CHOPIN’S NOCTURNE must go close (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
With only two weeks to go before the $700,000 Kranji Mile, things get very interesting in Singapore with some of our best middle distance horses getting ready for the start of the Singapore Triple Crown Series.
In fact most of the runners in the Kranji Stakes A over 1400m (race 9) will have one eye on the WFA Group 1 event but it takes nothing away from today’s contest.
Starting from the top, WAR AFFAIR will be looking to show he is nearing his best.
The 6YO champ was less than impressive at his first up run after a move to the stables of Bruce Marsh but given the length of the spell, he should strip fitter for the run and can win with a tongue-tie added for good measure.
As you would expect in a race of this stature, he is up against some of the best 1400m horses in Singapore although the likes of QUECHUA and LAUGHING GRAVY – the only other two horses with ratings in the 100’s – will be better suited over the mile or the 1800m of the Raffles Cup.
With this in mind NOVA STRIKE, SPANISH BAY and the extremely consistent MAJESTIC MOMENTS look the benchmark and all three will figure heavily in this finish.
Great race with much more to come in October and November!
Sunday 25 September
Best Bets: (SUVARNABHUMI race 8, win), (CHOPIN’S NOCTURNE race 10, win) and (THE WINGED DRAGON race 5, long-shot).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2, 4 and 7), race 9 (1, 3, 6, 9 and 10), race 10 (1, 2, 5 and 7) and race 11 (1, 2, 4, 8 and 11).
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; 1 ARCHER COMPANY – 2 GUILTLESS – 3 MEAISIN – 11 THE WINGED DRAGON
A bunch of moderate Class 5 battlers fight it out over 1200m on the poly. ARCHER COMPANY dropped back in distance to win in this grade last start. He has the same weight for this and should race well again. GUILTLESS is suited in this grade and while he would prefer 1100m, he gets a claim and should be in the finish. MEAISIN’s last win was in this grade over this trip and he has battled in a higher class since; back in Class 5 he can show up again for Glen Boss. Of the rest, ONE O NINE’s only win was in this Grade over 1000m two starts back; he is well drawn and should get a good run throughout. Others that could show up in an ordinary field are the Maiden’s ASGQAR and SPACE ODDITY. Keep THE WINGED DRAGON safe at odds as his recent trial suggests he may improve with winkers added.
1 ARCHER COMPANY *** Dropped back in distance to win in this grade last start. Has the same weight and should race well again. 3.50
2 GUILTLESS *** Suited in this grade. Would prefer 1100m but gets a claim and should be in the finish. 4.00
3 MEAISIN *** Last win was in this grade over this trip but has battled since. Back in Class 5 can show up again for Glen Boss. 6.00
4 ONE O NINE ** Only win was in this Grade over 1000m two starts back. Well drawn and should get a good run throughout. 8.00
5 PETITE VICTOIRE ** Showed some form last start and has won at the trip. Not the most reliable but could be running on. 14
6 ASHQAR ** Still a Maiden but placed over 1100m here last start at first outing for new trainer. Could show up again. 8.00
7 HERECOMESMYMONEY * Gets a tongue-tie but recent efforts have been ordinary. 16
8 METAPHOR * Resuming. Still a Maiden after 21 starts but has placed four times at this distance. 33
9 RUN CHEETAH RUN * Won one of these four starts back but has struggled since. Did not show up at first run for new trainer last start. 20
10 DRAGON * Recent form poor but only poly win was over this trip in Class 5. Drops back from 1600m on turf and needs to improve. 20
11 THE WINGED DRAGON ** Gets winkers and recent trial suggests he can improve at odds. 33
12 SPACE ODDITY * Hard t follow but placed in this company four starts back and gets Duric. 20
13 LAM EDITION ** Placed in this company last start but remains a 27 start Maiden. 33
Race 6
Selections; 2 DAMON – 1 BILLY BRITAIN – 3 LUCKY JUSTICE – 4 SATELLITE PRINCE
A Class 4 over 1800m will give DAMON a chance down in grade to win. The 5YO was unsuited over 1400m last start and was racing soundly in better company prior to that and should race well at this class and distance. BILLY BRITAIN also gets a chance to knock in another win. The 7YO is racing soundly and will appreciate the 3kg claim for Siggi Carr; this distance suits and he will be hard to beat. The winkers go on PRECIOUS GEM who has performed well in better company in the past and, over what is a suitable distance, could race well for Vlad Duric. LUCKY JUSTICE is an interesting runner who has not been far away at both Singapore outings and can win this while others of interest include HIGHER SOUL who placed at her only try at the trip and SATELLITE PRINCE who ran on well over a mile last start and could make his presence felt.
