Spalato in the Group 2 EW Barker certainly put the spotlight on the Friday night feature.(Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
Handicap racing at it’s best in Singapore this weekend with the EW Barker over 1400m on Friday before the big one – the Longines Singapore Gold Cup – over 2200m on Sunday.
As you would expect both races look terrific on paper but the surprise entry of SPALATO in the Group 2 EW Barker certainly put the spotlight on the Friday night feature.
Arguably Singapore’s best horse, SPALATO had a crack at Singapore’s Triple Crown in his sights before being sensationally beaten for the first time domestically in the opening leg; the Panasonic Kranji Mile.
The 6YO was then a late scratching from the Raffles Cup which suggested something was not quite right in the SPALATO camp but while quickly putting a line through the Gold Cup due to the interrupted preparation, his trainer John O’Hara kept the EW Barker option on the table.
But while 1400m is no worries, the champ has to carry a very good horse’s weight in 59kg which is more remarkable in the fact that all bar BORN TO FLY (50.5kg) and MAGNETO (51kg) – who quinelled this race last year – will be asked to carry “overs” with just 50kg.
A quick look 
at the history of the race suggests top-liners don’t win often (SUPER EASY being the exception to that rule of late) but SPALATO at his best can overcome the handicap and add another Group win to his very impressive CV.
It would be remiss not to mention the depth of the EW Barker and it will interesting to see if the likes of JIMMY REA, SPANISH BAY, MAGNETO and BORN TO FLY get any support to beat the top-weight.
Friday 13 November
Best Bets: (FOLLOW THE KING race 6, win), (NOVA STRIKE race 9, win) and (OVER EASY race 4, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 3 and 5), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 9), race 8 (1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8), race 9 (1, 3 and 8).
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; 13 BANKERS CALL – 1 MR PATRON – 7 I’M KOOL – 10 A LOT IN HAND
As usual in the higher rated Class 5 races, the horses with form dropping to easier company are the ones to watch. MR PATRON doesn’t look in form but given he has pace and has won his last two in Class 5 has him under notice. He will probably lead or race on the pace from gate 1 and Rueben’s 2kg claim looks a smart move. The emergencies – BANKERS CALL and LION MASTER – also appeal in this company. BANKERS CALL in particular showed last start when having all sorts of excuses that he wins soon in Class 5 and 1200m on the Poly looks ideal. Two that improve with recent good trials under their belts – hopefully at odds – in A LOT IN HAND and I’M KOOL have to be respected but the race has depth with ZAC COMMAND, WARSPIRIT and EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE all winning hopes.
1 MR PATRON *** Significant drop in Class given he has won his last two in this company. Big show. 5.00
2 OUR RIVER DANCER ** Back in trip but pay to put a line through his last start and keep safe on previous winning form. 12
3 VITALLY SECRET * Improves on the Poly in this company but should need longer. 20
4 ZAC COMMAND *** Always a show in these and often gets out to value. 6.00
5 LUCKY EIGHTY EIGHT * Form looks hopeless but excuses two starts this prep and does go OK when on song. 50
6 WARSPIRIT *** Looks ready to win a race like this and pay to keep very safe. 6.00
7 I’M KOOL *** Maiden who has looked due and recent good trial has him under notice. 12
8 SUPER EIGHT ** Blinkers off but can race handy and add value to exotics. 12
9 EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE *** Drawn awkwardly but in form and should figure late. 6.00
10 A LOT IN HAND *** Form better than it reads and recent trial with blinkers suggests he goes OK at odds. 20
11 FARRAND ** Backed up good run with a solid effort and pay to keep safe. 6.00
12 HEAVENLY GIFT ** Ran on last start to place and expect much the same again. 16
13 BANKERS CALL *** Plenty of excuses last start so effort to place was good and can win this. 8.00
14 LION MASTER *** Freshened down in Class and would give this a shake on best form. 20
Race 2
Selections; 3 SPECIAL ID – 7 CLASSIFIED – 2 DAMON – 1 OLLIE EAGLE
On big weekend like this, most of the fields will have depth and this race is no exception. In fact there might not be any races with so many genuine winning hopes or indeed horses in the “black book” and given we have ten or so that win without surprising, it might be case of looking for value on the day. SPECIAL ID is due and will be prominent throughout so will give us a good run for our money. He has drawn to advantage and the 1400m might be just what he needs. Dan Beasley fans will be hoping the affable Aussie makes a winning return on CLASSIFIED. The 4YO had excuses not to win last start and gets his chance here to make quick amends. Too many others to mention but DAMON could be the testing material late and probably starts favourite with Nunes up while OLLIE THE EAGLE will also be running on.
