With one-eye firmly on the International weekend which kicks off next Friday, tonight’s card from Singapore does lack some Class, but nevertheless some very competitive racing from the 10 races on offer.
True, some of the Class 5’s do look raffles – and a couple of ‘claimer rider only’ races make finding the winner even more tricky – but a rose between the battlers thorns is race 8 on the card, a Kranji Stakes C sprint over 1200m. BAHEN, undefeated at two Singapore starts, looks a very nice type and will likely start favourite after knocking off the smart RUNNING TALL last time out. The son of TALE OF THE CAT carried 58kg that day and with only 56.5kg to carry at the race conditions today, looks a serious winning hope. But he is up against some quality opposition and the Arexevan-owned TRUDEAU should keep things honest after he broke through for his first win in Singapore last time out. That win, in what was a similar affair, certainly good enough to think he can win again and with form around the likes of BETTER LIFE and SHUTTLE MAN, TRUDEAU might be worth following to bigger and better races. The race has depth and some solid Poly sprinters in MACAU, TROPICAL FOREST and SQUALL LINE are certainly in the mix with value to be found in CASH DOT COM and COUNTRY CLUB making exotics a terrific option.
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Best Bets; PRECISELY (race 2, win), JOY LUCK (race 4, win), JET ACE (race 6, win).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 7 (1, 2, 3, 4,6), race 8 (5 and 6), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 11), race 10 (4, 5, 7, 8).
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Race 1
Selections; 1 ENZO – 7 SPECIAL ACCOUNT – 6 CABRERA – 3 VANQUIS
Not a particularly strong Class 5 to start the programme and as such a good Class dropper like ENZO appeals. Although knocking in his only win on the turf over 1400m, he has shown more than enough this trip/track in Class 4 to win this. SPECIAL ACCOUNT’s recent form is very good for a race like this – with his racing style he will need some luck in running but he is a five time winner over the distance and should be closing quickly at the finish. CABRERA resumed after a short break with a sound effort for 3rd, he is somewhat of a professional place getter but he should get on the pace and usually puts in an honest effort. VANQUISH is drawn out but he gets back and runs on, his form is also consistent. BIONIC WARRIOR is well drawn and fought on strongly last start, he is improving with each run since resuming in March. 1200m is PEGASUS VICTORY’s absolute limit but he is well drawn and has a light weight – there is no natural leader in the field and he could get an easy run. QUI EST LA was trapped wide last start and ran on well, as did ZAC WARRIOR.
1 ENZO *** Now back in Class 5 after several respectable class 4 efforts. With reasonable draw should be able to get near lead and run on well. Big winning show. 4.50
2 SEASONS WONDER ** Resuming but better suited over longer trip but should be running on late. 100
3 VANQUISH *** In very good form and unlucky not to win again last start – can make amends. 5.50
4 ZAC WARRIOR ** Not the easiest horse to ride but ran on well last start and has some chance. 6.00
5 BIONIC WARRIOR *** Not far way last start and from gun alley should be on the pace all the way. Good chance with tote a good indication. 10
6 CABRERA *** Caught wide and fought on well last start. If he gets away will be right in this. 5.00
7 SPECIAL ACCOUNT *** Broke through last start with support and previous form sound – will need luck but bound to be charging home late. 6.00
8 PEGASUS VICTORY ** Well drawn here and if ridden on the speed could improve on last effort, though 1200m is his limit. 14
9 QUI EST LA ** Ran a good even race last start and was not far away. This distance suits and if he can get away well should be right in the finish with blinkers off for this. 14
10 SILVER LINING ** Last run better than the result and will soon this grade but is better suited on turf and over longer. 25
11 SUN ENTERPRISE * Resuming after returned lame last start but suited on poly at this distance. 50
12 TOP HAPPINESS * Drawn wide and wants it longer. 60
13 THANKSGIVING * Not a million miles away last start, but no, thanks. 50
14 NAPOLEON B ** Excuses last start (tied up), speedy type who is well drawn so can follow. 20
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Race 2
Selections; 8 PRECISELY – 2 STARLITE SHOWER – 9 SHIN GOONG – 3 GOLDEN DOMINATO
A race where the quality falls away sharply after the top four or five contenders. PRECISELY has raced well at his only two starts and the Moreira/Laxon combination gets another chance to knock in a winner here. STARLITE SHOWER has changed stables, his recent runs have been on turf, and he goes much better on the Polytrack and is well drawn. His recent trial suggests he might show plenty first up. The logical danger is SHIN GOONG who showed plenty despite racing greenly at his only start where he was supported. GOLDEN DOMINATOR gets back but runs on and he goes well on the Polytrack. DIAMOND QUALITY failed on turf last start but he too has good Polytrack form. HARUTO BOY put in his best effort last start and could be an improver. The stable mate, LADIES FIRST went well enough at her first outing to suggest a chance in this field. If the emergency ANCHIETA gets a start, despite being drawn wide, she has plenty of good trial form.
