A first up defeat should not deter punters away from Quechua at Singapore this afternoon.
Formerly based in Argentina, Quechua boasts quite the handy resume, having placed in Group 1 company and was a Group 2 winner at three.
Sent out the well supported favourite in its Singapore debut, the Patrick Shaw trained galloper couldn't reel in the Laurie Laxon trained Alfonso.
Possessing a similar profile to fellow Argentian import, Johnny Guitar, Quechua wasn't suited by the slow tempo, and was outsprinted over the 1400m journey.
On face value he appeared disappointing, however under the circumstances his performance had plenty of merit, as he won the race easily at the weights.
The closing sectional was also well inside standard and further highlighted the effort of Quechua to come from fifth on the turn and finish a close second.
Expected to derive plenty of benefit from that effort, the step up to the mile should aid Quechua's chances.
His Group 2 victory came over 1800m and if closing in on his peak, he does have a class edge on his rivals.
The booking of premier jockey Joao Moreira also reads well for his chances.
Moreira rarely rode for Shaw during his time in Singapore, but was striking at an impressive 25 per cent from 59 rides.
Moreira has been in fine touch since making his return to Singapore and is expected to take up a forward position on Quechua.
In this small field, it does appear a battle of tactics.
From the rails draw, Quechua should settle on the back of the speed with Tiger Master likely to take up the running.
On Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Quechua sits well clear of his rivals and isn't required to run up to his best to be successful.
Touted as a possible Singapore Gold Cup contender down the track, Quechua appears set for greater triumphs in the future.
Fellow stablemate Magneto proved handy in his Singapore debut last start and does appear Quechua's main danger.
Working home solidly to finish third behind Hammer Down, Magneto clearly needed more ground and should relish the step up to the mile.
Allotted two-and-a-half kilograms more than Quechua, does hinder his chances somewhat, although on predictive ratings he isn't far off the latter.
From the favourable draw, in-form jockey Nooresh Juglall should settle Magneto — just off the speed.
Whether he has the turn of foot to match it with Quechua remains to be seen, however he still has to be respected.
Tiger Master was entitled to give a stronger kick last start, but should be right around the mark.
Allowed to dictate freely in front, an argument can be made that Tiger Master should have given a better sight.
However, he did stick on fairly well at the finish and is another who should improve racing second up.
Likely to get his own way again, does appear the biggest push for Tiger Master's claims.
The key knock against his chances, is whether he has the class to defeat Quechua.
Though nothing separates them on handicap ratings, Tiger Master doesn't possess the same amount of scope for improvement as the latter.
Nonetheless he should be in front rounding the turn for home and could give plenty of cheek.
Of the rest One Smart Cat appears the next in line.
Given four weeks to overcome his fairly plain performance last start, the son of One Cool Cat does rate well on best form.
He is another who also looks to get an easy time in front, as he should roll forward from the wide draw.
One Smart Cat has placed in 10 of 16 attempts at this track and if able to run up to his best he must be kept safe.
Good luck and happy punting.
