Jupiter Gold looks ready to bounce back from last bubble burst (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
Without delving too deeply into the archives, we can safely assume that no jockey has ever ridden three 2YO winners on the same day in Singapore.
Nunes might on Friday.
And while his mount in the Group 2 Golden Horseshoe – SIAM SAPPHIRE – faces a strong field in the $350,000 feature, his other two rides on Juveniles in earlier races look hard to beat.
In fact both MYSTIC MASTER (race 2) and DRAGON MASTER (race 4) look two of the better bets on the night and while both will be heavily supported, they should be extremely hard to beat with just 50kg to carry against mostly older opposition.
So with two tentative Juvenile wins under his belt (and perhaps another couple wins in other races too), Nunes will be confident debut winner SIAM SAPPHIRE can give him another group winner.
But as you would expect in a race of this stature, the field is strong with no less than five last start winners including likely favourite MACARTHUR.
Add JUPITER GOLD, CAORUNN at value and a couple of handy fillies in LIM’S RACER and ATHENA, and the race is a cracker and good luck if you can find the winner or an exotic collect or two.
And don’t forget the Emirates Singapore Derby is on Sunday – what a weekend!
Friday 8 July
Best Bets: (DRAGON MASTER race 4 win), (SATCHMO race 6, value) and (CAORUNN race 7, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 13), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 14 and 15), race 8 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 8), race 9 (4 and 6).
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; 3 HOFFMAN – 2 BLACK SWAN – 1 ASTROCANDY – 8 RACING TALENT
The three highest rated maidens – ASTROCANDY, BLACK SWAN and HOFFMAN – look the only horses to seriously consider in the opener. Of the trio, HOFFMAN gets blinkers and that could be enough to get him over the line. Manny Nunes stays onboard and he should make use of the good gate (4) and be prominent throughout. BLACK SWAN comes off a disappointing run but to be fair to the horse, he was never really involved. The experienced Alan Munro goes on and expect him to show his best work late with blinkers downgraded to winkers. ASTROCANDY picks himself on recent form and the mile could be what he is looking for. Market best guide on all the others although RACING TALENT had excuses last start when blinkers went on and is worth another look at odds and MISS WAIMATAITAI is always thereabouts.
1 ASTROCANDY *** In solid form and mile should suit. 4.00
2 BLACK SWAN *** Blinkers to winkers after never being in the hunt last start and works into this late. 6.00
3 HOFFMAN *** Foot on the till and gets blinkers to get a result. 2.50
4 CARNELIAN ** Keen last start and worth another look on mile run two back. 20
5 MISS WAIMATAITAI ** In good form on the Poly in Class 5 and pay to keep safe. 6.00
6 WALTERS BAY * Not a mile away last start but needs to back that run up. 100
7 JET STRIKER * Tongue-tie added but no. 200
8 RACING TALENT ** Excuses last start and worth another look at odds. 33
9 SUN DANCE ** Long-term maiden status a concern as is wide gate but usually in the mix. 20
10 SLAVONIC DANCE * Gets upgrade to blinkers and Vlad Duric but like to see support before considering. 33
11 NUMERO UNO ** Hard to catch but shows enough on a good day to keep safe. 150
12 DAWN OF THE WORLD ** Nothing last start but will appreciate being back on the turf so keep safe. 20
13 ZAHIR ** Recent trial good and can include in skinny end of exotics. 20
14 BERNARD’S FIGHTER ** Win would surprise but another that could be in the exotic mix at odds. 33
15 JOY AND HAPPY * Will enjoy being back on the turf and can improve at very long odds. 100
16 RED JEWEL * No. 200
Race 2
Selections; 9 MYSTIC MASTER – 12 DARC BOUNTY – 5 ROCK EAGLE – 2 SMIDDY BYRNE
You can do a lot worse this time of year than following the 2YO’s in the Restricted Maiden races and MYSTIC MASTER and DARC BOUNTY look the two to watch in this race. Both finished second at their last starts and given it was relatively daylight to third in both races, they get their chance. MYSTIC MASTER has had four starts – that could be in his favour – and is obviously due with Nunes retaining the ride from a fair gate. DARC BOUNTY should improve with a debut run under his belt and obviously looks a horse to follow through the grades. Of the 3YO’s, not much separates SATELLITE MAN, SMIDDY BYRNE and ROCK EAGLE with the latter under notice given he is another that improves for a good debut effort. PERFECT DJ – another 2YO – a must for exotics at odds.
