Gilt Lad (Matthew Kellady, inside) and Super Kenny (Barend Vorster) fight out the finish in Race 7. Singapore Racing, 3 February 2013
A stand-alone Friday meeting as Singapore Racing gears up for what will be a huge month ahead, culminating with the much anticipated International meeting on May 19. The turf track has been slick of late and the mixed meeting on Friday will see the best of both worlds with some solid Polytrack racing thrown into the mix. And with the second leg of the Three-Year-Old Challenge scheduled for Sunday week, some handy three-years-olds are worth watching tonight to see if they have what it takes to step up to Group level in nine or so days. SOUTHERN LORD, a Group 1 winner from NZ, is one to follow as he has another run over 1200m in the Graduation (race 8). The Mark Walker-trained gelding will improve as he steps up in distance and today’s race could be what he needs to have a decent crack at the 1400m group race next week and onwards an upwards towards the Group 1 Singapore Guineas (1600m) in May. He meets some other progressive 3YO’s in the condition weight race with RICHWEST, MACHFIVE and PITSTOP all looking likely types. Race 7 on the card – a Class 3 event over 1400m – also has some smart 3YO”s with the focus on the unbeaten MAGICAL TALENT and a couple of ‘super’ horses in SUPER JUNIOR and SUPER SHADOW. All three look ready to win at this level and go onto bigger and better things but could be tested by a 5YO in ENCOSTA DIABLO who looks due and certainly has race experience and age on his side. Elsewhere on the card, a 3YO American-bred colt named CALIFORNIA EAGLE looks very well placed to knock in his third straight win in race 9 and looks a very promising Polytrack sprinter.
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Best Bets; GILT LAD (race 5, win), CALIFORNIA EAGLE (race 9, win) and ENCOSTA DIABLO (race 7, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 7 (Field), race 8 (8 and 10), race 9 (2) and race 10 (2, 3, 4, 5 and 8).
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Race cards and Larry Foley’s synopsis follows and for updates on all runners go to www.kranjiracing.com
Please note the odds listed are “reference odds” only.
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Race 1
Selections; 2 FOREIGN EXCHANGE – 8 SERGEANT PEPPER – 9 BOSS CAN I CAN – 11 NINETYFIVE ARRIVAL
A Class 5 over 1400m on turf kicks off proceedings. FOREIGN EXCHANGE finds himself down in grade; he has only won one race from 27 starts in Singapore but in Moreira’s seven rides on him has missed a place only once; he should be able to take a prominent position and be hard to beat. SERGEANT PEPPER’s only win was on turf, they put blinkers and tongue tie on him last start and his Polytrack effort was reasonable, he should be thereabouts. BOSS CAN I CAN was drawn wide last start and never showed up; back on turf, over a suitable distance and with Oscar Chavez steering from the rails a much improved performance can be expected. NINETY FIVE ARRIVAL is a maiden but his first up run was an improvement on previous efforts and 1400m should suit; with Tengku Rehaizat’s claim he is well in the contest. FUKU ICHIBAN’s last three attempts at this class and distance have been a win, a second and a third; from his good draw he should be competitive again. BUKIT ROSEWOOD is poorly drawn but will appreciate the drop in grade and the disappointing RIO FORTUNE could improve. Both NORTHERN CAT and HIS MY IDOL prefer the Polytrack but could show up without surprising.
