Affleck can show his Class in what should be a very suitable turf affair
AFFLECK up against MAJESTIC MOMENTS would usually get top billing on a Friday night.
The pair meet in an OB89 over 1400m, which looks ideal for both to get back into the winners circle.
AFFLECK in particular needs a result after three unplaced runs since adding a Group 1 to his CV back in May when winning the Guineas.
But the pair meet in race 3 on the nine race card and the clash is a mere aperitif to the best race on the card, a Class 3 sprint (race 8).
The field includes some very progressive sprinters and all eyes will be on the undefeated GOLDEN SWORD who resumes in what is his biggest test to date.
As a 3YO he will need to improve again to keep his unblemished record in tact, which will be tough given the form of SOLARIS SPECTRUM, SHAGHAI BUND and last start Class 3 winner, LIM’S SHOWCASE.
Throw in the honest DIVIDED HOUSE and NINETYSEVEN GOLD and whoever wins will well and truly have earned their cheque.
Friday 22 January
Best Bets: (ABOVE THE SKLINE race 9, win), (CONSTANCE’S SPIRIT race 5, value) and (ROMA race 6, long-shot).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 5 and 7), race 7 (2, 3, 4 and 6), race 8 (1, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9), race 9 (1 and 2).
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; 8 JUST NAME IT – 11 HAPPY SAGA – 10 LUCKY COIN – 1 PUSAKA
A tricky opener with a few horses that struggle to put wins on the board right in the mix. Case in point is JUST NAME IT for the Cliff Brown stable. The 5YO has only managed one win from some 19-career starts but another 10 placings suggests he much more to offer. C Brown (the jockey) gets this chance and you would expect the pair to make their presence felt late. Another swooper that looks a leading hope is LUCKY COIN. E Chaves rides for Brian Dean and the latest Brazilian to get his chance in Singapore will want to keep his good start going. HAPPY SAGA showed last start he is up to this company and is another that will be doing best work late in what should be a cracking finish. Throw in PUSAKA, RUM N RAISINS and BRANKSOME as others with winning hopes.
1 PUSAKA *** This is probably as short as he wants it but will be flying late and company suits. 10
2 HEE’S FORTE ** Dropping in the ratings and can turn around poor recent form with Nunes a factor. 12
3 RUM N RAISINS *** Caused an upset last start over 1000m and this race looks ideal to continue his good form. 10
4 ABOVE THE HORIZON ** Resuming after poor run but form prior good enough to keep safe. 20
5 WARPATH ** Has struggled recently but may appreciate turf and company. 20
6 GOLD LINE ** Issues last start and can include on consistent form prior. 20
7 QUEEN’S ABEJA * No. 100
8 JUST NAME IT *** Struggles to win but this looks very suitable to turn some good form into a result. 3.00
9 BRANKSOME *** Won over 1200m on the Poly last start and worth following while in form. 6.00
10 LUCKY COIN *** Maiden win was this trip and looks ready to show up again with best work expected late. 6.00
11 HAPPY SAGA *** In form and looks one of the leading hopes in this field. 6.50
12 MIGHTY KENNY * Struggles at the races and should need easier. 33
13 HIPPO PROSPERO * No. 100
14 PUZZLE ** Resuming after long break but has had numerous trials and this trip suits. 20
Race 2
Selections; 2 MAGSTOCK – 4 THE WIND – 9 DOUBLE DOUBT – 1 ELITE STAR
This Restricted Maiden looks a beauty with four or more horses all looking extremely well placed to break their ducks over 1400m. But you can’t pick them all and while it may pay to have a look at some value options on the day, MAGSTOCK could be hardest to hold out. The 3YO was favourite last Sunday before a bizarre starting incident saw his race abandoned and Michael Rodd will be keen to make quick amends. There is a bit to like about THE WIND as well. His form is solid but more importantly he gets blinkers for the first time and his trial form suggests they make a difference. Pat Shaw will saddle DOUBLE DOUBT who took a while to get into gear on debut but his eye-catching finish suggests he can also win without surprising with ELITE STAR the other obvious winning pick on form.