1 SATELLITE MAN *** Beaten a long way into second last start but gets his chance here with a 4kg claim. 8.00
2 SMIDDY BYRNE *** Has finished top four but only battled at all three outings. Should be thereabouts. 8.00
3 KNIGHT HARLOOK ** Resuming sans blinkers after returning not striding last start and pay to respect on two good runs prior. 20
4 ECLAIR FLASH ** Trial looked good enough to keep an eye on the tote on debut. 12
5 ROCK EAGLE *** Green when placing on debut and can improve to give this a shake. 8.00
6 SHARP BLADE * Did it tough on debut so could improve from gate 1. 33
7 KEEPIT KARMA * Trials well but race form ordinary so take on trust. 100
8 BAYMAX * Will improve with racing but prefer later. 50
9 MYSTIC MASTER *** Has looked more than handy at four starts and gets his chance here. 3.00
10 DREAMPITCHER * No. 200
11 CHOSEN HARVEST * Trials just fair and wide gate an issue. 100
12 DARC BOUNTY *** Just missed on debut and another 2YO that is worth following. 3.00
13 ENERGIZER * Will improve with racing but may need longer. 100
14 PERFECT DJ ** Trialled solidly and can include in exotics on debut. 33
15 DAYUAN * Resuming from wide gate but puts in the odd good one. 50
16 SMART MASTER * No. 200
Race 3
Selections; 4 READY FORTUNE – 13 SILVER TYCOON – 14 DRAGON G – 1 CANNON KING
Very rare we will include both emergency runners in our top picks but given the race looks a raffle, both SILVER TYCOON and DRAGON G can win if they get a start. SILVER TYCOON in a relatively lightly raced maiden and while well beaten into second place at his last start, he is due and must be respected. DRAGON G is not so obvious given recent poor form but he finds himself in Class 5 back on the Poly over a suitable trip so improves lengths – hopefully at odds. Another that could be odds and finds himself in the right race and company is CANNON KING and well worth a look with 4kg claimer Alfian onboard. But READY FORTUNE picks himself on form and has Nunes so all things being equal, he is the horse to beat. Blanket over PINYIN, NOVEMBER SUCCESS, SUPER VELOX and URBAN LEGEND,
1 CANNON KING *** Maiden who just missed last start and should appreciate step up in distance. Value. 12
2 OVER EASY ** Did it tough last start but recent form a worry. 20
3 SWIFT * Issues last start but easier to ignore. 200
4 READY FORTUNE *** Looks due and in the winning mix in this field. 2.70
5 HIPPO PROSPERO * No. 50
6 DASHING JACK * Placed three starts back but nothing since. 33
7 PINYIN *** Drawn awkwardly but in solid form and wins without surprising. 5.00
8 HEAR ME * Veteran who could show up if having a good day. 33
9 SUPER VELOX *** Can excuse last start as previous form including maiden win has him in the mix. 5.00
10 URBAN LEGEND *** Excuses last start and will work into the winning mix late. 6.00
11 NOVEMBER SUCCESS *** Long-term madden who has looked due in similar affairs so keep safe. 8.00
12 NORTH STAR * No. 100
13 SILVER TYCOON *** Maiden who looks ready to win a race like this and must go close. 4.00
14 DRAGON G *** Form looks hopeless but finds himself in right company on the right track over the right trip. 20
Race 4
Selections; 11 DRAGON MASTER – 12 SUPER RED – 2 OCEAN MASTER – 4 DASHING
It’s fair to say that we have a lot of early eggs in the Manny Nunes basket but it’s hard to go past the Brazilian hoops mount – DRAGON MASTER – again in this Open maiden. And once again the top pick is a 2YO so he gets in with a very winnable weight at the race conditions. His race form is also very good and with winkers added he looks extremely hard to beat. In fact on paper there looks only one danger in OCEAN MASTER. The 3YO is in very solid form and gets a 2kg claim to help his cause and certainly keeps the short-priced favourite honest. The big improver however, and one to watch at odds, is the other 2YO in SUPER RED who had all sorts of issues on debut but showed enough to follow. Can almost forget the rest with one eye on the tote for exotics picks.
