A bumper 10 race card from Singapore on Friday and apart from some nice racing from start to finish, the return of Joao ‘Magic’ Moreira should be worth the admission price alone.

The Brazilian Ace hasn’t been seen at Kranji since his pulling up stumps early in December on his record breaking season in 2011 and the ‘punters’ pal’ will be welcomed back with open arms.

But one thing Joao won’t be doing is book-ending the meeting!

The two-time Singapore champion doesn’t have a ride in races 1 and 10 but as you would expect has plenty of other chances to open his 2012 title defense.

And while he has no stand-out rides in what looks a tough night for tipsters, only a fool would back against Moreira riding at least a brace from his eight mounts.

PROFOUND (race 2), SKY WIPER (race 3), BOMBAY SLING (race 6), ETERNAL WIN (race 7) and RAPIDO STAR (race 8) all look solid each way hopes but don’t expect to get ‘overs’ with the punters likely to pay heavy attention to all his mounts.

All races are on the Short Course (B) Turf.

RACE 1: CLASS 4 (1) - 1200M COURSE B (SC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 18:20 PRIZE MONEY: S$55000

Larry says, "While you could make a case for most of these runners in what looks a tough opener, I think the winner comes from a few of the better rated horses at the top of the weights. And on second and third looks there doesn't look much between the likes of PERWIRA, SULMONA, CHARLY B, NO REASON and SPIRIT NATURE. But the early pick on his big run behind DAVIDE last time-out is NO REASON. The US-bred 4YO looks a very handy type and would have certainly lost no friends easily accounting for all but the winner on that occasion. And although a one-time winner only, he has shown he more than handles Class 4 and it will pay to follow. The Class dropper, PERWIRA, looks a huge hope on what he showed last start in better company. And while his three wins have been on the Poly, there looks no issue on the turf and 1200m looks ideal. Of the others, CHARLY B, from the bang-in-form Pat Shaw stable, also looks a winning hope given the form he showed last start dropping to this company. On that occasion the LUCKY ROBERTO gelding did it tough early, was hassled throughout and battled on nicely suggesting he will win in this grade sooner than later. SPIRIT NATURE always gives a good account of himself and worth serious thought fresh with SULMONA thereabouts. Tough opener and worth going very wide in exotics."

RACE 2: RESTRICTED MAIDEN (2&3YO) (WFA) - 1400M COURSE B (SC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 18:50 PRIZE MONEY: S$65000

Larry says, "I'm not sure if you will get tougher maidens than this race with the majority of the field looking ready to show their best over 1400m. Throw in a couple of red herrings like the first starter MOSCATO or a good type in AWAKENED coming off a poor run as fave, and it looks more than a tricky affair. So while the tote usually gives us a good guide on stable confidence, I will be looking for value on the day to keep things interesting for a smaller outlay or playing some exotics as payouts should be strong. And because of the depth of this race, I think there might be value to be had in a couple of 'drifters' in TOTALITY and AWAKENED. Both showed enough in good 2YO company to think they are horses to follow and both had plenty of support with excuses at their respective last start to give another chance. In fact TOTALITY, who placed behind the smart KAISER on debut as a juvenile, had absolutely no luck in the straight first up in October and that run good enough to think he can win with the in-form Barend Vorster in the saddle. Likewise, AWAKENED resumed with support after his good 2YO runs in November and while disappointing, he may have had excuses (rain affected track) and certainly worth another serious look with winkers added. But as mentioned you can make a case for most - EMBLESSED, DARCISTAR, TRUE NORTH all coming of nice placed runs - with THE RUDE WARRIOR and TOM a couple of likely improver's at odds. But take your pick of a dozen - it's that type of race."

