Singapore Friday Preview

As the countdown continues to the Singapore International races on May 20, the turf track gets a well-earned breather with all 10 races this Friday on the Polytrack.
And with most the stars also having a break with May duties in mind, the two-year-olds get a chance to share the spotlight in the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale Open (race 5).
The $100,000 up for grabs in the sixth leg of the 2YO series suggests things get serious early and the connections of SMART DRAGON will be hoping their charge can go one better than he did on debut and win today.
On that day he ran into what looks a good one in SUPER GOOD and with natural improvement likely, the HIDDEN DRAGON gelding can win.
It is an open affair though and RISING EMPIRE also placed second at his debut with KEEPING THE FAITH and DRAGON WISH also likely improvers after solid debuts.
Of the debutantes, word from the track is that RED RIVER ROCK – from the Pat Shaw stable – is looking good for a very forward showing and worth watching the tote to see if the RED DAZZLER gelding is ready for a first up win.

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Best Bets; SPEEDY AHEAD (race 2, win), DAAD’S THE WAY (race 7, each-way) and AFRIEND (race 10, each-way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9) race 8 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 10), race 9 (1, 6 and 10) and race 10 (1, 2, 3, 5, and 7).

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Race 1

Selections; 2 SAVILHRO – 9 BLUEBERRY POWER – 11 RAPID REWARDS – 1 HIS MY IDOL
The usual tough Class 5 to open the programme. SAVILHRO is a Class dropper and he won his Novice over this distance on the Polytrack, with Opie Bosson riding, blinkers, and the gun alley, he should be hardest to beat. The veteran BLUEBERRY POWER is resuming and was in good enough form last campaign to think she might just return with all guns firing. RAPID REWARDS has run 2nd at his past four starts and is due a change of luck – he should get a nice sit on or near the lead and run on strongly. HIS MY IDOL is another class dropper and whilst this may be too short, he could be the one storming home late. CONQUEROR is in great form, but he likes to lead and from the draw he will find that difficult, though he did win from an outside barrier three starts back. Others that like to be on the pace but drawn wide include Moreira’s mount, WHYDOYOUASK and the disappointing BEYONCE can also show speed when she is in the mood. MY SACRIFICE ran his best race ever last start and WINNING DAN, SKY PROTEGE and SOLID IMPACT can be considered for exotics.

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1 HIS MY IDOL *** Back in Class 5 and whilst this is not his ideal trip could be very strong at the end – keep safe. 20
2 SAVILHRO *** Drops in Class and won his Novice this trip. Blinkers on first time, good trial, Opie and the ace draw give a strong signal to improvement fresh. 5.25
3 SINATRA * Has not raced for a year but recent trials could have him fit for a nice first-up run although further better. 50
4 SKY PROTEGE * Caught wide and ran on well over 1100 last start. Best form is over longer but could surprise. 20
5 SOLID IMPACT ** Jockey reported not striding out last start when disappointing with support – previous run was good so pay to watch. 12
6 MY SACRIFICE ** Ran his best race last start and if he can reproduce has a chance from decent alley. 30
7 HAPPY RAINBOW * Has speed but usually disappoints. 20
8 BEYONCE ** Speedy filly who has been very disappointing before OK effort last start. Has no weight and could get a soft run if she can get across. 16
9 BLUEBERRY POWER *** Resuming and looks a super winning show if she did get a run. 16
10 CONQUEROR *** Badly drawn but racing with great zest and should give a good sight again. 5.00
11 RAPID REWARDS *** Has been runner-up at past four starts and deserves a change of luck. Bound to be in the finish again. 3.00
12 WHYDOYOUASK *** Not far away last start. bad draw doesn’t help but has top rider aboard. 6.00
13 WINNING DAN *** Always some hope this type of race and keep safe if he gets a start. 16
14 WONDER GENERAL *** Backing up from last Friday and looks ready to win again. 16