1 ACIPENSER * Hard to have on race form. 33
2 OCEAN MASTER *** Resumed with very solid placing and right in this. 4.00
3 SUPER BIG * No. 100
4 DASHING ** Nothing last start over the mile but gets blinkers back in trip so could improve. 20
5 GANNA * Placed last start at long odds but have to take on trust. 20
6 DEE MAJULAH * No. 100
7 KIWI LEO ** Resuming sans blinkers and tongue-tie after solid debut and could figure in exotics. 20
8 NOVA ACE ** Coming off two solid runs and should keep a few honest in this field. 20
9 GOOD LUCKY * Ran on OK last start but needs to show more. 33
10 SPACE ODDITY ** Racing solidly since resuming and could make his presence felt. 8.00
11 DRAGON MASTER *** 2YO who gets winkers to turn good form into a win. 1.80
12 SUPER RED *** 2YO who had all sorts of issues on debut and showed enough to think he has ability. Keep safe. 12
13 PARKER ** Resuming sans tongue-tie after standing flat-footed last start and can include on placing at start prior. 20
14 GOOD BET ** Coming off a shocker but could run a cheeky race if right back in maiden company. 20
Race 5
Selections; 9 INFANTRY – 2 BOURBON GOLDMAN – 3 CHEETAH ON FIRE – 1 ORDER OF THE SUN
Manny Nunes again? Why not! Yes, he is on the lowest rated horse in the field and TITANIUM is a query in this company, but the 3YO does look a horse with a big future and can win this. He has handled the Poly previously with two wins from three starts and the form from the Guineas will hold up in top company. In saying that, most others can win without surprising including the top-weight ORDER OF THE SUN. Like a few here, ORDER OF THE SUN will appreciate being back on the Poly and could give a sight with a 2kg claimer in T See up. With the pace on early, BOURBON GOLDMAN and CHEETAH ON FIRE will both be storming home late and can win while SUPER NOVA and BRAHMA CIRCUS can finish in the mix.
1 ORDER OF THE SUN *** Has some weight to carry but will appreciate being back on the Poly and could give a sight. 8.00
2 BOURBON GOLDMAN *** Extremely honest and will work into winning calculations late. 8.00
3 CHEETAH ON FIRE *** Very much appreciates first run back and another that will be flying late over right trip on right track. 8.00
4 ONE RAR ** Nothing last start but will appreciate the Poly and could improve at odds. 33
5 SUPERNOVA *** Placed last start over the mile on the turf and a better option on the Poly so has to be a chance. 12
6 TRUDEAU * Struggling. 100
7 BRILLIANT DEAL ** Can set the tempo at odds and could be hard to run down with no weight. 33
8 BRAHMA CIRCUS *** Tested this level but too honest not to be the winning mix with 50kg. 6.00
9 INFANTRY *** 3YO who should handle the company and has won on the Poly so can win. 4.00
Race 6
Selections; 4 SUPER BONUS – 13 SATCHMO – 8 STATE TROOPER – 14 THUNDER CAT
Once again in a Class 5 we are compelled to include both emergencies as serious winning hopes. In this case it’s also the top two-rated horses in question – SATCHMO and THUNDER CAT – and both very much appreciate the weak field and in the case of SATCHMO, the good gate and claim. Of those with guaranteed starts, SUPER BONUS is the one to beat. The 5YO showed last start he wins soon and with Vlad Duric replacing a claimer with blinkers off, he is the one to be on. He will be supported heavily though and STATE TROOPER might be a better punting option on what he showed two starts back when winning with gate 1 a bonus. HORAZ SAMOSIR, BROWNE’S ANATOMY and REAL GOODMAN the others that can win in this weak field.
