The Michael Freedman trained Ming Zhi Cosmos holds a distinct class edge over her rivals and should prove very hard to beat in the seventh event at Singapore this evening.
Formerly based in France under the care of Nicolas Clement, the son of Duke Of Marmalade was transferred to Freedman's stable following her third placing in the inaugural Group 1 CECF Singapore Cup [1800m].
A victor of six of her 15 starts, Ming Zhi Cosmos came over to Singapore already boasting a Group 3 success and is clearly heading in the right direction.Unseen for close to six weeks, Ming Zhi Cosmos made her debut for the Freedman stable in an unsuitable event over 1200m.
Ridden quietly by Craig Newitt the four-year-old never came into contention, however her closing sectionals were very strong.For her last 800m she was only marked one and three quarter lengths slower than the winner Golden Brilliant and will clearly be better for the run.
Heading into tonight's affair with six weeks between runs, Ming Zhi Cosmos has notably trialled very well in the lead up, defeating the in-form Hypernova.On that occasion she wasn't knocked about and went to the line under her own steam.
Stepping up noticeably in trip to 1700m should definitely aid her chances as while unable to win over this trip previously, her best form at France was achieved over a mile.Leading rider Manoel Nunes links back aboard and is currently striking at 22% with the Freedman camp.
From the inside draw she is likely to press forward and settle just outside the lead, with the Steve Burridge trained Over Easy the likely front-runner.The form through the CECF Singapore Cup has already held up, with the winner Parranda only narrowly beaten in the Group 2 QEII Cup [2000m].
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Ming Zhi Cosmos rates clearly on top and should prove very hard to beat.The Steve Burridge trained Goliath has returned two encouraging performances to begin this campaign and appears set to peak racing third up.
A four time winner over this distance range, the son of Darci Brahma has also placed in 11 of 20 attempts on the polytrack, including all seven career victories.His performance behind In Fact last start held plenty of merit and looks to receive all the favours from the inside draw.
Michael Rodd links aboard for the first time and is currently striking at 15 per cent with the Burridge stable.Goliath's main concern is that he hasn't won in 11 starts and during that period he has placed on one occasion.
Nonetheless he drops back distinctly in grade and a return to his best form should see him right in the finish.The Hideyuki Takaoka trained Fujin Bright is racing in good form at present and shapes as one of the main dangers.
A narrow winner over Bourbon Goldman two back, the son of Tanino Gimlet went on to confirm that figure when finishing third behind In Fact.A polytrack specialist, Fujin Bright has placed in seven of 13 attempts and has placed in three of four attempts over this distance range.
From the inside draw he is expected to press forward and be in this for a long way.Of the rest the Burridge trained Verglatica appears the next best, as while safely held behind Mr Spielberg last start, that form does read well moving forward.
Two starts back he finishing a close fourth behind In Fact and if able to repeat that level of performance he holds solid claims down in the weights.Good luck and happy punting.
