Derby weekend gets off to a great start on Friday night with a bumper 10 race mixed-surface meeting.
And while obviously punters will have one eye on the SGD $1.15 million Group 1 feature on Sunday, Fridays card has plenty to offer with some very competitive racing.
Case in point is the Class 3 1000m Poly dash (race 5) where anyone of 10 horses could win without surprising.
Oddly, the recent form of many of the runners does not look that enticing but when you consider the likes of VIVA PANATA and RALEIGH will find their feet sooner than later in this company and promising types such as BRING MORE MONEY and BM WIN are well worth following through the grades, the race has plenty of interest.
Throw in the form runners in ANDIKO and BENJI’S EMPIRE with RUN FOR THE HILLS also likely to get support and finding the winner is no easy task.
So with a tough run expected for the supported horses, the race may be ripe for the picking for a long-shot and SMART GENERAL could deliver that fatal blow to the majority of punters.
Obviously his form reads badly, is up in Class, has drawn badly and has an inexperienced hoop on-board over what looks an unsuitable trip but (and it may be a big but) the 6YO grows a proverbial leg when blinkers are added to his gear and worth a look at what should be long odds.
Not as daring but in the lucky last, SUPER READY will be close to odds-on and should send favourite backers and Joao Moreira fans home with a smile on their face in what looks a bottom heavy Restricted Maiden event.
Elsewhere there looks to be a couple of terrific races late on the card with an Open Benchmark 83 over 1400m on the turf (race 8) and a Class 3 Poly Sprint over 1200m (race 9) certainly worth a look.
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Best Bets; SUPER READY (race 10, win), METEOR MIKE (race 8, win), SMART GENERAL (race 5, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 7 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9), race 8 (1, 2, 4 and 5), race 9 (1, 2, 4 and 7) and race 10 (12).
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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; 6 SARONG – 1 FUKU’S PET – 10 ZAC STAR DESTROYER – 5 PLAY ON
The usual tough Class 5 starts proceedings. SARONG is always honest in these types of races; she fought on strongly from a bad draw last start and is much better served here. Suhaimi has won on her before and should be on or near the lead most of the way. FUKU’S PET is the class dropper, he has won twice over this trip, and Joao Moreira has also won twice on him. The only concern is the barrier as he likes to race on the speed but if the champion jockey can manage that, then he has to be the one to beat. ZAC STAR DESTROYER has been thereabouts at recent starts, with the engagement of Ivaldo Santana he should be able to take advantage of his inside draw to sit at the back of the speed and run on strongly. PLAY ON is still a maiden after 15 starts and has been tried over a variety of distances, however he has run some super races over 1000m and 1100m on the poly including a placing behind AL’S KNIGHT; with Zuriman’s claim he could show up without surprising. If the emergency PEGASUS VICTORY gets a start his recent form is consistent and he represents a winning chance. The old mare BLUEBERRY POWER possesses speed and the blinkers go back on, but she is drawn very wide, and whilst CARNIVAL STAR is hard to catch, on his best form he would be well up to this.