1 ELITE STAR *** Getting costly for followers but wins one of these sooner than later. 3.50
2 MAGSTOCK *** Has been running on and this looks perfect to break though. 3.30
3 WARSHIP *** Very disappointing last start with support but another that should win sooner than later. 10
4 THE WIND *** Gets blinkers and looks very well placed over 1400m. Big show. 12
5 BIG GUARDIAN * Form looks hopeless but blinkers/tongue-tie removed and could improve over this trip. 50
6 BORN A FIGHTER ** Battles away but best runs have been on the turf over this trip so should keep a few honest. 20
7 UNION JAC * Needs to show more. 200
8 CIRRUS * Failed to impress at debut. 200
9 DOUBLE DOUBT *** Took a while to get his act together on debut but work late suggests he will be hard to hold out. 3.00
10 SECRET MAN ** Improves on two runs to date and pay to keep safe. 20
11 GOLAZO ** Solid on debut and you would expect he benefits from the run. 20
Race 3
Selections; 3 MAJESTIC MOMENTS – 1 AFFLECK – 5 DRAGON FURY – 7 THESE STREETS
It’s a shame such an intriguing race like this is so early in the card but at least it gets us focused with the likes of AFFLECK going around. Yes, the 2015 Guineas winner has been disappointing in three runs since that Group 1 victory not to have won, however, you could forgive a couple of those runs including his last start failure on the Poly. Rodd suggested he will be better back on the turf and while we agree with the top Aussie hoop, the pair will have their work cut out to beat the honest MAJESTIC MOMENTS. The 4YO did finish unplaced in the Guineas won by AFFLECK but has shown plenty since at a good level and this looks perfect to knock in another win. Of the rest, we always keep DRAGON FURY safe, as his best form is very good and a blanket over the rest.
1 AFFLECK *** Failed on the Poly last start but can show his Class in what should be a very suitable turf affair. 2.00
2 ALBANY REUNION ** Best run in Singapore was this trip but may need longer again to win. 20
3 MAJESTIC MOMENTS *** Very honest and should be prominent throughout in a race that suits. 2.40
4 MARTIN * Freshened after poor Gold Cup campaign. No. 50
5 DRAGON FURY *** Can run the odd bad one but knows how to win and has a Group victory to his name this trip. 6.00
6 POWER LION ** Disappointing of late but will appreciate being back on the turf over this trip. 20
7 THESE STREETS ** Always gives a good account of himself and could be each-way value. 12
Race 4
Selections; 9 JOYOUS – 1 SMART INVESTMENT – 2 EAGLESHAM – 5 CHEETAH KING
Surprisingly, this race has plenty to offer for a lowly Class 5 mile and expect some very solid betting with plenty of winning hopes. In fact there should be excellent value on offer as well given a few maidens look well placed to do well and a few regular Class 5 conveyances find themselves in what looks a very suitable turf affair. We were keen on JOYOUS last start after an eye-catching trial and he almost got the chocolates at a decent price. Nunes replaces an apprentice and while that may take away the price, he will give it every chance. One that may be value is SMART INVESTMENT. The 3YO gets blinkers and a claim at his first go in Class 5 and the mile should be ideal. Too many others to go into detail about their winning chances but EAGLESHAM, FRANCES, CHEETAH KING, RAINBOW WARRIOR and PEREGRINE FALCON all give this a shake.
1 SMART INVESTMENT *** Drawn wide but finds himself over right trip in right Class with upgrade to blinkers. Can win. 5.00
2 EAGLESHAM *** Supported and placed in madden company last start and pay to follow. 3.50
3 FRANCES *** Finds herself in the right company and should give a sight at each-way value. 12
4 SLAVONIC DANCE ** Improving with each run and will find Class 5 to his liking. 12
5 CHEETAH KING *** Placed last start on the Poly and much better suited back on the turf. 12
6 GENERAL CONATUS ** Always some hope in Class 5. 12
7 HARDEN UP ** Ignore recent poor form as will grow a leg back on the turf at odds. 20
8 GREAT LIGHT * Struggling of late. 33
9 JOYOUS *** Improved lengths with pacifiers added last start to just miss and could give a sight again. 5.00
10 PERCIUS * Prefer others. 33
11 RAINBOW WARRIOR *** Has hit some form and recent nice trial suggests he plays a part in this finish. 12
12 PEREGRINE FALCON *** Recent good form on the turf so has to be kept very safe in what is a very competitive field. 12
13 GOLDEN JADE * Better on the Poly. 33
14 GYPSY STAR * Impossible on recent form but runs on when in the mood. 100
Race 5
Selections; 1 CONSTANCE’S SPIRIT – 2 SCIENCE FICTION – 6 BATTLE BOY – 4 LUCKY STRATEGY
While we are not sure what will happen early – perhaps MILLION ROUND tries to pinch it – there is a big show this race will get super interesting late with the likes of CONSTANCE’S SPIRIT, SCIENCE FICTION and LUCKY STRATEGY all doing best work over the concluding stages. The D Course will suit the swoopers as well so the trio should get every chance with CONSTANCE’S SPIRIT very much appreciating the company so narrowly getting the nod as the on-top selection. Not much in it though and SCIENCE FICTION is due and LUCKY STRATEGY also looks very well placed. Others to watch include the maiden BATTLE BOY who could provide the value second up from a spell with FREE HAPPY and KNOW EACH OTHER two that will get support and should figure prominently.
