A real mixed bag of races from Singapore on Friday and while we get a get a bit of everything early (good and bad) the meeting closes with two terrific races that are well worth the wait.
In race eight on the all-Polytrack nine race card, some of the best up-and-coming sprinters get their chance to show they can win and are up to bigger and better challenges in the future.
A Benchmark 89 event over 1000m, the race pits together the likes of MASTHEAD, DRAGON SPIRIT and NICEONE – three 4YO’s who rarely get beaten on this surface.
In fact the combined Polytrack record of the trio stands at 11 wins from just 19 starts on this surface with perhaps NICEONE’s five wins from seven career starts – all on the Poly – the most impressive.
But DRAGON SPIRIT is flying and his recent record is every bit as good (if not better) than NICEONE’s with MASTHEAD also a huge show in what looks very suitable company after trying his luck in Group company at his previous campaign.
And while these three are certainly the horses to follow, you have to respect most of the others on this surface with an incredible 33 combined Polytrack wins from the 10 horses in this field.
The last race is a beauty as well and let’s hope there is money in the kitty as value looks the key in what is a very wide open affair.
It looks impossible to write off any one particular horse on form and with support for the likes of Joao Moreira’s mount GRAND APPROACH to name just one, there could be value for FULL TOSS who looks well placed to continue his love affair with this surface.
The one-time Derby aspirant is fresh, has blinkers back on over a suitable trip and Danny Beasley should get all the favours from a fair gate.
A wide open affair though and good luck if you ‘live ticket’ in any exotic combinations.
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Best Bets; CHILLI (race 3, win), MINAH CURRENT (race 1, each-way), FULL TOSS (race 9, each-way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1 and 3), race 7 (1, 4, 5 and 6), race 8 (2, 3, 4 and 7) and race 9 (Field).
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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 MINAH CURRENT – 8 TENTENWIN – 5 SUPER JETSET – 3 PEGASUS VICTORY
Another one of these wide open Class 5’s where several trainers have multiple entries. The John O’Hara stable is in fine form, and PEGASUS VICTORY has been racing consistently, he sat wide last start and battled on well for 3rd not far away. From the ace draw over the same distance he should be in the firing line all the way and although Sivan has not ridden a winner for a long time, he gets his chance here. Leslie Khoo has GYPSY MAGIC who put in a reasonable effort last week and is on the quick backup – he is suited in this Class and has won over the 1000m though they have tried the quick-backup before and it has not worked. Sam Chua has SUPER JETSET and has put Joao Moreira on – a good sign. The horse’s best form has been at 1200m and beyond and will be challenged by the speedsters here. Dr Yeoh has the speedy TENTENWIN who will enjoy the distance and from barrier 4 with Danny Beasley on top should be right in the race. He also has MINAH CURRENT who is suited at the distance, should be able to get on the speed and can be competitive in this Class. THAT’S CASH was first up last start and wilted late, he won a similar race back in March with S John up and could do so again.
