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Sydney import Altair stamped himself as a worthy 4YO contender after he defeated a handy Class 2 field at his first run on turf at Kranji on Saturday.

The former Sydney one-time winner and Kranji three-from-four winner (all on Polytrack) was rising in class after last scoring in Class 3 company on New Year's Day, but took it all in his stride with a fluent win in the 1200m race under a confident ride from Benny Woodworth.

Trainer Mark Walker confirmed he had locked in the Singapore Four-Year-Old Challenge as his next target, with all three Legs on the cards despite having won only up to 1200m at his new turf.

With his only Australian win recorded over 1550m at Canterbury when then prepared by Sydney premier trainer Chris Waller, Walker was not worried about plotting a path right through to the last Leg over 1800m, the Group 1 Singapore Derby on April 18.

"I was not worried about the turf today as he's won over 1550m on turf at Canterbury," said the three-time Singapore champion trainer.

"But there is also a little bit of speed about him. He can really ping out of the gates, and we'll take him through the 4YO series.

"This is the best way to ride him, settle third or fourth. Benny is going really well and is part of the team now."

Beginning from the widest gate in 11, Altair  ($29) was quick to take a handy posie behind leader Autumn Rush (Simon Kok Wei Hoong) while $15 favourite and last year's 3YO star, the resuming Top Knight (Vlad Duric) was in his customary rearward spot biding his time.

But as heads turned for home, it became increasingly clear that Michael Clements' rising star had his work cut out. With the fitness edge on his side, Altair was clearly travelling better when he hit the front, and with a pull of five pounds between the two, the mission looked impossible.

Top Knight pinned his ears back and bravely tried to cut down the margin, but could only bring it down to one and one quarter lengths.

Loyalty Man got stuck into it late to finish third another neck away. The winning time was 1min 9.77secs for the 1200m on the Short Course.

"The horse relaxed nicely for me. He was lengthening up around the bend, but was right on the heels of Simon's horse (Autumn Rush)," said Woodworth.

"Once I reached the straight, I took my time, I didn't want him to hit the lead too early. Once he passed Simon's horse, he was too good."

This fourth win from five starts has now seen Altair's prizemoney reach around the $150,000 mark for his owner Hsi Jar-Yi.