Star galloper Debt Collector is set to make his seasonal return on Sunday when due to contest the Group 3 Jumbo Jet Trophy in Singapore.
Singapore's leading three-year-old last season, Debt Collector couldn't have been more impressive in the Group 1 Singapore Guineas [1600m] and appears very well placed to make a winning return in the ninth event.
Unbeaten in three starts last preparation, the son of Thorn Park clearly went to a new level and in the process landed Michael Rodd back to back victories in the feature event.
Last year we saw Rodd rate Affleck beautifully in front when leading throughout, however this year's renewal was a completely different scenario.A noted backmarker, Debt Collector settled towards the rear with the Alvin Tan trained Infantry setting a decent tempo out in front.
With the majority of the field fanning wide on the turn, it would be Rodd's patience that would prove key.Sticking towards the inside, Rodd didn't panic and carefully picked his way through the field with Debt Collector out into the clear inside the 400m.
Letting down strongly Debt Collector set out after the leaders and quickly mowed them down hitting the front inside the 100m.Drawing away late, Debt Collector went on to score by two lengths with a further four-and-a-half lengths back to fourth.
For his last 400m Debt Collector was marked over seven lengths superior to his nearest rival and for his last 800m he was marked eight lengths superior — put simply it was like men against boys.
Over the years we have often seen one horse dominate the three-year-old ranks from Better Than Ever to Super Easy and more recently War Affair.From an historical perspective this current three-year-old crop is still a fair way behind however Debt Collector is quickly making up for lost time.
Prior to the Guineas we were yet to see the dominant three-year-old emerge, but that he did and in a big way.Debt Collector's performance saw him return a clear new career peak and continued his upwards rating spiral.
While not rated as high as the likes of previous winners there appears to be plenty of blue sky ahead for Debt Collector.Admittedly this is easily his stiffest test to date, however when assessing Timeform predictive ratings, Debt Collector looks well placed.
Given the two trials in the lead up, he appears in good order for his return as while safely held in both, he hit the line nicely.Leading rider Michael Rodd continues his association with the now four-year-old and from the inside draw he shouldn't be too far away.
Spanish Bay, Affleck and Eclair Choice look to control the speed with Nova Strike and Rafaello not too far away.While somewhat reliant on a solid tempo, Debt Collector can reel off a slick closing sectional and if within striking distance (2L - 4L) on straightening, he should prove very hard to hold out.
The Patrick Shaw trained Rafaello chases his fourth straight win following a very impressive performance in the Garden City Trophy last start.Successful in notching up his first stakes win, Rafaello is clearly racing in great heart and only has to repeat that performance to be right in the finish again.
The Cliff Brown trained Laughing Gravy is the big query runner as while obviously better over further, the improvement he displayed last preparation was nothing short of remarkable and he has to be kept safe on sheer class alone.A dominant winner of the QEII Cup [2000m] prior to a break he rates highly on best form and is sure to be around the mark late.
Of the rest the Patrick Shaw trained Eclair Choice appears the next best as while safely held in the Garden City Trophy, the return to WFA conditions leaves him well placed at the weights.In two attempts over this trip he has placed in both and a return to his best form sees him right in the finish.
Good luck and happy punting.
