Gold Cup winner COOPTADO has plenty of weight and may be tested (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
A good mixed surface meeting and while there looks a good race over 2000m on the turf that includes the Gold Cup winner in COOPTADO (race 5), the better punting races may be later in the card with a couple of strong poly sprints to keep us happy.
Kranji Stakes C fields always provide something for everyone and this 1000m dash (race 9) looks a beauty.
CASTOR comes into the race after a solid fourth in Open Company behind the mighty Spalato and given his race record over 1000m, he might be the one to beat.
However, BATTLE HORSE is a very promising Poly sprinter resuming after a run of form that saw him knock in three wins from his last four starts and he will have admirers.
Add the ultra-consistent SUN PIONEER who gets to jump from the ace for Benny Woodworth and the value runner in NORTHERN BOSS and it should be a cracking race from go-to-whoa.
The very next race looks just as good from a punting point of view and while LADRONE looks the obvious choice on paper after just missing when blinkers went on last start, GATO NEGRO will win in
Class 4 sooner than later and might be the value runner.
Best Bets: (MIGHTY KENNY race 8, win), (DR N WING FIGHTER race 7, win) and (GATO NEGRO race 10, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (2 and 3), race 9 (2, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9), race 10 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7), race 11 (1, 2, 5, 8 and 9).
Race cards and Larry Foley’s synopsis follows and for updates on all runners go to www.kranjiracing.com
Please note the odds listed are “reference odds” only.
Race 5
Selections; 4 BLUE DANUBE – 5 VALBUENA – 2 MAJESTIC MOMENTS – 7 WELL
DONE
Another small field in a BM97 over 2000m where tempo – or lack of it – may play a role. With Pat Shaw and Laurie Laxon having five of the seven runners, it leaves little room for anyone else. MAJESTIC MOMENTS may set the tempo to help BLUE DANUBE who Pat has recently taken over training and has put in some solid trials; he was a class performer in Argentina and if Pat has found the key may be the hardest to beat. VALBUENA runs on and is suited at this trip but needs a solid tempo. Both BOURBON GOLDMAN and WELL DONE are honest performers but must be taken on trust at the trip. COOPTADO won the Singapore Gold Cup but has done little since and has to give them all weight. MARTIN is unreliable but on his best form could get in the finish.
1 COOPTADO ** Singapore Gold Cup winner who has not shown up in two outings since. Has plenty of weight and may be tested. 8.00
2 MAJESTIC MOMENTS ** Trip will test but maybe the one to set the tempo and hard to pass if he dictate terms. 10
3 BOURBON GOLDMAN ** Best form has been on poly and is being tried at the distance, Rarely runs a bad race and can make his presence felt. 6.00
4 BLUE DANUBE *** Gets a shadow roll after changing stables. Has been trialling well but with blinkers. Watch market. 2.50
5 VALBUENA *** Runs on and is suited this trip. Needs a solid tempo. 3.00
6 MARTIN ** Ran on fairly last start. Has been unreliable in recent times but on best form could get in the finish. 20
7 WELL DONE ** In good form. Up in Class and distance but has Nunes to help. 8.00
Race 6
Selections; 3 FRAGRANCE EMPIRE – 2 EXCELLENT MAGIC – 6 BANKERS CALL – 1 EASY MONEY
A Class 5 over 1200m on turf featuring many unreliables, some of whom are dropping in class and can be expected to improve. FRAGRANCE EMPIRE has been racing in higher grades and will find this easier; his last win was at this distance in KSD company and he can be handy throughout. EXCELLENT MAGIC battled on well when resuming and will find this easier; he can race on the speed and his only win was this surface and distance. EASY MONEY has been racing moderately in Class 4 on poly but does have a turf win over this trip to his credit; he is suited this grade and may get a positive ride from the good gate. The blinkers go on BANKER’S CALL who was caught wide last start; he is also suited this grade and from his good gate the 4kg claimer Azhar should get a nice run.
