LIM’S SINCERE hard to beat on recent form (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
A stand-alone Friday meeting to start the Emirates Singapore Derby month of July and the mixed-surface meeting looks a good one for punters.
And nothing a punter loves more than a good hoop so great to see another quality jockey return from injury: this time, Michael Rodd.
It’s a fair assumption that the affable Aussie hoop has been enjoying the amazing Singapore cuisine while on leave with his four rides all at 58kg but they all look winning hopes including ARHAT in race 4.
The 4YO has been a model of consistency without winning and looks as good as chance as any in a wide-open affair.
Add last start winner LIKA TIGER (race 5), SAND BANK (race 6) and ANY RUMOUR (race 8) and Rodd might be again struggling to maintain his weight next weekend given a few celebratory dinners with happy owners.
He will have to be at his best though with the likes of fellow Aussies Beasley, Brown, Duric and Powell all having solid books of rides and a plethora of other international and local hoops to compete against.
Good jockeys equals good punting!
Friday 1 July
Best Bets: (LIGHTNING FAST race 2 win), (LIM’S SINCERE race 3, win) and (QUEEN’S SEVEN race 1, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 6), race 7 (2, 3, 4 and 11), race 8 (1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8), race 9 (1, 3 and 4).
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 1
Selections; 2 HIGH COUNCIL – 1 MARK ECLIPSE – 8 QUEEN’S SEVEN – 4 NOVA STAR
Not a lot of depth to the opener and as such, HIGH COUNCIL gets his chance to knock in another win. The 4YO’s only win in Singapore was over this trip in Class 4 and given what he showed last start over 1200m in the same Class, he could be hard to beat in this Company over 1400m. Likewise, MARK ECLIPSE will grow a leg in KSD Company. The 5YO has looked to struggle since his maiden win but a recent good trial with a tongue-tie added coupled with an easier grade suggests he is the big improver. The only other two with genuine winning hopes are QUEEN’S COUNCIL who looks suited in this type of race and NOVA STAR who placed for the first time on the turf last start and should give a sight again.
1 MARK ECLIPSE *** Form since maiden win just fair but recent trial with tongue-tie was good and appreciates the company. 6.00
2 HIGH COUNCIL *** Showed more than enough last start to think he goes close over a trip that suits. 3.20
3 BLAZING SUN ** First-up run was solid late and could improve in a race that suits. 20
4 NOVA STAR *** Showed last start he can show up on the turf and should give a sight. 4.00
5 BORDEAUX * Disappointing last start in similar affair and have to take on trust. 20
6 HEE’S FORTE * No. 100
7 DRAGON * Appreciates senior hoop but would like to see support on recent poor form. 20
8 QUEEN’S SEVEN *** Excuses last start and would give this a shake if can make use of the ace. 12
9 GADAWON ** Has looked due in Class 5 and could give a sight with lightweight. 8.00
10 SECRET SPICE ** Excuses last start this trip in Class 5 and could figure late. 8.00
11 EXCITING PROSPECT * Blinkers off but may need Class 5 and Poly. 33
12 LUCKY COME ** Not a mile away last start this trip in Class 5 and will add value to skinny end of exotics. 20
13 HIGHLIGHT * Disappointing last few and should need easier. 50
Race 2
Selections; 5 LIGHTNING FAST – 11 SKYWALK – 1 NOVA MASTER – 6 MUSCULAR DRAGON
Again, we have a long look at the 2YO’s who get into these Restricted Maidens with a featherweight and SKYWALK for trainer James Peters look the best of that bunch. The NZ-bred gelding looed to be doing it easy at a recent trial and while drawn badly on debut, he must be a chance with Vorster up. The other 2YO to watch on debut is SILKINO who has also trialled well and gets to jump from gate 3. But the horse they may all be trying to catch is the aptly named LIGHTNING FAST. The 3YO came in for heavy support on debut and given a strong recent trial, he is ready to win. Others that have the race form to win include NOVA MASTER who very much appreciates the nice gate today and will go close while MUSCULAR DRAGON is another who had plenty of support and debut and can improve to win this with blinkers added to his gear.