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1 FUKU’S PET *** Drops in grade and has won twice over this trip. Awkward draw as he likes to be on the speed but has Moreira to steer. 2.80
2 SAMURAI KID ** Stable mate of FUKU’S PET. Now back in Class 5 but best form has been with senior rider and blinkers. 12
3 DANNY BOY * Stable mate of SARONG. Useful performer but Polytrack form is ordinary and would like it a bit longer. 20
4 HANG TUAH * Formerly ICE AGE. Resuming after having changed name and stables. Likely to need the run. 50
5 PLAY ON *** Still a maiden after 15 starts and has been mixing his distances. Has run some very good races on the poly over short trips and could be charging home late. 7.00
6 SARONG *** Fought on well after racing wide last start. Useful mare, better drawn this time and always hard to beat in these types of races. 3.20
7 SURGESS ** Good first-up effort after a long break. Should be further improved and whilst he might now like it longer is not without a chance. 20
8 CARNIVAL STAR ** Stable mate of PLAY ON. Hard to catch and seems to go better on turf than poly but one to keep safe in exotics. 20
9 SINATRA * 9 start maiden, best run was over this distance on the poly, but hard to enthuse. 33
10 ZAC STAR DESTROYER *** Disappointing of late but engagement of senior rider and good alley points to a strong chance. 6.50
11 BLUEBERRY POWER ** Blinkers back on, tough old mare who has speed but is drawn wide and has been weakening in her recent races. Chance on best. 33
12 ZENA * Form has been ordinary. 50
13 PEGASUS VICTORY *** Good effort last start and previous form consistent. Good chance if he gets a start. 7.00
14 SINGLE STAR * Not that far away last start this company, but others look better. 20
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Race 2
Selections; 1 CALOMBARIS – 6 JET ACE – 2 PERWIRA – 3 CALIFORNIAN STAR
Some good Class 4 sprinters engaged here should ensure a fast run race. CALOMBARIS is resuming and is drawn wide but has a good first up record and would have benefited from several recent strong barrier trials. He has abundant speed and Danny Beasley knows how to get them home from the outside draws. JET ACE has had Tommy Chang steering the last three outings and has had excuses at each. Moreira jumps on this time and he should be in the firing line for a long way. PERWIRA has never finished worse than fourth in this Class on the Polytrack. He has been getting caught late but with the better draw and the allowance for Zawari should go close. CALIFORNIAN STAR is another speedster resuming, he has not missed a place in 6 starts on the Polytrack; with Opie Bosson on top he too is likely to be going forward early. POWERPAC has done little wrong at his three starts and from the inside barrier should get the gun run all the way, if the leaders get tired he may be able to apply the pressure. DANZIG ROCKET is a 1000m specialist having won three times over the journey and with Azhar replacing CS Chin a more aggressive ride can be expected. NORDSTROM’s only win in 5 starts in Australia was at Nowra but he has shown plenty of speed in recent trials and could go well fresh. SOUL COMMANDER put in a good effort at long odds last start and could be a chance if he gets a start.
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1 CALOMBARIS *** Speedster who blotted his copybook last start but his prior form was exemplary. Resuming but trial form is excellent and despite tough draw should go well fresh. 5.00
2 PERWIRA *** Very consistent in this class but has been getting caught late, nicely drawn and apprentice claim may help. 3.80
3 CALIFORNIAN STAR *** Speedy and has been placed at all Polytrack starts. Resuming but could sprint well fresh. 7.00
4 DANZIG ROCKET ** 1000m specialist but drawn wide and in a tough field – place best. 12
5 NORDSTROM ** Has been trialing well, only Australian win was at Nowra and this is a good field. Will be tested at Singapore debut and market best guide. 12
6 JET ACE *** Moreira takes over from Tommy Chang. Has been unlucky at all of his past three starts and with a good draw gets a chance to make amends. 4.00
7 SUPER STRIKE ** First up run good enough to think he is back in form but exotics best in this good field. 25
8 POWERPAC *** Not disgraced last start and the good barrier should keep him in the picture for a long way. Keep safe. 10
9 ROCK ART * Nice win last start but this is much tougher. 20
10 SUPER STAR * This will be too short. 33
11 GYPSY MAGIC * Not the worst back on his preferred surface but better suited in something easier. 33
12 EL PATRON * Long time since he has shown form, looking for Class 5. 33
13 SOUL COMMANDER ** Super effort at long odds last start. Could be a chance if he gets into the field. 14
14 ZAC HEAVEN ** Another speedster who is always a chance in these type of races. 20
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Race 3
Selections; 2 GOOD BUDDY – 3 FERROBOND – 7 COOL LUKE – 4 INDULGE
Another Class 4 but without the same level of speed as in the previous race. GOOD BUDDY was once PRINCE PARETO and under that moniker he rarely ran a bad race. Under his new name nothing seems to have changed judging by his good first-up second and another honest performance can be anticipated. FERROBOND’s two Polytrack efforts since arriving from Australia have been very good and he appears suited by the surface and he should race well again despite his wide draw. Moreira got COOL LUKE home in an ordinary Class 4 last start, he retains the mount and whilst this field is stronger, he is not without a chance. INDULGE is another drawn wide who likes to race on the pace, the top Malaysian rider Azhar gets the mount and if he can avoid getting caught too wide, could finish off well. VOLKOV goes fast but knocked up last start, his previous effort was better and whilst he needs to be taken on trust, must be a chance again if he can get his way in front. BENJI’S RULE gets back and runs on; he will need luck but with WX Wong’s claim is not without a hope. CHILLI is a very consistent performer at this Class and distance and will give a huge sight if he gets a start.
