Lightning to strike in Queen Elizabeth II Cup

Group racing returns to Kranji tomorrow with the running of the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup over 1800m, run at weightfor-age.

The race sees Kranji’s highestrate horse, LIM’S LIGHTNING, out to score four wins in succession.

LIM’S LIGHTNING has had a new lease of life since returning from Australia in March, scoring five times from his last six starts, including two impressive victories at the highest level.

The Daniel Meagher-trained gelding stamped his class in the Grade 1 Raffles Cup last time out, leading all the way to defeat a top-class field effortlessly by 3.70 lengths over 1600m, while stopping the clock at a slick 1min, 34.18 secs.

LIM’S LIGHTNING now sits atop the ratings at Kranji on 111 points which, under the same Weight-For-Age conditions tomorrow, stands him out in a big way, even if he’s unknown at 1800m.

LIM’S LIGHTNING’S biggest dangers are last year’s QEII winner TOP KNIGHT, who has returned to form at the right time, this year’s derby winner HARD TOO THINK, who turned in a slashing first-up run and will only improve more second-up but will likely be peaking for the upcoming Grade 1 Gold Cup (2000m), and last year’s Gold Cup victor BIG HEARTED.

Elsewhere, promising USbred colt EVEREST can go backto-back in the Class 4 race over 1200m on turf. EVEREST has shown above average ability with two wins and three placings from six starts.

He was last seen making all in a quality Novice race over this track and distance, winning in good time and by a healthy margin, while the handicapper treated him well for the win – he has more to come.

Meanwhile, trainer Mark Walker (59 wins) boasts a sevenwin lead over Michael Clements (52 wins), while apprentice jockey K Hakim (51 wins) leads both the apprentice and jockey premierships, with Danny Beasely a clear second place on 41 wins.

BEST BET Race 11

No 1 Lim's Lightning

VALUE BET

Race 10 No 12 Tuesday

JACKPOT Leg 1: 1, 3, 7

Leg 2: 7, 12

Leg 3: 1

Leg 4: 1, 4