NOVA STAR worth a long look (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
It’s safe to say Michael Rodd has been selective in choosing his rides in 2016.
His strike rate of 20.18% is testament to that.
And when you consider he sits fifth on the jockey’s premiership with some
228 rides – and Alan Munro in sixth has had 230 rides more – Rood is a jockey to follow with confidence.
The Melbourne Cup winning hoop has only four rides on what can be fairly described as an ordinary nights racing, which suggests he is only jumping on horses with a good chance of winning.
True, his mounts don’t jump off the page as “good things” but all look in form and more importantly have found suitable races.
He starts in this first on BORN A FIGHTER – which wins without surprising in Class 5 – before jumping on COULD BE PEARLS in race 2, which could be one of his better winning chances on the night.
Add LAKE HUKA on some good race and trial form to his name in race 5, while last start winner – SMART VINTAGE – can win again in race 7.
You would imagine Rodd would be happy with one winner on the night to keep his strike rate above 20% but don’t back against a double or even a treble to the on-song hoop.
Friday 11 November
Best Bets: (LIM’S SHOT race 3 win), (NOVA STAR race 1, value) and (O’WHAT A FEELING race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (6, 8 and 13), race 7 (1, 2, 4, 6 and 9), race 8 (2, 3, 4 and 5), race 9 (2, 3, 4 and 7).
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; 5 NOVA STAR – 8 TRINITY – 9 NOVA LEGEND – 1 ARCHER COMPANY
A very tough opener to the stand-alone Friday meeting with too many likely improvers
dropping to Class 5 to be confident of finding the winner. So while it will be wise to see what the tote tells us closer to start time, two Nova horses – NOVA STAR and NOVA LEGEND – are worth a long look. What makes it interesting is that Manny Nunes often gets the pick of the Nova monikered horses and he jumps off the in-form NOVA LEGEND onto the out-of-form NOVA STAR. But the latter drops to Class 5 and has changed stables so improvement with or without the Brazilian hoop was likely. But it is a raffle with LIM’S BATTLE, TRINITY and STARSKY all improving dropping to Class 5 with ARCHER COMPANY, GUILTLESS, MAREA NEGRO, SEASONS ECHO, BORN A FIGHTER and SUGARTIME JAZZ all a show on form. Good luck!
1 ARCHER COMPANY *** In form and handles the turf so must be a big show. 5.00
2 GUILTLESS *** Recent good form on the Poly but should go forward from the wide gate and give a sight. 12
3 LIM’S BATTLE *** Form reads badly but a significant drop in Class and will be doing best work late. 20
4 MAREA NEGRO *** Back in trip a concern but has won over 1200m and will win in Class 5 sooner than later. 12
5 NOVA STAR *** Another who looks hopelessly out of form but drops in grade and senior hoop should see marked improvement. 20
6 REWARDING SMILE ** Maiden who will appreciate Class 5 and blinkers on first time so watch market. 33
7 STARSKY ** Yet another who could improve on poor form dropping to Class 5 with senior hoop and tongue-tie added. 20
8 TRINITY *** Will not win out of turn but gets his chance dropping to Class 5 with gate 5 and claim a bonus. 6.00
9 NOVA LEGEND *** Excuses last start when dropping to Class 5 and got home well enough to follow. 6.00
10 SEASONS ECHO *** Another that showed last start that Class 5 is his caper and worth following. 8.00
11 BORN A FIGHTER *** Excuses last start not to go every close and will figure late with luck in running. 6.00
12 SUGARTIME JAZZ *** Another with excuses not to finish closer last start and wins without surprising. 8.00
13 SATCHMO ** Maiden who had excuses last start but may be a better option on the Poly. 20
14 MEAISIN ** Will be running on late but like to see over longer again. 33
Race 2
Selections; 4 COULD BE PEARLS – 1 WINTERFELL – 7 LIM’S OPERATION – 3 SUPER G
A small but solid maiden field heads to the starter in what looks a very interesting race for punters. There is only one newcomer in the seven-horse field and LEON certainly has enough good trials under his belt to consider on debut with the market a good guide. Of the raced brigade, COULD BE PEARLS could be hard to beat. The 3YO had excuses at his second career start not to win and had enough support on that occasion to think he can make quick amends over the same trip. WINTERFELL is another that is due and while his only attempt at 1400m was ordinary, the trip should be his caper and he wins without surprising. LIM’S OPERATION and SUPER G both improve with racing (and in the case of LIM’S OPERATION, blinkers added) and they both go close with luck in running.