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Race 2

Selections; 5 SPEEDY AHEAD – 4 MOOVA BULLET – 3 BURN IT UP – 9 RADIANT MOON
A collection of horses with very little or no revealed form, and of those with known form not a great deal to instill confidence. As such a horse that has trialed as well as SPEEDY AHEAD looks a very good thing. His recent trial behind ECLAIR MYSTIC was very smart and he should be heavily supported and run accordingly. How short is the question but should win. Of the raced horses MOOVA BULLET raced well at debut and whilst it was not a particularly strong race nor is this (bar SUPER EASY). Whilst BURN IT UP probably wants it longer, he is well-bred and a nice type and the fact he has been heavily supported at both starts suggests he has more to offer. RADIANT MOON trailed OK behind a subsequent winner and that has to be taken into account. CALIFORNIA KID has got a ton of speed but has knocked up quickly at previous starts. BREATH OF SUCCESS has not done much but he does have race experience and ONYX, and ALWAYS A WINNER have done enough at the trials to be considered for the exotics.

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1 CALIFORNIA KID ** Ran wide and knocked up last start when resuming. Speedy type who should be improved for the run. 20
2 BREATHOFSUCCESS ** Ran on well at first start back from spell. Has had five race starts and should be ready to show more. 20
3 BURN IT UP ** Has been very disappointing with support but obviously well thought of by the stable so pay to keep safe. 12
4 MOOVA BULLET ** Excellent first-up run and should be right in it from good draw. 3.50
5 SPEEDY AHEAD *** Trials have been very good and engagement of top rider indicate a bold first-up effort. Hard to beat. 1.40
6 FANSOM * Put on rodeo exhibition at last start. No. 200
7 LADY EMERALD * Needs experience. 100
8 ONYX * Trials fairly and well drawn, but prefer to see. 40
9 RADIANT MOON ** Most recent trial placed second behind subsequent winner so worth some thought at debut. 30
10 ALWAYS A WINNER ** Won trial in slow time with market best guide. 33
11 G STRATEGIST * Yet to show up in trials. 50

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Race 3

Selections; 2 TERMINATOR – 4 BM WIN – 5 LUCKYATSUCCESS – 3 ANAVILA
A very even Class 4 with plenty of chances. However, TERMINATOR is very smart, he raced greenly and won last start, resuming with blinkers added, and Oscar Chavez should be able to have him in or near the lead most of the way. He looks good enough to make it three-from-three.
BM WIN doesn’t know how to run a bad race, but he inevitably finds trouble – if from the number one alley he can stay out of strife this could be his for the taking. Moreira partners up with LUCKY AT SUCCESS on who he has won in the past – from the good alley he should also be able to sit on the speed all the way. CALIFORNIAN GIRL is drawn out in the bleachers along with fellow speedsters ZAC HEAVEN and TENTENWIN. They should make the first 200m very interesting. ANAVILA is racing very consistently and if Saravanaa can get a sit at the back of the speed he could finish it off very strongly. The 4YO mare MAKKURA is an interesting runner – she won an ordinary maiden in the wet at her only start in NZ, but she has trialed nicely and could go well first-up. TOP PRIORITY has been off the scene for a year but he was a pretty smart 2YO and won well at his last start, whatever he does he will lead to improvement.

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1 CALIFORNIAN GIRL ** Could not get near lead last start but fought on well in high quality race. Wide draw here will not help. 12
2 TERMINATOR *** Unbeaten colt who raced greenly last start but still won well. Blinkers on, resuming after short break but from good draw should go close to winning. 4.50
3 ANAVILA *** Held up last start and ran on well. This is much easier and well weighted with the claim – always an each-way show. 10
4 BM WIN *** Never runs a bad race but often finds trouble. Drawn ideally and should race well again. 4.00
5 LUCKYATSUCCESS *** Last two runs have been excellent and engagement of top rider bodes well for his chances. 4.00
6 MAKKURA *** 4YO mare who won a minor race on a heavy track in NZ at her only start. Has trialed well behind subsequent winners Flying West and Emerald Hill. Blinkers on, good draw and could be primed for a big first-up effort. Watch market. 12
7 TOP PRIORITY *** Resuming, can be a problem at the barrier but smart type who won impressively at last outing. Could race well fresh. 12
8 ZAC HEAVEN *** Speedster who is racing in top form and while won doing it tough wide last start, will need some luck after drawing badly again. 12
9 GEORGE * Resuming. Last two runs ordinary but jockey reported not striding out, previous form good and if right could show up. 50
10 SHINKANSEN * Likes to go forward, trapped wide last start and could have same problem here. 25
11 TENTENWIN * Speedy type not helped by wide gate today but coming off a nice run. 25
12 WEOWNA FLYER * Maiden who hasn’t shown up in four starts since coming from Selling Plate company in UK. Longer. 50
13 FUKU ICHIBAN * Can run a cheeky race in this company and a chance if he gets a start. 20

