NOVA SPIRIT can bring some good trial form (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
A stand-alone Friday night meeting in Singapore and the 10 race card looks to have something for everyone.
Some very good maiden races could make for a few interesting markets for punters and hopefully NOVA SPIRIT can bring some good trial form with blinkers to the races and salute in the second on the card.
SOUTHERN HUSSLER in race 4 also looks extremely well placed to break his maiden status after finishing second in Class 4 Company at his last start.
The third maiden race on the card is the sixth over 1200m and PREFERRED resumes with some very nice trails under his belt and looks a terrific option first-up.
If maidens aren’t your cup of tea, then a strong Class 4 field (race 5) could see some serious betting action.
And while th
ere are plenty of horses with strong recent local form on the board to pick from, it may be a newcomer from Australia in WHITE HUNTER who causes an upset.
The 4YO raced in some solid company in Melbourne before arriving and a recent trial suggests he has settled in very well and can win at his local debut.
Friday 6 November
Best Bets: (NEWLANDS race 10, win), (SOUTHERN HUSSLER race 4, win) and (WHITE HUNTER race 5, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 7 (1, 2, 4, 8 and 10), race 8 (2, 4, 6 and 8), race 9 (2, 3 and 4), race 10 (1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9).
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 TIM – 8 SPECTA DILEMMA – 1 HARDEN UP – 13 OUR RIVER DANCER
Not the type of race you would rush to get the track given our top pick – TIM – hasn’t won for near on two years and may have forgotten where the winners’ stall is. The experienced Johnny Powell gets his chance to get the job done but given the 6YO is in super form, he gets his chance here. The field is weak and SPECTA DILEMMA looks the main danger. The veteran has hit some form of late and has enough speed to think he will look the winner late with his hoop – Antonio Da Silva – also in cracking form. Winning form is good form and while HARDEN UP and READY FORTUNE are both dropping back in distance since those wins, they have to be respected. Nothing else to consider unless either of the two emergencies – OUR RIVER DANCER and SMART SUPREME – get a start as both would have winning chances.
1 HARDEN UP *** Back in trip but in winning form and should be doing best work late. 4.00
2 LIM’S CASINO ** Resuming and goes well enough fresh to consider although wide gate a concern. 12
3 TIM *** In very good form but nearing two years without a win is a concern. 3.00
4 READY FORTUNE ** Another last start winner dropping in trip and should need longer to be a threat. 20
5 OASIS SPUR * Gets tongue-tie but struggling. 50
6 SUPER BIG * Struggles as a rule. 50
7 DOUBLE JEOPARDY ** Back in trip after being disappointing with support last start and have to take on trust. 12
8 SPECTA DILEMMA *** Both horse and jockey in very good form an can win this. 3.00
9 BANK ON ME * No. 100
10 KATONG PARK * Blinkers off and easier to ignore. 50
11 SILVER FLY * Not for me. 20
12 GOLDEN ROSEWOOD ** Not a mile away when resuming and could figure in exotics at value. 20
13 OUR RIVER DANCER *** Back in trip but pay to put a line through his last start and keep safe on previous winning form. 8.00
14 SMART SUPREME *** Form reads badly but company and race suits so look for big run. 20
Race 2
Selections; 9 NOVA SPIRIT – 6 LUCKY BOY – 2 DRAGON GOLD – 5 AUSONE
Plenty of likely types in this maiden and to be honest, it will probably pay to wait to see what the tote tells us closer to start time. But as it stands, NOVA SPIRIT looks one to watch after showing plenty at the trials when blinkers were added after just a fair debut. In fact his efforts suggests he will improves lengths and could be the horse to beat with Michael Ewe jumping from gate 4. A newcomer in LUCKY BOY is also one to watch on trial form. The 3YO won his first trial easily – albeit in a slow time – and his subsequent effort was also good enough to follow on debut. Other newcomers to watch on trial form include AUSONE and AURORA AUSTRALIA while DRAGON GOLD and MOTHER NATURE both have plenty of race experience and should figure somewhere at the business end.