1 WINTERFELL *** Wins one of these sooner than later and 1400m should be in his favour. 4.00
2 BIG REGARDS ** Will appreciate extra 200m but may need longer again. 20
3 SUPER G *** Looks his own worse enemy in races but will win when he gets things right. 6.00
4 COULD BE PEARLS *** All sorts of excuses not to win last start and might be very hard to hold out. 2.50
5 GOLDEN COIN * Nothing on debut. 50
6 LEON *** Had plenty of good trials and should have a say on debut with market best guide. 6.00
7 LIM’S OPERATION *** Green but has ability and blinkers added might do the trick. 4.00
Race 3
Selections; 3 LIM’S SHOT – 13 GOLDEN DIAMOND – 2 OLLIE EAGLE – 5 STAR INVINCIBLE
While you would imagine LIM’S SHOT will start at a very short quote and is hard to beat on what he showed at debut, the emergency GOLDEN DIAMOND will keep things very interesting if he does indeed get a start. GOLDEN DIAMOND is resuming after an indifferent run of form but showed enough to think he will win a race sooner than later and his recent trials good enough to think sooner. But LIM’S SHOT is the one to be on after having issues on debut – his breastplate broke – and given he just missed with support on that occasion, he can make quick amends and win this. OLLIE EAGLE and STAR INVINCIBLE two that keep them honest on recent race form while MAJOR IMPROVEMENT is the improver at his first start in Singapore in maiden Company after two runs in Class 4.
1 MAJOR IMPROVEMENT *** Maiden who will improve in his own Company on the back of two Class 4 runs. 12
2 OLLIE EAGLE *** Foot on the till and should figure prominently throughout. 3.00
3 LIM’S SHOT *** Excuses when going very close on debut with support and can win this. 2.00
4 ADMEISTER * Resuming with OK recent trial but have to take on trust. 33
5 STAR INVINCIBLE *** Ride queried when finishing second last start and must go close on a repeat of that effort. 6.00
6 SILENT CONNECTION * Impossible on form but recent trial with headgear OK so may improve. 33
7 VOYAGER ** Maiden who is usually thereabouts with blinkers off for this. 20
8 GOOD MISSION * No. 33
9 MAGIC PAINT ** Ran into some form and pay to follow. 12
10 NATURAL WATER * Easier to ignore from wide gate. 50
11 PRESENT ARMS * No. 100
12 RAINBOW STAR ** Long-term maiden status a concern but in solid form and can include in exotics. 12
13 GOLDEN DIAMOND *** Resuming after excuses last start and trials like a winner so keep safe if het gets a start. 8.00
14 MR JACKSON *** Goes better than most in this maiden and will keep them honest. 8.00
Race 4
Selections; 7 THE GOLDEN GOAT – 3 HAPPY BABY – 1 AUTUMN RUSH – 6 RED DUKE
An odd Initiation field where the debutantes with winning hopes on trial form are all 4YO’s and the raced brigade with form all get a weight pull as 3YO’s. Of the raced brigade, HAYTHAM looks the benchmark after backing up a solid debut with a good placing at his next start. SNIP put in a solid debut at long odds and should improve while GREY FALCON – although super disappointing with heavy support on debut – is worth another look as where there is punting smoke, there is often fire. The market will be the best guide on the four debutantes with winning hopes but as it stands there was enough to like about THE GOLDEN GOAT’s trial to overcome wide gate and win. HAPPY BABY, AUTUMN RUSH and RED DUKE the others that can win on debut on good trial form.
