Progressive sprinter Perfect Charger tasted just his second defeat last start when unable to match motors with the explosive Easy Man.
While finishing three lengths astern his performance still had plenty of merit and does see him well placed to break back into the winner's stall at Singapore tonight.
Set to line up in the feature race of the night, the Kranji Stakes B, the son of One Cool Cat has displayed plenty of ability in his short career to date and has proceeded to improve with each career start.
While never having won by an extensive margin he has continued to raise the bar and although failing to live up to his heavy market support last start there doesn't appear to be any shame in finishing behind Easy Man as he does appear a top class galloper in the making.
The fact Easy Man broke the course record is also worth noting when analysing the strength of the race.
Under the set weights conditions he appears very well placed on Timeform weight-adjusted ratings with a further scope for improvement given it is only his sixth career start.
At this point in time he already rates clear of main rivals Boundless Glory, Let's See Action and Terminator with the latter more likely to produce his biggest threat given they meet on level terms.
Oscar Chavez continues his association with the four-year-old having ridden him at every public appearance including his trial leading up to his debut.
While never having previously led expect Chavez to take up a more prominent position from the inside draw and could in fact take up the running as there doesn't appear to be a great deal of speed engaged in this affair.
The Shane Baertschiger trained Terminator has led in some of his races in the past and could adopt those tactics here from the awkward draw while the Kevin Laxon trained Devonshire will also look to cross from the wide draw with Moreira engaged.
Although Perfect Charger was defeated at his only prior attempt over 1200m the step up in trip should suit on Friday as he was simply run off his feet last start and is expected to get an easier time up on the speed this time around.
In what is easily the most competitive race on the night the fact Perfect Charger still appears on the upward spiral should see him have the edge over his rivals at this point in time.
He has already displayed his ability to quicken off a fast tempo and given he does receive weight off a majority of rivals he should prove too quick over the concluding stages.
Terminator failed to salute as favourite last time out however he did have plenty of excuses and prepared to draw a line through that run.
HIs effort prior when finishing second behind Supernova has him well placed in this affair and he is expected to bounce right back to form with John Powell back in the saddle.
In two prior attempts aboard the five-year-old he has placed on both occasions and does possess a fair record when riding for the Baertschiger stable.
While he does have a bit to find on main rival Perfect Charger he does possess a solid record at this course and distance and boasts quite the handy career record having placed from 12 of his 18 career starts.
The Steven Burridge trained Boundless Glory has been racing in great form of late and although disadvantaged conceding weights to his main rivals he is a proven flier on the polytrack and is clearly capable of fighting out the finish.
Having made up a stack of ground late to deny Let's See Action victory at this track and trip last start he is proven to be racing in career best form with his latest effort recording a new career peak.
The only concern on Friday is the poor draw with Manoel Nunes likely to have to snag back and settle down towards the tail.
While capable of reeling off a quick closing sectional the fact that he will be conceding both weight and be spotting Perfect Charger a considerable start at the top of the straight appears a very tough task.
The Patrick Shaw trained Let's See Action was simply outclassed last start in the Group 3 Garden City Trophy and should show sharp improvement back in this company.
More notably he is clearly a much better horse when racing on the polytrack having yet to miss the money in six prior attempts including three victories.
Barend Vorster links back aboard on Friday and boasts a handy record aboard the five-year-old having placed in half of his 16 rides including three victories.
Likely to roll forward from the wide draw and settle just ff the speed he is expected to be right around the mark.
Good luck and happy punting.
