An all-Polytrack nine race card from Singapore on Friday and while the pick of the 3YO’s go round on Sunday in the Group 2 Three Year Old Classic, a couple of handy youngsters in POPI POPI and BABY FACE look suited to go well tonight.
Both went round in the 3YO Sprint in late March and while unplaced in the Group 3 feature, the pair will very much appreciate the drop to handicap conditions and can win.
BABY FACE in particular did enough finishing 4th in the 3YO Sprint at set-weights (57kg) to think that with just 52.5kg in Class 4 company (race 3) he goes close.
He has drawn wide but expect a very positive ride and a result for what looks a very progressive individual.
POPI POPI (race 5) has a tougher assignment carrying 57kg in Class 3 company but loves this surface and can bounce back and win again with Jose Verenzuela taking the ride.
Another horse who went round in Group company (Merlion Trophy) last start and obviously warrants respect tonight is the smart YIN XIN.
The Theo Kaiser-trained 4YO has never finished out of the placings at nine starts and with his five wins all on this surface, looks a very good thing in race 8,
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Best Bets; YIN XIN (race 8, win), GYPSY MAGIC (Race 1, each-way), and MY FRIEND JO (race 7, each-way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1 and 3) race 7 (1, 2, 3, and 4), race 8 (4) and race 9 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 10).
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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.
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Race 1
Selections; 2 GYPSY MAGIC – 6 ABYSS – 10 CONQUEROR – 8 DEN
A very weak Class 5 and this gives GYPSY MAGIC a chance to make up for a disappointing performance last start, where he was uneasy in the market and raced accordingly. Trained by Leslie Khoo, his form in this Class in December was exemplary and if he can recapture that purple patch, should be hard to beat. ABYSS has had two runs since a let up and both have been good, 1100m is his limit, but with Mark Ewe aboard he should be competitive. CONQUEROR followed up his long overdue maiden win with a good effort to place last start and from barrier two represents a good chance again with Oscar Chavez to ride. NAPOLEON B has got plenty of speed and is drawn well enough to give a lot of cheek. DEN raced well on resuming and is a proven performer in this class – the engagement of Danny Beasley is a positive pointer. GRAND ASAHI is a 23 start maiden, who stormed home first-up last start and would be a chance if he can reproduce the run. NINTH AVENUE runs on and is from an in-form stable, HIGH CENTENNIAL is having his third run back from a spell and at his best would be a chance.
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1 ANIWA * Won a weak race three starts back, but subsequently done nothing. Badly drawn. 50
2 GYPSY MAGIC *** Blew in the betting last start and raced accordingly. Go on strong performances in similar class back in December. 5.00
3 SMART CHOICE * Has not been racing well and prefer others. 100
4 HIGH CENTENNIAL ** Veteran who, since resuming after a let up, is taking some time to regain form – a chance if he runs to his best. 12
5 NINTH AVENUE ** Gets a mile back but runs on. Back in distance but stable and jockey are in form, and from the ace cannot be discounted. 12
6 ABYSS *** Two runs back since a spell have been good enough to think he is right in this over his preferred distance and surface. 5.50
7 NAPOLEON B *** Speedy customer who was caught wide last start and can be forgiven. Still a maiden, but will not find one much weaker than this. 6.00
8 DEN *** Was not far away when resuming, and engagement of senior rider a positive. Proven performer in this class. 6.00
9 LUCKY BANKER ** Raced poorly first up with some support but better than that appreciates the outing and could improve sharply. 12
10 CONQUEROR *** Followed up maiden win with good placing in this class, well drawn and should be right on the pace most of the way. 5.00
11 GRAND ASAHI *** Ran a cracking race first up and whilst better over longer cannot be discounted with Vorster to ride. 12
12 SIR EXCELLENCE * No form for a long time. 100
13 DECISIVE * Not racing well. 50
14 REDPACKETDAY ** Veteran whose last run was 3rd in a weak field but would qualify as a chance if he gains a start. 20
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Race 2
Selections; 1 EXCITING AHEAD – 2 ABASTOR – 12 BLUE LAGOON – 7 FIRTH
On revealed form this looks a race in two. EXCITING AHEAD has been placed five times from six starts – his first up run after a long break was excellent and if he has come on at all from that he should be too good for these. The testing material will be ABASTOR who also has issues, mainly respiratory, but has raced well at his last two starts since resuming. After these, the field falls away sharply. FIRTH has been backed and beaten at all three starts, a change of rider to Danny Beasley may improve his luck. SEA BUTTERFLY has been thereabouts at his last two starts and is on the improve. ROCKETY CAT also went well enough last start to be considered in the exotics as did HARUTO BOY and happy to keep a very close eye on the only newcomer, BLUE LAGOON – trial OK behind a good debut winner in POWERPAC and pay to watch market.
