An impressive return leaves the Patrick Shaw trained Royal Ruler well placed to make a winning return in the seventh event at Singapore this evening.
A winner of two of his seven starts, Royal Ruler was only overpowered late when finishing second over 1100m.
On that occasion the eventual winner Roselli reeled off a very slick closing sectional and the form does appear quite strong moving forward.
The ever-consistent Honest Truth finished third which helps to tie the race together and more notably there was a good gap to fourth.
Unseen for over nine months, Royal Ruler is expected to take good improvement from his first up effort and should relish the slight step up in trip.
Marked just shy of his career peak, he appears to have returned in good order and has won two of three at this track.
A noted performer over the six furlong journey, Royal Ruler has won two of his six attempts including a further three minor placings.
In-form jockey Barend Vorster continues his association with the four-year-old having yet to miss the money from five attempts.
The wide draw is a hindrance, however Royal Ruler should possess enough early speed to overcome this hindrance.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Royal Ruler possesses a slight edge on his rivals and can progress further racing second up.
Although it shapes as a good competitive Class 4 event, Royal Ruler appears on track to continue his impressive record and notch up his third career win.
The Stephen Burridge trained Lim's Action failed to salute at this course and distance last start, however he should be right at his peak racing third up.
His first up effort behind Well Done was very good and sees him well placed in this line up.
Although possessing just the sole win to his name, Lim’s Action possesses good upside and has drawn to receive all the favours.
In seven attempts over this trip he has placed in three and if able to run up to his career peak he looms as a major threat.
The Laurie Laxon trained Stirling has quiet lived up to the form that many felt he would early doors, however he is more than capable on his day.
The big push for his chances this evening is the decision by Manoel Nunes to stick aboard after his plain performance last start.
Overall Nunes strikes at 26 per cent with the Laxon stable and has placed in four of six attempts aboard the five-year-old.
In seven attempts on the polytrack Stirling has placed in five and has placed in seven of 15 attempts over this distance.
From the good draw Stirling looks to receive all the favours just off the speed and if right, he should prove hard to hold out late.
Of the rest the Shane Baertschiger trained Jelly Bean appears the next best following his game performance at this course and distance last start.
Working home strongly late, Jelly Bean was only narrowly beaten and returned a new career peak in the process.
In four attempts at this track, Jelly Bean is yet to miss the money and has placed in all three attempts over this trip.
Much like Royal Ruler he faces a stiff task from the wide draw, however if the speed is on upfront he should prove hard to hold out late.
Good luck and happy punting.
