Singapore this Friday

After a well-earned (and rare) week off, racing is back at Kranji with what looks a tough ten race card.
And while Maidens and Class 5’s dominate the mixed surface meeting, a couple of up-andcoming stars make race 3 well worth the admission price.
In fact the Graduation event over 1000m on the Polytrack looks a match race between two last start winners in EMERALD HILL and SPEEDY AHEAD.
EMERALD HILL – who arrived in Singapore with one unplaced run under his belt from the US – won by a lazy six lengths at his Kranji debut as the odds-on favourite and that effort has him stamped as a horse to follow through the grades.
Likewise SPEEDY AHEAD bolted in at his race debut and the fact he started that day at the super shorts odds of$1.20 suggests the stable think plenty of this promising 3YO.
On form it looks a race in two and a if you have trouble splitting the pair, an ‘ exacta’ might be one of the better bets of the day.
Some handy 2YO’s go round in race 4 with most looking at securing a start in the Juvenile Championship next month.
Although five horses will be having their first start in this 2YO only maiden , two horses that ran on strongly in the Aushorse Golden Horseshoe two weeks back should figure heavily in this finish.
HOGWARTS EXPRESS and GOLDEN PRINCE both showed plenty that day and both can win
this and go on with the job on those similar eye-catching effort s.
Races 1,3 and 10 are on the all-weather Polytrack with races 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 on the Long
Course (B), Turf.

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Best Bets; DECOUPER (race 1, each-way), WHITE COFFEE (race 8, each-way) and EMERALD HILL/SPEEDY AHEAD (race 3, exacta) .
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 7 (I , 2, 3 and 13) race 8 (I , 2, 5, 6, 9,11 ,13 and 14), race 9 (7, 8 and 9) and race 10 (1, 3,13 and 14).

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Race 1

Selections; 2 DECOUPER – 5 SPEEDY PHIL – 6 FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – I CARNIVALSTAR
A couple of significant Class droppers – DECOUPER and CARNIVAL STAR – make this race interesting and both can playa part although drawing badly. DECOUPER in particular showed more than enough last start to think he is ready to show his best and can win with the experienced Greg Cheyne on board definitely in his favour. The trip and track suits – his two
wins were over 1000m and 1I00m on the Poly – and given a positive ride he goes mighty close at hopefully each-way value. CARNIVAL STAR was competit ive in Class 4 but the drop in grade in obviously what he needs to get back into the winners circle and a big run is also expected. But the two Class droppers will need to show their best as the Class 5 field is competit ive with the likes of SPEEDY PHIL, WONDER GENERAL and WINNING DAN ensuring an honest race with the maiden, FOR YOUR EYES ONLY, also one to watch on his good form from last campaign coupled with a slick recent trial – watch the tote.

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1 CARNIVAL STAR *** Drop in grade looks perfect and doing enough in better company to seriously consider here, can win. 10
2 DECOUPER *** Last run looked terrific considering the drop to a winnable grade – big show.10
3 HELLOLO ** Has speed and gate one a bonus but obviously needs to show more late. 20
4 LUCKY EIGHTY EIGHT * Place hope at best. 50
5 SPEEDY PHIL *** Bad start costly last time but prio r form has him winning this. 3.00
6 FOR YOUR EYES ONLY *** Resuming and always shown enough to pick up a race and today might be his day with nice recent trial a point er. 6.00
7 WINNING DAN *** Consistent and a win would not surprise. 10
8 NAPOLEON B ** Has speed and this trip suits but lack of fight in the finish is a concern . 8.00
9 WONDER GENERAL *** Another who has speed and looks a lead ing contender. 5.00
10 HIGH CENTENNIAL ** Out of form and needs to be at his best to playa part . 20
11 ZENA * Cannot. 100
12 KYLENE ** Not the worst and consider in exotics. 20
13 PLANCK TIME *No thanks. 100
14 WING WARRIOR * Needs it longer. 100

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Race 2

Selections; 2 COUP DA VINCI – 1 KTRONIC • 3 PIED PIPER · 10 SHIN GOONG
A very even maiden with many of the main hope s having the ir first crack at 1400m. And whi le KTRONIC, PIED PIPER and SHIN GOONG • to name just three · are in form and should more than handle the trip , I like the fact COUP DA VINCI has experi ence over the journey and certainly showed enough last start when blinkers added to win this. He has drawn wide but expect an aggressive ride early from Barend Vorster and the Mark Walker trained 3YO looks a very solid winning hope. But as mentioned there are plenty of others with form that suggests the y can win this . KTRONIC is certainly due, PIED PIPER will very much appreciate the 1400m, SHIN GOONG is ready to win and THE GREAT GREY just need s luck to show his best (and being by BRADBURY’S LUCK he might just get that) .

