DANIEL looks like his up to this (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
A race like the Group 3 Saas Fee Stakes is always going to play third fiddle at this time of year given the 1400m event is nestled in-between the Group 1 Kranji Mile and the Group 1 Raffles Cup (1800m), both at weight-for-age conditions.
But at the condition weights, the Saas Fee is an excellent race for both up-and-coming middle distance horses looking at bigger races later in the year and also the top quality sprinters chasing some more silverware.
And there is no doubting that this year’s installment is perhaps the most intriguing for years and while it is missing some of the top-liners, it has more depth than most features with most of the field having serious winning hopes.
So much so it may be a case of “5-1 the field”, so there should be some excellent value on offer for canny punters.
DANIEL in particular looks to be getting his act together and certainly has the runs on the board to think he can win if at his best.
His recent form on paper is not as good as a few of the other fancies but given he had excuses last start 
and was showing improvement prior, he could take home a fair chuck of the $200,000 prizemoney at hopefully each-way odds.
Too many others to mention in this preview but NOVA STRIKE looks very well-placed from gate 1 with just 53.5kg and MAGNUM – who, like NOVA STRIKE, also has Group form around Debt Collector – also in the mix with 51.5kg.
A terrific race and one mot to be missed.
Sunday 16 October
Best Bets: (NOVA SWISS race 6, win), (DANIEL race 9, each-way) and (HUMDINGER race 10, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (6, 8 and 9), race 9 (Field), race 10 (1, 2, 4 and 6) and race 11 (1 and 4).
Race cards in Singapore and Larry Foley’s synopsis below.
For updates on all runners go to www.kranjiracing.com
Please note the odds listed are “reference odds” only.
Race 5
Selections; 8 SPACE ODDITY – 3 BORN A FIGHTER – 4 HAPPY SAGA – 5 HEE’S EGO
Yet another weak Class 5 over 1200m. SPACE ODDITY broke through last start on the Polytrack, has fewer convictions than most of these and should be running on. And winning form is very good form in races like this. BORN A FIGHTER won a Class 5 three starts back but only battled last outing. He drops 2.5kg and should be running on. HAPPY SAGA is suited in this grade and has won twice on turf at 1400m and three times on poly at 1200m; he drops back in trip but should be running on. HEE’S EGO won in this grade on the poly at his first run for a new stable but has battled since; his recent trial was sound but his best form is on poly. JUST NAME IT’s only win was over two years ago in Class 4 but he placed in this Grade three starts back and has a good record of achieving that at this distance. Most of the rest are battling Maidens though PRETTY ELUSIVE, NINEPINS and METAPHOR could make their presence felt in a race that any could win without surprising.
1 DREAMER LEGEND ** Maiden who battled on soundly in a BM67 last start on the poly. May find this easier and could show up. 16
2 SILVER POWER * Has not shown up in 11 Singapore outings and drawn to disadvantage but appreciates Class 5. 25
3 BORN A FIGHTER *** Won a Class 5 three starts back but only battled last outing. Drops 2.5kg and should be running on. 5.00
4 HAPPY SAGA *** Suited this grade and has won twice on turf at 1400m and three times on poly at 1200m. Drops back in trip but should be running on. 5.00
5 HEE’S EGO *** Won in this grade on poly at first run for new stable but has battled since. Recent trial was sound but best form is on poly. 6.00
6 JUST NAME IT ** Only win was over two years ago in Class 4. Placed in this Grade three starts back and has a good record of placing at this distance. Could show up. 12
7 SATCHMO * Still a Maiden after 12 outing an better option on the Poly. 20
8 SPACE ODDITY *** Broke through last start on the polytrack. Has fewer convictions than most of these and should be running on. 6.00
9 NINEPINS ** Eleven start Maiden who placed over this trip three starts back. Can improve with tongue-tie back on. 12
10 BIMALA * Has been battling over longer. Drops back in trip and might find these too sharp. 25
11 METAPHOR * Twenty-two start Maiden who placed in this Class and distance three starts back. 16
12 MR NO PROBLEM ** Yet to place in seven starts but has ran on three starts back over this trip and has found a very weak race. 25
13 PRETTY ELUSIVE ** Well beaten but ran on over this trip last start to place and pay to keep safe. 10
Race 6
Selections; 2 NOVA SWISS – 1 EATONS GOLD – 3 CHAMPAGNE REIN – 7 PURE JUSTICE
A BM67 on the poly over 1000m and NOVA SWISS looks a progressive type who should race well for Manoel Nunes. The 3YO won easily at his first Singapore outing in Class 4 and was considered good enough to run at Listed and Group level in NZ so should have class on his side. The dangers should come from the Mark Walker trio of PURE JUSTICE who has not been far away at recent Class 4 outings over this trip, CHAMPAGNE REIN who is racing soundly in this company and has the speed to be prominent throughout and his third runner, EATONS GOLD, who is a hardy campaigner who an on solidly last start. Of the others RICH FORTUNE might like longer but should be running on and LUCKY BOY with no weights.
