Impressive last start winner Battle Horse appears well placed to collect back to back wins, when due to line up in the eighth event at Singapore this evening.
Having suffered a bleeders attack prior to a break, the son of War Pass returned in great order for his new stable when breaking through for his maiden win at this track and trip.
Now under the care of Cliff Brown, Battle Horse was ridden back off the speed and settled beautifully for Michael Rodd.Under a good hold on straightening, Battle Horse stuck to the inside before displaying a sharp turn of foot to quickly loom up to the leaders and take over inside the 200m.
The Mark Walker trained Fine Choice fought hard all the way to the line, but was clearly no match for Battle Horse, with the latter drawing away late.Despite only a narrow margin, it was close to four lengths back to third and seven lengths back to fifth.
In what looked a fairly strong form race, these claims have since been cemented with three subsequent winners: Fine Choice (2nd), Incandescent (3rd) and Joe Swiper (7th).Three minor placegetters have also came out of the event, which gives a strong push that Battle Horse can take that next step this evening.
Unseen for 42 days, Battle Horse has trialled very nicely in the lead up working home strongly to finish a narrow second behind Divided House with Bach's Air finishing third.Only very lightly raced, the five-year-old recorded time figures well ahead of the bare form which suggests he can improve between four and six pounds.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Battle Horse appears well placed and sets a decent standard for his rivals.From the awkward draw, Michael Rodd is expected to settle Battle Horse midfield with the Theo Kieser trained Makawao the likely front-runner.
The lack of obvious tempo is somewhat against, however his sharp turn of foot should hold him in good stead.If within striking distance on straightening, he should prove very hard to hold out in the straight.
Likely leader Makawao shapes as the main danger as he should give them all something to chase from the favourable draw.Despite never being in the hunt first up, the son of Elusive Quality displayed sharp improvement last start when finishing a close second behind Fortune Winner.
Marked marginally below his best, he appears set to peak racing third up and while a somewhat non-winner (2/19), Makawao has placed in four of nine attempts over this trip.Makawao has also placed in five of 11 attempts at this track and does appear well placed with the aid of the claim.
Although he lacks the upside of main rival Battle Horse, he has previously posted form good enough to be winning here and has to be respected.The Desmond Koh trained Ami has failed to fire this time in, but is clearly capable when right and plummets back in grade.
A winner of two of his nine career starts, Ami has placed in four of six attempts at this track and has placed over this trip previously.On best form he gets in very well at the weights and should appreciate the lesser pressure off this Class 4 event.
With four weeks between runs, he appears capable of sprinting well fresh and is a definite danger despite giving weight all round.Of the rest the Alvin Tan trained Soon Yi appears the next best stepping out on debut for his new stable.
Only a winner of three of his 42 starts, he is not the most consistent however his form at the back end of his last preparation reads well here and he has featured over this trip previously.He has drawn to receive all the favours on the inside and with the aid of the claim he has to be respected.
Good luck and happy punting.
