SKYWALK is the obvious pick (Singapore Turf Club)
A big weekend of racing from Singapore with the running of the EW Barker on Friday and the Dester Singapore Gold Cup on Sunday and what better way to start the festivities than a return to Kranji of Joao Moreira.
The former Brazilian made his name as a world-class jockey in Singapore and the now jet-setting Hong Kong-based star, will be welcomed back in rock star fashion by punters in the parade ring.
As is the norm, Moreira has a full book of rides and while astute punters will remember he only rode one winner when he last rode here back in May 2015, he should get more than that tonight.
He starts with a solid ride in race 1 – CERDAN for the Arexevan crew – and some magic is just what this handful of horse might need to break his maiden status.
PERFECT COMMANDO will improve with race experience for Moreira in race 2 while LOUEY VELOCE looks a strong winning hope in race 3.
TYPHON looks well placed as a maiden in Novice Company in race 4 while last start winner HERMANO MENOR will have plenty of admirers in race 5.
Hopefully Joao is on a winning roll as he can easily add another couple to his tally with REDDOT RISING in race 6 before ALIBI can add a Group win to his CV in the EW Barker.
STOCK BROKER looks his ride with the least chance of winning on the night in the eighth before Moreira can bid farewell a winner on MYSTIC MASTER in the last.
A big night out for Joao? We hope so.
Best Bets: (SKYWALK race 4 win), (ALIBI race 7, win) and (HUMDINGER race 6, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 14), race 7 (12), race 8 (1 and 6), race 9 (2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8).
Race cards in Singapore 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 CERDAN – 13 SPEEDY WARRIOR – 11 ROAN RANGER – 10 JOY AND HAPPY
An inauspicious race to start what is the best weekend of racing in Singapore and it would be fitting if Joao Moreira could get the night off to a good start for punters. The now Hong Kong based star rides CERDAN for long-time supporter Laurie Laxon and the 4YO certainly showed enough last start in Novice Company to win this. The race has depth though – every man and his dog want a runner and winner on this weekend – and you can make a case for plenty of these runners. In no particular order, BLACK SWAN has drawn wide but will be suited but the long course while SPEEDY WARRIOR looks to have ability and could pinch this with blinkers added. Likewise, THE ONE could be a big improver at odds with blinkers added and ROAN RANGER will very much appreciate being back on the turf and should figure. JOY AND HAPPY, GOOD DEAL and COMMODORE LINCOLN are also in the mix.
1 START ME UP * Form poor but had excuses in running last start and the step up to the mile may see improvement. 50
2 BLACK SWAN *** Rarely runs a bad race and can win despite the wide draw but desperate for a result for followers. 8.00
3 CERDAN *** Ran a beauty over 1400m in Novice Company last start and look the one to beat in this. 3.00
4 GOOD DEAL *** Resuming with blinkers added after three very solid runs at his first campaign. Goes close. 6.00
5 EL DON ** Will improve with race experience and step up in distance. 20
6 SUPER BUFFALO ** Resuming after placing over the mile on the Poly back in May and could figure. 12
7 COMMODORE LINCOLN *** Placed at long odds when resuming over 1400m and pay to keep safe. 12
8 DREAMER LEGEND * Gets winkers but green and may need more time. 100
9 EDEN GARDEN ** Thereabouts as a rule and a must for exotics. 20
10 JOY AND HAPPY *** Just missed last start in Class 5 Company over 1400m and that form should hold up here. 10
11 ROAN RANGER *** Will appreciate being back on the turf and should figure prominently. 12
12 LOYALTY’S ANGEL * Blinkers off but easier to ignore. 100
13 SPEEDY WARRIOR *** Can be his own worse enemy but has ability and can win with blinkers added. 10
14 THE ONE *** Excuses last start and improve with racing with blinkers added a factor. 12
15 CHAIRMAN WIND ** Disappointing last start when blinkers added but could improve at long odds. 50
16 RED RACKHAM * Blinkers on but no. 100
Race 2
Selections; 1 SIR ISAAC – 2 ONE KINABALU – 3 ACE KING – 4 DAYFLIRT
Plenty of solid raced form in this Restricted Maiden, which should give punters a good guide in finding the winner. SIR ISSAC has done little wrong at his four career starts and while he still has a bit to learn about this racing caper, he doesn’t have to improve much to win this with Michael Rodd to jump from gate 5. Likewise, ONE KINABALU has good race form to his name including placing first-up at his most recent outing and he too looks a horse that will benefit from race experience and will win sooner than later. DAYFLIRT took some good trial form into his race debut last Friday and showed more than enough with support on that occasion to win this while SUPER GENIUS also made a good enough debut back in October to follow. Of the debutantes, ACE KING has look more than useful at his Official trials and should play a big part in this race with support likely, while SIAM GEMSTONE and TANNHAUSER both have won trials and should debut well with the market a terrific guide. Joao Moreira jumps on PERFECT COMMANDO who had support and excuses on debut, so improvement is likely.