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1 KTRONIC *** Should have won by now but gets another good chance to breakthrough, keep following. 3.00
2 COUP DA VINCI *** Big improvement last time on the pace with blink ers added and has to be considered a decent chance here . 6.00
3 PIED PIPER *** Consistent type, 1400m look s ideal and one of the main hope s. 6.00
4 BURN IT UP ** Disappointing for the support but expect improvement with blinkers added and keep safe . 20
5 VICTORIOUS ONE’S * Blinkers go on but need s to show more. 100
6 ANCHIETA * Needs more race experience, prefer later on. 100
7 CHRISTOPHER * Debut just fair and need s more time. 100
8 DEFENCE ADVISER ** Improving type and comes under notic e in a race with no stand outs .20
9 DRAGON * Home OK last start and not a million miles away at the finish but have to take on trust. 50
10 SHIN GOONG *** Placed at two starts and will win sooner than later· big show. 4.00
11 THE GREAT GREY *** Hasn’t had a lot ofluck and worth following at value over a distance that suits. 12
12 PARAGON ANGEL **OK effort with blinkers last start and will pay to follow. 8.00
13 LADY EMERALD * Nothing so far. 100
14 MIGHTY HUNTER ** Improves on debut run and can consider for exotics. 50
15 VENI VICI * Cannot. 200
16 SUPERNATURAL POWER * Blinkers on but no power. 200

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Race 3

Selections; 4 EMERALD HILL – 6 SPEEDY AHEAD – 2 EATONS GOLD – 3 CALIFORNIAN GIRL
A race in two with EMERALD HILL and SPEEDY AHEAD the only horses to consider. Both won with a proverbial ‘leg in the air’ at their respectiv e Singapore race debuts and both had heavy support on good tria l form. EMERALD HILL – an American bred 3YO – won by six lengths in ‘open’ maiden company and while he didn’t beat much his good time suggests he has plenty to offer in this company. But the same can be said for SPEEDY AHEAD – a dominate win in Restricted Maiden company – and the fact he went off as the $1.20 favourit e suggests the stable rates him highly and a horse to follow. Expect heavy support for both horses again with a forecast or exacta bet looking a very solid option.

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1 PREDICTABLE * Resuming, recent trial OK but hard to recommend on form from previous campaign. 50
2 EATONS GOLD ** Also first up but was racing well last campaign and could surprise with blinkers on first time. 20
3 CALIFORNIAN GIRL ** Fast filly who has found it a bit tough since her debut win – place . 8.00
4 EMERALD HILL *** Bolted in Singapore debut with heavy support and it will take a smart one to catch this horse – hard to beat. 1.80
5 DARIEN GAP * Newcomer from Australia and prefer to just watch on debut. 50
6 SPEEDY AHEAD *** Won like a good thing on debut (and supported accordingly) and looked smart in a trial on Tuesday – one of the main hopes. 2.00
7 SOUL COMMANDER * No. 100
8 WEOWNA FLYER * Wait for Class 5 and perhaps longer. 100

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Race 4

Selections; 1 HOGWARTS EXPRESS – 2 GOLDEN PRINCE – 7 KEEPING THE FAITH – 9 OASIS SPUR
HOGWARTS EXPRESS new home in the Golden Horseshoe and was unlucky not to win, she had good form including a Group placing in New Zealand, and if she has backed up from her first Singapore run and can cope with the weight rise she should be the harde st to beat. GOLDEN PRINCE also ran a nice race in the Golden Horseshoe, his previous form was sound and he is relatively well in at the weight s vis-it-vis the filly. KEEPING THE FAITH has plenty of toe, and was well supported at its initial outing, the tongue tie goes on and he could improve sharply as could OASIS SPUR who raced very wide at his only start but has Oscar Chavez and a good barrier this time. CHINA ROULETTE has some speed and SAMURAI BRIGHT, SPACEMAN and ARMADILLO have done enough at the trials to warrant consid eration in the exotics at least.

