QUECHUA looks the hardest to beat (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
It’s safe to say there are more than just one Queen Elizabeth II Cup’s on the world racing circuit but each is unique to it’s jurisdiction and the Singapore event is no exception.
Inaugurated in 1972 to commemorate a visit by Her Majesty to the old Bukit Timah racecourse, the race has grown in stature over the years and now boasts Group 1 status and $500,000 in prizemoney to add to the prestige.
The legendary Lester Piggott won the inaugural race in 1972 and when the Queen visited again – this time to Kranji – in 2006, the aptly named King and King won for local hoop, Richard Lim.
All the top hoops – including the likes of Moreira, Saimee and Nunes – have their name on honour board and a quick glance at this year’s field suggests an Aussie will add his name to that list.
Corey Brown gets his chance on QUECHUA while Hugh Bowman on FASTNET DRAGON and Glen Boss on LAUGHING GRAVY will also be looking to add another Group 1 race to their impressive CV’s.
QUECHUA in particular looks ready to get back to his best at the Weight-for-Age conditions and oddly, could give big race specialist Pat Shaw, his first QEII Cup.
A great day and a great race!
Best Bets: (QUECHUA race 9, win), (MAGSTOCK race 6, each-way) and (SPLICE race 11, each-way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2, 3 and 4), race 9 (2, 3, 4, 6 and 9), race 10 (2, 3, 4 and 5) and race 11 (4, 6, 7, 8 and 10).
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; 1 LINCOLN ROAD – 6 EXCEED EXPRESS – 5 SECRET MISSION – 3 HONEST TRUTH
A Class 3 over 1100m and LINCOLN ROAD gets a chance to add to his unbeaten poly record of four from four. He is awkwardly drawn but has the speed to cross and John Powell should give him every chance. Who beats him? EXCEED EXPRESS is resuming and trialling solidly; he likes this distance and can race well fresh. GATO NEGRO won a BM67 on turf last start but has good poly form and has won over 1000m in Class 3; with Oscar Chavez to ride he can show up. Of the others, BARNATO is racing consistently, handles the poly and can show up from the good gate while SECRET MISSION is racing soundly at KSC level and should be on the speed throughout. HONEST TRUTH is a speedy veteran but his best distance is 1000m and he could be found out late.
1 LINCOLN ROAD *** Unbeaten in four poly outings. Awkwardly drawn but has speed and should be hard to run down. 3.00
2 EATONS GOLD ** Drops to a more suitable grade and has won at this trip. Should be running on. 5.00
3 HONEST TRUTH *** Veteran who has plenty of speed but best distance is 1000m. Should be handy throughout. 8.00
4 GATO NEGRO *** Won a BM67 on turf last start but has good poly form and has won over 1000m in Class 3. Can show up. 8.00
5 SECRET MISSION *** Racing soundly at KSC level and should be on the speed throughout. 10
6 EXCEED EXPRESS *** Resuming. Trialling solidly and suited this class and distance. Could show up fresh. Watch market. 10
7 STAR GENERAL * Has only battled last couple but has won twice at this trip and could improve. 16
8 NANDOWRA * Veteran resuming. Wants longer. 33
9 HOST THE NATION ** Doesn’t win often but is rarely far away. Might need an easier grade. 25
10 BARNATO ** Racing consistently and won at last poly outing in Class 4. Can show up from the good gate. 10
11 WINNING MAN * Resuming sans blinkers after changing stables. Showed promise before developing respiratory issues last preparation. Trials have been moderate. Watch market. 33
12 BLUE DIAMOND * Has won eight times on poly, four at this distance but can be tested in this Class. 20
13 SUPERSONICSURPRISE * Disappointed last start after a good run of form. May want easier. 33
14 CLUTHA LAD * Recent form ordinary. Drops back in trip and may want easier and longer. 33
Race 6
Selections; 2 MAGSTOCK – 5 ARHAT – 1 BILLY BRITAIN – 6 GURU-GURU
A KSD over 2000m without much depth may give MAGSTOCK his chance. The 3YO got too far back in Guineas but is bred for this trip and should be up to this grade. BILLY BRITAIN returned not striding out freely last start but his subsequent trial was solid; he is suited in this class and at this distance and should run on strongly. GURU-GURU won a Maiden over a mile and has battled on solidly since so could show up at this trip. The maiden ARHAT has been battling to win but he gets Vlad Duric and should be suited at this distance. Most of the others except DANGER ZONE, who has placed often at the trip without winning, are being tried at the journey. Breeding suggests KARIGARA, AUSONE and ECLAIR FIESTA could enjoy the 2000m but need to be taken on trust.
