The Stephen Gray trained Lim's Cruiser couldn't have been any more impressive last start and now appears well placed to go back to back in the seventh event at Singapore this evening.
Formerly based in New Zealand, Lim's Cruiser has now won two of four attempts for the Gray stable, finishing second on both other occasions.
Having only been narrowly beaten two back, Lim's Cruiser took a good step forward at his latest effort, spacing his rivals over the mile.Ridden by Vlad Duric, Lim's Cruiser enjoyed a lovely run just off the speed before quickly taking over on straightening.
Enjoying a saloon passage along the rail, Lim's Cruiser quickly put the race away in a few strides drawing two lengths clear passing the 300m.Eased down over the final 50m, Lim's Cruiser saluted by 5.5L with the clock backing up the strength of the performance.
Successful in recording a new career peak, Lim's Cruiser clearly relished the step up in trip with Gray indicating he could prove a Derby horse next year.Whether he reaches those lofty heights remains to be seen however he should have no concerns working through the grades.
The decision to drop Lim's Cruiser back in trip is some query, however he has been kept fresh (30 days) and while stepping up in grade he is still well placed.In three attempts at this track he is yet to miss the money and has placed at his only attempt over the trip.
Leading rider Vlad Duric sticks aboard, he's placed in all four attempts aboard the four-year-old including two wins.Overall Duric strikes at just shy of 20 per cent with the Stephen Gray stable and although drawn a touch awkwardly, Lim's Cruiser's can roll forward if required.
When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Lim's Cruiser sits clear on his last start performance.Only lightly raced he remains open to further improvement and given he possesses a 5.5L winning margin up his sleeve there is plenty to like about his chances.
If able to springboard off his latest performance Lim's Cruiser looks to set a decent standard and should prove very hard to beat.The Stephen Burridge trained Risky Rockefeller displayed good improvement last start and looms as a major threat racing third up.
Having caught the eye first up, Risky Rockefeller clearly relished the step up in trip last start when only narrowly beaten at this course and distance.Marked just shy of his career peak, he looks to be back in good order and if able to continue his progression he is sure to make his presence felt with Boss in the saddle.
Stablemate Luminiff Lad won well first up before something clearly went amiss last start.Obviously better than that and a return to his best form should see him right in the finish.
Of the rest the Desmond Koh trained Sun Empire appears the next in line following a fair performance last start.An impressive winner two back, Sun Empire wasn't beaten all that far behind Shanghai Bund and if able to pinch a few cheap early sectionals, he is sure to be in this for a long way.
Good luck and happy punting.
