Emerging talent Skywalk chases the hat-trick this evening following an impressive return last start.
Trained by James Peters, Skywalk only won by the barest of margins, however there was plenty of merit in his performance and he is clearly back a great order.
An impressive winner on debut last preparation, Skywalk was then thrown into the deep end at his second start, finishing midfield in the Group 2 Golden Horseshoe [1200m].Proceeding to bounce right back at his next outing, Skywalk finished a close second behind Mystic Master in the Group 3 Juvenile Championship [1200m].
Given a 10 week freshen up, Skywalk was only narrowly beaten in his return, before breaking through for a much deserved maiden win prior to a break.Off the scene for 56 days, Skywalk was given a solid trial in the lead up, ridden by Vlad Duric.
Champion Singapore apprentice Wong Chin Chuen (CC Wong) would be trusted with the reins and while a few hiccups, he didn't let favourite backers down.Jumping away fairly well from the middle of the line, Skywalk settled fourth (one out, one back) with the Steven Burridge trained Sand Bank taking up the running.
Pulled to the middle of the track on straightening, Skywalk appeared to travel strongly under Wong, before asked for his full effort inside the 300m.While taking a while to wind up, Skywalk gradually wore down Sand Bank to score by a neck with the Shane Baertschiger trained Guilty Pleasures finishing third.
His third win from six starts, Skywalk is clearly a three-year-old heading in the right direction.Marked up to his previous best, Skywalk remains open to sharp improvement with Peters no doubt eyeing off loftier targets down the track.
The fact Skywalk was able to perform so well first up suggests he has made good improvement off a break and more notably can continue to improve this preparation.The Singapore 3YO Challenge races will host some of Singapore brightest young talents, including Skywalk.
This is one of the strongest (all-round) crops we have seen in recent years, with Skywalk firmly at the pointy end.The Alvin Tan trained Nova Swiss remains the clear benchmark with the son of Swiss Ace on track to be crowned one of/if not the best sprinter in Singapore.
In Skywalk's favour is that he is bred to be better beyond 1200m and hence creates a fair bit of interest leading towards the Group 1 Singapore Guineas [1600m].No question this is another step for the three-year-old, however Skywalk appears more than capable of raising the bar.
Leading rider Vlad Duric links aboard for the first time and is expected to adopt a prominent position from the rails draw.The step up to 1400m should certainly suit and he is expected to be very hard to beat.
The Alvin Tan trained Absolute Miracle couldn’t have been more impressive winning at this course and distance last start and looms as a major threat.Another galloper chasing the hat-trick, Absolute Miracle has made sharp improvement at his last two starts and while stepping up in grade/weight, he still commands respect.
When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, he isn’t marked far off Skywalk and from the good draw he is expected to make his presence felt.The Desmond Koh trained Battle Of Troy failed to fire first up however he is more than capable and has to be kept safe racing second up.
Unbeaten in three attempts over this trip, he rates highly on best form and cannot be taken lightly.Of the rest the Cliff Brown trained Magstock appears the next in line.
A winner of three of his 13 starts, he has placed in two of three attempts fresh and has won over this trip previously.Glen Boss links aboard and he has to be included in the main hopes.
Good luck and happy punting.
