3 minute read

The Michael Clements trained Marikh destroyed them at the course and distance last start and looks well placed to go back to back at Singapore on Saturday.

Due to contest the seventh event, the son of Smart Missile makes the jump from maiden company to a Class 4, but is clearly trending the right way.

Lining up at just his fourth start, Marikh has improved with every performance and clearly appreciated being ridden to lead last start.

At his first attempt at a mile, he travelled well for Duric and while under siege at the top of the straight, he quickly dropped them when asked for the supreme effort.

Racing away he went on to score by four lengths and looked to have a bit more in hand.

Ryan Munger takes over and is striking at just shy of 20 per cent with the Clements' stable.

Certainly isn't easy making the jump to Class 4 company, but looks very well treated by the handicapper and the middle draw should allow him to find the front again.

With a few cheap sectionals in front, he should prove hard to gun down.

The Stephen Gray trained Hard Too Think bounced back to form at this course and distance last start when second behind Royal Pavilion.

He returned a new career peak on that occasion and like him kept fresh (28 days) with Kok sticking aboard.

From the soft draw he is expected to adopt a prominent role and if able to hold his form, if not improve further, he should be right around the mark.

Royal Pavilion finished ahead of the former last start and while rising 2.5kg, he still appears capable.

Of his four career wins, two have come on the turf track and while likely to get back from the wide draw, he should be very strong late.

The Cliff Brown trained Centenary Diamond is prone to mixing his form, but has to be respected with the booking of Duric.

A winner of three of his 21 starts, he has good ability on his day and is a noted at this course and distance.

He hasn't won in over 500 days, but if he gets it right, he has to be included.

Good luck and happy punting.