Te Akau Singapore Friday Preview

Te Akau horses racing at Kranji racecourse in Singapore, where 2015 and 2017 Premiership winning trainer Mark Walker has recorded 22 wins since 1 January.  He has also trained 23 runners up and 22 third placegetters.

Friday 18 May

10.20 p.m. R1 9 BIG REGARDS - App Mohamad Firdaus (a1); the first runner for the stable this evening is this son of Darci Brahma who has unfortunately drawn the widest gate (12) for the S$20,000 Class 5 1400m on the polytrack.  With just 53 kgs on his back due to the apprentice claim, the 4YO has posted two solid second placings from his last three attempts - he's been consistent and if he can get luck from the draw, he rates a top four chance.

10.50 p.m. R2 5 AABIR - Vlad Duric; two starters for the stable in the S$85,000 Restricted Maiden 2&3YO WFA 1000m on the polytrack - the first, on debut for the Fortuna team, draws best (3) and is assigned 57kgs.  A 3YO O'Reilly gelding, he trialled nicely both in new Zealand and latterly in Singapore - top four chance.

10.50 p.m. R2 10 BURKAAN - Alysha Collett; the second for Mark Walker draws gate six of the 10 starters and will be ridden by Kiwi jockey Alysha Collett who has recently been granted a license to ride in Singapore.  This 2YO Burgundy gelding went a good race for fourth on debut however his chances depends on how he jumps.  With just 49kgs to carry, if he can lead with that featherweight, he could be hard to run down - a top four chance.

11.20 p.m. R3 14 BLACK QUAIL - TBA; sits second on the ballot, drawn seven in the field of 12 with 56kgs, looks unlikely to make the field.

12.20 a.m. (Saturday) R5 3 LIM'S KNIGHT - App CK Ng (a3); this last start winner takes his place in the Class 3 1400m on the turf long course A where he draws to advantage (3 of 13) and drops to 53kgs with the apprentice aboard.  In this S$80,000 event, this 5YO posted a solid win last time presented but this is tougher - place chance.

12.50 a.m. (Saturday) R6 11 LIM'S RHYTHM - Craig Grylls; the Kiwi rider jumps on for this S$20,000 Open Maiden WFA 1600m on the turf long course A where this Rock ‘n' Pop gelding has a challenging draw (11 of 14) to contend with.  With 56kgs on his back, this 3YO can at times be unpredictable but does find the right type of race here - top four chance.

1.20 a.m. (Saturday) R7 1 JACK'S SECRET - App Mohamad Firdaus (a1); two starters for Mark Walker in this Class 4 Non-Premier 1600m on the polytrack where the first carries the Fortuna colours and will jump from barrier five with 56kgs allocated.  A return tonight to Class 4 company positions this Sakhee's Secret 5YO as a top four prospect.

1.20 a.m. (Saturday) R7 6 NORTHERN KNIGHT - App Razali Zawari (a1); the second of the duo drops to 55kgs and has a handy draw (2) in this 12-strong field.  In this S$45,000 affair, the 6YO by Sir Percy has been disadvantaged by a series of wide draws - he has finally secured a good barrier - top four chance.

1.50 a.m. (Saturday) R8 5 STAR GENIUS - Vlad Duric; the penultimate runner for the stable tonight lines up in the S$80,000 Class 3 1400m on the turf long course A where she cops an awkward draw (11 of 14) and is weighted with 55.5kgs.  A 5YO mare, her last three starts have seen her finish in the first five home but she is returning from a knee operation and any rain would be her friend.

2.20 a.m. (Saturday) R9 1 ALAMOSA EXPRESS - Vlad Duric; last season's Champion Jockey and Trainer combine for the final runner tonight in the Class 4 Premier 1200m on the polytrack.  In his seven starts he has twice been a winner and runner up and has earned S$113,715 already for his Kiwi owner in his brief Singapore career to date. With a good draw (4 of 12), 57kgs and the top rider, this Alamosa 4YO is fresh up in Class 4 company tonight - a solid top four chance.