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Race 4

Selections; 5 FULL SITE – 3 AGENAIS – 1 THE CINDERELLA MAN – 2 RARE EARTH
A tough race with plenty of chances in which punters may have to place faith in horses either with respect to excuses last start, or achieving things they have not done before. FULL SITE found the journey way too short last start, and has always looked as if he will be suited at the mile. His Restricted win two back was good enough to win in this company. AGENAIS has had five starts on the Polytrack for two wins, a third and was close up in the other two. The mile will be no problem and he should be the one to beat. THE CINDERELLA MAN came back tied up in his action last start, his previous form was sound and he can be given another chance. The blinkers go on SEACREST, he has drawn well, and he has won three times over this trip – he could be the knockout hope. Of the others, CHINA EAGLE is coming back to a suitable trip and is well drawn, and ZAC NIRVANA and RARE EARTH are usually thereabouts in these types of races.

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1 THE CINDERELLA MAN *** Reportedly not striding out last start, go on good win at previous start on this surface. 5.00
2 RARE EARTH *** Usually around the mark but has trouble winning. From the good draw, should be thereabouts again. 11
3 AGENAIS *** Good effort to win last start, consistent and wont be far away again. 4.50
4 ZAC NIRVANA ** Found 2000m too far last start but previous efforts over this trip have been sound and the allowance will help. 20
5 FULL SITE *** They went too fast over 1100m last start, yet to be tried over a mile, but with top rider aboard should race well. 3.00
6 MAGIC MOMENT * Two time winner in Japan who ran a good fourth two starts back before ordinary effort last time. Take on trust. 40
7 ETERNAL WIN ** Can be a problem at the start, but this distance suits and should be running on late. 16
8 KAEPEEYAI ** Tongue-tie comes off. Grand old grey horse who is usually running on strongly and has to be respected on current form. 14
9 SEACREST ** Blinkers on and has won three times over the mile. Well drawn and should get a good sit just off the pace, but Class 5 might be his caper. 12
10 CHINA EAGLE ** Well drawn and should be running on late – keep safe. 10
11 MONTE CRISTO ** One pacer who knocked in a solid win last start. This is harder but could figure if there is genuine pace in the race. 16

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Race 5

Selections; 10 SMART DRAGON – 6 RED RIVER ROCK – 7 RISING EMPIRE – 4 KEEPING THE FAITH
These 2YO races are getting tougher by the week, as more of the babies make their appearances. SMART DRAGON did nothing wrong at his first outing, he is well drawn again and should race close to the speed. RED RIVER ROCK is a nice type trained by Pat Shaw and to be ridden by Greg Cheyne, despite his outside barrier he could race well and has looked nice at the training track. Moreira is on RISING EMPIRE who was well beaten at his only start but should have benefited from the experience. KEEPING THE FAITH showed plenty of speed at his first outing, but raced very greenly, he should be improved by the experience. DRAGON WISH missed the kick but ran on nicely behind SUPER GOOD last start – once again he has drawn the rails and hopefully this time will take advantage of them. Of the other debutantes, ZAC APPEAL and SALTLAKE CITY are both bred for speed and their trial form is such that a market watch is in order.

