Duric had him under a vice like grip, before cutting him loose inside the 300m.
Main market danger Siam Warrior had his back the whole way and loomed large with Thompson pushing him into the clear inside the 200m.
Holding a decent margin at the 100m, No Fun No Gain did tire late, but did enough to score.
While only a Class 4 event, the first two look well above average, clearing out from the rest (3.8L).
Returning a Timeform rating of 78, No Fun No Gain wasn't marked far off his peak and appears set to raise the bar again this evening.
When adjusting for sectionals, No Fun No Gain returned a figure in the mid 80s and can be followed with confidence.
Having only had the seven starts, No Fun No Gain has now notched up three wins and profiles as a horse who can make the rise through the grades.
Leading rider Michael Rodd takes over and should look to take full advantage of the inside draw.
While rising 2.5kg at the weights, he still appears well placed when assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings and should prove hard to beat.
Three-year-old Iron Ruler shapes as the main danger having gone out a winner for the Michael Clements stable.
Off the scene for 96 days, he hasn't trialled in the lead up, but expect him to be forward enough to sprint well fresh.
While likely to be better over further, he rates well and has to be respected with Alysha Collett in the saddle.
The Shane Baertschiger trained Vulcan possesses just the sole win from nine starts, but is rarely far away (placed 7/9) and has to be respected.
Slow to begin last start, he was clearly unsuited by the slow tempo, but still found the line well to only be narrowly beaten.
He rates well off the back of that effort and a repeat should see him right in the finish again.
Of the rest the Steven Burridge trained Lim's Passion appears the next in line.
Good luck and happy punting.