1 SIR ISAAC *** Green but just missed last start and is due to break maiden status. 4.00
2 ONE KINABALU *** Resumed with very solid effort with blinkers and can win with that run under his belt. 6.00
3 ACE KING *** Trials have been eye-catching and can win on debut. 8.00
4 DAYFLIRT *** Supported when placing on debut and one of the main hopes on that effort. 7.00
5 ELITE EMPEROR * Will improve on what was just a fair debut but maybe later. 50
6 LIM’S STARDOM * Plenty of trials under his belt but like to see support on those efforts. 33
7 MOZART ECLIPSE ** Not a mile away on debut and another that will improve of the run. 20
8 PARAGON STAR ** Blinkers off after finishing a well-beaten third on debut and worth thought from gate 1. 12
9 PERFECT COMMANDO *** Had support and had enough excuses on debut to give another chance over 1200m. 8.00
10 SIAM GEMSTONE *** Drawn badly but shown enough at the trials to keep very safe on debut with market a good guide. 12
11 SPECIAL RAIN ** Looks his own worse enemy but shows enough to think he improves when he gets his act together. 100
12 TANNHAUSER *** Won his most recent trial and gets the favours from gate 3 so must be a show. 10
13 SUPER GENIUS *** Drawn awkwardly but debut was good and wins this without surprising. 12
14 MILITARY MIGHT * Drawn wide and prefer to just watch on exposed trials form. 33
15 JANGO * No. 100
16 PERFECT DJ * Hard to have. 100
Race 3
Selections; 9 LOUEY VELOCE – 1 LIM’S SINCERE – 5 PHIDIAS – 8 PRECHAGORDA
It’s fair to say that a two-time winner from New Zealand in LOUEY VELOCE has been very disappointing not to have won in Singapore from some 15 starts but gets his chance in this Class 4 field. The six-year-old certainly tries his hardest and his three runs this campaign have been good enough to think he can win with Joao Moreira likely to have him on the pace throughout from gate 2. But he will have to be at his best to beat LIM’S SINCERE who is a track and distance specialist. The Snippetson gelding usually picks up a decent cheque over 1000m and his three career wins have all been over this trip and track. He also gets a handy 3kg claim, which could count for plenty at the business end. A newcomer from Australia in PHIDIAS is also certainly worth some thought on the back of a solid local trial and a market watch is in order for the one-time winner from down-under. There are question marks over most others in the race with BLUE DIAMOND a very unreliable conveyance who could show up on best form while LUCKY GIANT has a poor Polytrack record so has to be taken on trust. The maiden, PRECHAGORDA, will win a race sooner than later but obviously her lack of winning form is a concern although she does get the services of Karis Teetan.