1 BUKIT ROSE WOOD ** Raced over unsuitable distance last start; now in right grade and distance but outside draw no help. 12
2 FOREIGN EXCHANGE *** Down in Class loves the trip and goes well for Moreira; should give a bold sight. 3.50
3 FUKU ICHIBAN *** Suited course and distance; well drawn and should be prominent all the way. 4.50
4 HIS MY IDOL ** Usually seen on the Polytrack but excuses last start and useful in this Class so could show up. 16
5 NORTHERN CAT ** More suited on Polytrack but nicely drawn and could threaten this company; keep safe. 16
6 QUALITASE * Form ordinary, poorly drawn and needs longer. 33
7 RIO FORTUNE * Disappointing last start but the type that will show up in this company; blinkers downgraded winkers today. 20
8 SERGEANT PEPPER *** Suited this surface and showed last start blinkers and tongue tie help ; goes very close. 5.00
9 BOSS CAN I CAN *** Caught wide last start; better on this surface, well drawn and should run on late. 5.0010 FLAMING TIGER * Last start marginally better but overall form too poor to consider. 50
11 NINETYFIVE ARRIVAL *** Very good effort first-up; likely improver with top apprentice to ride. 16
12 OUR ALCHEMIST * Showed something two back and excuses last start but yet to create any gold. 50
13 ZAC GENERATION ** Likes the turf and runs on; chance if he gets a start. 12
14 SUBDUE ** Not far away on poly last start; better on turf and suited this class. 12
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Race 2
Selections; 9 FRAGRANCE EMPIRE – 3 MORRIS – 2 TOMORROWS DREAMS – 1 ISCREAM NOW
A Restricted Maiden over 1100m on the Polytrack featuring several horses that race consistently but get run down late. FRAGRANCE EMPIRE has speed, his recent trials have been good and from the ace with Harry Kassim to ride he is well in at the weights; with the full blinkers on he may be the improver. Moreira replaces Nunes on MORRIS who never really got in it from his wide barrier last start, Previously he was getting run down over 1200m but better drawn here and the 1100m should be more to his liking. TOMORROWS DREAMS has been racing well over this distance; with Ivaldo Santana riding he should be able to get a nice sit just off the lead and run on strongly. I-SCREAM NOW is badly drawn but has raced well at all his four starts over 1200m; he has plenty of speed and if he can get across the slightly shorter distance should suit. STORMY ALONG had barrier issues but ran a nice race on debut; he has had a couple of trials since and could put in a good performance. SPRING THUNDER with blinkers removed, TAKE IT HOME (value) and STREET CHAMP could also figure in an open affair.
1 I-SCREAM NOW *** Placed at all four starts over 1200m; awkwardly drawn but speedy and 1100m should suit. 5.00
2 TOMORROWS DREAMS *** Nicely drawn and should get a good sit just off the speed; will be running on strongly. 4.00
3 MORRIS *** Caught wide last start but was previously getting run down over 1200m; has Moreira, nice alley and shorter distance should suit. 4.00
4 ZAC FLAMBOYANT * Has not shown up as yet; winkers on but prefer others. 33
5 GOOD SUGGESTION * First start, trial form average and prefer to see. 33
6 STORMY ALONG ** Can be naughty at the barrier but debut was good and a strong performance would not surprise. 107 THE STALLONE * First start; watch for any market support. 33
8 STREET CHAMP ** Battles away; nicely drawn and could be in the finish. 33
9 FRAGRANCE EMPIRE *** Showed speed on debut; trialing well and could put in a bold sight from inside alley with boom apprentice to ride. 4.50
10 SPRING THUNDER ** Blinkers off (wrong in book); trials and works well; could surprise, 12
11 TAKE IT HOME *** Resuming after excuses on debut late last year; follow at long odds. 33
12 HOME DADDY HOME * Trials OK but may need time. 33
13 YARDBIRD * Done nothing so far. 500
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Race 3
Selections; 5 GOLD RUTILE – 8 DRAGONFLY – 9 DARING JOURNEY – 7 FLY NOW
An Open Benchmark 67 over 1700m on the Polytrack with several class droppers against a few last start winners from the lower grade. The Japanese mare GOLD RUTILE did not win by much last start but she showed a good turn of foot to do it; she is stepping up to 1700m but Hideyuki Takaoka knows what he is doing with middle distance horses and he forms a strong combination with Alan Munro. Since the tongue-tie went on FLY NOW he has had a third and two wins – his most recent over this distance; this is tougher but with 51kg, the ace and Harry Kassim a hattrick is on the cards. Moreira stays on the lightly raced but promising DRAGONFLY for Leticia Dragon; he was held up and had no luck at his most recent outing and should be running on strongly. MY FRIEND JO’s form is ordinary to say the least but he will find this easier than recent assignments; with Tengku Rehaizat to claim he could improve. SILVERON WARRIOR went over 1000m last start, he is over a much more suitable distance and this is easier than most of his more recent starts. PHANTOM KNIGHT is a consistent type suited in this grade; he should be running on late. DARING JOURNEY is a veteran but is racing in great heart, Harry Kassim got him home through a bold ride last start, and with Barend Vorster on top this time, a repeat is possible.
