LIVELY DRAGON hardest to beat with Nunes riding (Photo by Singapore Turf Club)
As we near the half-way mark of the 2016 season, trainers, jockeys and apprentices alike will be having a quick glance at the premiership logs to see how they are faring in what is a very competitive season in all three codes.
And while the trainer’s is tight – only five separates the top three – and the apprentice title is anyone’s guess, this weekend looks pivotal in the jockey’s race for champion status.
Why?
Because Vlad Duric sits out with a two meeting suspension and Manny Nunes has a strong book of rides and can put a buffer zone between him and the resurgent Australian.
Nunes is no stranger to the odd indiscretion himself and will look at the like of BLADEMEISTER (race 1), GABBAR (race 2), LIVELY DRAGON (race 3), THE COSMOS (race 5), ADRENEALINE (race 6), MY LUCKY STRIKE (race 7) and GET GOING (race 9) to knock in at least three winners to extend his lead to five in the premiership log.
He has plenty of other competition on the night – Glen Boss is firing – but Duric does look the biggest threat to his recent dominance in the jockey’s championship so weekends like this are gold for the competitive Brazilian.
And I wouldn’t be backing against him.
Best Bets: (LIVELY DRAGON race 3 win), (BLADEMEISTER race 1, value) and PANAMA CITY race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 3, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13), race 7 (1, 4 and 7), race 8 (1, 2, 4, 5 and 8), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8).
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; 1 BLADEMEISTER – 2 PATERSON ROAD – 3 SILVER TYCOON – 10 VERGLATICA
A very tough race to start proceedings but a Class dropper or two at the top of the ratings looks a good place to start. BLADEMEISTER in particular gets back onto his preferred surface in the right company and also gets Nunes. PATERSON ROAD is also suited in Class 5 on the Poly over 1700m and in a field with depth, he could be the value. On recent form the maiden SILVER TYCOON is certainly due and gets a 2kg Troy See claim so he can win while MR TRY and BIG BANKER have their respective foot on the till and win without surprising. Others that can win include KING SAVINSKY, GOLDEN JADE and VERGLATICA is better than he has showed of late and pay to keep safe.
1 BLADEMEISTER *** Ignore recent turf form as will grow a leg dropping to Class 5 on the Poly. 8.00
2 PATERSON ROAD *** Another Class dropper who finds himself over the right trip and can win. 10
3 SILVER TYCOON *** Maiden in form and looks well placed in this company to win. 4.00
4 KING SAVINSKY *** Excuses last start and wins a race like this sooner than later with a tongue-tie added. 8.00
5 BALBOA * Appreciates Class 5 company but needs to show more. 100
6 BIG BANKER *** In form and looks the benchmark. 4.00
7 CLERMONT CLUB ** Excuses but disappointed with support last start when supported and have to take on trust. 12
8 MR TRY *** Drawn awkwardly but looks due and wins without surprising. 7.00
9 SCHILTRON * Needs to lift. 100
10 VERGLATICA *** Never in the hunt with heavy support last start but pay to follow as should win a race like this. 12
11 GOLDEN JADE *** In solid form and gets the ace so has to be an each-way hope. 12
12 SCIMITAR ** Maiden thereabouts of late and could add value to exotics. 33
13 OVER EASY * Did it tough last start but recent form a worry. 33
14 SWIFT * Issues last start but easier to ignore. 100
Race 2
Selections; 1 WHAT IFF – 4 GABBAR – 8 LIM’S RESPOND – 6 SOUTHERN HUSSLER
Nothing jumps off the page to win this maiden but plenty in solid enough form to think they play a part in the finish. From the top, WHAT IFF just missed when G Boss jumped onboard last start and while he has drawn awkwardly in gate 11, he should go close. GABBAR returned “not striding” last start and his form prior has him under notice with Nunes to ride for Mark Walker. LIM’S RESPOND resumes and certainly showed enough to keep an eye on the market while SOUTHERN HUSSLER improved last start and will be in this a long way and CONFACET is better than he showed last start and has to be respected.
