SPALATO looks to be the best in the Group 1 Lion City Cup (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
Race days don’t get much better than this with two excellent Group races and an undercard that includes a Kranji Stakes A event with reigning Horse-of-the-Year, STEPITUP, in that star-studded field.
The Group 1 Lion City Cup is the headline act though and the best horse in that race is SPALATO.
In saying that, the 6YO had his colours lowered by EMPEROR MAX and ZAC SPIRIT in the Kranji
Sprint and although meeting the pair slightly better at the WFA conditions, he will need to show his best to win.
We think he can.
While those three horses should dominate the betting in the Lion City Cup, the other feature on the card, the Three-Year-Old Classic over 1400m, looks a wide-open affair.
CONFLIGHT and MAGNUM finished one-two respectively in the first-leg over 1200m and while they have the runs on the board and should race well again, two horses that bypassed the first leg in MR SCORSESE and FITZROY could be the testing material.
MR SCORSESE is undefeated at two career starts and FITZROY comes into this race with a nine-length win under his belt and that counts for plenty.
Great race, great day.
Best Bets: (AIR FORCE ONE race 8, win), (SPALATO race 9, win) and (FITZROY race 7, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 10), race 9 (1), race 10 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9 and 11), race 11 (1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 11 and 14).
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; 3 HUMDINGER – 1 BAHANA – 6 SUCCESSION – 9 RUM N RAISINS
A good Class 4 over a mile with numerous hopes. HUMDINGER shows promise and ran on well to win when resuming. Danny Beasley stays on and this distance could suit. BAHANA is racing well since resuming, he is awkwardly drawn but if he gets cover should run on well. SUCCESSION shows promise and is suited this distance, he has been consistent, should get a good run throughout and finish off strongly. RUM N RAISINS is also racing consistently and has won in the Class and distance. Of the others, LIM’S BATTLE can show up at this journey, the veteran KNIGHT SPIRIT can run on and THE JEUNEYMAN should be handy throughout.
1 BAHANA *** Racing well since resuming. Awkwardly drawn but if he gets cover should run on well. 6.00
2 COLONEL LINCOLN ** Looked to have issues when disappointing last star after KSD win. On trial at the distance and gate no help. 20
3 HUMDINGER *** Ran on well to win when resuming. Shows promise and this distance could suit. 5.00
4 THE JEUNEYMAN ** Only battled last start after good KSD win. Should be handy throughout. 10
5 VERTICAL START * Blinkers off. Has won on turf but best form is on poly. 20
6 SUCCESSION *** Shows promise and suited this distance. Should get a good run throughout and finish off strongly. 6.00
7 FIERY SHINZO ** Ran on nicely last start. Should get a good run throughout. Won Maiden over 1200m but this distance could suit. 12
8 KARIGARA * Blinkers on. Won Ballarat Maiden over 1200m and placed over 1800m at Rosehill. Has shown nothing to date in Singapore. 33
9 RUM N RAISINS *** Racing consistently and has won in the Class and at the distance. Should be handy throughout. 6.00
10 KNIGHT SPIRIT ** Veteran who runs on and is suited this distance. Can show up. 14
11 LIM’S BATTLE ** Runs on and has won on turf though best form is on poly up to 1800m. Gets Nunes and can be in the finish. 10
12 ZHUHAI * Won up to 1400m in Australia but has shown nothing to date in Singapore. 33
13 ROSEGOLD ** Consistent and has won at the trip but may need easier grade. 20
14 DRAGON G * Only wins have been on poly. Poorly drawn and needs easier. 33
15 MAREA NEGRO *** Close up at recent outings and has won at a mile. Could be running on. 12
16 MEAISIN ** Racing consistently but hasn’t won for nearly three years. Usually thereabouts but needs easier. 25
Race 6
Selections; 2 FASTNET DRAGON – 5 MAJESTIC MOMENTS – 6 TWICKENHAM – 8 LIM’S RALLY
A KSA worthy of a Group race. FASTNET DRAGON ran some huge races without winning last preparation and put in a very solid effort when resuming. He should be improved and can win. MAJESTIC MOMENTS has won twice at this trip and was found out late in the Moonbeam Vase over 1800m, he trialled well recently and will find the distance more suitable. TWICKENHAM ran on well to win when resuming over 1400m, this distance suits and he should get a good run throughout. LIM’S RALLY is in winning form and while up in Class, he has to be respected. STEPITUP is the current Horse of the Year who has had two runs since resuming, he has to give them all weight but this distance suits and he is all heart. Others that could show up include the consistent DRAGON FURY, the unpredictable BLUE DANUBE and BLUE SWEDE who will finish off strongly.