1 IN BOCCA AL LUPO ** Thereabouts as a rule but skinny end of exotics look best. 33
2 DRAGON GOLD *** Has plenty of speed and best result was on the turf so gets his chance. 7.00
3 ASTROCANDY * Need support given trial form. 33
4 AURORA AUSTRALIS *** Drawn awkwardly but looked comfortable at trials and could show up on debut. 12
5 AUSONE *** Trials nice enough to think he gets support on debut and worth thought. 10
6 LUCKY BOY *** Trials very well and looks the one the others have to beat on debut. 4.00
7 NATURAL WATER * Nothing on debut. 50
8 NINEPINS * Prefer to just watch on debut given trial form. 20
9 NOVA SPIRIT *** Debut just fair but has trialed extremely well with blinkers added and can win this. 5.00
10 PUTHIMONICE ** Improved at recent trial with blinkers so watch for support. 12
11 UNION JAC ** Gets blinkers after just fair debut with some support and should improve. 20
12 MOTHER NATURE *** Supported and went close last start and will give a sight. 4.00
13 FLYING SHADOW * Will improve with racing but should need easier. 50
14 SPACE ODDITY * Needs to find a few lengths. 100
Race 3
Selections; 1 MR CONNERY – 2 MUSCLE BEACH – 4 LUCKY COIN – 7 SIR
REGINALD
It looks like Laurie Laxon has a lot of faith in John Powell today to get jobs done that other jockeys can’t. In race 1 it was TIM who hasn’t won for nearly two years and in this race it’s MR CONNERY who has yet to win on the turf. But the 4YO has placed on the grass and will very much appreciate Kranji Stakes D Company so get this chance in this field. MUSCLE BEACH can also win. The 4YO has been thereabouts at his last two starts on the Poly but very much appreciates being back on the turf, which is his caper. Of the rest, last start maiden winner SIR REGINALD is worth following in this company while LUCKY COIN had excuses not to go very close to winning last start over 1400m and gets his chance at each-way odds here. SATELLITE PRINCE, FRANCES and the emergency, ZIPANGU, are also in the mix in what is an open race.
1 MR CONNERY *** Yet to win on the turf but appreciates company and should go close. 4.00
2 MUSCLE BEACH *** Will enjoy being back on the turf and recent form suggests he can win. 4.50
3 BILLY BRITAIN ** Form reads badly but the race looks suitable and should improve with best work expected late. 20
4 LUCKY COIN *** Excuses not to win last start and looks a solid each way type here. 8.00
5 SEASONS ECHO * Needs to improve on recent form. 50
6 BEST LIFE ** Not a mile away in good company last start and only win was this trip so keep safe at odds, 20
7 SIR REGINALD *** Continued improvement to break maiden last start and pay to follow. 4.00
8 DASHING JACK * No. 100
9 SATELLITE PRINCE *** In good form and this race and company looks very suitable. 8.00
10 FRANCES *** Excuses not to finish closer last start and can figure here at each-way odds. 12
11 ADRENALINE ** Drawn wide and can mix his form but this type of race is his caper. 20
12 WINNING SUCCESS * Eligible for easier. 20
13 ZIPANGU *** Ran on well last start this trip and will pinch one of these at odds. 20
14 GENERAL CONATUS ** Thereabouts last start and has been in winning form so keep safe. 20
Race 4
Selections; 11 SOUTHERN HUSSLER – 9 SOLDIER BOY – 12 CASING ROYAL – 1 ZIPPY
What initially looked a maiden with no depth gets more interesting down in the weights with a few horses having winning claims on trial and race form. With a Class 4 placing at his last start to his name, SOUTHERN HUSSLER could be the one to beat. That run coupled with some solid maiden form easily good enough for this and 52.5kg with Matt Kellady up looks a good combination. Also on 52.5kg is CASING ROYAL whose recent trial with blinkers was good enough to think he is ready to show up on debut. Also from the trials, SOLDIER BOY looks ready to show his best on debut and Antonio Da Silva from age 2 an handy combination. Nothing else appeals although ZIPPY could show up with a more positive ride from the wide gate and KING OF THIEVES the only other horse that plays a part on trial form.