1 WHAT IFF *** Just missed last start with Boss up and right in this finish. 3.00
2 CONFACET *** Headgear and tongue-tie off after excuses last start and should figure prominently on previous form. 5.00
3 ROAN RANGER ** Has been trying for a while but will work into exotic calculations late. 12
4 GABBAR *** Returned not striding last start and did look due on form prior. 4.00
5 SHAQRAA * Will improve with racing and recent trial OK but have to take on trust. 50
6 SOUTHERN HUSSLER *** Led and battled on well to place last start and pay to follow. 6.00
7 D’GREAT WORLD * No. 100
8 LIM’S RESPOND *** Resuming and showed enough at his previous campaign to keep safe. 12
9 UNION JAC ** Improved and not a mile away last start so worth thought. 20
10 NATURAL WATER * Easier to ignore. 100
11 MISS STREISAND ** Recent form just fair but always looks a chance with gate 1 a bonus. 12
12 CRESCENDO * No weight to carry but hard to have on poor debut. 100
Race 3
Selections; 2 LIVELY DRAGON – 4 LIM’S SINCERE – 3 SAVAGE STORM – 6 WINNER’S SMILE
A very ordinary Class 4 (albeit division 2) with only three horses having a winning hope on form. Two of those – LIVELY DRAGON and SAVAGE STORM – are last start KSD winners and that form will hold up in this race. LIVELY DRAGON in particular won well with heavy support last start and with Nunes retaining the ride from gate 5, he is hardest to beat. SAVAGE STORM has gate 10 to contend with but given the depth of the field, he should have no excuses and be in the thick of the finish. LIM’S SINCERE looks the biggest danger. However, his best form including two wins has been over 1000m and he has struggled at two attempts past that trip. But he should handle the 1100m in this field and could be very hard to pass late. RIKIOH and WINNER’S SMILE the only other two that could sneak a place at odds.
1 LEE BANK * Will find the company to his liking but needs to lift. 100
2 LIVELY DRAGON *** Won well with heavy support in KSD company last start and can follow in this field. 2.00
3 SAVAGE STORM *** Another last start winner in slightly easier company and pay to keep safe. 5.00
4 LIM’S SINCERE *** Best form is over 1000m but gets winkers and could be hard to beat. 2.40
5 RIKIOH ** Form looks hopeless but will very much appreciate being back on the Poly. 20
6 WINNER’S SMILE ** Appreciates blinkers back on and could add value to exotics. 20
7 SKY ELEVEN * Should need further and easier. 50
8 MONEY KING * Reassess easier over longer. 50
9 ARLO * Needs Class 5. 50
10 SEMIFREDDO * Resuming with blinkers but hard to have. 200
Race 4
Selections; 3 STOCK BROKER – 1 KAISER – 4 THUNDER CAT – 2 PETITE VICTOIRE
The tote will be a terrific guide to the chances of a few horses in this Class 5 Poly sprint with the likes of KAISER likely to improves lengths in the bottom grade. The 7YO is having his first run in Class 5 at start 70 and would win this without surprising if having a good day. But on recent form STOCK BROKER is the one to beat. The 4YO won six starts back in a similar affair and his form in better races than this has been solid. THUNDER CAT is the big improver back on the Poly and again, watch for support. Throw the two last start winners in PETITE VICTOIRE and FLYING NEKO into the mix with the second emergency, GADAWON also worth a look if he gets a start.
1 KAISER *** Almost a year since last win but has to be a show at first career start in Class 5. 7.00
2 PETITE VICTOIRE *** Returned to winning form when dropping back in trip last start and pay to follow. 6.00
3 STOCK BROKER *** In form and could be hard to beat over winning trip dropping to Class 5. 3.00
4 THUNDER CAT *** Recent form reads badly but having first start on preferred Poly track since maiden win back in March. Improves. 12
5 FRAGRANCE EMPIRE ** In solid form and always an each-way show in race like this. 6.00
6 FLYING NEKO *** Broke maiden status in similar affair to this last start and another worth following. 8.00
7 MR BLOSSOM * No. 100
8 ROMA ** Drawn awkwardly but will be in the exotic mix at odds. 20
9 BLACK BEAN * Nothing last start and have to take on trust. 33
10 SIMPANG ** Ignore last couple as improves lengths back on the Poly. 12
11 ZAC GALLANT ** Always a show but will not win out of turn. 10
12 GREENBACK * No. 100
13 RORY ** Very disappointing last start but the type to keep safe in Class 5. 20
14 GADAWON *** Overdue for another win but this looks suitable. 6.00
Race 5
Selections; 5 LONGHU – 6 SO THE THING – 2 THE COSMOS – 4 ANONYMOUS
Another race where the tote will be an excellent guide given a couple of the fancies are resuming and a couple of non-winners in the mix. SO THE THING is one of the fancies resuming and his trials suggests he is ready to show up after a year away from racing. K Fuji takes a rare ride for Stephen Gray and they could give a sight. The other horse resuming is ANONYMOUS who just goes too well on the Poly not to be a big show and a big run is expected. But both will need to be spot on to beat LONGHU who won too well on debut not be a big show here. The 3YO has drawn wide but he should improve with experience and is more than up to Class 4 company. Two “nonnies” that have to be included on consistent form are THE COSMOS and KAZUO but their lack of winning form is obviously a concern. STIRLING the other that wins without surprising.
