We think there was trackwork going on at Kranji this morning but the rain was so heavy you could hardly make out the horses.
This also had an affect on some of the training plans as many of the horses were not too enthusiastic about going out in those conditions with lightning around as well, and their planned faster work was mostly reduced to light work, with the exception of Chinchon who is such a trooper that nothing phases him. He's actually looking very good and will have come on from the race in Singapore, plus Carlos Laffon-Parias says he prefers the Singapore way of going.
Thumbs Up and City Style have both looked very good (as far as we can see supplemented from comments of colleagues who have been here a few days longer).
Today there was the barrier draw and in the draw for the Kris Flyer the three internationals had mixed fortunes: Secret Asset drew 1, which trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam is quite happy with, Invincible Ash got 6 and Krypton Factor 9.
The Cup has Zazou in 2, Zaidan 3, California Memory 6, Chinchon 7, Dream Peace 9 and City Style 10.
There was a further draw at the end of the official one when a well trained parrot was brought in to make his selections for the race. He chose Invincible Ash for the Kris Flyer and City Style for the Cup.
He also chose a very nice fortune for your correspondent so we are feeling very positive about Parrot Power!Friday's card has 3 very competitive races starting with the final leg of the Aushorse Golden Horseshoe, G2 for the 2yo over 1200m. Mr Big won this last year and has gone on to become an established star. Super Good is a very talented horses, Moreira will ride out of gate 6 and he'll be a short priced favourite. Pitstop has caught the trackwatchers' eyes and will come from gate 2. We like Rising Empire but his draw isn't too hot so it might be worth going for a roughie souch as Hogwarts Express with Saimee riding and coming from gate 4.
Race 6 is a very competitive Kranji A and Gingerbread Man should account for these without too many problems. Coup Align is one we often overlook but not in this race although he's draw out a bit which may leave the door open for My Son and we will add Mr Timely for the multiples.
The Guineas looks perfect for the unbeaten Super Easy. He'll be very short but should win this easily. We will add Cash Luck, Totality and Jeram Glory for the multiples.
The rain is expected to ease so we will see how the track is in the morning and may tweak the picks accordingly.
