Singapore Sling the One to Beat in the BMW Hong Kong Derby
Sunday: 8.35 Sha Tin, BMW Hong Kong Derby
There is little between the three market leaders, Singapore Sling, Exultant and Nothingilikemore coming in to the final race of the Hong King classic series. The highest rated in here Nothingilikemore is 6 from 8 of his career starts, in which he started favourite in all and odds-on in the last 6. On the ratings he is still rated well clear on 112lbs, 6lbs clear of Singapore Sling, but in reality thing are much closer based on recent results. He missed the break last time out in the Hong Kong Classic Cup, finishing fourth behind Singapore Sling. He did get a decent trip on the rail but failed to make up any ground against the winner when having a clear run to do so; this distance of 1m2f could be stretching his stamina too. At a best priced 9/2 he could have warranted interest to bounce-back. Being drawn in stall 13 of 14 is a big negative for a horse that likes to race close up behind the leaders as they will race around 2 turns and hit the first after just a furlong.
The step up to the Derby distance looks to suit the former Michael Halford trained Exultant. He improved on his fourth place finish in the Hong Kong Classic Mile with second place in the Hong Kong Classic Cup, doing his best work at the finish.
Exultant could make up ground on Singapore Sling in the Derby, but stall 12 is a negative, especially as that horse finished in front of him in the Classic Cup and has a great draw in stall 3 in today’s race. Singapore Sling is the logical choice with his two market rivals being handed poor draws wide. The former South African trained gelding showed nothing of the talent he has since moving to Hong Kong but his second place finish in the Classic followed by an authoritive win in the classic cup proves his high level of form and consistency. At a best priced 11/4 with the UK bookies he looks the bet here; he currently trades around 2.8 on the Hong Kong Tote.
Recommended bet
Singapore Sling, 11/4 Racebets