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1 GYPSY MAGIC ** Stablemate of SUPER STAR. On quick back-up after decent effort for fourth in similar class. Has won over this distance, tongue tie goes on and a chance again if right. 10
2 MINAH CURRENT *** Stablemate of TENTENWIN. Big drop in Class and consistent form has her right in this. 16
3 PEGASUS VICTORY *** Racing very well. Suited this distance and has drawn perfectly. Will be on the speed all the way and hard to beat. 3.30
4 STARLITE SHOWER ** Stablemate of SUPER JETSET. Maiden who on quick backup after failing at 1200m in Class 4. Suited by shorter journey and company. 16
5 SUPER JETSET *** Stablemate of STARLITE SHOWER. Better off over longer but engagement of top rider suggests stable fancy his chances over this shorter trip. 10
6 SUPER STAR ** Stablemate of GYPSY MAGIC. Recent form ordinary, but back in Class 5, has speed and whilst better over longer could surprise. 10
7 QUI EST LA * Recent form sound and whilst he would like it longer will be running on late. 16
8 TENTENWIN *** Stablemate of MINAH CURRENT. Speedy type who will find this easier than recent encounters. Should be on the speed for a long way. 7.00
9 CHEVY * Stablemate of PEGASUS VICTORY. Likes it longer but knows how to win and can never be left out in this Class. 20
10 PARAGON ANGEL *** Not that far away last time at first start for new stable. Should be further improved with downgrade to winkers and has shown promise in the past. 7.00
11 WEOWNA FLYER * Efforts have been ordinary. 33
12 THAT’S CASH *** First up effort after spell was good and has won for S John before. Races well fresh and will be running on late. 7.00
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Race 2
Selections; 7 AMERICAN GLADIATOR – 3 FRENCHMAN – 9 IDEALISTIC MOMENT – 5 MR MANI
A challenging race where most of the runners have had few starts, yet a number show significant potential for improvement. Of the more experienced the Sam Chua trained AMERICAN GLADIATOR makes strong appeal. He is suited by the Polytrack having been placed at his only three starts on the surface. Alan Munro takes over from Ivaldo Santana and from the good draw he should be on or near the lead all the way. The wily Steven Burridge has two runners and he has engaged Joao Moreira for IDEALISTIC MOMENT who can be expected to improve on his distant third to the promising RONNIE BROWN. Burridge has put the claiming rider Zuriman on the Darci Brahma 3YO GOLIATH who looks a nice type but may want further. Michael Freedman has MR MANI, a Lonhro 4YO whose only Singapore effort was a debut third placing, Tengku Rehaizat takes the claim and he should race well. FRENCHMAN had support at his first start and did little but has subsequently won a trial with blinkers and could be an improver. GALLANT HEIGHTS had two trials in New Zealand and won his only trial at Kranji; the market could be the best guide on his chances. Others that could improve are SPOT ON trained by Bruce Marsh and to be ridden by KB Soo, as well as REAL STEEL who ran on nicely last start. BALLY BOY who whilst beaten a long way under Moreira at his first run in Singapore, did race very wide and should strip fitter.
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1 BALLY BOY * Beaten a long way at first start in Singapore, but showed some speed and could be improved. 20
2 BIG MONEY * First start ordinary and prefer others. 33
3 FRENCHMAN *** Blinkers on. Had support at first start and did little but look for improvement with nice recent trial with head-gear a pointer. 12
4 GALLANT HEIGHTS ** Trials in NZ and Kranji have indicated ability. Watch market. 12
5 MR MANI *** Decent effort at first start. Well in with claim for top apprentice. 4.50
6 SPOT ON ** Went well enough last start to suggest a chance here. 12
7 AMERICAN GLADIATOR *** Has been placed at all four starts on Polytrack. Well drawn and should be on the speed all the way. Hard to beat. 3.00
8 GOLIATH ** Stablemate of IDEALISTIC MOMENT. Nice type by Darci Brahma who looks like he may like it longer but could go well fresh. Watch market. 12
9 IDEALISTIC MOMENT *** Stablemate of GOLIATH. Nice effort when a distant third to RONNIE BROWN. Engagement of Moreira signals top chance. 4.00
10 REAL STEEL ** Ran on nicely last start and place chance again. 12
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Race 3
Selections; 1 CHILLI – 7 MAGICAL SUNSET – 2 PACINO – 4 STANZOUT
A race for the sprinting Class 4s over 1100m. CHILLI is always dangerous in these affairs, at his last three starts in this Class over this distance he has drawn wide, raced wide and fought on strongly. With Jacky Low’s claim and the ace draw he will be on the speed all the way. MAGICAL SUNSET had plenty of excuses last start and his effort to the wire at his first run in Class 4 on the poly was good. Ivaldo Santana should give him every chance and may be value. The veteran PACINO is back in Class 4 and Laurie Laxon has engaged Moreira who has won on him before; he is bound to be running on strongly. STANZOUT is another who usually runs on well in these and will not lose anything with Saimee taking the mount. MAGIC MOXIE has leg issues but does race well fresh if he ran up to his best form would be very competitive. The stablemate KING’S FRIEND was unfancied first up, missed the kick but ran on late, he is much better than that, and if there is support could be a long-shot chance. PROBO CHANDROSO broke through after a long absence last start, he is up in class and drawn wide but on his best form could challenge strongly. INDULGE is moody but has speed and has won in Class 3.