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1 BENJI’S RULE ** Gets away slowly but runs on well. Will need luck but WX Wong claim could help. 12
2 GOOD BUDDY *** Formerly PRINCE PARETO. Nice first up effort when second, honest performer in this Class who should race well again. 3.50
3 FERROBOND *** Two Polytrack efforts have been excellent, badly drawn but right in the mix again. 4.50
4 INDULGE ** Can be hard to catch but with Azhar steering look for an improved performance based on good second two starts back. 10
5 LUCKY RISE ** Charged home to win over 1400m on turf two starts back and Poly run prior OK – exotics at value. 20
6 VOLKOV ** Speedy type who had a soft run in front last start and knocked up. Previous effort was better, but must take on trust. 12
7 COOL LUKE *** Won well in a weak Class 4 last star. This field is not much better and must be a chance again with Moreira retaining the mount. 3.50
8 MSIXTEEN ** Drawn wide and resuming but always some hope at his best in this grade – tote a good guide. 20
9 DUTY FREE * Maiden, not here. 50
10 BIONIC WARRIOR ** Good effort to lead all the way last start in Class 5 but this is tougher. 14
11 CAN BE BETTER * Would need to do a lot better. 50
12 FOUNTAIN * Not racing well and would need to improve. 33
13 CHILLI *** Rarely runs a bad race and will be right in it if he gets a start – can be value which is handy. 5.50
14 MY PREROGATIVE ** Form better than it reads and pay to follow at odds when he gets a start. 25
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Race 4
Selections; 7 ZAC SUPREME – 2 VERY VERY GOOD – 1 STARLITE SHOWER – 12 YAKUZA MOON
A very ordinary maiden with most having revealed, but unexciting form. ZAC SUPREME put in a strong first up effort in Class 5 last start; he gets back but with his good draw should get a nice run off the pace and be able to run home powerfully. VERY VERY GOOD has been supported several times – twice with Moreira up – and somewhat unusually for a Leslie Khoo trained runner, failed to deliver. He is now second up after a break and gets Moreira again and one feels it could be now or never. STARLITE SHOWER has had several chances, his effort last start was ordinary, but this field is weaker and if he ran up to his second two starts back would have an undeniable chance. NORTHERN CAT has put in excellent efforts at his last two starts over 1600 and 1700m; this looks too short but he does have form on his side. VENI VICI also races as if he wants its longer but his most recent effort was good enough to warrant a chance in this very weak field. KING CROSS has changed stables to Steven Gray. He has had numerous health issues in the past but he does have ability and could race well fresh, though blinkers and tongue tie have come off. CAPRICCIOSO had some support when resuming last start but did little; he has put in some good runs in the past and could put in an improved performance without surprising. The pacifiers have come off JUST LIKE THAT and whilst his race form is poor, he does work and trial well. YAKUZA MOON not the worst on her last start effort, senior hoop a factor and will be 100-1.
