Kiwi Karma to win without surprising (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
While we were blessed with a quality Singapore Sprint series that saw the cream rise to the top when ZAC SPIRIT won the Lion City Cup, the racing just gets better again in 2016 with a hugely competitive Stewards’ Cup on Sunday.
The Group 2 event in the first leg of the Four-Year-Old series and given the field that will head to the 1400m start, the second and third legs – the Patron’s Bowl and Emirates Singapore Derby – will be races to look forward to.
However, the connections of KIWI KARMA wouldn’t have thought past this race and that could be in the speedy mares favour.
That and the fact she is the highest rated horse in the race and gets a 1.5kg mare allowance suggests she can win and given the depth of the field, she may even get out to each-way value.
She will have to be at her very best though with the likes of SPANISH BAY, MAJESTIC MOMENTS and the bang-in-form POSIEDON to name just three in the star-studded field but she certainly has quality on her side which includes a fourth at International Group level in the 2015 KrisFlyer Sprint.
Don’t discount AFFLECK – who has sparred with KIWI KARMA since their juvenile days – with most others in the field some hope on form heading into this great race.
Best Bets: (NOVA MASTER race 6, win), (SQUIRE OSBALDESTON race10, each-way) and (KIWI KARMA race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2 and 6), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 14), race 10 (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 10) and race 11 (5, 7 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; 3 STREET TAIPAN – 1 SUPER JOE – 2 SMART LAD – 4 FORTUNE WINNER
A BM67 over 1800m on the polytrack where the improving STREET TAIPAN should be suited at the distance; he placed at his only poly start in Ireland and gets a chance to make further progress through the classes. SUPER JOE ran on fairly in Class 3 last start, he is better suited in this grade and at this trip on the poly. SMART LAD is having a rare polytrack outing; he won four starts back over this trip on turf and is rarely far away. FUJIN BRIGHT has been battling on turf in better company, his last win was over a year ago over 1700m on the poly in much higher class; on best form he could show up. Most of the others struggle at either class, surface or distance but FORTUNE WINNER (value), REMEMBER ME and MIGHTY EMPEROR have enough form to deserve consideration.
1 SUPER JOE *** Ran on fairly in Class 3 last start. Suited this trip on the poly and is usually thereabouts. 3.00
2 SMART LAD *** Having a rare polytrack outing but has handled the surface. Won four starts back over this trip on turf and is rarely far away. 6.00
3 STREET TAIPAN *** Racing well. Should be suited this distance and placed at only poly start in Ireland. 3.00
4 FORTUNE WINNER *** Racing consistently and worth noting he won at his last start on the Poly. Value. 8.00
5 FUJIN BRIGHT ** Has been battling on turf in better company. Last win was over a year ago over 1700m on poly in much higher class. Could show up. 10
6 REMEMBER ME ** In good form and won KSD last start. This is harder and having first try beyond a mile. Has placed four from seven on poly but only wins have been on turf. 8.00
7 MIGHTY EMPEROR * Did not show up on turf in KSD when resuming but previous two wins were on the Poly so keep safe. 16
8 EXQUISITELY SWEET ** Won KSD two starts back on the Poly but take on trust at the distance. 50
9 KARIGARA * Battled away in KSD last start. This is harder but distance may suit. 33
Race 6
Selections; 4 NOVA MASTER – 5 SUPER BALL – 2 MOMENT OF JUSTICE – 7 SMIDDY BYRNE
A small Initiation field over 1100m on the poly with only three main chances on revealed form. NOVA MASTER resumes and can win. The 3YO has placed at his past two outings and his recent trial was strong; he is well drawn and gets his chance to break through. SUPER BALL has placed three times from four outings on the poly and his recent trials have been solid and he should be handy throughout. The blinkers go on SMIDDY BYRNE who trialled well recently; his two turf runs have been sound, he drops in trip and he has sufficient speed to be prominent. The first starter MOMENT OF JUSTICE has been trialling well but his best Australian form was over longer – watch for support. The other debutant, LIM’S CRUISER, ran in both Australia and NZ and did enough to deserve a market watch.
