Singapore Friday

An all-Polytrack nine race card from Singapore Friday and while there looks to be some good races on offer, most interest will be on the return of Joao Moreira and whether or not he can knock in his 100th winner of the season.
The Brazilian Ace needs just four winners to reach the magical milestone and while his inevitable June deadline is a remarkable feat in itself, the fact the season has more than six months to run has most riding records set to be broken.
Moreira – absent from Kranji since knocking in only a single winner on International day on May 20 – has six rides and as you would expect from the top hoop, most look winning hopes.
Last start winner MAHA VEERAN has every chance to open Joao’s account in the opener and with EASY MAN and SEBASTIEN looking very strong wining hopes in races two and three respectively, Moreira could get off to a flyer.
Two ‘Claimers Only’ races (4 and 6) bookmark a Moreira each-way mount in ARAPUNI in race five, before the champ gets serious on his century campaign with on FATKID in race seven and PRECISELY in race eight.
Hopefully the champagne for the ‘ton’ is on ice before race eight as Moreira sits out the last and the racing scribes get the chance for some early copy with the headline already half-written.
Go Joao.

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Best Bets; EASY MAN (race 2, win), RICH BORN (race 6, win) and SEBASTIEN/POSITIVE THINKING (race 3, exacta/swinger).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1), race 7 (field), race 8 (2 and 3) and race 9 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7).

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Race 1

Selections; 3 PEGASUS VICTORY – 10 MAHA VEERAN – 1 CARNIVAL STAR – 6 VANQUISH
The usual tough Class 5 to start proceedings. PEGASUS VICTORY’s only two wins have been over the 1000m on the Polytrack. He was caught wide last start but ran a nice fourth two starts back; with Sivan in the saddle from barrier one he is a strong chance to be on or near the lead most of the way. Joao Moreira is returning from suspension and the champion jockey has a great record in both Class 5’s and the first race of the day; he won on the speedy MAHA VEERAN last start and from the good draw could easily repeat. CARNIVAL STAR has an ordinary record on the Polytrack, but he is better than Class 5 and with Opie Bosson to apply some strength could be right in the finish, Of the others, ROCK ART is pacy but his only win was on turf, ZAC IMPERIAL has speed but weakens, WINNING DAN can sit on the pace and has some sort of kick, VANQUISH runs on with HIS MY IDOL versatile enough to be running on strongly and get in the mix at the end.

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1 CARNIVAL STAR *** First run on poly in Class 5 a tad disappointing but has better lifetime form than most of these. Strong chance with Opie to steer. 6.00
2 HIS MY IDOL ** Blinkers go back on and he reverts to a 1000m over which he ran 4th two starts back. Odd preparation and awkward draw but he is a versatile type and could cope. 10
3 PEGASUS VICTORY *** Nicely drawn and suited over this trip. Covered ground and ran 4th in similar event two starts back – hard to beat. 4.00
4 PERFECT KID ** Started favourite and put in a poor effort last start after showing reasonable form at Class 4 level. Probably wants it longer but could show up. 14
5 ROCK ART * Blinkers go on and drawn wide, only win was over this distance on turf back in Australia. 20
6 VANQUISH *** Ran on late as expected last start and will come into his own late if race run to suit swoopers. 12
7 WING WARRIOR * Wants it longer. 100
8 ZAC IMPERIAL ** Speedy and the claim will help and worth another look on good maiden win two starts back. 8.00
9 WINNING DAN ** Ran into trouble last start and previous form in this Class was solid. Keep safe. 12
10 MAHA VEERAN *** Won for Moreira last start and drawn well enough to do so again. 3.00
11 THAT’S MONEY * Form uninspiring. 100
12 ETERNAL FLY * 27 start eternal maiden. 100

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Race 2

Selections; 11 EASY MAN – 12 RORY – 5 WAIRAKEI – 7 DRAGONFLY
The 2YOs demand attention here. EASY MAN did everything but win the Golden Horseshoe on debut – with Moreira to steer and a good barrier draw, the Leslie Khoo runner looks the hardest to beat. Could be super short! RORY also showed plenty of speed in the same event, he had excuses as he was caught wide and returned with debris in his trachea, despite his awkward draw today he could race well. Amongst the older horses WAIRAKEI has been a little disappointing at his two starts, but blinkers go on this time and he could improve. There are a number of first starters and DRAGONFLY and SKY EMPATHY have both indicated ability at the trials whilst DIRAC has interesting enough breeding to warrant attention.