1 BILLY BRITAIN *** Returned not striding out freely last start but subsequent trial was solid. Suited this class and distance and should run on strongly. 5.00
2 MAGSTOCK *** Got too far back in Guineas. Bred for this trip and should be up to this grade. 3.50
3 SERPICO * Recent form poor since changing stables but has won at this trip in Class 4. Needs to improve. 20
4 WATER PARK * Needs to improve on Singapore outings to date. May find this distance more suitable. 20
5 ARHAT *** Maiden who has been struggling to win but gets Vlad Duric and should be suited this distance. 6.00
6 GURU-GURU *** Won Maiden over a mile and has battled on solidly since. Could show up at this trip. 6.00
7 ECLAIR FIESTA * Yet to place in 10 outings but bred for this trip and could show up. 20
8 TIGER BAY ** Best form has been on poly and only battled at only try this trip. Could go forward and set the tempo. 20
9 AUSONE ** Broke through for strong Maiden win on poly last start. Bred for this trip and could show up. 20
10 SPECIAL FORCE * Found class too strong at past two outings after Maiden win four starts back. Stepping up in trip. Take on trust. 33
11 DANGER ZONE *** Drops in grade but struggles to win. Has placed eight times from 15 starts at this trip. Could go forward and give a sight. 16
12 KARIGARA * Ballarat Maiden winner whose best run in Singapore was 4th in this grade over 1800m two starts back. Could show up. 20
13 GINSENG * Only win was at Wyong over a mile. Has been battling away and could show up over this distance. 20
14 BIMALA ** Finally broke through two starts back in Class 5 over 1400m. Take on trust at the trip. 25
15 ROYAL EXPLORER ** Won Maiden over a mile two starts back on poly. Bred to stay and could show up. 25
16 NO SMOKING JEFF ** Fought on in this grade last start over 1800m. Best form has been on poly but could show up. 25
Race 7
Selections; 7 NOVA WARRIOR – 8 THE NUTCRACKER – 1 DANIEL – 6 FLAK JACKET
A KSA over 1200m where most are lights of other days or resuming after various ailments. NOVA WARRIOR has worked his way nicely through the grades and is the young, fit runner in this field; with Manoel Nunes up he should be on the speed throughout and be hard to hold off. THE NUTCRACKER pulled up with respiratory distress last start but has trialled well since. He was a Group winner in Argentina and looked very good at his Singapore debut on poly; if he handles turf he should race well. DANIEL put in a decent effort when resuming from a bleeding attack; he has a good record at the distance and could be hard to hold off. FLAK JACKET’s last win was in Class 3 in October 2014 but has he placed regularly since; he has plenty of speed and can give a sight. The others are all capable of winning if they could return to their best form.
