Meeting Preview

Every little bit helps in the racing game and well worth looking for horses that get a weight advantage at some of the different conditions of races in Singapore.Case in point is DISTINITIVE DARCI at the Novice set weight conditions who, as a 3YO, gets a whopping 7kg off similar rated 4YO’s.And given he bolted in at his first Poly run at his last start, he could be hard to beat in race 5 on the card although it is worth noting he did also receive a similar weight advantage at the Initiation conditions.LIGHTNING FAST looks his biggest danger and while he also comes off a very strong Poly win, the 7kg swing could be the winning difference.And a weight advantage doesn’t necessarily mean a lightweight.SUPER WINNER is asked to carry 59.5kg in race 9 and at first glance that does seem a significant impost given a good Poly horse like THE GENERAL only has to carry 52kg.But at the Kranji Stakes A race conditions, 59.5kg off a rating of 107 makes SUPER WINNER the best-weighted horse in the race and given his red-hot form, he is the horse to beat.True, his advantage isn’t as great as DISTINTIVE DARCI’s but every little bit helps and happy to think both can win.Best Bets: (DISTINTIVE DARCI race 5, win), (SUPER WINNER race 9, win) and (RISKY ROCKEFELLER race 7, value).Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2, 5 and 7), race 9 (1), race 10 (1, 3 and 7) and race 11 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 10).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 5: NEW ZEALAND RACING BOARD TROPHY NOVICE (SET WEIGHTS) - 1100M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 14:50 PRIZE MONEY: S$75000

Larry says, "A small Novice field over 1100m on the poly with three last start winners engaged. DISTINCTIVE DARCI was well supported and bolted in at his first poly start; he should be suited this extra distance, is extremely well weighted and will be prominent throughout. LIGHTNING FAST was also heavily supported and ridden more patiently last start before bolting in over this trip; CC Wong stays on and he should be hard to beat again. They look the top two although MAXIMUS broke through at this trip last start and is improving while SUPER HERO battled on well in this class on turf last start and could show up on the poly though he may be looking for longer. HELLO MICHELLE could figure in exotics back on the Poly."

RACE 6: CLASS 5 (2) - 1100M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 15:25 PRIZE MONEY: S$35000

Larry says, "A "bottom of the barrel" Class 5 over 1100m gives D'DON a chance to show he can win over more ground than 1000m. Yes, he has struggled in the past at this trip but this field is terrible and he can win. The journeyman ALWAYS A WINNER also gets a chance to knock in another win; has won three times at this distance, his recent form is sound and Derreck David should give him every chance. BARNBURGH LAD improved last start and is suited by this class and distance; he should be in the finish. FOLLOW THE KING goes fast but 1100m tests. The remainder are very average but the unreliable STATE TROOPER can surprise, GOLDEN BAY has placed at the trip and GOLDEN ROSEWOOD was not far away when resuming."

RACE 7: TABCORP HOLDINGS TROPHY CLASS 3 - 1400M COURSE B (LC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 15:55 PRIZE MONEY: S$80000

Larry says, "A competitive Class 3 over 1400m where a number have speed but can be found out late. HERMANO MENOR is racing well but his only wins are over 1200m. The 5YO has placed four times from seven starts at 1400m and will be on the speed for a long way; the claim for Salim helps and his class may carry him through. VON KRUMM won in this grade last start but is another yet to win beyond 1200m but with John Powell up will be on the speed throughout. SHANGHAI BUND's recent form is ordinary but his only wins have been at this trip; he could improve with Michael Rodd aboard. RISKY ROCKEFELLER had excuses last start and happy to think he plays a big part in this finish. Of the rest, GILT COMPLEX is in form and looks some hope while SUN EMPIRE improved to win in Class 4 last start and loves this trip."

RACE 8: CLASS 5 - 1800M COURSE B (LC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 16:25 PRIZE MONEY: S$35000

Larry says, "Very hard to be confident in this Class 5 race given one of our top picks - VERGLATICA - has never won on the turf and for that matter, hasn't won this year. And he has had his chances since dropping to Class 5 and while he is due, you wouldn't be rushing to the tote window to back him. But his stablemate OVER EASY is also due and at least he has a recent win to his name. He has drawn wide but will go forward and is the horse the others will have to pass late to win. Nothing else appeals but the maiden HOLY TRINITY will appreciate Class 5 and it will be worth watching for stable support as he steps up to what is a suitable trip. KING OF THIEVES placed last start over 1400m and blinkers to winkers suggests he will handle his first go at 1800m."

RACE 9: PHUMELELA GAMING & LEISURE TROPHY KRANJI STAKES A (SET WEIGHTS) - 1200M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 16:55 PRIZE MONEY: S$125000

Larry says, "It's safe to say there aren't too many horses in better form in Singapore than SUPER WINNER. So much so they sent the 5YO off at $1.20 last start and he delivered in spades for favourite backers with a two-length win. He is asked to carry 59.5kg at the race conditions today and has a wide gate to contend with, but given his form he does look to have them all covered. If the weight is an issue it may be THE GENERAL who carries just 52kg who is the danger. The 5YO is a progressive type who obviously enjoys the Polytrack and will keep SUPER WINNER more than honest. Of the rest, EL PADRINO resuming is worth thought as his all-weather track form speaks for itself while the likes of MY LUCKY STRIKE, KAM'S COMET and NOVA WARRIOR all could play a part in the finish."

RACE 10: KRANJI STAKES D (1) (SET WEIGHTS) - 1200M COURSE B (LC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 17:30 PRIZE MONEY: S$38000

Larry says, "A couple of horses that had excuses last start in similar affairs to this appeal and all eyes will be on RUN IT TWICE and MEGUSTO. In particular RUN IT TWICE had all sorts of excuses at his last start and given he had reasonably heavy support that day, he can make quick amends with G Boss staying onboard. MEGUSTO was first up after a long spell so his run also had plenty of merit. H Syafiq and his 4kg claim stay on and you think he improves for the first up run and will win one of these sooner than later. The biggest danger to this pair will be the maiden, SATELLITE MAN. The 4YO has shown enough at five career starts to think he is more than up to this company and a 2kg CC Wong claim won't hurt his chances. SOON YI each-way all the way and market best guide on the rest."

RACE 11: CLASS 4 - 1200M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 18:00 PRIZE MONEY: S$60000

Larry says, "At first glance PALLADIO looks hard to beat given what the former Argentinean Group place-getter showed at his Singapore debut. He probably should have won on that occasion and a subsequent nice trial suggests he is hard to beat with a 2kg claimer in MM Firdaus to ride. However, he has drawn wide and there are a few horses in this that look ready to show their best. In particular COUNTRY WARRIOR who should appreciate 1200m after two sighters in Singapore and his stablemate, LAKE HUKA is also in the mix. Add RED ANT dropping to his winning grade and NIGHT FLIGHT resuming, as his maiden win was first up. LUCKY MISSION and NOVA LEGEND two others that win if PALLADIO isn't up to the task."

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