Singapore Friday Preview

From Racing and Sports, a view of Friday night's Kranji programme:

Race 1
Tricky race to begin proceedings. Winning Star (4) has been in fine form of late, saluting once and placing in the rest of his past four starts. Expect a bold bid. Eight-year-old grey Sacred Prince (11) has been around the block but continues to deliver the goods, even posting an unexpected victory last month, and must be respected. Sugartime Jazz (10) ran third in a solid first-up a month back and should strip fitter for this one while Browne's Anatomy (7) was running on well at his last outing and should appreciate the extra distance here. Place claims.

Race 2
A number of newcomers will make their Kranji bow in this one. With two runs under their belt, both Iconnic (3) and Xzuberance (5) should have the upper hand on the debutants and are expected to contest the top-two spots here. The former dons blinkers for the first time and should be raring to go after being sent for a short break while the latter has drawn nicely but the sharp rise in weights are not in his favour. Punters will get a first look at Black Label (1) who jumps from the innermost gate and has looked sharp in his two trials last month while Picasso (7) is another fresh face looking to make a strong first impression.

Race 3
Up-and-coming Exceed Express (7) rises in class but should still have too much for this lot. With two wins from just four starts, the gelding has pace to burn and with the light load could be hard to catch if he gets away. Expect a bold bid from the youngest runner in the field. His biggest threat could come from Orchard Road (5) who will be looking to avenge her defeat last month to the Laurie Laxon-trained sprinter and drops 3kg for this contest. Room For Excuse (2) performed admirably in the Singapore 3YO Series earlier this year and held his own despite losing to War Affair. The stallion will find this lot an easier proposition and is worth considering. Forever Lucky (1) returns to turf after a disappointing outing on the Polytrack last month and should produce a forward showing.

Race 4
Thankfulness (1) was narrowly edged out at his last start and will be desperate to make amends. The chestnut four-year-old has been improving and gets a chance over the turf to show his ability. Fun House (10) makes her debut here and the filly has looked impressive at the barrier trials, posting a commendable two-length victory last month. The postage stamp weight will go a long way in aiding her chances. Backed-up Tomorrow's Gold (5) certainly lost no admirers with two thirds in August and should be in the final reckoning here while former New Zealand-based galloper Perkins (8), with a couple of placings last year as a two-year-old, could sneak into the minors on his maiden outing in Singapore.

Race 5
Few standout candidates in this one makes it a tough one to call. Top Of The Town (4) looks the leading prospect after a string of near misses, finishing second at his last three starts. Blinkers go on for the first time and he should make a bold bid. Also for Mark Walker but straddled with 59kg on his back for his first outing here has made Sacred Spin's (2) task a difficult one and while the former New Zealand-based galloper has shown himself to be a fighter back home with a couple of battling place-finishes, this presents a tough introduction to his new headquarters. Zac Supreme (12) never got going at his comeback two weeks ago following a length spell away but with the light weight and nice draw deserves another chance. The way Takeaim (9) finished strongly at his last outing to grab his first place-finish bodes well but jockey Ivaldo Santana will have it all to do after being dumped out at the dreaded widest alley for this assignment.

Race 6
Japanese-bred North Star (3) is an honest sort who never stops trying and the 1900m trip could be his chance to shine. Expect a bold bid from the Hideyuki Takaoka-trained stayer. Classic Thunder (9) was making up ground on the leaders but ran out of track at his last start. The extra furlong should suit the gelding who is still seeking his first victory after 33 attempts. Since the blinkers went back on Super Velox (12), the chestnut has made great strides with two thirds and should carry that momentum into this race. Eishin Bright (10) is Takaoka's other runner in this contest and while the gelding ran out of steam at his last start after leading proceedings, he should be in the firing line once again.

Race 7
Best race of the evening with some talented sprinters expected to duke it out. Mia (2) has tasted defeat just once from his five starts here and returns to action after a four-month break. The only question mark is how rusty he will be for this contest but expect him to put on a good showing regardless for trainer Mark Walker. The 1600m trip in May probably caught Wonderful Prince (8) out who has won three times over shorter distances and is another looking for a comeback victory after a length layoff. Last-start winner Marseille Roulette (9) looked impressive as he found that extra gear down the home straight and if the stallion repeats that trick, he could spring a surprise. Ultra-consistent Eagle Storm (3) has been converting his chances of late, with two wins from his last three outings. Trainer Brian Dean will be cursing his luck though with the wide alley presenting a stumbling block for his galloper.

Race 8
A flying finish by Sparkling Star (5) at his last start to snatch second bodes well for the future and it is surely only a matter of time before the gelding earns that elusive breakthrough. Gypsy Star (2) returns to the turf where she last saluted in June while her recent form over the Polytrack cannot be faulted. Expect a forward showing. Peregrine Falcon (8) is another who has been racing handily and the chestnut has leading jockey Manoel Nunes in the irons for this contest. The seven-furlong trip might be a bit challenging for Genuine Bargain (6) but a place on the podium is within his capabilities. Place claims.

Race 9
A nice race to conclude proceedings for the night. After a five-month spell, Bordeaux (2) was unlucky not to return on a winning note but was edged out by Bazinga three weeks ago. The gelding jumps from gate three and has an excellent chance to redeem himself. Starting on his inside will be Spyder (4) whose form over the Polytrack has been admirable of late and the Argentinian-bred galloper must be respected. Irish-bred Military Alliance (3) has been lightly-raced and his results have been inconsistent. His stop-start campaign this year includes a win but nevertheless makes it hard to assess his ability though he cannot be discounted. Former Selangor-based Little Jumbo (10) made a seamless transition with a first-up victory two weeks ago on her Kranji debut but this presents a much harder task. Place claims.