1 CONSTANCE’S SPIRIT *** Yet to win on the turf but this Company suits and will be flying late. 7.00
2 SCIENCE FICTION *** Foot on the till and another that will be doing best work late in a race that suits. 4.00
3 FREE HAPPY *** Always some hope and most recent win was this trip in this company. 7.00
4 LUCKY STRATEGY *** Wide gate not an issue as will be get back and run on late. 8.00
5 NOVA SPIRIT ** Wide gate an issue but broke maiden status in fine style and pay to keep safe. 12
6 BATTLE BOY *** Maiden who very much appreciates first up run and should be more than competitive this trip. 12
7 HONGCHEN ** Not the type to win out of turn but went close last start and pay to follow. 12
8 KNOW EACH OTHER *** Honest but desperate for a result while in form. 4.00
9 TARAMEA ** Mixing his distances but goes OK on his day so can include in exotics at odds. 33
10 KAISER BRIGHT * Race looks very suitable but form of late is woeful. 33
11 MILLION ROUND ** Also hopeless on recent form but capable of a cheeky run when right. 33
12 SINGSURAT ** Winning form is good form but better suited in Class 5 over longer. 20
13 PERFECT CHALLENGER ** Disappointing horse who can show up with blinkers off for this. 12
14 HIPPO VENTURA * No. 200
Race 6
Selections; 1 CAPTAIN MCCAW – 5 SUPER BONUS – 7 ROMA – 2 SMART SUPREME
Some very interesting form lines in this Class 5 sprint and it may pay to wait to see if we can get some value in our top four or so picks. In saying that, CAPTAIN MCCAW probably starts favourite and justifiably so. Yes, he made a mess of things with support last start but with blinkers off we would expect a better start and he looks the benchmark. Now for the value. SUPER BONUS was just fair last start but will win in Class 5 sooner than later and he could be very bankable each-way odds. Salim was on him at his most recent win and hopefully they can make use of the inside gate. ROMA also looks hopeless on recent form but finds himself in the right grade on the right surface so he should improve dramatically. SMART SUPREME and VOYAGER two others that could show up in what is a suitable race.
1 CAPTAIN MCCAW *** Ignore last start where he reared in the gates and can win with blinkers off. 3.00
2 SMART SUPREME *** Recent trial was good and should be closing late. 5.00
3 VOYAGER *** Gets tongue-tie after being disappointing with support last start and worth another look in Class 5. 6.00
4 NATURAL IMPULSE ** Maiden who was just fair last start but should be competitive. 12
5 SUPER BONUS *** Form reads badly but will win in Class 5 sooner than later and gets the ace. 12
6 WESTERN BOSS * Tongue-tie off and winkers on but might need further again. 50
7 ROMA *** Another whose form reads very badly but sneaks into Class 5 and will improve lengths. 20
8 FAT FARRAND ** Blinkers off and always a show in this type of race. 12
9 OASIS SPUR * Struggling of late. 100
10 ALWAYS A WINNER ** Hard to fault honest form but needs a result. 8.00
11 ZAC GALLANT ** Another that in in fine Class 5 form but wont win out of turn. 8.00
12 CHINESE TYCOON * Not far away last start but is having start number 66 without a win. 50
Race 7
Selections; 2 ROYAL RULER – 4 JELLY BEAN – 3 STIRLING – 6 LIM’S ACTION
While definitely not a two horse race, it does look a toss up between ROYAL RULER and JELLY BEAN. Both horses showed more than enough with close-up placings at their respective last starts and while both have drawn wide, they figure heavily in this finish. ROYAL RULER had blinkers on at his last start and while beaten by Roselli, the effort suggests he can add quickly to his win tally, which stands at two from seven career starts. JELLY BEAN has only one win to his name (from six starts) but showed last start the Poly is his caper and he will win better races than this. Of the rest, STIRLING was just fair last start but was due prior and LIM’S ACTION is in very solid form – in albeit easier company – so should be competitive. YOU DA ONE, SING ROULETTE and SOON YI for exotics.