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1 DRAGON DANCER * Yet to show up at trials. 50
2 I’M A RICH MAN * Resuming, no. 50
3 RADIANT ROI * Excuses on debut and winkers removed but wide gate makes this tough. 50
4 SKY EMPATHY ** Showed a bit at his trial. By Fastnet Rock and could go well. Watch market. 16
5 WAIRAKEI *** Been a bit disappointing both starts but blinkers go on, so look for improvement. 5.50
6 LADY EMERALD * Well drawn but finished well back at only three starts. 50
7 DRAGONFLY *** Won his trial well and should race competitively on debut. 7.00
8 JET TOP ** Trial OK and form from that outing has held up – keep safe. 20
9 KAISER BRIGHT ** Blinkers on and recent trial with headgear suggests he improves. Keep safe. 20
10 DIRAC ** GODS OWN 2YO who is bred for speed and worth keeping an eye on market for debut. 40
11 EASY MAN *** Top effort on debut up in Golden Horseshoe and with Moreira aboard and the good barrier looks the one to beat. 1.75
12 RORY *** Knocked up in Golden Horseshoe but returned with debris in trachea, previous effort good and could show up despite tough draw. 7.00

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Race 3

Selections; 4 SEBASTIEN – 3 POSITIVE THINKING – 7 RISK FACTOR – 8 NEVER RETREAT
Slowly but surely the stocks of these middle-distance 4YO maidens are being whittled down via these events. After all, one of them has to win it, and this time it may be the turn of SEBASTIEN who was well supported in Novice company last start. He copped a bad check that day and just missed; with Moreira and the rails draw he should get on the speed and be very hard to beat. POSITIVE THINKING is the danger. The Pat Shaw runner has certainly been thereabouts a number of times – placed four times out of six starts – and whilst being a bit one-paced does fight on strongly in his races. RISK FACTOR also ran on well two starts back, and Stephen Baster takes the mount which should improve his chances in the finish. NEVER RETREAT ran on well last start and all his Polytrack efforts have been good, with Jacky Low’s claim he is well in at the weights. PRIZE FIGHTER has shown promise from time to time, and while FLYING AHEAD is on trial at the distance his form is good enough to warrant consideration. CHRISTOPHER, MUSASHI MAMBO and ROCKY TWO have no form whatsoever, but their breeding suggests they may enjoy the trip.

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1 GOLD STREAK * Did nothing when resuming after long layoff and subsequent trials have been only fair. Upgrade to blinkers but passing. 40
2 ROCKY TWO * Shown nothing in two starts but trials okay. Well-bred type, winkers applied so look for improvement. 30
3 POSITIVE THINKING *** Beaten by a subsequent good winner last start and is going to win sooner than later. 3.00
4 SEBASTIEN *** Well supported and after a checkered run did not miss by much in Novice Class last start. With Moreira to steer from the ace, very hard to beat. 2.00
5 FLYING AHEAD ** Faded last start over 1400m, and the blinkers come off. Previous form was sound but on trial at both distance and surface. 12
6 PRIZE FIGHTER ** Poor effort last start when he was caught wide and weakened but has shown promise over these journeys in the past. 20
7 RISK FACTOR *** Ran on well two starts back over a mile on the Polytrack, and Stephen Baster takes the mount. Must be considered. 12
8 NEVER RETREAT *** Nice effort last start over a mile and his other two Polytrack runs have been good, well in with Jacky Low’s claim. Keep safe. 6.00
9 CHRISTOPHER * Shown nothing so far but may be better suited this distance. 100
10 MUSASHI MAMBO * Yet to show up in three starts but this distance could suit. 100

