3 minute read

A softer draw leaves River Radiance well placed to return to the winner's stall in the third event at Kranji on Friday night.

River Radiance bumped into Surpass Natural on debut, before making light work of his rivals over 1100m at his second start.

Sent around at $1.40 on that occasion, Michael Rodd was always in firm control with the son of Rip Van Winkle coasting to the line to score by 3L.

Stepped up to Class 4 company at his next start, River Radiance was no match for Toosbies, however there was a good gap back to third and it looks a decent piece of form.

Drawn wide, Woodworth had few options but to press on, though the early worked proved costly late.

In what was a great ride from Vlad Duric, Toosbies pinched runs along the inside, before popping off River Radiance's back in the straight and letting rip.

River Radiance stuck on well once headed and if you take the winner out, he has put a good margin on the rest of the field.

On Friday night he's drawn to get a much softer run as he shouldn't have to do as much work early.

Just query whether he has been ridden to close at his last two starts, as when ridden off the pace on debut, he produced his best performance to date.

On the surface that might seem a bit rich given he finished second, however the time figures he returned there were easily the best he has produced.

Not sure Woodworth will be looking to get that far back on Friday night, but would like to see him ridden with a sit.

If he produces what he did on debut, he will take plenty of beating.

The Lee Freedman trained My Big Boss hasn't been far off the mark in recent efforts and looms as a major threat from the good draw.

While only winning one from 13, he has placed on a further six occasions and is a noted flier on the polytrack.

Notably gets the visor on for the first time and with "Smoking Joe" sticking aboard, he is expected to make his presence felt.

The Donna Logan trained Golden Flame continued his good run of form last start and has to be respected racing on the fresh side (40 days).

While arguably better over further, he appears capable of running well with the added aid of the claim.

Of the rest the Shane Baertschiger trained I Am The One appears the next in line.

Good luck and happy punting.