Singapore Preview: Change of luck for Jack

Gary Crispe analyses Friday's action at Kranji.

Friday's big race card at Kranji promises some excellent racing with several sponsored races, including the T D Securities Cup (Race 5) due off at 12:20 GMT over 1600m on the polytrack...

To be conducted under Kranji Stakes C , the race looks a perfect assignment for Black Jack to re enter the winner's list after a frustrating run of minor placings in recent starts. Trainer Shane Baertschiger has done a marvellous job with the lightly raced six-year-old and although his only two career wins have been on turf, he has been placed (narrowly beaten) on the poly and I see no reason why he will not perform to his best form tonight.

It is interesting that Baertschiger has elected to take Black Jack back to the poly as all his eight runs in the last 12 months have been on turf. Timeform rated 72, Black Jack has solid recent form in class 4 company that reads very well for his chances this evening. Black Jack put in a huge run two starts back over 1400m. After missing the start and dropping out to near last, he was forced very wide entering the straight before finishing on strongly from tenth just failing to catch Divine Hero.

Then last start also over 1400m he began better but mid race became caught up behind runners. He worked clear after entering the straight but was then held up for clear running, eventually running home solidly for third. In both those runs he carried a big weight but tonight drops considerably in weight due to the 3kgs claim for Zulkifli Zuriman which should be a winning advantage.

Champion rider Joao Moreira jumps aboard Itiswhatitis tonight - a clear sign he is expected to race very well. The four times poly winner is Timeform rated 69 but has been in great form under Manoel Nunes, two back winning over 1600m on the poly defeating an unlucky Takis in class 4 grade.

Last time out he shouldered 58.5 kgs again in class 4 company on the poly over 1800m but found the task beyond him holding on for second to Profound. The Hor Khoon Tan-trained galloper looks better placed tonight dropping back to 1600m and getting three and a half kilos weight relief under the set weight conditions. 

Veteran galloper John Of Arch is the most prolific winner on the poly in the race and he profiles as if he is close to another. The David Hill-trained gelding has been racing in harder class at his most recent runs, last time out contesting a class 3 over the unsuitable 1200m distance but at his start prior was close up behind The Rude Warrior in a bench mark 74 handicap both runs on the poly.

John Of Arch's last win was over 1600m on the poly in class 3 company in May last year. Although questionable whether in the same form right now, a run close to the 85 Timeform rating achieved on that occasion would certainly see him in the finish. In any case he is ready to return to better form than he showed last start and with Steven King staying in the saddle looks a definite upset chance.

Top weight Born To Fly is scheduled to carry 59.5kgs but will have that weight reduced by three kilos with apprentice A'Isisuhairi taking the ride for the first time. Two starts back Born To Fly stormed home on the poly to win in this class over 1200m then last start stepped back onto the turf over 1400m in bench mark 83 class finishing a close up fifth. His form book suggests Born To Fly is an easy horse for apprentices to handle so punters should not be put off by that engagement today. Born To Fly is already a winner over the 1600m and seems well suited again.

Former Australian galloper Light Brigade is an interesting runner. It is now nearly 900 days since he won a race but his form in that time has been against better class runners than he meets tonight. The problem for punters is just when if ever he will return to that form, or close to it. In four runs in Singapore, Light Brigade has raced well on two of those but both were on the turf. At his only poly run he ran eighth over 1600m fading the straight from third on the turn. It is difficult to recommend him but he could put some value into the multiples if he does find anything like his best.

Enjoy the contest.

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