Group 1 performer Magneto has the class and the ratings to beat a handy field of sprinters in Singapore on Friday night.
Magneto drops back in grade after a string of top class performances in group company when he lines up in race seven over 1200 metres on the Kranji all weather track.
A winner of three of his 12 career runs, Magneto has raced three times in Group 1 company and placed twice, the latest in the Patron’s Bowl over 1600 metres in June before a spell.
On that occasion the five-year-old tracked the leaders before surging to front in the straight but could not withstand the challenge of his well-credentialed opponents, eventually finishing 3.5 lengths behind the top class War Affair.
Magneto returned from a break with a 2.3 length third to Gold Rutile in the Group 2 EW Barker Trophy on November 13.
He was first up at 1400 metres there and battled strongly in the straight but jockey Nooresh Juglall dropped his whip at the 250 metres and the horse cast both front plates in the run, both factors that added merit to the performance.
He meets a lesser field on Friday and should be fitter with that run under his belt and after a subsequent barrier trial win.
Although dropping 200 metres in trip, Magneto is a winner at the distance and jockey Barend Vorster should be able to slot in behind the speed from barrier seven.
The gelding comes into this affair well clear of his rivals on Timeform adjusted ratings and with the race promising a brisk early tempo his credentials over longer journeys should see him finishing strongly at the business end.
One area of possible concern for Magneto is the all weather track, having raced twice on the surface for one placing.
If the surface is to create problems for Magneto it could leave the door open for track specialist Italian Job to strike.
The gelding is progressing well on the surface this campaign and last start broke through for a big 2.8 length win after two runner-up finishes, beating race rival My Lucky Strike.
It was his fourth win on the all weather from 10 starts and with another three placings as well he is one who can be backed with confidence.
While he can’t boast the Group form of Magneto, Italian Job is a consistent type who is a two-time winner at the distance.
The five-year-old hasn’t raced since October 11 but goes best when fresh and was kept up to the mark with a barrier trial late last month.
Progressive four year-old Jay Eff Express is on a four-race winning streak and shapes as a tough nut to crack again.
A winner of six from 11 starts, this shapes as a class test for Jay Eff Express but it’s hard to fault his form, winning by small margins but in fighting fashion at his last few outings.
The horse has the ability to put himself in the firing line early then dig deep when challenged in the straight, a formula that has proved too tough for his rivals of late.
Jay Eff Express is having his first outing on the all weather track but does tick the box for his distance credentials, having won two of four runs at 1200 metres.
The return to the all weather track could change the fortunes of My Lucky Strike.
While some of his rivals are queries on the surface, My Lucky Strike is right at home there with seven wins and two placings from just 10 attempts.
His recent form doesn’t read overly well but it is worth noting his last two runs were on the turf, a surface on which he has only run two placings in five attempts.
He should be hard fit after three runs since a break but the 1200 metres could be a concern as his best form is at 1000 metres.
