3 minute read
Stephen Gray has always held quite the high opinion of No Fun No Gain and he returned in great order on Friday night when too good in the seventh event.
Tried against Singapore's best 3YOs last preparation, No Fun No Gain struggled up against that class, but was much better suited on Friday night.
Returning off a 160 day break, No Fun No Gain had trialled very well in the lead up 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 take no prisoners.
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.
Kicking strongly No Fun No Gain held a decent margin at the 100m and while tiring late, he held only narrowly from Siam Warrior.
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 for a profitable preparation.
Siam Warrior returned off a short freshen up (40 days) and clearly appreciated dropping back in grade, returning a Timeform rating of 76.
When adjusting for sectionals, both horses returned a figure in the mid 80s and are two that 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.
Always a good push when Duric rides for Gray and very interested to see whether he sticks with him at his next start, if so, I'd be more than happy to follow him in.
As for Siam Warrior, he appears back on track now and a win isn't far away.