Mystic Master could make race 9 a beauty
It’s fair to say tonight’s meeting from Singapore is “solid at best” but certainly enough Class 4 sprints to give punters something to smile about.
A “progressive grade”, Class 4’s are always good betting races with the odd raced newcomer and a debut winner or two making them more than interesting.
And while there are three solid Class 4 Poly sprints scattered throughout the nine race card, it is the lucky last – a Class 4 1200m sprint on the turf – that will get most of the attention.
Yes, five last start winners and a smart newcomer from New Zealand suggest it will be a good race but the fact that the Juvenile Championship winner – MYSTIC MASTER – is in the field, makes it a beauty.
The now 3YO sneaks into Class 4 given his last start Group 3 win was off the back of five very good but winless runs and you would think punters won’t miss the fact that previous winners of the Juvenile Classic all went of to bigger and better races than this.
In saying that, MYSTIC MASTER will have to be on his game as the field is strong including WONDERFUL KNIGHT who has been more than competitive in Class 3 of late and the abovementioned newcomer, BILLY MOJO, who raced in Group Company back in New Zealand.
Friday 2 September
Best Bets: (SUPER WARRIOR race 2 win), (JOYOUS race 8, win) and (WONDERFUL KNIGHT race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7), race 7 (1, 5 and 6), race 8 (1, 2, 7, 12 and 14), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 10).
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; 6 MR BLOSSOM – 3 LUCKY SIX – 2 GOLDEN BOBO – 7 ELEGENT
A battler’s affair to open the meeting and last start winners are always worth following in this type of field. MR BLOSSOM is the horse in question and while he surprised some by winning at odds last weekend, that effort was after a solid trial with a shadow-roll on and the stable suggests that made the difference. So no reason to doubt them and happy to follow especially in a field that looks ordinary. LUCKY SIX also looks well placed to get a result for faithful followers. The 5YO has been heavily supported since dropping to Class 5 and this does look his easiest assignment, so a win would not surprise with John Powell retaining the ride. Not many others to get excited about but GOLDEN BOBO should improve in this Class while ELEGENT and EXCITING PROSPECT should keep them honest.
1 GOOD MISSION * No. 100
2 GOLDEN BOBO ** Saddle slipped last start and may appreciate Class 5. Watch market. 10
3 LUCKY SIX *** Desperate for a result for heavy support of late but wins one soon. 3.00
4 NOVA VICTORY ** Not a mile away last start at long odds and worth thought from gate 1. 12
5 EXCITING PROSPECT ** Has battled on OK at his last couple of start and should figure in exotics. 6.00
6 MR BLOSSOM *** Backed up a good trial with an all-the-way win when shadow roll added and expect much the same. 3.00
7 ELEGENT ** Maiden who is backing up after another solid but unspectacular run but can include in exotics. 7.00
8 HOW HUGE * Did place but well beaten two starts back and easier to ignore. 20
9 HORAZ SAMOSIR * Placed four back on Poly but subsequent runs ordinary. 33
10 SIMPANG ** Nothing last start but gets visor and goes OK on a good day. 20
Race 2
Selections; 6 SUPER WARRIOR – 9 CAVATINA – 8 RAINBOW ROYAL – 10 CHARIOTS OF FIRE
A lot of improvers in this maiden and the tote may be a very good guide to see just who connections think improve the most. SUPER WARRIOR showed last start how important race experience is when improving lengths after a wayward debut. That effort behind Distinctive Darci good enough to think he could be hard to beat here from a better gate (4). CAVATINA placed third in that same race and had excuses not to finish closer to SUPER WARRIOR so has to be considered in the winning mix, while fellow 3YO’s – RAINBOW WARRIOR and the debutante, CHARIOTS OF FIRE – can also make good use of a lightweight and play a part. Of the rest with winning hopes, SUPER BALL improves on his first-up run and AMAZING MAN looks well placed with a 3kg Kif Toh claim. REWARDING SMILE the other to include after a solid debut.
