LIM’S CASINO is the one to be on (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
The Australians descend on Kranji tonight for the annual Austcham Cup and with a plethora of top Aussie hoops plying their trade in Singapore, they could be the jockeys to follow.
In fact it’s not without a chance that the Australian jockeys ride the card starting with Dan Beasley on ASTRO MAN in the opener.
Beasley rides the maiden for another Aussie Dan (Meagher) and the combination could take some beating in what looks a weak Class 5 field with perhaps ALWAYS A WINNER the only real danger on exposed form. Beasley also has a terrific chance later in the card with LIM’S CASINO in race 5.
Other antipodean hoops that can ride a winner include Michael Rodd with DI CAPRIO (race 2) and MISS STREISAND (race 4) both good chances while John Powell and Corey Brown can win on JELLY BEAN (race 6) and GOLD CROWN (race 8) respectively.
Vlad Duric leads the jockeys premiership and he has a good winning chance in the Austcham Cup in Murrayfield and will be hoping to keep his tally ticking over with Manny Nunes right on his tail.
Don’t discount the other Australians in Glen Boss and Siggy Carr also flying the flag and whatever the outcome, it should be a fun-filled night around the bars at Kranji.
Friday 23 September
Best Bets: (ASTRO MAN race 1 win), (SATELLITE MAN race 3, win) and (TOTALITY race 5, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 5, 7 and 8), race 7 (1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 9), race 8 (1, 3, 4 and 10), race 9 (1, 2 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; 5 ASTRO MAN – 8 ALWAYS A WINNER – 3 MAN OF POWER – 12 SECONDWAVE
Not the prettiest opener to a Friday night meeting but with such a weak field it might be a winning start for a couple of Dan’s and maiden called ASTRO MAN. Dan the Man Beasley rides for Dan the Man Meagher and given what ASTRO MAN has shown at two starts for the Aussie trainer and the weak field he faces today, he is very hard to beat. ALWAYS A WINNER looks the only danger on recent form. The 7YO is a five-time winner and his form of late suggests he adds a sixth win sooner than later. Vlad Duric rides from gate 2 and a very forward showing is on the cards. Nothing else jumps off the page but MAN OF POWER is better than what he showed last start and SECONDWAVE is going good enough to consider on a lightweight.
1 ACROSS THE SEA ** Battled on OK last start but back in trip a concern. 20
2 DYNASTY KNIGHT * Better efforts have been on the turf over longer. 33
3 MAN OF POWER ** Just fair last start but gets his chance in this field with blinkers to winkers. 12
4 GOLDEN JADE ** Most recent win this trip and will be running on. 20
5 ASTRO MAN *** Maiden with foot on the till and very hard to beat in this weak field. 2.30
6 BREAKING VAULTS * Hard to have on recent form. 50
7 GOLDEN BAY ** Long-term maiden who can be included in exotics on best form. 12
8 ALWAYS A WINNER *** Not always a winner but in form might not find many easier than this. 3.00
9 GEARIGURU * Struggling. 50
10 CAPTAIN CLASSIQUE * Resuming with OK trial under his belt but yet to place in some 15 starts. 33
11 GREENBACK * Form hopeless but freshened with OK trial and could improve with headgear added. 20
12 SECONDWAVE ** Been OK of late and recent trial suggests he plays a part in this field. 8.00
Race 2
Selections; 1 DICAPRIO – 9 KHUDAWAND – 3 WINTERFELL – 4 KUBERA’S CHIEF
A relatively small Restricted Maiden field will head to the starter and unless the smart money goes elsewhere, expect DICAPRIO to go out a short priced favourite. The Oscar-owned 3YO is having his first start on the turf but his Poly form is good and he looks hard to beat on exposed form with blinkers (right side) off for this. If they do back something to beat him it may be the newcomer in KHUDAWAND. The Michael Clements-trained 3YO has look very solid at the Official Trials and with Vlad Duric to jump from gate 1, he can win on debut. Of the rest we can expect WINTERFELL to improve with blinkers on first time and he could race very well for Siggy Carr and her 3kg claim while KUBERA’S CHIEF will be in this a very long way. Market watch on the rest.