1 STEPITUP ** Horse of the year who has had two runs since resuming. Has to give them all weight but is all heart and will be hard to hold out. 8.00
2 FASTNET DRAGON *** Ran some huge races without winning last preparation. Put in a solid effort when resuming and should be improved. Should be hard to hold off. 4.00
3 BLUE SWEDE ** Improved by recent racing and this distance suits. Can run on late. 10
4 BLUE DANUBE ** Blinkers on. Disappointed last start after good 2000m win. Drops back in trip but is not the most reliable. Take on trust. 10
5 MAJESTIC MOMENTS *** Has won twice at this trip and was found out late in the Moonbeam Vase over 1800m. Trialled well recently and this distance suits. 4.00
6 TWICKENHAM *** Ran on well to win when resuming over 1400m. Should get a good run throughout. 6.00
7 DRAGON FURY *** Racing well and should be handy throughout. 12
8 LIM’S RALLY *** Racing very well and steps up to a mile which should suit. 14
9 A LA VICTORY ** Tongue-tie off. Consistent and trialled well. Yet to win at this distance but should get a good run throughout. 10
10 IMPERIAL MARCH * Blinkers back on. Has won twice at this trip but class may test. 20
Race 7
Selections; 12 FITZROY – 10 MR SCORSESE – 1 CONFLIGHT – 2 MAGNUM
An extremely open race, the second leg of the 3YO Series over 1400m. And while this could be fraught with danger, we think two horses that did not run in the first leg could get up here. FITROY won by nine lengths when breaking his maiden status and that is a trouncing regardless of the opposition. MR SCORCESE has also shown considerable promise, this distance should suit and he could be hard to hold out with blinkers added. Of those that ran in the first leg, CONFLIGHT surprised by winning at odds, he has to go 200m further but should give a sight and be hard to run down. MAGNUM was three wide and ran on well to just miss in the first leg, he is better suited this trip but has a difficult gate. In the same race MARINE TREASURE was held up and fought on well – as was NOVA STRIKE – and both should be suited this distance and can be handy throughout. Amongst the many other chances INFANTRY will run on but has a tough gate, as does DEBT COLLECTOR. THE WIND is a promising type who can race handy and could be up to this grade.
1 CONFLIGHT *** Surprised in first leg of the series. Has to go 200m further but should give a sight. 7.00
2 MAGNUM *** Was 3 wide and ran on well to just miss in first leg of series. Better suited this trip but has a difficult gate. 8.00
3 NOVA STRIKE *** Blinkers off after excuses in first leg. Pay to keep safe. 33
4 RICH FORTUNE * Has speed but best form is on poly. Trip and gate may test. 50
5 INFANTRY *** Tongue-tie on. Held up and ran on late in first leg of series. Extra distance should suit but gate tests. 14
6 LIM’S SHOWCASE ** Ran on in Class 3 last start returning to form after several ordinary efforts. Could show up. 16
7 RAFAELLO *** Well back in 3YO but ran on nicely in good company last start. Can be on the speed throughout. 20
8 MARINE TREASURE *** Held up and fought on well in first leg of 3YO series. Suited this distance and can be handy throughout. 7.00
9 TERMS OF REFERENCE * Consistent but best form is on poly track. 25
10 MR SCORSESE *** Blinkers on. Shows plenty of promise and distance suits. Will get a good run throughout. 5.50
11 DEBT COLLECTOR ** Won in Class 4 over this trip when resuming. Promising and could show up. 10
12 FITZROY *** Bolted in on poly for Initiation win and has since trialled well. Gate no help but can give a sight. 10
13 THE WIND ** Won Maiden over this trip and has trialled well since. Should be on the speed throughout. 10
14 MAGSTOCK ** Drops back in trip but won Maiden at this distance and recent trial very nice. 20
15 PEER GYNT * Finished well back in 3YO Series first leg but has trialled well since. Only win was on poly but has placed four from six. 33
16 LIM’S SAMURAI ** Broke through last start. Promising but this is harder and gate tests. 20
17 SPECIAL FORCE ** Ran on in Class 4 over this distance after Maiden win. Could show up. 20
18 BANDIDO * Has the gate but tested by these. 50
Race 8
Selections; 7 AIR FORCE ONE – 1 DAMON – 3 ROCKFAST – 8 ZIP A DEE DOO DAH
With seven 4YO’s in this BM67 field you would imagine that this race will be an excellent form guide to a nice little million-dollar race over 2000m in July. And while you can’t discount the older brigade including PRECIOUS GEM and KIRKS RYKER, the Derby aspirants are just going too well not to be the ones to be on. But which one? AIR FORCE ONE is in form and the 2000m has looked his caper the moment he stepped off the boat from Australia. His preparation this year has been excellent and he would have lost no friends when being run down by Ride Of The Valkyries last start. DAMON is being tested at 2000m but gives every indication the trip won’t be an issue. Add the fact he has won three from his last five and he will have admirers with Manny Nunes up. Of the other 4YO’s, ROCKFAST and FORTUNE WINNER are both solid each way hopes while big last start winner, ZIP A DEE DOO DAH, will get support could run a beauty.
