War Affair To Clinch Sixth Group 1

The Group 1 QEII Cup in Singapore has assembled a very strong field with old champ War Affair the top elect in the staying feature.

A full field of 15 will face the starter over the 1800m journey with four last start winners engaged, including War Affair.

As a true racing fan you couldn't help but be excited when War Affair made a winning return in the Group 3 SAAS Fee Stakes last start.

Regardless whether you made an earn or not, War Affairhas been the shining light in Singapore since his dominant display in the 2014 Group 1 Singapore Guineas [1600m].

The highest rated horse since Rocket Man, War Affair has won 16 of his 25 starts, five of which at Group 1 level.

His performance in the 2014 Raffles Cup [1800m] was outstanding, however his victory in the 2015 Lion City Cup [1200m] stands alone.

First up since his game performance in the 2014 Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup [2200m], War Affair stormed home down the outside to edge out star sprinters Zac Spirit and Emperor Max.

"What a monster!" was Craig Evans' summation of his performance and that he was — at the time by far and away the best in the land.

That preparation he went on to win the first two legs of the 4YO series before narrowly edged out in the Group 1 Singapore Derby [2000m] by his arch nemesis Quechua.

Plagued with injuries since, War Affair is admittedly a light of other days, however his performance in the Group 3 SAAS Fee Stakes [1400m] suggests there is still plenty of fight left in the old bull.

Conceding 5kg to Storm Troops, his willingness to win was exemplified when he surged late to dead-heat with the Ricardo Le Grange trained galloper.

Having been tightened for room inside the 300m, he clearly should have won (in his own right).

Nonetheless the old boy is back and while a rising 7YO, more wins appear in store.

His last start performance was only his third victory first up (3/6) with the son of O'Reilly unbeaten second up (6/6) and has only tasted defeat once third up (5/6).

War Affair generally improves with racing and it's very hard to see him taking a backwards step in the eighth event this evening.

In three attempts over this distance range, War Affair has never missed the money and appears well placed under the weight-for-age conditions.

The wide draw is a concern, however trust in Danny Beasley to weave some magic.

At his best War Affair holds a class edge and is sure to make his presence felt.

The Ricardo Le Grange trained Quechua mixed his form last time in but is certainly more than capable and remains under strong notice in his return.

In six attempts fresh, Quechua has only missed the money once and is a noted flier over this trip, placing in all five attempts.

From the rails draw he should get a lovely run in transit for Vlad Duric and cannot be taken lightly.

Three-year-old Jupiter Gold gets out to an untried trip, but gives the impression he will relish the extra journey and looms as a major threat.

Although unable to wear down Forever Young in the Group 1 Singapore Guineas , his performance still held plenty of merit and he gets his chance to break back into the winner's stall.

His closing sectionals in the Guineas were very good and if able to replicate over 1800m, he is definitely going to be hard to hold out.

Still confident he is the best 3YO in Singapore and he gets his chance to affirm these claims here.

Of the rest, last year's Group 1 Derby winner, Well Done appears the next in line.

Off the scene for over six months, Well Done caught the eye late behind War Affair and is sure to appreciate the step up in trip.

At his best he is certainly more than capable and has to be kept safe with Nunes aboard.

Good luck and happy punting.