1 SING ROULETTE ** Slow starts remain an issue but ran on well last start at odds. 20
2 ROYAL RULER *** Backed up a very good trial with a close-up placing and can make quick amends here. 3.50
3 STIRLING *** Just battled last start after doing work early but did look due prior. 6.00
4 JELLY BEAN *** Just missed last start similar affair and right in this finish. 3.50
5 FANTASTIC MAN * Just fair of late but 1200m is suitable. 33
6 LIM’S ACTION *** Last start placing was in KSD company but in form and more than up to this. 6.00
7 SOON YI ** In solid form in slightly easier company and a must for exotics. 12
8 SATELLITE PRINCE * Not a mile away last start over 1000m but should need longer again. 33
9 YOU DA ONE ** Yet to win in Singapore but usually thereabouts and have to include somewhere. 8.00
10 DYNASTY KNIGHT * Better suited in Class 5. 20
11 EDEN GARDEN * Maiden who will be better suited in Class 5. 50
Race 8
Selections; 5 SOLARIS SPECTRUM – 6 GOLDEN SWORD – 7 SHANGHAI BUND – 9 NINETYSEVEN GOLD
While the likes of Affleck and co would have been good to watch earlier on in the card, this race looks an absolute cracker with some very promising horses trying to show they have what it takes to go to Open company. And to make it even more interesting for punters, two horses are resuming – including the unbeaten GOLDEN SWORD who is attempting to keep his winning record intact at start four. However, as a 3YO he has been carrying some light weights in those victories so this is his biggest test. So who beats him? SOLARIS SPECTRUM is more than handy and we love the fact he had excuses not to win last start and still go the chocolates. Blinkers go on and while drawn wide, he could win without surprising. Others that are right in the mix include DIVIDED HOUSE, LIM’S SHOWCASE, SHANGHAI BUND and NINETYSEVEN GOLD.
1 LIM’S SHOWCASE *** Won well in this grade last start and more than handles the turf. 6.00
2 WONDERFUL PRINCE ** Freshened with nice trial after excuses when resuming. Keep safe. 20
3 DESERT FOX * Just battling away of late. 50
4 DIVIDED HOUSE *** Honest and will enjoy being back on the turf. 5.00
5 SOLARIS SPECTRUM *** Gets blinkers after having a few issues last start when winning in Class 4 but more than up to this. 6.00
6 GOLDEN SWORD *** Resuming after winning three-from-three (including a dead-heat) and have to respect. 3.00
7 SHANGHAI BUND *** Resuming with a very good trial under his belt and will keep a few honest. 8.00
8 ROCKFAST ** Drops back from a mile but will work into exotic calculations late. 33
9 NINETYSEVEN GOLD *** Showed more than enough at three Singapore starts to follow with blinkers off. 8.00
10 STAR GENERAL ** Resuming and goes good on his day but has issues. 20
11 MEDIA CAPTAIN * Blinkers to winkers and might be looking at Class 4. 33
Race 9
Selections; 1 ABOVE THE SKYLINE – 2 INFANTRY – 5 KAISER – 11 TWODOLLARMUPPET
A top-heavy finish to the evening with ABOVE THE SKYLINE and INFANTRY the two standout picks. ABOVE THE SKYLINE has always looked a progressive type but it did take 11 or so starts before he broke his maiden status. But like a few horses before him, once he broke his duck he was quick to win again at start 14. That effort at his most recent start was very good and this doesn’t look much tougher. In saying that, INFANTRY looks a more than handy type. The 3YO ran second on debut before winning next start and he can go on with the job with E Chaves up. The race lacks depth so KAISER must be included as a strong each-way hope and you never know, TWODOLLARMUPPET might even show his best.
1 ABOVE THE SKYLINE *** Progressive type who won very well in KSD company last start and can win again. 3.00
2 INFANTRY *** Backed up good debut with a nice win and can go on with the job. 3.00
3 ZEUS * Resuming and may need further. 33
4 BAAB AL NASR ** Draw a concern but will improve with each run and can include in exotics. 20
5 KAISER ** Always a show in races like this and could win with blinkers removed. 6.00
6 WAKINO NEXUS ** Excuses not to finish closer last start at odds and worth following. 20
7 BANNISTER * Resuming and while trialling OK, should need longer. 20
8 WHITE COFFEE * OK last start over the mile but have to take on trust. 20
9 SILVER TYCOON ** Three start maiden who will be competitive with his tongue-tie removed. 10
10 HUMOR TOWN * No. 100
11 TWODOLLARMUPPET ** Not the most reliable but ran on well last start over 1000m in this grade and could get in the finish. 12
12 D’DON * Reassess in Class 5 over 1000m. 33
