Handy stayer City Lad appears very well placed to return to the winner's stall at Singapore on Friday night when set to contest the Group 3 Yew Tee Classic Stakes.
A notable Group 1 placing in both the 2013 Patron's Bowl and 2013 Kranji Mile the son of Elusive City has surprisingly been out of the winner's list for close to two years with his last victory back in January of 2013.
Nonetheless his form throughout that period has been quite strong and does see him well placed under the condition weights on Friday.
On raw handicap ratings he sits 22 points above his nearest rival Blue Lion which in essence would see him carry 11kg more under regular handicap conditions.
However on Friday he is only required to carry two kilograms more than the latter which hence emphasises just how well placed he is at the weights.
Having been simply outclassed behind Dan Excel in the Group 1 SIA Cup two back his form either side of that mark has proven quite solid with a notable fourth placing behind Wild Geese before finishing third behind Goodman last start.
On Timeform weight adjusted ratings he sits upwards of 15 pounds clear of his nearest rival and only has to hold his current form to be saluting the judge.
Leading rider Manoel Nunes links aboard which also gives a good boost for his chances as he currently strikes at 31% for the Desmond Koh stable.
Drawn the extreme outside in the seven horse field, Nunes is expected to roll forward on City Lad and slot in just off the speed as there is no reason to be spotting his rivals a start.
The fact we saw him settle up on the speed behind Goodman last start also suggests it shouldn't post a concern if Nunes does wish to take up a forward position.
Invictus, Dancing Tsuru and Tangible Assets all look to roll forward however there doesn't appear to be a distinct leader at this stage.
As Nunes won't wish to be trapped wide early it could result in him pressing on and actually take up the running.
Regardless the awkward gate doesn't appear to prove a hindrance to his winning chances and he does appear extremely hard to beat.
There is no question City Lad has a distinct class edge on his rivals on Friday and appears poised to not only notch up his first win in 18 starts, but also his first group success.
The Shane Baertschiger trained Blue Lion was a shade disappointing last time out however his victory two back was very good and does see him the next best in this affair.
Though no match for Flight Ofthe Saker last start the drop back to 1800m does appear suitable and the form through Wonderful Prince does read well.
From the good draw he should settle just off midfield and is expected to be right around the mark in this affair.
The Alvin Tan trained Fat Kiddy is taking a huge step up in grade on Friday but does appear to be heading in the right direction as his last start victory proved quite handy over the mile.
Successful in bringing up his first victory in eight career starts the son of Trade Fair hit the line strongly in what was his first attempt beyond 1400m and appears open to further improvement stepping up to 1800m.
The time figures out of his latest victory were ahead of the form and while this is clearly a different kettle of fish he cannot be taken lightly as he is progressive.
Of the rest the Hideyuki Takaoka trained Tangible Assets appears the next best following his continued run of consistent form last start.
While he only possesses the three victories from his 25 career starts he is rarely far away and the drop back to 1800m does appear suitable.
Alan Munro links back aboard on Friday night which does appear the biggest push for his chances as he has placed in seven of nine attempts aboard the rising seven-year-old.
From the inside draw he does appear one of the likely front runners in this affair and is expected to be in this for a long way.
Good luck and happy punting.
