JUPITER GOLD looks the one to beat again (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
After the oddly named but bang-in-form LAUGHING GRAVY took out the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in emphatic style last Sunday, a standalone Friday meeting to bring punters quietly down to earth.
The mixed surface nine race card looks to have something for everyone including the fourth leg of the Singapore Golden Horseshoe Challenge – The IRT Juvenile Stakes – where JUPITER GOLD will be looking to keep his unbeaten streak intact.
The Australian-bred 2YO has taken all before him winning two of the three legs of the Challenge and gives every indication that the natural progression to 1200m on the turf is in his favour.
He won’t get in his own way though with another last start winner in MCARTHUR and the filly ATHENA – who looked good when placing on debut – keeping him more than honest.
But the biggest danger may be the raced newcomer from New Zealand – CAORUNN – who apart from winning three from six starts back home, showed plenty in elite juvenile company when finishing fourth in the Karaka Millions.
That form will hold up in Singapore and given a nice local trial, look out for heavy support and a big run.
Best Bets: (JUPITER GOLD race 3 win), (HOT GOLD race 5, win) and RAFAELLO race 7, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11 and 12), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 11), race 8 (1, 2, 6 and 8), race 9 (1, 2, 4 and 6).
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 MEAISIN – 1 HAPPY SAGA – 9 SO PERFECT – 5 MISS WAIMATAITAI
Tactics and race pace will play a big part in what is a solid Class 5 opener. Case in point is whether or not a 4kg claimer in Y Salim on MISS WAIMATAITAI can make use of the inside gate. History suggests it may be a tough ask but if they can get to a handy position or even lead, they could be hard to beat. Two horses drawn wide in MEAISIN (gate 11) and HAPPY SAGA (12) will also play a part pending tactics. HAPPY SAGA will go back and finish strongly so he will be hoping for some early speed up front while G Boss on MEAISIN may try to make the running with blinkers added after a nice recent trial. Nunes on last start winner SO PERFECT pick themselves and the rest may struggle.
1 HAPPY SAGA *** Foot on the till and will be hard to hold out with best work expected late. 3.00
2 JOY AND HAPPY ** Maiden who will be suited in Class 5 but Poly form a worry. 12
3 MEAISIN *** Winning form over longer but gets blinkers dropping o Class 5 and can win. 6.00
4 MISS ELYSIUM ** Solid in two Class 5 runs and pay to follow. 12
5 MISS WAIMATAITAI *** Excuses not to be right in the mix in similar affair last start and goes close here. 5.00
6 FUKU ICHIBAN * Form OK but a better option on the turf. 20
7 FULL BET * No. 50
8 SING ENERGY * Solid without being a threat of late but can include in skinny end of exotics. 20
9 SO PERFECT *** Trialling and racing well and right in this finish. 5.00
10 BONJOUR BOB * Blinkers off but easier to ignore. 33
11 CHINESE TYCOON * Sixty-eight start maiden who is competitive on a good day. 20
12 GREENBACK * Not a mile away last start but needs easier than this. 33
13 BORN A FIGHTER ** Maiden who will be very competitive in Class 5. 20
Race 2
Selections; 6 LADY LIBERTY – 5 BROTHER WIND – 4 SUN MIRAGE – 8 CARNELIAN
Three horses – SUN MIRAGE, BROTHER WIND and LADY LIBERTY – all come into this 1400m maiden with eye-catching runs under their belts and all three look like horses to follow. LADY LIBERTY gets G Boss after a nice run over this trip last start and given that was in Class 4, she gets her chance in a race that suits. V Duric takes the ride on BROTHER WIND and given what he showed over 1400m at his second race start in Singapore, he probably starts favourite and must go close. SUN MIRAGE again gets a CC Wong claim – this time in Maiden Company – so he must improve on what he showed with excuses at his Singapore debut. Of the rest with wining hopes, CARNELIAN could lead and should be in this a long way from gate 1 while MOMENT OF JUSTICE improves on what he showed on debut when supported.