1 DANIEL *** Put in a sound effort when resuming after a long break as a result of a bleeding attack. Should be improved. 4.00
2 CAVALLO ** Never likely when resuming after a long break. Best form has been on poly but can run on strongly. 25
3 GOAL KEEPER * Hasn’t won for nearly two years but has speed and could give a sight with no weight on his back. 20
4 TRUDEAU * Last win was 2 years ago in Malaysia. Showed little when resuming and needs to improve. 25
5 EL MILAGRO * Blinkers back on. Ran on fairly in BM89 but hasn’t won for a long time. Well drawn and could get a good run throughout. 20
6 FLAK JACKET *** Last win was in Class 3 in October 2014 but has placed regularly since. Has plenty of speed and can give a sight. 4.00
7 NOVA WARRIOR *** Has worked his way nicely through the grades and is the young, fit runner in this field. With Nunes up should be on the speed throughout. 3.00
8 THE NUTCRACKER *** Pulled up with respiratory distress last start but has trialled well since. Was a Group winner in Argentina and looked very good at Singapore debut on poly. Should race well. 3.50
Race 8
Selections; 1 LADY IFFRAAJ – 2 AMAZON GOLD – 4 TRINITY – 3 SOON YI
A top heavy KSD and with Y Salim claiming 4kg on LADY IFFRAJ, she could be the one to beat. The 3YO filly has yet to win on the turf but her effort in Graduation Company two starts back suggests she will sooner than later and this race does look suitable. Another that appreciates this company is AMAZON GOLD who gets Nunes (kidney stone pending). The 5YO has won twice on the turf over his trip and he will be the one motoring late if the race is run to suit swoopers. TRINITY and SOON YI did battle last start with the latter coming out on top but given the support for TRINITY first up after a bleeding attack, he could be a horse to follow. Nothing else appeals.
1 LADY IFFRAAJ *** Yet to win on the turf but showed two starts back he handles the surface and can win in this company. 4.00
2 AMAZON GOLD *** Will be doing best work late and wins if race run to suit swoopers. 6.00
3 SOON YI *** Will not win out of turn but always a show. 5.00
4 TRINITY *** Just missed with support when resuming after bleeding attack and pay to follow. 3.00
5 HAPPY HAPPY * Better option on the Poly. 33
6 SKY ELEVEN ** Not a mile away last start over 1400m and can include in exotic at odds. 20
7 ALAN * No. 50
8 ICONNIC ** Has speed to burn and may look the winner at some stage. 20
9 ARLO * Recent win in Class 5 and may be better suited there. 33
10 JUBILATION ** Placed at odds last start and a must for exotic players. 20
11 KAISER ** Not often seen on the turf but should be prominent throughout. 20
12 BAIL OUT * Hard to catch and should need Class 5. 33
13 HANDSOME BAB * Eligible for easier and didn’t need wide gate. 33
Race 9
Selections; 2 QUECHUA – 3 FASTNET DRAGON – 9 LAUGHING GRAVY – 6 ORDER OF THE SUN
A small but very good field heads to the starter for the 2016 QEII Cup and with the possible exception of an out of sorts COOPTADO, all have winning claims. Obviously at the WFA conditions the top-rated horses come under serious consideration but with 2015 Singapore Horse of the Year, STEPITUP, not at his best this season, it might be QUECHUA who is hardest to beat. With a Derby and Gold Cup already on his CV, QUECHUA has the runs on the board and given he meets LAUGHING GRAVY some 10kg better off than last start, he can bounce back and win. In saying that, LAUGHING GRAVY has obliterated his opposition winning his last three by big margins and he has to be a big hope with Glen Boss to ride. Hugh Bowman is reunited with FASTNET DRAGON and that combination is well worth following as is the consistent PERFECT P. Don’t discount the leader – ORDER OF THE SUN – and good luck if you find the quartet.