1 OLLIE EAGLE *** Has been running on at two starts over 1200m so this looks ideal. 12
2 DAMON *** Just missed last start when flashing home and hard to hold out in this. 3.50
3 SPECIAL ID *** Foot on the till and will look the winner at some stage late. 8.00
4 THE DODGER *** No luck with barriers again but due and should figure prominently late. 12
5 ZARULES *** Flashed home last start this trip at long odds to place and pay to follow. 12
6 MR BLOSSOM ** Going along in good order but turf form a worry. 33
7 CLASSIFIED *** Excuses not to win last start and can give Dan Beasley a winning return to Singapore. 6.00
8 ZIP A DEE DOO DAH *** Debutante who has trialed good enough to keep safe with the market a good guide. 12
9 GOLD RESERVE * No. 200
10 LUCKY COMMAND *** Will be handy throughout and should figure in the finish. 12
11 ROYAL EXPLORER ** Improved to just miss over the mile last start and pay to include somewhere. 12
12 GREY GATSBY *** Yet another who will be working into this late and can win. 8.00
13 NOVA SPIRIT *** Improved with support when blinkers added last start and could show up without surprising. 33
14 MISS BLANCHETT ** Will improve with racing and extra 200m in her favour. Value. 33
15 PERKINS * Appreciates first run back after long spell but like to see some support. 33
16 SILENT CONNECTION * Improves for Singapore debut run but this field is strong. 33
Race 3
Selections; 2 STIRLING – 8 BLACK MAMBA – 1 SOLITAIRE – 10 JOE
Any race named the “What Now Stakes” should send warning signals to punters especially when the horses to be on – STIRLING – has been disappointing with support at his last two outings. But this race is not strong and it might pay to forgive his recent outings and jump on board (again) in what should be a very suitable race. If you don’t like the favourite, BLACK MAMBA might be worth a look. Yes, the 4YO has shown nothing at two starts on the Poly but with blinkers added for this and a very nice recent trial under his belt, he could win this. SOLITAIRE might be the value runner. The 7YO’s recent form looks ordinary but a recent trial was good and he might just test a few of these late with John Powell up. JOE and his relation JOE SWIPER both play a part late.
1 SOLITAIRE *** Form reads badly but last win was in similar affair and recent trial suggests he is the improver. 6.00
2 STIRLING *** Did it tough last start and happy to give another chance in a race that suits. 3.00
3 GOLD LINE ** In the mix as a rule and a must for exotics. 20
4 LIKA TIGER ** Back in trip after some just fair efforts but the type that could show up. 12
5 SCIENCE FICTION ** Form reads badly but not a mile away last start and Brown a good booking. 33
6 DREAMCATCHER ** Form starting to read badly but 1200m looks his caper so could improve. 12
7 TOAST’S ANGEL * Coming off two poor efforts. 50
8 BLACK MAMBA *** Gets blinkers and recent strong trial suggests he can turn around poor Poly form and win. 5.00
9 JOE SWIPER ** Excuses (heart) when disappointing with support last start in this Company and worth another chance. 12
10 JOE *** Coming off a very solid placing in a similar affair last start and should be prominent throughout. 5.00
11 LION WAVE * Gets blinkers to turn around poor form. 50
12 WONDERFUL ERA * Reassess easier over longer. 50
Race 4
Selections; 2 OVER EASY – 3 TONGARIRO – 12 RIGHT IS RIGHT – 7 HANDSOME BAB
Hopefully an omen in the name of this race – The Super Easy Stakes – with OVER EASY likely to give them all something to catch. The 7YO has been in better company than this of late and his form suggests he will lead and be very hard to run down in Class 5 with a 4kg claimer. TONGARIRO is another to watch. The 5YO gets blinkers after having excuses last start and his form prior had him winning one of these sooner than later. RIGHT IS RIGHT is also coming off a poor run when supported but did have his foot on the till and the in-form Antonio Da Silva should see him run big race. Of the rest, GALLANT HEIGHTS will win a race like before long, the maiden HANDSOME BAB is always a show while HAN SOLO just missed last start and could win without surprising.
