Quechua Set For New Year Return

Singapore Gold Cup victor Quechua appears poised to make a winning return, when set to contest the Group 3 New Year's Cup on Thursday.

Formerly based in Argentina, Quechua came to Singapore with quite the handy resume, having placed in Group 1 company, and was a Group 2 winner at three.

Although costly to punters early on, the son of Pure Prize struck winning form at the right time, bringing up a hat-trick of wins in the Gold Cup.

Steadily raising the bar with each performance, Quechua capped off a well-timed training performance, with a dominant victory over the 2200m journey.

Drawn one of the widest alleys, Quechua was aided by a terrific ride from Corey Brown.

Pressed forward from the outset, Quechua settled beautifully in second, with the Laurie Laxon trained Goodman finding the front.

Quechua travelled well throughout and let down powerfully — when pulled to the centre upon straightening.

Drawing well clear inside the 300m, Quechua sustained his run to the line to score by one-and-a-half lengths.

Quechua recorded a Timeform rating of 103p, which placed him alongside past Gold Cup winners El Dorado and Risky Business.

Given a slight let up (46 days), Quechua has been given two trials in the lead up — his latest hitting the line well behind Media Captain.

Rising significantly at the weights remains Quechua's biggest obstacle, though given his recent progression he appears capable of rising to the occasion.

One interesting factor in Thursday's event is that Quechua remains the only horse who doesn't have a rider change.

Leading jockey Corey Brown sticks and is unbeaten aboard the four-year-old in three attempts.

From 20 rides, Brown is also striking at 30% for the Shaw stable — a lethal combination in recent outings.

Quechua also appears to get the gun run from the rails draw and is likely to either lead or sit just off the speed.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Quechua is the clear top pick and should prove very hard to beat.

Stablemate Emperor's Banquet appears the main danger, following his game performance to finish second in the Gold Cup last start.

He meets Quechua better off at the weights and the drop in trip should also aid his chances.

His two trials in the lead up have been quite plain which is a concern, however he is clearly capable on best form and is expected to make his presence felt.

Capable galloper Knight's Command appears the next best with Manoel Nunes linking aboard for the first time.

Nunes is currently striking at 32% for the Bruce Marsh stable and should get the gun run from the middle draw.

Knight's Command simply didn't see out the trip in the Gold Cup, with his efforts prior behind War Affair seeing him well placed at the weights.

His Group 3 victory over the mile back in April last year, confirms he is capable of winning this event and remains under strong notice.

Of the rest the Steven Burridge trained Boomarang Deluxe appears the next in line, following a solid performance behind Johnny Guitar last start.

Continuing to improve this preparation, the son of Dane Shadow appears set to peak racing fourth up.

From the outside stall, Harry Kasim should look to roll forward aboard the four-year-old and he is likely to give a bold sight, with no weight on his back.

Good luck and happy punting.