1 SPEEDY MOMENT * Race form hopeless but look for improvement at first start on the turf over a more suitable trip. 33
2 THE WINGED DRAGON * Will improve with racing and market watch in order. 20
3 MOMENT OF JUSTICE *** Supported at Singapore debut and should improve lengths with that run under his belt. 5.00
4 SUN MIRAGE *** Excuses when running well at Singapore debut in KSD company and can win this. 4.00
5 BROTHER WIND *** Placed last start with excuses in running over this trip and hard to hold out. 2.50
6 LADY LIBERTY *** Ran on very over this trip in Class 4 last start and can win on that effort. 4.00
7 CHAIRMAN WIND * No. 200
8 CARNELIAN *** Just missed at long odds when on the pace throughout last start over the mile and pay to follow. 12
9 HOLY TRILOGY * Improves for debut effort but like to see something before considering. 33
Race 3
Selections; 2 JUPITER GOLD – 1 CAORUNN – 3 MACARTHUR – 12 ATHENA
The Juvenile series continues and while you always have to be wary of newcomers and obvious improvers, the race form should hold up here and the unbeaten JUPITER GOLD looks the testing material. The Australian-bred rig has impressed winning over 1000m and 1100m on the Poly and gives every indication he just gets better over longer again. In saying that a raced newcomer in CAORUNN could be the best juvenile in Singapore on exposed overseas form. The Kiwi had six starts back home for three wins but more importantly ran fourth in the Karaka Million. His local trial good enough to think he is ready to show his best and expect support. Of the rest with winning hopes, MACARTHUR backed up a good debut with a nice win so has to be respected while ATHENA looks a good light-weight hope on what she showed on debut. The newcomer SPEEDY WARRIOR can also win on his good trial form with the market best guide.
1 CAORUNN *** Highly regarded raced NZ 2YO who has trialled well enough to think he is hard to hold out. 3.50
2 JUPITER GOLD *** Won very well at both starts and looks the one to beat again. 2.00
3 MACARTHUR *** Backed up good debut behind Jupiter Gold with a nice win and pay to follow. 6.00
4 SILVER KING * Gets blinkers but needs to show more. 50
5 ANGEL OF MINE * Not on exposed trial form. 100
6 BELIEVE IT OR NOT * Solid at trials but like to see support. 33
7 ENERGIZER * The odd quiet trial so another that would need support before considering. 33
8 HALO BRIGHT * Has plenty of speed so cheeky run expected but should be found out late. 33
9 SILVER MAN * Saddle slipped at Official trial but easier to ignore. 100
10 SMART MASTER * Will improve with racing and extra distance will help. 33
11 SPEEDY WARRIOR *** Newcomer who has shown more than enough at the trials to think he has a say on debut. 12
12 ATHENA *** Excuses when just missing on debut in March and should race well again fresh. 9.00
13 QUEEN ROULETTE * Needs to show more before considering. 100
14 LAND BELOW D WIND * Will appreciate debut run and can include in skinny end of exotics at odds. 33
Race 4
Selections; 7 DARC BOUNTY – 11 SIAM SAPPHIRE – 9 DRAGON MASTER – 1 NOVA MASTER
An interesting race with all the 3YO’s that looks ready to win drawn wide giving some handy 2YO’s a chance to knock in an early win. In fact DARC BOUNTY and SIAM SAPPHIRE have shown enough at the trials to win on debut with support likely. DARC BOUNTY has two solid trials under his belt and with R Rueven up from gate 2, he should give this shake. Likewise, SIAM SAPPHIRE has done enough at the trials to win on debut with no weight with B Vorster up from gate 6. DRAGON MASTER showed last start why 49.5kg is such an advantage in these RM’s and is also in the mix. Two 3YO’s that can win are NOVA MASTER and LIM’S CONTROL and both good enough to carry 57kg from the wide gates.