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1 CHILLI *** At last three starts over this distance on poly has drawn wide, raced wide and been placed. From the ace should get the gun run and be hard to beat. 2.80
2 PACINO *** Form ordinary but engagement of top rider helps his chances. Will be running on late. 7.00
3 MAGIC MOXIE *** Stablemate of KING’S FRIEND. Resuming. Has had leg issues (lame last start) but goes well fresh and could be a surprise packet. 6.00
4 STANZOUT *** Had respiratory issues two starts back, but normally consistent in this class of race. 5.00
5 KING’S FRIEND ** Stablemate of MAGIC MOXIE. Not that far away at first run after spell when unfancied. Very smart when right. Watch for support. 10
6 INDULGE * Has won in Class 3, has speed but has been weakening of late. 16
7 MAGICAL SUNSET *** Likes this surface and big effort last start with excuses in running so should put in a good run. Keep safe. 10
8 PROBO CHANDROSO ** Broke a long run of outs with stout win last start. At his best well up to this. 8.00
9 SAVILHRO * Better in Class 5. 33
10 BALTHAZAR * Unlikely. 50
Race 4
Selections; 9 SIR FLEETWOOD – 7 HANG TUAH – 4 WORK AHEAD – 1 TOP SHELF
This is not a strong field and the lack of a natural leader could cause confusion early. SIR FLEETWOOD has Moreira to steer and his recent form suggests he will be very hard to beat. He has an awkward draw but with a positive ride he should get a good sit and run on well. Laurie also has ARAPUNI engaged and while his recent form is woeful, with Vorster on board and the ace draw he should be able to sit off the pace and run home strongly. HANG TUAH won two starts back and had plenty of excuses last start, missing the start and being held up when challenging in the straight. If Freddie Firdaus can steer him straight he could be a strong chance. TOP SHELF has performed well against much better horses than these, he showed something like a return to form with a good fourth last start and with the claim for Jacky Low he can go on with it here and could be hard to beat. WORK AHEAD knows how to put in a shocker – he had respiratory issues last start and four starts back was reported not striding out freely – but in between he won a race and ran a solid fourth, on his best form he could win this. HEARTS is still a maiden but he usually puts in a good performance and will appreciate the weight drop from 59kg to 53.5kg. And amongst what is an unpredictable lot, the one thing you can be sure of is the old grey KAEPEEYAI will be charging home late and might beat them all.
