Emerging sprinter My Lucky Strike faces his sternest test to date this evening, but judging by his ultra impressive return he appears more than capable.
Given a short three month break, the son of Charge Forward brought up his fifth career win last start when upstaging the well supported Sebas.
Formerly based in Australia, the son of Charge Forward came over to Singapore with some handy form in the book and has only tasted defeat once since joining Walker's care.On average My Lucky Strike has improved more than four pounds at each start in Singapore and is clearly heading in the right direction.
With regular rider Manoel Nunes suspended last start, apprentice rider Rizuan Shafiq took over the reins and settled My Lucky Strike just off the speed in fourth.Tracking favourite Sebas on straightening, My Lucky Strike quickly peeled off its heels levelling up inside the 300m.
Displaying a sharp turn of foot My Lucky Strike quickly drew clear, putting the race over in a few strides.Ridden out to the line My Lucky Strike saluted comfortably by four-and-a-half lengths with seven lengths back to fourth.
In what was clearly his most dominant display since arriving in Singapore, the three-year-old is tipped for a bumper preparation.For the first time in his career My Lucky Strike broke 58 seconds for the 1000m and was only marked marginally outside standard.
Comparatively he was marked over 12 lengths faster than promising two-year-old Genius and averaged 11.15 second 200m sections for his last 800m.Using Timeform ratings My Lucky Strike improved five pounds on his previous best and appears open to further improvement in the seventh event this evening.
Leading rider Manoel Nunes links back aboard and is likely to settle My Lucky Strike just off the speed with the Desmond Koh trained Southern Boss expected to lead from the inside draw.Singapore sprinting star Huka Falls obviously sets a good standard however when using predictive ratings My Lucky Strike possesses enough scope to deny his talented rival.
Using key sectional analysis My Lucky Strike is likely to improve between four and six pounds for this event and if successful he should prove very hard to beat.The Laurie Laxon trained Huka Falls clearly has to be respected following his return to his best form last start, when too strong at this course and distance.
A grand marvel of the Singapore polytrack, Huka Falls has won 11 of 22 attempts and is yet to miss the money over the 1000m scamper.His performance in defeating Hypernova saw him collect his first win since January, though admittedly he had been tried against some of Singapore's best in recent starts.
In-form jockey Michael Rodd continues his association with the five-year-old having placed in three of four attempts, including two wins.Rodd is currently striking at shy of 20 per cent with the Laxon stable and is likely to get a beautiful trail from the inside draw.
At his best Huka Falls sets a decent standard and one would be very game to take him lightly in this event, despite giving weight away all round.The Shane Baertschiger trained Faaltless hasn't been far off the mark this campaign and should be nearing his peak racing third up.
Although unable to match it with the likes of War Affair in the Group 1 Lion City Cup, Faaltless wasn't disgraced and has since finished a close fifth behind Happy Money in similar company.Faaltless has won three of four attempts on the polytrack and while not overly explosive in his latest trial he wasn't knocked around and has to be included amoung the main chances.
The ever consistent Cavallo was a real eye catcher behind Huka Falls last start and while he is often his own worst enemy (gets too far back) he has to be respected.In 17 attempts on the polytrack he has notably placed in 14 and has placed in four of five attempts over this trip.
Likely to settle back in the field if the speed is on up front expect him to very hard to hold out late.Good luck and happy punting.