1 LIM’S SINCERE *** Showed last start he wins a race like this sooner than later with 3kg claim a factor. 6.00
2 LUCKY GIANT ** In solid form but query on this surface. 12
3 BLUE DIAMOND *** Nothing last start but plays a chance in races like this. 6.00
4 HONEST TRUTH * Struggling. 100
5 PHIDIAS *** Newcomer from Australia who has trialled well enough to consider at Singapore debut. 10
6 OCEAN GENERAL ** Draw a concern but better than he showed last start and back to 1000m in his favour. 12
7 IMPERIAL BOY *** Appreciates first up run and comes under notice with blinkers on from gate 1. 8.00
8 PRECHAGORDA *** Maine who has been competitive n similar affairs and should figure in the mix. 8.00
9 LOUEY VELOCE *** Three runs this campaign good enough to suggest he can break his Singapore duck. 2.70
10 BEST JADE * Excuses last start but may be looking for easier than this. 100
11 GOLDEN MISSION ** Plenty of excuses last start and worth thought at odds on effort two back. 20
12 TOOBIGTOFAIL * Back in trip and up in grade after last start mile win and not for me. 100
13 RIKIOH * Reassess in Class 5. 100
Race 4
Selections; 10 SKYWALK – 12 DICAPRIO – 3 REDMAYNE – 5 KNIGHT CHEN BAY
At the Novice race conditions, it always pays to have a look for any promising youngsters who get an excellent pull in the weights. And given the top-rated horse in this race in SKYWALK gets just 53kg as a three-year-old, he is the obvious pick. His form as a two-year-old was excellent – he placed second in the Group 3 Juvenile Championship – but more importantly his first up run in Graduation Company was very good when just missing behind the smart Queen Roulette. He will race handy for Corey Brown from gate seven and looks one of the better bets on Fridays card. As is often the case in Novice events, there is plenty of recent winning form to go on with OCEAN DE LAGO, REDMAYNE and SMART MASTER all victorious at their respective last starts. Of that trio, the Laurie Laxon-trained REDMAYME looks the most progressive but, as a four-year-old will have to give SKYWALK some 6kg at the ratings/weight ratio, which makes his job tough. However, Laxon also has a three-year-old in the race in DICAPRIO and it may pay to put a line through his last start when he returned not striding. His form prior would have him having a big say in this with 53kg from gate 1 a bonus. A market watch is in order for the two ex-Australian horses making their Singapore debuts in ARR FLAIR and NOVA MISSILE (both have trialled well locally), while KNIGHT CHEN BAY and WAR CITI are honest enough to include in exotics.
1 ARR FLAIR * Newcomer from Australia who has trailed OK but should need further to show his best. 50
2 OCEAN DE LAGO *** Won well over this trip last start s o have to respect but will improve again over longer. 10
3 REDMAYNE *** Turned some good form into a maiden win last start and will have admirers to go on with the job. 6.00
4 SUN MIRAGE ** Another who may be better suited over a tad further but did win maiden this trip so pay to keep safe. 12
5 KNIGHT CHEN BAY ** Last start better than the result and keeps a few honest. 33
6 VRAAD ** Appreciates first up run and will be running on late at value. 20
7 CELERITAS * In badly at the race conditions and a better option in Class 5. 50
8 WAR CITI ** Should need easier but competitive on recent form. 20
9 TYPHON *** Maiden who has shown enough to include somewhere with Moreira to ride. 6.00
10 SKYWALK *** Talented 3YO who looks a very good thing at the race conditions. 3.00
11 SPLINTER *** Never looked comfortable last start over 1400m and some show on debut win. 6.00
12 DICAPRIO *** Returned not striding last start so ignore and take on good for prior. 20
13 SMART MASTER ** Surprised a few by winning last start and have to take on trust. 33
14 NOVA MISSILE ** Trials have been OK and market only guide on debut. 33
Race 5
Selections; 3 KIRKS RYKER – 12 MURRAYFIELD – 1 INFANTRY – 2 HERMANO MENOR
Most of this field would not look out of place in the EW Barker and we can expect a very busy finish and a competitive betting affair. KIRKS RYKER has drawn wide but will find this a lot easier than some of the races he has been competing in of late and given he had excuses before running on well in the Saas Fee, he can win this. MURRAYFIELD is a very progressive four-year-old who will very much appreciate a lightweight. The Pins gelding has won three races from 11 career starts – two over 1400m – and gets the services of Karis Teetan who should get the favours from gate 7. INFANTRY is the interesting runner and may be value. The Tavistock four-year-old last raced in Korea where he was distanced on the soft sand and putting a line through that run, his recent trials have been good enough to think he can bounce back in a race and track that suits. HERMANO MENOR broke a long drought by winning last start but will have admirers of making it back-to-back wins with Joao Moreira replacing an apprentice hoop. CASING ROYAL is another progressive four-year-old who won over the mile on the Polytrack in this Company at his last start and given he is probably better suited over this trip on the turf, he wins without surprising. You can make a case for most others with special mention to ODE TO JOY, SHANGHAI BUND, BIG BROTHER and SUPERNOVA, who are all a must for any exotic players.