1 GALLANT HEIGHTS *** Just fair last start but subsequent trial was good and will win a race like this sooner than later. 4.00
2 OVER EASY *** Significant drop in Class and will be hard to pass late. 4.00
3 TONGARIRO *** Gets blinkers after excuses last start and should give this a shake. 8.00
4 BELLY DANCE * Step up in trip may help but form ordinary. 50
5 HAKAMGONG ** Had excuses last couple but will need luck from the wide gate. 20
6 HAN SOLO *** Just missed last start similar affair and looks a winning show on that effort. 6.00
7 HANDSOME BAB *** Long-term maiden status a concern but always in the mix and is due. 6.00
8 REYSHA ** Excuses to fade last start and could be value on best form. 33
9 TIME AFTER TIME ** In form and drawn the ace but slight query at the trip. 20
10 GRAND PARIS * Drawn badly but goes OK on a good day. 20
11 ZENZERO ** Maiden who did nothing last start but previous form sound. Keep safe. 20
12 RIGHT IS RIGHT *** Disappointing with support last start but foot on the till and win again soon. 11
13 STANZOUT ** Veteran who can pop up on occasion. 20
14 GYPSY STAR ** Will be flying late if race run to suit. 20
Race 5
Selections; 9 NINETYSEVENSUCCESS – 1 LUCKY MISSION – 3 SAFFIR – 6 ROYAL STYLE
This is not a strong Class 4 field and with no standouts it may be a last start maiden winner resuming in NINETYSEVENSUCCESS that gets our money. The 4YO was showing good form before breaking his maiden status at start seven but given some nice trials leading into this first-up run, he could easily show up with Harry Kassim from gate 6 a good combination. LUCKY MISSION did it tough last start from a wide gate so look for an improved performance here from gate 3 with Nunes up. SAFFIR just battled last start but is another to watch in this field on his winning form prior to that run, as is FEDERER who comes into this solid form under his belt. Of the rest, ROYAL STYLE is resuming but will work into this late if he brings his best form while XIN TREASURE showed last start he has to be respected with no weight.
1 LUCKY MISSION *** Form reads badly but gets to jump from better gate today with Nunes so looks a chance. 4.00
2 BLACK MAGIC * Blinkers back off after being disappointing since winning four back and have to take on trust. 33
3 SAFFIR *** Just battled last start but subsequent good trial suggest we can keep following. 4.00
4 FEDERER ** Drawn badly again but will go forward and be thereabouts late. 12
5 BIG CITY ** Excuses last start (respiratory) and can give a sight on his day. 20
6 ROYAL STYLE *** Has been running on well in easier company but up to this on his day. 12
7 OUR TOUCHE ** Excuses not to finish closer last start and could add value to exotics. 50
8 ALAN ** In form and always pay to respect on the Poly with a tongue-tie added. 12
9 NINETYSEVENSUCCESS *** Smart enough type resuming after breaking maiden status last start. Watch market. 4.50
10 EXCITING PROSPECT ** Better suited in Class 5 but this field is not overly strong. 33
11 GOLDEN PASTURE ** Freshened after just battling last start but worth a look on good form prior. 12
12 XIN TREASURE *** Like to see in Class 5 but last start placing in similar company to this has him under notice. 10
Race 6
Selections; 3 FOLLOW THE KING – 5 CASSIS OOLONG – 1 LADY SHARK – 2 EASY EASY
When the two emergencies runners in the field are rated equal to the top two confirmed starters, the race is one to miss. In saying that FOLLOW THE KING might be a good thing. The 6YO had no form but improved dramatically at his last start when blinkers were added. Before that he was struggling to be competitive but a trial with headgear suggested he could show something and his strong win suggested he can be followed. Nothing else jumps off the page but CASSIS OOLONG usually gives a good sight on the Poly and has the advantage of gate 1. LADY SHARK showed last start that she goes well in this type of race and could even start favourite so has to be respected. Apart from the second emergency, ALL MY WAY, EASY EASY might be value but it does look a raffle with the market a fair guide.
