Oracle West runs with a good chance after plumb draw

Singapore: Sheema Classic second Oracle West has an excellent chance to go one better in Sunday's Singapore International Airlines Cup, after getting a plumb draw.

The Mike de Kock-trained gelding will go from gate five and should be perfectly placed to challenge in the S$3million (Dh7.23 million) renewal.

Regular partner Weichong Marwing will fly in to pilot Oracle West and connections played down suggestions the six-year-old would perhaps prefer a longer distance than the 10-furlong race at Kranji, revealing they had altered his work schedule.

"So far, so good," said assistant trainer Steven Jell of the local tote's 3/1 favourite. "He's continuing to go well and work as expected.

"We had him at his peak in Dubai at the Sheema as he showed by coming second to Vengeance of Rain, which is a very good horse.

"If we get him to run anything like he did at Nad Al Sheba that night he'll go very close. It's left handed here like in Dubai and seven of his runs have been that way so that track won't bother him."

Another horse familiar to Dubai racegoers is Haafd Al Maktoum Challenge Round II winner and World Cup sixth Kandidate.

Clive Brittain's game campaigner received the draw he wanted in gate one, where he will be able to lead from the front and make the running.

The 6/1 shot, who will be ridden by Eddie Ahern, has looked in great shape since touching down in the Far East and connections have left everyone in no doubt as to what their tactics will be.

"We're not going to hang about," said head lad Des Reape. "Hopefully he'll lead, he's got the draw.

"As seen in the Maktoum Challenge he's a very hard horse to pass once he gets a lead. Everything's going well, we just wouldn't want the ground to get too sloppy."

Japan's Cosmo Bulk, defending champion of the SIA Cup and 7/2 second favourite, worked well ahead of his run at an unprecedented double.