1 SUPER BALL *** Had support before fading at first-up run but should strip fitter and can win. 6.00
2 AMAZING MAN *** Has speed and wins one of these sooner than later with 3kg claim a factor. 4.00
3 DEE MAJULAH * Struggles. 100
4 DRAGON SEAL * Would need support on ordinary Official trial form. 50
5 REWARDING SMILE ** Will improve on what was a solid debut and pay to keep and eye on the market. 8.00
6 SUPER WARRIOR *** Improved his manners to place last start and ready to win. 3.00
7 ALARANCH * Looks like he will need longer than this on debut effort. 50
8 RAINBOW ROYAL *** Has improved with racing and should figure prominently throughout. 8.00
9 CAVATINA *** Well beaten into third last start but did have excuses not to finish closer so pay to follow. 8.00
10 CHARIOTS OF FIRE *** Trialling solidly and should run well on debut with senior lightweight hoop a factor. 8.00
Race 3
Selections; 1 LADRONE – 3 NATURAL IMPULSE – 2 SPECIAL ID – 4 KISS ME
LADRONE may be a lightly raced 5YO who only has one career win to his name, but that won’t stop punters backing him into a short priced favourite and he can deliver. His first-up run on the back of a nice trial was good and from gate 1, he can lead and should be hard to pass late. In saying that, hasn’t NATURAL IMPULSE grown a proverbial leg since shifting stables? A change is as good as a holiday and the 5YO has won his last two and a recent trial suggests he can go on with the job in Class 4. He has drawn gate 7 and the big question will be whether or not he can cross LADRONE and lead into the first bend. SPECIAL ID is always a winning hope in these and will keep the two speeders honest while KISS ME might be a good value option as he often bobs up in races like this.
1 LADRONE *** Placed when resuming and that effort good enough to win this with blinkers off from gate 1. 2.00
2 SPECIAL ID *** Disappointing given the support at his last couple but wins one of these sooner than later. 4.00
3 NATURAL IMPULSE *** Hard to fault form under trainer Dan Meagher and recent strong trial suggests he is up to this Company. 4.00
4 KISS ME ** Disappointing of late but can often place at value so pay to include in exotics. 33
5 HOSHIKO ** Just fair last start when supported but always some hope in races like this. 12
6 UNSURPASSED ** Yet to win in Singapore always looks a show so keep safe. 12
7 DELFYNE * Resuming with nice trial under her belt but might need easier. 50
8 LET’S TALK NOW ** Form OK and competitive this company on his day but might be looking for Class 5. 20
9 JOHN DUKE * Reassess Class 5. 33
Race 4
Selections; 3 MOMENT OF JUSTICE – 4 SUN MIRAGE – 1 LIM’S ADMIRAL – 6 CHANGBAI MOUNTAIN
There looks four or five horses in this maiden that win sooner than later on form and while it’s hard to be confident, MOMENT OF JUSTICE does look the benchmark. The 4YO has done little wrong at five starts in Singapore and given he just missed with heavy support last start, he gets his chance. He is dropping back from 1400m but that shouldn’t be a problem as it won’t be for SUN MIRAGE who also placed last start over that trip. He led on that occasion and expect much the same again and he should be in this a very long way. Of the others that win without surprising, LIM’S ADMIRAL gets a gear-change or two and can show his best with Dan Beasley up while CHANGBAI MOUNTAIN and a few others play a part on best form.
1 LIM’S ADMIRAL *** Missed a place with heavy support last start but will win sooner than later with winkers and tongue-tie off for this. 6.00
2 START ME UP ** Disappointed last start over 1400m and have to take on trust. 12
3 MOMENT OF JUSTICE *** Just missed last start with heavy support and could be hard to beat in this field. 3.00
4 SUN MIRAGE *** Led them up last start when blinkers went on last start over 1400m and gives this a shake. 5.00
5 ACIPENSER ** Draw a concern but appreciates maiden company and can figure. 12
6 CHANGBAI MOUNTAIN *** Can make excuses for poor run last start and a big show on previous good form. 8.00
7 GOOD BET * Easier to ignore on recent form. 50
8 KNIGHT HARLOOK * Gets winkers but struggling. 50
9 SILVER MAN * No. 200
10 KEEPIT KARMA ** Not a mile away last start after solid trial and pay to keep safe in exotics. 33
11 HERECOMESMYMONEY * May appreciate a switch back to the turf with blinkers and tongue-tie off but a risk on recent form. 20
12 PRETTY ELUSIVE * Excuses last start but easier to ignore. 33
13 ASTRO MAN ** Had plenty of support when placing for new stable last start and can finish in the mix here. 8.00
14 PURE WHITE * Back in trip and not for me. 50
Race 5
Selections; 4 ABSOLUTE MIRACLE – 1 PREFERRED – 2 COURT CASE – 5 JELLY BEAN
A solid Class 4 Poly sprint over 1100m and while the likes of PREFERRED, COURT CASE and JELLY BEAN are all in form and win without surprising, they might find a newcomer in ABSOLUTE MIRACLE tough to beat. A one-time winner from Australia, ABSOLUTE MIRACLE had some solid city form under his belt before arriving but some nice local trials are what has him under notice on debut. Not much separates the other three horses mentioned with PREFERRED in good form and certainly due to win again and JELLY BEAN refuses to run a bad race. COURT CASE will appreciate a solid early clip and be doing best work late and keep LOUEY VELOCE safe first-up after a spell on some nice recent trial form.