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1 STARLITE SHOWER *** Not the most reliable conveyance but if he ran up to his effort two starts back would go close to winning this. 4.50
2 VERY VERY GOOD *** Has been backed and beaten several times, last run when resuming was fair, and with Moreira taking the mount for the third time this may be the lucky one. 3.50
3 VENI VICI ** Ran on well last time and excuses not to finish closer but gives the impression he wants further. Could show up in this weak field. 8.00
4 NORTHERN CAT ** Has put in top efforts over 1600 and 1700m at last two starts. This may be too short but his form is better than most. 8.00
5 JUST LIKE THAT ** Pacifiers off. Trials well but has shown nothing in four starts. Watch market. 12
6 ROCKY TWO * Has not done much so far. 33
7 ZAC SUPREME *** Good effort first up last start in Class 5. Has top rider and good draw. Hard to beat. 4.50
8 MOSHPIT MILLY * Has done nothing. 33
9 JUMBO ** Poorly drawn but not that far away last start and could show up. 33
10 KING CROSS ** Has changed stables, blinkers and tongue tie come off. Has had health issues but has ability and could race well fresh. 16
11 CAPRICCIOSO ** Had support last start when resuming and flopped but previous runs were encouraging. Badly drawn but could show up. 16
12 YAKUZA MOON ** Form looks hopeless but OK work late last start suggests she is on the improve. 50
13 LADY EMERALD * Unlikely. 50
14 BIG BABA * No form whatsoever. 50
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Race 5
Selections; 12 SMART GENERAL – 7 BRING MORE MONEY – 10 BM WIN – 1 VIVA PANATA
A strange Class 3 which features a couple of horses on the up against a few that look like ‘lights of other days’. And with this in mind it looks a good race to for a ‘roughie’ with SMART GENERAL. The David Kok-trained 6YO looks no hope up in grade over the shortest trip from a wide gate but blinkers on suggests he gives it his best shot. And his best shot goes close at any old odds. He has plenty to beat though with BRING MORE MONEY a big show. He was caught wide last start and faded but his previous form was outstanding including a good win over 1200m on the poly – well drawn here with Oscar Chavez on top he could be hard to beat. BM WIN is a very consistent performer and whilst this is a bit tougher than Progressive Class he always puts in an honest effort. Likewise, ANDIKO has an excellent record on the Polytrack and is well in this field having been placed in a good quality Kranji Stakes C start. RUN FOR THE HILLS showed plenty of speed last star before weakening and will enjoy being back on the Polytrack over a shorter distance. VIVA PANATA has not won for 16 months and is now having his second start in Class 3. As a six time winner – 4 times on the poly and twice at the distance – and with the apprentice JL Li steering fresh from a double last Friday night, he must be respected. The field is not over-strong and at his best he would be highly competitive. Like VIVA PANATA, RALEIGH has also not won for a long time and finds himself in a suitable race with Joao Moreira to try and lift his game. BENJI’S EMPIRE ran on well last start, though his normal game is to be on the pace, he has the versatility to pose a threat. VELLFIRE has speed and should improve on his first up effort.