1 NOVA MASTER *** Ran well when resuming with support and breaks through soon. 4.00
2 SUPERTEN * Gets blinkers after just being fair since debut placing and have to take on trust. 20
3 DESTINY KNIGHT * Needs further. 100
4 LIM’S CONTROL *** Badly drawn but supported and went well on debut so pay to follow. 4.00
5 REALLY CAPABLE ** Showed pace when placing – albeit beaten a long way – on debut and have to include somewhere. 12
6 KEEPIT KARMA * Resuming after having issues on debut and will improve with solid trials under her belt. 33
7 DARC BOUNTY *** 2YO whose trials have been good enough to have a say on debut with gate 2 a factor. 8.00
8 D’GREAT VULTURE * No. 200
9 DRAGON MASTER *** Showed enough in similar weighed affair last start to give this a shake. 4.00
10 DREAMPITCHER * No. 200
11 SIAM SAPPHIRE *** Trialling well and looks a strong chance on debut with Vorster up. 5.00
12 SUPER ACE ** Green when running only fairly on debut but should be the improver with experience. 33
13 PHANFONE * No. 200
14 BRILLIANT STAR * No. 200
Race 5
Selections; 7 HOT GOLD – 5 MAGNETISE – 3 STORM TROOPER – 2 BIG MAN
Another race where the early pace expected could set it up for the swoopers on a track (Short Course D) that suits. Hopefully the likes of the in-form BIG MAN and LIKA TIGER with blinkers added will ensure a very good pace throughout and an each-way swooper in HOT GOLD can show his best. The 7YO has mixed it over this trip against some of Singapore’s best and while he doesn’t win out of turn, this race and company looks a winning combination. Also at odds, MAGNETISE should figure late. The 4YO stormed home to break his maiden status two starts back and worth another look on that effort. Obviously BIG MAN and LIKA TIGER won’t give up without a fight and STORM TROOPER will keep them all honest with Nunes onboard. A few others to watch at odds in what should be a danger race for punters. Good luck.
1 GREENSTONE ** Resuming sans blinkers and can improve on poor race form dropping to Class 4. 20
2 BIG MAN *** In winning KSD form and in this a very long way from gate 2. 3.00
3 STORM TROOPER *** Showed last start why 1400m and the turf in his caper and will be hard to hold out late. 4.00
4 HUMDINGER ** Excuses last start and will be running on if having a good day. 20
5 MAGNETISE *** Never involved last start and happy to give another chance on nice win two starts back. 12
6 SUNNY ** Needs longer but will work into exotic calculations at odds late. 33
7 HOT GOLD *** Always a show in races like this and each-way all the way. 8.00
8 LIKA TIGER *** In form and gets blinkers so wins without surprising. 4.50
9 LUCKY COIN ** Never in the hunt last start and happy to keep involved at odds. 33
10 JUST NAME IT ** Always looks a hope but struggles to win. 20
11 BASTION ** Ran on well to place at odds last start and could expect much the same again. 20
12 BLADEMEISTER * Form suggests he needs Class 5 but recent trial OK so look for improvement. 33
Race 6
Selections; 8 YOU DA ONE – 4 UNSURPASSED – 1 IMPERIAL BOY – 2 SAVAGE STORM
I think its safe to say YOU DA ONE is not the type to win out of turn but he gets his chance today in a race that suits. The 6YO was in good form last preparation – which included his only win in Singapore in January – and appreciates his first-up run with Corey Brown from gate 5 a good combination. Too many others win without surprising but from the top, IMPERIAL BOY showed last start he wins this company soon, SAVAGE STORM will find gate 4 to his liking, UNSURPASSED can win first-up, AMAZEALOT is in form, HIKO YUNIKON is always a show while GUILTLESS and SMOOTHLY are up to this.