1 MY FRIEND JO ** Has been racing in higher grade; trip may test but well drawn and has 2kg claim for top apprentice. 12
2 AFFIRMATION ** Down in grade but query at trip. 16
3 JOHN OF ARCH ** Grand old miler but age may be catching up with him. Well drawn and cannot be left out. 14
4 SILVERON WARRIOR ** Up to a suitable distance and will find this grade easier than recent engagements; watch for market support. 145 GOLD RUTILE *** Won narrowly but impressively on Singapore debut; up in distance but should race well again. 5.50
6 PHANTOM KNIGHT *** Consistent in this class, ran on well last start and in this late if luck in running from awkward gate. 12
7 FLY NOW *** Racing very well since tongue-tie was applied. Up in grade after win over this distance but has inside draw and claim for top apprentice; hard to beat again. 4.00
8 DRAGONFLY *** Lightly raced but promising type; held up last start and unlucky; will be running on strongly. 3.50
9 DARING JOURNEY *** Veteran racing in great form; if allowed to bowl along in front will be hard to beat again. 6.00
10 IDEALISTIC MOMENT * Wants easier. 50
11 MAX VELOCITY * This is too hard. 50
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Race 4
Selections; 1 VISIONARY – 3 ECLAIR SENSATION – 6 DAMAIPURI – 4 SO FREE NOW
An ordinary Maiden over 1200m on the Polytrack. VISIONARY has not been that far way at his last two Polytrack efforts; with Harry Kassim’s claim and a good draw he should be on the speed all the way. Moreira retains the ride on the Mark Walker trained ÉCLAIR SENSATION whose last start effort was sound and he can be expected to go well again. DAMAIPURI has been a maiden for a while, but has been placed at five of his 10 Polytrack starts; he won a trial recently and could be ready to break through. SO FREE NOW put in an ordinary effort on the turf last start but back on the Polytrack with a good gate and KB Soo to steer an improved performance can be expected. STEALTH FIGHTER and MOOVA BULLET have run well in similar events in the past and CERIUM, despite his wide barrier, could show up in what is an average field.
1 VISIONARY *** Suited on Polytrack, nicely drawn and well in with claim for Harry Kassim. 3.50
2 REGAL SALUTE * Yet to show up in three starts. 33
3 ECLAIR SENSATION *** Nice effort late last start and good chance with Moreira to steer. 3.50
4 SO FREE NOW *** Speedy and has nice draw; vulnerable to being run down 5.50
5 CERIUM * Could show up but outside draw does not help. 206 DAMAIPURI *** 14 start maiden but likes the Polytrack and recent form and trials have been encouraging; could break through. 5.00
7 STEALTH FIGHTER *** 14 start maiden who battles away; goes best on the Polytrack – run two back was good – and not without a chance. 12
8 VANTAGE * Blinkers off, resuming and best efforts have been over longer. 33
9 WAVERIDER * Done nothing in five starts. 50
10 BALLY BOY * Upgrade to blinkers but better over longer. 33
11 MOOVA BULLET ** Has had two runs for HK Tan since changing stables; has raced well at this distance in the past and could surprise. 14
12 SS THE SPRINTER * Tongue tie on, well drawn and has some speed but would need to improve. 33
13 RISK FACTOR * Ordinary effort on resuming. Passing. 50
14 MACAU ROULETTE * Unlikely. 50
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Race 5
Selections; 1 GILT LAD – 3 CHINESE CULTURE – 2 SPYDER – 5 SOUTH GATE
A tough Class 4 over 1400m on turf. CHINESE CULTURE is drawn wide but his first-up effort was strong; he has won twice at 1400m and with John Powell taking the mount should race well again. GILT LAD could be the one he has to pass late to win. The 5YO has put in strong efforts at all of his five starts over 1200m; he is now being tried at 1400m and with Harry Kassim steering from a good alley, should be near the lead all the way. SPYDER is racing in great heart but cannot draw an alley. He has yet to win beyond 1200m but Moreira has had one win and three seconds on him at his last four rides; he must be a strong chance again. SOUTH GATE is getting down in the ratings; he has won twice at this journey and with Tengku Rehaizat’s claim is well in at the weights. LIGHTNING BALL broke through last start over 1100m; this is further and tougher but he could show up without surprising. DANNY won over this trip two starts back and is rarely far away, and FLYING WILD has a nice gate; he will be happier being back on turf.