1 DICAPRIO *** Having first start on the turf but in form and should be hard to beat with headgear removed. 2.40
2 POMP ** Green so will improve with experience and pay to keep safe. 12
3 WINTERFELL *** Disappointing since good debut but gets blinkers and could run a very forward race. 6.00
4 KUBERA’S CHIEF ** Raced on the pace before not being far away last start and expect much the same. 5.00
5 STAR INVINCIBLE * Winkers off but needs to show more. 100
6 AEOLUS ** Enough trials under his belt to be race fit but like to see support on what we have seen. 20
7 ALWAYS THERE * Hard to consider on exposed trial form. 50
8 BANDA SEA ** Another that improves with race experience and should figure in the exotic mix. 10
9 KHUDAWAND *** Trialling nicely and looks well placed from gate 1 to give this a shake. 4.00
Race 3
Selections; 1 SATELLITE MAN – 4 MISS BLANCHETT – 10 LEADERSHIP – 3 CONVICT
SATELLITE MAN takes strong winning form into this Kranji Stakes D sprint and no reason to think he can’t win again. In his favour was that that win was in this company and the fact it was his maiden win at only start six, he has plenty of upside. The form from that race has also held up and the 4YO looks one of the better bets of the day. MISS BLANCHETT will keep him honest though. The mare just missed last start in similar company and her form prior – albeit in Class 5 – was excellent so she gets her chance if SATELLITE MAN doesn’t show his best. Off the rest with winning chances, LEADERSHIP won last start in Class 5 and has shown previously he is more than competitive in this company so will give a sight while CONVICT very much appreciates his first up run and the addition of blinkers so worth a look at value.
1 SATELLITE MAN *** Broke maiden status in find style in this company last start and can win again. 2.50
2 LIVELY DRAGON ** Form reads badly but most recent win was in this company so look for improvement with winkers off. 20
3 CONVICT *** Appreciates first up run and gets blinkers so worth a look from the ace. 12
4 MISS BLANCHETT *** Just missed last start in similar affair and goes close again with tongue-tie added. 3.00
5 CASH BOX * No. 100
6 LUCKY BOY ** Awkwardly drawn but not a mile away in similar affair last start and a must for exotics. 12
7 MORALES ** In very solid form and should keep them all honest. 12
8 STARSKY * Needs to improve. 100
9 ACIPENSER ** Maiden who can run on when having a good day and will be value. 33
10 LEADERSHIP *** Last start win was in Class 5 but more than competitive and should figure in this finish. 6.00
11 REAL HERO ** Like to see in Class 5 but another that can run into exotic calculations late. 33
12 SUPER JOY * A better option on the Poly. 100
13 ACE RICH * Needs easier than this. 100
Race 4
Selections; 2 MISS STREISAND – 3 ALFONSO – 4 HOLY TRILOGY – 1 ABOVE THE HORIZON
A dead-set raffle with most horse’s being honest battlers suggesting the finish could be a very busy one. As such the market may be a good guide especially with horses like ABOVE THE HORIZON who drops to Class 5 for the first time and HOLY TRILOGY who gets blinkers for the first time. Both should improve on recent poor form and worth a good look if the stable does get onboard. But as it stands two horses from the Laurie lagoon stable in MISS STREISAND and ALFONSO are two that can win on good recent form. Not much separates the two but given it has been a long time between wins for ALFONSO, MISS STREISAND could be the one to beat. Most others have a chance including OVER EASY who will give a sight with GALAXY EXPRESS always a winning show. Blanket over the rest.
1 ABOVE THE HORIZON *** Recent form just fair but should appreciate the drop to Class 5 and can show up. 10
2 MISS STREISAND *** In form and will appreciate the step up to 1800m. 4.00
3 ALFONSO *** An age since his last win but looks due and should figure in the finish. 5.00
4 HOLY TRILOGY *** Has shown glimpses and worth thought with blinkers added first time. 12
5 OVER EASY *** Should lead from gate 1 and will look the winner at some stage in the straight. 8.00
6 KNIGHT SPIRIT ** Veteran who showed enough last start when dropping to Class 5 to follow. 12
7 GALAXY EXPRESS *** Drawn badly but always a winning show in this type of race. 6.00
8 WINNING GOOD * Needs to find a length or two before considering. 50
9 DUAL IMPACT ** Always an each-way show in races like this and may sneak out to value. 10
10 BRAVE BLOSSOM * Shown glimpses but yet to place in eight start. 100
11 MOLLY BROWNE ** Ran on OK without being a threat last start and expect much the same. 20
12 GREAT LIGHT ** Turned around some poor form to win one of these at odds last start and pay to keep safe. 20
13 LION WAVE * May appreciate step up in distance but easier to ignore. 33
14 SHUYING XIAOXIAO * Not a mile away of late but yet to place in some 18 career starts. 33
15 FOREST KING ** Maiden who has found some form and must be respected. 8.00
16 NOVA POWER ** Showed improvement at last two starts and will add value to exotics. 20
Race 5
Selections; 5 LIM’S CASINO – 1 COUNTRY WARRIOR – 2 TOTALITY – 4 SOUTHERN HUSSLER
While there look a few horses that can turn around some seemingly poor form to win this, LIM’S CASINO is the one to be on. The 4YO turned some very good form into a nice win last start and no reason to think he can’t do the same again tonight. You would expect him to lead easily in this field (especially given the blinkers go off SOUTHERN HUSSLER) and it may be a case of whoever passes him late wins. If nothing takes him on, it may be tough for the swoopers but SOUTHERN HUSSLER sans blinkers should be doing his best work late while COOL CAT will also be motoring home. COUNTRY WARRIOR could be the biggest danger though. The 5YO has looked solid at three starts in Singapore and very much appreciates KSD company so watch for support. TOTALITY look hopeless on recent form but pay to keep an eye on the tote as he his recent trials suggests he could be the big improver.
