Countofmontecristo has returned in terrific order with a win in the Open Benchmark 97 (1200m) at Kranji on Sunday.
The now four-year-old gelding showed terrific form as a three-year-old winning four of his five starts, battling on well for third in the Group 1 Singapore Guineas behind Forever Young on the other occasion.
Two of those wins came in Group company and the Michael Clements-trained runner appears to have picked up where he left off.
Settling off the leaders in fourth, Countofmontecristo ran on strongly in the straight, taking the lead inside the 200m to run out a one and a quarter length winner over Nova Swiss in second with The General third.
Glen Boss rode 1.5kg over his allotted 48.5kg and still proved too strong for the older horses, his win measuring right up to his effort in the Singapore Sprint 91200m) last campaign.
With more improvement still to come based on his peak ratings last campaign, Countofmontecristo looks to have a strong preparation ahead and is certainly one to keep a close eye on.
Nova Swiss in second would have lost no admirers and continues to race consistently well this preparation with a win no doubt just around the corner.
The General in third improved on his previous run behind Sebas to finish third and that form going forward should measure up well in similar races.
Friday night saw Sir Isaac return in good order with a strong win over Mighty Conqueror in the Kranji Stakes C (1100m).
Last seen when seventh in the Group 1 Singapore Guineas, Sir Isaac found a good spot off midfield in sixth before jockey Michael Rodd eased him wide on the turn into space.
Running on strongly, Sir Isaac took the lead at the 200m, winning with ease in the end by just under two and a half lengths.
The Cliff Brown-trained runner returned ran a touch below his best form last campaign but produced his strongest first up effort to date.
Likely to be looking for more ground, the four-year-old gelding certainly looks to have more improvement to come and with the confidence of an early campaign win could go on to bigger things this time in.
Mighty Conqueror was pretty well held in second but ran above his first up Class 3 win over 1000m in what was a career peak performance for the five-year-old gelding.
Has three previous wins over the 1200m journey and likely to step up in trip again next start he can bounce off this effort to be very competitive wherever he goes.
