Racing: Newcomer Exceed Express shows speed

Newcomer EXCEED EXPRESS has a top chance of a winning debut on Friday.

The Laurie Laxon-trained two-year-old showed up well at Kranji yesterday morning when he went better than three-time winner DOUBLE STAR in his gallop on the Polytrack.

Ridden by Danny Beasley, Exceed Express clocked a fast 34.9sec after cantering one lap to limber up.

He pulled up without raising a sweat and looked mature for a juvenile.

Coupled with the fact that he won his recent trial, although not in a fast time, the New Zealand-bred gelding should give a top showing in Friday's Restricted Maiden event over the flying 1,000m on the Polytrack.

As a two-year-old, he gets in with only 49kg on his back, and that's another plus.

All he needs now is an inside draw.

In his trial, he led all the way without his rider flexing a muscle.

Trainer Mok Zhan Lun's UNIQUE ONE and GOOD NEWS also worked very well. Both stretched out with zest.

Unique One was taken out by Oscar Chavez for her 600m spin on the Polytrack in 34.2.

The three-year-old Australian-bred filly has had three starts, all good efforts.

She ran second in her debut, ruined her chances with a tardy start when fifth second-up and then finished third last start to impressive debut winner Day By Day in a fast race.

With the three runs under her belt, she should be spot-on.

Watch her in Friday's Initiation event over 1,200m.

The same for stablemate Good News, who also has had three starts.

But the three-year-old Australian-bred gelding won his second start after his debut second.

In his last start, he may have finished only seventh to Darci Charmer but that can be discounted. One fair run does not make a bad horse.

He should come back stronger.

Yesterday morning, he showed he meant business with a nice hit-out in 37.5 with Leong Yoon Fei astride.

Go each-way on him in Friday's Class 4 event over 1,200m.

This article was published on May 21 in The New Paper.

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