3 minute read
The Cliff Brown trained Hardcore was very impressive first up and appears poised to go back to back at Kranji on Friday night.
Due to contest the fifth event, Hardcore faces his biggest test, but is expected to pass it with flying colours.
An impressive winner over 1800m prior to a break, he returned with a bang over 1400m, when over-coming a few obstacles in the straight.
Although only a narrow winner, it's easy to make a case he should have won by further and appears very well placed down in the weights.
A winner of three of his eight starts, he chases the hat-trick on Friday night and really like him kept fresh (61 days).
Loses Michael Rodd (due to the weight), but looks to get a lovely run from the inside draw and shouldn't be too far away.
Kept ticking over in a recent trial, he found the line well under Michael Rodd and appears in fine fettle for Friday's affair.
Unlike a majority of his rivals who appear to have leveled out, he is on an upward spiral and is trending the right way.
When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, he rates top off his Class 4 win last start and while it's never easy making the jump to Class 3, he appears destined for better company.
Always need a touch of luck with horses likely to get back, however if he gets the breaks, he should prove very hard to hold out.
The Steven Burridge trained Dinghu Mountain bounced back in a big way last start when finishing second behind Altair.
Backs up quickly (9 days) off the back of that and if able to repeat that level of performance, he has to be respected with Simon Kok sticking aboard.
The Mark Walker trained Time Lord has been very good in both starts back this time in and should be right at his peak racing third up.
A multiple winner over this trip, he has drawn to get a lovely run and has to be kept safe.
Of the rest the James Peters trained Mr Hooper appears the next in line.
Good luck and happy punting.
