The up-and-comer is ROYAL RULER who has won six and is yet to miss a place (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
A stand-alone Friday meeting which looks to have something for everyone, including a intriguing Open Benchmark 97 Poly sprint over 1100m.
And while the usual suspects are all there, the form is made tough with the likes of EL PADRINO not at his best of late and OLYMPIC ANTHEM resuming.
But while OLYMPIC ATHEM didn’t place at his last run it is worth noting that effort was on the turf and his Poly form prior was excellent.
The 6YO has also won first up after a spell so all points to a big run in a race that suits.
His biggest danger may be a progressive 4YO in ROYAL RULER.
The Pat Shaw-trained gelding is racing in top order and while this Class may test, his recent trials suggest he is up to the task and can continue both his and the stables great run of form.
Too many others that win a race like this without surprising including last start winner GOOD NEWS and KAM’S COMET who looks due.
Friday 30 September
Best Bets: (MR LUCK race 3 win), (BIG BROTHER race 8, win) and (FANTASTIC MAN race 2, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (2, 5 and 11), race 7 (2, 3 and 12), race 8 (1, 5 and 6), race 9 (3 and 5).
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; 2 GADAWON – 7 THUNDER CAT – 5 SPLENDOR – 9 AMAZON GOLD
A very competitive KSD Poly sprint to open what is a stand-alone Friday meeting and plenty of good form to go on with three last start Class 5 winners in this field. All three look like they can step up to this company and win with THUNDER CAT probably the pick with Beasley staying on from gate 6 in his favour. The veteran WHITE COFFEE and LUCKY SIX are the other two last start winners and both look capable of going on with the job. But the horse to beat may be GADAWON. The 6YO was in cracking form before having issues last start (roarer) and happy to put a line through that run and give him a big winning show from gate 1 with a 3 kg claimer to steer. Plenty of others that win without surprising including SPLENDOUR for Theo Kieser, AMAZON GOLD from the Clements stable and GOLDEN MILE.
1 MURDOCH * Appreciates first-up run but like to see more before considering. 33
2 GADAWON *** Excuses last start (roarer) and a big show on terrific form prior. 5.00
3 START ME UP * Maiden who looks tested here. 33
4 DASH OF CLASS * Very hard to have on recent form but may appreciate being back on the Poly. 33
5 SPLENDOR *** Form better than it reads and this race suitable to show his best. 10
6 ZARULES * Resuming sans blinkers after bleeding attack and have to take on trust. 33
7 THUNDER CAT *** In winning form and enjoys the Poly and should be more than competitive in this Company. 3.00
8 WHITE COFFEE *** Veteran who has found some form in Class 5 and worth following. 8.00
9 AMAZON GOLD *** In very solid turf form but handles this surface and wins again soon. 6.00
10 GOLDEN MILE *** Form looks only fair but appreciates being back on the Poly and can win. 12
11 LUCKY SIX *** Finally got a result for followers last start and can go on with the job. 8.00
12 HIKO YUNIKON ** Always some show in races like this and may be value. 20
13 SEASONS ECHO * Better option on the turf. 100
Race 2
Selections; 1 FANTASTIC MAN – 3 JOE – 6 LUCKY COMMAND – 7 BARNBURGH LAD
An odd race where some of the better Class droppers would be better suited over longer with a market watch on the likes of PERFECT CHALLENGER and SUGARTIME JAZZ to see if they can pinch one over 1200m. But as it stands FANTASTIC MAN looks well placed over this trip in this company to turn around some poor recent form and win. A senior hoop in Dan Beasley suggests he is ready to show his best and from gate 2 in this field, he is the one to beat. JOE hasn’t fared as well at the barriers but did look due at his last preparation so must be a big show first up in this field. Of the rest, LUCKY COMMAND looks due to break his maiden status and must be respected while the likes of last start winner BARNBURGH LAD and the two emergencies play a part.
