3 minute read
The James Peters trained Grand Koonta was impressive in his maiden preparation in Singapore and appears well placed to make a winning return this evening.
Due to contest the final event, Grand Koonta remains in Class 4 company and while rising 3kg, he is still the one to beat.
Only lightly raced, Grand Koonta began his career in the UK under the care of Clive Cox, winning one of his eight starts.
Not disgraced in Group 2 company as a two-year-old he arrived in Singapore rated 90 by Timeform, though worth noting there is a fair bit of WFA in that figure.
A handy second placing in his Singapore debut, Grand Koonta easily justified his heavy market support ($1.60) at his next start, when winning comfortably over 1200m.
Given a great steer by Daniel Moor, Grand Koonta returned a Timeform rating of 72 and has a fair bit of blue sky ahead of him.
Off the scene for 72 days, Grand Koonta has been given the sole trial in the lead up, finding the line well under Daniel Moor.
Not asked to do much in the straight, he stopped the clock in 1:00.87, fairly slick work over the 1000m.
Leading rider Michael Rodd takes over and expect him to be fairly positive from the wide draw.
When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Grand Koonta sits well clear and while unlikely to be at his top, he still should prove too good.
Generally these imports improve at their second preparation and as a result, he should have too much in the locker.
The Mark Walker trained Sacred Guru continued his good run of form last start and looms as a major threat with Woodworth sticking aboard.
A winner of two of his 18 starts, he has placed on a further five occasions and like the fact he comes into this on the fresh side (35 days).
Sacred Guru finished second behind Grand Koonta three starts back and now meets him 1kg better off at the weights.
With race fitness on his side, he is expected to make a good race of it.
The Dan Meagher trained Lim'S Knight has finished second at his last four starts and is clearly knocking on the door.
Just gunned down late last start, he should look to roll forward from the wide draw and give them all something to gun down.
Of the rest the Leslie Khoo trained Shoot Up High appears the next in line.
Good luck and happy punting.