1 EASY MONEY ** Has ben racing moderately in Class 4 on poly but does have a turf win over this trip to his credit. Suited this grade and may get a positive ride from the good gate. 6.00
2 EXCELLENT MAGIC *** Battled on well when resuming. Will find this easier and can be handy throughout. Only win was over 1200m on turf. 4.00
3 FRAGRANCE EMPIRE *** Has been racing in higher grade. Will find this easier and last win was this distance in KSD company. Can be handy throughout. 4.00
4 RUN CHEETAH RUN ** Drops in grade. Only wins have been on polytrack but trialled well recently. Watch market. 12
5 TOP OF THE TOWN ** Tongue-tie on. Down in grade and recent trials have been solid. Only win was on turf over 1400m. Watch market. 10
6 BANKERS CALL *** Blinkers on. Caught wide last start. Suited this grade and should get a good run throughout. 6.00
7 NOBLE SUN * Has shown nothing in five outings. 33
8 MR PATRON * Resuming. Recent trial was fair but wins have been on poly. 33
9 TROPICAL FOREST ** Veteran who is always a threat in these. Best form is on poly but has won on turf and can surprise. 14
10 SPIRIT OF SPEED * Only win was on poly and yet to place in six outings on turf. 33
11 HOW HUGE ** Placed this class and distance last preparation. Had support last start and was hampered. Could show up with a better run. 8.00
Race 7
Selections; 4 DR N WING FIGHTERS – 7 SECONDWAVE – 3 SUPER EIGHT – 10 YUE YUAN
Another very poor quality Class 5 over 1200m which might give DR N WING FIGHTERS his chance. Leslie Khoo has decided to put a senior rider on and with Manoel Nunes up he should be able to improve on his recent solid form. SUPER EIGHT did nothing last start but his only win was at this trip and he could improve. Of the rest none could be recommended with any confidence though SECONDWAVE, YUE YUAN and FAT FARRAND have occasionally put in solid efforts over this distance on turf.
1 ALADDIN * Distanced and returned with epiglottic entrapment last start. Has done nothing for a long time. Tested. 33
2 BONJOUR BOB * Sixteen start maiden who needs to improve on recent efforts. 16
3 SUPER EIGHT *** Did nothing last start but only win was at this trip. Could improve. 4.00
4 DR N WING FIGHTERS *** Racing with some consistency and with Nunes up should be hard to beat in this weak field. 3.00
5 BLACK LABEL * Only placing in 13 starts was on poly. Unlikely. 33
6 FAT FARRAND ** Hasn’t won for a long time but suited this trip. Improvement possible. 8.00
7 SECONDWAVE *** Ran on well on poly last start. Better on turf and may find this distance more suitable than recent efforts. 6.00
8 STATE TROOPER * Making a rare turf appearance. Best efforts have been on poly. 33
9 THINK PRETTY * Battled on fairly in Maiden last start. Could be handy throughout. 14
10 YUE YUAN ** Ran on fairly last start and only turf win was at this trip. Could show up. 6.50
11 GENUINE BARGAIN * Only win was on poly and yet to place in six turf outings. 33
12 BIG BANG KING * Went eight start Maiden. Tested. 50
Race 8
Selections; 3 MIGHTY KENNY – 1 NOVA STAR – 2 LUCKY COIN – 4 THE JEUNEYMAN
A solid KSD mile and while we can make a case for a few nice each-way types and some that can improve, a last start winner in MIGHTY KENNY is the obvious choice. The 3YO has youth on his side and given his dominant display when winning by some four lengths last start over 1400m, he should be the testing material here. In saying that, NOVA STAR could be the big improver in this company with the mile looking ideal. The 4YO has had two runs this campaign and had enough excuses last start to think he is ready to show his best. Of the rest, LUCKY COIN and FREE HAPPY are two horses you can follow each-way with confidence while THE JEUNEYMAN broke his maiden status in fine style last start and is worth following.
1 NOVA STAR *** Excuses before solid effort last start and could be ready to fire in easier company over the mile. 8.00
2 LUCKY COIN *** Very honest and each-way all the way until further notice. 4.50
3 MIGHTY KENNY *** Bolted in last start over 1400m and hard to beat on that effort. 3.00
4 THE JEUNEYMAN *** Took a while to get his act together but maiden win was very impressive and pay to follow. 5.00
5 ABOVE THE HORIZON ** Did it tough before finishing well in similar affair last start and expect much the same here. 10
6 HEE’S FORTE * Not given much of a chance in running of late but easier to ignore. 100
7 WINNING STAR ** Recent good form on the Poly but handles the turf and should be competitive. 8.00
8 FREE HAPPY ** Has a very solid turf form to his name and another to follow each-way. 8.00
9 WHITE COFFEE * Better than what he shown of late but may be looking or Class 5. 20
10 WINNING SUCCESS * No. 200
Race 9
Selections; 2 CASTOR – 9 SUN PIONEER – 5 BATTLE HORSE – 3 SPEEDY DRAGON
A cracking Poly sprint and while we may look for value on the day (see NORTHERN BOSS), CASTOR could be the one to beat. Yes, the 4YO has drawn widest but his record over 1000m is excellent and his last start 4th to Spalato in Open Company more than holds up here. No such barrier issues for SUN PIONEER who gets to jump from the ace and given his excellent Poly record and nice recent trial, he can win. The blanket goes over most others with special mention to the exciting BATTLE HORSE resuming after a winning run of form, SPEEDY DRAGON with Nunes from gate 3, NORTHERN BOSS and PROFESSOR X.
