MARINE TREASURE looks like he could win this (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
Not many horses arrive in Singapore with a CV that reads as well as ECLAIR CHOICE’s but after two unplaced runs at Kranji, it’s time the 5YO gelding got a result.
True, the son of California Dane did debut at Group level and had excuses when running fourth over 1200m, however, he has won two Group 2’s in Australia and that recent form should have more than held up in Singapore.
His second run in Singapore – also at Group 3 level – was no real improvement so Pat Shaw has wasted no time in adding blinkers to his gear and sending him out over 1100m in Kranji Stakes A Company, which does look ideal.
His recent trial suggests he might give them something to pass late and surely he has the class to keep them all at bay.
As usual Pat Shaw has multiple chances in a high quality race but what is unusual of late is the fact it is a Poly sprint where he also saddles ROYAL RULER and THE GENERAL.
Both are Poly specialists but ROYAL RULER in particular has hit a rich vein of winning form and is the danger to ECLAIR CHOICE.
Friday 14 October
Best Bets: (ECLAIR CHOICE race 7 win), (GRAND CROSS race 9, win) and (MARINE TREASURE race 3, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 9), race 7 (2 and 8), race 8 (1, 2, 5, 7 and 9), race 9 (2, 3 and 5).
Race cards from Singapore and Larry Foley’s synopsis follows below.
For updates on all runners go to www.kranjiracing.com
Please note the odds listed are “reference odds” only.
Race 1
Selections; 2 FLYING WINNER – 4 SKY ELEVEN – 9 KNIGHT SPIRIT – 10 PUSONG PINOY
A solid opener to what looks a very good weekends racing and we can expect a very busy finish in a field with depth. In fact there are plenty of horses that find themselves in Class 5 for the first time (or the first time in a long time) so expect some marked improvement. The market will obviously be a good guide but as it stands FLYING WINNER has looked due and gets his chance in the right Company. The 5YO certainly won’t win out of turn but did break his maiden status over this trip and look well placed here with Nunes to jump from gate 4. SKY ELEVEN is an interesting runner. The 6YO is in better form than it reads on paper and with blinkers on with a 3kg claimer onboard, he can win. Others that get a mention include KNIGHT SPIRIT who will be hitting the line late better than most and the maiden PUSONG PINOY who gets his chance in Class 5. FRENCH VINTAGE, Q NINE MAGIC and even CHAIRMAN WIND, three others to watch.
1 CHAIRMAN WIND ** Resuming after poor run of form but gets senior hoop and should improve in Class 5. 12
2 FLYING WINNER *** Has looked due of late and gets his chance dropping to Class 5. 4.00
3 Q NINE MAGIC *** Won similar affair last start and have to respect while in winning form. 6.00
4 SKY ELEVEN *** Form better than it reads and could easily show up in this Company with blinkers added and claim. 8.00
5 FRENCH VINTAGE *** Drawn awkwardly but showed last start why 1400m is his caper and pay to follow. 12
6 LUCKY COIN ** Improved effort last start in similar affair and can include in exotics. 12
7 SMART MASTER * Excuses when resuming but may want longer again before we consider. 33
8 SUPERMART ** Excuses last start and always a show in races like this. 10
9 KNIGHT SPIRIT *** Back in trip but in form and will come into winning contention late. 12
10 PUSONG PINOY *** Disappointing not to have won by now but gets winkers and should appreciate Class 5. 9.00
11 GOLD POWER ** Another maiden who appreciates Class 5 and look for improvement on solid last start effort. 20
12 VOYAGER ** Excuses last start and worth thought on OK form prior. 20
13 WATER PARK ** Disappointing last couple but recent trial good so worth a look at value with blinkers on. 20
14 CAMERA STELLATA * Recent form poor but 1400m has looked his caper so watch for support. 33
Race 2
Selections; 8 Q NINE MILLION – 4 KRATOS – 5 LIM’S OPERATION – 6 LIM’S SIGNATURE
A relatively small field heads to the start of this Restricted Maiden but it is a tricky affair with the market a very good guide. Especially given there are three newcomers including LIM’S SIGNATURE who won a trial in NZ before having two quiet trials in Singapore. He is one of three Mark Walker runners and gets Duric and the ace so watch for support. Both of Walkers others runners – PRINCE DARCI and Q NINE MILLION – also look to have chances with the latter the obvious pick with solid debut with support under his belt. The other obvious pick on race form is LIM’S OPERATION who flew home to place on debut and he can win if he is closer when it counts, while KRATOS resuming is also worth a serious look on his good trial form.