1 DAMON *** Up in grade and distance but just going too well not to think he is up to both. 5.00
2 PRECIOUS GEM *** Finds himself over a suitable trip after two solid sighters over 1400m and must be considered. 12
3 ROCKFAST *** Progressive type who had excuses when running on well over 1800m last start and pay to follow. 20
4 SUPER JOE ** Can be hard to follow but last start win was strong and has to be respected. 12
5 FORTUNE WINNER *** Wont win out of turn but looks well placed to figure in this finish at each-way odds. 8.00
6 KAI POWER ** Will work into this late if race run to suit swoopers. 20
7 AIR FORCE ONE *** Promising stayer who will be very prominent throughout. 3.00
8 ZIP A DEE DOO DAH *** Two career wins have been on the Poly but in form and has a say in this. 6.00
9 TARAMEA ** Blinkers off and should be competitive. 12
10 KINGS RYKER *** Ran second to Damon last start and gets a 2.5kg swing in the weights. Value. 12
11 DANGER ZONE ** Out and out stayer who can be included in skinny end of exotics at odds. 33
Race 9
Selections; 1 SPALATO – 3 ZAC SPIRIT – 2 EMPEROR MAX – 8 THE NUTCRACKER
I guess the biggest lesson we learnt from the Kranji Sprint is that the handicappers did their job and never underestimate champion horses. The two horses in question were EMPERORS MAX resuming after a bold attempt at Group level at Royal Ascot and ZAC SPIRIT who resumed after a long injury layoff. Both ran to their best (well done to both trainers) and both could arguably improve for the run which given they ran 1-2 respectively, is a scary thought for their opposition. And while there were no excuses from the SPALATO camp, he will improve at WFA conditions and he also gets a tongue-tie. If he runs to his best, he can win. While there are plenty of honest horses in the field, it’s hard to make a winning case for the rest although THE NUTCRACKER first-up after a bleeding attack might be a long-shot hope on trial form.
1 SPALATO *** Gets tongue-tie after being disappointing in the Kranji Sprint. Can make amends. 3.00
2 EMPEROR MAX *** Excellent training feat to win first up after UK sojourn. The benchmark. 3.50
3 ZAC SPIRIT *** Another excellent training effort to go close in the Kranji Sprint after almost a year off with issues. Can win. 3.50
4 SUPER WINNER ** Poly specialists but has run some big races on the turf and have to respect. 12
5 GOAL KEEPER * Pace influence only. 50
6 WIMBLEDON ** Ran out of his skin to place in the Kranji Sprint but tested at WFA conditions. 13
7 PACHELBEL’S CANON * Surprise entry in a feature sprint but first up run behind Super Winner was very good. 20
8 THE NUTCRACKER ** Resuming after bleeding attack and trials like he has something to offer at odds. 20
9 KIWI KARMA ** Honest and will be prominent throughout but place best at the WFA conditions. 12
10 GOLD RUTILE * Another honest mare but also tested at the WFA conditions. 33
Race 10
Selections; 7 AWESOME – 1 KNIGHT WAGER – 2 SOUTHERN BOSS – 3 HERMANO MENOR
Our advice for jackpot or quaddie players is “go wide”. As you would expect on such a big days racing, the fields have depth and this KSC sprint is no exception. We could make a case for more than half this field but looking for something that may have an edge, the 3YO AWESOME gets the nod. Connections look to have made a smart move opting for this race as opposed to the second leg of the Three-Year-Old challenge (1400m) and he should run a big race. A couple of horses that will very much appreciate the company are KNIGHT WAGER and SOUTHERN BOSS. There will be plenty of pace on so KNIGHT WAGER should be suited while SOUTHERN BOSS may very well be the one they have to pass late to win. Blanket over most others including HERMANO MENOR resuming.