1 COUNTRY WARRIOR *** Form since arriving better than it reads and can win dropping to KSD company. 4.00
2 TOTALITY *** Hopelessly out of form but recent good trials suggest he could grow a proverbial leg in this Company so keep safe. 16
3 BRAHMS AND LISZT *** Back in trip but very versatile and super honest so can figure. 6.00
4 SOUTHERN HUSSLER *** Very keen last start so blinkers off and could be running on very well late. 10
5 LIM’S CASINO *** Turned some solid form into a good all-the-way win last start and expect much the same. 2.00
6 COOL CAT *** Veteran who ran on well to place similar affair last start and must be respected. 10
7 NOVA LEGEND ** Something looked amiss last start and worth thought on previous form. 33
8 THE RAID * Maiden who should need Class 5. 100
9 IN BOCCA AL LUPO ** Has been solid in Class 4 form and can include in exotics. 20
10 PERFECT CHALLENGER * Can run on when having a good day but might be looking for Class 5. 33
Race 6
Selections; 2 JELLY BEAN – 7 RAINBOW ROYAL – 8 HELLO MICHELLE – 1 BLUE DIAMOND
A tricky Class 4 sprint where you can make a winning case for more than half the field including a handy 3YO filly in HELLO MICHELLE. A winner at two, HELLO MICHELLE has show a distinct liking for the Poly and is a horse to follow although the wide gate may test tonight. Winning form is always worth following so the safer option may be JELLY BEAN and RAINBOW ROYAL. Of the two, JELLY BEAN won in this company last start and picks himself from gate 6 with J Powell up but the 3YO RAINBOW ROYAL did break his maiden status in fine style so he does look to have an upside. Of the rest, BLUE DIAMOND wins in this company sooner than later and KNIGHT CHEN BAY looks to have ability and could easily show up at his first start on the Poly. Keep STIRLING safe and most others can be included in exotics.
1 BLUE DIAMOND *** Just fair last start but will win in this company over this trip sooner than later an recent trial was good. 8.00
2 JELLY BEAN *** Turned some good form into a win and pay to follow. 3.50
3 STIRLING ** Wide gate makes winning tough but in very solid each-way form and pay to follow. 12
4 SUPER BRILLIANT ** Resuming and will work into the exotic mix late. 20
5 KNIGHT CHEN BAY *** Never in the hunt last start from wide gate but pay to keep safe at first race start on the Poly. 6.00
6 BEST JADE ** Just battled this company last start and may need easier. 20
7 RAINBOW ROYAL *** Broke maiden status in fine style last start and should more than handle this company. 8.00
8 HELLO MICHELLE *** Drawn awkwardly but showed last start why the Poly is her caper and can win. 6.00
9 GOLDEN MISSION ** Turned around some poor form to place at odds last start and have to respect on that effort. 12
10 ALAN ** Always competitive on the Poly but win three starts back was in Class 5. 12
11 SMART SUPREME ** First-up run in KSD company solid and should keep a few honest. 15
12 GOOD BET * Maiden who is easier to ignore. 100
13 DREAMER LEGEND * Race form hopeless but recent trials suggest he could improve at long odds. 33
Race 7
Selections; 5 MURRAYFIELD – 6 ROBIN HOOD – 4 GILT COMPLEX – 2 WINNING CAUSE
The feature on what should have been a terrific and fun night at Kranji and hopefully an Australian jockey can salute on the Down Under themed meeting. That narrows it down to four (plenty of Aussie hoops about) but Vlad Duric is the one to watch as he tries to go one better on the Scottish named MURRAYFIELD. The 4YO NZ-bred gelding is in fine form and with three wins from 10 career starts, he looks a horse with a staying future and certainly one to follow. However, the race has plenty of depth and you could make a winning case for most including ROBIN HOOD who is chasing a hat-trick of wins and two other last start winners in NIGHT FLIGHT and SHANGHAI BUND. Add WINNING CAUSE and GILT COMPLEX and go even wider again in exotics in what should be a great race.
