3 minute read
The Lee Freedman trained Heliosphere won well in his Singapore debut and appears poised to go back to back in the seventh event this evening.
Formerly trained by Gerald Ryan, Heliosphere displayed above average ability in Australia, placing in four of his five attempts.
On debut he finished fourth behind Group 1 winner Kementari before breaking his maiden status at Warwick Farm over the mile.
Rock solid in three subsequent performances, he came over to Singapore rated 96 by Timeform, a figure which would see him very competitive.
Off the scene for close to a year (358 days), Heliosphere was well prepped up for his Singapore debut, trialling twice.
On both occasions he was very impressive and looked to have acclimatised well to his new surroundings.
While the times on the polytrack can vary somewhat (pending weather), generally running close to a minute at the trials is good going.
Heliosphere ran 1:00.40 at his first before running 1:00.61 at his second, on both occasions he carried 66kg and looked to do it easily.
In Australia Heliosphere had the habit of being slow away, however Freedman appears to have ironed out that chink, with the four-year-old jumping with them and settling midfield under Grylls.
Although forced to travel three-wide, Grylls kept him comfortable and in a good rhythm.
Tracking Reach For The Sun into the straight, Heliosphere pulled one of the widest runners on straightening, before setting his sights on Copacabana .
Allowed to work through his gears, Heliosphere took over inside the 100m, before drawing away for a nice win.
While not a decisive margin (0.8L), there was a further four lengths back to third and given how the track played, he is expected to springboard right off that mark this evening.
Based on his best form when formerly trained by Ryan he has close to 4L in hand and there are certainly more wins in store.
His peak figures in Australia were achieved at 1400m, so he is sure to relish the step up in trip.
The rails draw could prove a bit sticky, however it should just see Moor be more positive to ensure he doesn't get locked away on the fence.
With 40 days between runs, Heliosphere has been back to the trials and couldn't have been more impressive, coasting to the line to score by four lengths.
This is obviously a step up, however he is expected to pass it with flying colours.
Stablemate Sun Marshal will be better over further, but still has to be kept safe in his Singapore debut.
Group 3 placed behind Heavenly Thought in the Grand Prix [2200m] at Doomben, Sun Marshal notably finished ahead of Dark Dream and is certainly a talent when right.
The booking of Vlad Duric is a decent push and he remains under strong notice.
The Donna Logan trained Shahbaa has won his last three straight and while dropping back in trip, he still has to be to respected.
An impressive winner over the mile two back, he has made rapid improvement in recent outings and although drawn wide, he still holds solid claims.
Of the rest the consistent Lord Of Cloud appears the next in line.
Good luck and happy punting.