1 HARUTO BOY *** Backed up solid run with a much improved effort last start and gets his chance here. 5.00
2 STARLITE SHOWER *** Resuming after change of stables and back to a more suitable distance. Trialed well recently and from good draw could show up. 8.50
3 GOLDEN DOMINATOR *** Also has had a change of stables but still cannot draw an alley. Trialled well recently and last two runs have him knocking on the door and could show up fresh. 12
4 DIAMOND QUALITY *** Caught wide last start, has had plenty of chances, but has drawn well and if he can race on the speed could be in contention late. 30
5 DOMINATOR ** Ran on fairly last start when resuming. Should be improved further. 30
6 I’M SUPERMAN * Nothing super so far. 50
7 DEFENCE ADVISER ** Raced very greenly at first start and will benefit from the experience. 33
8 PRECISELY *** Two runs have been sound and gets his chance to break through here. Hard to beat. 2.00
9 SHIN GOONG *** Showed plenty despite being forced wide at first start. Should race well. 5.00
10 LADIES FIRST ** Improved performance last start when battled on well after being caught wide. Can improve again. 30
11 CHINA ROULETTE ** Improved at recent trial but might need the outing – tote good guide. 50
12 SONIC BLAST * First start. Trials OK but will benefit from experience. 50
13 ANCHIETA ** First start not the worst and has shown plenty in subsequent trials with blinkers and pacifiers applied. Poorly drawn but should race well if he gets a start. 30
14 KING FLIGHT * Failed over 1600m last start and has shown little in other starts. 100
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Race 3
Selections; 2 GYPSY STAR – 1 BIDABULL – 3 GUERRERO – 4 GLIMMERING
Luck will likely play a part with maiden runners over two tight turns. GYPSY STAR gets back and runs on, so 1600m will suit as will the switch back to the Poly. Her form good enough to win this. BIDABULL has been placed 7 times in 9 starts and deserves a change of luck, this field is not over-strong and despite the wide draw Danny Beasley should be able to get him a sit just off the pace and have him run on well. GUERRERO has had three runs back from a long spell, from his draw, and with the advantage of the claim, he should be on the pace all the way. GLIMMERING is likewise well drawn, and despite this being his first attempt at both poly and 1600m, he is expected to run well. WAR CRUSADER battles away, and whilst his best efforts have been on turf the presence of Barend Vorster in the saddle instills some confidence. DOLCE VITA is still a maiden after 33 starts but his recent form is good and gets a chance to break through in an ordinary field. CHINESE TYCOON has to be taken on trust over the distance, SUBDUE may get a soft lead and could be difficult to run down, and Moreira will be magic if he can get ELYSIUM to do his best. The emergency SUPER VELOX has been mixing distances but he will be a chance if he gets a run.
