Singapore star sprinter Spalato is set to make a winning return this evening when due to contest the third event.
Out to keep his unbeaten record on the polytrack alive, the six-year-old concedes weight to all of his rivals but still appears very well placed.
A winner of eight of his 12 starts, the son of Elusive City was surprisingly beaten in the Group 1 Kranji Mile two back before bouncing right back to form when only narrowly beaten in the EW Barker Trophy.
Forced to concede 7.5kg to the winner Gold Rutile on that occasion, Spalato easily won the race at the weights with a further two lengths back to third.
Unseen for 161 days, Spalato has trialled very well in the lead up and looks spot on for his return.
Spalato is unbeaten over 1000m and has drawn to receive all the favours in the middle of the line.
The in-form Corey Brown will link aboard for the first time following the injury of Michael Rodd.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings Spalato sits well clear of his rivals and simply should be too good.
On his day he is one Singapore’s best gallopers and while injuries have hampered his career, when right he is simply beastly.
While not likely to be any betting opportunity he is sure to be a pleasure to watch and should give the stopwatch a good beating.
The Laurie Laxon trained Huka Falls brought up back to back wins on the polytrack last start when marked up to his career best.
While clearly lacking the class of Spalato he has never missed the money over this trip and is a noted flier at this track.
Danny Beasley reunites with the six-year-old and in 30 attempts on the polytrack Huka Falls has placed in 18.
Drawn inside Spalato he is expected to roll forward and hold his position just off the speed.
If able to hold his form he is expected to be in this for a long way.
The Mark Walker trained My Lucky Strike is an absolute flier at this course and distance, but no question this is his biggest test.
In nine attempts over 1000m My Lucky Strike has won six including two minor placings.From the rails draw he should press forward and be in this for a long way.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings he does have a bit too find on Spalato, however if the latter doesn’t return at his best My Lucky Strike cannot be taken lightly.
Of the rest Castor holds minor claims down in the weights.
While only a narrow winner at this course and distance last start, he was entitled to win by a lot further and cannot be entirely dismissed.
He is unbeaten in four attempts over this trip and from the inside draw could run a place at odds.
Good luck and happy punting.