1 NOVA MASTER *** Did it tough last start from wide gate and gets his chance today after drawing the deuce. 5.00
2 NINEPINS * Will work into this late but might be better option on the turf over longer. 20
3 ECLAIR MOMENT ** Always looks some show and a must for exotics. 10
4 ENTHUSE ** Looked solid at Official trial and pay to keep safe in exotics. 20
5 LIGHTNING FAST *** Came in for very heavy support when placing on debut and could be hard to beat with that effort and subsequent nice trial under his belt. 3.00
6 MUSCULAR DRAGON *** Another who ran well with heavy support on debut and can win with blinkers added. 3.50
7 SUPER HERO ** Fresh and will be running on but a better option over longer. 20
8 MAXIMUS * Prefer others on exposed trial form. 50
9 AWATERE ** Recent trial good but that was with headgear so take on trust on debut. 33
10 SILKINO *** Recent trial nice enough to consider on debut with no weight. 20
11 SKYWALK *** Another 2YO trialling like he is ready to win on debut but gate is a concern. 12
12 QUEEN ROULETTE ** Gets blinkers after being beaten a long way into second place last start and exotics may be best. 20
13 SPIRIT SEVEN * Resuming sans blinkers and should need longer. 50
14 CELERITAS * Resuming and no. 100
Race 3
Selections; 4 LIM’S SINCERE – 6 MR LUCK – 2 POWER LIN – 9 KEYSTONE
It will be interesting to see who punters make favourite in this race with heavy support likely for two runners in LIM’S SINCERE and MR LUCK. Interestingly, C Brown was on both LIM’S SINCERE and MR LUCK last start and the gun Aussie hoop sticks with MR LUCK in this Poly dash. However, a 3kg claimer onboard LIM’S SINCERE suggests they try to win this from go-to-whoa and happy to have the “Dester” horse on top. MR LUCK will appreciate being back on the Poly though and should figure heavily in both the betting and the finish. The two others with winning hopes that should be value are POWER LIN and BLACK MAGIC, while it will pay to keep the maiden KEYSTONE safe as his recent form is good.
1 CASH BOX ** Recent form hopeless but a tote watch in order dropping o recent winning Class. 20
2 POWER LIN *** In form and pay to keep following each-way. 12
3 TASSAJARA * Will give a sight from the ace but should be found wanting late. 12
4 LIM’S SINCERE *** Hard to beat on recent form with 3kg claim. 3.00
5 MEGATHINK * No. 100
6 MR LUCK *** Issues last start on the turf (not striding) and a huge show on previous excellent Poly form. 3.50
7 BLACK MAGIC *** First-up run was good and always a show in races like this. 5.00
8 OUR TOUCHE ** Battled on OK last start and usually in the mix. 20
9 KEYSTONE *** Maiden who is racing a trialling well and have to consider with blinkers off. 12
10 COOL CAT ** Solid as a rule but might be looking or something easier. 33
11 DOUBLE CASH *** Last start win in Class 5 but always a show over 1000m. 12
Race 4
Selections; 6 GOOD DEAL – 7 BLACK SWAN – 2 HOLDING FAST – 3 SWAN SONG
An extremely tough maiden and with so many winning hopes punters will be looking at race pace or track bias to see if swoopers are the order of the day. We are banking they do get a fair crack and the likes of GOOD DEAL, BLACK SWAN, HOLDING FAST and SWAN SONG all should figure late. Not much separates the quartet but GOOD DEAL was supported and went close last start and happy to follow. The race is so tough we have left out likely favourite – ARHAT – out of the top four picks but he should race on the pace and will look the winner at some stage in the straight. Others to include are PUSONG PINOY, AURA D’ORO and KEY ON KODIAC and good luck if you are playing exotics.
