Spotlight on Kranji Friday

The Singapore Turf Club has compiled its selections for tonight's racing at Kranji and Te Akau Singapore trained runners (in italics and underlined) attract plenty of attention - 

RACE 1

Trainer Brian Dean holds the aces in this opener. Sugartime Jazz (5) was back to his best second-up. Came from last to run fifth to Q Nine Magic only just over two lengths astern. Wide draw no worries as he gets back. Worth backing. On the way he scored at his last run, Exceptional Choice (11) should be in with a chance again. Has trained on and should be able to take a hand in this. Appellation (1) is down in grade. Well drawn. Needs longer but if the speed is on, he may grab a place late. Cross-noseband on and tongue-tie off. Miss Elysium (3) has been a letdown for connections even with the addition of blinkers. Has shown slight improvement on the tracks and may fill the minors this time.

RACE 2

Trainer Mark Walker fields two strong chances in this race. Filly Aguila Azteca (2) is overdue for a win. Has been around the mark many times but just needs an ounce of luck to break through. Nice barrier gate. Bears watching. The right-sided blinkers seem to have improved Natural Impulse (4). Still beaten a fair way but he is making slow headway and a place on the podium is well within his reach this time. Zippy (1) ran a pleasing fourth on turf on debut. Switches to Polytrack this time. Seems to work well on it. Blinker-pacifiers added. Will run well. Give an outside chance to Heavenly Gift (11) who produced his best run to date when he came late onto the scene to run fourth at his last start. Can inject value to the exotics.

RACE 3

Even contest. Mr Clooney (5) mixes his form but on his day, he can get the measure of this lot. Looks in good shape on the training tracks. Worth following. The step-up to 1800m will enhance Any Rumour's (1) chances. Has a good turn of foot and if he gets the right breaks, he should be in the firing line. Carries 2.5 kilos more this time, but has drawn well in barrier No 2. Know Each Other (9) is back in form. No weight on his back. Will be chiming in late. Brahms And Liszt (2) has been closing in of late but goes over 1800m for the first time. Blinker-pacifiers on. If he stays, he can run another forward race.

RACE 4

No real standout in this Class 5 race. Right Is Right (5) has come super close a few times. Holding her form and drop back to 1700m will suit. Big say. A convincing winner two runs back, Reysha (2) did not quite put in at his last start. Held up for a run in the straight, but he would not have won, anyway. In-and-out performer who can show up if on song. Zenzero (4) is still winless after 23 starts. Began awkwardly at his last race, improved midrace but stayed one-paced in the straight. Place claims at best. Stanzout (7) will have to prove his surprise win at his last outing was not a one-off. Getting on but looks to be in the same condition. Left-sided blinkers on. Can finish in the money.

RACE 5

This will be a stirring Gold Cup trial. Mr Spielberg (6) was a touch disappointing at his first-up run from a two month let-up. Freshened up again, he should be fighting out the finish. Promising stayer Perfect P (3) had a torrid trip out wide at his last outing. Stayed one-paced in the end. Can do better than that. The vastly-improved Order From The Sun (2) is knocking on the door. Galloper who can spring a surprise if he enjoys an uncontested lead. Not without a say. Fortune Winner (7) lost no admirers when fourth to Imperial March at her last start. She can hold her own here. Has a nice turn of foot and will be running on late.

RACE 6

Tongariro (9) has slipped down the ratings but seems to have found his mark of late. Flew home for second at his last run. Will appreciate extra 100m. Solid claims. Clermont Club (1) was a lot more competitive when down in class at his last start. Faces similar opposition and has scored over this distance. Marble one. Commands respect. Ron (3) is in his element in this type of race. Has not been beaten that far behind and warrants some thought. Awkwardly drawn. Place claims. Forever Best (8) left it too late after dropping to the rear at his last run. Nice gate. Threat if he times his run better.

RACE 7

Smart galloper Knight Wager (3) bounced back to winning ways at his second run from a break. 1400m seems to be his pet trip. Looks well-in on weights and will be hard to hold out in the home straight. Flak Jacket (2) is always a huge threat when he is left alone in front. Would have preferred a 1200m race, but is in rattling form and will be in this for a long way. Handy sort Strubeli (5) is back in the groove. Franked his winning form two starts back with another strong performance last time out. Will be around the mark. Bourbon Goldman (1) is resuming from a four-month break. Ideal run for a comeback. Can pinch a place.

RACE 8

Impressive debut winner Winning Man (6) meets a stronger lot here and goes over Polytrack for the first time. He has also drawn off the track again, though he overcame a similar wide gate on debut, but will face a stiffer challenge from Saffir (5) who won on Polytrack at his last two starts. On a roll and can go on with the job. Helen (7) did not finish far behind the winner at her last run despite going through a bumpy passage. Place claims. Last-start winner Supersonicsurprise (8) is up in grade and has drawn the outermost alley, but can still run a place.

RACE 9

Chances galore in this last event. Rockfast (2) has not taken long to show his wares. Looks like the sort who should get off the mark fairly early. Trip suits. Wide gate is not a major issue as he gets back. Bold show. Run It Twice (1) lost no marks when second to Sing Roulette at his third run. 1400m up his alley. Has maintained his form, will jump from an inside draw and is worth following again. Satellite Prince (8) ran on fairly at his last outing. Will relish extra 200m. One for the trifecta. Just Name It (7) is often around the mark but lacks that little extra. Low weight. Tongue-tie on. May have to settle for another place.