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1 DRAGON NINETYNINE * Fair trial in slow time, but prefer to see. 33
2 DRAGON WISH *** Missed start and put in good effort at first start and from the number 1 alley should race well. 4.50
3 EDGE OF GLORY * Not shown up at trials. 50
4 KEEPING THE FAITH *** Tongue tie on to help him breathe. Showed plenty of speed at first start but stopped quickly. Could improve sharply. 10
5 OASIS SPUR * Blinkers on for debut, trials only average. 33
6 RED RIVER ROCK *** Nice type, who trials OK, awkward draw but could show up with market a good guide. 10
7 RISING EMPIRE *** Well beaten at only start, but should be improved and goes very close. 3.10
8 RORY * Did not show up at trial. 50
9 SALTLAKE CITY * By good 2YO sire but did not do much at Official trial. 25
10 SMART DRAGON *** Good run at first start and with natural improvement should be hard to beat. 3.00
11 ZAC APPEAL ** By Exceed and Excel. Blinkers on, trial only average, but could be a speedy type from the good alley. 12

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Race 6

Selections; 1 GATEAWAY – 4 REAL GOODMAN – 12 MAHA VEERAN – 10 SUPER KNIGHT
This looks a race in three or four with a couple of crucial claims at the top of the weights up against Joao Moreira on his minimum. Joao will ride MAHA VEERAN for trainer David Hill at 51.5kg and given this perennial Class 5 campaigner put in a solid effort at his last start, has drawn perfectly in gate three in what is a very weak field; he must be a big show. But we do like Class droppers and GATEAWAY will win in this company sooner than later and although drawn wide today, we think sooner. The SHAMARDAL 4YO blew both the start and his chances at his first run back in this company but usually has enough pace to think he can cross from the wide alley and get a good enough run to have every possible chance. REAL GOODMAN is in fine form and he certainly looks ready to break his maiden status. His last two runs have been super and expect him to be doing best work late. Of the others with any hope on form, I think SUPER KNIGHT appreciates the drop back to this distance and is worth a look with NINTH AVENUE also worth keeping safe given he would win a race like this if near his best.

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1 GATEAWAY *** No chance last start when supported after butchering start – can overcome gate and win this. 6.00
2 QUI EST LA ** Showed last start he will be more than competitive this company – watch for support. 20
3 WING WARRIOR * Wait for longer. 100
4 REAL GOODMAN *** Last couple have been excellent and wins soon on those efforts. 3.50
5 STRIDE METEOR * Impossible to have on current form. 20
6 NINTH AVENUE *** Form reads just fair but this field is weak and if within striking distance late he must be a hope. 8.00
7 URBAN LEGEND * No. 100
8 MIDLIFE CRISIS * Better than what he has shown of late but have to take on trust given recent form. 20
9 DECISIVE ** Showed last start he can be involved with blinkers and will add value to exotics. 50
10 SUPER KNIGHT *** Struggled late over the mile last time out but previous form has him one of the main chances in this. 5.00
11 THAT’S MONEY ** Very disappointing not to have placed since good first up win in August last year but pay to include somewhere. 20
12 MAHA VEERAN *** Not far away from the winner last start when wide throughout and certainly looks to have found a winnable race today – big show. 3.50
13 ZAC COMMAND * OK on his day but easy to ignore from a wide gate. 50
14 FLEET FOOT * No. 200

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Race 7

Selections; 2 DAAD’S THE WAY – 1 SOLID WOOD – 3 CHIEF SECRETARY – 4 FAT BOBO
A very even field makes finding the winner extremely difficult. But the fact some horses with seemingly poor form look perfectly set for this suggests there could be value to be found. Case in point are the two horses at the top of the weights – SOLID WOOD (57kg) and DAAD’S THE WAY (56kg) – who both come into this with ‘duck eggs’ featuring heavily in their respective recent form lines. But DAAD’S THE WAY in particular has shown more than enough over unsuitable shorter trips at his three runs this campaign to think he is ready to show his best and a win would not surprise. It is also worth noting those three runs have been since moving to Bruce Marsh’s stables and the Kiwi trainer would have been keen for a good look at the horse before stepping up to what is his preferred trip. SOLID WOOD was disappointing last start (with blinkers back on) but he certainly has more to offer and this race is suitable. I like the Danny Beasley booking and from gate one I expect a big improvement. CHIEF SECRETARY looks an obvious choice (and with Moreira on board he may be set upon by favourite backers) but plenty of other hopes including FAT BOBO, SCARED EMBLEM, EIGHTH WONDER and FOUNTAIN to name just a few.