1 IMPERIAL BOY *** Showed last start why this type of race looks his caper and can win. 5.00
2 SAVAGE STORM *** Did it tough last start and looks suited in KSD company so keep very safe. 12
3 RED GENERAL ** For since maiden win ordinary but recent trial sans blinkers was good so can improve. 12
4 UNSURPASSED *** Resuming after returning not striding last start and wins if right. 5.00
5 AMAZEALOT *** Has found some form and three career wins have been on the Poly so worth a look. 8.00
6 HELEN ** Drawn badly but always some show in race like this. 12
7 LUCKY BOY ** Usually finds trouble but goes good enough to include in exotics at value. 33
8 YOU DA ONE *** Very much appreciates first-up run and can win in this company. 11
9 ALOHA ** Wide draw an issue but will be competitive in this type of race. 20
10 HIKO YUNIKON *** Supported and ran on well to place last start and expect much the same again. 8.00
11 SMOOTHLY *** Resuming with a tongue-tie after a good run of form and have to respect with G Boss up. 10
12 GUILTLESS *** Took a drop to Class 5 to win but another that’s usually competitive with gate 2 a factor. 8.00
13 LADY ROULETTE ** Form reads badly but issues last start and could entertain at value in a race that suits. 33
14 MR PATRON ** Wide draw a concern and recent win was in Class 5 but competitive on his day. 33
Race 7
Selections; 11 RAFAELLO – 5 VON KRUMM – 2 SOUTHERN BOSS – 1 GHOST
A very tough race for punters and with at least seven runners that we could make a case for but hopefully that means value for a few of the top picks. RAFAELLO looks a progressive 3YO and when you think he has had excuses for some poor efforts of late – including respiratory issues last start – he could win this on best form. In fact he was narrowly beaten in BM83 company and with winkers on from gate 1, he could very well be the testing material. Once again, too many others to mention in detail but VON KRUMM might be value and is due while SOUTHERN CROSS and GHOST could very well run this lot off their feet if on song. It would be remiss not to mention the three last start winners in FAMOUS ARTIST, WHITE HUNTER and CACTUS JACK and do your best if playing exotics.
1 GHOST *** Three wins in Singapore have been on the Poly but in this a very long way. 12
2 SOUTHERN BOSS *** Speed to burn and company suits so looks a big show. 12
3 FAMOUS ARTIST *** Turned some good form into a win over this trip last start and pay to keep following. 4.00
4 REACH FOR THE SUN ** Honest and just missed last start but hasn’t won since July 2014 so have to take on trust. 12
5 VON KRUMM *** Drawn wide but gets blinkers back and looks due. 6.00
6 WHITE HUNTER *** Coming off a nice Class 4 win and too honest not to give this a shake. 6.00
7 GOBI RANGER ** Form looks hopeless but recent trial good so look for improvement. 33
8 CACTUS JACK *** Resuming after winning two from three after poor debut and recent trial suggests he is worth a look. 6.00
9 CLUTHA LAD * Better on the Poly over longer. 33
10 SUPERSONICSURPRISE * Coming off a shocker and query this surface. 33
11 RAFAELLO *** Progressive 3YO who had excuses (respiratory) last start and subsequent trial with winkers good enough to win. 6.00
12 TOP NOTE * Blinkers off and needs to show more. 33
13 BIGDINERO ** In solid form and can include in exotics at value. 33
Race 8
Selections; 2 LIVELY DRAGON – 1 BLUE MOON – 8 BELLUS WONDER – 6 INVINCIBLE MAN
A strong KSD over 1100m on the poly gives LIVELY DRAGON a strong chance to break through. The 5YO was never likely last start in KSC but drops into a much easier grade and gets Manoel Nunes; he is a genuine Class 4 performer and has won in Class 3 which should make him hard to beat in this grade. The winkers go on BLUE MOON who is racing well in this grade and the shorter distance may suit; he missed a place when last ridden by Salim but the claim should help. BELLUS WONDER’s only wins have been in this grade and he usually puts in a solid performance; with Matt Kellady up he should be handy throughout. STARSKY is resuming with blinkers on after changing stables and his recent trial was solid. His only win was over 1200m on the poly at debut and with Alan Munro up he could show up. Of the others, INVINCIBLE MAN put in an improved effort last start and is suited at this distance, STOCK BROKER is racing consistently and placed in Class 4 last outing, OUR TOUCHE will appreciate getting back to his winning grade and BLAZING SUN could show up fresh after a long break.
