3 minute read
The Michael Clements trained Celavi disappointed in her return but appears well placed to bounce back at Kranji on Saturday.
Set to contest the Group 3 Merlion Trophy, Celavi was unable to salute as favourite first up however her performance had more merit than meets the eye.
A winner of six of her 11 starts, Celavi was beaten just over a length and is expected to show good improvement second up.
At her best when able to find the front they elected to take a sit last start which I feel worked against her.
On Saturday she has drawn one of the widest gates though I don't feel that is a hindrance as a wide draw can be beneficial for speed horses.
Rather than being dictated to by horses on your outside it allows you to get into a nice rhythm and take your time coming across, as opposed to having to kick up and hold other horses out.
In some cases you can get caught out on a limb however she has enough speed to cross this field so I don't see that happening.
Given this is a feature event Clements would have always had this race in the back of his mind and left a bit in the tank for her second up.
When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings she actually appears well placed off her first up run and with further improvement anticipated she looks the one to beat.
The Stephen Gray trained Kharisma has won five of his eight attempts on the polytrack and has been a model of consistency this preparation.
Drawn the widest gate it will be interesting to see what Lerner elects to do but he is very versatile and should be able to go with the flow.
A narrow winner last start over 1200m he produced a peak performance and if able to repeat he looms as a major threat.
The Tan trained Nowyousee has lacked that killer punch in the last 12 months, however he is rarely far away and all seven of his career wins have come on the polytrack.
He closed off well behind Kharisma last start and while not overly suited at the weights, he still has to be included.
Of the rest the Dan Meagher trained Lim's Dream appears the next in line.
Good luck and happy punting.
