3 minute read
The Mark Walker trained Countofmontecristo is one of the best horses in Singapore and he gets his chance to confirm that in Saturday's Group 1 Raffles Cup.
An impressive winner fresh Countofmontecristo has been game in defeat at his next two starts and should be right at his peak racing fourth up.
He did finish behind both Aramaayo and Top Knight in the Kranji Mile, but was simply too close to a hot speed there.
Drawn to get a soft run this time, he looks to receive all the favours and on best form, he rates top.
Key jockey switch as well with Louis-Philippe Beuzelin back aboard, he has won two of three attempts.
Like him kept fresh (28 days) and he has placed in six of 10 attempts over the mile.
From 13 attempts in Group 1 company, he has placed in five and is certainly overdue for a win.
The Michael Clements trained Top Knight won the Derby narrowly last start and only looks to have to repeat that level of performance to be right in the finish again.
Sets up well off that dropping back to the mile and the wide draw keeps him out of trouble.
His form at the mile is elite, he just needs even luck in running and he looms as a major threat.
The Shane Baertschiger trained Aramaayo disappointed in the Derby last start, but is clearly better than that and is worth another chance.
Since kept fresh (35 days), he has trialled well in the lead up and a return to his best form, should see him right in the finish.
Really not sure what happened last start, but trust Baertschiger to get him right.
Of the rest the Lee Freedman trained Minister appears the next in line.
Wasn't disgraced behind Top Knight two back in the Derby and he should adopt a forward position from the inside draw.
Has won four of five over this trip and he is expected to give a bit of cheek out in front.
Good luck and happy punting.