1 FANTASTIC MAN *** Looked to have issues last start but drops to Class 5 and will grow the proverbial leg. 4.00
2 GALLANT HEIGHTS * Resuming after long break but should need longer. 50
3 JOE *** Resuming after a good run of form and goes close despite wide gate. 5.00
4 PERFECT CHALLENGER ** Is better than Class 5 so have to respect but may need a tad longer to win. 20
5 SUGARTIME JAZZ ** Last win was in this Class over a mile and may need that trip. 20
6 LUCKY COMMAND ** Maiden who just missed last start and looks a chance in this. 3.00
7 BARNBURGH LAD ** Won a weak one last start but did well enough to follow. 4.50
8 NOVA VICTORY * Form OK in easier races than this but can include in skinny end of exotics at odds. 20
9 DRAGON GOLD * Resuming and prefer to watch. 33
10 KENNEDY * Improved effort last start but have to take on trust. 33
11 SIMPANG * Gets visor and could make excuse for poor effort last start. 33
12 REAL GOODMAN * Veteran whose best form is over longer. 33
13 ENTHUSE ** Thereabouts of late and a must for exotics. 20
14 MOTHER NATURE *** In solid form and wins a race like this without surprising. 6.00
Race 3
Selections; 1 MR LUCK – 4 RICH FORTUNE – 3 CHAMPAGNE REIN – 2 EATONS GOLD
Some good Poly sprinters head to the start for this BM67 Poly dash over 1000m and in the in-form horse does look the top weight in MR LUCK. The 4YO does have an awkward gate to overcome but with a handy 1kg claim, he could be very hard to hold out in a race that suits. Staying at the top of the ratings, not much separates the likes of CHAMPAGNE REIN and RICH FORTUNE on recent form while EATONS GOLD will go close if he shows better manners at the jump and keeps his jockey on for the duration. The race does fall away in depth rapidly after that but LIM’S GREETING is going along better than his form suggests so keep him safe at value.
1 MR LUCK *** In very good form and must go close with handy 1kg claim. 2.60
2 EATONS GOLD *** Forget last start where he lost the rider and take on each-way form prior with a tongue-tie off for this. 8.00
3 CHAMPAGNE REIN *** Been thereabouts at three Singapore starts and wins one soon. 4.00
4 RICH FORTUNE *** Always a show on the Poly and goes very close if he can make use of the ace. 4.00
5 HONEST TRUTH * Just battling of late and easier to ignore. 33
6 CAIRO ** Disappointing first-up effort but can improve with one eye on the market. 12
7 TOU SHOU BRIGHT * No. 50
8 HOST THE NATION ** Will be running on late at value and can include in exotics. 20
9 LIM’S GREETING ** Form better than it reads and pay to keep safe at each-way odds 20
10 GOLDEN KINGDOM * Maiden who improved last start but will need easier. 33
11 DREAMER LEGEND * Race form hopeless but recent trials suggest he could improve at long odds. 50
Race 4
Selections; 1 DAAD’S THE WAY – 2 SPIRIT SEVEN – 3 BORDEAUX – 4 QUETZAL
Crazy as it sounds, an 11YO having start 119 looks the horse to beat in this race. The horse is DAAD’S THE WAY and after a strong win in a similar affair two starts back coupled with his good effort to place in KSD company last start, it’s hard to fault his form and no reason to think he can’t add another chapter to what has been a wonderful racing story. Oddly, it may be a 13-start maiden who stands in his way. SPRIT SEVEN looks a handy enough type who is better than Class 5 and showed more than enough last start to think he wins one of these sooner than later. They have both drawn wide but so has BORDEAUX and QUETZAL who also have strong winning claims so luck will play a part. Of the rest, FOREST KING is another maiden who looks due with READY FORTUNE, NOVA POWER and PINYIN all exotic options.
