3 minute read

The James Peters trained Grand Koonta returned in a big way last start and appears poised to bring up the hat-trick in the ninth event at Kranji this evening.

Facing his stiffest test since arriving in Singapore, Grand Koonta steps up to Class 3 company, but is expected to take it all in his stride.

Only lightly raced, Grand Koonta began his career in the UK under the care of Clive Cox, winning one of his eight starts.

Not disgraced in Group 2 company as a two-year-old he arrived in Singapore rated 90 by Timeform, though worth noting there is a fair bit of WFA in that figure.

A handy second placing in his Singapore debut, Grand Koonta easily justified his heavy market support ($1.60) at his next start, when winning comfortably over 1200m.

Given a great steer by Daniel Moor, Grand Koonta returned a Timeform rating of 72 and proceeded to take a good step forward last start, winning easily by 3L.

Ridden by Michael Rodd, Grand Koonta was always in firm control after landing in the 1X1.

Let trip inside the 300m, he put them away in a few strides and returned a Timeform rating of 76, with a hint of more to come.

Given 34 days between runs, Grand Koonta has since been back to the trials and looked in fine fettle, coasting to the line under Michael Rodd.

They ran decent time and he appears in good order for this assignment.

When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Grand Koonta sits clear and with further improvement expected, he should prove too good.

The Cliff Brown trained Threeandfourpence creates plenty of interest, stepping out for his Singapore debut.

Formerly trained by Aidan O'Brien, he placed in four of 10 attempts, including two wins.

Rated 111 at his peak by Timeform, he is a serious horse, though unlikely to be at his top over 1200m.

Nonetheless, he has won a trial in good style in the lead up and if forward enough, expect him to make his presence felt.

The Shane Baertschiger trained Paparazzi can mix his form, but is more than capable and has to be kept safe.

Often a sectional star due to his racing pattern (backmarker), Paparazzi closed off well behind Biraz last start and while likely to get back again, he should be strong late.

Of the rest the Michael Clements trained Safeer appears the next in line with "Smoking" Joe Azzopardi aboard.

Good luck and happy punting.