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1 SOLID WOOD *** A tad disappointing last start when blinkers went back on but better than that and gets a good chance here with winning hoop from gate one. 5.00
2 DAAD’S THE WAY *** Has a few nice runs under his belt as he steps up to what is a very winnable distance – big show. 5.00
3 CHIEF SECRETARY *** Has been in very solid form of late and must go close here from a fair gate. 3.50
4 FAT BOBO *** Form better than it reads and has to be respected in what is a very even race. 6.00
5 SACRED EMBLEM *** Hard to fault form and showed two starts back he handles the surface – another to keep safe. 8.00
6 IRO OTOKO ** Disappointing last start but usually honest and KB Soo a plus. 12
7 DARING SPLENDOUR ** Could not go on with it last start but obviously some hope on good effort two runs back. 30
8 EIGHTH WONDER *** Up in Class but last start win strong enough and previous Class 4 form good enough to follow. 8.00
9 FOUNTAIN *** Form reads badly but Poly form is good and worth some thought back on this surface at value. 30
10 GOLD RUN ** Poly run two back OK and mile suits – value runner and worth following. 20
11 ENERGETIC WARRIOR * Best run was over a mile on the Poly but needs it easier than this. 100

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Race 8

Selections; 3 TARANKALI – 1 ILUMINADO – 2 SAMURAI PHOENIX – 4 MY RACE
From the top weight to the bottom – all winning hopes in what is a cracker of a race. TARANKALI looks ‘most likely’ though after his narrow loss to the very much red-hot-in-form NANDOWRA last time out. The Irish-bred 6YO just doesn’t win enough to be a good thing but his form since his maiden Singapore win in October last year has been very good and he looks hard to beat. ILUMINADO was impressive enough last start to get his jockey a 3 month holiday and the form from the Stipendiary reports usually holds up well. Matt Kellady – who rode the BODY GLOVE 4YO to a win three starts back – is back on and from a nice alley he should be right in the thick of this finish. And with so much depth to this race he is the type of horse that can provide value and might be a good punting option on the day. As mentioned there are plenty of other serious winning hopes with SAMURAI PHOENIX certainly looking the part of late and a horse to follow with MY RACE another horse that often provides terrific each-way value and well worth a look. You can’t pick them all but it may pay to keep DARING FIGHTER safe down in the weights as the race may suit his swooping style.

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1 ILUMINADO *** Query on ride (and subsequent holiday) last start and looks hard to beat in what is a suitable race. 5.00
2 SAMURAI PHOENIX *** Starting to hit his straps and very much appreciates this company with gate one a bonus. Big show. 3.50
3 TARANKALI *** In terrific form and narrowly beaten by a good one last start similar affair – can win. 2.50
4 MY RACE *** Excuses for only bad run of late and worth a solid each way look in a race with many chances. 20
5 FAT KING ** This field is strong but can ignore last run over shorter trip as this distance is his caper and will be competitive. 12
6 FORGIVEN ** Looked to have every chance last time out but usually thereabouts and keeps a few honest from the nice alley. 7.50
7 MARAETI ** Should lead but might just struggle late in this good field. 30
8 QUINTA DE LAGO ** Competitive on his day but might just be looking for something easier than this. 30
9 STEADFAST WARRIOR ** Not far away last start similar affair and worth keeping safe but perhaps a better option on the turf. 30
10 DARING FIGHTER *** Wide gate no problem as will get back and not the silliest chance as race should suit swoopers. Value. 20

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Race 9

Selections; 1 PALOMBARO – 6 DRAGON SPIRIT – 10 EATONS GOLD – 4 DANZIG ROCKET
While a few look capable of winning at their best in what looks a solid but unspectacular field, I think PALOMBARO and DRAGON SPIRIT are the two to concentrate on. DRAGON SPIRIT is a progressive type who more importantly picks up a sizable cheque for connections more often than not. And his last start win – albeit in Class 4 company – certainly good enough to think he gives a very good account of himself and can continue his trainers (Theo Kieser) good run of winning form in 2012. But PALOMBARO has the runs on the board and looks the horse DRAGON SPIRIT has to beat. In fact when you consider his seven career wins have all been on the Poly and 1000m certainly looks his caper, the RUSTY SPUR 6YO might just take up the running from the widest gate and not let them in with a sniff. Of the rest, EATON’S GOLD looks an interesting runner with blinkers added for the first time – watch tote – and DANZIG ROCKET is a horse that will be more than competitive on his day in this type of field. If it does get silly out front (see IRISH LIGHTNING)you can expect SARATOGA to come into his own late with RISING EXPECTATION one to keep an eye on at likely value.

