3 minute read

The Ricardo Le Grange trained Malibu Beach has looked the goods at the trials and should prove hard to beat on debut this Saturday.

Due to contest the second event at Kranji, the son of Malibu Beach has trialled twice for Le Grange, ridden by Duric on both occasions.

At his first outing, Duric buried him away on the inside, before only producing him late, cruising to the line under his own steam.

The overall time was solid enough and he notably carried 71kg.

At his second trial Duric elected to lead in the field of three, doing it easily scoring by just over two lengths.

Didn't beat anything, but have to like the way he went about it and he looks well set up to produce on Saturday.

Doesn't line up against any stars and wouldn't have to be that good to beat them.

The Ong trained Spearhead looks one of the hardest to beat and he's been safely accounted for at his last two starts, beaten 2.3L and 3.8L respectively.

We obviously don't have much of a line on how good Malibu Beach is, but the fact Duric has ridden him at both trials and sticks on Saturday, it is as good a push as any.

From the inside draw expect him to be fairly prominent early and could find himself leading with the lack of speed in the race.

If he lives up to his trials, he should prove very hard to beat.

We've already touched on Spearhead, he has shown fair ability in five starts and has drawn to settle closer from the inside draw.

If able to his form, he again shouldn't be far away.

The Mark Walker trained Happy Friday has placed in four of nine starts and did catch the eye last start when third behind What You Like.

He should appreciate the step up to 1200m and is sure to be strong late.

Of the rest the Tan trained New Garden appears the next in line.

Good luck and happy punting.