1 ARHAT *** Back from 2000m and just missed this trip and company two starts back so hard to beat. 6.00
2 HOLDING FAST *** Will get back and run on. Big show. 8.00
3 SWAN SONG *** Another that will work home late in a race that suits. 12
4 MR DE NIRO * Impossible on form. 200
5 MEGABUCKS * No. 200
6 GOOD DEAL *** Improves with each run and step up to the mile looks ideal. 4.00
7 BLACK SWAN *** Just missed last start in similar affair and right in this. 4.00
8 PUSONG PINOY *** Just missed last start when leading over 1400m and expect similar here. 8.00
9 ASHQAR ** Has a bit to learn but goes OK when tractable so keep safe with tongue-tie added. 33
10 MY TOUCH * Blinkers off but easier to ignore. 200
11 AURA D’ORO *** Supported and ran accordingly last start and pay to follow. 6.00
12 KEY ON KODIAC *** Excuses not to finish closer last start and pay to follow. 12
13 SUN HANCOCK ** Not a mile away last start and will be long odds. 33
14 SCIMITAR * Solid without being a threat and better suited in Class 5. 100
Race 5
Selections; 2 LIKA TIGER – 3 SMART VINTAGE – 1 BILLY BRITAIN – 4 MIGHTY EMPEROR
The four fancies at the top of the ratings in this KSD event have all drawn well which suggests a fair fight all round. Starting from the top, BILLY BRITAIN gets Munro – who has won on him previously – and can take a sit midfield from gate 1 before making a play late. LIKA TIGER probably leads from gate 1 and given he won last start in Class 4, he looks in good enough form to carry more weight in this easier grade. SMART VANTAGE was given no chance last start from a wide gate so appreciates barrier 2 with Dan Beasley up. MIGHTY EMPEROR round out the top four and gets his chance from gate 4 on his preferred surface with regular hoop B Vorster to ride.
1 BILLY BRITAIN *** Yet to win on the Poly but races well on the surface and looks well placed in this company. 3.20
2 LIKA TIGER *** Capped off some very good form with a Class 4 win and pay to follow. 3.00
3 SMART VINTAGE *** Did it tough before finishing off well last start and looks ready to break Singapore drought. 5.00
4 MIGHTY EMPEROR *** Showed last start why the Poly is his caper and won in this company three starts back. 5.00
5 ECLAIR FIESTA ** Best run in Singapore was two starts back in similar affair to this so can include off value. 33
6 TIGER BAY ** Recent back-to-back wins on the Poly and very much appreciates being back on that surface. 12
7 DANNY ** Took a drop to Class 5 to win and have to take on trust on recent form in this company. 33
8 BASTION ** Placed two starts back in Class 4 but have to take on trust. 20
9 CLERMONT CLUB * Gets blinkers but better off in Class 5. 20
10 NOVA POWER * Easier to ignore. 100
Race 6
Selections; 1 SAND BANK – 6 JUBILATION – 2 MIGHTY GLORY – 3 HOT GOLD
You can make a case for four or five of these runners with a line through the rest which will make it interesting for exotic players. Of those with genuine winning hopes, SAND BANK appeals. The 4YO has been in pretty good form and looks very well placed over this trip in this company with M Rodd from gate a 1 a factor. JUBILATION also has his foot on the till and looks an excellent hope with connections opting for a 4kg claimer with blinkers added for this. MIGHTY GLORY has drawn awkwardly but is due and PALTROW also looks ready to win again on her solid form since her maiden win. The each-way hope at odds is HOT GOLD with the tongue-tie removed over his best trip.
