A distinct drop back in grade leaves talented galloper Slew Of Lode well placed to return to the winner's stall at Singapore tonight.
While clearly no match for the likes of Lucky Nine, Emperor Max or Zac Spirit in the Group 1 KrisFlyer International Sprint, the son of Lode appears far better placed under the set weights conditions on Friday night and is expected to bounce right back to form stepping up to seven furlongs.
Having strung together four wins on the trot prior to failing to see out the mile in the Group 3 Admiralty Stakes two starts back, Friday's affair does appear far more to his liking.
Previously based in Argentina the son of Lode proved most impressive at his only prior attempt at this course and distance back in April when saluting easily by two lengths.
While obviously Friday's affair is against tougher company, his victory still had plenty of merit and if able to run up to that level of performance he does appear well placed on Timeform weight adjusted ratings.
More notably Slew Of Lode's performance on that occasion saw him successful in recording easily the quickest time of the night as he was only marginally outside standard which comparatively was over six lengths quicker than any other race held at that meeting.
His last 600m was a blistering 33.9 seconds which comparatively was almost nine lengths quicker than standard which further emphasised his impressive turn of foot.
Not seen at the races in close to seven weeks, Shaw elected to give him a quiet trial in the lead up in which he finished second behind El Padrino.
Having jumped away well on that occasion, Slew Of Lode led comfortably into the straight before not asked for any supreme effort over the concluding stages, with El Padrino tackling him inside the final 100m.
Barend Vorster takes over from John Powell on Friday night and has placed in his two prior attempts aboard the rising five-year-old.
One of the more telling factors for this affair does appear the likely speed map with Slew Of Lode expected to adopt a forward position from the good draw.
Given there doesn't appear to be another distinct leader on paper, Vorster is expected to take up the running and if able to pinch a few cheap sectionals out in front he should prove very hard to run down in the straight.
On Timeform weight adjusted ratings if able to produce a career peak performance he does appear to have a slight edge on his rivals and is expected to return to the winner's stall.
The Alvin Tan trained El Padrino was another who was clearly outclassed in the KrisFlyer however his effort two back behind Zac Spirit does see him with a strong hope on Friday night.
A victor of seven of his 27 career starts he does possess quite the handy record and has placed on five of his 12 attempts over this trip.
His trial in the lead up when defeating Slew Of Lode was quite impressive as he appeared to do it on his ear under the care of Danny Beasley.
Beasley is currently enjoying one of his more successful seasons in recent memory and is currently striking at 15% for the Tan stable.
The fact he is a noted backmarker appears remains his main hurdle for this affair as he is unlikely to get the race run to suit with little speed engaged.
Though he does possess a sharp turn of foot, the face he will likely be conceding a sizable margin to Slew Of Lode upon straightening suggests he will struggle to reel in his talented rival.
Nonetheless he rates very well on Timeform weight adjusted ratings and if able to return a career peak performance he is expected to make his presence felt.
The Stephen Burridge trained Wild Geese was clearly no match for Dan Excel in the Group 1 SIA Cup last start and while dropping back sharply in trip he cannot be taken lightly.
In eight attempts over seven furlongs he has placed on four occasions and has placed in seven of his 14 attempts on the turf track.
On Timeform weight adjusted ratings he does appear capable on best form and while drawn awkwardly he has to be respected
Of the rest the Stephen Gray trained Born To Fly appears the next in line following a good run of form this time in, including a solid victory at this course and distance three back.
While he may lack the class of some of his more proven rivals his consistency cannot be questioned and if the race does fall his way he is expected to make his presence felt.
Good luck and happy punting.