1 SATELLITE POWER * Will appreciate being back in maiden company but has shown little to date and needs to improve. 33
2 MOMENT OF JUSTICE *** Has been trialling solidly and gets Manoel Nunes. Had six runs in Victoria up to 1717m and placed three times over 1200, 1500 and 1600m. Might want longer but could show up. 4.50
3 LIM’S CRUISER ** Had one start in Brisbane for a 5th and one in NZ for a 3rd at Avondale over 1200m. Had one quiet trial. Watch market. 8.00
4 NOVA MASTER *** Resuming after placing at past two outings and recent trial was strong. Well drawn and gets his chance to break through. 3.00
5 SUPER BALL *** Has placed three from four on poly and recent trials have been solid. Wins soon. 3.00
6 ABOVE THE MILLION * Was fair two starts back but other efforts have been ordinary. Improvement needed. 33
7 SMIDDY BYRNE *** Trialled well in blinkers. Drops back in trip and having first poly run but has speed and can be handy throughout. 5.00
8 SMART MASTER * Needs to improve on debut. 33
Race 7
Selections; 3 BEST TOTHELIGN – 8 GOOD NEWS – 5 GOLD RUTILE – 1 STEPITUP
An Open handicap where most are resuming or have had issues at recent starts. The exception is BEST TOTHELIGN who was strong when winning in KSA company when resuming over this distance and should be hard to hold out from the good gate with only 51kg. GOOD NEWS in the interesting runner. The 5YO is yet to win on the turf but gives every impression he will soon with 1400m ideal. GOLD RUTILE rarely runs a bad race and will enjoy having only 50kg over her favourite distance so she can show up. STEPITUP is the class runner. He returned with respiratory distress and not striding last start but was still only beaten 4 lengths, he gets a significant claim and if right can get in the finish. SLEW OF LODE was distanced when resuming but his subsequent trial was an improvement.
1 STEPITUP *** Returned with respiratory distress and not striding but still only beaten 4 lengths. Gets a significant claim and if right can get in the finish. 6.00
2 EL PADRINO * Has been struggling at recent outings and best form is on poly. 14
3 BEST TOTHELIGN *** Was strong in KSA when resuming over this distance and should be hard to hold out from the good gate with only 51kg. 3.00
4 SLEW OF LODE ** Distanced when resuming but subsequent trial was an improvement and could show up with blinkers off. 8.00
5 GOLD RUTILE *** Rarely runs a bad race and will enjoy having only 50kg over her favourite distance. Can show up. 4.00
6 WILD GEESE ** Resuming. Recent trials have been moderate but can race well fresh. Would prefer longer but could show up. 12
7 CHEETAH ON FIRE * Resuming. Has not shown up at trials and may want longer and poly. 25
8 GOOD NEWS *** Ran on well when resuming and will give this a shake late. 14
9 SUPERNOVA * Only battling and best form is on poly. 25
10 KNIGHT WAGER ** Disappointing last start in easier company but usually runs on and will appreciate light weight. 20
11 HERMANO MENOR ** Taking on stronger class but has been improved by recent racing. Surface and distance suit. 14
Race 8
Selections; 1 FAMOUS ARTIST – 6 LIM’S AFFECTION – 2 NINETYSEVEN GOLD – 8 HADES
It looks very hard to go past FAMOUS ARTIST in what looks a moderate BM67 given what he showed last start with very heavy support in a similar affair to this. On that occasion he was just beaten by Gato Negro and with a handy 2kg CC Wong claim for this, he gets his chance to make quick amends. One to watch out for is LIM’S AFFECTION first up after another bleeding attack. The 4YO mare still managed to win on that occasion and given she has won first up after a bleeding attack previously and was in great form last campaign, she could win this. NINETYSEVEN GOLD is honest and no doubt will be there at the finish so looks an obvious choice and may even sneak out to each-way odds if the punters all jump on FAMOUS ARTIST. Of the rest, HADES may be the best value option back on the turf and market best guide on the newcomer TALES OF SUMMER.
