Course and distance suits Ablest Ascend

Luke Middlebrook

In the Class 4 1000m Handicap, handy sprinter Ablest Ascend, trained by Michael Clements, appears primed to score a first-up off a 64-day break. A four-time winner from 16 local starts, Ablest Ascend has not raced since finishing unplaced in late May when he had genuine excuses in running.

Jumping from the widest draw, he was involved in an early speed battle and caught three-wide throughout without cover. Given the frantic tempo set by those on-pace, it was no surprise to see him weaken in the straight, fading into 11th and beaten 9.75 lengths.

Boasting an impressive record of three wins from five starts at this track and distance, Ablest Ascend looks set to improve on that record after he won a recent trial in stylish fashion ahead of his return.

In a small field of nine this week, he appears very well placed to triumph at his second start back in Class 4 where he holds a formidable record of three wins and a second from six starts.

Meanwhile, in the 1400m Open Maiden contest, three-year-old gelding Montana Flash looks on track to shed his maiden tag.

Montana Flash debuted with a fast-finishing fourth over 1100m in Class 4 in early June before finding the opponents too strong at his second local start when finishing ninth in the Grade 3 Three-Year-Old Sprint. Returning to Class 4 third-up, he put the writing on the wall with a 0.50-length second over 1200m.

Montana Flash has since trialled well and based on the strength of his Class 4 runs he too is well placed in Open Maiden company. His main danger appears to be another three-year-old contender Engine Start, who has been knocking on the door in recent starts and can also give this race a shake.

Trainer Tim Fitzsimmons (36 wins) holds a two-win lead over Donna Logan (34 wins) on the trainers’ ladder, while Manoel Nunes (58 wins), who is sidelined through injury, has a 32-win lead over CC Wong (26 wins).

BEST BET

Race 5 No 4 Montana Flash

VALUE BET

Race 3 No 1 Captain Singapore

JACKPOT

R12

Leg 1: 1

Leg 2: 2, 3

Leg 3: 2, 4

Leg 4: 1, 3, 4

SINGAPORE RACE ANALYSIS – 31 July 22

RACE 1

1st Pick: LIM'S ZOOM (3)

On the quick back up after solid run last start where he was undone by the distance. Back out to a good distance at class five, a grade where he has only been beaten once.

2nd Pick: FIRST CHIEF (10)

Had his opportunity to win last week but much like Lim’s Zoom but didn’t handle 1000m. More ground looks a plus for him on the quick back up.

3rd Pick: FOUNTAIN OF FAME (6)

Narrowly beaten by Jungle King who went on to run well the following start. Rarely far away from the winner, big place chance.

4th Pick: WAR FRONTIER (4)

Solid performance last start back in grade despite racing keenly most of the way. Amongst this company, he should be in the finish.

RACE 2

1st Pick: LIEBESTRAUM (1)

Recent trial winner with mile form in behind Flashfast. He’s the proven horse at the distance and looks one of the major hopes.

2nd Pick: DRAGON TYCOON (3)

Not far away from Trident last start. Heads up to the mile for the first time but his runs to date have been very promising.

3rd Pick: MARIANA TRENCH (2)

Comes out of the same race as Dragon Tycoon and has been not far away from the winner in his last few. Racing well enough to win this in his first go at 1600m.

4th Pick: SOUSUI (9)

Runs have been good to date and the rise in distance should only improve his chances. Hails from the right stable to break through in a race over a mile plus.

RACE 3

1st Pick: BEN WADE (6)

Back to 1100m is crucial for this horse. He has had a few runs since returning from a short break and should be primed to run well here.

2nd Pick: KNIGHT LOVE (4)

Went sub 60 in recent trial and seems to be ticking over well ahead of this weekend, respect.

3rd Pick: LIM'S WISH (5)

Narrowly defeated last start and seems to be racing in good order, another win doesn’t look too far away.

4th Pick: HEALTHY STAR (3)

Stable in fine form, this son of Per Incanto finds a winnable race here if he puts his best foot forward.

RACE 4

1st Pick: WEALTH ELITE (1)

Scored an impressive win second up last start over 1200m here on the turf. Lightly raced over this distance in the past but is the highest rated runner of this division.

2nd Pick: OUR PINNACLE (3)

More than capable of surprising in this event. Both of his two career wins have come at this distance. Has since trialed nicely under Duric. Keep an eye on any betting support.

3rd Pick: CHAMPAGNE FINALE (11)

Has been up for a while this campaign but showed no signs of stress after a nice second placing behind Vgor last start. Does not mind the sting out of the ground either so keep an eye on track conditions come Sunday afternoon.

4th Pick: EIGHT BALL (5)

Honest galloper in this grade of racing. Had the run of the race last start behind Speedy Missile who was far too strong for that field. Meets a moderate lineup and finds himself in the right division of this race. Each way claims.

RACE 5

1st Pick: MONTANA FLASH (4)

Heads to maiden company for what you think should be an easy kill. Should be winning this.

2nd Pick: ABSOLUTE RADIANCE (7)

On paper going off his two runs to date, he looks the logical threat to the favorite. Has not done much wrong so far and if he doesn’t break through here, he’ll be winning very soon. One to follow.

3rd Pick: ENGINE START (6)

Has shown glimpses of ability in his open maiden runs to date. Requires a hot tempo to run on, hopefully he gets that this weekend.