1 BIDABULL *** Very consistent, and whilst awkwardly drawn, deserves a change of luck. 2.80
2 GYPSY STAR *** Runs on well so mile suits and back on Poly a good move – big show. 5.00
3 GUERRERO *** Third run back from spell, well drawn and with claim, should get on the pace and run on well. 6.00
4 GLIMMERING *** Good work in Class 4 last start suggests he can break his Maiden status soon. Well drawn and should be able to sit on the speed all the way. 5.00
5 CHINESE TYCOON ** Winkers on, on trial at the trip but recent form gives him a chance. 12
6 WAR CRUSADER ** Maiden whose best runs have been on turf but with senior rider on board and if ridden on the pace could be in the finish. 20
7 JALIETTE * Form poor and needs to improve. 200
8 SUBDUE ** Has got speed and from the gate should lead, but best form has been on grass. 40
9 I LIKE * Did not like him when he was NOTHEREFORNOODLES. Still don’t like. 100
10 ELYSIUM ** Runs the odd good race and maybe Moreira can get him to produce. 12
11 DOLCE VITA ** Has been trying for a long time, 33 starts, but form has picked up since stable change and this distance suits – keep safe. 30
12 RIEUSSEC MAGIC * 27 starts without a major result and not getting any better. 33
13 SUPER VELOX *** Has been mixing his distances but would be a good chance if he gets a start. 7.00
14 NEWFOUNDFAME * Battles away, but outside draw does not help. 50
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Race 4
Selections; 2 JOYLUCK – 4 BAY OF ISLAND – 7 BOWIE KNIFE – 5 ZAC NIRVANA
Joyluck loves this grade, track and distance (six wins over 1600m and one over 1700m). He charged home last start over 1200m and should be doing the same here but with a result. BAY OF ISLAND should have won last start and is bound to get a perfect run behind the leaders, the question is will his rider be strong enough in the finish. BOWIE KNIFE is better in Class 5 but his last run was good enough to have him rated a chance here. ZAC NIRVANA gets a strong rider in Vorster and that is what he needs to show his best. SOLID WOOD’s recent form is poor, but he could get a nice lead here and be hard to run down. Moreira is on the one-pacer GOLDEN HAWKEYE and whilst his best form is on turf his only two wins are over the mile. COOL CAT is a three-time winner but is much better on turf, and SAMURAI HORNET is suited by the track and the journey.
1 COOL CAT ** Poor run last start and while goes OK on his day, prefer others. 30
2 JOYLUCK *** Showed last start why he has to be respected on this surface and step up in distance a winning move. 3.00
3 SOLID WOOD *** Led and folded last start, but much better than that and rapid improvement would not surprise. 8.00
4 BAY OF ISLAND *** Just nutted last start and should race well, whilst claim and draw will help, strength in finish may be a query. 3.00
5 ZAC NIRVANA ** Last win was in similar race with senior rider aboard and gets that situation here. 10
6 GOLDEN HAWKEYE ** Had enough runs under his belt this campaign to think he can show something with Moreira a factor. 10
7 BOWIE KNIFE *** Ran a bold race in this class last start and if given his way in front could go very close. 6.00
8 SAMURAI HORNET ** Back to more suitable distance and is generally around the mark in these. 10
9 KING WASHI * Maiden who needs to improve. 100
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Race 5
Selections; 1 ROMAN KNIGHT – 7 TORNADO WIN – 9 WHO ELS – 6 RECYCLE TRIUMPH
An extremely ordinary race full of highly unreliable horses. ROMAN KNIGHT is a maiden but he charged home over 1200m at his last start and he has placed over the mile so distance no issue. In fact he looks like he has been waiting for this trip and with blinkers on expect a very solid race and can breakthrough. TORNADO WIN is suited by this distance on the Polytrack and with Stephen Baster to steer from barrier one he has an undeniable chance. EIGHTH AVENUE is down in the weights and is also suited by the distance and the track – even better, he actually knows how to win which is more than most of the field. A senior rider in Barend Vorster (terrific record on this horses) has been put on WHO ELS and in a race without any natural leader he should be able to sit on the pace and be running on strongly at the end. RECYCLE TRIUMPH is another that knows how to win and if he can get across from his wide barrier he too should be able to sit on the pace, though he has been racing over shorter distances and 1700m may be a question mark. The gay deceiver OIL BARON can never be ruled out in these, LIANG KEE is second run up from a spell but is suited by the distance, and Moreira gets another chance to work some magic on the very disappointing JACK.