1 FAMOUS ARTIST *** Just missed similar affair with heavy support last start and can make amends. 2.00
2 NINETYSEVEN GOLD *** Honest and will be in the thick of this finish. 6.00
3 TALES OF SUMMER ** Handy former Australian who had a quiet trial so market best guide at Singapore debut. 8.00
4 ALASAMO * Appreciates solid first up run but should really need longer. 33
5 DAMON ** Form good and versatile but significant drop back in trip is an issue. 12
6 LIM’S AFFECTION *** Progressive type resuming after bleeding when winning and has won first up previously so must be respected. 5.00
7 PURE TACTICS ** Resuming after very good run of Poly form but is a query on the turf. 20
8 HADES ** Appreciates first up run and switch to turf in his favour. Value. 12
9 MILITARY ALLIANCE * Reassess in easier company over longer. 50
10 LIM’S CASINO * Not a mile away last start but should need easier. 33
Race 9
Selections; 14 KIWI KARMA – 1 MY LUCKY STRIKE – 4 SPANISH BAY – 3 AFFLECK
How tough is this race? For starters we couldn’t squeeze in two horses – POSEIDEN and ARES – who are both gunning for their fourth straight wins. But ARES is facing a Class test and POSEIDON – while he can win and might even start favourite – just misses out on weight of numbers in this outstanding field. Ratings play a big part in our strategy and KIWI KARMA is easily in best at the set weight conditions. Her rating of 101 is easily the highest and her mare allowance suggests she should be hard to beat over a distance she has won over previously. Along those lines, MY LUCKY STRIKE – although not winning on the turf – has a big say with a rating of 97 and the in form MAJESTIC MOMENTS on 93 is obviously in the mix. Throw in SPANISH BAY, JAY EFF EXPRESS, LIM’S RALLY and A LA VICTORY as winning hopes and don’t discount AFLECK who looks well placed to show his champion qualities.
1 MY LUCKY STRIKE *** Yet to crack it on the turf but honest and should figure in the finish. 12
2 MAJESTIC MOMENTS *** Blinkers on after winning over the mile and in this up to his eyeballs from gate 1. 8.00
3 AFFLECK *** Never involved last start and happy to think he has more to offer at set weight conditions. 20
4 SPANISH BAY *** Honest as the day is long and will be prominent throughout. 6.00
5 JAY EFF EXPRESS *** Progressive type who showed more than enough winning last start over this trip that he up to this company. 7.00
6 LIM’S RALLY *** Racing in terrific order and wasn’t far off Majestic Moments last start. Can win. 12
7 A LA VICTORY *** Consistent and looks an excellent each-way option over his pet trip. 20
8 POSEIDON *** In spanking form and looks more than up to winning at Group level. 5.50
9 TITANIUM ** Back in trip and will be running on late but may be a better inning option in the next legs. 12
10 ARES ** Hard to fault winning form but a big step up in Class. 20
11 STORM TROOPS ** Another very progressive type who could be tested by a big step up in Class. 20
12 BRING MONEY HOME * Rarely runs a bad race but has to be tested at this level. 33
13 HERO I AM * Gets headgear but might need more than that in this crack field. 100
14 KIWI KARMA *** Bonny mare who is in best at the weights and wins this without surprising. 8.00
15 BELIEVE YOURSELF ** Progressive mare who knows how to win but need to be at her best at the set weights. 20
16 DIVIDED HOUSE * Too honest to leave out completely but another tested at this level. 50
17 FORTUNE WINNER * Will run on but outclassed. 50
Race 10
Selections; 2 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON – 7 GILT COMPLEX – 3 SHANGHAI BUND – 6 GOLD PEREGRINE
While we shouldn’t call quality races like this “a raffle”, this field does look extremely even and most win without surprising. So without much rhyme or reason we have SQUIRE OSBALDESTON on top. He is due and gets to jump from gate 3 with Vlad Duric up so should have no excuses. A gear change always comes under notice so blinkers on GILT COMPLEX suggests he can turn some good form into a win with Corey Brown up. SHANGHAI BUND is the only last start winner in the race and a 2kg claim helps his cause while at the top of the ratings, MR SPIELBERG could be the value with best work expected late. The consistent GOLD PEREGRINE, INTENSE GOLD and WONDERFUL PRINCE all win without surprising.