1 LUCKY GIANT * Resuming in the right grade but Poly form a worry. 25
2 THE COSMOS *** Obviously hard to fault consistent form but desperate for a result. 4.00
3 STIRLING *** Broke through last start in KSD company but pay to follow as always a hope. 5.00
4 ANONYMOUS *** Resuming after excellent run of Poly form and can win first-up. 4.00
5 LONGHU *** Drawn awkwardly but won well on debut and must go close again. 4.00
6 SO THE THING *** Resuming after a year away from racing but last start win was strong as were recent trials. Can win. 12
7 KAZUO *** An age between wins but in form and usually fair value. 12
8 SUPER JOY ** Competitive but better runs of late have been in KSD company. 20
9 MACHFIVE ** Resuming and placed last start when fist up after a spell so keep safe. 20
10 ALOHA ** Recent form is reading badly but this is the type of race he could surprise in. 33
11 JUST NAME IT * Should need easier and a tad longer. 100
Race 6
Selections; 1 EASTERN TOWKAY – 12 GODS SPEED – 5 KLEVER WARRIOR – 11 ADRENALINE
Oddly for a Division 2 Class 5 event there is plenty of form to go on including two last start winners – TOOBIGTOFAIL and GODS SDPEED – in the capacity field. Of the two, GODS SPEED romped home in a similar field to this and has to be respected after drawing well again. But a maiden in EASTERN TOWKAY could be the one to beat. The 3YO has had wide gates to contend with of late and may appreciate a softer run in transit from gate 2. KLEVER WARRIOR is another that looks ready to win and M Kellady should give him every chance from gate 6. Others that win without surprising include GENERAL CONATUS, ADRENALINE and the emergency, CANNON KING, at value.
1 EASTERN TOWKAY *** Maiden who wins one of these sooner than later. 4.00
2 DRAGON STEED ** Not a mile away last start similar affair and can include in exotics with 4kg claimer. 20
3 GENERAL CONATUS *** Always competitive in a race like this. Each-way. 12
4 HAPPY JOY * Has struggled since maiden win. 100
5 KLEVER WARRIOR *** Not far away last start in similar affair and gets his chance in this field. 6.00
6 TOOBIGTOFAIL *** Showed last start why he is always a show when having a good day and can win again. 6.00
7 JIMTOWN * Easier to ignore. 33
8 MAGIC PAINT * Gets gate 1 but struggles as a rule. 20
9 BIGCAT RHAPSODY ** Gave up last start but can go forward and give a sight. 12
10 FOREST KING * No. 100
11 ADRENALINE *** Found some consistent form and wins one of these without surprising. 5.00
12 GODS SPEED *** Romped home in a weak one last start and have to respect on that effort. 5.00
13 CANNON KING *** Maiden who just missed last start and should appreciate step up in distance. Value. 20
14 HAN SOLO * Nothing last start and wide gate no help. 50
Race 7
Selections; 1 SUPER WINNER – 4 MY LUCKY STRIKE – 7 ITALIAN JOB – 11 LINCOLN ROAD
As you would expect in a Poly sprint at this level, there is some very good all-weather track form with most having more than a handful of wins on this surface. Case in point is the top-weight SUPER WINNER who has the enviable record of eight wins and two placings from 10 starts on the Poly. He is asked to carry weight but A Da Silva gets to jump from gate 3, which is in his favour. Also in his favour is the fact his biggest danger, LUCKY STRIKE, has yet to winning 2016. In saying that he has done little wrong, loves the poly and wins this without surprising. LINCOLN ROAD is the other obvious choice after winning five-from-five (all on the Poly) in Singapore but this is a test. Two to watch at odds are HUKA FALLS and ITALIAN JOB resuming while SEBAS won too well last start not to be a show.