RACE 3: CLASS 4 (2) - 1200M COURSE B (SC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 19:20 PRIZE MONEY: S$55000

Larry says, "While there looks a couple of nice up-an-comers in this race, PACINO, dropping from Class 3 company, should have the experience to get back into the winners circle today. The SHINKO KING gelding has five career wins from around 60 race starts and when you consider his main opposition - WORK AHEAD, SKY WIPER and SARATOGA - have four wins from 11 runs between them, the 7YO should be too tough when it counts. He does have top weight but the experience of John Powell coupled with a nice gate, suggests he gets a few favours in running and whoever beats him, wins. Of the three lightly raced 'nice types', I think WORK AHEAD is coming off the best run - a second behind YIN XIN. The US-bred 3YO worked hard that day and although beaten some three lengths, the rest of the field was well and truly spread-eagled suggesting the run was a beauty. Of the others mentioned, SKY WIPER probably wasn't as impressive last start but gets a big tick on his recent strong trial and goes close from gate 2 with SARATOGA very much appreciating his first up run and also in the mix. It will also pay to keep ZAC NIRVANA and DON’TCALLME UNCLE in your thoughts but PACINO a very solid option."

RACE 4: MAIDEN - 1400M COURSE B (SC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 19:50 PRIZE MONEY: S$35000

Larry says, "While not nearly as much depth or quality as the Restricted Maiden over the same distance earlier in the card, this handicapped maiden looks to have a couple of horses worth following with trainer Don Baertschiger likely to have a big say in the result. The affable Australian handler saddles NEW FRIENDS and GRIGORA, with the latter looking a serious hope. The GONSKI 3YO had plenty of excuses last start and with a serious 4kg claim in his favour today, can break through and win. And while his stable-mate, NEW FRIENDS, certainly warrants respect (usually plenty in hand late in races) and looks a value top three selection, the biggest danger should come from MAN OF SUBSTANCE. The ELUSIVE QUALITY gelding has been threatening to win a race like this and gets a good chance over 1400m with blinkers removed and a 3kg claim. He may come in for heavy support and a big run and win would certainly not surprise. Of the others, TAI COMMANDS, PERFECT KID and BEYONCE have claims and all three a must for exotics."

RACE 5: CLASS 5 - 1200M COURSE B (SC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 20:20 PRIZE MONEY: S$35000

Larry says, "With the exception of SACRED PRINCE, this race looks 'top heavy' with most the chances high in the ratings having recent form in better company. VOLKOV (first run back this company) and WINNING DAN (placed second at first run back) in particular look ready to win again in Class 5 and the pair should be in the thick of this. But while WINNING DAN showed last start he is always a winning hope in this company, I thought VOLKOV has been doing enough in Class 4 to overcome gate 11 and win this. I like the fact he races handy so an aggressive ride from YF Leong is on the cards and if he gets any sort of run, the Australian-bred 5YO goes mighty close to knocking in win number three. As mentioned, WINNING DAN - with a second and two wins from his last three starts in Class 5 - picks himself with the proverbial blanket thrown over the likes of QUEEN KELL, SILVER LINING, SACRED PRINCE and MY NEW MAN. If the emergency, GOOD DAY, gets a start, I would seriously put him into winning calculations with one eye on the tote."

RACE 6: KRANJI STAKES C (SW) - 1200M COURSE B (SC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 20:50 PRIZE MONEY: S$75000

Larry says, "A small but very select field makes this race tougher than it first looked. Every horse can win on his day and most are 'bang-in-form' with the obvious stand-out, PEOPLE'S VICTORY. The Argentinean-bred 4YO was just one of many Pat Shaw-trained South American imports who hit the ground running in 2011 and his recent win (his second from just three starts in Singapore) was impressive enough to think he goes on with the job. However, this race is as tough as you would want in Kranji Stakes C company and I'm thinking SIMPLY THE BEST is ready to show his best in what looks a suitable race. The small field suits - as should the 'Short Course B' - and if the STRATUM 4YO gets back to the form that had him winning four and placing four from his first eight starts (and all over 1200m), he goes mighty close. And with the likes of PEOPLE'S VICTORY, BOMBAY SLING (another last start winner) and MACAU all likely to get support, SIMPLY THE BEST could offer some value. Of the others, MACAU looks well placed with the experienced Opie Bosson on board to show his best and is right in the mix with BOMBAY SLING also some hope coming off what was a very strong win."