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1 VIVA PANATA *** Has not won since March 2011 but now having second run in Class 3 after reasonable effort last start and this surface and distance suits. If right should race well. 6.50
2 RALEIGH *** Also has not won since March 2011 but with Moreira to steer in suitable race look for sharp improvement despite wide alley. 6.50
3 VELLFIRE * Blinkers off after finishing well back after showing speed on resuming. Won over this course and distance last November. 20
4 RUN FOR THE HILLS *** Showed speed but faded last start over 1400m on turf. Previous first-up effort on Poly over 1200m would indicate a strong showing in this class. 8.00
5 MOOVA HOOVA * Could make excuses for last two efforts ordinary but would need to improve. 25
6 TOTARA * Resuming and will need the run. 33
7 BRING MORE MONEY *** Smart performer ideally drawn who won well at his only attempt on the poly (1200m). Won a trial recently and the one they have to beat. 3.50
8 BENJI’S EMPIRE *** Ran on last start, though could just as easily lead. Versatile performer who is always a chance. 14
9 ANDIKO *** Good effort last start and very consistent over 1000m on the Polytrack. 6.50
10 BM WIN *** Never runs a bad race sure to be competitive again. Well drawn with top rider. 6.00
11 DYNAMIC DAN ** Good effort two starts back. This is stronger but should be running on late. 25
12 SMART GENERAL *** Form reads badly but blinkers on a significant gear change and could easily show up at odds despite wide gate – follow. 33
13 MIGHTY CREATION ** Racing in fine form and whilst this is tougher should race well if he gets in the field. 25
14 ARADEA ** Was checked last start and previous effort sound. A chance if he gets a start. 25
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Race 6
Selections; 2 ENZO – 1 VAN BASTEN – 9 MERLIN – 3 ROMAN EMPIRE
The usual very open Class 5 over a mile on the turf. ENZO can be forgiven his last start as his rider went out too fast and left him with nothing at the end (not to mention a dropped whip late), Opie Bosson will not make that mistake. MERLIN has by far the best record of all the runners over a mile and whilst his form is not spectacular neither is it disastrous and this race could well suit him. VAN BASTEN is a Class dropper and the mile could well suit; Shafiq’s claim will get a bit of weight off his back and from the number 3 alley he should get a nice trip. WORLD FAMOUSMAN has not got much recent form but a mile on turf in this Class is very much his type of race. HAPPY MORE put in a much better performance last start and is far better suited on turf. DRAMA SUPERSTAR is resuming and her trial form is good, she has raced best on the Polytrack but this distance suits. ROMAN EMPIRE and ZAC WARRIOR are others that could threaten though both are more comfortable on the poly. If THE KATHUMPA gets a start he has been trialing and working well and could surprise as could the first EA, LUCKY EMPRESS, at bolters odds.
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1 VAN BASTEN *** Form reads badly but significant drop in grade and was showing enough in Class 4 to seriously consider. 4.50
2 ENZO *** Knocking on the door since dropping to this grade and hard to go past with Bosson aboard, should win. 4.00
3 ROMAN EMPIRE *** Disappointing last start but form prior has him winning this. Looked well on the track this week. 4.50
4 SEASONS WONDER ** This trip should suit and look for improvement. 20
5 WORLD FAMOUSMAN ** Has not shown much for a while but have to consider on best ability over suitable trip; market best guide. 16
6 DRAMA SUPERSTAR *** Resuming after bleeding attack but form last campaign certainly good enough to give this a big shake. 5.50
7 KING WASHI * No. 50
8 ZAC WARRIOR ** Last few outings have been OK and can figure somewhere in the finish although recent Poly form better. 16
9 MERLIN *** Not far away from the action lately and has a decent chance in a race with no stand outs with switch to turf in his favour. 7.50
10 HAPPY MORE ** Well enough home last start to entertain in exotic bets. 20
11 VICTORIOUS ONE’S * No. 33
12 ETERNAL FLY * Cannot. 50
13 LUCKY EMPRESS ** Appreciates a couple of runs back and step up to the mile. Will add value to exotics. 50
14 THE KATHUMPA ** Has been going well at the trials for return and should go OK fresh. 16
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Race 7
Selections; 3 THE CINDERELLA MAN – 5 THE RUDE WARRIOR – 1 DAAD’S THE WAY – 8 FLYING AHEAD
A Class 4 race with many chances over 1700m on the Polytrack in which tactics will play a major part. Tommy Chang is on SUPER JETSET once again and he could well go out and set a hot pace. This would probably allow horses such as FLYING AHEAD, DARING SPLENDOUR and THE CINDERELLA MAN to get a nice cart along, though they may find themselves in the position where they have to take the field up to the leader. This will bring in the closers such as DAAD’S THE WAY, CHINA EAGLE, EL PERIGO and possibly STAR OF BRAZIL, into play. THE CINDERELLA MAN can put in a bad one, but with Moreira steering he is probably the best placed to run home the strongest. THE RUDE WARRIOR powered home last start and has the experienced Azhar as the pilot, from his good draw he should be able to get cover not too far off the speed and run on late – he represents the main danger to those who will in likelihood be near the lead. DAAD’S THE WAY a very solid each-way hope.