1 HALO BRIGHT ** Resuming and may have appreciated the break after showing plenty of speed before faltering at his first campaign. 12
2 BANDA SEA * Best run was the trip and should improve with race experience. 33
3 EMPEROR WARRIOR * Did win a trial in a slow time so marker best guide on debut. 20
4 KRATOS *** Resuming after disappointing debut with support but trials well and could show up with tongue-tie added. 8.00
5 LIM’S OPERATION *** Ran on very well at odds on debut and can with this if handier when things get serious. 3.00
6 LIM’S SIGNATURE ** Pushed when winning NZ trial before two quiet local trials. Gets Duric and the ace so watch for support. 6.00
7 PRINCE DARCI ** Solid at Official trials and expect much the same on debut. 6.00
8 Q NINE MILLION *** Supported and ran well enough on debut to improve and win this. 3.00
Race 3
Selections; 4 HELLO MICHELLE – 2 MARINE TREASURE – 7 RAINBOW ROYAL – 1 MAIDANZ BEAUTY
With a couple of horses with winning hopes either resuming, making their Singapore debuts or coming off poor runs, a last start winner in HELLO MICHELLE might get smashed by punters. And given that win added to what was a good Poly record, she can win again in a race that suits. Who beats her? MARINE TREASURE resumes in what is a suitable race and worth serious thought. The now 4YO had a crack at 3YO Group Company last campaign and given he has won on the Poly and has trialled well, he gets his chance. Of the others with winning hopes, RAINBOW ROYAL is better than what he showed last start when he returned a roarer and hopefully a tongue-tie sorts that problem out while the newcomer from New Zealand, MAIDANZ BEAUTY, has a solid record over sprint trips and a market watch in order on soft local trials.
1 MAIDANZ BEAUTY *** A winner of three from eight in Australia and market watch in order after three quiet local trials. 12
2 MARINE TREASURE *** Resuming after some ambitious 3YO Group runs last campaign and happy to think he wins a race like this. 5.00
3 BLUE DIAMOND ** Improved at odds last start and always some show on best form. 12
4 HELLO MICHELLE *** filly who showed again last start why the Poly is her caper and can win this. 1.80
5 RED ANT * Not a mile away last start but like to see more before we consider. 33
6 SATELLITE BOY ** Ran a very cheeky race when blinkers when on last start and drop back to 1100m looks a good move. 20
7 RAINBOW ROYAL *** Gets tongue-tie after returning a roarer last start and pay to give another chance on good maiden win prior. 12
8 CELERITAS ** Up in grade but in form and has enough speed to keep safe. 12
9 THE MIGHTY THOR * Recent win in Class 5 and happy to wait for that Company and perhaps blinkers. 50
10 NOVA STAR * Reassess in easier Company. 100
11 LEADERSHIP * In from but a better option on the turf. 20
12 UNSURPASSED * Yet to win in Singapore but often thereabouts and can include in exotics. 20
Race 4
Selections; 6 MASURAO – 2 MISS WAIMATAITAI – 1 SECRET SPICE – 5 SUVARNABHUMI
Too many “nonnies” in this race to be confident which gives a few maidens a chance to show their best and win. Heading the maiden brigade is MISS WAIMATAITAI who gets another chance to repay the faith shown in her loyal followers. Yes, she has been disappointing with support not to have won by now but a win in this field would not surprise. ROAN RANGER is another maiden who looks a wining show and has to be considered on his past two runs. MASURAO is not a maiden but may have forgotten how to win. His only win was some two years ago but he certainly looks the benchmark in this race on recent form. Of the rest, SECRET SPICE will get back and be running on late and gets his chance in this field while SUVARNABHUMI is also a winning show if he can make a forward move from the wide gate early.
1 SECRET SPICE *** Will get back and run on in what looks a very suitable race. 8.00
2 MISS WAIMATAITAI *** Overdue to break maiden status but again looks a show with visor off for this. 3.70
3 NATURAL NICE * Wins a race like this on his day but easier to ignore on recent form. 20
4 SATELLITE STAR ** Will be running into exotic calculations late but a better option on the Poly. 12
5 SUVARNABHUMI *** Excuses last start and can go forward from wide gate and have a say. 12
6 MASURAO *** Two years since maiden win a concern but in form and in this a very long way. 3.00
7 SPUR ME ON ** Resuming after a poor run of form but gets Duric and has trialled well recently so keep safe. 12
8 AUREUS * No. 100
9 ROAN RANGER *** Still a Maiden but placed at past two over this distance and trialling solidly. 12
10 ALADDIN ** Has battled away of late and could add value to exotics. 20
11 SIMPANG * Better on the Poly. 100
12 BONJOUR BOB ** 24 start maiden who placed over a mile last start in this grade and can be handy throughout. 20
13 JIMTOWN ** Another long-term maiden who has shown glimpses of late and can include in exotics. 20
14 BROWNE’S ANATOMY * Better than what he has shown of late but wide gate make it tough. 50
15 CASSIS OOLONG * No. 100
Race 5
Selections; 1 LIM’S CRUISER – 2 ZEUS – 5 GILT COMPLEX – 4 BIG BROTHER
A terrific race and while there are some horses in cracking form, LIM’S CRUISER looks a potential top-liner who is the one to beat. The 4YO hit the ground running after arriving as a raced maiden from Australia/New Zealand and his record in Singapore of three wins and two placings from just five starts is imposing. Add the fact he won in this Class last start (and the trip two starts back) so he is the one to beat. But as mentioned there are plenty of others with good form to go on including MAGSTOCK up in Class after back-to-back wins and BIG BROTHER who is flying as well. ZUES is another that wins without surprising after a very eye-catching first up run while GILT COMPLEX had excuses last start and should figure heavily in this finish.