1 BILLY BRITAIN *** Racing soundly and will appreciate 3kg claim. Suited this distance and will be hard to beat. 3.50
2 DAMON *** Unsuited over 1400m last start. Racing soundly in better company prior and should race well at this class and distance. 4.50
3 LUCKY JUSTICE *** Not far away at both Singapore outings. Pulled up with respiratory distress at only attempt beyond a mile in Australia. Racing well enough to make his presence felt in this grade. 6.00
4 SATELLITE PRINCE *** Ran on solidly in this grade to just miss last start over a mile. Stepping up in trip but should be handy throughout. 10
5 PRECIOUS GEM *** Winkers on and better suited this distance. Has performed well in better company in the past and could race well for Duric. 6.00
6 SIAM THE TRIUMPH * Former Argentinean who has done nothing at two Singapore starts. May be better suited this distance. 33
7 GOLAZO ** Won at this distance in KSD company 4 starts back and has not been far away since. Was pushed in recent trial and gets blinkers. Should be handy throughout. 20
8 RAMZES * Battling since coming to Singapore and only win was over a mile at Hastings (NZ). Needs to improve on efforts to date. 25
9 HIGHER SOUL ** Should be running on and each-way all the way. 10
10 EASY DRAGON ** Won easily in Class 5 last start. In form but will find this harder. 20
11 DANGER ZONE ** Resuming and always in the mix but rarely wins. 20
12 SPECIAL FORCE * Was in an unsuitable race last start. Better suited this distance but might need easier. 25
13 AMISTAD * Distance suits but might want easier. 20
Race 7
Selections; 2 NORTHERN KNIGHT – 4 MIGHTY KENNY – 6 HIGH BLADE – 12 BIG GUARDIAN
An ordinary KSD over the polytrack mile with plenty of hopes. NORTHERN KNIGHT gets his chance for a first Singapore win. The 5YO has been racing soundly in Class 4 and his only win was over this trip at Hastings in NZ; he should be suited in this grade and race well with Manoel Nunes up. MIGHTY KENNY only battled on turf last start but his previous form in this grade was strong and he has won at the distance; he is poorly drawn but could be hard to hold out. HIGH BLADE is racing soundly in this company and he gets Vlad Duric so should be prominent throughout. Of the others, BIG GUARDIAN won too well last start in Class 5 not to be some hope while CLUTHA LAD hasn’t won for some time but is dropping in grade and can show up over this trip.
1 CLUTHA LAD *** Hasn’t won for some time but is dropping in grade and can show up over this trip. Has a good poly record and has won 3 times at 1700m and placed 3 from 8 at this trip. 8.00
2 NORTHERN KNIGHT *** Racing soundly in Class 4. Only win was over this trip at Hastings in NZ. Should be suited this grade and be hard to beat with Nunes up. 4.00
3 PEER GYNT * Drops in grade but has struggled at this distance previously and only win was over 1000m. May be tested. 33
4 MIGHTY KENNY *** Only battled on turf last start but previous form in this grade was strong. Poorly drawn but could be hard to hold out. 4.00
5 SUCCESSION ** Winkers back on and drops in Grade. Only win was on turf but has placed two from three on poly and this distance suits. Claim helps and should be in the finish. 6.00
6 HIGH BLADE *** Just missed last start, gets Duric and should be prominent throughout. 6.00
7 CAPTIVATE * Only battled when resuming for new trainer. Hasn’t won for three years and had plenty of issues. Needs to improve. 25
8 SMART VINTAGE ** Struggled in Class 4 last start over an unsuitable distance but previous form was sound and suited this distance. With Michael Rodd up should be running on late. 7.00
9 LIM’S BATTLE ** Form moderate but senior rider may help and this race should suit. 25
10 GREENSTONE * Hasn’t won for a very long time and recent efforts poor. 33
11 CHEETAH KING ** Has found form in Class 5 on turf but has never won on poly and this is harder. 33
12 BIG GUARDIAN *** Broke through over 1700m on poly last start in Class 5 and should be competitive. 33
13 KAI POWER * Recent form poor and best efforts have been on turf over longer. 25
14 TIGER BAY ** Blinkers off and suited this company and trip. Value. 20
Race 8
Selections; 2 SUVARNABHUMI – 1 MARGAUX – 7 MASURAO – 4 MISS WAIMATAITAI
The second division of the Class 5’s over 1400m and as you would expect there are not many winning chances. In fact two of the horses that look like winning are maidens but MARGAUX and MISS WAIMATAITAI both should get support and must go close. Of the two, MARGAUX probably looks the better option although Glen Boss will have to be at his best after drawing gate 12. MISS WAIMATAITAI gets gate 5 and given she had plenty of excuses last start, the good gate might see a result. But the horse to be on is SUVARNABHUMI. The 5YO also had excuses last start not to win and from gate 1 with a handy Kif Toh 3kg claim, he can win. MASURAO the other horse that wins without surprising but hard to be confident in races like this.