1 ROMAN KNIGHT *** Maiden who charged home over 1200m last start for close second. Blinkers go on and gets his chance in this field over more suitable distance. 3.50
2 JACK ** Recent form poor but this distance, plus engagement of top rider may help. 16
3 LIANG KEE *** Second run back from spell and with blinkers on from good draw over suitable distance should show improvement – keep safe at value. 16
4 OIL BARON ** Gay deceiver who is liable to surprise in what is a weak race. 16
5 TRAP * Good second four starts back, but subsequent efforts have been woeful. 50
6 RECYCLE TRIUMPH *** Sharply up in distance but has won over 1600m and has been running on at recent starts. 7.50
7 TORNADO WIN *** Drops back from 2200m, blinkers and tongue tie go on, suited this trip and track and from the good draw should be right in the firing line. 4.00
8 ROYAL BRAT * Handy Class 5 stayer but much better suited on turf. 20
9 WHO ELS *** Significant jockey change as rider suits and should be running on – good each-way chance in this field. 12
10 LONG FENG * Yet to be placed in 14 starts. 33
11 EIGHTH AVENUE *** Proven over this trip, has no weight and recent form is sound. Strong chance. 5.00
12 TIC TOC ** Battles away and this is weak enough for him to be considered a place chance. 33
13 ETERNAL FLY * Remains a maiden after 26 starts. Does not fly. 50
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Race 6
Selections; 5 JET ACE – 8 MIRACLE BAY – 2 PERWIRA – 7 ASANTI
JET ACE looks the easiest option to put as the on-top selection but is no good thing in a race with depth. The NO EXCUSE NEEDED 3YO was impressive winning on debut and certainly lost no friends doing it relatively tough from a wide gate for a narrow defeat last time out. He has drawn badly again today but expect a very aggressive ride from go to whoa and whoever beats him probably wins. As mentioned he was the easy option and you can make a case for most others with MIRACLE BAY and ASANTI likely improvers after showing plenty at their respective first runs back from spells. Add PERWIRA – he wins soon in Class 4 on what we saw first run back after a bleeding attack – with value galore elsewhere with the likes of last start winner, MIGHTY CREATION, the consistent CHILLI, MOON’S FAIRY and BOSS CAN I CAN to name just a few. A good race but the Moreira factor on a young nice horse takes some beating.
1 LIGHTNING MAC ** Blinkers removed as he drops back to winning grade and improvement expected at value. 40
2 PERWIRA *** First up run after bleeding attack showed why he wins sooner than later this company. 4.50
3 MIGHTY CREATION *** Turned around some poor form this grade with a solid win and pay to follow similar affair. 8.00
4 MOON’S FAIRY *** Showed last start why she is a solid each-way option and pay to follow. 15
5 JET ACE *** Backed up strong debut win with a narrow defeat this company and can make amends today. 2.50
6 CHILLI *** Foot on the till and drifted to terrific odds last start so pay to follow. 8.00
7 ASANTI *** Flew home late in first run for a long time and should improve with that run under his belt, goes close. 8.00
8 MIRACLE BAY *** Has plenty of pace and very much appreciates the run back after spell and gate one – big show. 8.00
9 BOSS CAN I CAN *** Excuses last start not to finish closer and certainly worth some thought at likely good value. 30
10 THAT’STHEONE ** Winkers on and always thereabouts so pay to include somewhere. 50
11 FUKU ICHIBAN ** Goes OK on his day and capable of a cheeky run. 40
12 DECOUPER * Reassess Class 5. 200 13 GOOD BOSS ** Wide gate an issue but usually thereabouts. 20
14 STRATA STAR * Resuming sans blinkers. No. 200
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Race 7
Selections; 2 DEN – 3 SPIDER KING – 1 KUKAI – 4 MR BEAN
This race looks top heavy with those at the top of the ratings likely to get the support and be fighting out this claimer riders only finish. DEN has shown more than enough at his two runs this campaign to think he is due to win again in what is a suitable race. But he is a battler so no good thing and last start winner SPIDER KING obviously comes under notice as does KUKAI who showed last start – his best his dropping to Class 5 – that he is also ready to win. Of the others, MR BEAN did enough late to think he is coming into his own – keep safe – with SILVER LEGEND also a solid each hope at what is oddly his first attempt on this surface over 1200m.
