Spalato confirmed himself as arguably the best horse in Singapore last start and now gets his chance to reaffirm this on Sunday at Kranji.
A Group 1 winner at just his third start Spalato is clearly something special and while failing to produce in his sole International trip, his form on home soil is simply first class.
His performance in the Group 2 Merlion Trophy was breathtaking as he easily justified his short quote ($1.60).
Ridden by Corey Brown, Spalato jumped away well from his middle draw and enjoyed a lovely trail in fifth.Faaltless, Happy Money and Wimbledon all ensured the race was run at a strong tempo, racing in a line of three passing the 800m.
Popped off the fence passing the 700m, Spalato travelled powerfully as he cruised up to the lead racing five wide.
Ambling past his rivals inside the 300m, Spalato quickly put the race to bed as he raced away to draw three lengths clear.
Ridden hands and heels to the line, Spalato posted a four length success with the Alvin Tan trained El Padrino working home well to finish second.
Talented mare Kiwi Karma stuck on fairly well to finish third with the Laurie Laxon trained Stepitup working home well late to grab fourth.
The average beaten margin was over 13 lengths and when taking a line through El Padrino the race locks in nicely.
For instance if you were to take Spalato out of the race, El Padrino has beaten Kiwi Karma by 5.3L with a further length back to third (Stepitup).
El Padrino had won the Merlion Trophy the past two years running and was marked two pounds below his previous winning figure.
This helps to confirm the high level of Spalato's performance and it does appears a very true piece of form.
Spalato's performance was his strongest ever against the clock and while he has been plagued with niggling injuries, he is well and truly back on track.
Though admittedly Spalato will need to be at his best given he now concedes weight to some very talented sprinters - Emperor Max, Zac Spirit and El Padrino.
Allotted the topweight (58kg), Spalato concedes 3.5kg to his nearest rival and 8kg to the bottom weight Wimbledon.
Under these conditions Spalato faces a stern task though at his best he still appears up to the task.
Leading rider Corey Brown continues his association with the star sprinter and should find little trouble from the middle draw.
He has never been beaten in Singapore over 1200m and he is clearly the one to beat on best form.
Fellow talented sprinter Emperor Max makes his return having not been seen since finishing a credible seventh at Ascot behind superstar sprinter Muhaarar in the Group 1 British Champions Sprint Stakes.
Given plenty of time to get over that trip, Emperor Max has been given three trials in the lead up most recently finishing fifth behind Goal Keeper.
A noted performer fresh he is yet to miss the money in 13 attempts at this track and has placed in 15 of 17 attempts over this trip.
From the favourable draw he is sure to receive all the favours and with new rider Danny Beasley aboard he looms as a major threat.
The Cliff Brown trained Zac Spirit failed to measure up in the Group 1 KrisFlyer International Sprint however his form prior was very good and remains under strong notice fresh.
Not seen for close to a year, he has since trialled well off a break and is another who is proven at this course and distance.
He much like Emperor Max gets his chance to beat Spalato at the weights and has to be respected.
Of the rest the Alvin Tan trained El Padrino appears the next best following a game effort behind Spalato last start.
He now meets the latter far better off at the weights and if able to perform up to his best he is sure to be right around the mark.
Good luck and happy punting.
