What’s New to take on the Stars at Gold Cup weekend

– Gold Cup weekend is arguably the best racing in Singapore and while the iconic Group 1 handicap takes centre stage on Sunday, the EW Barker more than holds its own as a feature race to look forward to today at Kranji.

Also run at handicap conditions, the EW Barker usually sees an eclectic mix of those horses who are either dropping back in trip after a crack at WFA glory in the Raffles Cup over 1600m or some talented sprinters testing themselves over 1400m at the top level for the first time.

What’s New is one of those dropping back in trip (and weight) after a tilt at both the Raffles Cup and QEII and given she had excuses not to figure in the latter and her form over 1400m is excellent, she will be hard to hold out with just 52kg.

But the exciting sprinters will make this a cracking affair from go-to-whoa and Fame Star and Grand Koonta just win too often of late not to think they are up to this level, while Lim’s Craft is also in superb wining form and in his favour is a good win at his only start over this trip.

Plenty of others can also win without surprising but one to watch very closely is Star Of Jupiter who looked very smart winning at his Singapore debut and could be a horse to follow in Group races - hopefully starting today.

A great race, befitting a grand weekend – enjoy!

Best Bets: Aramaayo Race 5, Win: King’s Landing Race 1, value; and What’s New Race 8, Eachway.

Jackpot: Race 6: 1 and 6; Race 7: 1, 2 and 3; Race 8: 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 14 and 16; and Race 9: 1, 2, 5 and 8.

To take a bet

Go to www.tabonline.co.za or www.bettingworld.co.za