Star sprinter Emperor Max has been off the scene since last year’s Group 1 Lion City Cup and while not ideal, his class cannot be ignored.
Now a rising eight-year-old Emperor Max has been at the pointy end of Singapore’s sprinting ranks for a number of seasons.
An impressive winner fresh last preparation, Emperor Max went on to finish second behind fellow star sprinter Zac Spirit in the Lion City Cup.
In six Group 1 attempts, Emperor Max is yet to salute the judge, however he has placed on five occasions, including four-second placings.
Often playing second fiddle to Zac Spirit, Emperor Max finds himself in the easiest Group 1 he has contested.
While there is no such thing as an easy Group 1, this year’s renewal lacks the depth of what we have seen in recent years.
Emperor Max is the sole galloper engaged to be proven at this level and while he has to be a query off such a lengthy break, trust trainer Stephen Gray to have him ready to fire.
Under the weight-for-age conditions, Emperor Max holds a distinct class edge and looked ready to rumble in his latest trial.
Ridden by new rider Michael Rodd, Emperor Max coasted to line to score easily, lumping 68kg.
Appearing to do it all under his own steam, Emperor Max still recorded fairly slick time (1:00.98).
Emperor Max has won four of seven first up attempts and has never missed the money in 15 attempts at this track.
From the wide draw, Emperor Max is expected to roll forward and should be in this for a long way.
If right, he is sure to set a decent standard.
Stablemate Lim's Cruiser returned in a big way in the Group 3 Rocket Man Sprint [1200m] and shapes as the main danger.
An impressive winner of the Group 2 EW Barker Trophy [1400m] prior to a break, Lim's Cruiser picked up right where he left off, when displaying a dazzling turn of foot.Ridden by Danny Beasley, Lim's Cruiser settled towards the rear, before sticking to the inside and slicing his way through the field.
Travelling well inside the 300m, Lim's Cruiser was held up behind the front-runners until getting a late split passing the 100m.Once clear, his response was immediate, savaging the line to draw clear.
Successful in returning a new career peak, Lim's Cruiser looks set for another bumper preparation as it is worth noting he returned to the races 16kg heavier than last seen.He will no doubt take good improvement from that run and while stepping up sharply in grade, he cannot be taken lightly.
No question he lacks the class of Emperor Max, however he is obviously progressive and cannot be taken lightly.In-form galloper Cavallo was only narrowly edged out by the latter last start and appears the next in line.
A more than capable sprinter on his day, Cavallo appears better suited under the weight-for-age conditions and should appreciate the higher-pressure event.From the good draw, he shouldn’t be too far away and has to be respected.
The James Peters trained Wimbledon continued his good run of form last start and appears the next best.An impressive winner two back, Wimbledon wasn’t beaten far in the Merlion Trophy last start and has to be kept safe.
Good luck and happy punting.