1 AUTUMN RUSH *** Official trial looked good enough to win on debut. 4.00
2 DANZEB ** Brings solid trial form to debut and market watch in order. 12
3 HAPPY BABY *** Has looked very comfortable at two trials with blinkers and should have a big say on debut. 5.00
4 HOLY GRAIL * No. 100
5 KING ROULETTE * Gets blinkers after racing poorly on debut and have to take on trust. 50
6 RED DUKE *** Eye catching efforts at the trials and worth thought on debut with Duric to ride. 8.00
7 THE GOLDEN GOAT *** Drawn awkwardly but comes off a nice Official trial and can win on debut. 4.00
8 DREAMPITCHER * Resuming and easier to ignore. 100
9 AEOLUS * Gets blinkers after poor debut and another to take on trust. 50
10 GREY FALCON *** Very disappointing on debut with heavy support but should improve for the run with winkers on for this. 8.00
11 HAYTHAM *** Solid at two career starts and looks the benchmark of the raced brigade. 8.00
12 SNIP *** Not far away at long odds on debut and in the mix with natural improvement likely. 12
Race 5
Selections; 3 LIM’S SPRINT – 4 LAKE HUKA – 8 STIRLING – 2 STAR GENIUS
A few horses bang-in-form who struggle to win make this a tough race for punters and one to play with care. STAR GENIUS, COURT CASE and GET GOING are the three horses that almost refuse to win and worth noting they have strung together 16 placings collectively since last winning – which is obviously a concern. So a horse like LIM’S SPRINT may be a better option. The 5YO is having his first start on the Poly but has handled the surface at the trials and can win with blinkers added. LAKE HUKA also comes off a nice recent trial and gets to jump from gate 1 while STIRLING is always an each-way show and can often provide excellent value.
1 ROOM FOR EXCUSE ** Form hopeless and having first run on the Poly but will very much appreciate drop to Class 4 with blinkers off. 20
2 STAR GENIUS *** Foot on the till but desperate for a result for followers. 4.00
3 LIM’S SPRINT *** First time at the races on the Poly but trialling well with blinkers on and can win. 5.00
4 LAKE HUKA *** Placed last start in similar affair and subsequent trial was good so worth following. 6.00
5 PALLADIO * Struggling and drawn wide but may appreciate being back on the Poly. 50
6 COURT CASE *** Always a show in races like this but overdue for a result. 8.00
7 RED ANT ** Solid at last couple of runs and can include in exotics. 12
8 STIRLING *** Often value and always a solid each-way hope. 8.00
9 EASTERN VICTORY * Maiden who needs easier than this. 100
10 GET GOING ** Resuming after knocking in six straight placings after knocking in his only Singapore win so play with care. 8.00
11 SWINGLOWSWEETJACKY ** Resuming after maiden win and goes well enough on the Poly to keep safe. 12
12 SACRED CROWN ** In form but having first run out of Class 5 since 2014 so may struggle. 20
13 VRAAD ** Appreciates very solid first up run and pay to keep safe. 12
14 BIG CITY ** Form looks hopeless but freshened with some good trials (albeit with tongue-tie) so watch market. 33
Race 6
Selections; 8 EXCITING PROSPECT – 13 SPACE ODDITY – 6 UNION JAC – 9 DYNASTY KNIGHT
A Class 5 with no depth whatsoever and EXCITING PROSPECT gets his chance to turn some poor form into a win. As you would expect in this Company, the 5YO is not the type to win out of turn but his good form of late suggest he is the one to be on here with Glen Boss staying onboard. Keep the first emergency SPACE ODDITY very safe if he gets a run. Vlad Duric has already been booked and given he gets to jump from a good gate if he gets a start, he can win without surprising. The maiden UNION JAC is the other horse that looks due on recent form and blanket over the rest in what is a very weak race.
