Promising four-year-old Knight Wager appears set to relish the step up in trip and should prove very hard to beat in the tenth event at Singapore.
A winner of three of his eight starts to date, the son of Casino Prince has continued to raise the bar culminating with a new career peak last start.
Formerly based in New Zealand, Knight Wager returned to the winner's stall in dominant fashion last start, when confirming his fifth placing in Group 3 company two back.
Having only had the three starts in Singapore, the gelding created quite the impression on debut, when coming from near last to salute at decent odds.
Thrown in the deep end at his next start, Knight Wager acquitted himself well, when beaten three lengths behind Absolutely in the Three Rings Trophy.
Bumping into a number of talented types (Titanium, Hughsy, Believe Yourself and Power Lion) Knight Wager improved considerably on his debut win, before again raising the bar last start.
Allowed to settle towards the tail of the field, Knight Wager always travelled well under Michael Rodd, before peeling one of the widest runners on straightening.
Despite spotting the leaders a sizable margin, Knight Wager was allowed to slowly work through his gears, hitting the front inside the 200m.
Drawing away to score by a length, the four-year-old recorded a new career peak and is clearly heading in the right direction for the Michael Clements stable.
The clock also backed up the strength of his performance, with Knight Wager recording the quickest time of the night — marked four lengths superior.
When trained in New Zealand, Knight Wager’s best form was achieved at seven furlongs, which suggests he should improve further leading into this evening’s event.
In the capacity field, Knight Wager is likely to drop out from the wide draw, with decent speed anticipated.
Last start he was allowed to build throughout the race and expect Michael Rodd to follow a similar plan this evening.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Knight Wager appears well placed and with further improvement expected, he sets a high standard for his rivals.
The Cliff Brown trained These Streets disappointed last start, but is clearly worth another chance, with leading rider Manoel Nunes linking aboard for the first time.
Narrowly beaten in both starts to begin this preparation, These Streets failed to fire over the mile last start, when safely held behind Blue Swede.
Clearly marked well below his best, he is expected to appreciate the drop back in trip, having placed in seven of nine attempts over 1400m.
These Streets has placed in seven of ten attempts at this track and is likely to roll forward from the wide draw.
While always some query whether a galloper can bounce back off such a low rating performance, he is clearly capable and commands respect.
Leading rider Manoel Nunes strikes at 27 per cent for the Cliff Brown stable and is also a strong push to suggest These Streets will bounce back.
The Michael Freedman trained Bogart has returned two encouraging performances to begin this preparation and appears set to peak racing third up.
A winner of four of 15 career starts, the son of Darci Brahma has placed in nine of 13 attempts at this track and rates well on best form.
In-form hoop Corey Brown links back aboard and is expected to take up a forward position from the inside draw.
If able to hold his form from his last start, Bogart is expected to make his presence felt.
Of the rest the Patrick Shaw trained Vertical Start appears the next in line, despite failing to fire last start.
A notable second placing first up, the son of Jump Start is clearly capable and is worth another chance.
From the good draw is likely to settle midfield before charging home late.
Good luck and happy punting.
