The mouth-watering showdown between Singapore's top gallopers War Affair and Spalato will finally eventuate with the star duo set to clash in the seventh event this evening.
Singapore racegoers were unfortunately robbed off this clash in last year's Group 3 Jumbo Jet Trophy [1400m] after a minor injury prevented War Affair from taking his place.
War Affair reportedly damaged some soft tissue in the suspensory of his fetlock to the near foreleg, an injury he had not succumb to previously and was rightfully withdrawn.Off the scene for 425 days, War Affair is finally due to make his comeback now under the care of Bruce Marsh.
Having aborted his last preparation (January - two trials), War Affair has been given the sole trial in the lead up, finishing second behind Huka Falls.While he will no doubt take good improvement from this evening's affair, he appears in good order and of course creates plenty of interest.
A winner of 14 of his 20 starts, War Affair has won five Group 1 races, including the 2015 Lion City Cup [1200m].Although clearly better over further he is more than capable of sprinting well fresh and has placed in four of five previous first up attempts.
Leading rider Danny Beasley links back aboard having not ridden War Affair since his game performance in the 2014 Singapore Gold Cup [2200m].Anchored with the big weight, War Affair finished just three lengths astern of Quechua, highlighting the extreme difficulty faced by gallopers trying to achieve the prestigious Triple Crown.
At his best War Affair holds a distinct edge over his rivals (barring Spalato), however the likelihood of him returning in such form is unlikely.The challenge faced by Bruce Marsh to not only get War Affair back to the track but to also perform well off such a lengthy break cannot be underestimated.
Over the shorter journey War Affair may only be getting warmed up late, however his class cannot be ignored and if all goes smoothly he will no doubt make his presence felt.Fellow star galloper Spalato obviously looms as a major threat though he too makes his return from an injury forced lay-off having bled in the Lion City Cup last start.
A winner of 10 of his 16 starts, Spalato is yet to taste defeat first up (four attempts) and has trialled very nicely in the lead up.Finishing second by Laser Storm, Spalato was never let off the bridle by Michael Rodd and appears in good order for his return.
The wide draw isn't ideal however Spalato's early speed should help to negate this hindrance.New rider Alan Munro links aboard and overall possesses a solid strike rate with the John O'Hara stable.
The 1200m journey will no doubt suit Spalato and if back in good order he is expected to be right in the finish.The Stephen Gray trained Raise No Doubt wasn't beaten far in the Group 3 Garden City Trophy last start and cannot be taken lightly from the favourable draw.
In 12 attempts at this track he has placed in 10 and has placed in nine of 13 attempts over this trip.Admittedly he concedes a distinct class edge to both War Affair and Spalato, however he has race fitness on his side and has to be respected with Duric sticking aboard.
The Shane Baertschiger trained Lincoln Road continued his good run of form in the Garden City Trophy last start and while rising at the weights he is clearly a galloper heading in the right direction.Only lightly raced he has won five of 11 career starts and has placed in three of four attempts over this trip.
From the middle draw he looks to receive all the favours and has to be respected with Brown in the saddle.Good luck and happy punting.