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1 HOGWARTS EXPRESS *** Flew home in Aushorse Golden Horseshoe. Form in New Zealand was good enough to win this despite weight rise, assuming she backs up from last outing . 2.00
2 GOLDEN PRINCE *** Nice run in Golden Horseshoe and previous solid form gives him sound chance here. 3.00
3 ARMADILLO * First starter who trial s nicely enough but prefer to see. 40
4 CHI LIN *Nicely bred and from good 2YO stable but has not shown much at trial s. Passing. 50
5 CHINA ROULETTE * Showed some speed but finished well back at only start. Could improve but prefer to wait for later. 50
6 FIELDEN STAR * Had a few trial s but looks like he might want it longer. 50
7 KEEPING THE FAITH *** Speedy type who was supported at first start but faded. Had had two subsequent trials and with the tongue tie on to help him breathe could improve sharply. 5.50
8 MISSION EMPIRE * Done nothing so far. 100
9 OASIS SPUR ** Raced very wide at only start and run was better than it looked, well drawn here and with senior jockey aboard could show up without surprising. 20
10 ROYCE SUPREME * No. 100
11 SAMURAI BRIGHT ** Won his trial well enough, albeit in slow time . Well drawn and not without a chance on debut – watch tote. 12
12 SPACEMAN ** Trials ok and has the ace. Rough chance. 20

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Race 5

Selections; 2 GOLDEN DOMINATOR – 13 MUSKETEER – 14 RED RIVER ROCK – 1 SELECT GATHERING
The second of the Restricted Maid en events over 1400m and again a field with many strong winning hopes head to the starter. And while there doesn’t look much between the top four or five chance s, I like the fact that GOLDEN DOMINATOR has drawn a good gate and that could be the winning differenc e. The HANDSOME RANSOM 3YO has done it tough of late from awkward draws and Jose Verenzuela will be hoping he can he handi er from gate 3 and he will certainl y be doing best work late with 1400m looking ideal. Converse ly MUSKETEER, has gate 13 to contend with but has certainl y shown more than enough in his short career to think he wins sooner than later. The Japanese-bred 3YO has only found one better at his last three starts and Greg Cheyne will know he will have plenty left in the tank late and with luck in running has strong winning claims. Of the others, SELECT GATHERING and FLYING AHEAD both have the form on the board to think they playa big part in this race with RED RIVER ROCK significantly the only 2YO in this race and thu s only 48.5kg to carry – a serious threat.

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1SELECT GATHERING *** Super consistent and has strong claims today, can win. 4.00
2 GOLDEN DOMINATOR *** Last few runs have been very good , finall y drawn a gate and hard to beat in this. 5.50
3 FLYING AHEAD *** Excuses last start – racin g well and should win soon, keep follo wing with blink ers a facto r today. 10
4 GOOD PARTNER * Should be doing better than what we have see n. 50
5 CHINESE TYCOON ** Place chance looks best. 50
6 SUPER VELOX ** Had plenty of chanc es and prefer others. 33
7 MY TRACK * Appreciates debut run and blink ers added – watch tote and should improve. 50
8 PENSAMIENTO *** Enough to like about his debut run to thin k he can improve with the experience and win a race like this. 15
9 RISK FACTOR ** Going OK and look s one to follow – each way. 20
10 ROUGH DAY ** Newcomer who won a trial on Tuesday, market best guide. 12
11 XAVIO ** Improves with each run and certainly worth a look today at value. 33
12 DESTINATION GOLD *** Should improve with debut run under his belt, consider at odd s. 33
13 MUSKETEER *** Form suggests he win s today. 3.50
14 RED RIVER ROCK *** OK on debut and commands respect with light weight to carry. 8.00
15 WONDER HOPE * Not yet. 200

