One Kinabalu can get punters off to a winning start when he lines up in the Class 4 Non Premier (1600m) in the opening race at Kranji on Friday night.
The Shane Baertchiger-trained runner has been a model of consistency, finishing in the placings his last 12 starts and certainly shapes up as the one they have to beat today.
Has only the one win to his name which came three starts back in a maiden over 1200m but his last couple have been handy in similar company and the step up to the mile for the first time can certainly suit.
From the wide barrier would expect One Kinabalu to push forward and settle on the speed and if he can run up to his best form he is certainly going well enough to be winning today.
Tembusu Estrela was strung up in traffic when returning for a new yard over 1400m last start but was only three and a half lengths away in seventh.
Likely to improve on that effort and when second up last campaign scored a big win in a Class 5 over 1400m.
Vlad Duric goes on board today and with a bit more luck from barrier 4 he is certainly right up to returning to the winners circle.
Like One Kinabalu he does not have the strongest winning strike rate with just the two victories from 23 starts but he will take good improvement from his first up effort and has shown enough to suggest he is right in the mix.
Chase has been a bit disappointing his last couple but should appreciate going back on the turf and the step up to the mile where he has won on two previous occasions.
The six-year-old gelding was not too far away when fourth over this C/D three runs back and if he can run up to that effort today he will certainly be right in the mix.
Drawn well again today in barrier 3 and should be able to get a good run off the leaders for much of the race.
Chase has not won a race in some time now which is a slight concern although his form on the turf earlier in the preparation indicates he can feature in the finish today.
Steel Cutter was well held on the Poltrack last start over 1100m but is another who will appreciate getting back on the turf.
Finished third over this trip two starts back and likely to get back in the run he will be doing his best work over the concluding stages.
Good Luck!