1 KUKAI *** Showed what he is capable off in this grade last start and wins sooner than later. 4.00
2 DEN *** Two good runs this campaign suggest he is ready to win. 3.00
3 SPIDER KING *** Had looked due before good win last start and pay to keep following this company. 3.50
4 MR BEAN *** Wide gate a concern but excellent work late last start suggests he has something to offer. 6.00
5 LUCKY SUN ** Supported last start on a wet track and will work home as usual toady. 30
6 SILVER LEGEND *** Backed up overdue maiden win with a nice placing at odds – can place again. 10
7 PASHA KHAN ** Beaten a long way into second at his last start and maiden status an obvious concern. 20
8 ZAC COMMAND ** Goes OK on his day but obviously needs to lift on recent couple of efforts. 30
9 HIGH MILLENNIUM * Head-gear removed and no. 200
10 SPECIAL SOLDIER ** Hit the line OK two starts back and some hope on that effort. 40
11 FLEET FOOT * No. 200
12 SUPER RETURN * Upgrade to blinkers but not going well enough to consider. 200
13 DAN NOBLE ** Last start better and certainly worth some thought dropping back to 1200m. 20
14 REVERSE TAKEOVER *** Also back in distance but in super form and not far away from a result. 5.00
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Race 8
Selections; 6 BAHEN – 5 TRUDEAU – 2 TROPICAL FOREST – 8 CASH DOT COM
As always, this Kranji Stakes C Poly sprint looks a beauty with some in-form horses on their way up against the usual suspects who make these affairs very interesting indeed. And while a few at the top of the ratings in MACAU, TROPICAL FOREST and SQUALL LINE keep them all honest, it is hard to go past a couple of last start winners in BAHEN and TRUDEAU. BAHEN in particular has hit the ground running since arriving from Australia with just ‘OK’ form to his name but he stamped himself a very nice type beating the well though of, RUNNING TALL, at his last start. The fact he drops 1.5kg from that winning effort suggests he has plenty to offer and you would like to think he is the one to be on. In saying that TRUDEAU has promised plenty and showed last start that this type of race could be his winning caper. To be fair, the EXCEED AND EXCEL entire has more strings to his bow than Poly 1200m, but winning form this trip and surface means plenty when you face a very solid field like he does today. Apart
from those mentioned earlier – with particular attention to TROPICAL FOREST – it will pay to keep CASH DOT COM and COUNTRY CLUB safe at likely very good value as they have plenty to offer in this type of race.
1 MACAU *** Did it hard enough from wide gate last start to give another chance to show his best here and win. 5.00
2 TROPICAL FOREST *** Blinkers back off but last start good enough to win back on his preferred surface. 12
3 SQUALL LINE *** Continues to run well without a result and right in this again. 4.00
4 WONDER ** In terrific form but better winning option over longer. 30
5 TRUDEAU *** Showed last start why this surface and trip might be his caper – big show again. 5.00
6 BAHEN *** Down a couple of kg after strong Graduation win and can make it three from three in Singapore today. 3.00
7 TRAVERTINE ** Backed up good win with a solid placing similar affair to this but might need longer to be serious winning threat. 12
8 CASH DOT COM *** Looks ready to win a race like this at odds and keeps the fancies honest with gate one a bonus. 30
9 COUNTRY CLUB *** Excuses last start and usually holds her own in races like this – keep safe at value. 30
10 FAT KING * Back in trip and happy to wait for longer. 100
11 GREAT LIGHT ** Knocked in deserved win last start and pay to respect although this is obviously tougher. 20
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Race 9
Selections; 2 SHINY LION – 7 SKY PROTEGE – 11 INCREDIBLE HULK – 8 VITALICO
For a ‘battlers’ affair over 1700m on the Poly, this field has plenty of depth and should be a cracker. Finding the winner looks a very tough ask so while HIGH FLY MARCO, TAKESHI and OBLIVION are all in fine form and have their respective hoofs well and truly on the till, they are obvious choices so for value in a even field I have looked elsewhere. SHINY LION Is the Class dropper and could surprise. He won four starts back in this grade over 1900m on this surface so, while unplaced since in Class 4, he should improve lengths and can win. SKY PROTEGE also has very little good form heading into this but on go blinkers – that’s a plus – and on goes Moreira. Watch for support and a very bold run. With an honest clip expected
throughout you may also want to have a long look at INCREDIBLE HULK at value – he is going OK and will be flying late – with VITALICO looking like he is back to his honest self and will be thereabouts at the business end from gate one. Do your very best.