1 SAND BANK *** In form and has won this trip so looks a leading hope in KSD company. 4.00
2 MIGHTY GLORY *** Hard to fault form and will figure in this finish. 4.00
3 HOT GOLD *** Disappointed last start but did look due this trip prior and can follow each-way with tongue-tie off. 12
4 PALTROW *** Has been in the mix at three starts since maiden win and will figure again. 4.00
5 HIKO YUNIKON * In form but a better option on the Poly. 12
6 JUBILATION *** Foot on the till and gets blinkers and claim so can win. 5.00
7 FORTUNE SPIRIT ** Issues last start including saddle slipping and can take at odds on good effort two runs back. 33
8 MY REACH * Reassess on Poly in easier company. 100
9 PINT SIZED PRINCE ** Dropping in rating points and the type that can bob up at odds. 50
10 MOLLY BROWNE * Not a mile away last start at long odds but should need Class 5. 50
11 APPELLATION ** Has looked due in easier company but can include in exotics. 20
12 SHABBAT * Long-term maiden resuming and prefer to watch. 20
13 HAPPY CAT * No. 200
Race 7
Selections; 4 NOVA STRIKE – 11 RAFAELLO – 3 A LA VICTORY – 2 FLAK JACKET
A very strong BM83 over 1400m with a few established smart ones up against some of the improving youth. And given two of the 3YO’s involved are coming off strong wins we can start there. NOVA STRIKE won easily over the poly mile in BM74 after some strong efforts in the 3YO Series; he is yet to win on turf but is progressing through the grades and should get every chance with Manoel Nunes to ride. RAFAELLO has also been in good form since his Guineas failure and with no weight he could show up. Of the older brigade, A LA VICTORY found the class too strong last outing but is better suited here and with winkers back on should be in the finish. Both of the Shane Baertschiger runners FLAK JACKET and EL MILGARO have found it hard to win in recent times but this looks easier and they have strong chances.
1 EL MILAGRO ** Hasn’t won for a long time but put in an improved effort last start and may find this easier. Has won 10 times and should be in the finish. 8.00
2 FLAK JACKET *** Another that has been finding it hard to win but is in form and could be cuddled from the good gate to help him run out the 1400m. Should give a good sight. 5.00
3 A LA VICTORY *** Excuses last outing in stronger company but better suited here and has won four times at the trip. Won a BM97 over this trip in February and with winkers back on should be in the finish. 4.00
4 NOVA STRIKE *** Won easily in BM74 after some strong efforts in the 3YO Series. Yet to win on turf but progressing through the grades and should get every chance with Nunes to ride. 5.00
5 KNIGHT WAGER ** Rarely far away and placed in a BM89 three starts back. Has found a strong field here but could show up. 12
6 IMPERIAL MARCH * Has been disappointing at recent outings and recent trial was unspectacular. Improvement needed. 25
7 IKING * Iron horse who races nearly every fortnight. Has been in form but may have reached his mark and be looking for easier. 33
8 TURQUOISE KING ** Yet to win in Singapore but won four races in Australia and was placed at Listed level. Has been close up at recent starts and whilst this is harder should continue to improve. 10
9 ROOM FOR EXCUSE ** Blinkers to winkers. Has been battling since resuming but could work into this late with lightweight. 33
10 CHASE ** Ran on nicely to win last start as first outing since change of stables. Has always shown promise and whilst this is harder could run on late. 10
11 RAFAELLO *** Failed in the Guineas and returned with respiratory distress. Subsequent form has been strong with a KSC win and good recent trial. Improving type who could show up with no weight. 10
12 TALES OF SUMMER * Won four races in Perth before coming to Singapore. Has been performing solidly in BM67 and will be better in Class 4 company. 25
Race 8
Selections; 2 BAHANA – 7 MR MOSA – 8 STORM TROOPER – 6 EN CIVIL
Another competitive affair, this one a Class 4 over 1600m with Mark Walker having a strong hand. STORM TROOPER has been running on well in this company over 1400m and with Manoel Nunes up, should appreciate the mile. The stablemate EN CIVIL was slowly away last start but his previous form was solid in this company and he may appreciate the strong riding of Olivier Placais. Stephen Gray also has a couple of live chances. The blinkers come off MR MOSA who has been close up at all three Singapore outings and he should appreciate the mile while the stablemate, BAHANA, has been racing well in this class at 1600m and may be helped by Amirul’s claim. Both can win. ANY RUMOUR and RUM AND RAISINS are both racing consistently in the grade and from their good gates should be handy throughout. DA VINCI’s form is poor but he will appreciate the drop in grade.
