Talented galloper War Affair gets his chance to re-affirm himself as one of the leading gallopers in Singapore on Sunday when set to contest the Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint.
The crowned champion juvenile of his generation, the son of O'Reilly would go to live up the hype as when proving successful in notching up the three-year-old triple crown before taking on the older horses and finishing second behind Super Ninetyseven in the Group 1 Raffles Cup.
In what proved just his second defeat in eight starts War Affair lost little admirers and quickly stamped himself as one of the more promising gallopers in Singapore.
Having raced under the care of Michael Walker for his first eight starts, War Affair would embark on a new path this preparation with connections electing to switch stables and join in-form trainer Alvin Tan.
Not seen for close to four months, War Affair would make debut for his new stable in a Kranji Stakes A event and while unable to salute his performance was quite the eye catcher behind the ever-improving Emperor Max.
Recording some of the quickest closing sectionals of the day it was quickly clear that War Affair was back in good order and still appeared to have plenty of improvement to come given he returned 14kg heavier than his previous regular racing weight.
Finishing just over a length astern of Emperor Max saw War Affair recorded a Timeform figure just five pounds shy of his career best and further emphasised the high level of his return.
Given he is expected to show further improvement racing second up suggests he is going to be very hard to beat as he already rates five pounds clear of his nearest rival.
In what is shaping up as a fantastic contest, there does look to be a good deal speed engaged with the Michael Freedman trained Rite Of Spring likely to roll forward from the awkward draw, while the Shane Baertschiger trained Faaltless will no doubt press forward as will the Michael Clements's trained Lucky Mission.
From the rails draw Danny Beasley looks to get all the favours as he should be able to just bounce War Affair out and settle him back off the likely hot speed.
With the race run to suit he is expected to finish home strongly over the top of them as he is unbeaten second up and harnesses the raw ability to reel off a very fast finishing closing sectional.
While he does take on a number of talented types on Sunday he already appears ahead of the pack at this point and if able to improve further he should simply prove too good.
He is arguably one of the best horses in Singapore at present and if successful on Sunday it sets up a very exciting preparation this time in as he will no doubt improve further as he gets out in trip.
Adding to that if he can prove successful on Sunday the Singapore Three-Year-Old Series also appears to be well at his mercy.
The Michael Freedman trained Rite Of Spring proved ultra impressive when resuming here last time out and while this is easily his toughest test to date he is clearly a galloper who is heading in the right direction and should prove very hard to get past in the straight.
His form last time in behind Emperor Max ties in very well with War Affair and is another who is expected to improve sharply racing second up.
He is one of the more progressive gallopers currently in Singapore at present and while he does have a bit to find on bare form he has given all the right indications that he can take that next step.
The sharp turn of foot he has displayed in his past two outings sees him very well placed on Sunday as he is likely to give them all something chase.
The Laurie Laxon trained Goodman has shown dramatic improvement in his short career to date and does appear the next in line in this affair.
Having notched up a hat-trick of wins before finishing third behind the talented Zac Spirit, Goodman has impressively improved 11 pounds in his last three starts and isn't rated far off War Affair.
He comes into this event off a six week break and is expected to be right in the finish as he too has displayed the ability to reel off a very quick finish.
Only question mark surrounding him on Sunday is whether he may find them a bit too sharp over 1200m as his best form has clearly been seen up to seven furlongs.
Faaltless has toyed with his rivals at both starts back this time in and does appear the best of the rest at this stage.
From the awkward draw he is expected to roll forward and take plenty of catching as his last start effort doesn't see him rated far off the top couple of hopes.
Good luck and happy punting.