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1 TOP SHELF ** Put in his best effort for some time when fourth in higher grade last start. Has yet to place in four starts on the Polytrack but well in with Jacky Low claim here. 9.00
2 COOL CAT * Good effort on turf last start, has not placed in five Polytrack starts and outside draw does not help. 16
3 HILTON * Back to basics as blinkers and tongue tie come off. Won a 1400m maiden at Te Rapa but Singapore starts have been very disappointing. Take on trust. 16
4 WORK AHEAD *** Had respiratory problems last start and four starts back was not striding out freely. In between notched up a win and a decent fourth. If right, could be a strong chance with tongue tie a factor. 6.00
5 ARAPUNI ** Veteran whose recent form is ordinary but should get a nice run from the ace and run on strongly for Vorster. 12
6 STRATA STAR * Form poor. 33
7 HANG TUAH *** Missed start and could not get clear run last start when ridden by inexperienced apprentice. Previous win was solid with Freddie Firdaus steering. Big show. 6.00
8 ALL SHINE * Maiden looking for Class 5. 33
9 SIR FLEETWOOD *** Racing well in Class 4 and wont get one much weaker than this. Top chance with Moreira driving. 3.00
10 HEARTS *** Maiden who keeps racing well without winning. Will appreciate weight drop from 59kg. 6.00
11 KAEPEEYAI ** Game old grey who will be running on late. Cannot be left out. 14
12 LADY SHARK * Done nothing in three starts. 50
13 JEREMY * Two starts back from a spell but wants it longer. 33
14 AUDIO FRIEND * Won maiden two starts back, but better in Class 5. 25
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Race 5
Selections; 3 SUPER VELOX – 5 DIAMOND QUALITY – 4 ENZO – 6 SEASONS WONDER
A small field of nine hopefuls (none of whom are superstars) face the starter over 1700m. ENZO is the only previous winner in the field. He seemed to strike trouble last start, dropped back sharply and then came again late. The American-bred 4YO is a strange horse who seems to either find trouble or be victim of an ordinary ride; if everything goes right he should be able to sit on the speed and be right in this. Sam Chua also has KTRONIC entered and whilst he gets a long way out of his ground he will be suited by the smallish field and likely early speed and should be running on late. DIAMOND QUALITY has shown promise, he was just beaten last start and with the claim for Tengku, the weights may just tip things his way. FAITHFUL WARRIOR finds himself back on the Polytrack where he has run two good placings from five starts; despite the 59Kg he should race well. Leslie Khoo has put Moreira back on SUPER VELOX who remains a maiden and has been backed and beaten over all sorts of distances. It remains to be seen whether the great man can get him to run out a strong 1700m even from the ace draw. SEASONS WONDER was not far away under LQ Kek at his past two starts and with Alan Munro taking over he can be expected to be stronger at the finish. PACK A PUNCH ran a much better race last start and the 1700m looks like it will be ideal.
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1 FAITHFUL WARRIOR ** Has been placed twice from five starts on the Polytrack. Has plenty of weight but should race well. 20
2 KTRONIC ** Tongue tie goes on, gets a long way back but can run on strongly. Last start good and will be helped by a solid speed and the small field. 7.00
3 SUPER VELOX *** Has been backed and beaten numerous times. Has good speed and can sit on the pace and should get the gun run from the ace. 2.50
4 ENZO *** Only winner in the field. On-pace runner who should be in this for a long way. 5.00
5 DIAMOND QUALITY *** Just nutted last start in similar race. With the claim for Tengku should go very close. 4.00
6 SEASONS WONDER ** Has been thereabouts at his past few starts and with Alan Munro replacing LQ Kek can be expected to be stronger at the end. 7.00
7 PACK A PUNCH ** Put in a sound effort over a mile last start and the extra distance looks like it will suit. 10
8 TOP ASIA * Yet to show up. 200
9 COUNTER PUNCH * Form very poor. 200
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Race 6
Selections; 1 MIGHTY CREATION – 3 ANAVILA – 6 SHINKANSEN – 4 SOUL COMMANDER
This race looks like MIGHTY CREATION’s race to lose more so than anything beating him on top form. The 4YO won the last two-times he raced in this company and although finding it too tough subsequently in Class 3, he should bounce back in what is just a fair field. ANAVILA looks his biggest danger and the honest grey showed last start he wins again soon. Moreira on-board is a plus – his most recent win was with the Brazilian – and he will certainly figure somewhere with any luck from an awkward gate. Of the rest, SHINKANSEN won last start and while not one to ‘win out of turn’, he looks well weighted for that effort and worth some thought with SOUL COMMANDER also in good enough form to play a part. A rare Malaysian-bred horse – CHINO DIABLO – makes his Singapore debut but while his trials have been OK it might be a case of looking on at this level. But MIGHTY CREATION and ANAVILA the two to watch.
