3 minute read

Star galloper Mr Malek can confirm his position as one of the best in the land when set to line up in Sunday's Group 1 Singapore Derby.

Already Group 1 and Group 2 placed, Mr Malek has displayed plenty of ability and had few concerns bringing up career win number eight in the Group 2 Stewards' Cup last start.

Formerly trained by Lee Freedman Mr Malek won six of his first 10 starts with two of his defeats coming at the hands of superstar galloper Inferno.

Rated 105 by Timeform when finishing second in the 2020 Group 1 Lion City Cup [1200m] he stamped himself in the top echelon.

Failing to produce at his final start for Freedman Mr Malek was spelled before joining Burridge's team.

Rated 98 in his return behind Kharisma he improved to run a Timeform rating of 99 second up.

Already a Class 1 winner over a mile, Mr Malek has already shown his versatility and as expected  improved further in the Group 2 feature.

Ridden by Harry Kasim, Mr Malek enjoyed a lovely run in transit, settled fourth one out-two back.

Clicked up entering the straight he peeled to the centre and set out after the leaders.

Letting down well he joined in at the 200m before racing away to score easily by a length and a quarter.

Rated 105 by Timeform he equalled his previous best with a hint of more to come.

A winning figure of 105 is right on the average for the last five years with War Affair the highest rated winner of the event in recent times.

Rated 121+ in 2015, War Affair was just a different beast.

The step up to 1800m is the unknown but he gives the impression it will suit and with even luck he is clearly the one to beat.

The Michael Clements trained Big Hearted shapes as the clear danger having worked home strongly last start.

When adjusting for sectional mark ups there was only a pound between the pair which sets up a thrilling clash in the Derby.

Already a winner at 1800m this has always been his main target and with Duric sticking aboard he should prove hard to hold out.

The Ricardo Le Grange trained Rocket Star started favourite in the Stewards' Cup last start but failed to fire a shot.

Going into that with 42 days between runs, he may have needed it and a key switch with Danny Beasley going aboard.

His performances in both Group 1 events prior leave him well placed and he deserves another chance.

Of the rest the Mark Walker trained Savvy Command appears the next in line.

Good luck and happy punting.