1 ANY RUMOUR *** Racing well in this class and distance. Will get every chance from the good gate with Michael Rodd aboard. 8.00
2 BAHANA *** Winkers off. Racing soundly in this grade and may appreciate the claim with best work expected late. 6.00
3 GREENSTONE * Did not show up at first run for new stable and needs to improve. 33
4 HIGH BLADE * Yet to show up in nine Singapore outings and might need easier again. 33
5 DAVINCI *** Back to winning grade and distance and should improve on recent performances. 8.00
6 EN CIVIL *** Was slowly away last start but previous form was solid in this company. May appreciate strong rider. 6.00
7 MR MOSA *** Blinkers off. Close up at all three Singapore outings. Only win was at 1560m and should appreciate the mile. 5.00
8 STORM TROOPER *** Has been running on well in this company over 1400m. Should appreciate the mile. 4.50
9 BRAHMS AND LISZT ** Rarely far away in this grade and should be running on. 20
10 RUM N RAISINS ** Racing consistently in this class and distance without winning. Should get a good run throughout. 10
11 GIORGIO ** Fought on well to win in this Class last start. Goes up 2.5 kg in a strong Class 4 but the mile may suit. 20
12 JOYOUS * Won in Class 5 two starts back and better suited there. 33
13 FALKIRK LEAD ** Racing well in weaker company but has found a strong race. 20
14 BLACK THUNDER * Battled on well last start after Initiation win over this trip. Might want easier. 20
Race 9
Selections; 1 NOVA SPIRIT – 3 OPTIMUS – 4 STARSHINE – 6 HEAVENLY HAND
A Class 4 where the depth falls away after the top five in the weights. NOVA SPIRIT rises 3.5kg after a solid win in this company last start but he is consistent, Manoel Nunes stays on and he should race well again. OPTIMUS returned lame last start but his previous form was solid; he is well drawn and Danny Beasley should have him handy throughout. STARSHINE only battled last start after a good Maiden win but he is nicely drawn and should get a good run with Alan Munro to ride. Of the others, CORDOBA gets back on to his winning surface, STICK SEEKER has been trialling well, SUN PIONEER is rarely far away but his best form is on the poly and HEAVENLY HAND might b the improver at odds with blinkers added.
1 NOVA SPIRIT *** Rises 3.5kg after solid win in this company last start. Consistent and should race well again. 3.00
2 SUN PIONEER ** Rarely far away but best form is on poly. 8.00
3 OPTIMUS *** Returned lame last start but previous form was solid. Well drawn and should be handy throughout. 4.00
4 STARSHINE *** Only battled last start after good Maiden win. Nicely drawn and should improve. 5.00
5 CORDOBA ** Gets back on to his winning surface. Would prefer 1400m but could be running on. 8.00
6 HEAVENLY HAND ** Blinkers on. Showed nothing at first Singapore start but recent trial indicated improvement. Watch market. 33
7 STICK SEEKER ** Resuming. Recent trial was fair but may want an easier grade. 20
8 MOON RIVER * Tested on Singapore form to date. 33
9 REAL HERO * Won Class 5 last start and skinny end of exotics best on previous form. 20
10 EXCELLENT WINNER * No. 33
11 Q NINE MAGIC * Runs on fairly but is looking for Class 5. 25
12 ROCK OF AGES * Has been trialling solidly but wants Class 5. 25