1 FAST JET ** Tough horse to follow but goes good enough on his day to keep safe. 20
2 SUPER JOY * Placed last start but a better option on the Poly. 20
3 SUPERTEN ** Won similar affair last start but wide gate makes this tough. 5.00
4 HAN SOLO ** Resuming after a poor run of form but recent trial OK so could improve. 20
5 ONE O NINE * Has pace but a better option on the Poly. 33
6 UNION JAC *** Maiden who is due and this race looks suitable to break through. 5.00
7 MR NO PROBLEM ** Wide gate a concern but best runs have been this surface and trip so can include in exotics. 12
8 EXCITING PROSPECT *** Showed more than enough last start on the turf to win in this field with gate 1 a bonus. 3.00
9 DYNASTY KNIGHT ** Will improve back on the turf but may need longer to win. 12
10 SUVARNABHUMI ** Can race handy and can figure back to 1200m. 12
11 OASIS SPUR * Struggling. 100
12 BUZET ** In very solid form but not seen on the turf for a long time. 8.00
13 SPACE ODDITY *** Did it tough last start from bad gate so worth another look on form prior with gate 4 a bonus. 8.00
14 HAPPY SAGA ** Runs on when in the mood so keep safe. 12
Race 7
Selections; 1 DAMON – 2 MIGHTY KENNY – 9 SPIRIT SEVEN – 4 SMART VINTAGE
Not a lot of races to get excited about today but this Class 4 event over 1700m should be a beauty. Two last start winners in MIGHTY KENNY and SMART VINTAGE make sure there is plenty of good form in the race and both can go on with the job. MIGHTY KENNY has four more kilos to carry but should handle the extra weight while SMART VINTAGE is up in grade but has less weight to carry and should be in the thick of this finish. DAMON is he interesting runner. The 5YO is in fine form but is having his first start on the Poly. His trials suggest he handles the surface and he can win from gate 1. SPIRIT SEVEN the other that wins without surprising given he had excuses with support in a similar affair to this at his last start and go even wider in exotics in what should be a good race.
1 DAMON *** In form and should handle the Poly with gate 1 a factor. 3.00
2 MIGHTY KENNY *** Has an extra 4kg to carry but in winning form and pay to follow. 3.00
3 ECLIPSE DANCER ** Would have appreciated two runs this campaign and should be more than competitive back on the Poly. 12
4 SMART VINTAGE *** Won in KSD Company last start but more than up to backing that up in Class 4. 5.00
5 NATION THEATRE ** Form dreadful but may improve back on the Poly at odds with tongue-tie added. 50
6 STAR STRIKE *** In very solid form and worth an each-way look at value. 12
7 CLUTHA LAD * No. 50
8 ECLAIR FIESTA ** Coming off a solid run for new stable and can improve again with blinkers added. 12
9 SPIRIT SEVEN *** Returned not striding when supported in similar affair last start and well worth another look. 8.00
10 CORDOBA * Reassess in easier Company. 50
Race 8
Selections; 9 MASURAO – 4 ROSEGOLD – 5 KARIGARA – 3 GREAT BALLS OFFIRE
A battler’s Class 5 over a mile on the turf with the Takaoka-trained MASURAO the one with form on his side. The 5YO has been consistent of late in this grade and rises only 1kg on his last start win over 1400m, so he should be hard to beat again. Steven Burridge has three runners. KARIGARA’s only win was over 1200m on turf but he has the breeding for this trip and his recent efforts have been sound on the poly. The stablemate ROSEGOLD returned with cardiac arrhythmia last start; his previous form was sound in similar company and he should be running on. The third stable runner GREAT BALLS OF FIRE would have some chance on his best form and does get blinkers of this. Of the rest TIGER BAY improves dropping to Class five and PERFECT CHALLENGER could surprise.
