3 minute read
Star galloper Mr Malek appears well placed to bring up his first stakes success when set to line up in the Group 2 Stewards' Cup at Kranji on Saturday.
Already Group 1 and Group 2 placed, Mr Malek has displayed plenty of ability in his 12 starts and looks well on track to bring up career win number eight.
Formerly trained by Lee Freedman Mr Malek won six of his 10 starts with two of his defeats coming at the hands of star galloper Inferno.
Rated 105 by Timeform when finishing second behind Inferno in the 2020 Group 1 Lion City Cup [1200m] he confirmed himself as one of the best in the land.
Failing to produce at his final start for Freedman Mr Malek was spelled before joining Burridge's team.
Rated 98 in his return behind Kharisma he improved to run a Timeform rating of 99 last start.
Ridden by Harry Kasim, Mr Malek enjoyed a lovely run just off the speed and while trapped in the coffin (leader's back) for 100m he shouldered his way clear approaching the 300m.
Cut loose shortly after he displayed a good turn of speed to quickly pick up the leaders and put the race away.
Drawing clear to score by two-and-a-half lengths it was Mr Malek's second best performance to date and surprisingly his first victory at 1400m.
Already a Class 1 winner over a mile he is very versatile and is expected to improve further on Saturday.
Mr Malek already boosts five wins over 1200m but should be even better getting beyond a mile with the Group 1 Singapore Derby [1800m] well in his sights.
From the inside draw he looks to get all the favours and with clear air he should prove very hard to beat.
The Ricardo Le Grange trained Rocket Star shapes as the clear danger having been narrowly beaten in this year's Lion City Cup and Kranji Mile.
He has placed at all three attempts at Group 1 level and has only missed the money once in his 17 starts.
Has often lacked that killer punch, but is certainly capable and while drawn out he should be very strong late.
The Stephen Gray trained Kharisma didn't have the best of luck behind Lim's Lightning last start and while on trial at the trip he has to be included.
A winner of seven of his 16 starts he is in career best form and while the mile might stretch him he should get a soft run from the draw and can measure right up.
Of the rest the Michael Clements trained Big Hearted appears the next in line.
While unable to get involved in the Group 1 Kranji Mile last start, he looks much better suited in this smaller field and a key booking with Duric aboard.
Good luck and happy punting.