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1 DAAD’S THE WAY *** Not far away last time out in a similar affair and should be very competitive at this finish, goes close. 5.50
2 EL PERIGO *** Appreciates fair first up run, should improve stepping up in distance and going well on the training track. 8.50
3 THE CINDERELLA MAN *** Getting close to another win and from favorable draw he should prove very hard to beat. 4.50
4 MONTEREY ** Hasn’t threatened for a while so have to take on trust with upgrade to blinkers. 20
5 THE RUDE WARRIOR *** Ran on late behind Full Toss last time and has to be considered a strong chance on that effort. 7.50
6 CHINA EAGLE *** Has won his last two on this surface and should get every hope from inside alley. 8.50
7 STAR OF BRAZIL ** Shown nothing recently but his best run was in a similar affair last year and can improve with value expected. 20
8 FLYING AHEAD *** Nice effort to win last start and should be strong at the finish – keep following although this is tougher. 6.50
9 DARING SPLENDOUR *** On pace runner who can be hard to get past of left alone in front, hard to beat. 10
10 DARING JOURNEY * Prefer to wait for Class 5. 33
11 LOOK AT ME ** Never showed up last start but his run prior was good, give another chance. 20
12 SUPER JETSET ** Should be up on the lead with Daring Splendour and could stay on for a placing with blinkers downgraded to winkers. 20
13 BOWIE KNIFE ** Back on Poly will suit and consider in exotic bets. 25
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Race 8
Selections; 1 METEOR MIKE – 9 SPEED DEMON – 2 VALEVOLE – 4 DISTINCTION
METEOR MIKE rarely runs a bad race, 1400m suits him perfectly, he has been freshened, is well drawn and Jose Verenzuela has the mount – very hard to beat. But a couple of up-and-comers also appeal. SPEED DEMON is one of those and while up in Class he will appreciate the light weight and should run on well. He did it tough last start and that run good enough to think he goes close. WHITE COFFEE also likes the 1400m journey and should be able to get a nice sit off the speed and run home strongly. VALEVOLE was a little disappointing when favourite last start, he is well drawn again and should give a good sight. GETREEL has been disappointing his last couple of starts but his best form is on turf and he could improve sharply. FAT KING just missed two starts back, he recently trialed well and the distance is more suitable than his most recent start. DISTINCTION is resuming but the distance also suits and he could show up while fresh.
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1 METEOR MIKE *** Kept fresh for this and inside draw an advantage, have to respect on his best form and can win despite 59kg. 3.50
2 VALEVOLE *** Looked a tad disappointing as favourite last start but maybe the step up in trip is what he needs – give another chance. 4.00
3 JUST A MAN ** Form just fair in recent outing but has trained on well this week at Kranji and may improve in what is a suitable race with value expected. 12
4 DISTINCTION *** Resuming after finding it tough in Group company last time but should be more than competitive in this field. 12
5 WHITE COFFEE *** Came with a strong finish to win with blinkers last start and capable of winning again. 5.00
6 GETREEL ** Not too far away last start and maybe switching to turf can improve his form. 16
7 FAT KING ** Racing well and stepping up in distance on turf could be what he is looking for; can consider. 16
8 MULAN * Form just fair over a mile at last two and coming back in trip wont hurt, place chance. 20
9 SPEED DEMON *** Lightly raced 3YO who is stepping up in grade but could be the surprise runner with only 50.5kg; Did it tough last start and have to respect. 5.00
10 BLACK WARRIOR * No. 100
11 SAHORO * Needs it easier/shorter than this. 100
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Race 9
Selections; 1 AL’S KNIGHT – 2 CASH DOT COM – 4 EL PADRINO – 7 WINONTOP
First-up, AL’S KNIGHT was run down last start but he should be improved by that run and with his customary speed will be the one to run down again. CASH DOT COM is a very consistent being runner-up behind good performers EMBLESSED and BIRTHDAY GIFT at his past two starts – he is certain to challenge in the straight. EL PADRINO was IP MAN and he was good enough to win in Dubai, his trial form has been good enough to suggest a strong chance here. WINONTOP is another consistent performer but this is a very strong Class 3 field, and horses such as SULMONA, COLLECT THE CASH and HARD STUFF who normally would be amongst the major contenders are likely to be bit players.