1 GILT LAD *** Looked a good thing beaten last start and can make amends stepping up to 1400m first time; top claimer and gate helps. 4.50
2 SPYDER *** in-form, goes well for Moreira but cannot draw a barrier; hard to beat again. 4.00
3 CHINESE CULTURE *** Nice effort when resuming on Polytrack; better suited here and despite wide draw should race well. 4.50
4 GOLDEN DOMINATOR *** Form reads only fair but OK home last start and only wins have been at this trip; should be running on late. 12
5 SOUTH GATE *** Getting down in ratings and at winning distance; well in with claim and could run a bold race. 12
6 LIGHTNING BALL *** Won well over 1100m on Polytrack last start; this is harder but has speed and could give a bold sight. 6.50
7 DANNY *** Won one of these two starts back, last start good, likes this hoop and always a threat in this company. 12
8 FUJIN BRIGHT * Yet to beat a runner home. 50
9 FLYING WILD *** Nicely drawn but unreliable at start; finished powerfully two starts back and a chance if he can repeat. 14
10 STANZOUT ** Pacifiers off; veteran who runs on and is usually thereabouts. 14
11 ARABIAN NIGHT * One-pacer who wants longer than this. 50
12 SUPER SPUR * Won in Class 5 last start and will find this much harder. 50
13 INCREDIBLE HULK * Too short for the Hulk. 50
14 OVER EASY ** Has shown glimpses and pay to include at very long odds in skinny end of exotics. 50
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Race 6
Selections; 9 LEAVE ME ALONE – 8 DOS EQUIS – 11 SPICY CAT – 6 SECARA
Stephen Gray has a couple of live hopes in GRAND VITESS and MONGOLIAN STAR and while the pair missed out on getting in the top four picks, both can win and the market will be a very good guide. But the race has depth and plenty of value to be found elsewhere with LEAVE ME ALONE looking a leading hope. The fact he was supported last start and ran well on the Poly is a positive, as is blinkers removed and can win back on his preferred surface. DON EQUIS might be the value we talked about as his form reads only fair. But his recent runs better than the form in the book and his work late was excellent last start; follow. SPICY CAT has been doing it tough lately and this race looks suitable to show his best which is good enough to win this. SECARA has been in solid form and could be each-way value in what is a wide open affair. GOLDEN CHALICE and perhaps the emergency, ALWAYS A WINNER, also in the mix.
1 ZAC WARRIOR ** Form good enough with downgrade to winkers OK but turf form a huge concern. 4.00
2 GOLDEN CHALICE *** Comes under notice with nice run last start with gate one and top apprentice factors. 16
3 GRAND VITESS *** Had issues (Respiratory) on resumption and that close up finish has him one of the main hopes here. 6.00
4 MONGOLIAN STAR *** In-form, this race suitable and top claimer helps; big show. 4.00
5 RADIANT MOON ** Form ordinary and drawn badly but best run was two back over this trip; keep safe at odds. 50
6 SECARA *** Looks due, race suits and claim wont hurt; in the mix. 6.00
7 THRUST ** Led them up last start over this trip/track; cheeky run expected. 50
8 DOS EQUIS *** Excuses and work late last start was excellent; right in this late and a win would not surprise. 12
9 LEAVE ME ALONE *** Supported last start and ran well and switch to his winning surface/trip in his favour as is blinkers removed; goes close. 5.00
10 ATIAMURI ** First up run better than the result and will be odds. 33
11 SPICY CAT *** Has been doing it tough of late and runs good enough to think he can win with softer run; keep safe. 20
12 STAR ACADEMY * Has speed but easier to ignore. 200
13 ALWAYS A WINNER *** Last start solid and likes the turf; include in exotics if he gets a run. 12
14 JOYCE ** Issues last couple but needs to show her best. 50
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Race 7
Selections; 1 ENCOSTA DIABLO – 3 MAGICAL TALENT – 4 SUPER SHADOW – 7 SPEEDY AHEAD
This is a very tough race to do a form-line with three progressive 3YO’s, some in-form 4YO’s and no real stand-out from those with franked Class 3 form. But ENCOSTA DIABLO has looked due in this company and certainly plays a big part late if having a good day. Mark Walker has opted for a 2kg claim and with blinkers down-graded to winkers from gate four; he should have no excuses to knock in his first Singapore win. But he does meet some up-and-comers who have all looked smart enough on their day to win this. MAGICAL TALENT heads that list after winning two-from-two in Singapore. I like the fact he did it tough to win last start and that looks a good trait stepping up to this company. Likewise, SUPER SHADOW has shown more than enough to think he goes through the grades with Moreira on-board for Michael Freedman a factor. And while not finding room for the other 3YO, SUPER JUNIOR, he plays a part as does SPEEDY AHEAD who looks suited here to turn some solid form into his first win in 2013. Good race and the tote may be a guide.
