Star sprinter Spalato was well below his best last start but is tipped to bounce right back to form in this evening's Group 1 Lion City Cup in Singapore.
In what is easily the best sprinting line up assembled this season, Spalato has no shortage of opposition, with Zac Spirit, Emperor Max and Kiwi Karma amoung those due to take their place in the ninth event.
Spalato couldn't have been more impressive in both starts to begin this campaign before failing to fire behind Emperor Max last start.
Conceding 4kg to his rival on that occasion Spalato was still entitled to do more and was very similar to his third up run last preparation when unplaced in the Group 1 Kranji Mile.On his day no question he is the best horse in the race, though which Spalato turns up is the tough question punters will have to try and decipher.
In his favour is the fact he did bounced back fourth up last preparation when only narrowly beaten in the Group 2 EW Barker Trophy.Marked just shy of his career peak on that occasion if able to return to that level of form Spalato looks to set the bar very high for his rivals.
Leading rider Corey Brown sticks aboard and he should receive all the favours from the middle draw with Goal Keeper, The Nut Cracker and Kiwi Karma all expected to press forward.With good early speed anticipated the field is likely to string out which should allow Brown to slot in just off the speed.
His record in Singapore is not as glamorous as it once was (now beaten twice) however at weight-for-age it is clearly advantage Spalato.
When at his best he is simply in another league to his rivals and given trainer John O'Hara elects to come here following his last start flop, confident Spalato is in good health.You always want to see horses perform at their best and if able to do so Spalato should be a pleasure to watch this evening.
Star sprinter Emperor Max made a triumphant return in the Group 3 Kranji Sprint last start and looms as a major threat.Successful in upstaging the former, Emperor Max continued his rich vein of form for the Stephen Gray stable, having yet to miss the money in 16 starts in Singapore.
Although a Group 1 win has eluded the son of Holy Roman Emperor, one doesn't appear far away as Emperor Max has placed in four of five attempts, three of which he finished second.In what can only be described as a superb training performance, Emperor Max was marked close to his career peak, made more impressive by the fact he had travelled to the UK in-between his latest preparations.
Sent abroad to take on arguably the best sprinter in the world (Muhaarar) in the Group 1 Champions Sprint Stakes at Ascot, Emperor Max acquitted himself well finishing seventh.Ridden by new rider Danny Beasley, Emperor Max was forced to travel wide throughout but still proved too good after surging to the front inside the 300m.
Under siege over the concluding stages, Emperor Max displayed his fighting qualities when holding on to score by three-quarters of a length.His 11th win from 22 starts, Emperor Max now sets his sights on his first Group 1 win and if able to improve off that first up effort he is sure to make his presence felt.
Fellow star sprinter Zac Spirit also returned in good order when finishing in a dead-heat for second behind the latter.Off the scene for close to a year (322 days) Zac Spirit will no doubt improve with that run under his belt and clearly cannot be taken lightly.
Zac Spirit won the 2014 Lion City Cup before only narrowly beaten in this event last year behind superstar galloper War Affair.No question he is more than capable on his day and is another who is sure to be right there at the finish from the favourable draw.
Of the rest the Theo Kieser trained Super Winner appears the next in line.Backing up quickly following his impressive victory last weekend, this is clearly his toughest test to date, however he is on an upwards rating spiral and wouldn't be surprised to see him measure right up.
Enjoy what should be a great race.Good luck and happy punting.