1 LADY SHARK *** Did a few things wrong last start and still placed and could be hard to beat here. 3.00
2 EASY EASY ** Form reads badly but excuses last start and should improve in this type of race. 33
3 FOLLOW THE KING *** Blinkers did the trick last start and that win good enough to follow. 3.00
4 THINK PRETTY ** Draw a concern but improved to place last start so can include in exotics. 12
5 CASSIS OOLONG *** Appreciates being back on the Poly and must be a show with gate 1 a bonus. 4.00
6 RAINBOW STAR * Hard to have. 100
7 YUE YUAN ** A dead-set non-winner but appreciates the Poly and surprise. 12
8 TOOBIGTOFAIL ** Maiden drawn badly but recent good run in similar affair so keep safe at odds. 20
9 SACRED CROWN ** Rarely wins but showed form last start so include somewhere. 20
10 WORLD OF FAME * Form hopeless but recent trial (albeit with blinkers) was OK. 100
11 GREENBACK * Back in trip after poor run but subsequent trial was good so keep an eye on the market. 50
12 CHINESE TYCOON ** Maiden who can still run a cheeky race at start 63. 20
13 ALL MY WAY * Not at his best of late. 33
14 PROSPERITY STAR ** Form better than it reads and could be a sneaky hope at odds if he gets a start. 20
Race 7
Selections; 1 SPALATO – 2 MAGNETO – 6 JIMMY REA – 4 DAVIDE
The EW Barker is always a good race but the surprise entry of SPALATO has made it a great race. Arguably Singapore’s best horse, SPALATO was a late withdrawal from the Raffles Cup and his short-term racing future looked in doubt. But the Hong Kong nominated star is back on track with connections opting for the 1400m under 59kg instead of a similar impost over 2200m in the Gold Cup. And it could be a smart move given his undoubted ability and a field that is strong without being Group 1 class. In saying that, he gives 8 + kg to the likes of MAGNETO resuming, last year’s winner BORN TO FLY, DAVIDE, the exciting JIMMY REA and SPANISH BAY. Any of these could show up without surprising if SPALATO is not on his game and the race should be a beauty.
1 SPALATO *** Had his issues of late and giving weight all round but the horse to beat if right. 3.00
2 MAGNETO *** Resuming but in very well at the weights and did run second in this race last year. 10
3 BORN TO FLY *** In form and won this race last year so has to be a big show with the nice weight. 10
4 DAVIDE *** Backed up huge run in the Saas Fe with a strong trial and plays a part in this. 10
5 GOODMAN * Found out late in the Saas Fe and have to take on trust. 33
6 JIMMY REA *** Got his act together to win with Munro last start and pay to follow. 10
7 TRUDEAU ** Form starting to read badly but 1400m looks his caper and should be value. 33
8 GOLD RUTILE ** Super honest and should be a solid each-way hope. 20
9 SPANISH BAY *** Very progressive, knows how to win and should be very prominent throughout. 8.00
10 RAISE NO DOUBT ** Very hard to fault form but facing biggest test to date. 10
11 BALE STAR ** Draw a concern but two runs this campaign have been good and pay to keep safe. 20
12 DRAGON FURY ** Surprised a few in this field by winning the Saas Fe but not in best at the weights. 20
13 LASER STORM ** Tested this company but winning form too good to leave out. 20
14 TITANIUM * Bad gate and up in Class a bad combination. 33
15 THESE STREETS * Ran on OK last start but drawn badly and Class tests. 33
16 ABSOLUTELY * Not going well enough to consider at this level. 50
Race 8
Selections; 8 WINNING MAN – 2 WONDERFUL PRINCE – 7 OCEAN GENERAL – 5 DIVIDED HOUSE
Befitting a big night of racing, there is no rest for punters after what should have been a big EW Barker with an excellent Class 3 sprint over 1200m. In fact a few of these runners look very close to being top-liners and with progression in mind, WINNING MAN looks the best option. The 4YO led and won well on debut before bolting in Class 4 company last start and that effort suggests he is a horse with a big future. But the field looks a good one and two horses at he top of the ratings in WONDERFUL PRINCE and BOGART both appeal. The pair resume in what looks a suitable race and should figure heavily at the business end. There is depth so DIVIDED HOUSE, OCEAN GENERAL and BRAHMA CIRCUS can all win without surprising but WINNING MAN the one to beat.