1 DAAD’S THE WAY *** Old-timer who has found form and could be hard to hold out back in Class 5. 3.00
2 SPIRIT SEVEN *** Maiden who just missed in a similar affair last start and gives this a shout. 4.00
3 BORDEAUX *** Not a mile away last start with excuses and wins one of these soon. 4.50
4 QUETZAL *** Another maiden who looks due and will be running on very late. 10
5 AUREUS * Struggling. 100
6 READY FORTUNE ** Returned not striding last start but gives this a shake on best form. 20
7 FOREST KING *** Maiden who placed last start and must be respected with blinkers off. 8.00
8 PINYIN ** Ran on well late last start and expect much the same here. 12
9 NOVA POWER ** Showed improvement at last two starts and will add value to exotics. 20
10 SUN HANCOCK * Long-term maiden who placed at odds last start but wide gate makes this tough. 33
11 GRAND PARIS * Form fluctuates and easier to ignore. 33
12 HEAR ME * No. 100
13 TANGIBLE ASSETS ** Not a lot last start but gets blinkers and will go ell in this company. 20
14 VERGLATICA ** Lack of winning form a real concern but will figure at the business end. 8.00
Race 5
Selections; 5 DISTINCTIVE DARCI – 2 STAR GENIUS – 6 GRAND CROSS – 1 BARNATO
Some very progressive Poly sprinters make this a Class 4 to watch with all eyes on STAR GENIUS and DISTINCTIVE DARCI. Both should come in for heavy support but given DISTINCTIVE DARCI is gunning for a hat trick of wins, he is the one to be on. The 3YO has drawn awkwardly in gate 10 but Nunes should ride him like a good thing and hopefully he is. STAR GENIUS doesn’t take winning form into this but very good form nonetheless. The 4YO mare is honest and the stable will be hoping a gear change – blinkers on and tongue-tie off – can see a result. Of the rest, GRAND CROSS is due and wins one of these without surprising and BARNATO is better than what he showed last start and worth a look.
1 BARNATO *** Nothing last start but appreciates company with blinkers off and recent trials good enough to win. 9.00
2 STAR GENIUS *** In form and gives this a shake with blinkers on and tongue-tie off. 3.50
3 LIM’S ACTION ** Nothing at his last two but switch back to recent winning surface could see improvement. 33
4 PLATOON ** Should appreciate first up run and can improve with blinkers off. 20
5 DISTINCTIVE DARCI *** Hard to argue with winning form and can overcome wide gate and win again. 2.50
6 GRAND CROSS *** Ran well at three start in Singapore and gets his chance from gate 1 with a tongue-tie added. 5.00
7 MUSCLE BEACH * Solid first-up run but should need longer. 33
8 RED ANT * Should be doing better in races like this. 33
9 MEGATHINK * No. 100
10 GROUND CONTROL ** Maiden from New Zealand who has trailed well enough to keep an eye on the tote. 12
11 DELFYNE ** Not a mile last start but like to see in easier company. 33
12 FLYING SHADOW ** Will be running on at long odds but like to see in Class 5. 33
Race 6
Selections; 2 SOLITAIRE – 5 DRAGON MASTER – 11 MINGS MAN – 8 CELERITAS
A very moderate KSD over 1200m on the poly may give SOLITAIRE a chance. He has a far better record than any in the field and whilst he hasn’t won for a long time, he placed at his first run in this Grade last start, the claim helps and he should be running on strongly. MINGS MAN drops in grade and is suited here with Vlad Duric to ride; he has won on the poly and should be closing late. DRAGON MASTER broke through over 1000m last start; this is harder but he may have improvement and could show up. AMAZEALOT drops in Grade, is suited at the distance and could be running on. MONGOLIAN CHIEF is another who has been battling in Class 4 but is better suited here; he won an Initiation at this trip and could show up. EASTERN VICTORY is a Maiden who placed at Ballarat from two outings; he has trialled well and could show up in this ordinary field.