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Race 4

Selections; 2 TERRA FIRMA – 4 STAR BALLAD – 8 TOP HAPPINESS – 7 KNIGHT’S PARADISE
A bunch of battling Class 5’s to be ridden by claiming riders meet over 1700m on the Polytrack. TERRA FIRMA is a maiden but he may have more upside than most of these, both his trial and race form have been good recently and with the in-form Matt Kellady taking the mount he should be the hardest to beat. STAR BALLAD is a tough one pacer, suited in this class, who rarely runs a bad race. If he can get a sit on the speed he will be hard to hold out over the final stages. TOP HAPPINESS finds himself on his favourite surface and over a suitable distance with no weight – if he is up to it, he should be very hard to beat. There are a couple who have changed stables recently – ALL THE BEST and KNIGHTS PARADISE – both have been freshened and could go well in what is a fairly weak race. BOOM TOWN is first up over a suitable distance after a long spell and WEIGHT IN GOLD has no Polytrack form but is a three-time winner which is better than most of these. And back FLYING CLIPPER at your own risk.

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1 ANGE D’ORIENT * Done nothing so far. 100
2 TERRA FIRMA *** Trialling and racing well with two recent placings over a mile. Matt Kellady is in top form and he should go very close in this field. 2.90
3 GOLDEN LARK ** 17 start maiden resuming after a break, has had a couple of trials and could go well fresh. 14
4 STAR BALLAD *** Solid one-pacer who rarely runs a bad race. If the speed is on and get gets a sit, will be hard to hold out. 3.00
5 FLYING CLIPPER ** Gay deceiver who must be taken on trust. Can win in what is a suitable race if he puts his best foot forward. 12
6 ALL THE BEST ** Has had a change of stable. Second run up from a let-up and could be suited here with the good draw and claim for WX Wong. Watch market. 12
7 KNIGHT’S PARADISE *** Has had change of stable and been freshened since scoring strongly at long odds last start. Suited here and could go back-to-back. 12
8 TOP HAPPINESS *** Finds himself with no weight and over a suitable distance on his favourite surface. Hard to beat if anywhere near his best. 5.00
9 WEIGHT IN GOLD * Three-time winner but has no Polytrack form being placed once in 10 attempts. Distance suits. 25
10 BOOM TOWN * Blinkers on, first up after a spell. Could well lead and this is a suitable distance. 20

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Race 5

Selections; 1 MAKKURA – 3 GOOD BUDDY – 5 HIGGS BOSON – 6 ARAPUNI
MAKKURA put in an impressive performance winning at her first start in Singapore. She steps up to 1200m but was successful at that trip on a heavy track in New Zealand – she should be hard to beat. GOOD BUDDY was once known as PRINCE PARETO and has been freshened up and changed stables. He has always been consistent in this company and this is not a particularly strong Class 4 – he should race well with Stephen Baster to steer. HIGGS BOSON will get an absolute mile out of his ground and run on late – oddly this is his winning distance and happy to entertain. Moreira jumps on ARAPUNI and he has won on him before, he may well do so again. The depth falls away after these few and horses such as CABRERA and SHINKANSEN must come into play for the exotics. Of the others, there are two things we can be certain, DANZIG ROCKET will go very fast and be gasping for air after 1100m.

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1 MAKKURA *** Won well at first start in Singapore and should go well again. 2.30
2 DANZIG ROCKET ** Speedy horse who usually finds 1200m about 200m too far. 16
3 GOOD BUDDY *** Formerly Prince Pareto. Resuming and usually races well this class/race. Big show from gate one with Baster on board. 3.80
4 DARIEN GAP * Blinkers off, put in a decent first-up effort but best form in Australia was over longer. 20
5 HIGGS BOSON *** Form reads terribly but due to show his best over his only winning trip with good work expected late. 20
6 ARAPUNI *** Consistent in these and with Moreira to ride becomes a strong chance. 3.50
7 CABRERA ** Won in Class 5 last start. This is tougher but in form so keep safe. 20
8 SHINKANSEN * Goes best when he can lead or sit on the pace and the wide draw will make this difficult. 20
9 STORM ARC * May want something easier. 50
10 AYRTON * Resuming and wants it longer. 100
11 GENOVA AT WORK * Has done nothing since he won at long odds five starts back. 50

