A La Set For Victory

Talented four-year-old A La Victory appears well placed to make a winning return when set to line up in the seventh event at Kranji this evening.

Unseen since failing to fire in the Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup [2200m] the Michael Freedman trained galloper has been given a good break [89 days] and finds a very suitable event first up.

Given the sole trial in the lead up he appears to be back in good order and at his best he is well placed at the weights.

In three previous first up attempts he has won both with his only blemish coming behind Knight Wager at the beginning of last year [finished third].

A winner of five of his 15 starts, A La Victory has been tried over numerous trips [1200 - 2200m], though 1400m does appear his pet distance.

In five attempts he has won three and finished second on both other occasions, one of which he finished behind Kiwi Karma.

In 14 attempts on the turf track he has placed in nine including all five of his career wins.

Under the handicap conditions he looks well placed as he still appears ahead of his current mark.

Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings A La Victory sits atop on best form and given he is only lightly raced he still remains open to further improvement.

From the inside draw he looks to get an ideal run in transit with Goodman, Ideal Guide and Fraajilistic likely to take up the running.

A La Victory's fresh form has generally been dynamite and if able to run up to that level of performance here he should prove very hard to beat.

The Michael Clements trained Darci Charmer caught the eye first up behind his talented stablemate [Kiwi Karma] and is expected to relish the step up in trip.

Unbeaten second up previously the son of Darci Brahma raced in great form last time in and has placed in four of five attempts over this trip.

In 17 attempts at this track he has placed in 10, including six of his seven career wins.

Rising 4.5kg at the weights is of some concern, however he still rates well and does have a touch of class on his side.

From the wide draw he is expected to settle back in the field before making his run in the straight.

The lack of obvious tempo is somewhat against, however if it is a sit and sprint he still should acquit himself given he possesses some of the best closing speeds in the race.

The Laurie Laxon trained Goodman hasn't won in close to a year but is more than capable on his day and is a proven performer over this trip (placed seven of 10).

Returning from a short break last start [42 days] he stuck on well enough behind Kiwi Karma and is sure to appreciate the step up to 1400m.

A Group 2 winner he is obviously more than capable on his day and while conceding weight to all his rivals he has the class to overcome this hindrance.

From the favourable draw he looks to receive all the favours and given he appears to get the pace angle to suit, he should prove hard to get past.

The Cliff Brown trained Absolutely has mixed his form in the past however he is unbeaten fresh from three attempts and remains under strong notice.

A winner of four of his 17 starts, he is already a Group 3 winner and given he gets right down in the weights he has to be respected.

From the rails draw he can hopefully settle closer to the speed and is sure to be working home strongly late.

Good luck and happy punting.