1 MR SPIELBERG *** Ran on well when resuming this trip last start and expect much the same at odds. 20
2 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON *** Foot on the till and figures heavily in this finish. 4.00
3 SHANGHAI BUND *** Broke through for well-deserved win in similar affair last start and 2kg claim suggests he can win again. 3.00
4 TURQUOISE KING * Gets tongue-tie but like to see more before considering. 100
5 BLOSSOMS SEQUEL ** Resuming after a good run of Poly form but handles the turf and may be value. 33
6 GOLD PEREGRINE *** Always a show and nearly always value so each-way all the way. 8.00
7 GILT COMPLEX *** Gets blinkers after excuses not to very close last start and wins without surprising. 5.00
8 INTENSE GOLD *** Showed last start in this company why he is always a show over 1400m and in this a long way. 12
9 KIRKS RYKER ** Had excuses when tackling this company last start and worth another look on form prior. 20
10 WONDERFUL PRINCE *** Almost got the chocolates last start at long odds and have to respect. 8.00
11 PANAMA CITY ** Last run better than the result and could be a good value option in exotics. 33
Race 11
Selections; 7 URASHIMA TARO – 5 GROENEWEGEN – 9 GET GOING – 12 MAREA NEGRO
Three horses stand out in the lucky last and you would expect similar support for GROENEWEGEN, URASHIMA TARO and GET GOING. Obviously not much separates the trio, however, GROENEWEGEN won last start and punters will probably send him round as the nominal favourite after drawing gate 1 with winning hoop Corey Brown retaining the ride. GET GOING has just missed at his last three and it’s hard to fault his form. However, he needs a result for followers and won’t find this any easier. URASHIMA TARO could be the best punting option. The 3YO had excuses last start and given his effort to place, he gets his chance with regular hoop, Harry Kassim, onboard. These three will be all the rage but keep MAREA NEGRO and FIGHTING WARRIOR safe with value in mind.
1 KAI POWER ** Back in trip a concern but will be working into this late if race run to suit swoopers. 33
2 ASPEN ** Won similar affair three starts back but has struggled since so take on trust. 20
3 FIGHTING WARRIOR *** Worked home well at both Singapore starts and could be ready to finish in the mix. 20
4 COLONEL LINCOLN ** Showed enough last start to think he is competitive in this company. 20
5 GROENEWEGEN *** Broke through for overdue win last start and happy to think he can go on with the job. 3.00
6 ROBIN HOOD ** Maiden win was this trip and shown to be competitive at subsequent runs. Exotics. 20
7 URASHIMA TARO *** Excuses not to win last start in similar affair and pay to follow. 4.00
8 SIAM THE TRIUMPH * Former Argentinean who has had quiet trials and like to see support before considering. 33
9 GET GOING *** Doing everything bar win at last three and gets another chance here. 4.00
10 PALTROW ** Racing well in KSD company and may appreciate lightweight. 12
11 THE DODGER ** Just missed this trip and track two starts back and pay to keep safe at value. 20
12 MAREA NEGRO *** Will be running on late and will be value. Each-way. 20
13 LEE MAN * Might need Class 5. 50