1 KNIGHT WAGER *** First-up run good and could be hard to beat in this Company. 7.00
2 SOUTHERN BOSS *** Can be found wanting late but will look the winner late and company suits. 12
3 HERMANO MENOR *** Resuming and won first up last preparation. Big show. 5.00
4 RED DAWN *** Not far away last two and in this a long way with handy 4kg claimer. 12
5 STAR GENERAL ** Wide draw a concern but more than handy when right and pay to keep safe. 12
6 STORM TROOPS *** Progressive type resuming and win ratio too good to ignore. 10
7 AWESOME *** Lost no friends when placing in the 3YO Sprint and looks well placed here. 5.00
8 BRAHMA CIRCUS ** Form better than it reads and could be a good value option at a rare turf run. 20
9 BARNATO *** In winning form and pay to follow with nice recent trial a bonus. 12
10 GATO NEGRO ** Took a drop to Class 4 to win but always competitive in races like this. 20
11 ROSELLI *** Very honest type having first turf run in Singapore. Goes close. 8.00
12 MANGATOETOENUI ** Competitive although might be better suited in Class 4. 12
13 NORTHERN BOSS ** Yet to win on the turf but the type who could show up at very long odds. 50
Race 11
Selections; 3 WHITE HUNTER – 1 BIGDINERO – 14 SOUTHERN HUSSLER – 8 ZIPPY GENERAL
Another open race to close what should have been the best days racing seen at Kranji this year. Hopefully we have found a few earlier to have a decent crack in the last and the money will be on a Class dropper in WHITE HUNTER. The 4YO has only won once from six starts in Singapore but he showed enough last start when blinkers went on in Class 3 for connections to be confident in this field. Another Class dropper that could run a race is BIG DINERO. The 7YO may not have won since February 2014 but like WHITE HUNTER, showed enough in Class 3 last start to give this a shake. The interesting runner is the maiden SOUTHERN HUSSLER. The 3YO get blinkers back on after excuses last start and hopefully adds some spice to exotic dividends. NOVA SPIRIT, ZIPPY GENERAL, LUCKY BOY and KEVIN ELEVEN just four more to watch.
1 BIGDINERO *** Showed enough last start in better company to think he is ready to show up in Class 4. 12
2 KEVIN ELEVEN *** Hard to fault winning form and will be prominent throughout. 6.00
3 WHITE HUNTER *** In solid form and will win in this company sooner than later. 5.00
4 CYBORG ** Former Argentinean who has a wide gate to overcome on debut. 20
5 ELISE ** Form looks hopeless but OK in the 3YO Sprint and recent trial was solid. 33
6 LUCKY BOY *** Close up last start and gets the favours from gate 1. 6.00
7 OCEAN CRYSTAL * Former Australian maiden who may need the run. 50
8 ZIPPY GENERAL *** Raced handier last start but can work home very well and goes close. 5.00
9 DOHATSUTEN ** Excuses not to go very close to causing an upset last start similar affair and pay to keep safe. 33
10 AMAZON GOLD ** Not a mile away last start in KSD company and can include in exotics. 16
11 NOVA SPIRIT *** Was first past the post last start and has to repeated on very solid form. 8.00
12 DEAUVILLE * Easier to ignore. 100
13 LIM’S CASINO * Resuming and has won in easier company first up but this is a tough ask. 20
14 SOUTHERN HUSSLER *** Maiden who gets blinkers back on after excuses not to finish closer last start. Value. 10
15 REAL HERO ** Showed last start he will be more than competitive this company. 20
16 MORALES ** Form better than it reads and can include in exotics at odds. 33
