Glen Boss has been talking up Countofmontecristo's Kranji Mile chances after the barrier trials on Tuesday.

The high praise the Australian jockey lavished the Michael Clements-trained star with after he won his trial could not have been more flattering.

Boss saw echoes of a similar workout that eventually led to Lim's Cruiser going back-to-back in the Lion City Cup (1200m) last May.

It's a big call to make given that Countofmontecristo has not won a race for 20 months - last of the Echoes Of Heaven five-year-old's seven wins came in the Jumbo Jet Trophy (1400m) in September 2017.

"The last time the barrier trial was that good before a big win was when Lim's Cruiser won the Lion City Cup," Boss said.

"Lim's Cruiser trialled unbelievable in the lead-up and Countofmontecristo gave me the same unbelievable feeling this morning.

"He had the blinkers on. We stand nothing to lose, he reacts to them, which is good.

"He sat quiet in fourth and he just put it away when I asked him. It was a great trial.

"I've ridden him at his last three starts now, and I can tell you this horse has reached his peak at the right moment."

Boss said he would still head into the race on May 25 with an open mind about tactics even if his daring gamble to come from behind nearly paid off in his last start when runner-up in the Chairman's Trophy.

"He's always been chased down, and I thought why not be the one to chase down that day," said Boss.

"We almost pulled it off. That doesn't mean we'll stick to that in the Kranji Mile, a lot will depend on the draw, the speedmap and so on, but at least we have that option now.

"Debt Collector and him are the two best local horses in the race. Without a doubt, Debt Collector is the better horse, but my bloke is a close second.

"The one advantage my horse has is he will always put himself into a winning position no matter what, whereas for Debt Collector, he comes from off the pace, and like any horse that runs this way, they need a bit of luck on their side."