Singapore Racing - Weekend Review - 30th of January and 1st Of February

Talented filly Kiwi Karma headed a host of impressive performances over the weekend, with the speedy galloper recording a new career peak on Sunday.

Stepping out on debut for the Michael Clements stable, the daughter of Fast 'N' Famous proved far too good for her elder rivals, when leading throughout in the seventh event.

Kiwi Karma

The only galloper to ever defeat Affleck, Kiwi Karma finished in the top two in all eight starts for the Laurie Laxon stable.

The victor of the Group 2 Golden Horseshoe, Kiwi Karma has always displayed plenty of ability and proceeded to take that next step on the weekend.

Having returned two handy performances to begin this preparation, Kiwi Karma showed sharp improvement third up, when overcoming the wide draw.

Jumping away brilliantly, she quickly sped to the front under regular rider Manoel Nunes.

Taken over for the lead passing the 1100m, Kiwi Karma relaxed beautifully in second place, with the Laurie Laxon trained Straighttothepoint pressing forward.

Travelling strongly entering the straight, Kiwi Karma ambled up to the lead inside the 400m.

Given full bore passing the 200m, Kiwi Karma quickly strode two lengths clear, displaying a sharp turn of foot.

Eased down late in the piece, she easily held of the Michael Freedman trained Fraajilistic to score by just under two lengths.

On Timeform ratings, Kiwi Karma improved marginally on her previous best, in what was her first victory since May last year.

Her fourth win from nine starts, more wins now appear in store for the three-year-old, with the clock also backing up the strength of her performance.

Overall Kiwi Karma was marked just 0.07 seconds slower than Open Stakes victor El Milagro, with her closing sectional over six lengths inside standard.

She recorded her last 400m in 21.42 seconds, close to six lengths quicker than what Zac Spirit produced for his final section.

Making her return of a 56 day break, Kiwi Karma notably returned at her heaviest weight to date, which is a good sign moving forward.

She is expected to improve further at her next start and is definitely one to follow.

Smart Lad

Another notable performance on Sunday, was the winning return of Smart Lad in the final event.

Not seen since finishing second to Affleck in the Group 3 3YO Championship, the son of Prince Arthur overcame adversity to salute over the mile.

His second victory in seven starts, Smart Lad displayed a great willingness to win, when only clear late in the piece.

Hitting the line strongly, Smart Lad won easily in the end, proving too sharp for his elder rivals.

On Timeform ratings, the three-year-old returned a new career peak and appears set for a break-out preparation.

In three starts at a mile, Smart Lad has raced in fine fettle and gives the impression he will improve further when stepped up in trip.

Since breaking through for his maiden win, Smart Lad has improved 14 pounds and is clearly on an upwards rating spiral.

His performance on Sunday was one of the strongest of the evening and he should be followed closely in the future.

Darci Charmer

On Friday night, the Michael Clements trained Darci Charmer was a key stand-out performance, when proving too strong in the sixth event.

Notching up his fifth victory from 11 starts, Darci Charmer came from near last, storming home down the outside to deny the Brian Dean trained Dragon Dynasty.

Returning to his more favoured surface, the son of Darci Brahma displayed a sharp turn of foot and recorded a new career peak in the process.

Since saluting at his second start in February last year, Darci Charmer has continued to make impressive ratings spikes and is clearly heading in the right direction.

Untried beyond 1200m, he gives the impression he will be suited over 1400m and is another galloper to put in your blackbook.