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Race 6

Selections; 1 RICH BORN – 11 SILENT FAITH – 5 ROMAN KNIGHT – 8 CHAN’S ELECTRA
All things being equal, RICH BORN should win this. The last start winner does have equal top weight to carry – some 5kg up on that win – but gate one helps and he is the one to beat. In fact with the other likely leader – SILENT FAITH – drawn wide in nine, apprentice jockey Freddie Firdaus should either try to make every post a winner from the ace draw or get a nice trail one-back the rails and have plenty in the tank when needed late. The stable loves a bet so he should be short but hopefully sweet. As mentioned, SILENT FAITH likes to race on the pace and will be in this a long way. He has drawn wide but that shouldn’t affect the trainers instructions to go forward and with a tongue tie added he should be thereabouts come the business end and the biggest danger to the favourite. ROMAN KNIGHT and CHAN’S ELECTRA are coming off bad runs (a couple in CHAN’S ELECTRA’s case) but give this a shake at their respective best. Not many other winning hopes and happy to concentrate on RICH BORN and SILENT FAITH.

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1 RICH BORN *** Won too well last start similar race not to be the one to beat here. 2.50
2 JACK ** Improved effort last start and place hope if any luck from wide gate. 12
3 ZAC DETONATOR * Downgrade to winkers but not for me. 100
4 ONE ON ONE ** Thereabouts of late and in the place mix here. 8.00
5 ROMAN KNIGHT *** Excuses last start when supported after big run two back – give another winning chance with blinkers off. 5.00
6 TAKE THE FIFTH ** Disappointing last start but appreciates the hard run and can include in exotics in this weak field. 40
7 NEWFOUNDWEALTH * Not with your money! 100
8 CHAN’S ELECTRA *** Coming off a couple of shockers and often backed and beaten but worth serious thought on best form. 6.00
9 AMERICAN TYCOON ** Has looked due of late but needs a result; each-way. 12
10 INIESTA * Didn’t need wide gate. 50
11 SILENT FAITH *** Will race handy – if not push for lead – and will give a bold showing with tongue tie added. 6.00
12 MR COOL MAN * Might appreciate step up in distance but struggles as a rule. 100

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Race 7

Selections; 5 CASH LUCK – 2 FATKID – 4 BLACK ICE – 1 JAMAL MALIK
Small fields in races like this always make for a tricky punting affair. However, CASH LUCK looks a very progressive 3YO and good enough to more than hold his own in this company with 55kg. Any doubt about his ability after a solid but unsuccessful Dubai sojourn was put to rest with a cracking close up second to the ‘undefeated’ SUPER EASY in the Group 1 Singapore Guineas in May. Even in a small field the ace-draw always helps over the mile on the Poly and the BRADBURY’S LUCK gelding should have every chance to add to his impressive race record. But there is some class in this race and while FATKID doesn’t run often, he usually runs well in top company. After pulling up lame in February, the 5YO showed first up he is back in form and Joao Moreira will be hoping he gets the best the best out of a good horse and a win would not surprise. Of the rest, I think BLACK ICE has plenty more to offer than he showed last start – he can win this – with a blanket over the Pat Shaw trio of JAMAL MALIK, FLYING WEST and MAURICE UTRILLO.

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1 JAMAL MALIK ** In solid form and always going to play a part in a race like this. 8.00
2 FATKID *** First up run a beauty and looks a winning hope with that run under his belt. 3.00
3 FLYING WEST ** Coming off a rare bad run but could make excuses and in this a long way. 8.00
4 BLACK ICE *** Last run better than the result and enjoys this surface – worth serious thought with upgrade to blinkers. 6.00
5 CASH LUCK *** Terrific first up effort in the Guineas behind SUPER EASY and the one to beat on that run. 2.50
6 MAURICE UTRILLO ** Excellent work late last start has him set nicely for this – keep safe in what is an even race. 8.00
7 BORN TO FLY * Appreciates the 50kg but has struggled at this level. 40