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Race 6

Selections; 7 PERFECT KID – 10 SECARA – 8 ROMAN EMPIRE – 13 ENZO
The usual Class 5 with plenty of chances. PERFECT KID is a Leslie Khoo class dropper who has form on turf over this trip and has been racing competitively in higher class. He should be able to get a sit off the pace and run home strongly. SECARA is an on-speed horse, well drawn who just missed out last time – with KB Sao steering he should be prominent all the way. ENZO also likes to get on the pace but he is drawn wide, if he can get across he is a consistent type who fights on well. ROMAN EMPIRE has not been far way at recent starts and will be running on, as will SILENT POWER who was badly held up last start and that run can be forgotten. DANNY BOY has been racing consistently, and whilst 1400m looks too short for the very honest ALVITO, he could surprise whilst fresh.

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1 ALVITO * Tough old Class 5 horse resuming, likes it longer and will need this run. 25
2 CAPTAIN MANDOLIN ** Has not shown up in four starts but a nicely bred type whose recent trial was encouraging. Engagement of top rider and good draw boosts his chances. 16
3 DANNY BOY ** Every hope last start, but won well in this Class and distance two starts back. Chance again. 12
4 GOLDEN JAMBHALA * Blinkers come off and he has never won without them. Back in Class 5 but would like it a bit longer. 33
5 GRAND VITESS ** Has not shown a great deal in four starts but blinkers on a factor – watch market. 20
6 LEAVE ME ALONE * Won barrier trial recently, only win was on this surface at his trip, but leaving alone on recent form. 20
7 PERFECT KID *** Won his maiden at this trip but found Class 4 too hot – suited here and with top rider on board could be right in the finish. 4.80
8 ROMAN EMPIRE *** Has not been far away last couple of starts and bound to be running on again. 6.00
9 SEASONS WONDER ** Maiden who gets a long way back and runs on – good effort last start when resuming on the Polytrack , will need luck but knows how to finish. 12
10 SECARA *** Won his maiden on turf over this trip. Just missed last start and will be on the pace all the way- good chance again. 4.50
11 SILENT POWER *** Forget last start as he was badly held up, previous form was sound in this Class and gets chance to make amends. 8.00
12 WORLD FAMOUSMAN * Waste of the ace because he gets a mile back and has pulled up short in his action at his last two starts. 50
13 ENZO *** Genuin e on-pace Class 5 horse who battles away, and whilst the alley does not help, he is on his preferred surface and over a suitable distance . 8.00
14 ZAC WARRIOR * Gets back and runs on when right, best form has been on poly. 33
15 RECIPROCATE ** Second run back from a let up, usually runs on and should be further improved. 33
16 SMART CHOICE * Not a smart choice. 100

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Race 7

Selections; 1 DESTINY ACTION – 2 FLY NOW – 3 TENUPONTEN – 13 SPANISH TRAIN
An ordinary Maiden. Apart from the top three the rest are either disappointing or have little in the way of revealed form. DESTINY ACTION showed promise as a younger horse , and although disappointing at his last outing, this field is not strong and he gets his chance to make amends. FLY NOW has run two reasonable races at his only starts, with the blinkers on he should be ready to show his wares. TENUPONTEN is resuming but has been running competitively in much better class – despite his bad draw he should be right in it. Of the remainder, FIRTH and ALL FORUS fall into the heavily supported and deeply disappointing class, but as the say, “where there is smoke there is fire”, and both AFTERNOON DELIGHT and SPANISH TRAIN have run decent races in the not too distant past which would give them some chance in what is a weak race.

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1 DESTINY ACTION *** Resuming after disappointing effort last start. Has shown plenty of promise in the past and a strong performance would not surprise. 4.00
2 FLY NOW *** Decent effort in higher grade last start, blinker s go on and that could be the signal for a big performance. 3.50
3 TENUPONTEN *** Resuming. Draw does not help as he likes to run on the pace but has been racing well in higher class and has strong claim s here. Trialed strong ly recently. 4.50
4 ALL SHINE * Resuming and will need the run. 25
5 FIRTH ** Has been well supported every start but has disappointed on each occasion. Take on trust. 12
6 AFTERNOON DELIGHT ** Showed up two starts back and copped a check at last outing. Winkers go on and could show improvement. 12
7 WIN THE DAY * Blinkers on and trials OK but has shown little to date in races. 20
8 YAM CHA * Bred to stay and wants it longer. 20
9 AL-HAMID * Resuming after a short break and has had a change of stables. Later. 33
10 FLYING WILD * Second run back from a let-up. Shown nothing so far. 33
11CLASSIC THUNDER * Blinkers on, done nothing in seven starts. 33
12 ALL FORUS ** Has been very disappointing and poorly drawn here. Best performances have been on turf and this is not a strong field. 16
13 SPANISH TRAIN *** Excuses last couple and those efforts good enough to go well here with luck in running – value. 16
14 YAKUZA MOON * Shown nothing in nine starts. 50
15 STARLITE SHOWER * Has had a change of stables. Has run some reasonable races from time to time and could show u at second start back from a spell. 20
16 CARRY THE FLAME * Pacifiers off, placed once in six starts and that was on the poly. 50