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1 PALOMBARO *** Never looked likely in Open Class last start but every chance back this company – goes close. 3.00
2 BE A MAN ** Did it tough last start so can forgive and win two back was on this surface – value in exotics. 30
3 RISING EXPECTATION ** Last couple ordinary but switch back to Poly a good move and often great value – keep safe. 30
4 DANZIG ROCKET ** Fair enough effort last start with 58kg so appreciates the relief and certainly not the worst here. 20
5 SURPRISE SURPRISE * Hard to have. 100
6 DRAGON SPIRIT *** This field tougher than what he met last start but that win – and good form prior – strong enough to follow with support likely. 2.50
7 RECYCLE WORLD ** Drawn well and certainly has ability but might be better suited longer to show his best. 40
8 SARATOGA ** This looks to short but showed three starts back same distance that he can come into his own late. 10
9 AWAKENED ** Freshened since disappointing run with jockey reporting something amiss last start – keep safe and pay to follow longer. 10
10 EATONS GOLD *** In good enough for to think he comes under notice with blinkers on first time and top hoop engaged. 6.00
11 IRISH LIGHTNING ** Drawn well and has speed so keeps a few honest. 30
12 GENOVA AT WORK ** Last start competitive but blinkers off today and might be looking for easier company. 40

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Race 10

Selections; 2 AFRIEND – 3 POWERPAC – 1 WILLIAMS – 7 JUST NINI
A nice race to finish the card and while there looks a couple of progressive types and a nice Class dropper in WILLIAMS, I think AFRIEND can win first up after a break. The fact he hasn’t won since June 2010 is an obvious concern but he was definitely ‘due’ prior to his spell and the break is probably just what he needs to get back into the winners circle. He should get every chance from gate 5 and has won first up before and each-way value would be just what the punting doctor ordered. But one of those ‘progressive’ types mentioned earlier is POWERPAC who was backed like there was no tomorrow on debut. J Saimee had to ‘carry’ him late to win but that run coupled with blinkers added should see him supported again and a win would not surprise. Joao Moreira goes on-board the Class dropper, WILLIAMS – expect support and a big run with JUST NINI, although obviously disappointing with heavy support last start, worth another look with HUMOUR TOWN some hope with luck from the bad gate.

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1 WILLIAMS *** Just the odd good run of late but a significant drop to Class 4 suggests he shows plenty. 3.00
2 AFRIEND *** Resuming after an uncharacteristic poor run can win first up in what is a suitable race with a nice recent trial under his belt. 7.00
3 POWERPAC *** Won at debut with heavy support and while a narrow margin it was a gap to third and can win again with blinkers added for this. 3.00
4 BUNKER TROUBLE * Needs to find the fairways. 100
5 HUMOR TOWN *** Have to respect last start winners but drawn badly and will need some luck early. 8.00
6 ALPHA DYNAMIC ** Resuming after bleeding last start and pay to keep safe first up as he was looking OK. 25
7 JUST NINI *** Cooped very late check last start but looked to have every chance as odds on fave and have to take on trust. 5.00
8 STEVEN ** Last couple ordinary but an exotic option this type of race as a rule. 50
9 GERMAN ROULETTE ** Not far away last start at a very long quote – include for value again. 40
10 SAHORO ** Competitive on his day but looks to need Class 5 to win. 40
11 SAMURAI KID ** Drawn the ace and competitive last start but another who looks to need it easier to win. 50
12 HAPPY ENDING ** Placed at long odds last start and no reason to think he wont be in the mix again after drawing well again. 30
13 KINGTRAP * Goes OK on his day but nothing of late. 50
14 ANG PAO KERETA * Reassess Class 5. 200

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