Japan Targets Quality SIA International Cup

International raider Meiner Frost will be the ninth runner from Japan to contest the Group 1 Singapore International Cup and appears well placed to clinch the feature event.

One of five internationally trained gallopers set to contest this year's SIA Cup [2000m], Meiner Frost aims to become the third Japanese trained galloper to win the prestigious event.

Cosmo Bulk clinched Japan's first success in 2006, before Shadow Gate brought up their second in 2007.

On that occasion Japan quinellad the event, with Cosmo Bulk finishing second.

In recent times, Tokei Halo finished fourth in last year's renewal and Meiner Frost arguably boasts stronger form lines.

A dominant last start winner, during his three-year-old campaign Meiner Frost wasn't disgraced in the Group 1 Japanese St Leger [3000m] and did finish third in the Group 1 Japanese Derby [2400m].

Returning at Timeform rating of 122 on that occasion, Meiner Frost finished just two-and-a-quarter lengths astern of One And Only, with favourite Isla Bonita finishing second.

Although unable to repeat that level of performance in six starts since, the collateral form of his recent performances reads very well for his claims.

Meiner Frost only narrowly missed the minor placings in the Group 2 Nakayama Kinen two back, with the Fujiwara trained Staphanos finishing third.

Obviously we have since seen the latter finish second in the Group 1 QEII Cup, which further pushes the strength of the form.

Staphanos recorded a new career peak in that event and if Meiner Frost can display similar improvement, he appears capable of returning to his best form.

Using Timeform ratings a career peak performance leaves Meiner Frost near the top of the tree, with Military Attack the top rated galloper on best form.

From the awkward draw Meiner Frost is likely to roll forward, with locally trained gallopers Slew Of Lode and Wild Geese the likely front-runners.

A winner of four of 14 starts, he is one of only two last start winners and a return to his career peak sees him right in the finish.

The French trained Free Port Lux is another international raider who boasts strong collateral form and comes to Singapore in fine order.

Trained by Freddy Head, the son of Oasis Dream wasn't beaten far by Al Kazeem in the Group 2 Prix D'Harcourt [2000m] and notably returned a career peak performance.

In the past Free Port Lux has continued to improve with racing, which suggests he can springboard off that first up rating and return a new career peak this evening.

Using Timeform ratings, he doesn't yet possess the career peak figures of his more seasoned rivals, however he is only lightly raced and looks to be heading in the right direction.

From the inside draw he should enjoy a lovely run in transit and is expected to make his presence felt.

The 2013 SIA Cup winner Military Attack has had a number of recent issues, however he is clearly the class runner in the field and cannot be taken lightly.

Although not at his best in recent efforts, his performance in the QEII Cup was solid enough and if able to return to his peak, he is clearly the horse to beat.

Since joining Fownes care in October last year, Military Attack has placed in three of five starts and should be ready to produce his best racing third up.

In 15 attempts over this trip he has placed on nine occasions and with Zac Purton aboard, he has placed in seven of 11 attempts.

The inside barrier draw should aid his chances and he remains under strong notice.

Last year's victor Dan Excel is in line to create history and become the first horse to notch up back to back victories in the feature event.

The Pascal Barry trained Gloria De Campeao came very close in achieving the elusive double having won the event in 2009 before finishing second in 2010.

Enduring a disrupted preparation, Dan Excel was due to run in Australia during the Spring, however due to unforeseen circumstances, he never took his place in any race.

Sent back to Hong Kong, Dan Excel is building nicely this time in, having finished third behind Able Friend in the Group 1 Champions Mile last start.

Last year he followed the exact same path into the SIA Cup, however he was a lot deeper into his preparation, winning the event at his ninth start.

This time around he heads into the SIA Cup at just his fifth start and maybe a run short, nonetheless he is racing in good order and commands respect.

Of the rest Pascal Barry trained Smoking Sun appears the next in line, despite safely held in the QEII Cup last start.

A notable second placegetter in this event last year, he is clearly capable when right and remains under strong notice.

Good luck and happy punting.