1 EATONS GOLD *** Long time between drinks but ran on solidly in this grade last start and expect much the same again. 10
2 NOVA SWISS *** Won easily at first Singapore outing in Class 4. Was considered good enough to run at Listed and Group level in NZ. Progressive type who should race well. 3.00
3 CHAMPAGNE REIN *** Racing soundly in this company will win one of these sooner than later. 4.00
4 RICH FORTUNE ** Only battled over this trip last start after placing over 1200m in this grade. Should be running on. 10
5 WARPATH * Better on turf over longer and might find these too sharp. 25
6 ELISE * Wants Class 4 on turf. 20
7 PURE JUSTICE ** Not far away at recent Class 4 outings over this trip and could show up with Duric from the good gate. 4.00
8 THE WIND * Won a KSD over 1400m two starts back and battled on well in this grade over 1200m last start. Better on turf over longer. 12
9 HOST THE NATION * Well back at recent outings but can run on when having a good day. 20
10 LUCKY BOY ** All sort of excuses last start so effort was good and worth in exotics with no weight. 25
Race 7
Selections; 3 JUSTICE DAY – 2 VON KRUMM – 9 GOLDEN SWORD – 6 DIVIDED HOUSE
A competitive Class 3 over 1200m. JUSTICE BAY fought on well to beat all but MAGNUM last start in this grade; he gets Manoel Nunes and should be handy throughout. GOLDEN SWORD is racing well since resuming, the claim for CC Wong helps and can be in the finish. VON KRUMM has been battling since his win in this Grade 3 starts back but John Powell will help and he should get a good run throughout. DIVIDED HOUSE placed in this company three starts back but has only battled at past two outings; he goes well for Corey Brown and could show up. GATO NEGRO is rarely far away in this grade and should get a good run throughout. Watch the market on the Argentinean AL GREEN who has some Group 1 experience in his native land.
1 SUPER SIX *** In good winning form on the Poly since resuming and pay to follow. 14
2 VON KRUMM *** Has been battling since win in this grade three starts back. John Powell will help and should get a good run throughout. 6.00
3 JUSTICE DAY *** Fought on well to beat all but Magnum last start in this grade. Gets Nunes and should be handy throughout. 3.50
4 AL GREEN ** Argentinean with Group 1 form. Trials have been moderate so watch market. 14
5 IMPERIAL MARCH * Has been freshened after losing form. Recent trial was strong but might want longer. 20
6 DIVIDED HOUSE *** Placed in this company three starts back but has only battled at past two outings. Goes well for Corey Brown and could show up. 6.00
7 ABOVE THE SKYLINE * Prefers 1400m and might be better in Class 4. Could be running on. 20
8 GATO NEGRO *** Rarely far away in this grade and should get a good run throughout. 14
9 GOLDEN SWORD *** Racing well with support since resuming. Claim helps and can be in the finish. 8.00
10 MANGATOETOENUI * Well back when resuming and might want easier. 33
11 ROOM FOR EXCUSE ** Gets blinkers but hasn’t won for nearly a year and wants easier. 25
12 INTENSE GOLD * Racing soundly but better over 1400m and might need Class 4. 16
13 RED DAWN ** Likes this distance and just missed in Class 4 last start. This is harder but could show up. 14
14 RUN IT TWICE ** Won well in Class 4 last start but this is harder. 25
Race 8
Selections; 8 RORY – 9 BARNBURGH LAD – 6 TOOBIGTOFAIL – 2 INVINCIBLE MAN
Nestled between a good Class 3 race and the Group 3 Saas Fee is what can only be described as an extremely weak Class 5 Poly dash. As such a horse that won two starts back in an equally weak field in BARNBURGH LAD appeals. The 6YO backed that win up with a handy placing and given he is a three-time winner on the Poly, he must give this a shake. Likewise, RORY is in form and loves the Poly. In fact RORY is a seven-time winner and when you consider all those wins have been over todays trip of 1000m, he picks himself. And while we try to avoid jockey bookings, RORY does get the services of Benny Woodworth who jumps off BARNBURGH LAD, which could be a pointer. Nothing else jumps off the page but TOOBIGTOFAIL resumes after a good trial and while his good recent form is over longer, he could play a part fresh.