1 EASTERN VICTORY * Maiden who placed at Ballarat (Vic) from 2 starts. Trials have been solid. Watch market. 16
2 SOLITAIRE *** Hasn’t won for a long time but getting down in the ratings and has won 4 times at this distance on the poly. Claim helps and should be running on. 3.00
3 PERKINS * Won Maiden at this trip but recent form poor. Needs to improve. 33
4 BEST JADE * Drops in grade but only battled in KSD company 3 starts back. Could show up with Nunes staying on board. 16
5 DRAGON MASTER *** Broke through last start. This is harder but may have improvement and could show up. 5.00
6 MONGOLIAN CHIEF ** Has been battling in Class 4 but better suited here. Won Initiation at this trip and could show up. 12
7 A LOT IN HAND * Has been disappointing since surprise Class 4 win 3 starts back. Might be looking for easier. 20
8 CELERITAS ** Broke through in Class 5 last start. Has some speed and can show up. 12
9 NOVA STAR * Battling since change of trainers. May need easier. 20
10 AMAZEALOT ** Might find this easier than recent Class 4 outings and could be running on. 12
11 MINGS MAN *** Drops in grade and suited here with Duric to ride. Has won on the poly and should be closing late. 5.00
12 TRINITY * Only win was at this trip on the poly. Did not show up when resuming but might find this easier. 16
13 ACIPENSER * Battling and wants easier. 33
14 LET’S TALK NOW * Wants easier. 33
Race 7
Selections; 12 ROYAL RULER – 2 OLYMPIC ANTHEM – 3 SEBAS – 6 GOOD NEWS
Some smart ones take each other on in a 1100m scamper on the poly. The up-and-comer is ROYAL RULER who has won six and is yet to miss a place in 11 poly runs; the class tests but he has no weight and Pat Shaw polish. SEBAS is very speedy but this is as far he wants to go, he won one of these over 1000m two starts back but has to carry 2kg more and go 100m further, notwithstanding he will be hard to run down. OLYMPIC ANTHEM is resuming and has a good record at this distance and his recent trial was solid, he can race well fresh. CAVALLO has been putting in sound efforts on turf and is better on poly; he will appreciate a strong tempo and can swoop late. The other knockout hope is GOOD NEWS whose recent trial was strong, HK Tan knows how to get them ready first-up and he has a good record at 1100m and can charge late. RAFFAELLO and KAM’S COMET are consistent performers and will run on strongly.
1 EL PADRINO * Will find this more suitable than recent outings. Top class on his day but hasn’t won for a long time and is now an 8YO 16
2 OLYMPIC ANTHEM *** Resuming. Has a good record at this distance and recent trial was solid. Can race well fresh. 3.50
3 SEBAS *** Very speedy but this is as far he wants to go. Won one of these over 1000m 2 starts back but has to carry 2kg more and go 100m further. Will be hard to run down. 3.50
4 CAVALLO ** Has been putting in sound efforts on turf and is better on poly. Will appreciate a strong tempo and can swoop late. 12
5 FAALTLESS * Resuming and trialling well. Has disappointed at recent outings but has plenty of speed when right. Awkwardly drawn but can be prominent throughout. 25
6 GOOD NEWS ** Resuming and trial was strong. Has won three times at this trip and can charge late. 12
7 KAM’S COMET ** Racing soundly and has won 3 from 5 at this trip. May have found his mark but will be closing late. 10
8 BLUE SWEDE * Only battled when resuming and might find these too sharp. 33
9 RAFAELLO ** Won Garden City two starts back and was successful at his only poly outing over 1200m in Class 4. Would like 1200m but should be running on. 10
10 GOAL KEEPER * Hasn’t won for a long time and tested against these. 33
11 GOLDEN SAND STEED * Did nothing at first class for new trainer and tested here. 33
12 ROYAL RULER *** Promising sort who is trialling well. Has won 6 and never missed a place in 11 starts on the poly. With no weight can show up. 6.00
13 ITALIAN JOB * Battles away but not quite up to these. 33
14 NOVA WARRIOR * Recent efforts ordinary and tested against these. 33
Race 8
Selections; 1 BIG BROTHER – 5 DAVINCI – 6 KINGS RYKER – 2 PREFERRED
A competitive Class 4 over 1600m on the poly with some honest ones involved. BIG BROTHER’s only win was at this trip but he is very consistent and his recent trial was solid; he rises 1.5 kg on his most recent outing over 1800m but with Nooresh Juglall aboard will be prominent throughout. DAVINCI is another consistent fellow who has won in this class over 1600m on turf; he is having his first poly outing but should show up. KINGS RYKER placed over this trip three starts back and has won at 1600m; he has only battled at his most recent outings but could improve from the good gate for Vlad Duric. The wild card is PREFERRED who is racing soundly over shorter but is unknown at this trip so take on trust. Others that could show up include BLOSSOMS SEQUEL who has performed well at the distance in the past and has Manoel Nunes, and ROC THAT who won over this trip in NZ and showed improvement last start.