1 ENCOSTA DIABLO *** Has been finishing all over the top of them late and this looks suitable with down-grade to winkers; can win. 6.00
2 WARSPIRIT *** Solid with being likely of late of late but can lead and in this a long way if on song. 12
3 MAGICAL TALENT *** 3YO up in Class after tough win last start; recent trial slick and pay to follow. 4.00
4 SUPER SHADOW *** Another progressive 3YO who will go very well with support in this field; can win. 3.00
5 ROYAL COFFEE * Appreciates first up run but needs to show more. 100
6 MR EPIC *** In-form this campaign and showed enough winning last start to follow up in grade. 10
7 SPEEDY AHEAD *** Solid without winning this year but this looks suitable to show his best; keep very safe with tongue-tie added. 7.00
8 SUPER JUNIOR *** Showed enough winning last start to think he is up to what looks a Class 3 field with no stand-out. 6.00
9 ZENIDEKKA ** Better than what he showed last start and competitive this company; improves. 20
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Race 7
Selections; 10 RICHWEST – 8 SHIN GOONG – 4 MACHFIVE – 3 PITSTOP
One of the trickier Graduations of late with the rating stand-out – SOUTHERN LORD – no good thing over this trip and a couple of last start maiden winners capable of going on with the job. RICHWEST won on debut and while he is no world beater on that effort, he should improve for the run, has winkers added, jumps from gate one and was in well at the weights with a handy 2kg claim. SHIN GOONG took a few more runs to break his maiden status but the fact he bolted in last start suggests he has found his feet and is well worth following. MACHFIVE probably looks the in-form horse on paper and might even start favourite but a ‘gay deceiver’ tag may be accurate so play with care if short. PITSTOP was disappointing in the 3YO Sprint but won his previous start and is suited here with SOUTHERN LORD also coming through that Group race and as mentioned, in a treat at the conditions but may be better over longer. POTLUCK looks like he is ready to show his best and go wide in exotics.
1 BULLET FLY ** Resuming after long break but two wins first campaign very good and pay to keep safe. 12
2 SOUTHERN LORD *** Will improve with racing and in super at the race conditions but will see his best over longer; tongue-tie removed for this. 12
3 PITSTOP *** Not a lot last start in top 3YO company but in well at the race conditions and could show up without surprising. 12
4 MACHFIVE *** Race suits and in-form but really should have won one recently so take on trust. 3.00
5 MAGNIFICENT KID * Former Kiwi who might just need the run. 50
6 SUPERMART * Another former Kiwi drawn wide for Singapore debut and market only guide. 50
7 VON SNITZEL ** Placed in weak race last start and would need to be at his best here. 12
8 SHIN GOONG *** Broke maiden status last start but win emphatic enough to follow; goes close. 5.00
9 FISCAL WINGS * Needs easier company than this. 50
10 RICHWEST *** Debut win good enough to follow in what is a suitable race from gate one with winkers added and claim; goes close. 5.00
11 ORIENTAL PEARL ** Form reads OK but beaten into third a fair way last start and exotics look best here. 20
12 POTLUCK *** Good work late second up from spell has him under notice with tongue-tie added. 8.00
13 POWERPAC ** Drawn badly but form good this campaign and pay to follow. 20
14 VICTORY WINGS * Might be looking for easier/longer than this. 50
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Race 9
Selections; 2 CALIFORNIA EAGLE – 1 CHEYENNE WARRIOR – 5 HUSH HUSH – 12 PEGASUS VICTORY
It’s very hard to go past CALIFORNIA EAGLE. The 3YO American colt took a couple of runs to find his feet before breaking his maiden status in fine style and more importantly, backing that up with an emphatic Novice win. The question may be; how far and how short? But there are a few horses that will make him earn his win and CHEYENNE WARRIOR could be the danger. A listed winner from Australia before arriving in Singapore in October last year, CHEYENNE DANCER showed last start he might be ready to open his local account. Worth including two at value in HUSH HUSH – given no chance last start – and PEGASUS VICTORY who comes under notice with no weight over his pet distance.