1 INFANTRY *** Forget he ever went to Korea and take on form prior with nice recent trial under his belt. 12
2 HERMANO MENOR *** Won for the first time for well over a year last start and must be a big show with Moreira on. 4.00
3 KIRKS RYKER *** Drawn awkwardly but will find this a lot easier than recent outings and can win. 8.00
4 WILD GEESE * Lost form and easier to ignore. 50
5 ODE TO JOY *** Not up to Group level last start but won one of these the start prior and must go close. 12
6 SHANGHAI BUND *** Form better than it reads and right in this at possible value. 12
7 TOLIMAN ** More than capable Japanese-bred 3YO who raced in France and market only guide on exposed trial form since arriving. 12
8 BIG BROTHER *** Super honest and versatile enough to win dropping back in distance from the El Dorado. 5.00
9 CASING ROYAL *** Knows how to win and this race look suitable to be in the mix. 12
10 JUSTICE FIRST * Former UK based horse who hasn’t shown up at the trials so take on trust. 100
11 NINETYSEVEN GOLD ** Usually in the mix but has been tested at this level. 20
12 MURRAYFIELD *** Very progressive 4YO who looks suited this trip with no weight. 5.00
13 SUPERNOVA ** Ran on well behind Hermano Menor last start and could add value to exotics. 33
Race 6
Selections; 2 REDDOT RISING – 3 MURDOCH – 14 HUMDINGER – 4 LIM’S ELUSIVE
An extremely tough race for punters with many winning hopes and the winner may be the one who gets a few favours in running. MURDOCH certainly deserves some luck after being held up last start in a very similar affair to this. The four-year-old had been in solid form before stepping up to the 1800m for the first time and may have been a good thing beaten at nice odds given he found traffic on more than one occasion in the straight. REDDOT RISING was also very unlucky not to win last start and connections thought the interference he received from the winner at the 250m mark was enough to lodge a protest. While unsuccessful in the Stewards Room, the run was good enough to win this race with Joao Moreira onboard and the step up to 1800m looking a good move. You can make a good winning case for most others in this field but PRECIOUS GEM and HIGHER SOUL are both in form and suited this Class and distance and the pair will figure at the business end. Likewise, LIM’S ELUSIVE is in very good form and should find the step up to 1800m to his liking while MARTIN – who incidentally raced in the Singapore Gold Cup this time last year – should win one soon in this Company with gate 1 and Manny Nunes a good combination. Value seekers may want to keep HUMDINGER safe, as he will be running on at long odds late.