1 BIG BANKER ** Yet to place in five turf outings but suited this trip and scored on poly last start over 1700m. Has 2kg more than when he battled into 5th over this trip on turf four starts back. Could show up. 8.00
2 TIGER BAY *** Recent form poor but drops to Class 5 with blinkers back on so should improve. 20
3 GREAT BALLS OFFIRE *** Last start better than the result and improves with blinkers on in what should be a suitable race. 8.00
4 ROSEGOLD *** Returned with cardiac arrhythmia last start. Previous form was sound in similar company and should be running on. 4.50
5 KARIGARA *** Only win was over 1200m but has the breeding for this trip and recent efforts have been sound on the poly. Should be in the finish. 4.50
6 PERFECT CHALLENGER ** * Has won over this trip on poly and battled on well over 1400m on turf last outing. Gets blinkers and should be running on. 10
7 SING EXPRESS * Only wins have been on poly and recent efforts poor. Goes best when ridden forward but needs to improve. 33
8 SUN DANCE ** Only win was over this trip four starts back and could improve getting back on turf. 14
9 MASURAO *** Consistent of late in this grade and rises only 1kg on last start win over 1400m. Should be handy throughout. 4.00
10 GENERAL CONATUS ** Won over this trip three starts back but has battled since. Can show up on best form. 20
11 SCIMITAR * Sixteen start Maiden placed over this trip last start and will be running on. 33
12 SIMPANG * Has not placed in 23 turf starts. Unlikely. 50
13 HANDSOME RABID * Recent efforts poor and needs to improve. 33
14 KNIGHT SPIRIT ** Veteran who has won four times at this trip on turf. Has been battling in this grade but not far away. On anything like best form would be hard to beat. 8.00
Race 9
Selections; 7 O’WHAT A FEELING – 2 BARNATO – 3 WE ARE GENIUS – 4 THE WIND
A Class 4 of little depth finishes off the programme. This might give O’WHAT A FEELING a chance to win. The 4YO is having his first start on the Poly but has ability and trials suggest he handles the surface. BARNATO was not far away at recent outings and has won over the trip in this Grade. He drops 1.5kg on his last outing and gets a senior rider and given he should be on the speed throughout; he could be hard to run down. THE WIND is yet to win on the poly but ran on strongly last start and with Corey Brown up can get in the finish. The wild card is WE ARE GENIUS who is resuming after a long break and change of stables. His recent trial was strong and at his last start won narrowly in KSD Company; he could be up to this grade. Most of the others are unreliable but on best form EUROZONE and RUM ‘N’ RAISINS could show up.
1 RICH FORTUNE ** Coming off a shocker but some hope in this grade on form prior. 20
2 BARNATO *** Not far away at recent outings and gets senior rider. Should be on the speed throughout. 4.00
3 WE ARE GENIUS *** Resuming after long break and change of stables. Recent trial was good and could be up to this grade. Watch market. 5.00
4 THE WIND *** Yet to win on poly but ran on strongly last start and with Corey Brown up can get in the finish. 5.00
5 GOLDEN CASINO ** Drops back in trip but has won at this distance and could show up. 10
6 EURO ZONE ** Disappointed last start after solid effort at start prior. Not the most reliable but could show up on best form. 8.00
7 O’WHAT A FEELING *** Appreciates first-up run and can show up at first Poly outing with tongue-tie added. 8.00
8 ROC THAT * Has shown little since arriving in Singapore and needs to improve. 33
9 RUM N RAISINS ** Hasn’t won for a while but not far away three starts back over 1100m in this company and could show up. 12
10 DESERT FOX * Has been disappointing and needs to improve. 33
11 SINGSURAT * Ran on well when resuming and suited this surface but better over longer. 33
12 LET’S TALK NOW ** Won easily in Class 5 last start. This is harder but drops 8.5kg and could show up. 14
13 GIORGIO * Did not show up when resuming. Has won over this distance on poly and could improve. 25
14 RUSTY BROWN * Only battled when resuming. Sole poly win was at this trip but recent form ordinary. 33
