Pacific Commander to rule in Kranji Handicap

Singapore racing continues on Sunday featuring an 11-race turf and dirt fixture. Promising threeyear-old Pacific Commander is primed to go back-to-back when he lines up in the $50,000 Class 4 Handicap over 1200m on the Polytrack.

Trained by Jason Ong, Pacific Commander has been consistently performing well since rising to Class 4 six starts ago, securing an impressive win in this class last time out. In comparison to his previous starts, he settled much closer to the speed that day before drawing away in the straight, scoring by 3.25 lengths over this track and distance.

This week Pacific Commander finds himself in a highly winnable race where a few horses were easily beaten by him in his latest outing, so there is no reason why he cannot continue his winning ways.

In the $75,000 Novice race over 1400m on turf, keep an eye on the Jerome Tan-trained three-yearold Super Baby. This three-yearold is erratic but possesses ability. Although luck hasn't been on his side in recent starts, he has the potential to bounce back in a race like this.

Despite often racing wide (or extremely wide as has been the case) in his recent outings, he has still performed well. To have a winning chance, he needs to jump cleanly and the rider must ensure he finds a favourable position during the race. Barrier 2 should provide every chance for the jockey to map favourably.

Granted, Steven Burridgetrained Bakeel looks the one to beat on current form. The onetime winner from four has been consistent, last seen checking in runner-up in a handy Class 4 race, which should account for something here.

Under leading jockey Manoel Nunes, Bakeel will prove hard to beat, but Super Baby does appeal at a better price. - iRACE magazine