4th Pick: MISSILE RAIN (1)

Steps out here for career start number six with two placings to date. Outside of the main three, he looks the next logical chance.

RACE 6

1st Pick: MALIBU BEACH (1)

Narrowly defeated last time out. Returns here again to a very winnable race and is proven to be able to carry big weights. One to beat.

2nd Pick: AUSPICIOUS DAY (8)

Smart ride saw him come to victory last start. Utilized the inside gate and was too smart for them, big danger.

3rd Pick: EXCEED NATURAL (5)

Narrow third placing last start coming from well back at the corner to storm home and be beaten under a length. Looks good pace for him again to do the same.

4th Pick: CIZEN LUCKY (10)

Worked hard to get the nose down where it counted last start but deserved the win. Keep safe in multiple just in case we see a repeat performance.

RACE 7

1st Pick: ISTATABA (2)

Drops back sharply in grade where she finished an eye catching second in Group Two grade against her own age. She has shown plenty of ability in her short career so far and a win is well in her reach this weekend.

2nd Pick: IN ALL HIS GLORY (1)

Continues to race honestly recording five minor placings in succession. Headlines the ratings for this grade and consistency should see him considered as a major player in this field.

3rd Pick: SPLIT SECOND (7)

Back to a suitable grade after going around at big odds in the Group One Derby last start. Form has been solid and if he finds himself on a wet track, he could be a surprise finisher.

4th Pick: SONG OF NATURE (6)

Lightly raced three-year-old who looks to have a nice engine under the hood when the race is run to suit. If he gets a genuine tempo early, he could really finish off strongly and add some value to the exotics.

RACE 8

1st Pick: ANPANMAN (6)

Won in superb fashion two starts back. Last start made up great ground despite being checked multiple times in the straight.

2nd Pick: LIM'S PRIDE (1)

Returning from let up. He has a 4kg claimer engaged taking weight off and is amongst division two company, must be respected.

3rd Pick: RICH FORTUNE (8)

Racing in consistent form at the moment and has been closing off well with low weights, a must for exotics.

4th Pick: BURGUNDY LAD (9)

Threw a shoe last start and copped major interference late. Yet to win a race but has proven at this grade in the past, place chance.

RACE 9

1st Pick: ABLEST ASCEND (1)

Speedy galloper who has lost his way a bit in recent runs. Trialed swiftly last week clocking a time of 60.39 over the 1000m on this surface. Three wins from five starts over the track and distance sees him as a leading contender.

2nd Pick: ROCKETSHIP (3)

Loves this distance and surface since winning her maiden late last year. Can be quite adaptable in running so she doesn’t have to necessarily lead to win. Should be hot speed early and her best sees her as a big danger.

3rd Pick: THE BULLET (4)

Racing first up for his second career preparation from our leading stable. Should appreciate the spell and has returned with a nice trial win. Fresh legs are always handy these days.

4th Pick: LIM'S PASSION (2)

Likes to settle back in the run as is his usual style of running. With plenty of hot speed early could set it up for one to finish over the top. Keep safe for any exotic bets.

RACE 10

1st Pick: WIND RHAPSODY (1)

Finds his way back to class 5 where he last recorded a victory over this distance back in September of last year. Yet to win on the turf in five tries but will appreciate the drop-in class for a stable who knows how to place them.

2nd Pick: DIAMOND MINE (5)

Racing well enough without winning in recent starts. Should be a speed influence and does his best racing up on the speed. His best sees him right in the finish against these.

3rd Pick: FATE TO WIN (3)

Recorded his second career win last start in strong style. Drops back in distance but should be nice and handy in the run again. Stable striking very well the last few months and watch any support in betting before they jump.

4th Pick: KING'S SPEECH (8)

Has recorded a win in the past over this course and distance. Finished a few lengths away behind Fate To Win last start and another performance like that will see him hitting the line in this.

RACE 11

1st Pick: SPIRIT OF BIG BANG (2)

Comes into this off the back of two minor placings in very strong form races. Just failed to hang on from his stablemate Prosperous Return who was very impressive and looks a big danger in this. Gets an in form 4kg claiming rider.

2nd Pick: SO HI CLASS (3)

Finds a very moderate Kranji Stakes A this weekend. His last two starts have been honest and drops back in distance where he has a solid record over the course and distance in the past. Keep safe.

3rd Pick: NEPEAN (1)

Finds one of the easier races he has contested for some time. Loves the distance where he has recorded four of his six career wins including one at Group two level. If it rains will only improve his chances.

4th Pick: QUARTER BACK (5)

Continues to catch the eye in recent starts coming from well back and finishing strongly. If he handles the seven-day backup look for him to be there in the finish.

RACE 12

1st Pick: AXEL (2)

Stable is in great form in recent months with this gelding helping their winning percentage. Finds a very suitable race this weekend and his record over the course and distance includes three wins and two minor placings from seven starts.

2nd Pick: LUCKY IMPERATOR (3)

Lines up this week six rating points higher than his last win back in April of this year over the same distance. Never too far away from the winner in recent starts and form is strong for this.

3rd Pick: SUMMER WIND (10)

Finally managed to grab that first win last start in a lower grade. Has been racing very consistently before that and should be up on the speed. Can run well at decent odds.

4th Pick: FORTUNE CHANGER (1)

Still a maiden here in Singapore and last few starts has been well supported in the betting. With some luck in running his previous starts are good enough to consider him a multiples player.