1 STEPITUP ** Not at his best in 2016 but not a mile away last start and appreciates trip and WFA conditions. 6.00
2 QUECHUA *** Top stayer who gets a 10kg weight pull on Laughing Gravy and has to be a big show. 4.00
3 FASTNET DRAGON *** Quality stayer who is due for a big race win. 4.00
4 PERFECT P *** Honest and plays a part in this finish. 8.00
5 COOPTADO * Has struggled since Gold Cup win and have to take on trust. 33
6 ORDER OF THE SUN *** Front-runner who will look the winner at some stage in the straight. 12
7 ONE RAR ** Ran well at handicap conditions last start and cheeky run expected. 20
8 BOURBON GOLDMAN ** Honest but tested at the WFA conditions. 20
9 LAUGHING GRAVY *** Carried a featherweight to win last start but the winning margin suggests he is up to this. 3.50
Race 10
Selections; 3 COURT CASE – 5 LIM’S SINCERE – 4 KISS ME – 2 MASTERMIND
Not an overly strong Class 4 gives COURT CASE the chance to make it back-to-back wins. The 3YO was in consistent form prior to knocking in his second win on that occasion and this race certainly looks no stronger. In saying that, LIM’S SINCERE has two wins over 1000m and showed last start he is ready to win again. He has drawn wide but Corey Brown should ride him positively and he will be in the thick of this finish. Throw in the usual suspects in MASTERMIND and KISS ME with a blanket over most others for the skinny end of exotics including the Class dropper in TASSAJARA.
1 TASSAJARA ** Race form hopeless but look for improvement dropping to Class 4. 33
2 MASTERMIND *** In solid form and in this a long way. 4.00
3 COURT CASE *** Turned some good form into a nice win and pay to follow. 3.00
4 KISS ME *** Always a show and often value. 8.00
5 LIM’S SINCERE *** Showed last start why he wins again soon over 1000m. 4.00
6 MASTER DRAGON * Struggling. 100
7 OCEAN GENERAL * Not a lot last start but can run the odd cheeky race. 50
8 OUR TOUCHE ** Drawn badly but form better than it reads and will add value to exotics. 20
9 FAT POWER ** Not a mile away this trip last start and in this a long way. 20
10 LUCKY MISSION ** Resuming and goes good enough fresh to include in exotics. 20
11 SMART FORTUNE ** Form reads patchy but has speed to burn so 1000m may suit. 20
12 FANTASTIC MAN ** Won in Class 5 last start but was competitive in this company prior so keep safe. 12
13 LUCKY BOY ** Usually finds trouble but goes good enough to include in exotics. 33
14 MONEY KING * Needs longer and easier. 100
Race 11
Selections; 6 ALIBI – 4 SPLICE – 7 EN CIVIL – 8 CASING ROYAL
Hopefully we have backed the winner of a few of the earlier races and can just sit back and watch the lucky last which looks extremely tough for punters. Most have winning claims and while we think the undefeated ALIBI can go on with the job, it might be a case of chasing some value. The 3YO NZ colt does look a handy type though and the form from his Graduation last start win should hold up in this field. One at value could be SPLICE. The 6YO is always an each-way hope and looks well placed in this field to have a crack with Glen Boss onboard. Without naming them all, EN CIVIL is in form and should be prominent throughout with Nunes up and CASING ROYAL is fresh and his recent trials have been eye-catching enough to keep safe.
1 ABOVE THE SKYLINE ** Issues last start (lame) but some hope on form prior. 20
2 TALES OF SUMMER ** Appreciates Singapore debut run and should improve. 12
3 IKING ** Versatile and pay to keep safe with blinkers and 4kg claim. 12
4 SPLICE *** Always an each-way show in races like this. 8.00
5 PUSAKA ** Resuming after back-to-back wins and will be flying late. 8.00
6 ALIBI *** Undefeated at two starts and look well placed in this field to win again. 3.00
7 EN CIVIL *** Been in very good form in Class 4 and should figure heavily in this finish. 6.00
8 CASING ROYAL *** Fresh and trialling like he could win a race like this. 12
9 RUSTY BROWN ** Racing in good order and in this a long way. 12
10 SPECIAL ID *** Another in solid Class 4 form and does love this trip. Each-way. 12
11 GREAT BALLS OFFIRE * Going along OK but like to see in easier company. 20
12 ARCHER COMPANY * Blinkers on but should need easier. 50