1 LIM’S CRUISER *** Very promising type who is just winning too well not to follow. 2.30
2 ZEUS *** Resumed with eye-catching placing over 1200m and suited this trip and Company. 6.00
3 IKING ** Refuses to run a bad race and will keep the fancies honest again. 12
4 BIG BROTHER *** Tested this Company but hard to fault form and pay to respect. 4.00
5 GILT COMPLEX *** Never in the hunt before running on very well last start and wins a race like this on his day. 8.00
6 BRILLIANT DEAL * Can run a cheeky race but should need longer with blinkers removed. 33
7 MAGSTOCK *** Freshened with a nice trial after back-to-back wins in easier Company but pay to keep safe. 12
8 ELUSIVE EMPEROR ** Ignore last start where he had excuses and should be competitive on best form. 12
9 FELICHE * Appreciates first-up run but needs longer again. 33
Race 6
Selections; 3 HOLY TRILOGY – 1 ALFONSO – 4 ABOVE THE HORIZON – 9 ZAC BENEVOLENT
The usual suspects and given a few of the runners were thereabouts in similar Company over 1800m last start, we can start the form with them. In fact HOLY TRIOGY was better than thereabouts as he was first over the line before being relegated following a protest from the third placed horse in ALFONSO. Both these horses are obviously in the mix again and not much separates them. One horse that had no luck in that same race was ABOVE THE HORIZON. The 6YO has drawn wide here so will need luck but certainly plays a part in a race that suits. Of the rest, ORION and KING OF THIEVES pick themselves on form and ZAC BENEVOLENT is the improver after two runs this campaign stepping up to his ideal trip.
1 ALFONSO *** Long time between drinks but is due and gets another chance. 4.00
2 BOHEMIAN * Maiden who needs to improve. 50
3 HOLY TRILOGY *** Relegated from first at his last start and can make amends. 4.00
4 ABOVE THE HORIZON *** All sorts of excuses in similar Company last start and can finish in the mix with luck from wide gate. 12
5 ORION *** Has been trying for a while but step up to 2000m might see a result. 12
6 KING OF THIEVES *** In form and another that might get a result stepping up to 2000m. 5.00
7 GALAXY EXPRESS ** Form better than it reads but always an each-way show in races like this. 20
8 ZAHIR ** Battles away manfully and always worth thought. 12
9 ZAC BENEVOLENT *** Form better than it reads and very much appreciates step up to suitable trip after two runs this campaign. 20
10 FOREST KING ** Maiden who has found some form of late and pay to include in exotics. 20
11 PINYIN ** Dour type who appreciates the turf and trip with blinkers removed for this. 20
12 DOUBLE JEOPARDY * Long-term maiden and easier to ignore. 50
13 NOVA POWER ** Cheeky run expected at odds. 20
14 URBAN LEGEND ** Could excuse last start and take on solid effort this trip prior. 20
15 NATURAL WATER * H2NO. 200
Race 7
Selections; 2 ECLAIR CHOICE – 8 ROYAL RULER – 10 THE GENERAL – 3 OLYMPIC ANTHEM
I think it’s far to say Pat Shaw and his three jockeys have a big say in how this race is run and won. And all thing being equal it is his highly regarded recruit from Australia, ECLAIR CHOICE, who is the one the stable will think is hardest to beat. The 5YO came with big wraps and while slightly disappointing not to have placed (or won) at his two runs in Singapore, they were in Group Company and he will find this easier with a nice blinker trial under his belt. His stablemate ROYAL RULER looks the biggest danger on recent form and it hard to fault his Poly record. Olivier Placais takes the ride and Vorster on ECLAIR CHOICE would want to keep the Frenchman in his sights. Of the rest that could trouble the favourite, THE GENERAL (also from the Shaw stable) is always a show on the Poly as is GREAT SUN and OLYMPIC ANTHEM.