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Race 8

Selections; 3 PRECISELY – 2 JET ACE – 9 TOUGH RULER – 4 TAVAN BOGD
At the race conditions and on form it looks a race in four – JET ACE, PRECISELY, TAVAN BOGD and TOUGH RULER – and you can pretty well make a strong winning case for all. And probably leaning towards the leading hoop back at Kranji at his first meeting since the International weekend meeting, Joao Moreira on PRECISELY gets the early nod. The horse was disappointing late last time out – just ask the punters who took the odds-on quote – but certainly wasn’t disgraced and can certainly win this with gate three in his favour. But we did like JET ACE last start and after drawing better in gate two today, he can win. The NO EXCUSE NEEDED 3YO had excuses for the only bad run in his four start career and his last start effort has him marked as a horse ready to win. Obviously ‘Tommy Gun’ Chang has his work cut out against the more experienced hoops today but gets an excellent chance to knock in his second win of the year. As a Northern-bred 3YO, TOUGH RULER for the Pat Shaw/Barend Vorster combination, gets in well at the race conditions and he can show his best after all sorts of issues in running last start. Throw in TAVAN BOGD as a genuine winning hope – he will be flying late fresh – and while it is hard to see anyone else winning, the improver could be DIAMOND SITARA and he will add value to what otherwise looks a top-heavy race.

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1 MONFERRATO * Resuming after poor Singapore debut; Prefer to watch. 50
2 JET ACE *** Did it tough enough last start to think the close up finish was terrific – big show to win this from gate two. 5.00
3 PRECISELY *** Disappointing to find one better last start when heavily supported but can bounce back in this suitable race. 2.40
4 TAVAN BOGD *** Smart type resuming with tongue tie added – best work expected late – follow. 4.00
5 MY SACRIFICE ** Got up at any old odds last start and might pay to keep safe on winning form but this is obviously tougher and not in well at the conditions. 20
6 DIAMOND SITARA ** Plenty of excuses at Singapore debut and very much appreciates the run – keep safe with one eye on the market. 20
7 HILARY * Happy to wait for Class 5. 200
8 PLAY ON * Maiden who likes the surface/distance but prefer in Class 5. 30
9 TOUGH RULER *** Last run better than it looked with excuses throughout – look suited here and can win. 4.00
10 STATE TROOPER * Hasn’t shown enough since maiden win. 50

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Race 9

Selections; 2 SPEED DEMON – 1 KINGRACER – 6 HUMOR TOWN – 7 BULLET FLY
You could do the form on this race a few times and come up with a few different winners. Add a smart looking newcomer from Argentina in KING RACER and it is a tricky affair for those trying to get home in a cab instead of the bus. But I like following good Poly form and SPEED DEMON – who won at his first two starts on this surface – certainly has that. And while the CLANG 3YO didn’t break any records winning his first two races, they were strong efforts and his subsequent placing on the turf over 1400m had merit and happy to follow back on his winning surface. HUMOR TOWN has drawn well and he might just be handy enough from the good gate to give this a shake and happy to think he might be the each-way bet in what is a competitive race. BULLET FLY will also have admirers – his last start win was very good – with VOLKOV and STANZOUT also solid hopes.

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1 KINGRACER *** Former Argentinean who looks well placed in Class 4 and recent trial impressive enough to think he gives this a shake on debut. 5.00
2 SPEED DEMON *** Lost no friends when third over 1400m on the turf – previously unbeaten two starts on the Poly and can win this. 3.50
3 VOLKOV *** Form in and out in similar affairs but obviously goes close if having a good day. 8.00
4 DOUBLE RANSOM ** Resuming after a good run of form over longer – will go well fresh with best work expected late. 20
5 STANZOUT *** Turned some solid form similar affairs into a good win and pay to follow. 5.00
6 HUMOR TOWN *** Will be doing best work late and a big show if in a winning position when they turn. 5.00
7 BULLET FLY *** Strong enough Restricted win suggests he is a horse to follow this grade – keep safe. 10
8 HOWGOODISTHAT ** Last run a beauty considering the work throughout but drawn badly again and place looks best. 50
9 FIFTH DAN ** Disappointing last start but comes under notice dropping back to 1200m. 12
10 MONTE CRISTO * Needs longer/easier. 100
11 WOLFSBANE ** First up run better than the result and happy to include in skinny end of exotics with no weight. 50

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Most interest will be on the return of Joao Moreira and whether or not he can knock in his 100th winner of the season.