Star sprinter Zac Spirit is forced to give weight all around, but still should prove very hard to beat in the Group 3 Kranji Sprint this evening.
Set to line up in the eighth event, the son of Flying Spur drops back to 1200m, following his ultra impressive performance last start.
Somewhat questionable over 1400m, Zac Spirit quickly silenced his critics, when dominating his rivals by three lengths.
Successful in recording a new career peak, the now five-year-old appears to be back on track, following his shock defeat first up.
A winner of nine of his 17 career starts, Zac Spirit concedes four-and-a-half kilograms to his nearest rival, with almost have the field on the minimum.
In what is a stern test, Zac Spirit still appears well-placed using Timeform weight adjusted ratings.
His last start effort saw him break into new grounds and a repeat of that level of performance should see him very hard to beat.
In-form rider John Powell replaces the suspended Michael Rodd and has won aboard the star sprinter previously.
Powell steered Zac Spirit in a recent barrier trial, with the gelding going to the line untested to finish second.
From the inside draw, Zac Spirit is likely to roll forward and settle just off the speed, with the Patrick Shaw trained Magneto taking up the running.
Although the weights require Zac Spirit to perform right at his best to succeed, he still appears very hard to beat.
The Michael Clements trained Pachelbel's Canon remains the big query runner in the field, as he rates very highly on career best form.
Formerly based in Argentina (Old name: Livingstone) the son of Jump Start is a Group 1 winner, having won the same race as Johnny Guitar – The Estrellas Mile.
Not seen since September last year, Pachelbel’s Canon has trialled very impressively since being transferred to Clements' care.
His latest effort saw him finish a close third to Zac Spirit, with the four-year-old going to the line untested behind the star sprinter.
Whether he can be as affective over 1200m remains some query, as his best form has been achieved at a mile.
Nonetheless he is very well placed using Timeform weight adjusted ratings and if able to put his best foot forward, he is expected to make his presence felt.
The Patrick Shaw trained Magneto proved quite disappointing last start, however he is clearly better than that and is worth another chance.
Forced to work from the outside stall in the Group 3 Merlion Trophy, the son of Footstepsinthesand was left vulnerable late in the piece, folding quickly in the straight.
Obviously well below his best, Magneto can bounce right back to form and at his peak, he appears well placed at the weights.
Again drawn wide, he is likely to take up the running and should give them all something to chase.
Of the rest, the ever-consistent Cavallo appears the next best.
A very good performance fresh, the son of Testa Rossa simply got too far back in the Merlion Trophy last start, when catching the eye late in the piece.
He appears set to peak racing third up and possesses great course and distance credentials.
With no weight on his back, he is expected to settle closer to the speed and should prove hard to hold out.
Enjoy a great contest.
Good luck and happy punting.