1 SUPER WINNER *** Poly star who can carry top-weight and win. 3.50
2 HUKA FALLS *** Freshened and always a show on the Poly at odds. 20
3 CAVALLO ** Honest and Poly record good enough to keep safe at odds. 33
4 MY LUCKY STRIKE *** Yet to win in 2016 but has run some big races on both surfaces and can win this. 5.00
5 OLYMPIC ANTHEM *** Another Poly specialists who looks a big show for a hat trick of wins. 5.00
6 GOAL KEEPER * Can give a sight but lack of recent winning form a concern. 20
7 ITALIAN JOB *** Resuming after a very good campaign and recent trials suggest he is ready to show his best. 8.00
8 SEBAS *** Won over this trip last start and that effort good enough to follow with no weight. 12
9 HAPPY MONEY * Winkers off as he struggles for form. 100
10 GOT LUCK * Had his issue of late and easier to ignore. 50
11 LINCOLN ROAD *** Facing biggest test to date but five wins from five starts in Singapore suggests he is up to the task. 4.00
Race 8
Selections; 2 LAKE HUKA – 1 LINCOLN’S EXCUSE – 5 TRINITY – 8 DREAMWEAVER
An extremely tough race for punters with many of the fancies drawn wide and a couple of hopefuls coming off bad runs. Of the fancies drawn wide, LINCOLN’S EXCUSE just missed last start in similar company and trainer Shane Baertschiger will be hoping blinkers can get him over the line. Likewise UNSURPASSED and TRINITY have wide gates to overcome but both would give this a shake on some recent good form and both can win with luck in running. So LAKE HUKA should get the favours after drawing gate 2 and looks the best choice. The 4YO had excuses last start when heavily supported (saddle slipped) so well worth another look. SOON YI and DREAMWEAVER two others to watch with the latter a good value option given he will find this easier than recent outings. Keep the second emergency AMAZON GOLD safe as this race and track look suitable.
1 LINCOLN’S EXCUSE *** Drawn badly but just missed last start this company and gets blinkers to help him win. 4.00
2 LAKE HUKA *** Bad start costly when heavily supported last time out and can make amends. 4.00
3 SMART FORTUNE ** Won maiden this trip and track and could run a cheeky race here. 20
4 SOON YI *** In form and always worth an each-way look. 8.00
5 TRINITY *** Saddle slipped last start when supported and worth a look on previous good form. 12
6 UNSURPASSED *** Having first start in Singapore on the turf but Poly form good and goes close with head-gear off and tongue-tie on. 12
7 VRAAD ** Back in trip but always a show. 12
8 DREAMWEAVER *** Disappointing last start but this is much easier and pay to keep safe. 20
9 SING ROULETTE ** Showed improvement last start and better suited on this surface so could give a sight. 20
10 Q NINE MAXIM ** Resuming and could work into this late at odds. 20
11 NOVA STAR ** OK last start and trialled well since but yet to place on turf in six outings so take on trust. 14
12 SUGARTIME JAZZ ** Last start win was over a mile on the Poly but versatile enough to include in exotics. 12
13 MR PATRON ** Competitive but wide draw is a concern. 20
14 WHITE COFFEE * Eligible for easier. 50
15 CONVICT ** Resuming with nice trial under his belt and goes well enough fresh to consider. 20
16 AMAZON GOLD *** Will be doing best work late and should figure in the finish. 8.00
Race 9
Selections; 2 PANAMA CITY – 1 MY BROTHERS KEEPER – 7 URASHIMA TARO – 3 ASPEN
Now, early results may give us a guide here as GET GOING probably starts favourite and will look the winner at some stage late. In fact Nunes may dictate terms out front and if they give him an easy time, he can win. But we are putting all our eggs on the fact the B Course (long) should give the swoopers a chance and there looks plenty of them ready to win. From the top, MY BROTHERS KEEPER, URASHIMA TARO and ASPEN will all be making up ground late and all three can win. But PANAMA CITY should be given every chance with N Juglall from gate 4 and he could be the testing material in a race that suits. WAR PATH and STORM TROOPER two others that win without surprising.
1 MY BROTHERS KEEPER *** Ran on well similar affair last start and expect much the same again on a track that suits. 5.00
2 PANAMA CITY *** Never in the hunt last start similar affair but work late suggests he is up to winning this. 12
3 ASPEN *** Gets tongue-tie added after good effort last start similar affair and worth following each-way. 12
4 WARPATH *** Excuses late last start not to be in the mix and should figure again. 12
5 STORM TROOPER *** Another that ran on well in similar affair last start and goes close in this. 6.00
6 COLONEL LINCOLN ** Solid effort at long odds last start and can include in exotics. 20
7 URASHIMA TARO *** Supported and not far away of late and once again in the mix. 6.00
8 GET GOING *** Hard to fault form and in this a very long way. 3.00
9 EXQUISITELY SWEET * Has won the trip but should need easier and perhaps Poly. 50
10 SERPICO * No. 100
11 GREAT BALLS OFFIRE ** Recent wins on the Poly but should work into this late at odds. 20
12 Q NINE MAGIC ** Might be needing easier but should be doing best work late. 33
13 LEE MAN * Prefer in Class 5. 50