1 BIG BROTHER *** Only win was at this trip but is very consistent and his recent trial was solid. Rises 1.5 kg on his most recent outing over 1800m but with Juglall aboard will be prominent throughout. 3.50
2 PREFERRED ** Racing soundly over shorter but unknown at this trip. Take on trust. 10
3 BLOSSOMS SEQUEL * Disappointed at first start in this Grade but has won previously at this class and distance. Could improve with Nunes to ride. 16
4 ROC THAT ** Won over this trip in NZ and showed improvement over 1400m last start. Having first poly start but could make his presence felt. 12
5 DAVINCI *** Racing soundly and has won in this class over 1600m on turf. Having first poly outing but should show up. 4.00
6 KINGS RYKER *** Placed over this trip 3 starts back and has won at the trip. Has only battled at most recent outings but could improve from the good gate for Duric. 6.00
7 XZUBERANCE ** Won a KSD over this trip two starts back but was distanced last start over 1800m. Better in weaker but can go forward and give a sight. 12
8 BANDIDO ** Only wins have been on poly over 1200m but has performed well on turf at this distance. Could show up. 12
9 STAR STRIKE * Has been battling in KSD company. Can run on but might need easier. 20
10 GLORIOUS PROSPECT * Won Newcastle (NSW) Maiden before coming to Singapore but has been poor. Blinkers off and recent trial was an improvement. May need easier. 25
11 AMISTAD * Only wins have been in Class 5 on turf. Wants easier. 20
12 RED JEWEL * Won in Class 5 with a strong front running performance last start. Not the most reliable but can run a bold race from time to time. 20
13 PARKER * Has battled since Maiden win. Handles poly and might show up over a mile. 33
14 IMPERIAL FIGHTER * Tested on recent form. 50
Race 9
Selections; 5 LIGHTNING FAST – 3 NATURAL IMPULSE – 9 WAR CITI – 10 ORCHARD ROAD
Another competitive Class 4 of reasonable quality finishes off the night. LIGHTNING FAST just missed in Novice company last start after a strong Maiden win and he drops 2.5kg. He also goes well for CC Wong and if ridden just off the speed, he will be hard to hold off. NATURAL IMPULSE has improved out of sight since changing stables, he rises 1.5kg on his most recent win in this Grade but his recent trial was solid and Saifudin stays on; he may not be done with yet. They look the top two but both KEEN DRAGON and OCEAN GENERAL have performed well in this company before and on best form can get in the finish. There are plenty of other chances including ORCHARD ROAD who did plenty of work and fought hard in this grade on turf last start; she handles the poly and has a good gate. WAR CITI is resuming with blinkers and his recent trial was good; he is poorly drawn but could show up for Vlad Duric. The interesting runners are the recent arrivals from NZ; AHMAR having his first start for Mark Walker and BILLY MOJO who has had one outing for Bruce Marsh. Both had reasonable NZ form and could be up to this class, so watch for support.
1 BILLY MOJO * Winkers on after showing nothing at Singapore debut. Trial was solid and won at Te Rapa and Arawa Park in NZ from 7 outings. With Michael Rodd to ride could improve. 16
2 ELISE * Has won 4 times on turf but yet to place in 6 poly outings. 33
3 NATURAL IMPULSE *** Has improved out of sight since changing stables. Rises 1.5kg but recent trial was solid and may not be done with yet. 3.00
4 KEEN DRAGON ** Won one of these over 1200m four starts back and then struggled in higher grade. Only battled in Class 4 last start but will find 1100m more suitable. Should be running on. 10
5 LIGHTNING FAST *** Just missed in Novice company last start after strong Maiden win. Drops 2.5kg and goes well for CC Wong. If ridden just off the speed will be hard to hold off. 3.50
6 OCEAN GENERAL * Disappointed last start after some consistent efforts. Has won 3 times at this trip and could improve. 16
7 BLUE DIAMOND * Only battling at recent starts in this grade. Has won 4 times at this distance and could improve. 25
8 AHMAR * Won Maiden at Otaki (NZ) and placed twice from 6 starts before arrival. Has had quiet trials. Watch market. 14
9 WAR CITI ** Resuming with blinkers and recent trial was good. Won Maiden at this trip and should show up for Duric despite wide draw. 8.00
10 ORCHARD ROAD ** Did plenty of work and fought hard in this grade on turf last start. Only win was on poly at this trip. Should race well from the good gate. 8.00
11 WINNER’S SMILE * Hasn’t won for a long time and needs to improve on recent efforts. 33
12 RIKIOH * Has struggled at most recent outings and might need easier. 33
13 AMERICAN SNIPER * Well back at all three outings. Tested. 50
