3 minute read

Lightly race runner Nova Vocal can continue his rise through the grades when he lines up in the Class 4 Non Premier (1200m) at Kranji on Friday night.

Scoring a big win by four lengths on debut, Nova Vocal then went on to run a narrow second placing in a Novice last start, beaten by the barest of margins by Boy Wonder, after settling off the pace in fourth.

The Peters-trained runner has since finished runner up in a barrier trial earlier in the month and with plenty of improvement still to come looks a strong chance in this company today.

Expect the son of Vocalised to push forward from the wide draw and look for some cover off the leaders and with some luck in running will be very hard to hold out.

Running to a Timeform figure of 75 last start, that effort certainly brings him right into the mix against his rivals today and he looks a horse on the rise.

With Nova Vocal having the most upside in the field there are a handful of runners who will need to improve to get the better of him but come off competitive form and one of those is Black Quail.

The Mark Walker-trained runner has been competitive without winning races this campaign and if he can find anything near his best down in the weights he will be very competitive.

He produced a modest effort when midfield in a Class 4 Premier last start but form prior to that was much better and would not be surprised to see him making his way into the placings.

Sun Seeker does not have the best career record with just two wins from 37 starts but he comes with decent recent form, winning his most recent in a Class 5 over this trip.

Likely to find this a tougher task today but that effort came on the back of a second placing and if he can run up to this last couple than a finish in the placings is not out of the question.

Special Rain rounds out the main chances and will get the services of Vlad Duric who has been riding in terrific form of late.

Special Rain has not secured a win last November of last year, but has finished runner up in two of his last three the most recent in a Class 4 Premier over 1100m behind Snip.

His form to this point has been a bit hit and miss however there was a bit to like about his last start effort and with the Key jockey change stays under notice.