Blue Swede Well Placed On Return

Promising galloper Blue Swede appears well placed to make a winning return at Kranji this evening, when set to contest the ninth event.

A victor of two of six starts, the son of O'Reilly has displayed good ability for the Shane Baertschiger stable.

Tried in far tougher company as a three-year-old, Blue Swede notably started a 5-1 chance to beat War Affair in the Group 2 Singapore 3YO Classic.

Finishing at the tail on that occasion, Blue Swede would then show good improvement in the Group 1 Singapore Guineas when finishing seventh.

Though safely held, the form out of the three-year-old series has been well above average with the likes of War Affair, Daniel, Goodman and Faaltless all going on to frank the form.

Blue Swede was proven a level below these gallopers at three, however he is open to further improvement this time in, and appears well placed back in this company.

Given the two trials in the lead up, Blue Swede really caught the eye in his latest effort, when working home strongly to salute narrowly on the line.

While asked to extend by regular rider John Powell, the overall time of the trial backed up the strong performance.

Stopping the clock at 1:00:68, Blue Swede appears in good order and should be ready to fire fresh.

Overall the Shane Baertschiger stable is striking at 14 per cent with gallopers racing first up and is striking at 16 percent with John Powell aboard.

Enjoying a good run of form this season, the Baertschiger stable has proven a great stable to follow.

Since the middle of June, Baertschiger has saddled up 22 favourites — 11 of which have proven successful, with a further eight placing.

Given his profile, Blue Swede is likely to start hard in the market and appears well in line to continue Baertschiger's' good run of form.

A noted backmarker, Blue Swede is likely to settle back in field, with Powell expected to bide his time.

Improving three-year-old Exceed Express should to take up the running, with Flying Zero, Sichuan Ruler, Himalaya Dragon, Good News and Double Cash not far away.

In a race which appears to be run at a good tempo, it should allow Blue Swede to work home right into the finish.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Blue Swede does hold a class edge over his rivals, and if able to run up to his best, he should prove hard to beat.

The Sonny Yeoh trained Himalaya Dragon returned in good order last start and appears one of the main dangers.

Leading throughout to salute at this course and distance, the son of Hidden Dragon recorded a new career peak in the process.

Displaying a good turn of foot, Himalaya Dragon simply proved too slick for his rivals.

Stepping out for just his sixth start this evening, he remains open to further improvement and should settle right up on the speed from the inside draw.

He has won three of four attempts on the polytrack and Ivaldo Santana is currently striking at 21 percent for the Sonny Yeoh stable.

Though he does have a bit to find to defeat Blue Swede, he is clearly heading in the right direction and has to be respected.

The Laurie Laxon trained Exceed Express has been racing in great form and shapes as one of the leading contenders.

The lone three-year-old in the field, the son of Exceed And Excel has continued to raise the bar this time in, culminating with a new career peak last start.

Successful in leading throughout, Exceed Express also returned good figures in the process.

However, his main obstacle remains whether he can absorb the higher race pressure this evening, and still finish his race off.

Nonetheless, he too is only lightly raced and remains under strong notice.

The Alvin Tan trained Good News has been racing in good order and appears the next in line.

Only narrowly beaten by Flying Zero last start, if able to repeat that level of performance, he should be in this for a long way.

Good luck and happy punting.