1 EL PADRINO * Not at his best of late. 50
2 ECLAIR CHOICE *** Gets blinkers after two solid runs in Group Company and recent trial suggests he is hard to beat. 2.20
3 OLYMPIC ANTHEM ** Appreciates first-up run and always a winning show in races like this. 6.00
4 JAY EFF EXPRESS * Smart type resuming but slight query on the Poly at this level. 20
5 DRAGON FURY * Resuming and might find a few of these too slick. 33
6 ITALIAN JOB * Not a mile away last start but needs to show more this campaign before considering. 33
7 NOVA WARRIOR * Better than what he has shown of late but have to take on trust. 33
8 ROYAL RULER *** Hard to fault winning Poly form and keep the stalemates more than honest in this. 5.00
9 GOLDEN SAND STEED * No. 100
10 THE GENERAL ** Another Shaw runner that gives this a shake on excellent Poly form. 7.00
11 GREAT SUN ** A long time between wins and drawn awkwardly but in form and should figure somewhere. 6.00
Race 8
Selections; 1 LUCKY JUSTICE – 2 KINGS RYKER – 5 JOHNNY KONGOS – 7 SPIRIT SEVEN
A tricky race for punters with three last start winners involved – JOHNNY KONGOS, SPIRIT SEVEN and SPEED CRAFT – but all are up in grade which makes lining up the form tougher than usual. Of the three, JOHNNY KONGOS probably has the most upside given he won well and gets blinkers added to his gear for the step up in Class. SPIRIT SEVEN also won well and has been competitive in this Company previously and SPEED CRAFT is coming off back-to-back Class 5 wins so hard to fault his form. But the top of the ratings is where it’s at and former Australian LUCKY JUSTICE looks ready to break his Singapore duck. The 4YO gets a tongue-tie added to his gear and has shown enough at three starts at Kranji to win at his first start on the Poly. KIRKS RYKER the other obvious pick and wins without surprising.
1 LUCKY JUSTICE *** Thereabouts at all three runs in Singapore and switch to Poly could see a result with tongue-tie added. 5.00
2 KINGS RYKER *** Ran on well last start over the mile and expect much the same here. 4.00
3 BLOSSOMS SEQUEL * Has struggled of late and wide gate again is no help. 33
4 GOLDEN CASINO ** In solid form and always an each-way show. 20
5 JOHNNY KONGOS *** Broke maiden status over the mile on the Poly and subsequent trial suggests he is worth following with blinkers added. 5.00
6 CLUTHA LAD * Not on recent form. 50
7 SPIRIT SEVEN *** Won well when breaking maiden status last start in Class 5 and pay to keep following. 6.00
8 DANGER ZONE * Looked to have issues when resuming but like to see something before considering. 33
9 SPEED CRAFT *** Found winning Class 5 form and recent trial suggests he is up to this Company. 6.00
10 KING OPERA * Needs to show more. 50
11 MR CONNERY ** Gets winkers and can always give a sight on the Poly but may need easier. 12
Race 9
Selections; 2 GRAND CROSS – 3 SUPERSONICSURPRISE – 5 SILVER WIND – 1 HONEST TRUTH
In a race with no real Class 4 depth, GRAND CROSS could be a handy get of gaol card in the lucky last. The former Australian has shown more than enough at three starts in Singapore to think he wins better races than this and from gate 1 in this field, he is very hard to beat. SUPERSONICSURPRISE could be the danger. The 5YO has a terrific record over this trip so the drop back from 1200m looks a good move and he will figure somewhere in this finish. Another to watch is SILVER WIND after changing stables and a freshen up. The 4YO won on debut before doing it tough at his second start but with a couple of trials under his belt he should show his best with gate 2 a factor. Nothing else jumps off the page but HONEST TRUTH appreciates the Company.
1 HONEST TRUTH ** Struggling of late but showed speed last start and appreciates drop to Class 4 so watch market. 12
2 GRAND CROSS *** Just missed breaking Singapore duck last start in similar affair and hard to beat from the ace. 2.00
3 SUPERSONICSURPRISE *** Appreciates drop back to 1100m and will figure at the business end. 5.00
4 LIM’S GREETING ** Form reads badly but could show up in this type of race with market best guide. 20
5 SILVER WIND *** Resuming for new stable and did it tough enough last start to consider on good debut win. 5.00
6 FAITHFULLY ** Issues when resuming and worth thought at odds on good recent trial. 20
7 RED GENERAL * Resuming after bleeding attack and have to take on trust. 33
8 HIKO YUNIKON ** Always some show and often value in this Company so keep very safe. 12
9 AMAZING MAN ** Maiden who has enough speed to be competitive in race like this. 20
10 STARSKY * No. 50
11 LET’S TALK NOW * Competitive on his day but like to see in easier Company. 33