1 PREFERRED *** Missed a place with support last start but wins this without surprising. 4.00
2 COURT CASE *** Will get back and fly home and could be hard to hold out if race run to suit. 6.00
3 SATELLITE BOY * Tongue-tie back on but has been very disappointing and have to take on trust. 33
4 ABSOLUTE MIRACLE *** Former Australian who arrived with solid City form but comes under serious notice at debut on nice recent trial. 4.00
5 JELLY BEAN *** Hard to fault consistent form and only win was this trip so goes close with tongue-toe off. 4.00
6 MONGOLIAN CHIEF ** Recent form poor but does have a good Poly record so look for improvement at odds. 20
7 LOUEY VELOCE *** Resuming sans blinkers and trialling like he can have a say so keep safe. 8.00
8 UNCLE LUCKY ** Broke maiden status in Class 5 last start and pay to follow with tongue-tie off. 8.00
9 FANTASTIC MAN * Competitive on his day but should need easier. 50
10 MR PATRON ** Like to see in Class 5 but in solid form and could sneak out to odds. 33
11 SPIRIT SEVEN * Maiden who should need easier and longer. 200
Race 6
Selections; 2 BORDEAUX – 5 DRAGON G – 4 SPEED CRAFT – 1 BATTLE BOY
A nasty start to the Jackpot or Quaddie for exotic players with a Class 5 raffle over two turns of the tight all-weather track. So we need both a horse having a good day in a suitable race and some luck in running. BORDEAUX hopefully ticks both those boxes with M Rodd from gate 2 a very good combination. The experienced hoop should get a few favours from the nice alley and the horse should do the rest dropping to very winnable company. DRAGON G also wins without surprising. The 7YO had excuses last start before storming home in a similar affair to this and the fact he had plenty of support suggests he can make quick amends here. Plenty of others to mention including TANGIBLE ASSETS back in his recent winning Class, last start winner SPEED CRAFT, CLERMONT CLUB and RED JEWELL coming off his maiden turf win.
1 BATTLE BOY *** Drawn badly and maiden status a concern but will very much appreciate first start in Class 5 and pay to keep safe. 20
2 BORDEAUX *** Another that drops to Class 5 and can win on best form with gate 2 a bonus. 3.00
3 TANGIBLE ASSETS *** Back to recent winning company and will win sooner than later in this type of race. 8.00
4 SPEED CRAFT *** Won last stat similar company over 1900m and in this a long way. 7.00
5 DRAGON G *** Excuses not to go even closer last start when supported and pay to follow. 4.00
6 RED JEWEL ** Broke maiden status last start on the turf but this is a tougher assignment from the wide gate. 12
7 CLERMONT CLUB *** Beaten a long way into second last start but did show why this type of race is his caper. 6.00
8 PINYIN ** Nothing last start but runs on when having a good day. 20
9 STREET CHAMP * Hard to have on recent form. 50
10 NOVA POWER * Not a mile away last start at long odds on the turf but struggles as a rule. 33
11 SUN HANCOCK * Tongue-tie on but needs to show more before we consider. 33
12 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ * Gets blinkers back but hard to have on recent form. 50
13 URBAN LEGEND ** Going along in good order and a must for exotics. 12
14 GRAND PARIS * Usually follows a bad run with a good one but no rhyme or reason to that form line. 33
Race 7
Selections; 1 ELITE STAR – 5 FINE CHOICE – 6 BEST JADE – 8 MR WHITAKER
A few “nonnies” in this race and as such a two-time winner in ELITE STAR gets this chance. The 4YO resumed with a solid effort in a similar affair last start and while drawn wide for this, H Syafiq and his 3kg claim might be too good for them. Trainer Mark Walker has two runners with winning hopes in FINE CHOICE and BEST JADE. Both are one-time winners but are in form and look well placed in this field to run well. Nothing else jumps off the page but MR WHITAKER should really win races like this. But the 5YO hasn’t won since knocking in back-to-back wins in May 2015 and that run of outs is a big concern as he will be short in the betting. SKY ELEVEN and SOON YI two runners to include in exotics at value.
