3 minute read

The Stephen Gray trained No Fun No Gain chases the hat-trick on Friday night and appears very hard to beat in the sixth event at Kranji.

Tried against Singapore's best 3YOs last preparation, No Fun No Gain struggled up against that class, but has clearly taken full advantage of the drop back in grade this time in.

Returning off a 160 day break two back, No Fun No Gain led throughout in fast time, before taking a good step forward last start.

Ridden by Michael Rodd, No Fun No Gain only began evenly from the inside draw, before pressing on to hold his position fifth along the rail.

Popped off the fence passing the 700m, No Fun No Gain pulled his way into a stalking position, before peeled one of the widest runner on straightening.

Travelling well, Rodd let him rip inside the 500m with an immediate response from the four-year-old.

Displaying a sharp turn of foot, No Fun No Gain quickly took over inside the 400m, putting the race away in a few strides.

The Steven Burridge trained Lim's Passion stuck on fairly well along the inside, but was clearly no match, beaten 3.5L.

Despite giving weight away to all of his rivals, he simply gapped them with 7.3L back to third and 9.1L back to fifth.

Returning a Timeform rating of 83, No Fun No Gain brought up a new career peak and when adjusting for sectionals, No Fun No Gain again returned a figure in the mid/high 80s and can be followed with confidence.

Having only had the eight starts, No Fun No Gain has notched up four wins and profiles as a horse who can make the rise through the grades.

Gray has always held quite the high opinion of the son of Pins and he is now delivering on that early promise.

Admittedly, it's never easy rising 12 points in two starts (equates to a 6kg rise at the weights), however he is clearly trending the right way and should prove hard to beat.

The Cliff Brown trained Baffert shapes as the main danger, as while disappointing last start, his effort fresh was very good and a return to that level of form, should see him right in the finish.

At the weights he looks to get every chance and with Duric booked, he looms as a major threat.

Topweight Magic Wand continues to race well and while giving weight away, he is capable on best form and should get his chance from the middle draw.

Of the rest the Donna Logan trained Ironside appears the next in line.

Good luck and happy punting.