1 GOLD HILL ** Should be improved by two runs this campaign and could surprise at value. 20
2 REDDOT RISING *** Excuses not to win last start and gets his chance to make quick amends. 3.00
3 MURDOCH *** Traffic issues costly last start and gives this a shake with more luck in running. 8.00
4 LIM’S ELUSIVE *** In very solid form and the step up to 1800m could see a result. 8.00
5 MARTIN *** Not a mile away last start and does look due in this Company. 10
6 PRECIOUS GEM *** Drawn awkwardly but showed at his last couple why this type of race is his caper and pay to follow. 9.00
7 ECLIPSE DANCER * Needs to show more this campaign before considering. 33
8 HIGHER SOUL *** Won one of the two start back before a solid run in the El Dorado. Can win. 6.00
9 GOLDEN PENINSULA ** Broke maiden status in Novice Company over 1400m last start and pay to keep very safe. 12
10 GOLAZO ** Not a mile away last start in a similar affair to this and worth thought in exotics at value. 20
11 INSOFAR * Will improve with each run this campaign but may need easier. 50
12 GLORIOUS PROSPECT * Won in KSD Company two starts back and better suited there. 33
13 SPEED CRAFT ** Might be a better option on the Poly but in form and a must for exotics. 20
14 HUMDINGER *** Form better than it reads and will be running on late at long odds. 50
Race 7
Selections; 12 ALIBI – 4 SPANISH BAY – 3 NOVA STRIKE – 13 MAGNUM
The EW Barker is always a great race and at the handicap conditions, compliments Sunday’s Singapore Gold Cup perfectly. Five last start winners suggest there are plenty of bang-in-form horses in the field with SPANISH BAY the best of those after a well-deserved win in the Group 3 Saas Fee, also over 1400m. That form from the Saas Fee will hold up in this race and given he meets the likes of ALIBI, NOVA STRIKE and MAGNUM no worse off at the weights, he gets his chance for another Group win. In saying that, he just held off ALIBI both on the track and in the Stewards room in the Saas Fee and the progressive 4YO gets Joao Moreira, which could be enough to make up for that slender loss. MAGNUM finished fourth in the Saas Fee and like ALIBI, is a very progressive four-year-old who is more than up to winning in open Group Company and rates a very good lightweight hope in this. NOVA STRIKE won in slightly easier Company last start after placing in the Saas Fee but is definitely in the mix while STORM TROOPS, LIM’S CRUISER, RAISE NO DOUBT and JAY EFF EXPRESS will play a part in exotic combinations.
1 MY LUCKY STRIKE ** Yet to open his winning account on the turf but has placed at Group level on the grass so cannot be ignored. 20
2 BORN TO FLY * Blinkers on. Won this race two years back but has struggled this preparation. 100
3 NOVA STRIKE *** Broke through in slightly easier Company last start but always in the winning mix. 12
4 SPANISH BAY *** Turned some solid form into a Group win last start over 1400m and this looks no harder. 8.00
5 AFFLECK ** Awkwardly drawn and coming off a shocker but form prior has him having a say. 20
6 RAISE NO DOUBT *** In form and blinkers off as he tries to win beyond 1200m. 20
7 CAVALLO ** Always value and will play some part late with tongue-tie removed. 33
8 JAY EFF EXPRESS *** Wide gate a concern but looks suited here to run a big race. 33
9 DARCI CHARMER ** Very much appreciates an eye-catching first up run on the Poly and could surprise at odds. 33
10 MR FANTASTIC ** Tested this Company but knows how to win and pay to keep very safe. 12
11 STORM TROOPS *** Wins as often as he doesn’t and has form around Spanish Bay over this trip so has to be a show. 12
12 ALIBI *** Just missed in the Saas Fee when blinkers went on and gets his chance to make quick amends. 3.00
13 MAGNUM *** Ran on well in the Saas Fee and expect much the same here with no weight. 8.00
14 BRING MONEY HOME ** This is harder than recent outings but has been competitive at Group level previously. 33
15 FORTUNE WINNER ** Another in good form but tested at this level. 50
16 LIM’S CRUISER *** Very promising 4YO who get blinkers of the first time and could be the surprise packet. 6.00
Race 8
Selections; 5 SHADOW OF WAR – 6 DREAM COMES TRUE – 9 HIKO YUNIKON – 1 RED DAWN
This doesn’t look a particularly strong Class 4 field and as such a three-year-old in SHADOW OF WAR gets a chance to make it two wins from two career starts. Although drawn wide for this, the Sebring gelding was heavily supported on the back of some very nice trials at his race debut and while he did look to look to have to work hard throughout, his win good enough to think he improves for the run and this race does look his for the taking. Obviously he faces some handy Class 4 Polytrack sprinters but none jump off the page to beat him although HIKO YUNIKON just missed in a similar affair last start and is always a solid each-way betting option in races like this. RED DAWN is also in good form and had support last start over this trip and track when finishing fourth, but the five-year-old is yet to win on the Polytrack which suggests he may be a better option elsewhere. Of the rest, DREAM COMES TRUE is another three-year-old who looks to have ability but the NZ-bred gelding may need a tad further to show his best while STOCK BROKER is always competitive and will come under notice with Moreira to ride on a lightweight. Value seekers may want to include both SCRAT and HAPPY HAPPY who both resume after spells in what should be a suitable race.