1 MARGAUX *** Maiden who looks due and should figure in this finish. 4.00
2 SUVARNABHUMI *** Excuses not to win similar affair last start and hard to beat from gate 1. 4.00
3 CAIYAYA * Improved a tad last start but easier to ignore. 33
4 MISS WAIMATAITAI *** Plenty of excuses last start and looks a chance to break maiden status in this. 12
5 SATELLITE STAR ** In form and ran on well last start but turf form is a worry. 8.00
6 SCIMITAR ** Will plug away manfully but exotics best over 1400m. 8.00
7 MASURAO *** In a good vein of form and in this a very long way. 4.00
8 RAINBOW WARRIOR ** Maiden who is thereabouts on a good day and a must for exotics. 12
9 EVERTRUST ** Solid of late and another to include in exotics at odds. 20
10 CASSIS OOLONG * Not on recent form. 50
11 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ * Tongue-tie on but easier to ignore. 50
12 SGFIFTY * No. 100
13 BROWNE’S ANATOMY * Needs to find something extra. 33
Race 9
Selections; 1 WAR AFFAIR – 6 MAJESTIC MOMENTS – 10 NOVA STRIKE – 3 LAUGHING GRAVY
While “only” a Kranji Stakes A, this race has a field that boasts more Group winners than not and should also see arguably the best horse in Singapore, WAR AFFAIR, show he has plenty to offer heading into the end of season features. Can he win? Hopefully he strips fitter (and lighter) for a below par first-up run and from gate 2 with a tongue-tie added, he can show something near his best and yes, he can win. But he will have to be close to his best given MAJESTIC MOMENTS is in top form and looks well placed with 56.5kg and horses like NOVA STRIKE and SPANISH BAY will definitely play a part on form in what could be a very busy finish. The interesting runners could be LAUGHING GRAVY who, while yet to win under 1600m, is top class and very much appreciates his first run back while BORN TO FLY could sneak under a few radars first-up after a spell as he has won under similar circumstances previously.
1 WAR AFFAIR *** Champ who definitely needed the first-up run. Goes close with tongue-tie added. 3.50
2 QUECHUA ** In winning form and too good to leave out but 1400m could be too short. 12
3 LAUGHING GRAVY *** Another yet to win below a mile but form too good to leave out of winning calculations. 8.00
4 BORN TO FLY *** Resuming sans blinkers and has won similar affair first-up previously so keep very safe at odds. 20
5 DANIEL ** Over 12 months since last win but looks to be finding top form and pay to follow. 12
6 MAJESTIC MOMENTS *** Extremely honest and looks well placed from gate 3 to win a race like this. 5.00
7 EMPEROR’S BANQUET * Issues last start but subsequently trialled well but should need longer to show his best. 33
8 FASTNET DRAGON ** Resuming after changing stables. Last campaign was excellent without winning. Keep safe with blinkers to winkers. 12
9 SPANISH BAY *** In form and always puts himself into a winning position and looks the benchmark. 9.00
10 NOVA STRIKE *** Showed in the Jumbo Jet he is up to this Company and will have admirers to win this. 5.00
11 GOLD RUTILE ** Will get out to value and worth thought in skinny end of the exotics. 33
12 SLEW OF LODE * Needs to lift on recent efforts. 50
13 BLUE SWEDE ** Would have benighted from first-up run and could run into exotic calculations very late at odds. 33
Race 10
Selections; 5 CHOPIN’S NOCTURNE – 2 DIVIDED HOUSE – 7 CONILAD – 1 CASING ROYAL
A nice race for sure but while we can make a strong case for the likes of DIVIDED HOUSE, CONILAD and CASING ROYAL, the money might go on CHOPIN’S NOCTURNE. The 4YO has looked more than handy knocking in two wins and three placings from eight career starts but it was his win at his only Poly run that will have him under notice here. That effort coupled with progressive form should see him start favourite and from gate 6, Nunes should give him every chance. He will have to be good to beat the three horses mentioned earlier with special mention to DIVIDED HOUSE who had all sorts of excuses last start and gives this a shake on honest best form. The depth falls away after this quartet as while in form, LIM’S SINCERE should be tested over 1200m.
