Trainer Pat Shaw has had an exceptional record with ex-Argentinean raced horses in his time at Kranji and with the mantra of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” ringing loudly in his ears, the association continues in 2014.

RACE 8: OPEN BENCHMARK 74 - 2000M COURSE C (SC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 16:25 PRIZE MONEY: S$80000

Larry says, "A BM74 over 2000m and surely this is QUECHUA’s chance. A Group winner in Argentina, he came with a reputation but whilst his form has been solid in higher grade, he has not lived up to it so far. However, this is the easiest he is likely to get and with Corey Brown steering from the ace should get every chance. The competition could come from Hideyuki Takaoka’s tough pair of stayers in FUJIN BRIGHT and TANGIBLE ASSETS. The former is likely to bowl along near the lead whilst the latter could close late. His third runner ZIPANGU could also show up as could the tough stayer BEE AHEAD who may go forward. Most of the others are eligible for weaker grade though KAI POWER was given little chance in the run last outing and ran on very strongly – the extra distance could suit."

RACE 9: KRANJI STAKES D (SET WEIGHTS) (1) - 1200M COURSE C (SC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 17:00 PRIZE MONEY: S$38000

Larry says, "A KSD over 1200m on turf with a number of disappointing class droppers competing against unreliables and horses better suited in Class 5. HILLBILLY BEAR put in a good performance last outing and has found himself in a race he is capable of winning. His last win came with Corey Brown aboard in Class 4 and this is easier; he should be able to sit handy and may be too strong late. Amongst the disappointments, CAPTAIN KIRK was a pretty good sprinter at one time winning two of his first three starts. He has lost his way and now finds himself in ignominious company; if he can recapture past talents he would be too good for these. HARDEN UP falls into a similar category, he had good form in Malaysia when trained by MH Wee, he has not been able to capture it in Singapore but now finds himself in weaker grade. HIGHLIGHT’s last two runs have been good and he is up to this grade but may want longer, SWIFT is a useful sort resuming and his trials have been nice – watch for market support. The old boy IMACRUISER can bob up in these and whilst ALL SERENE may be looking for Class 5, his past two runs have been solid."

RACE 10: KRANJI STAKES D (SET WEIGHTS) - 1600M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 17:30 PRIZE MONEY: S$38000

Larry says, "Another good race, certainly for a KSD, over the polytrack mile. There is not much between a number of these but SUPER VOICE, whose last win was in this company over 1700m with Noh Senari aboard, looks very well-placed and goes mighty close. Visiting hoop, Jackson Low, gets a chance on the free-rolling CHEETAH. From his reasonable alley, he should be able to go forward and could be hard to run down. FEI YUE had plenty of support last outing and did not miss by much, he is the best drawn of the major chances and should get a gun run. CASSIS OOLONG and MISTER CANDY will have no option but to go forward from their wide gates and they should be in the finish. DRAGON G will find this easier than his last start - he can also race handy - as can the unpredictable pair DRAGON NINETYNINE having his first try at a mile and if the tempo is very solid this will suit GALLANT HEIGHTS and SUPERMART who will be closing late."

RACE 11: CLASS 4 (1) - 1400M COURSE C (SC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 18:00 PRIZE MONEY: S$60000

Larry says, "A Class 4 over 1400m closes the programme and Cliff Brown has a remarkable record in these. The Geelong "Cats" tragic sends around the consistent IMPERIAL FIGHTER who has been close up in similar encounters at his past five starts winning one and placing on three other occasions; he has the bonus of the ace and Harry Kassim’s useful 1kg claim. He will not have it his own way, however, as HUGHSY has shown plenty at his three starts and is working and trialling well – if Davey Flores can get him cover he should be handy all the way and finish off well. GOLD LINE is another consistent one drawn awkwardly, he likes to race forward and whilst Firdaus’ 2kg claim is a great help he may have to use him up to cross early. The stablemate ROCK ESPRIT is better drawn and whilst he can be one-paced at the end with Juglall on board from a handy gate he should be prominent throughout. RUM N RAISINS showed plenty of promise in his earlier preparation and will be improved by his good effort on resuming; with Oscar Chavez taking the mount he should get a gun run from the inside gate. In a race of consistent horses with numerous chances SAVODAN and the BLACK MAMBA who over-raced last outing cannot be discounted. NEOBIUM failed on the poly last outing over 1700m but is a winner at this trip in BM67 class."

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