Classy sprinter Huka Falls was back to his winning ways last start and appears well placed to go back to back at Singapore this evening.
Reunited with premier jockey Joao Moreira, Huka Falls took full advantage of a well-judged ride, saluting easily in the Jockey Club Of Turkey Trophy.
Appearing extremely well placed with just 52.5kg, Huka Falls notched up his first victory since January this year.
Settled third just off the speed, Huka Falls quickly strode to the front, when popped the question on straightening.
Kicking strongly inside the 200m, the now five-year-old held off the late charge of the David Kok trained Italian Job, to score by just over a length.
Under the weight conditions, Huka Falls wasn't required to run up to his best and only marginally improved on his effort in the Woodlands Handicap two back.
On Timeform ratings, his performance was marked seven pounds below his best, suggesting more improvement is up his sleeve.
Set to contest the tenth event, Huka Falls rises five-and-a-half kilograms, but still appears well placed.
Leading rider Manoel Nunes links aboard for the first time and currently strikes at 17 per cent for the Laurie Laxon stable.
Prior to his latest victory, Huka Falls had only won when leading.
Now proven successful when ridden off the speed, it adds another string to his bow.
Cash Advance, Goal Keeper, Southern Boss are all likely to roll forward and set a hot tempo in front.
From the awkward draw Manoel Nunes should settle Huka Falls just off the speed.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Huka Falls does possess a slight edge on his rivals.
In what is surprisingly Huka Falls first attempt over 1000m, he should prove too good.
Promising sprinter Cash Advance continued his affinity with the polytrack last start, when clinching a hat-trick of wins.
Leading throughout, the son of Ad Valorem recorded a new career peak, despite only the narrow victory.
Improving marginally on his previous best, Cash Advance recorded very strong figures in comparison to the rest of the night, and is a galloper heading in the right direction.
On Timeform ratings, Cash Advance has improved 15 pounds since April, and has beaten six subsequent winners.
One interesting factor when analysing Cash Advance's profile, is that he races at his best when ridden forward to lead.
In four starts when ridden forward, he is yet to taste defeat and more notably has won by a combined margin of over 12 lengths.
In the three starts he has been ridden off the speed he has failed to prove victorious, placing on two occasions.
This trend does appear his main obstacle however, as it should be a good battle for the lead.
Using average race speeds, Cash Advance does possess the ability to take up the running, however it could also be his downfall.
If forced to do too much work early, Cash Advance will be vulnerable over the concluding stages.
Nonetheless, he is on an upwards rating spiral and is expected to make his presence felt.
The Mark Walker trained Golden Sand Steed broke back into the winner’s stall last start and looms as a major threat.
Ridden off the speed the son of Pins proved too good and does appear capable of fighting out the finish again.
An all-weather specialist, Golden Sand Steed has placed in 16 of 22 attempts on the polytrack.
He has placed in four of seven attempts over this distance range and has drawn to receive all the favours.
If able to run up the level of his last start performance he shapes as one of the main contenders.
Of the rest the Theo Keiser trained Goal Keeper appears the next best.
Though a shade disappointing last start, he is clearly better than that and on best form he measures right up.
Goal Keeper is unbeaten over the 1000m journey and is expected to be in this for a long way.
Good luck and happy punting.