1 HIGH FLY MARCO *** Rarely runs a bad race, due, this looks perfect but maiden status an issue. 4.00
2 SHINY LION *** Significant drop to winning Class and one of the leading hopes. 20
3 TAKESHI *** In terrific form and obviously one of the main winning chances again. 4.00
4 HAPPY SHINKO ** In solid each-way form and happy to follow. 12
5 ALL THE BEST ** Best work late last start after costly start and certainly good enough if things go his way. 20
6 OBLIVION *** Very close at last four and has to win soon. 3.50
7 SKY PROTEGE *** Form reads badly but blinkers back on and suitable trip suggests support and can win – watch. 6.00
8 VITALICO *** Back to his usual honest best and in this a long way from gate one. 12
9 HAPPY MORE * Better than he has shown of late but needs to find a few lengths before we consider. 100
10 CAN’T TOUCH ME ** Did it tough last start so run better than the result but bad gate makes this tough. 30
11 INCREDIBLE HULK *** Will be flying late and this race may favour swoopers – can win. 30
12 WONDER GENERAL * Form OK and blinkers removed but big query stepping up in distance. 100
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Race 10
Selections; 4 GOLDEN TREE – 7 GRIGORA – 8 SCANDAL – 5 NO REASON
With four last start winners in this race the betting could get interesting and hopefully also provides value for our top pick – GOLDEN TREE – who comes into this with a ‘9’ in his form book. But that ‘9’ was a lot better than it looks as the run looked soft with excuses and was first up after a six month break. Prior to that he had had nine starts for a win and four places with some of those good runs in company that has been franked. He will win in this grade and hopefully can show his best today in what looks a winnable race. As mentioned his main dangers come from the last start winners with the tote being the best guide on the chances of GRIGORA
and SCANDAL stepping up maiden wins and SIR FLEETWOOD after his Class 5 win. The other last start winner, NO REASON, looks a solid option given he is proven in this grade and loves the Poly. Of the rest, CHARLY B is thereabouts but may be a ‘gay deceiver’ and KOBE TOP GUN will be flying late and appreciates the drop in Class.
1 KOBE TOP GUN ** Class dropper. Wide gate no concern as will be flying late and while better winning option over longer it will pay to keep safe. 30
2 ROTORUA * Appreciates first run back but would have liked to see more. 30
3 I RULE THE WORLD ** Very much appreciates first run in Singapore and is the improver – watch for stable support. 10
4 GOLDEN TREE *** First up run much better than the result in the book and gives this a shake if on his game. 6.00
5 NO REASON *** Drawn awkwardly but showed last start why he is always a strong each-way hope in Poly sprints. 6.00
6 CHARLY B ** Always competitive but should have won in Singapore before this. 8.00
7 GRIGORA *** Maiden win strong enough to think he handles the rise in Class – respect. 4.00
8 SCANDAL *** Had always shown ability so win last start no fluke and worth following on this surface. 4.00
9 SIR FLEETWOOD ** Took a drop to Class 5 to win last start but was competitive prior in this company so can include in exotics. 8.00
10 CHUN DOONG * Happy to wait for longer/easier. 200
11 CARRY THE FLAME * Looked to have ability last preparation but showed little first up and prefer to watch. 100
12 HEARTS * Maiden resuming and while he showed he was competitive in this company he might find it tough today from wide alley. 50 13 DOUBLE S ** Won three starts back in this grade and can include somewhere if he gets a start. 20
14 HOWGOODISTHAT ** Form better than it reads this type of race. 40
Race cards and Larry Foley’s synopsis follows and for updates on all runners go towww.kranjiracing.com
Please note the odds listed are “reference odds” only.
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