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1 AL’S KNIGHT *** Almost got the money at first run for a while, has subsequently trialled well and should be fitter today; can win. 3.00
2 CASH DOT COM *** Super consistent and has bumped in to Birthday Gift and EMBLESSED at last few starts; drawn well and hard to beat. 3.00
3 COLLECT THE CASH * Appreciates fair run back from a freshen up but will need to show more to trouble this lot with blinkers off. 20
4 EL PADRINO *** Formerly IP MAN. Was able to win in Dubai before two unplaced runs. Resuming today and looked the part in a recent trail win, big hope. 5.00
5 SQUALL LINE ** Only fair in last few runs and while goes close on his day, prefer to look elsewhere. 33
6 MODEL CITIZEN * Appreciated first run for the year but happy to wait for something easier. 50
7 WINONTOP *** Awkward draw makes it tough but racing in great fashion – last start a beauty doing it tough – and one of the main hopes. 7.50
8 SULMONA ** Honest mare who could sneak a place in this tough field. 16
9 HARD STUFF ** Battled on well to finish second last start and could figure in the Quartet if any luck from horror draw. 16
10 BOUNDLESS GLORY * Racing well and will be doing best work late but this looks tough, place preferred. 20
11 BIG FORTUNE * Happy to wait for Class 4. 50
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Race 10
Selections; 12 SUPER READY – 11 SPEED MACHINE – 10 PHILANTHROPIST – 1 CRACKERJACK
The 2YO’s look very well weighted this time of the year and it pay to follow the Juveniles in Restricted Maiden’s. SUPER READY was well supported at his first start and the Leslie Khoo stable left the money in – with Moreira taking over from Zuriman the message is clearly the horse needed a stronger and more experienced rider and he will be expected to deliver on this occasion. Winkers on just adds to the confidence. Of the other 2YOs – PHILANTHROPIST to be ridden by Stephen Baster and SPEED MACHINE by Barend Vorster – both trialed very well and look likely to make strong debuts. Amongst the older horses there was a lot to like about CRACKERJACK’s effort last start and he may be the one to test the 2YOs. ACT FREE also won a trial and both MISSION EMPIRE and MIRACLE BAY have indicated some ability.
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1 CRACKERJACK *** Has race experience and whilst he will need to lift to beat theses smart 2YO’s he has to be considered somewhere with winkers added first time. 7.50
2 ACT FREE ** Won a recent trial wearing blinkers but may need the outing – watch market. 16
3 DRAGON DANCER * Beaten a long way on debut and needs more race experience. 100
4 MIRACLE BOY * Another who will improve with more race and prefer later on. 100
5 SECONDWAVE ** Found it tough on debut from wide gate and can improve here from better draw. 40
6 AMERICAN LION ** American-bred gelding who has trialled good enough to run a cheeky race in debut. 20
7 RADIANT MOON * Shown nothing so far and needs to lift. 100
8 MISSION EMPIRE ** Better effort last time and looks on to start following – place chance. 16
9 KAILASH * Trial only fair and may need the run. 100
10 PHILANTHROPIST *** Has trialled very well for debut and hard to beat despite wide gate, goes close. 4.50
11 SPEED MACHINE *** Has looked good on the training track for first start and have to seriously consider. 5.00
12 SUPER READY *** Tidy debut placing and will benefit with that run under his belt, senior rider goes on as do winkers and should win. 2.00
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