Promising sprinter Daniel is tipped to take the next step this evening, when chasing a hat-trick of wins in the Group 3 Jumbo Jet Trophy at Singapore.
Leading trainer Laurie Laxon holds a very strong hand in the feature event, with Daniel picked ahead of stablemate Goodman.
Although mixing his form at the beginning of this preparation, Daniel's solid performance in the Group 1 Singapore Guineas has since been franked with two impressive victories.Stepping out against the older horses for just the second time in his career last start, the son of Guillotine appreciated the stronger tempo [ 1200m], travelling comfortably in midfield.
Rounding the turn for home a victory seemed a foregone conclusion — after Daniel cantered up to his rivals on the outside.Travelling strongly under Saifudin Ismail, Daniel showed a remarkable turn of foot to quickly hit the front inside the 200m and draw clear over the concluding stages.
Saluting comfortably by two-and-a-half lengths, Daniel's performance was further highlighted by the strength of his closing sectionals.Recording 45.23 seconds for his last 800m, Daniel impressively averaged 11.31 furlongs for two-thirds of the race.
Successful in recording a new career peak, Daniel is a galloper clearly heading in the right direction.Stepping up to 1400m poses little concerns as Laxon strikes at 13 per cent with gallopers making this transition and Daniel has won two of four over this trip.
From the rails draw Daniel should adopt a forward position and settle just off the speed.The Michael Freedman trained Mr Big is likely to roll forward from the wide draw along with the David Kok trained Cash Luck and Sonny Yeoh trained Stepitup.
With good speed engaged, Daniel should be able to track the leaders before peeling out to make his run in the straight.On Timeform ratings Cash Luck is the highest rated galloper, however Daniel looks to possess greater scope for improvement.
Following his last start display, Daniel is likely to improve between four and six pounds for this affair and should prove very hard to beat.In a similar mould to Daniel, Goodman was unable to match it with War Affair during the three-year-old challenge, but has since gone on to be undefeated since his third placing in the Group 1 Singapore Guineas.
Bringing up his third straight victory and first feature success in the Chairman's Trophy [1800m], Goodman took full advantage of a textbook front-running ride from Corey Brown.Allowed to dictate freely in front, Goodman had plenty in the tank on straightening and simply proved too slick for his rivals.
He recorded a closing sectional close to three-and-a-half lengths inside standard, further highlighted the difficulty faced by his rivals trying to run him down.Though successful, a question mark remains as to what is Goodman's pet trip — he now drops back to 1400m.
Laxon only strikes at eight per cent when following this trend.Nonetheless the four-year-olds do appear to have a slight edge on their elder rivals and Goodman has drawn to receive all the favours.
Much like Daniel, he should settle just off the speed and prove very hard to hold out in the straight.Cash Luck is the class galloper in the event and cannot be taken lightly.
His performance behind Goodman last start had plenty of merit after being slowly away and forced to circle the field passing the 1000m.Outsprinted by Goodman in the straight, Cash Luck stuck to his task well and was only beaten two lengths.
From the wide draw he should adopt his usual forward position and if able to run up to his career best he should prove hard to get past.Of the rest the Sonny Yeoh trained Stepitup and the Steven Burridge trained Wild Geese have to be respected.
The former has raced in good order of late, without being able to break through.Stepitup has placed in six of his last 10 starts, with his narrow defeat behind Spalato in the Group 1 Patron's Bowl seeing him well placed here.
He is unbeaten in two prior attempts over 1400m and should adopt a fairly forward position from the awkward draw.Although six starts between victories he is clearly capable on best form and shapes as one of the main hopes.
Wild Geese was a notable second placing in the Chairman's Trophy and with the blinkers back on, he can give a bold sight.From the good draw he should settle midfield and work home into the finish.
Good luck and happy punting.