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1 MIGHTY CREATION *** Significant drop to winning grade and goes very close. 2.50
2 CODIGO ** Former Australian who won two from eight back home before solid efforts at three trials. Market best guide. 20
3 ANAVILA *** Always a winning hope in this type of race and right in this. 3.00
4 SOUL COMMANDER *** Not far away last start with support and effort two back good enough to follow with tongue tie back on. 6.00
5 MIRACLE BAY * Hasn’t shown enough this preparation to consider. 33
6 SHINKANSEN *** Only has to carry 52.5kg after a nice win same company so has to be considered. 5.00
7 SUPER STRIKE * Needs Class 5. 100
8 FLY FREELY ** Freshened after pulling up lame last time out but can consider on best form. 20
9 GALLANT FORCE ** Home well last start and while better suited over longer he could make his presence felt late. 50
10 CHINO DIABLO ** Malaysian-bred and raced and although trialling nicely since arriving in Singapore he would need to lift given coming off a Class 5 win. 33
11 FULL OF DRAGONS * No. 200
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Race 7
Selections; 4 WHYDOYOUASK – 5 ZAC COMMAND – 1 PASHA KHAN – 6 ZAC IMPERIAL
In a race with more zero’s in the form book than is healthy, a couple of last start winners look as good as place to start as any. Oddly the pair – ZAC COMMAND and PASHA KHAN – both broke their maiden statuses with their wins at start 25 and 18 respectively. Not so odd was that Joao Moreira was on them both and the fact he has stuck with ZAC COMMAND suggests we do the same. But PASHA KHAN has looked the better horse throughout his career and his win was on the Polytrack suggesting he is right in this and probably the value. The two have drawn wide though giving a horse like ZAC IMPERIAL (gate 3) a sniff and Barend Vorster does suit. Also well drawn and in good enough form to win is WHYDOYOUASK. The 6YO won two start back and loves this trip (his two career wins over 1000m) so a strong run is on the cards. In fact he could lead them a merry dance out front and hard to run down. The form falls away dramatically after that and happy to concentrate on the four mentioned.
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1 PASHA KHAN *** Finally broke maiden status at start 25 and can go on with the job. 4.00
2 CALIFORNIA KID * Goes OK on the odd occasion but wide gate suggests another day. 50
3 IMPAYLER ** Should enjoy nice gate and a couple of recent runs has him playing some role. 10
4 WHYDOYOUASK *** Not beaten far last start and win two runs back similar affair obviously has him as one of the main hopes. 5.00
5 ZAC COMMAND *** Another horse who broke long overdue maiden status last start and can win again with Moreira retaining the mount. 2.50
6 ZAC IMPERIAL *** Another Zac stable horse with show with inside gate and senior hoop in his favour. 5.00
7 BOOM TOWN * Led last start and faded from wide gate and drawn badly today suggests we give a miss. 50
8 TIKAM TIKAM ** Maiden resuming and goes well enough on his day to consider first up. Market good guide. 20
9 LUCKY BANKER ** The type to include in exotics at value but a win would surprise. 50
10 ZENA * No. 100
11 ROYAL BRAT * Needs longer. 100
12 LEGACY * Resuming and another who should be better suited over longer. 50
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Race 8
Selections; 4 NICEONE – 3 DRAGON SPIRIT – 2 MASTHEAD – 7 EL MILAGRO
What a great race. Give or take a few of the higher rated Poly specialists, this Benchmark 89 sees some of the most exciting inner track sprinters take to the track and the winner will no doubt go onto to bigger and better races. And while not wanting to put a line through any of the horses, a few do stand-out and the winner should come from the trio of NICEONE, DRAGON SPIRIT or MASTHEAD. NICEONE and DRAGON SPIRIT in particular look out an out-and-out Poly specialists and can add to their super impressive records in this. NICEONE has won five from seven races in his short but super career and has raced exclusively on this surface. The fact he has drawn inside the other fancies is in KB Soo’s favour and the ISHIGURU 4YO can win. DRAGON SPIRIT has four wins (all on the Poly) to his name and comes into this in sparkling form and blinkers added to his gear. He will get support and why not given his recent form and he also ‘can win’. MASTHEAD is the interesting runner. The WINNING TYCOON 4YO arrived in Singapore with huge wraps (and over $600,000 in the bank) from his juvenile form in Australia and franked that form with two early wins at Kranji. And while he hasn’t won since it is worth noting those wins were on the Poly and he comes into this race fresh with winkers added and a bold run is expected. Of the rest I think EL MILAGRO with 52kg is capable of matching it with the ‘big guns’ and FARRAND the interesting runner as he returns to Singapore after some excellent form in Malaysia.