1 ZIPPY *** Gate an issue again but can figure with a more positive ride in this field. 8.00
2 WESTERN BOSS * Gets the ace but needs to find a few lengths. 100
3 SPEED CRAFT * Resuming and hard to have on form from first campaign. 100
4 EASY DRAGON * Nothing on debut. 100
5 KING OF THIEVES ** Shown enough at trials to include in exotics on debut. 16
6 PRESSING ON * Resuming after an ordinary debut and have to take on trust. 33
7 RED COFFEE * Resuming, no. 50
8 SILVER TYCOON * Has had plenty of trials but would like to see support. 33
9 SOLDIER BOY *** One of the few horses with any sort of good form from the trials and could be the testing material on debut. 3.00
10 HERECOMESMYMONEY ** Placed two starts back and jockey reported respiratory issue last start so take on trust. 20
11 SOUTHERN HUSSLER *** Placed in Class 4 company last start and that form has to hold up here. 3.00
12 CASING ROYAL *** Had a good hit out at recent trial with blinkers and can win on debut. 3.50
13 PRATT STREET * Will improve for the debut effort. 20
14 MARGAUX * No. 50
Race 5
Selections; 5 WHITE HUNTER – 3 MR WHITAKER – 1 LIGN EM UP – 4 NINETYSEVEN GOLD
This could be the most interesting and competitive Class 4 Poly sprint in quite some time with five horses with good enough recent form to win and two smart newcomers who could show up at their local debuts. Former Aussie WHITE HUNTER is one of the debutantes and given his solid form in nice company back home and an eye-catching recent trial, he can win. NINETY-SEVEN GOLD is the former Kiwi newcomer who has also trialed well enough to win ay his local debut and the market will be a good guide on both their respective chances. Of the locally raced brigade, MR WHITAKER looks a very progressive type and while drawn wide, he can win first up after a spell. SARTORIAL also resumes after winning on debut and has to be considered with Da Silva up. LIGN EM UP, UNSURPASSED and last start winner, MAKAWAO, three others that keep them all honest.
1 LIGN EM UP *** Just missed when blinkers added last start similar affair and gets his chance here with claim from gate 1. 5.00
2 MAKAWAO *** Showed last start at odds why he always has to be considered in this type of race. 12
3 MR WHITAKER *** Resuming. Very progressive type and must go close with luck from wide gate. 4.00
4 NINETYSEVEN GOLD *** Former Kiwi who impressed at recent trial and could show up at Singapore debut with market a good guide. 8.00
5 WHITE HUNTER *** Former Australian who has looked very good at two Singapore trials and can win at local debut. 5.00
6 SARTORIAL *** Resuming after very nice debut win and looks one to follow. 5.00
7 UNSURPASSED *** Didn’t miss by much with support at local debut and looks leading hope. 6.00
8 PERKINS * Maiden resuming after long break and prefer to watch. 100
9 HARDCORE ROCK * Back in trip and happy to wait or Class 5. 50
10 CITY OF SAILS * Better than what he showed last start but may want easier. 50
11 CONGO ZANDOR * Struggling. 200
12 RUN CHEETAH RUN * Reassess easier company. 100
13 MR TRY * Goes OK on the Poly but this race looks tough. 50
14 AGUILA AZTECA ** Maiden ho refuses to run a bad race and should be competitive. 20
Race 6
Selections; 4 PREFERRED – 9 SWINGLOWSWEETJACKY – 12 MARK ECLIPSE – 11 PRETTY ELUSIVE
A very tough maiden and the tote will be a very good guide considering seven or eight can win and a couple of them are newcomers to racing. The two newcomers that have looked good enough at the trials to consider on debut are KIWI LEO and the former Kiwi maiden, AURA D’ORO. Both come through the same trial and both looked good enough to keep safe on debut with one eye on the “billy goat”. Of those with local race experience, PREFERRED resuming might be the best option. The 4YO showed enough at his first campaign to think he will win races sooner than later but a few very good recent trials suggest he improves this campaign and can win. Plenty of others in form that can win and in no particular order keep SWINGLOWSWEETJACKY (with blinkers added), MARK ECLIPSE, PRETTY ELUSIVE and DAMON all very safe.