1 PIONEER SEVEN ** Recent form looks hopeless but finds himself in the right company and could show up with a 4kg claimer. 20
2 CASTOR *** Drawn wide but last start in very good company was solid and can win this. 7.00
3 SPEEDY DRAGON *** Did it tough last start and subsequently trialled very well. Big show. 4.00
4 SECRET MISSION ** Won at long odds last start and can follow with gate 2 a factor. 12
5 BATTLE HORSE *** Resuming after winning three from his last four starts and trials good enough to win this. 4.00
6 HONEST TRUTH ** Hard to fault recent form but can be tested this level. 12
7 NORTHERN BOSS *** Given no chance last start and effort good enough to follow each-way. 33
8 PROFESSOR X *** Did it tough when supported last start and happy to give another chance in a race that should suit. 12
9 SUN PIONEER *** Has an excellent Poly record and will be in this a very long way from the ace. 7.00
10 LIM’S GREETING * Won on the Poly last start in easier company but might be better suited on the turf. 33
11 TASSAJARA ** Former Japanese sprinter who has trialled well enough to keep safe first up. 15
12 CLIP THE TICKET ** Honest and pay to include in the exotic mix. 12
Race 10
Selections; 5 LADRONE – 3 GATO NEGRO – 2 MASTERMIND – 6 RIVER OF GOLD
A race made tough for punters with no less than five horses resuming including OUR TOUCHE who broke through for his first Singapore win at his last start in November. He certainly looks a winning show first-up as does DEMON KING who returned lame last start but has an very good Poly record. But the one they all have to beat is LADRONE. The 4YO just missed in a similar affair last start when blinkers went on and given he gets to jump from a better gate in this with a 4kg claimer on-board, he should win. One to watch at hopefully each-way odds is GATO NEGRO. Yes, he has drawn wide and his recent form reads poorly, but he will win in this company sooner than later and he had support last start so looks due. Of the rest with winning hopes, MASTERMIND won well last start and has to be respected and RIVER OF GOLD had excuses last time out and his previous form was good enough to win this.
1 DEMON KING *** Resuming. Enjoys the Poly and has to be respected first-up with a tongue-tie added. 10
2 MASTERMIND *** Won well when resuming in KSD company and more than up to this. 7.00
3 GATO NEGRO *** Wide draw a concern but will win sooner than later in this company. 5.00
4 GOLDEN CASINO * Late Invincible Gold. Resuming and should need longer. 33
5 LADRONE *** Just missed when blinkers added last start and can make quick amends. 3.00
6 RIVER OF GOLD *** Respiratory issues last start and has to be respected on form prior. 8.00
7 OUR TOUCHE *** Resuming after breaking Singapore duck in similar affair last start. Can win. 5.00
8 LADY ROULETTE ** Resuming. Not the type to win out of turn but showed last start why she has to be included somewhere. 20
9 PINT SIZED PRINCE ** Resuming with blinkers on/tongue-tie off but might want longer. 33
10 BASTION * No. 100
11 JUST NAME IT ** Will work into exotic calculations late but may need longer. 20
12 MIGHTY CREATION * Reassess easier company. 50
13 DREAMCATCHER ** Excuses last start and usually competitive on this surface but might want easier. 33
Race 11
Selections; 1 BARNATO – 9 HERACLES – 8 ZIPPY GENERAL – 2 EAGLE STORM
Sometimes you can overthink in this game and while we can look for improvers in the lucky last, two last start winners are probably the easiest place to start. BARNATO has always showed ability but still looks to have a bit to learn. In saying that, his race record is good and he showed at his two starts this preparation that he could progress to better races than this. The other last start winner was HERACLES on debut. The jury is still out whether the form from that race will hold up but he won well and sometimes that is all you can do. His draw is a concern but Corey Brown is riding in excellent form. Of the rest, ZIPPY GENERAL and RISING EMPIRE have recent wins to their names and should race well while EAGLE STORM is the big improver back in very suitable company.
1 BARNATO *** Won well last start on the Poly and handles the turf so follow. 3.00
2 EAGLE STORM *** Drawn very wide and form reads badly but can go forward with drop to Class 4 in his favour. 12
3 SAVAGE STORM ** Plenty of excuses last start in this company and should be competitive. 20
4 HOT GOLD ** Disappointing since dropping to this company at last two starts and have to take on trust. 20
5 RISING EMPIRE *** Found some form and gives this a shake with gate 3 a bonus. 5.00
6 KARIGARA ** Former Aussie who has trialled good enough to keep safe on debut but may want longer. 12
7 ZHUHAI * Resuming with tongue-tie but needs to show more. 100
8 ZIPPY GENERAL *** Will work into this late and a win would not surprise. 8.00
9 HERACLES *** Draw a concern but won well on debut and pay to follow. 4.00
10 ARROWHEAD * No. 100
11 QUEEN’S SEVEN ** Long time between drinks but always some show. 14
12 SECRET SPICE * Needs longer and easier. 100
13 BEST LIFE * Also reassess over longer and easier. 100
14 CHEETAH KING * Likewise. 100
