Thursday, 5 April 2018: Previews and selections for Kranji Sunday April 8

MIGHTY CONQUEROR

RACE 1

YELLOW JADE HORSE (6) – From the inside gate, will have little trouble finding the lead. May well go all the way if nobody softens him up.

SATELLITE STAR (3) – More competitive in Class 5. Will take some beating if his apprentice jockey can give him a cosy run in transit from barrier No 4.

DOWNLOOKDOWNONME (2) - Didn’t go a yard at his last start when going over turf only the second time in 12 starts. Previous form on Polytrack was much better. Don’t look down on him.

ALWAYS THERE (10) – Still winless but turned out a much more encouraging run last time out when switched to turf. Back on Polytrack and dropped back in trip again. Outside chance.


RACE 2

CENTURION (1) – Blinkers seemed to have done the trick at his third outing. To be followed closely from now on.

IRON FIST (8) – Trialled okay. Has been in work for a while. Looks fit and ready for a sound showing first-up.

BEJEWELLED (2) – Trials have been fair. Nice gate. Forward debut on the cards.

ITALIAN MASTER (5) – Boasts three barrier trial wins but has not quite brought that form to the races. Did show some natural speed at last run. Blinkers on. Keep safe.


RACE 3

LIM’S BULLET (2) – Second at last three runs. Made ground late at his last start, but again found one better. Blinkers replaced by visors. In the hunt.

KING OF WAR (1) – Back down in grade. Wide barrier against him, but if he can get some cover, and there is a good rhythm to the race, he could be a major threat.

METTLESOME (5) – In-and-out performer, but not without a say in this. Trip suits and if they go mad in front, he will be charging home late.

OPTIMUM STAR (9) – Not beaten far behind of late. Needs to unwind earlier. Can be included in calculations if he can get some luck inside the last two furlongs.


RACE 4

FORESTO (8) – This Lee Freedman-trained runner has Ace Harbour held on the form of their latest encounter and at these revised weights can confirm superiority and win at the 10th time of asking and did trial nicely in behind the useful Olympian Eager recently.

ACE HARBOUR (2) – At the weights it looks as if he may well once again finish just behind the selection in what is a race they could have between themselves.

EINSTEIN’S CROSS (7) – Showed a bit more last time when 4th to Heng Kingdom, given his pedigree the step-up in trip should certainly suit him well (dam by Sadlers Wells and he is a half-brother to Australian Oaks winner Gust Of Wind).

LIM’S RHYTHM (10) – Can prove best of the rest, not totally disgraced last week when 6th.


RACE 5

BAFFERT (3) – In what looks a tough little heat to find the winner of, it could prove wise to stick with Cliff Brown’s charge who finished 2nd to Lim’s Cruiser in a trial (60.89) and the back of a runner-up spot behind Augustano in this grade a month ago.

DUTROW (6) – Has had a break and since trialled well for a 4th and a 2nd, goes well fresh and is back on preferred surface. Big player here.

RIVER GOLDEN (8) – Is holding good form since teaming up with Alan Munro and was seen to good effect when staying on well in 23.84 last start, the light weight of 52.5kg is also a positive.

WEBSTER (1) – Is one to consider for the forecasts and tri-cast on the back of his 3rd to Charger when wearing blinkers on the turf last time out.


RACE 6

MONGOLIAN CHIEF (4) – Beat subsequent winner Kashan last time out over C/D and has since gone well at the trials, he is the logical pick on form.

DRAGON (8) – More foe than friend given his running style! Again finished off to good effect when the race was all over last start, he hasn’t won for over 2 years! But that victory was on the Polytrack, must for quartet.

AEOLUS (1) – Far from prolific but is in good heart at present and should once again give him a chance here.

PEREGRINE FALCON (10) – Showed more last time and worked nicely enough during the week, place chance.


RACE 7

GOL GOAL (1) – Had a luckless run last time when slow to start and finding all sorts of trouble in the straight when only 7th to Super Tycoon (2nd, Nepean has won since). He has conditions nicely in his favour now down in grade slightly and can atone for his last run.

GOLD CITY (3) – The wheels wobbled somewhat after her debut success, But bounced back with a staying-on 3rd in the same race as Gol Goal (pair upsides at 250m), there shouldn’t be too much between them here and she is worth a go at this trip.

MAGIC WAND (4) – Beat Dutrow in latest trial (61.69). Has run well on the surface and if seeing out the extra distance, is a place chance in this.

SPUR ME ON (11) – A course and distance winner who can run well at decent odds with a light weight.


RACE 8

MIGHTY CONQUEROR (2) – Useful sort when prepared by Mark Walker. Gave a glimpse of that old self at last run when a fast-finishing second to Nova Missile. Can turn the tables with the two-kilo pull in weights.

NOVA MISSILE (1) – The way he flew the lids to control the race from the get-go and then put away, you’d be hard-pressed not to take him into serious consideration here, even if he is giving weight all round.

SIAM SAPPHIRE (12) – Rises in grade, but is going so well that he cannot be ignored even if he is tackling stronger opposition. Barrier No 1 will come in handy.

ELUSIVE EMPEROR (3) – Form has not quite taken off since last win since December. Does not handle Polytrack as well as turf these days. Each-way chance.


RACE 9

ZAC KASA (4) – Raced a touch too keen at his last run. Was pegged back by Lord O’Reilly. Blinkers off and is facing first Polytrack test. Should be able to stroll in.

LORD ASCOT (3) – Vastly-improved sort who is likely to be among those giving Zac Kasa a bit of a scare close home.

EL TORDILLO (1) – In great form. Tends to drift out, which can prove costly against better opposition like this. Include in your exotics.

SPECIAL RAIN (9) – Flew home for the placings at his last couple of starts. Commands respect.