1 GALLANT HEIGHTS * Appreciates first-up run but should need longer. 20
2 INVINCIBLE MAN ** Form reads badly but will improve lengths back on the Poly dropping to Class 5. 20
3 PERFECT PRIZE * Resuming after long break and hard to have. 50
4 DRAGON RUBY ** Resuming and has a good Poly record so market watch in order. 12
5 MEAISIN * Blinkers off and should need longer. 12
6 TOOBIGTOFAIL *** Resuming after a good run of form over longer but recent trial suggests he could show up fresh. 8.00
7 INFERMO ** Resuming after lameness issues but race suits and could give a sight. 12
8 RORY *** Pushed in recent trial but always a show in this type of race must go close. 3.00
9 BARNBURGH LAD *** In good form in similar affairs and pay to keep following. 3.50
10 SUPER BIG * Not a mile away last start and gets a tongue-tie added but yet to place in 14 starts. 20
11 SUPERB SEVEN ** Showed nothing when resuming but goes OK when right so keep safe. 12
12 GOLDEN BAY ** Long-term maiden who can be included in exotics on best form. 20
13 PROBO CHANDROSO ** Form reads badly but this race is extremely weak and could surprise at odds. 20
Race 9
Selections; 3 DANIEL – 13 MAGNUM – 12 NOVA STRIKE – 2 SPANISH BAY
Let me be the first to put my hand up and say I have no idea who wins this race. You can make a serious winning case for most horses in this field and you wouldn’t want to put a line through any horses if playing the “jackpot” or “quaddie”. Where to start? There is plenty of early pace and the likes of SPANISH BAY, BEST TOTHELIGN, TWICKENHAM, SLEW TO THE LODE and KIRKS RYKER will all ensure a good early pace. Unfortunately all are in form and all look suited the trip and track, so all should be fighting it out down the straight. Which may set it up for the swoopers and punters looking for value might want to consider the likes of GOOD NEWS and BLUE SWEDE at long odds as they will make their presence felt late. DANIEL – who had excuses last start – looks extremely well placed in this and can show his best and win while NOVA STRIKE and MAGNUM down the weights are big shows. Can’t mention them all and good luck.
1 BORN TO FLY ** Veteran who appreciates first-up run after a long lay-off and can figure. 50
2 SPANISH BAY *** In form and always puts himself in the winning mix. 5.00
3 DANIEL *** All sorts of excuses last start and that effort late plus previous good form suggests he is up to this. 20
4 BEST TOTHELIGN *** Found out over 1800m last start so back in trip a good move and will be very prominent throughout. 8.00
5 TWICKENHAM *** Turned some very good form into a Group win last start and must go very close again. 5.00
6 GOLD RUTILE ** Jockey suggested issues last start so happy to ignore the run and consider in exotics at long odds on previous solid form. 100
7 SLEW OF LODE *** Ran a beauty at long odds last start in a similar affair to this and pay to respect. 20
8 CAVALLO ** Hasn’t won for well over a year now but in very good form and has to be a show. 20
9 GOOD NEWS ** Dead-set swooper who will make his presence felt late if race run to suit. 33
10 BLUE SWEDE ** Ran on well last start on the Poly and should be better suited over 1400m so keep safe at odds. 33
11 KIRKS RYKER *** Just missed last start at Group level behind Twickenham and right in this. 7.00
12 NOVA STRIKE *** Very hard to fault form and should play a big role in this finish with gate 1 a bonus. 7.00
13 MAGNUM *** Won last start but placed form behind Debt Collector in the 3YO series is what will hold up in this Company. 6.00
14 ALIBI ** Facing biggest test to date but has plenty of ability and could step up with top jockey staying on with blinkers added. 12
Race 10
Selections; 1 MOMENT OF JUSTICE – 6 HUMDINGER – 2 PEER GYNT – 4 BANDIDO
Although being disappointing with support not to have won at his first six starts, it’s fair to say punters didn’t lose faith in MOMENT OF JUSTICE sending the 4YO off at a shade over even money at his last start. He duly saluted and that win over 1400m suggests he is more than up to the step up to the mile in KSD Company and looks the obvious choice here. However, there a few not so obvious dangers including HUMDINGER. The 5YO has been running on of late and had excuses last start not to be in the winning mix. Vlad Duric stays on and he could be the testing material late. BANDIDO will also be running on and the John O’Hara-trained entire could be a solid each-way option on his good form of late. The interesting runner is PEER GYNT. The 4YO placed last start over this trip on the Poly but it was his form previously behind Debt Collector that suggests he should be better than most of these.
