Improving stayer Magstock appears poised to return to the winner's stall when due to contest the seventh event at Kranji this evening.
An impressive winner over the mile two back, Magstock went on to finish a close eighth in the Group 3 Moonbeam Vase [1800m] last start.
Settled at the rear in the feature event, Magstock really impressed when closing off late down the outside.Beaten just 2.7L, Magstock returned a new career peak and is clearly flying for the Cliff Brown stable.
Leading rider Michael Rodd links back aboard (placed 6/6) and he will certainly appreciate the drop back in grade.A winner of four of his 16 starts, Magstock has placed in five of his last eight starts and is starting to come of age.
Two subsequent winners have come out of the Moonbeam Vase (Time Odyssey and Newlands) with a further four placegetters.It appears a solid piece of form with the winner [n Infantry[/n] set to line up in the Group 2 Steward's Cup on Sunday.
Off the scene for 40 days, Magstock caught the eye in his latest trial when working home well late behind Nova Swiss.Allowed to find his feet at the rear, Magstock really impressed when surging to the line under his own steam.
He appears in great order and rates highly when assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings.His performance in the Moonbeam Vase leaves him as the horse to beat and if able to repeat that level of performance, he looks to set a decent standard.
Michael Rodd possesses a fantastic record with the Cliff Brown stable (23% S/R) and expect Magstock to continue that winning trend this evening.The David Hill trained Keep Spinning also comes out of the Moonbeam Vase and looms as a major threat.
He too settled towards the rear and found the line well late and while arguably better over further, he possesses a great record over this distance range.A winner of four of his 23 starts, he has placed in three of his last six attempts and shapes as the main danger with Vlad Duric back aboard.
The Ricardo Le Grange trained Mighty Kenny has been rock solid in recent efforts and will no doubt appreciate the drop back in grade.While no match for Newlands last start, his performance still held merit and he appears well placed after CC Wong's claim.
Although yet to win beyond a mile, he is certainly more than capable and has to be respected.Of the rest the Michael Clements trained Arhat appears the next in line, after bouncing back to form last start.
An eye catcher late behind Mr Scorsese, Arhat appears set to relish the step up in trip and has to be kept safe with Munro sticking aboard.Good luck and happy punting.