1 BLUE MOON *** Winkers on. Racing well in this grade and the shorter distance may suit. Missed a place when last ridden by Salim but the claim should help. 5.50
2 LIVELY DRAGON *** Never likely last start but drops into a much easier grade and gets Manoel Nunes. Is a genuine Class 4 performer and has won in Class 3. Should be hard to beat in this grade. 3.50
3 OUR TOUCHE ** Racing fairly in Class 4 and last win was over 1000m in this grade. Could show up. 12
4 SILVER POWER * Pacifiers and tongue-tie on. Won two minor races in North Queensland but has done nothing since arriving in Singapore. Having third start for CT Kuah but looks tested. 33
5 BLAZING SUN ** Resuming after a long break. Showed promise earlier winning at debut and has had numerous trials. Watch for support. 20
6 INVINCIBLE MAN *** Put in an improved effort last start and is suited this distance. Should be on the speed throughout. 5.50
7 STARSKY ** Resuming with blinkers on after changing stables and recent trial was solid. Only win was over 1200m on poly at debut. 10
8 BELLUS WONDER *** Only wins have been in this grade and usually puts in a solid performance. Should be handy throughout. 6.00
9 COOL CAT * Tough 10YO who won in Class 5 over this trip last start. Will find this harder. 25
10 OCEAN MASTER * Maiden resuming with tongue-tie off. Was beaten 10 lengths last start but placed and despite being green has performed well at all 3 outings. Watch market. 20
11 FRANCES * Has won at this trip but best efforts have been in Class 5 and gate no help. 33
12 STOCK BROKER ** Racing consistently and placed in Class 4 last outing. Wins have been at 1000m but has placed six from 10 at this trip and can be in the finish with Duric to ride. 10
13 QUETZAL * Resuming. Maiden who has some ability but best efforts are over longer. 20
14 KAISER BRIGHT * Racing fairly in Class 5 but only wins have been on turf over longer. 33
Race 9
Selections; 1 PANAMA CITY – 2 MR MOSA – 6 FALKIRK LEAD – 5 O’REILLY BAY
The usual competitive Class 4 over 1400m. PANAMA CITY drops to a suitable grade and has won at this distance; he should race well for Nunes. MR MOSA is racing well in this Class and distance since coming to Singapore; his only win in NZ was at 1560m but he should be handy throughout. FALKIRK LEAD resumed with a strong win in KSD company when resuming on the poly, he won his Maiden on turf over a mile and should be handy throughout in this. O’REILLY BAY led throughout to win an Initiation easily last start over this distance, this is harder and he is awkwardly drawn but John Powell says on and he could show up. ROBIN HOOD is resuming with a tongue-tie and dropping back in trip, he won his Maiden over 1400m and should be handy throughout. The field falls away after this though GIORGIO has good poly form and if handles the turf could make his presence felt and don’t forget MAREA NEGRO each-way.
1 PANAMA CITY *** Form better than it reads, drops to a suitable grade and has won at this distance. Should race well for Nunes. 4.00
2 MR MOSA *** Racing well in this Class and distance since coming to Singapore. Only win in NZ was at 1560m but should be handy throughout. 4.00
3 ROBIN HOOD ** Resuming with tongue-tie and dropping back in trip. Won Maiden over 1400m and should be handy throughout. 7.00
4 MONGOLIAN CHIEF *** Won Maiden on poly last start. This is harder but may appreciate 1400m and recent trial was good. 14
5 O’REILLY BAY ** Led throughout to win Initiation easily last start. This is harder and awkwardly drawn but could show up. 7.00
6 FALKIRK LEAD *** Resumed with strong win in KSD company when resuming on poly. Won Maiden on turf over a mile and should be handy throughout in this. 5.00
7 GIORGIO ** Won in Class 5 two starts back on poly and then placed over a mile on poly in this grade. Could show up. 16
8 ALFONSO * Has been struggling for a long time and needs to improve. 25
9 DRAGON G * Battling. Wants Class 5, poly and longer. 33
10 MAREA NEGRO ** Will be running on at value and pay to include in exotics. 25
11 PINT SIZED PRINCE * Wants easier. 33
12 QUEEN’S SEVEN ** Placed in this grade three starts back and battled on last start. Exotics. 25