1 THE JEUNEYMAN * Hard to have on exposed form. 100
2 CONFEIGN ** Appreciates solid first-up run and should be thereabouts at the business end. 12
3 DAMON *** Nice type freshened with good recent trial and will be working into this late. 8.00
4 PREFERRED *** Resuming after showing glimpses at first campaign and recent trials suggests he goes every well here. 10
5 SO SIMPLE * Blinkers off after disappointing run last start and have to take on trust. 100
6 ARLO * Like to see some support before considering on exposed trial form. 50
7 BLOOD ROYAL * Resuming after ordinary debut. No. 200
8 KIWI LEO *** Trials have been very good and must go close to winning on debut. 4.00
9 SWINGLOWSWEETJACKY *** Gets blinkers added after solid debut with support and can improve enough to give this a shake. 6.00
10 AURA D’ORO *** Former Kiwi who trialed very nicely and hard to ignore the Rodd/Laxon combination. 5.00
11 PRETTY ELUSIVE *** Hard to fault race form and should figure throughout at first turf start. 8.00
12 MARK ECLIPSE *** Went very close on debut and has another with winning chances. 5.00
13 RISING STAR * Might need Class 5 before we consider. 100
14 NOBLE SUN * Struggling at the track. 100
Race 7
Selections; 1 FRAAJILISTIC – 8 GOLDEN CURL – 10 RUN IT TWICE – 2 BEST TOTHELIGN
You could probably do the form for this race five times and find five different winners, which suggests we have a longer look on the day. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that four of the top five winning hopes have claimers onboard including a couple at the top of the weights in FRAAJILISTIC and BEST TOTHELIGN. Both can win on recent form but the fact that FRAAJILISTIC will be doing his best work late may play into his favour on a course that suits. Of the other winning hopes with claimers onboard, RUN IT TWICE looks well placed with just 50kg and STRUBELI is in fine form and should figure throughout. One at odds we can watch is GOLDEN CURL who gets a senior hoop in Antonio Da Silva. Like FRAAJILISTIC, he will also be doing best work late and could surprise.
1 FRAAJILISTIC *** Just fair last start with support in similar affair but trailed well since and can win. 4.50
2 BEST TOTHELIGN *** In very good form and just missed last start over this trip. Claim helps. 4.00
3 NANDOWRA * Just fair at his last couple and have to take on trust. 33
4 STRUBELI *** In very good form and one of the leading chances. 5.00
5 HOLY WARRIOR ** Racing well without winning but will appreciate being back on the turf at this trip and pay to keep safe. 12
6 ALASAMO * Blinkers off after having a few issues last start and have to take on trust. 20
7 CLUTHA LAD ** Form reads terribly but appreciates first-up run and can improve dramatically. 33
8 GOLDEN CURL *** Running on well and should be more than competitive late with senior hoop a factor. 8.00
9 GREENSTONE ** Resuming after long break but trials like he could be ready first up with market watch in order. 12
10 RUN IT TWICE *** Up in Class but hard to fault form and could be the bolter with 50kg. 5.00
11 VERGLATICA * Looking for easier and longer. 50
Race 8
Selections; 8 GO LANCE – 4 ALFONSO – 2 PUSAKA – 6 PERFECT CHALLENGER
Given there are no standouts in this Kranji Stakes D, a maiden in GO LANCE gets his chance. The 4YO hasn’t been far away at his last six or so starts and probably should have broken his maiden status before this. The race looks suitable and with a CC Wong 2kg claim from gate 3, he can win. ALFONSO was disappointing last start but his form prior was good and trainer Laurie Laxon has removed blinkers for this so expect him to show his best. PUSAKA can also win. The 5YO won two back over 1800m before racing over 2000m but while back in trip today, he will make his presence felt late in a course that suits. Most others have a chance but PERFECT CHALLENGER does threaten to win one of these and he might be flying late if on-song.