1 MOMENT OF JUSTICE *** Broke through for strong maiden win over 1400m last start and more than up to this. 2.40
2 PEER GYNT *** Last start placing on the Poly but enjoys the turf and look ready to show his best. 6.00
3 ASPEN ** Form reads only fairly but always a show in this type of race. 10
4 BANDIDO *** Has looked due and will be working into this late at each-way value. 8.00
5 BRAHMS AND LISZT ** Super consistent and excuses last start not to be right in the winning mix so keep safe. 12
6 HUMDINGER *** Excuses last start before running on very well and this race looks perfect to show his best. 8.00
7 ECLAIR FIESTA ** Resuming for new stable and recent trial good enough to consider. 12
8 FORTUNE SPIRIT * Recent Class 5 win was this trip but should need easier than this. 20
9 PERCIUS ** Took a drop to Class 5 to win but was competitive prior in similar Company to this so worth thought. 12
10 GLORIOUS PROSPECT * Reassess in easier Company. 33
11 TANGIBLE ASSETS * Needs easier. 50
12 DR N WING FIGHTERS * Needs easier. 100
13 LOYALTY’S ANGEL * Nuisance value only. 100
Race 11
Selections; 4 LIM’S SAMURAI – 1 MIGHTY CONQUEROR – 3 SUN SEEKER – 5 THUNDER CAT
A race with no depth and given there only looks two horses with serious winning hopes, it could be a bidding war between punters to see whether MIGHTY CONQUERER or LIM’S SAMURAI starts favourite. On exposed recent form it is likely to be the former with MIGHTY CONQUERER a winner of two from three career starts. The 4YO also gets back I Azhar in the saddle and given the experienced hoop rode him at his two wins, that is definitely in his favour. But LIM’S SAMURAI is smart and has shown more than enough at two recent trials to think he can win first up after a spell. Yes, he looked to have issues in the Group 2 3YO Classic over 1400m at his last start but his win prior to that win was good and happy to think he is more than up to Class 4. You can almost put a line through the rest but SUN SEEKER should be competitive at his Singapore debut while THUNDER CAT and WHITE COFFEE are both in good form in easier Company.
1 MIGHTY CONQUEROR *** Lost no friends when tasting defeat for the first time last start and worth following. 2.50
2 AHMAR * Nothing at Singapore debut but appreciates the run and may improve on the turf. 20
3 SUN SEEKER ** Former Australian who showed enough at most recent trial to keep safe at Singapore debut. 8.00
4 LIM’S SAMURAI *** Handy type resuming after finding it too tough at 3YO Group at his last start. Can win on trial form. 2.50
5 THUNDER CAT ** Yet to win on the turf and up in Class but hard to fault form and pay to include somewhere. 8.00
6 DASH OF CLASS * Needs to improve on recent efforts. 50
7 WHITE COFFEE ** Veteran who has found form but should need easier. 8.00
8 HEAVENLY HAND * Goes OK on his day but like to see over longer in something easier. 33
9 GENIUS * Resuming and no. 100
10 SPECIAL FORCE * Reassess easier over longer. 100
