Argentian Group 1 winner Ride Of Valkyries really impressed in her Singapore debut and can take the next step in the tenth event at Singapore this evening.
Although unable to salute, the Michael Clements trained galloper really caught the eye, when working home strongly to finish second.
In what was clearly the best race of the night, the daughter of Orpen indicated she had made a good transition, having performed well, over what was an unsuitable trip [1400m].A Group 1 winner over 2011m at three, Ride Of Valkyries came over to Singapore with some very handy form in the book and remains open to sharp improvement.
In finishing second behind Fraajilistic, Ride Of Valkyries was notably marked well below her best on Timeform ratings, and has plenty of scope moving forward.When raced in Argentina, under the old name Hendaia, Ride Of Valkyries never competed in Group company short of a mile.
Having made her debut over seven furlongs, she will no doubt take plenty of benefit from the performance and is expected to relish the step up to the mile.On her best form, she is a galloper who could measure up in the Group 1 Singapore Derby later in the year, reinforcing her level of ability.
Whether these international imports can reach their prior best form, always remains a query, however she gave the right indications first up and will be out to cement these strong claims, this evening.In-form rider Michael Rodd continues his association with the mare and currently boasts a strike rate of 22 per cent with the Clements stable.
From the wide draw, Ride Of Valkyries is likely to settle back in the field, with Fraajilistic, Ideal Guide, Intense Gold and Pole Paradise all capable of rolling forward.Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Ride Of Valkyries appears very well placed and while she will be better over further, she should still prove very hard to beat.
The Cliff Brown trained These Streets has been gallant in both starts to begin this preparation and appears set to peak racing third up.Having only been narrowly beaten first up, the son of Elusive City again performed well, when finishing a narrow third behind Fraajilistic.
Stepping out to an untried trip remains some query, however given the way he finished off his latest effort [1400m], it should suit.These Streets is yet to miss the money racing third up and is likely to roll forward and settle just off the speed.
Leading rider Corey Brown continues his association with the five-year-old, having placed in three of four attempts.In 14 career starts, These Streets has only missed the money twice and is expected to make his presence felt.
Last start winner Fraajilistic rises in weight, but appears open to further improvement stepping up in trip.Formerly based in New Zealand, the son of Iffraaj has continued to raise the bar with each performance and looks to be heading in the right direction.
Trained by Michael Freedman, Fraajilistic still has a bit of improvement up his sleeve on best form and is likely to camp just off the speed from the middle draw.He proved very strong at the end of 1400m last start and if able to reel off a similar closing sectional at a mile, he should be hard to hold out.
Of the rest the Laurie Laxon trained Ideal Guide appears the next in line, as while unable to salute this time in, his form has held plenty of merit.Forced to race in restricted room last start, he was entitled to finish closer and will be better suited stepping up to the mile.
On best form he is open to good improvement and appears well placed with the aid of the claim.From the awkward draw, he is likely to roll forward and should give them all something to catch.
Good luck and happy punting.