1 CHEYENNE WARRIOR *** Showed last start he is ready to win and some hope if he gets any luck handy from wide gate. 6.00
2 CALIFORNIA EAGLE *** Coming off two strong wins and better than Class 4; very hard to beat. 1.80
3 SCARLET STAR ** Appreciates OK first up run and worth following this company. 10
4 KING OF KOON ** Newcomer who won at only start in NZ and has had a few trials in preparation; market best guide. 33
5 HUSH HUSH *** Never in the hunt last start from wide gate so did well to place; better than that and worth thought. 18
6 JUST A MAN ** Form hopeless but this is easier company. 100
7 PERWIRA ** Awkwardly drawn but usually thereabouts and a must for exotics. 12
8 TIM ** Has been disappointing last few given the support but gate one and Vorster helps; keep safe. 12
9 ZAC HEAVEN ** In solid form without a result and a must for exotics with just 52kg. 8.00
10 DYNAMIC VENTURE ** Up in Class after last start win but Poly form solid and certainly not the worst. 33
11 RAPID REWARDS ** Another up in Class after last start win; exotics. 33
12 PEGASUS VICTORY *** Like to see in something easier but comes under notice this trip; value. 33
13 A CUT ABOVE * Appreciates first run back and will improve at odds. 33
14 PLAY ON * Reassess easier company. 100
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Race 10
Selections; 8 LUWAK COFFEE – 2 GLOWNIGHT RACER – 3 CAPTIVATE – 4 SHINING GLORY
As usual, a great race to finish the night and this Class 4 1400m should see a busy finish. LUWAK COFFEE had enough excuses last start to follow. The 3YO is up against some solid Class 4 company but his only win was over this trip and his subsequent runs in similar company to this were solid; goes mighty close here. CAPTIVATE also falls into the ‘progressive’ category and has certainly shown enough to think he wins a race like this sooner than later. Of the more accomplished horses, GLOWNIGHT RACER had excuses last start and will win very soon so happy to follow and SHINING GLORY looks very well placed from a good gate with John Powell to steer. Of the rest, TROJANE improves with blinkers on first time in Singapore and SACRED EMBLEM always seems to provide each-way value.
1 FUNCA ** Form reads badly but not a million miles away last couple and drop in grade has him under notice. 33
2 GLOWNIGHT RACER *** Looked a good thing beaten last start and this race very suitable to knock in a win. 4.00
3 CAPTIVATE *** Progressive type who wins a race like this more times than not; hard to beat. 3.00
4 SHINING GLORY *** Has been doing it tough of late and will win this company so pay to follow with senior hoop and gate three a factor. 5.00
5 TROJANE *** Debut run on turf good so worth a look back on the grass with blinkers on first time. 20
6 BIG RESPECT ** Didn’t back up maiden win and have to take on trust. 12
7 LUCKY RISE ** Great run late last start this trip has him under notice at value. 33
8 LUWAK COFFEE *** Excuses last start not to be right in the winning mix; goes close. 7.50
9 BRAVO ** Broke maiden status last start but this is obviously tougher. 12
10 QUITE A MAN ** Form reads badly but excuses last start and some hope if near his best. 33
11 SACRED EMBLEM *** Does not win out of turn but a terrific horse to follow each-way. 20
12 EXCELLENT BEAUTY ** Winning form is OK form but stepping up in Class the issue. 33
13 HOPKINS ** Form only fair but the type who can run a solid race if on his game. 50
14 BALTHAZAR ** Gets home well but like to see in easier company. 50
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