1 RED DAWN *** Yet to win on the Poly but in form and showed enough last start to follow. 8.00
2 MASTERMIND * Disappointing last start in similar affair and have to take on trust. 50
3 ELISE * A better option on the turf. 50
4 LIM’S SHINE ** Former Kiwi who had a quiet local trial so market best guide. 20
5 SHADOW OF WAR *** Gets blinkers after winning on debut at a very short quote and the one to beat in this. 2.00
6 DREAM COMES TRUE *** Might need longer to show his best but will keep the favourite honest. 12
7 FAT POWER * Not a mile away at odds in similar affair last start but have to take on trust. 50
8 HAPPY HAPPY ** Resuming and has first up Poly form so keep safe at odds. 33
9 HIKO YUNIKON *** Just missed in this Company last start and has to be a big show here. 5.00
10 LUCKY SIX ** Showed enough last start to keep safe but better suited in Class 5. 20
11 STOCK BROKER ** Another who should need easier to win but competitive on his day and gets Moreira. 7.00
12 COOL CAT ** Love to see in Class 5 but another that will be in the exotic mix on best form. 20
13 DELFYNE * Reassess in Class 5. 100
Race 9
Selections; 5 MYSTIC MASTER – 4 LIGHTNING FAST – 3 ELITE STAR – 2 POWER LIN
MYSTIC MASTER didn’t need the “Joao factor” to be the horse punters would like to be on in this Poly sprint as the three-year-old colt is a horse to follow through the grades. Obviously breaking your maiden status at Group level – albeit in two-year-old Company – had him earmarked as a better than average juvenile and he duly saluted at his first start as a three-year-old in Class 4. That was on the Polytrack and while being a tad disappointing with heavy support in Graduation Company on the turf at his last start, he did do it tough and his effort to place good enough to win this. Like most races on the Gold Cup weekend, this field has depth and LIGHTNING FAST also looks well placed to continue his run of good form. The lightly raced four-year-old has won two of his last three and his most recent win as even money favourite suggests the step up to this Company is not an issue and he looks the danger. Three other last start winners in ELITE STAR, RAINBOW ROYAL and FINE CHOICE all come under serious consideration while HIMALAYA DRAGON and POWER LIN will both find this Company to their liking.
1 HIMALAYA DRAGON ** Never in the hunt last start and pay to keep safe at value in a race that suits. 20
2 POWER LIN *** Drawn awkwardly but always a winning show in races like this. 12
3 ELITE STAR *** Turned some good for into a Class 4 win last start and pay to keep following. 6.00
4 LIGHTNING FAST *** Progressive type who loves the Poly and can continue his wining ways. 6.00
5 MYSTIC MASTER *** Juvenile Championship winner who won two back on the Poly and the one to best here. 2.80
6 WINNING MAN ** Form reads badly but appreciates first up run and gets blinkers so look for improvement. 33
7 RAINBOW ROYAL *** Rarely runs a bad race and can win again. 8.00
8 FINE CHOICE *** Another last start Class 4 winner who is worth following through the grades. 6.00
9 THE COSMOS ** In form but forgotten how to win. 12
10 HOST THE NATION ** Has ran on OK at last couple of starts and could sneak a place at odds. 50
11 LADY IFFRAAJ ** Excuses last start and can consider on solid form prior. 33
12 SKY ELEVEN * Reassess in easier and over longer. 100
13 UNCLE LUCKY * Needs Class 5. 50
