Group 2 winning sprinter The Nutcracker appears well placed to make a winning debut, when set to contest the eighth event at Singapore this evening.
Formerly based in Argentina (Old Name: Greek Symbol) the son of Exchange Rate has displayed plenty of ability and is a big watch now under the care of Michael Clements.
The Nutcracker made his first official appearance for the Clement's stable back in July when finishing second in a barrier trial behind Our Touche.Let rip in his second trial, The Nutcracker set the polytrack alight stopping the clock at 58:96 seconds for the 1000m — generally you rarely see a horse break a minute at the trials.
Since given two trials to keep him ticking over The Nutcracker appears to be travelling well leading into his debut and notably receives the services of Manoel Nunes.Although he hasn't done a lot of riding for the Clements' stable, overall Nunes is striking at 23% with a place strike of 56%.
With close to a year between runs, The Nutcracker will no doubt improve with the run under his belt, however based on his best form he appears very well placed.Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings he possesses a distinct class edge over his rivals and creates plenty of interest moving forward.
From the good draw The Nutcracker is likely to adopt a forward position with Sebas, Lively Dragon, Vanderbilt and Secret Liberty also likely to press forward.While always some query with these International gallopers, The Nutcracker has shown all the right signs to this point.
Although lining up against quite the competitive field, no question he has the talent to defeat his rivals.The Stephen Burridge trained Vanderbilt impressed in his Singapore debut and shapes as one of the main dangers.
Formerly trained by Team Hawkes in Australia (Old Name: Bugatty), the son of Dreamscape came over to Singapore with some handy form in the book.Rated as high as 105 as a two-year-old, Bugatty failed to reach those heights again, however there is no knock around the form behind the likes of Kuro and Nostradamus.
Bugatty rounded out his career in Australia earlier this year with a narrow win at Moonee Valley, proving too good on-speed.Now under the care of Steven Burridge, Vanderbilt was given just the sole trial in the lead up to his debut, finishing second behind Rainbow Warrior.
Ridden by Corey Brown, Vanderbilt jumped away well from the middle draw and enjoyed all the favours, settling just off the speed in second.Travelling strongly entering the straight, Brown appeared to have plenty of horse underneath him and he quickly responded when let rip passing the 300m.
Letting down well, Vanderbilt took the lead inside the 200m and raced away to score by just under two lengths.Likely to take good improvement from the run, Vanderbilt has notably won two of three racing second up and looks to be heading in the right direction for his new stable.
On Timeform ratings, Vanderbilt was marked below his best, which leaves him open to good improvement leading into this event.Since given another trial, he looks in good order and with the much in-form Corey Brown sticking aboard he commands respect in this line up.
The Theo Kieser trained Sebas has struggled to salute the judge in recent outings, however he continues to race well and has now finished second at four of his last five starts.While he clearly lacks the upside of the above two, he continues to race well and cannot be taken lightly.
Of the rest the Mark Walker trained Kam's Comet remains under strong notice.Although likely to be better over further he has displayed plenty of ability in his short career and is definitely one to follow out of this event.
Only beaten just over three lengths by My Lucky Strike prior to a break, he is clearly capable and should not be taken lightly.