1 BLADEMEISTER ** Should improve with racing and in this company. 20
2 PUSAKA *** Back in trip but always a show in this company. 6.00
3 RISING EMPIRE ** Been thereabouts of late and could pinch a race like this without surprising. 12
4 ALFONSO *** Blinkers off and did look due before being only fair last start. Keep safe. 4.00
5 TOP OF THE TOWN * Tongue-tie off as he struggles for form. 33
6 PERFECT CHALLENGER *** Threatens to win one of these but can be costly for followers. 6.00
7 THEBUZZDOWNUNDER ** Form better than it reads and will be working into this late if on song. 20
8 GO LANCE *** Maiden who is in form and should be more than competitive in this company. 4.00
9 KNOW EACH OTHER ** Backing up from last Sunday but always in the mix. 7.00
10 WINNING STAR ** Form better than it reads and will be thereabouts at odds. 20
11 KING SAVINSKY ** Step up to mile should see improvement but may want longer again in Class 5. 20
12 MATOAKA * Easier to ignore. 100
13 YU LONG GLORIOUS ** Form looks hopeless but should appreciate extra distance and senior apprentice. 100
14 GALAXY EXPRESS ** Out-and-out stayer who will work into this late but should need longer. 12
Race 9
Selections; 2 THE NUTCRACKER – 3 GREAT SUN – 4 BELLWETHER – 1 PIONEER SEVEN
What an odd race! Apart from three horses in form in this type of company, no others look suited and they could be coming home like browns cows. The three horses that can win are THE NUTCRACKER, GREAT SUN and BELLWETHER. Of that trio, THE NUTCRACKER probably starts favourite given the former Argentinean did what he had to at his local debut when beating Mycaptainoblivious in solid Class 3 company. That form was franked when Mycaptainoblivious won at his next start and THE NUTCRACKER should be hard to beat again. GREAT SUN keeps him more than honest though. The 5YO was going for five straight wins before having excuses last start and is certainly worth another look while in spanking form. BELLWETHER is always a show in races like this and is probably the benchmark on exposed form at this level. While no others appeal, PIONEER SEVEN gets blinkers and on best form would give this a sight.
1 PIONEER SEVEN ** Gets blinkers after making a mess of the start last time out but have to take on trust on recent form. 33
2 THE NUTCRACKER *** Form from his local debut win has been franked and could be hard to beat here. 2.50
3 GREAT SUN *** Excuses not to finish a little closer last start in this company and worth another look. 5.00
4 BELLWETHER *** Did it tough in running last start and will need some luck from wide gate here. 8.00
5 POWER LION * Resuming and would need to be having a good day fresh in this field. 33
6 ASTROSTAR * Always thereabouts but hasn’t won for a long time. 33
7 KEEN DRAGON * Better than what he showed last start but might need slightly easier company. 33
8 Q NINE MAGIC * Win two starts back in Class 4 and might need that company. 33
9 ASPEN * Not suited. 100
10 SHIPPING FORECAST * Resuming and no. 100
11 SATELLITE STAR * Upgrade to blinkers but eligible for easier than this. 50
12 SUPER BONUS * Recent trial OK but needs Class 5. 50
Race 10
Selections; 9 NEWLANDS – 2 SPLICE – 1 SEED OF SPEED – 4 FORTUNE WINNER
Another tough race for form analysts and it could be one of many that wins the lucky last on this stand-alone Friday meeting. Hopefully the earlier races have given us a guide to how the track in playing but as it stands NEWLANDS will be given every chance from gate 5 under Alan Munro and looks the testing material. The progressive 4YO won very well over the mile at his last start and should figure heavily at the business end. Nothing else jumps off the page to beat him although SPLICE just goes too well for Michael Rodd not to be a solid each-way hope and SPEED OF SEED also looks well placed here after having excuses last start. Of the rest, EAGLE STORM leads and will give them something to catch while FORTUNE WINNER will be working into this late at value. ROCKFAST another to watch and go even wider in exotics.
1 SEED OF SPEED *** Excuses last start and gives this a shake on a good day. 7.00
2 SPLICE *** Just goes too well for M Rodd not to be considered. 7.00
3 EAGLE STORM *** Will probably lead and should be in this a very long time. 8.00
4 FORTUNE WINNER *** Excuses last start and will be working into this late. 10
5 RAPIDO STAR * Struggling. 100
6 JUSTICE WORLD ** Excuses last start and this race looks suitable to show his best. 12
7 ROCKFAST *** Did it tough to win last start in Class 4 and that effort good enough to follow. 6.00
8 TIP OF BORNEO ** Hard to fault form but this is tougher and exotics look best option. 20
9 NEWLANDS *** Looks a very progressive type and will have admirers to step up here and win. 4.00
10 WINNING CAUSE ** Very honest and a couple of wins of late suggests he will work through the grades. 8.00
11 HIGH COUNCIL ** Disappointing last start but worth another look as should be competitive. 20
12 SUNNY ** Took an age to knock in his second win in Singapore but should be making his presence felt late. 20
13 INVICTUS ** Better than what he showed last start and can include in exotics. 20
14 FREE HAPPY ** Solid but needs easier to win. 20