1 BOGART *** Resuming and always a show in race like this. 12
2 WONDERFUL PRINCE *** Resuming and has won similar event fresh with Nunes so keep very safe. 6.00
3 FAITHFULLY * Hard to follow. 100
4 BOARD WALK ** Ran on well last start and the type to include somewhere at value. 20
5 DIVIDED HOUSE *** Needs a result but found 1400m too far last start and better suited here. 10
6 BRAHMA CIRCUS *** Drawn awkwardly but super honest and in this up to his eyeballs. 6.00
7 OCEAN GENERAL *** Will most likely lead and could be hard to pass in a race that suits. 6.00
8 WINNING MAN *** Impressed winning at both starts and looks a horse to follow through the grades. 3.00
9 BACH’S AIR ** Last run better than the result and worth another look. 12
10 SMART PEOPLE ** Appreciate being back on the turf and could surprise here at odds. 20
11 BLACK FURY * Goes OK on his day but may be better suited on the Poly at this level. 33
12 CAPTIVATE * Resuming and should need easier. 100
13 THE GENERAL ** Very consistent and could pay to keep safe. 8.00
Race 9
Selections; 1 NOVA STRIKE – 3 CAIRO – 8 SUPERSONICSURPRISE – 5 MIGHTY GLORY
Two progressive 3YO’s in NOVA STRIKE and CAIRO could very well fight out the finish in the lucky last. And they have a form line between them with NOVA STRIKE beating CAIRO in September but with the latter winning at his next start, there looks nothing between the pair. But NOVA STRIKE did win again after beating CAIRO and just missed in this company on the turf so looks the one to beat back on the Poly. If you want to bet against this pair, SUPERSONICSURPRISE is one to watch at odds. The 4YO won in Class 5 two starts back before doing it tough last start and happy to give another chance with value the key. A few others to watch including MIGHTY GLORY and MIGHTY MAN but happy to think the two 3YO’s are the one’s to follow.
1 NOVA STRIKE *** Smart and hard to beat back on the Poly. 2.50
2 MIGHTY MAN ** Went close last start similar affair and has to be a winning show. 5.00
3 CAIRO *** Just missed behind Nova Strike two back before breaking maiden status in fine style. Can win. 3.00
4 SAVAGE STORM ** Appreciates first-up run and always a showing race like this. 10
5 MIGHTY GLORY ** Obviously doesn’t win out of turn but super consistent and a must for exotics. 12
6 MR TRY ** Placed at long odds last start but should need easier. 20
7 THANKFULNESS ** Blinkers go on as form started to taper and recent trial suggests he improves at odds. 20
8 SUPERSONICSURPRISE *** Backed up Class 5 win with a very good effort with excuses and pay to follow. 8.00
9 EVERTRUST * Former Malaysian and prefer to watch. 50
10 RAVOUX * Blinkers off and looks better suited turf in easier company. 100
11 GADAWON ** Has been running on OK but might be looking for easier. 20
12 PROBO CHANDROSO * Reassess Class 5. 100