1 RUN CHEETAH RUN ** Appreciates better gate and has to be some show in this weak field. 12
2 ELEGENT ** Gets blinkers and best run was in Class 5 so should improve. 12
3 EVERTRUST ** Wide gate again a concern but been in solid form of late and should figure somewhere, 12
4 SUPER BONUS *** Just missed last start and hard to beat in this weak field with blinkers off. 3.00
5 BARNBURGH LAD * Struggled at two starts this campaign. 20
6 HORAZ SAMOSIR *** Form reads badly but gets blinkers back in trip and recent trial good enough to keep safe. 8.00
7 PRESENT ARMS * No. 50
8 STATE TROOPER *** Returned not striding last start but goes close on winning form prior. 5.00
9 BONJOUR BOB ** Not a mile away last start and can include in exotics on that run. 12
10 BROWNE’S ANATOMY *** Always puts in a solid effort in this type of race and should be in the mix. 8.00
11 HANDSOME BAB * Struggled of late. 50
12 REAL GOODMAN *** Better form over longer but always a show on the Poly. 12
13 SATCHMO *** Resuming in very suitable company and can win with 3kg claim from gate 2. 12
14 THUNDER CAT *** Showed last start why the Poly is his caper and will find this weak field to his liking. 5.00
Race 7
Selections; 2 JUPITER GOLD – 3 MACARTHUR – 15 ATHENA – 1 CAORUNN
It’s safe to say with five last start winners and another five coming off placings, the form is strong and the field in the first Juvenile Group race of the season has depth. Starting form the top, CAORUNN has the most wins to his name – three – and his efforts in NZ in top company suggest he is a horse to follow with a sighter in Singapore under his belt. Both JUPITER GOLD and MACARTHUR also have multiple wins (two) to their names and given they have jousted previously for one win apiece, they look the benchmark. The filly ATHENA was close up behind MACARTHUR last start and should figure in this finish while the James Peter’s pair of SKYWALK and SIAM SAPPHIRE appeal as does another last start strong winner in LIM’S RACER.
1 CAORUNN *** Wide draw a concern but appreciates Singapore debut where he had support and has to be kept safe on NZ form. 20
2 JUPITER GOLD *** Bubble burst last start when beaten fair and square behind Macarthur but can bounce back. 8.00
3 MACARTHUR *** Turned the table on Jupiter Gold last start and looks the benchmark. 4.00
4 SKYWALK *** Backing up after spanking win on debut last Friday and gives this a shake. 6.00
5 I’VE GOT A FEELING ** Get’s tongue-tie after narrow last start win and forward run expected. 12
6 SIAM SAPPHIRE *** Hit the line to win well on debut and should be improved for the outing so right in this. 7.00
7 KUBERA’S CHIEF * Improved effort last start but still needs to show more. 200
8 CAI POH WANG * Had support when well beaten into third on debut and needs to improve. 33
9 DISTINCTIVE DARCI ** Just beaten by I’ve Got a Feeling last start with daylight third and in the mix. 15
10 MUSCULAR CAPTAIN * Needs to lift on debut effort. 200
11 POMP ** Green when supported on debut so look for marked improvement. 33
12 SIR ISAAC ** Just missed on debut but like to see support in this field. 12
13 HELLO MICHELLE ** Might pay to ignore last start as more than competitive against her own age group with visor added. 33
14 LIM’S RACER *** Won too well last start not to think she has a say with handy filly claim. 9.00
15 ATHENA *** Just missed against Macarthur last start and gets her chance again in this open field. 8.00
Race 8
Selections; 2 LIM’S CHARGE – 4 MAN OF POWER – 1 ALAN – 3 LIM’S RESPOND
The obvious choice in this race is definitely SUPER EIGHT who won last start and no reason to think he can’t win again in a field that lacks exposed form. But plenty of not so obvious choices win this without really surprising given they all drop to Class 5 so should improve on recent poor form. Case in point is LIM’S CHARGE. The maiden has two local placings to his name from eight starts but will appreciate Class 5 and can win. His stablemate LIM’S RESPOND is in a similar boat form wise but again, grows a leg in this company. ALAN also looks hopeless on recent form but worth noting his last win was when Rodd replaced Rueven when dropping to Class 5 and those planets have aligned again. MAN OF POWER the other that can win in this company and the tote should be a very good guide.