1 SHANGHAI BUND *** Yet to win past 1400m but in form and should figure prominently throughout. 6.00
2 WINNING CAUSE *** Last win was in January but tech race looks suitable and gets his chance. 6.00
3 BRILLIANT DEAL ** Not a mile away last start and cheeky run expected. 33
4 GILT COMPLEX *** Just fair last start but has subsequently trialled well and can win with blinkers off. 9.00
5 MURRAYFIELD *** Never look likely before placing last start as even money favourite but could be hard to beat in handier from gate 2. 4.00
6 ROBIN HOOD *** Lightly raced 5YO who has found winning form and can go on with the job. 5.00
7 TERMS OF REFERENCE ** Yet to win on the turf but honest and form suggest he figures in the finish. 12
8 ELUSIVE EMPEROR ** Just got the chocolates last start over the mile but another worth following. 12
9 NIGHT FLIGHT *** Ridden more positively to win over 1400m last start and expect much the same. 12
10 THE JEUNEYMAN ** Will find this easier than last start and could sneak out to value. 25
11 GOLDEN CASINO ** Should need easier but honest and can include in exotics. 20
12 SILENT ARROW ** Blinkers off and could work into exotics late. 33
Race 8
Selections; 3 GOLD CROWN – 1 ASPREY – 10 MR MOSA – 4 SPLICE
A solid Class 4 field and the usual suspects over 1400m come under consideration. Like many Gold owned horses, GOLD CROWN loves the trip and while his most recent win was over 1200m, his previous three were over 1400m. The 4YO has just missed at his last two in similar races to this and wins this without surprising. Likewise SPLICE is a multiple winner over 1400m and while his recent form doesn’t read as well as GOLD CROWN’s, he gets a tongue-tie and can show up. ASPREY struggles to win but worth noting the last time he was first past the post (before a protest was upheld) was over this trip and his honest form should be rewarded soon. Plenty of others should figure in the finish including MR MOSA who gets blinkers, which could make a difference.
1 ASPREY *** Lost the race in the Stewards Room last time he raced over 1400m and gets his chance to make amends. 5.00
2 PALLADIO ** Hit the proverbial wall with respiratory distress after leading last start and have to take eon trust with winkers off. 11
3 GOLD CROWN *** In excellent form and hard to beat over his pet trip. 3.00
4 SPLICE *** Will win one of these sooner than later and pay to keep safe with tongue-tie added. 12
5 EN CIVIL ** Has been mixing his form of late but obviously goes close when on-song. 6.00
6 MCGREGOR ** Blew the start and his chances last start but have to respect on Poly win this grade two starts back. 20
7 KEEP SPINNING * Resuming after having issues first run back from spell and have to take on trust. 50
8 REALLY CAPABLE ** Broke maiden status two starts back this trip and should appreciate having winning senior hoop back in the saddle. 12
9 METEORBOUND ** Resuming and most recent trial with blinkers was his best so look for improvement at odds. 33
10 MR MOSA *** Battles away but blinkers on suggests he can figure prominently throughout. 8.00
11 ARION ** Another with poor race form that has trialled well enough to keep safe. 20
12 HUMDINGER ** Form better than it reads and will be running on late at odds. 20
13 SING EXPRESS * No. 50
Race 9
Selections; 1 ELITE STAR – 2 MR WHITAKER – 4 SPADE OF ACE – 3 NOVA SWISS
Not a lot of depth to this race and the four horses at the top of the ratings are the one’s to watch. Starting from the top of the weights, ELITE STAR gets his chance. A two-time Poly winner from 11 career starts, the 4YO ran second to MR WHITAKER in a similar affair last start but should appreciate a senior hoop and gate 2 and gets this chance. As mentioned, MR WHITAKER won fair and square last start and while that win was his first for some time, he has to be respected. SPADE OF ACE is an interesting runner. The 4YO resumes after winning on debut back in June and it will be worth watching the market to see what the stable thinks of his chances. The market also a good guide to newcomer NOVA SWISS’ chances and KAZOU and UNSURPASSED both figure in the finish on solid recent form.
1 ELITE STAR *** In form and can turn the tables with senior hoop from gate 3. 3.40
2 MR WHITAKER *** Broke a long drought to win last start and pay to keep following. 3.00
3 NOVA SWISS ** Two-time winner from New Zealand who has shown enough at the trials to consider although wide gate a concern. 12
4 SPADE OF ACE *** Resuming after good win at race debut with support and market may be best guide again. 5.00
5 KAZUO ** Hard to fault form but hasn’t won since May 2014 which is a concern. 8.00
6 HEAVENLY HAND * Having first race start on the Poly and should need longer. 50
7 DREAMWEAVER * Not a mile away last start but should need longer than this. 20
8 UNSURPASSED ** Yet to win in Singapore but always looks a show and often value. 12
9 UNCLE LUCKY * Tongue-tie off after not running on last start and may need easier. 33
10 TOP NOTE * Competitive on his day but prefer in Class 5. 33
11 SEASONS ECHO * Better option on the turf. 50
12 SKY ELEVEN ** Will be running on at long odds but like to see over much longer. 33
