3 minute read

A key rider switch leaves the Shane Baertschiger trained Master Sommelier well placed to break through at Kranji on Sunday evening.

Due to contest the fourth event, Master Sommelier is looking to break through at start number 16, having placed in four of his last five starts.

Only narrowly beaten at this course and distance two back, Master Sommelier was again game in defeat last start, when closing off well behind Ricvelo.

Kept on the fresh side (29 days), leading rider Vlad Duric legs aboard for the first time, a key push on Sunday.

From his last 350 rides, Duric is striking at 22 per cent and just shy of 20 per cent when teamed with the Baertschiger stable.

The awkward draw is a bit of a hindrance, but trust in Duric to weave some magic.

When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, he looks very well treated and if able to hold his form, he is sure to be in the finish.

In four attempts over the mile he has placed in three  and is certainly knocking on the door.

Always hard to be overly confident with a horse who is yet to win from 15 starts, however he looks to have turned the corner this preparation and a win isn't far away.

Will need his fair share of luck, but if the tempo is on, he looks hard to beat.

The James Peters trained Fountain Of Fame is yet to break through from 17 starts, but he too looks to be on track.

He wasn't beaten all that far behind Ricvelo last start and should get a lovely run from the inside draw.

In what was his first attempt at the mile, he should draw good benefit from that hit-out and looms as a major threat.

The Donna Logan trained Qiji Star simply got too far back last start and has to be kept safe from the inside draw.

While prone to mixing his form, he is capable when right and has to be included.

Of the rest the Tim Fitzsimmons trained Intrepid appears the next in line with the winkers going on for the first time.

Good luck and happy punting.