RACE 7: CLASS 4 - 1600M COURSE B (SC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 21:20 PRIZE MONEY: S$55000

Larry says, "An interesting race with a couple of horses - BUKIT ROSE WOOD and ETERNAL WIN - coming off Class 5 wins and look more than competitive in this company and a couple at the top of the ratings - BY LAW and PHANTOM KNIGHT - looking ready to show their best. I have leaned towards the latter two with PHANTOM KNIGHT's recent Class 3 form more than going to hold up in this company. His first run back in this company was terrific with excuses and if the 3kg claimer, T Rehaizat, gets any luck in running he will be very hard to hold out. BY LAW also looks well placed with a senior hoop back over distance. I'm happy to put a line through his last start (never involved over an unsuitable 1200m journey) and the Bruce Marsh-trained three-time winner can bounce back to his best. As mentioned the two last start winners - BUKIT ROSE WOOD and ETERNAL WIN - will be more than competitive and MICHAEL showed last start he has plenty to offer in this type of race."

RACE 8: OPEN BENCHMARK 97 - 1400M COURSE B (SC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 21:50 PRIZE MONEY: S$95000

Larry says, "I'm happy to have WON'T STOP on top, however, small fields usually make for a very tactical race and young T Rehaizat will have to be on his game to win this. But given the horse races handy there should be a genuine pace, I think Rehaizat can ride his own race and won't let the likes of Moreira, Powell and Chavez dictate the terms, especially early. A win would make it six from 12 for the TESTA ROSSA 4YO and certainly a horse to follow. DRAGON WORLD looks the biggest danger. You can easily put a line through its last start on the Poly where he never really got involved and take on what was good form prior to that including his excellent win over the talented MR BIG. The 3YO, CASH LUCK, also looks like he plays a part in races like this - he certainly knows how to win races - as does RAPIDO STAR (also has four wins from nine starts) who could very much appreciate the step up in distance. A tricky race - MCCLINTOCK and BRUNEI ROYAL in OK form - but WON'T STOP the one to be on."

RACE 9: CLASS 5 - 1600M COURSE B (SC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 22:20 PRIZE MONEY: S$35000

Larry says, "There looks at least nine horses you can make a winning case for in this Class 5 mile and while not in my top four picks, you can include the emergency, ROMAN KNIGHT, in that group and pay to seriously consider if he gets a run. But plenty of other good options that are guaranteed a start with MERLIN as good as place to start as any. The ROCK OF GIBRALTAR 6YO is a model of consistency but the fact his three wins have been over this distance and jockey Danny Beasley has such a good record with him, suggests a win is on the cards. But it is Class 5 and a few of these horses can have a ‘day out' so it pays to watch the tote on horses like DOUBLE DOSE, SUPREME GENERAL, RECIPROCATE, SEACREST, BOOMZ, MY WAY and last start winner, TOP HAPPINESS - to name just another six! And don't forget the emergency, ROMAN KNIGHT - a tough race but MERLIN a solid option."

RACE 10: CLASS 4 (3) - 1200M COURSE B (SC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 22:50 PRIZE MONEY: S$55000

Larry says, "A very even affair to finish the meeting and with no real stand-out or up-and-comer in the field, I think the class of a horse like EXCELIFY should come to the fore. The EXCEED AND EXCEL 6YO hasn't won since May 2010 but drops to Class 4 for the first time since winning in this company in October 2009. His recent form is good enough to think that he is ready to show his best and the 4kg claim, courtesy of Willy Tan, looks a winning move. The main danger looks to be the Sam Chua-trained, HUMOUR TOWN. The US-bred entire was a model of consistency before breaking through for his maiden win and his last start doing it tough from a wide gate on the Poly suggests he can knock in win number two in this company. Of the rest, I think THE CARDINAL very much appreciates gate one and keeps them honest with COUNTRY CLUB also well placed in Class 4. Plenty of other chances so go very wide in jackpot/exotics."

Gear
BB - Blinkers for the first time
PP - Pacifiers for the first time
B - Blinkers
BRS - Blinkers on the right side
BLS - Blinkers on the left side
P - Pacifiers
BP - Blinkers and Pacifiers
BP1 - Blinkers and Pacifiers for the first time
TT - Tongue Tied
WK - Winkers
VIS - Visor