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Race 8

Selections; 6 WHITE COFFEE – 9 GREAT LIGHT – 11 TOM – 5 DEEP POCKETS
A very tough affair with plenty of strong form to follow includ ing four last start winners – DEEP POCKETS, TOM, RAVOUX and ALWAYS HAPPY. Of the four I think TOM has enough upside as a 3YO to think he more than handles the tougher company and a horse worth following. TH Koh’s 2kg claim and gate two are in his favour and another win would not surprise. But the race is very open and I think a horse like WHITE COFFEE might be each-way value and every chance in what looks a suitable race. John Powell takes the ride for Michael Freedman and considering the LONHRO 4YO didn’t appreciate the going last start, his effort was very good and a big run here is on the cards. GREAT LIGHT is in terrific form and picks himself in the top three chances and DEEP POCKETS will keep them all honest late in what could be a very busy finish.

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1 DAVIDE *** Honest type who will give a bold sight on the pace even with top weight; have to respect. 8.00
2 PEACEFUL WARRIOR *** Finding a bit harder now up in stronger company but should run well as an each way chance. 20
3 TROPICAL FOREST * Certainly capabl e on his day but looks a better option on Poly. 40
4 WONDER ** Staying type who is racing in great form and only query is 1400m. Prefer over something longer. 50
5 DEEP POCKETS *** In winning form so commands respect but might find this a bit sharp to make it back-to back wins. 6.00
6 WHITE COFFEE *** Won a couple early in Singapo re and last start better than it looked in tough going – watch . 20
7 ALWAYS HAPPY ** Honest mare who likes this trip but will need to be at her very best to go back-to-back . 12
8 FUNCA * Resuming. Disappointing for followers and others make more appeal. 50
9 GREAT LIGHT *** Super consistent and a win would not surprise. 8.00
10RIO FORTUNE ** Battled on well on the pace last time and could stay on for a placing. 33
11 TOM *** Talented young galloper going through the grades sand looks hard to beat in this.4.00
12 TRAVERTINE ** Always a threat in a race like this and consider each way. 20
13 RAVOUX *** Took a while to breakthrough for another win but won well and pay to follow.8.00
14 CONVICT *** Lightly raced 4YO who has loads of ability and could easily win this, one to watch. 6.00
15 GLOWNIGHT RACER ** Has ability and consider in exotic bets at value. 33
16 MULAN * Honest mare but place at best here. 50

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Race 9

Selections; 7 GOOD DAY – 8 TRIPLE GOALS – 9 MONGOLIAN STAR – 3 NOBLE KNIGHT
The Class 5 Division 2 races are always a challenge and this is no exception. GOOD DAY has never won on the turf but gets his best chance in this weak field. His form suggests he is due to add to his five career win tally and he will certainly be doing his best work late. TRIPLE GOALS is a very average conveyance who has been backed and beaten on numerous occasions but he is well drawn and suited by the surface and distance. MONGOLIAN STAR is drawn out wide but if Danny Beasley can get him across or find cover he could be very strong in the run home. NOBLE KNIGHT has a lot of “duck eggs” next to his name but he changed stables recently and his last run was over an unsuitabl e distance, the 1400m is much more up his alley, and with John Powell to ride he could be running on strongly. WAR CRUSADER is a Maiden but his best efforts have been on turf over 1400m, he is awkwardly drawn and will need some luck but has enough ability to figure in the placings. CHAN’S ELECTRA has early speed and if he can get a soft lead could be hard to run down with TIEN CHAI some hope.

