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.

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).

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.

RACE 1: CLASS 5 - 1000M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 18:20 PRIZE MONEY: S$35000

Larry says, "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. "

RACE 2: CLASS 4 - 1000M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 18:50 PRIZE MONEY: S$55000

Larry says, "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. "

RACE 3: CLASS 4 - 1200M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 19:20 PRIZE MONEY: S$55000

Larry says, "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. "

RACE 4: MAIDEN - 1200M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 19:50 PRIZE MONEY: S$35000

Larry says, "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. "

RACE 5: CLASS 3 - 1000M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 20:20 PRIZE MONEY: S$75000

Larry says, "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."

RACE 6: CLASS 5 - 1600M COURSE E (LC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 20:50 PRIZE MONEY: S$35000

Larry says, "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."

RACE 7: CLASS 4 - 1700M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 21:20 PRIZE MONEY: S$55000

Larry says, "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. "

RACE 8: OPEN BENCHMARK 83 - 1400M COURSE E (LC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 21:50 PRIZE MONEY: S$95000

Larry says, "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. "

RACE 9: CLASS 3 - 1200M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 22:20 PRIZE MONEY: S$75000

Larry says, "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. "

RACE 10: RESTRICTED MAIDEN (2&3YO) (WFA) - 1200M COURSE E (LC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 22:50 PRIZE MONEY: S$65000

Larry says, "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."

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