Stewards Cup A One Act Affair

It would take a brave yet possibly insane man to tip against War Affair in Sunday's Group 2 Stewards Cup with the feature race well and truly at his mercy.

The old adage "champions just find a way to win" was exemplified in Group 1 Lion City Cup when War Affair came from an impossible position to win.

A victory that has to be seen to be believed, War Affair was simply breathtaking when coming from near last, before swamping his rivals in the last stride.

Only a quarter of a length separated the first four across the line, with War Affair clinching his fourth Group 1 triumph.

Not seen since his unplaced effort in the Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup [2200m], the son of O'Reilly was some query first up, having not won fresh since his 2YO campaign.

At his best over a mile, many felt he could find his rivals too sharp, given he also conceded a key fitness edge to both Zac Spirit and Kiwi Karma.

Run off his feet early, War Affair settled second last, with stablemate Petrenui setting a fast tempo out in front — 34.34 seconds for the first 600m.

Pulled to the extreme outside on straightening, War Affair was left with plenty to do, before letting down powerfully — launching late to deny his rivals.

His twelfth win from 17 starts, the recently crowned Horse Of The Year further pushed the notion that he is simply a level above.

War Affair reeled off 11.05 second 200m sections for his last 400m (average) and more notably sustained 11.12 second 200m sections for the last 800m (average).

On Timeform ratings, War Affair was not marked up to his best, however he remains the third highest rated winner of the Lion City Cup behind Rocket Man and Super Easy.

The champion two-year-old and three-year-old of his generation, War Affair will now embark on the Four-Year-Old Challenge — kicking off with this evening's Group 2 Stewards Cup [1400m], before contesting the Group 1 Patron's Bowl [1600m] and the Group 1 Singapore Derby [2000m].

War Affair will line up against eight rivals and while there are three last start winners engaged [Hughsy, Happy Money and Golden Brilliant], he possesses a distinct class edge.

He remains unbeaten over 1400m and has won all four attempts racing second up.

Under the set-weights conditions of the race he is extremely well placed and isn't required to run up to his best to win.

Given 35 days to get over his impressive first up victory, War Affair should be ready to fire and is likely to settle midfield from the wide draw.

While unlikely to be any sort of betting proposition, his closing sectionals continue to be electric and should be a pleasure to watch.

The David Hill trained Hughsy shapes as the main danger following his first stakes success when dominant in the Group 3 Admiralty Classic Stakes [1600m].

His sixth win from 10 starts, the son of Henny Hughes has continued to make impressive ratings spikes and appears on track for the Group 1 Singapore Derby.

Using Timeform ratings he clearly has a bit to find to beat War Affair, however he is expected to perform well and is likely to improve again.

At his last three starts Hughsy has recorded a new career peak on each occasion and is clearly on an upwards ratings spiral.

Corey Brown sticks aboard and is unbeaten aboard the four-year-old in two attempts.

While it would be a shock to see him beat War Affair, he appears very likely of filling the quinella.

The John O'Hara trained Golden Brilliant appears the next best following his winning return over 1200m last start.

Unseen for 51 days, the son of Mr. Greely has trialled twice in the lead up and although thrown in the deep end, he too is only lightly raced and has scope for further improvement.

Golden Brilliant has won four of six at this track and while somewhat on trial at the trip, the way he finished off his latest effort suggests he will see out the 1400m.

From the inside draw he is expected to settle just off the speed before making his run in the straight.

Of the rest the Michael Clements trained Knight Wager holds minor place claims.

A sectional star when only narrowly beaten at this course and distance last start, he obviously has to improve to be competitive in this grade, however he too remains open to further improvement.

In-form jockey Michael Rodd links back aboard and is unbeaten aboard the four-year-old from two attempts.

Rodd is currently striking at 20 per cent with the Clements stable and will be hoping to settle Knight Wager just off midfield.

Not a great deal separates the main contenders outside War Affair and wouldn't be surprised to see Knight Wager thereabouts.

Good luck and happy punting.