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1 DOMINATOR * Third run back from a spell, maiden who gets back and runs on – will need luck from his draw. 20
2 CHENGDU WARRIOR * Long time since he has shown worthwhile form. Gets a long way back and at his best runs on strongly. 20
3 NOBLE KNIGHT *** Trialled OK recently, but race form woeful. Has won twice at this distance and with senior jockey on top and a good draw could be the one to surprise. 5.00
4 PRINCESS JANNA ** Moody mare, badly drawn, ran 2nd in a similar race in February but has to be taken on trust with blinkers off. 16
5 SUDDEN INTEREST * No interest. 100
6 WAR CRUSADER *** Maiden but has run his best races over this distance on turf. Awkwardly drawn but with the claim is well in this. 4.50
7 GOOD DAY *** Gnarled veteran who has won five times in 58 starts but never on turf. Sure to be running on late though and can win in this weak field. 14
8 TRIPLE GOALS *** Disappoin ting horse who promi ses but rarely delivers. Well drawn and should be able to get a nice trip on the pace . 5.00
9 MONGOLIAN STAR *** Poorly drawn as he likes to get on the pace, but ifhe can get across
will be right in this. 6.00
10 TIEN CHAI ** Recent racing has been on the poly and may go better on turf. Ifnear his best would go close against these. 16
11 LUCKY EMPRESS ** Second run back from a spell and whilst she would like it longer could show up in this weak race. 16
12 CHAN’S ELECTRA *** Only win was on turf over this distance. Could lead or sit on the pace and be hard to run down. 16
13 AMERICAN TYCOON * Better on the poly but could show up. 20
14 FLEET FOOT * Polytracker, who has never been placed in nine starts on turf. 33
15 THANKSGIVING * No thanks. 50
16 CAN’T TOUCH ME ** Only win was on turf at this distance – include in exotics. 16

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Race 10

Selections ; 3 WILLIAMS – I BRIAN – 6 STANZOUT – 9 PROBO CHANDROSO
A bunch of Class 4 speedsters over II OOm to finish up the night on the Poly. A lot depends on whether the emergencies ANAVILA and BM WIN get a start, both are con sistent performers who always race well over this distance on this surface. Ofthe guaranteed starters both IRISH LIGHTNING and DANZIG ROCKET possess a ton of speed but their preference is for 1000m, not 11 OOm. Others that will be charging forward are GERMAN ROULETTE and the maiden SCHOLAR. Thi s could well set it up for WILLIAMS and BRIAN who should get nice sits at the back of the pace. Others who could figure in that scenario are STANZOUT and PROBO CHANDROSO. SHEN KIM is up in Class but has won his last two and winning form cannot be discounted.

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1 BRIAN *** Strong, con sistent polytracker resuming, who should go well fresh. 6.50
2 DANZIG ROCKET ** Flyer who loves these dashes on the Polytrack but 1000m is his preference. 7.50
3 WILLIAMS *** Consistent galloper who has won twic e on the poly over this distanc e. Will run his usual honest race. 3.80
4 IRISH LIGHTNING ** Very speedy customer who will keep them all honest, prefers 1000m. 7.50
5 GOOD BOSS ** Trapped wide last start while disputing lead and knocked up – better drawn here but will need some luc k. 12
6 STANZOUT ** Good move back on poly. Has a nice alley and should get cover, will be running on late. 10
7 COOL LUKE * Has plenty of speed and competitive this grade last start but wide draw an issue. 20
8 GERMAN ROULETTE * Speedy, but another who will struggle from the draw. 33
9 PROBO CHANDROSO ** Thi s is easier than last start and only two wins have been on poly over this distance. 10
10 GENOVA AT WORK * Only win was at long odds and has battled since. 25
11 SCHOLAR ** Maiden who has plenty of speed and could well be suited here with no weight.16
12 SHEN KIM ** Up in class but winning form is good form. Cannot be ignored. 6.50
13 ANAVILA *** Very consistent performer who will race well ifhe gets a start. 4.00
14 8M WIN *** Has only won once but never runs a bad race. Chance if he gets a start. 6.50

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