Singapore Turf Club Friday Preview

The Singapore Turf Club previews its Friday meeting at Kranji ...

RACE 1

A few chances emerge in this competitive line-up. Argentinian-bred Good Loouken (2) is back in form and with a strong rider like Mario Esposito in the saddle, he may be able to score this time in spite of the awkward alley. Harden Up (7) has been making some headway of late. Will relish the 1200m better. Big say. Always A Winner (5) cannot be discounted in such company, especially from a good gate. Best ridden handy and chance if he gets a soft run in transit. Browne's Anatomy (11) showed a nice turn of foot to score at his last start. Went for a short let-up and gets in this fresh. Place claims.

RACE 2

Newcomer Humdinger (5) has been trialling well. Won one and ran second in the other. Has drawn awkwardly but if he can overcome that, a forward debut is on the cards. From the way he runs on, Lim's Battle (1) is looking for longer trips. 1200m is still sharp but it will suit him better. Place claims. Rafaello (14) has been working well, including winning a barrier trial on May 28. Deserves some consideration on debut. The Dodger (9) did not do too badly on debut. Has improved since and has trialled in good form as well, winning one barrier trial on May 26. Better run expected.

RACE 3

The unbeaten Solaris Spectrum (1) has pleasantly surprised his connections thus far. Good gate. Three-in-a-row is a realistic target. He will have to contend with another promising sort in Divided House (4). The filly outgunned the very smart Famous Artist last time out. Will be thereabouts when the whips are cracking. Fast Edition (2) ran on well first-up from a short layoff. Will appreciate the step-up to 1200m even if he faces a stiff task against the first two. Northern Boss (3) is back from a four-month break. Previous form was decent. May need the run but is not without a place chance.

RACE 4

Give the nod to Thunder Cat (6). Was too far back last time out but still charged home late for fourth. Six-furlong trip will me more up his alley. Jubilation (1) is among one of the most experienced in this bunch. Has three seconds on the board. Include in calculations. Steed Expedite (2) did not quicken at his last run. Seems to be a horse who prefers to come on the outside. Can redeem himself. So The Thing (9) has good gate speed. Outside chance if he can slow up the tempo.

RACE 5

Wide open affair. Cassis Oolong (4) ran on well at his last outing. Can mix his form but if he reproduces that last-start performance, he is not without a say in this. Blinkers come off Dragon Walk (7). Looked a chance at the 200m last time out only to weaken late. Blinkers replaced with winkers. Does not win often but shapes up as one of the chances here. Golden Pasture (2) got off the mark at his last outing. This is no harder. In the hunt. Winfrey (6) has been around the mix at his last three runs. Won't be out of his depth here. Consider for a place.

RACE 6

Staying contest with no real standout. Alfonso (2) is nearing his best form. Tried to pinch the race from the front at his last start but was swamped late. Will probably elect for the same frontrunning tactics from barrier No 2. Go close. City Of Kirkwall (3) did not make his presence felt at his last start. Will stay all day. Faith can be renewed in him. Zeus (6) made a sound debut but has not quite lived up to the same promise at last two runs. Pacifiers on. Keep safe. Iking (4) came close at his last two runs. In great shape and commands plenty of respect in this.

RACE 7

Strong field facing the starter. Snitzel Spirit (3) has bounced back from his previous below-par run with a slashing victory at his last outing. Has trained on and a double is on the cards. Reach For The Sun (1) is back in form. Flew home for second at his last start when second-up. In fine fettle and looks the goods in this. The Singapore Guineas was a little too rich for Elusive Emperor (7) at his last start. This will be easier for him. Can return to winning ways. The step-up to seven furlongs should suit Stirling (8) to a tee. Nice draw. Fair chance.

RACE 8

All headgear is off Sugartime Jazz (2). Trip suits and he should be right in the mix in this. Zenzero (1) came close to opening his account at his last run. Carries the steadier of 59kg but with the right run and some luck on his side, he can still put up a bold fight. Chengdu Warrior (13) is not getting any younger but his eye-catching third to Bay Of Island a month ago was full of merit. Can finish on the board. Gypsy Star (10) is in her element here. Nicely drawn. Can pop up with some luck.

RACE 9

Not easy to pick a winner here. Invincible Man (1) let down well for apprentice Desmond Chan last time out. The pair combine again and they can get it right from barrier No 1 this time. Mings Man (3) did not fire a shot at his last start. Worth better than that. Give him a second chance. City Of Sails (7) tried to go all the way at his last start but found two better. Better gate will help him save some more petrol this time. Bears watching. Dragon King (5) scored over 1100m two starts back. Has drawn off the track but if he can get in with some cover, he should not be ruled out for a top-four finish.