1 ELITE STAR *** Ran on well with support when resuming and can expect much the same. 8.00
2 BATTLE OF TROY * Honest enough type from Australia but like to see support on exposed local trial form. 33
3 HONGCHEN * Will be running on but prefer over longer. 33
4 LIVELY DRAGON * Recent form ordinary. 50
5 FINE CHOICE *** Honest and plays a part in this finish. 5.00
6 BEST JADE *** First up run with support solid and maiden win was this trip with blinkers off. 6.00
7 MASTER DRAGON * No. 100
8 MR WHITAKER ** Hard to fault form but a long time between drinks. 8.00
9 GOLDEN MISSION * Excuses last start but hard to have on form. 50
10 KING OPERA * No. 200
11 SKY ELEVEN ** Needs longer but has been doing great work late in similar affairs and could surprise at long odds. 20
12 SOON YI ** Another to include in exotics at odds but should need Class 5. 20
Race 8
Selections; 1 JOYOUS – 2 JUST NAME IT – 12 SUVARNABHUMI – 14 ROAN RANGER
Fairly bullish about JOYOUS in this Class 5 event over 1400m and all things being equal, he should be hard to beat. The 5YO has only had one win to his name but his form in 2016 has been good in better company than this and he will most likely lead and be very hard to run down over what looks his best trip. JUST NAME IT could be the danger. Yes, he was ordinary last start and certainly not one to win out of turn but Class 5 is his caper and blinkers on could see a result. Nothing else jumps off the page although ZENZERO has won twice this trip and is coming off a solid run and SUVARNABHUMI has better form than most and should be in the mix. ROAN RANGER, SPACE ODDITY and NATURAL NICE three others to keep safe.
1 JOYOUS *** In form and hard to beat dropping to only winning class. 3.00
2 JUST NAME IT *** Almost refuses to win but the race is suitable and blinkers might see a result. 6.00
3 NOVA MASTER * Could improve in Class 5 but returned lame last start and form is a worry. 33
4 DR N WING FIGHTERS ** Resuming after showing nothing last start but appreciates being back in recent winning company. 20
5 KING SAVINSKY * Reassess on the Poly over longer. 33
6 GREAT NINTH * Struggling. 100
7 ZENZERO *** Not a mile away last start and two career wins were this trip. 8.00
8 NATURAL NICE ** Gets blinkers but very disappointing last start with support and may have forgotten how to win. 8.00
9 CAIYAYA * Might appreciate turf but form hopeless. 33
10 MARGAUX ** Drawn a concern as is maiden status but looks to be on the improve. 20
11 SPACE ODDITY ** Maiden who ran on to place last start and worth thought in exotics. 20
12 SUVARNABHUMI *** Has better form than most and wins a race like this without surprising. 8.00
13 LION WAVE * Battled away at his last few runs but needs to find something extra. 33
14 ROAN RANGER *** Maiden who had excuses not to win last start and must go close in a race that suits. 7.00
15 ZAC BENEVOLENT ** Might need longer again but appreciates first up run and could improve at odds. 20
16 ALADDIN ** Not far away similar affair last start and can include in exotics. 20
Race 9
Selections; 7 MYSTIC MASTER – 3 BILLY MOJO – 5 WONDERFUL KNIGHT – 9 KNIGHT CHEN BAY
Not many tougher races to get a line on the form than this Class 4 sprint and it may pay to have a another look on the night to see if the tote can show us something we may not know. Case in point is the newcomer in BILLY MOJO who arrived in Singapore after some good form from New Zealand, which included a solid run at Group level. His local trials suggest he has acclimatized well and a big run at his local debut would not surprise. But not often a Juvenile Championship winner has his next run in Class 4 and MYSTIC MASTER might be very hard to beat. That Group win was also his maiden win but he had shown plenty prior and obviously looks a horse to follow. But this race has plenty depth and from the top, ASPREY, BE BOLD, LIM’S ACTION, WONDERFUL KNIGHT, KNIGHT CHEN BAY and REALLY CAPABLE all win without surprising. Great race but tough for punters.
1 ASPREY *** Can be his own worse enemy but will get his act together and win soon. 8.00
2 BE BOLD *** Did it tough when winning last start on the Poly and pay to follow although drawn badly again. 6.00
3 BILLY MOJO *** Former Kiwi who was racing in good company back in NZ and local trials suggest he can win on debut. 8.00
4 LIM’S ACTION *** Bounced back to form last start and pay to follow. 6.00
5 WONDERFUL KNIGHT *** Nothing last start but from prior in good company suggests he can win this. 20
6 KEVIN ELEVEN ** Last start disappointing over 1400m but pay to keep safe back to 1200m. 50
7 MYSTIC MASTER *** Juvenile Championship winner who looks well placed in this company to win again. 4.00
8 EN CIVIL * Back in trip and have to take on trust. 33
9 KNIGHT CHEN BAY *** Backed up strong maiden win with solid placing in a Novice event and looks suited at handicap conditions. 7.00
10 REALLY CAPABLE *** Freshened after breaking maiden status over 1400m in fine style and looks a horse to follow. 8.00
11 NATION THEATRE * Resuming and prefer to watch. 200
12 HEAVENLY HAND * Battles away but like to see over longer. 100
13 MIGHTY CONQUEROR ** Won with some support on debut and have to follow although this is obviously tougher. 12
14 ORCHARD ROAD ** Went close when resuming and pay to keep safe although wide gate an issue. 20
15 STARPERFECT * Resuming and no. 100