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1 FINDERSKEEPERS ** Resuming with blinkers added after returning lame last start – form solid prior to that and looks an each-way proposition. 12
2 MASTHEAD *** Start costly last time out and has to be seriously considered in what looks a suitable race with winkers added. 4.50
3 DRAGON SPIRIT *** Blinkers go on after being narrowly beaten last start and three straight wins prior suggest he goes mighty close here. 2.50
4 NICEONE *** Super impressive winning last start and no reason to think he can’t win this with gate 4 in his favour. 3.50
5 SQUALL LINE ** Back in form with two wins on the trot but this is a strong field and place a great result. 20
6 FARRAND ** Resuming after a successful long stint in Malaysia and recent trials suggests eh is going well enough to consider with blinkers/pacifiers added. 20
7 EL MILAGRO *** In form and back on what looks his preferred surface – follow. 8.00
8 LAGO BAY ** Always some hope in this type of race and 51kg helps his cause. 33
9 VIVA PANATA ** In solid enough for to think he is competitive but a win would surprise in this company. 33
10 MAPLE STAR ** Another honest Poly performer with light weight but winning looks tough. 50
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Race 9
Selections; 9 FULL TOSS – 2 FORGIVEN – 3 WONDER – 8 MY RACE
Where to start? With the exception of HONEST BROKER (who should need longer) you can make a serious case for all of the runners including the two emergencies. The form is good, the race suitable for most and luck is going to play a big part in this result. With this in mind I have left out a couple of strong hopes who have drawn badly. GRAND APPROACH in particular looks a big winning show but Moreira will have to be at his best after drawing the widest gate. There is plenty of speed in the race which will give everyone a fair chance but inside gates will be an advantage and a jockey like Danny Beasley on FULL TOSS will take advantage of gate five. The horse looks suited fresh over the mile with blinkers added and a big run is expected. His stable-mate, FORGIVEN, also looks well placed and could be the value runner (although there will be a few at value in this strong field) and WONDER with J Saimee in the saddle certainly looks due. The best long-shot in the race is MY RACE but it really is a matter of going with your instincts and praying for some punters luck in running.
1 JOHN OF ARCH *** At his honest best last start similar affair and always an each-way hope. 25
2 FORGIVEN *** Run better than the result first run back after Derby campaign and certainly worth a look today. 12
3 WONDER *** Very close to putting it altogether for an overdue win and pay to follow. 5.00
4 HONEST BROKER ** Fresh and goes OK on his day but better over much longer. 100
5 GRAND APPROACH *** In fine form and wins this on most days with only query on widest gate. 4.00
6 IMACRUISER *** Won well last start and stepping back to the mile looks perfect. Can win. 5.00
7 VAYA CONDIOS *** Did the work last start leading a solid field before getting swamped late – goes close with luck from awkward gate. 6.00
8 MY RACE *** Bad draw a concern but step up to the mile ideal and usually terrific value so pay to keep very safe. 50
9 FULL TOSS *** Fresh from a rare poor run on Derby Day but comes under notice back in trip on the Poly with blinkers on – goes mighty close. 5.00
10 WINONTOP *** Slightly disappointing of late and a query at this trip but likes the surface and could run a cheeky race with no weight. 20
11 BOUNDLESS GLORY ** In form and recent racing pattern suggests mile will suit – keep safe. 20
12 FLANEUR ** Freshened after jockey reported not striding last start – might need this run. 33
13 SPYDER ** Needs a result for the support but not far away last start and step up to mile suits. 12
14 MONEY BEE ** Home OK late last start and certainly worth another look when he gets a start. 33
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