Together they form one of the more consistent partnerships as Shafiq Rizuan and Golden Sand Steed once again delivered the goods as they took out the $100,000 Class 2 JRA Trophy over 1100m on Sunday.

Up-and-coming sprinter Astrostar justified his short odds to win the Beau Brummell 2009 Stakes over 1200m on Polytrack on Friday.

Friday evening’s nine race card on the polytrack was highlighted by some excellent performances from lightly raced types who should progress in coming weeks.

The G2 E W Barker Trophy has been on the Kranji calendar since 2002 and in ten runnings we have seen seven times the winner carrying a lightweight.

Trainer Patrick Shaw was on cloud nine when he saddled the quinella of the Singapore Gold Cup six years ago, but he remains down-to-earth about any chance of lightning striking twice with another duo in the time-honoured showpiece this Sunday.