1 CASING ROYAL *** In form and has a very good Poly record so can win. 6.00
2 DIVIDED HOUSE *** Blew the start and her chances at recent run when supported and gets her chance to knock in first Poly win here. 3.00
3 FORTUNE WINNER ** Supported and ran well last start over 1400m and will be working home in this. 8.00
4 BLACK FURY * Resuming on best surface but recent trials only fair so play with care. 20
5 CHOPIN’S NOCTURNE *** Progressive type who won well at only Poly start and must go close here. 3.00
6 LIM’S SINCERE ** Will look the winner at some stage but should be tested over 1200m. 8.00
7 CONILAD *** Disappointing given the support at his last couple but wins this without surprising. 4.00
8 MANGATOETOENUI * Resuming and handles the Poly but should need easier than this. 33
9 MASTERMIND * Reassess in easier Company. 50
10 STORM TROOPER * Form better than it reads but should need easier and longer. 33
11 SAVAGE STORM ** Versatile and pay to include in exotics while in winning form. 20
12 THE WIND * Also in winning form but realistically needs easier and perhaps longer. 33
Race 11
Selections; 11 QUEEN ROULETTE – 2 LIM’S KNIGHT – 1 BE BOLD – 4 RED DAWN
A terrific race to finish what should have been a greats days racing with most horses having a winning chance. Yes, that will make it tough for punters – especially quartet or jackpot players – but it should provide value if we can find the winner. QUEEN ROULETTE has certainly found form and the 3YO filly can win in Class 4. Her effort behind the highly rated Fitzroy last start in a Graduation sprint was very good and she looks placed in this Company with 54.5kg. LIM’S KNIGHT also appeals. The 4YO has done little wrong at six career starts and his last start win in KSD Company easily good enough to win this. It doesn’t stop there with BE BOLD a big show from a nice gate and RED DAWN very much appreciating the drop to Class 4 and he could be value while GROENEWEGEN has trialled well enough to think he goes mighty close first-up after a spell. Blanket over the rest.
1 BE BOLD *** Ran on well last start in similar affair and gets his chance from better alley. 12
2 LIM’S KNIGHT *** Won very well in KSD Company last start and can overcome wide gate and win again. 5.00
3 LITTLE BIG MAN ** Resuming with a solid trial under his belt after a shocker in the Guineas and can consider on form prior. 12
4 RED DAWN *** Form better than it reads and very much appreciates drop to Class 4. 12
5 KEVIN ELEVEN * Coming off two bad runs and have to take on trust. 33
6 LAKE HUKA ** In solid form and gets his chance from gate 1. 12
7 PALTROW ** Issues last start when supported in similar affair and can follow with gate 2 a factor. 12
8 GROENEWEGEN *** Resuming after very good run of form and can win first up on the back of a nice trial. 6.00
9 LIM’S ELUSIVE ** Enough to like about first up run to think he will be more than competitive here. 14
10 ASPEN ** Back in trip a concern but appreciates the turf and could add value to exotics. 20
11 QUEEN ROULETTE *** Lost no friends when being beaten in a Graduation sprint last start and looks well placed to win this. 3.00
12 SATELLITE BOY ** Form reads badly but gets blinkers and could run a very cheeky race at odds. 33
13 DASH OF CLASS * Gets blinkers added to gear but form poor. 100
14 PUBLIC FIGURE ** Appreciates first up run and can improve at odds. 33
