Alfonso Holds Class Edge

A distinct drop back in grade leaves the Laurie Laxon trained Alfonso well placed to return to the winner's stall in the seventh event at Kranji this evening.

Having been no match for the talented Thumping last start, his performance still held plenty of merit when the best of the on-pacers.

Alfonso was forced to tow the rest of the field up to the breakaway leader [Greenstone] on that occasion and was entitled to weaken out of it late.

Beaten just over three lengths, the drop back to 1400m appears ideal.

In five attempts over this trip, Alfonso has placed on four occasions including a notable victory over the promising Quechua three starts back.

Alfonso has placed in four of nine attempts at this track and possesses quite the handy overall record of 12 starts for three wins and three minor placings.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings he appears well placed, with the added aid of Reuven's claim.

Drawn ideally on the inside, Reuven is likely to settle Alfonso just off the speed.

The Desmond Koh trained Reach For The Sun should lead, with last start winner Ruapehu and the Brian Dean trained Eagle Storm not far away.

Laurie Laxon has three runners engaged with Alfonso appearing to get the best run.

He rates highly in this line up on best form and while taking on a few progressive types, he already has the runs on the board and should prove hard to beat.

Reach For The Sun was unable to salute as the odds-on favourite last start and remains under strong notice in this affair.

Unseen in seven weeks, the former Australian based galloper steps out onto the turf track for the first time since transferred to Singapore.

In four starts in Singapore he has only been seen on the polytrack, notching up three victories before finishing fourth in his latest effort.

Although somewhat on trial at the trip, Reach For The Sun placed on both occasions when tried over seven furlongs in Australia.

More notably his best form in Australia was arguably seen beyond 1200m.

Given this is the case, he is expected to have no issues with the step up in trip this evening and should measure right up.

His latest trial in the lead up proved quite handy, when working home strongly to score narrowly, in reasonable time.

He continued to make steady improvement with each start last time in and if able to continue that progression, he shapes as one of the main hopes.

Ruapehu appears the next best following a hard fought victory at this course and distance last start.

Only lightly raced the son of Stravinsky has displayed good ability in his seven career starts.

Yet to finish outside the top two in all seven, he now appears to be putting it all together and does rate well in this line up.

He is unbeaten over 1400m and if able to run up to his last start performance he is expected to be right around the mark.

Of the rest last start winner Deauville has to come into consideration following his impressive victory at this course and distance.

His closing sectionals were simply electric, when sweeping around the field to deny the Patrick Shaw trained In Fact.

While only his third career victory from 16 starts he has always displayed good ability and can take the next step in this affair.

The form through Spun Gold and To Be Remembered appears quite strong and he is expected to be charging home late.

Good luck and happy punting.