1 ALAN *** Form reads badly but drops to Class 5 with M Rodd up so can win with blinkers off. 8.00
2 LIM’S CHARGE *** Maiden who will appreciate Class 5 and enjoys the Poly. Can win. 4.00
3 LIM’S RESPOND *** Another Lim’s maiden who will improve in Class 5 and worth following with blinkers added. 5.00
4 MAN OF POWER *** Excuses last start and another that grows a leg at first start in Class 5. 12
5 PETITE VICTOIRE * Won two starts but bombed last start and drawn badly here. 33
6 EDEN GARDEN * Resuming sans tongue-tie and easier to ignore. 33
7 GRAVITY * Might need a tad longer to show his best. 33
8 SUPER EIGHT *** One of the only horses in form and looks the benchmark. 3.20
9 ONE MORE ACHIEVER ** Only win has been this Class and distance but recent form ordinary. 20
10 BAIL OUT * Coming off two shockers but pops up on occasion. 100
11 DOUBLE JEOPARDY ** Back in trip but solid enough to include in exotics. 12
12 HIGHLIGHT * Should be doing better in this company and have to take on trust. 12
13 SPEEDY MOMENT * No. 50
14 SATELLITE PRINCE ** Like to see over a tad longer but keeps a few honest. 12
Race 9
Selections; 6 LIM’S ACTION – 4 MORITZ ECLIPSE – 14 MAREA NEGRO – 10 ICONNIC
A strange Class 4 over 1400m closes things off where some such as FORTUNE WINNER, KAI POWER and PRECIOUS GEM want longer and others such as ICONNIC and REDDOT RISING are suspect at the 1400m. Almost by default, LIM’S ACTION comes into play. The 5YO has been racing well since resuming, Dan Beasley stays on and this distance could suit. MORITZ ECLIPSE is awkwardly drawn but suited at the trip and may find this easier than the strong Graduation he was in last outing. MAREA NEGRO is another suited at the distance. She was held up and ran on strongly last start and could be charging late again. Another that could be value is MINGS MAN who was held up and ran on well late last start while ICONNIC was good when resuming over 1200m for his new stable. TERMS OF REFERENCE prefers the polytrack but is consistent and has placed on turf at this distance.
1 FORTUNE WINNER ** Has been trying unsuccessfully over longer and may appreciate the shorter trip. Has a good record on turf and should be running on late. 16
2 PRECIOUS GEM * Another down in grade and back in trip with best form over longer. 20
3 TOTALITY ** Hasn’t won for a very long time but drops into Class 4 over his winning journey. Recent trials have been good and could show improvement. 14
4 MORITZ ECLIPSE *** Battled on in strong Graduation last start and will find this easier. Awkwardly drawn but could show up. 8.00
5 HONGCHEN ** Racing well over a mile in weaker company. Will find this harder. 20
6 LIM’S ACTION *** Racing well since resuming. Dan Beasley stays on and this distance could suit. Should be handy throughout. 5.00
7 TERMS OF REFERENCE ** Racing soundly but best form is on poly. Placed once over this trip in 4 tries and should be handy throughout. 8.00
8 KAI POWER * Blinkers off. Best form is over longer and may need easier. 25
9 REDDOT RISING ** Has battled in this Grade after narrow Maiden win at debut and exotics look best. 8.00
10 ICONNIC ** Won KSD over 1200m when resuming for new stable. Has plenty of speed but 1400m in Class 4 may test. 5.00
11 MCGREGOR * Resuming after changing stables. Showed earlier promise but trials have been moderate. Watch market. 20
12 MINGS MAN ** Was held up and ran on well late last start. Will need luck but could be running on. 12
13 INVINCIBLE MAN * Battling in KSDs and only wins have been on poly. 33
14 MAREA NEGRO *** Held up and ran on strongly last start. Finds it hard to win but could be charging late. 12
15 GREAT BALLS OFFIRE ** Last start better than the result and could be running on at odds. 33
16 RON * Better in Class 5. 33