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1 EXCITING AHEAD *** Resumed after a long break with a good 3rd. Has placed in five out of six starts and gets his chance here. 2.20
2 ABASTOR *** Two runs back from a spell have been excellent. Has had respiratory issues in the past but current form and a good draw suggests a strong chance. 2.50
3 JERAM ROSE WOOD * Blinkers applied, works well but yet to show up at the races. 50
4 URBAN LEGEND * Done nothing so far, races like he wants a longer journey. 100
5 YAM CHA * First run OK, but breeding and debut effort suggests he wants longer. 50
6 ZENA * Best run was on turf and may be more suited on that surface. 200
7 FIRTH ** Has been supported and failed at all three starts. Looked to have issues last time out – Take on trust. 12
8 HARUTO BOY ** Blinkers come off, battled away late last start and not the worst. 20
9 ROCKETY CAT ** Last two starts have been solid efforts, but awkwardly drawn and would need luck in running. 20
10 FANSOM * Pacifiers on and has good draw, but did nothing first start. Watch market. 20
11 SEA BUTTERFLY ** Last two runs were good efforts. Could be the knockout hope. 16
12 BLUE LAGOON ** Official trial was good behind subsequent winner and pay to respect on debut with market a good guide. 12
13 MYSTICAL DIAMOND * Did nothing at only start. 100
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Race 3
Selections; 6 BABY FACE – 1 HUSH HUSH – 2 ROYCE – 9 PREMIER GRADE
An open Class 4 with plenty of chances. BABY FACE ran very respectable races against smart ones in SUPER EASY and RUNNING TALL at his last two starts, this is much easier and despite a wide draw must have a good chance if he can get across and is not trapped wide. In fact given they thought he was good enough for a run in the Group 3 3YO Sprint and he ran 4th – he might be backed and win accordingly. HUSH HUSH is getting down in the ratings and ran last at his most recent outing, but on his best form he would win this easily, particularly with the claim for CS Chin. ROYCE has had a change of stables from Brian Dean to Leticia Dragon, though John Powell retains the mount and his recent barrier trial would have sharpened up for this after two previous sound runs in this Class. From barrier 6, he should get a good sit on the pace and be hard to beat. PREMIER GRADE ran his best race in Singapore last start and has subsequently trialled well; With Barend Vorster to ride he could be very hard to beat despite an awkward draw. HOOPER won well enough last start in Maiden company to suggest he could be up to the Class rise, and whilst the distance does not suit JOYLUCK he is such a consistent performer in this Class he can never be discounted and a must for exotics.
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1 HUSH HUSH *** Way down in Class and with the allowance for CS Chin very well weighted. Winkers upgraded to blinkers and just needs to run up to his best. 8.00
2 ROYCE *** Change of trainer. Recent trial should have sharpened him up and should go well based on his two previous sound runs. 6.00
3 DAAD’S THE WAY ** Third run back from a spell and may be looking for longer but should be running on strongly. 40
4 JOYLUCK ** Prefers it longer but can never be discounted on this surface. 40
5 HOOPER *** Good effort to win Maiden last start and looks up to this class. Should race well on the pace. 4.00
6 BABY FACE *** Will find this a lot easier than last two starts when beaten by Super Easy and Running Tall. Despite wide draw must be taken into consideration. 3.50
7 DOUBLE S ** Prefers 1000m, but not without a hope from good draw. 40
8 GALLANT FORCE ** Resuming after changing stables. Has OK first up form this trip but is better over longer. 50
9 PREMIER GRADE *** Much better run last start and trialled well during the week. Maybe ready to run up to his Argentinean form. 4.00
10 COOL LUKE ** Step up after breaking his maiden status in Class 5 but that win was good and pay to keep safe. 20
11 GENOVA AT WORK * Got up at long odds two starts back in Class 5, but did not run on last start this company. Exotics. 100
12 VAN BASTEN *** Backed up solid first up run with a good effort with blinkers added and a chance with the light weight. 30
13 DECOUPER * Not racing well. Wait for Class 5. 50
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Race 4
Selections; 2 HIGH FLY MARCO – 7 STAR BALLAD – 4 ALL FORUS – 3 HAPPY SHINKO
A very ordinary maiden gives HIGH FLY MARCO his chance to break through. He has been placed second at three of his last four outings being narrowly beaten over this trip two starts back and if he can repeat that effort should go close. STAR BALLAD has been the improver stepping up in distance and no reason he can’t continue his good run of form and break through today. ALL FORUS has been very disappointing but this is not a strong field, he did have excuses last start and a good showing would not surprise. HAPPY SHINKO was not far away in a reasonable Class 5 event over this distance won by BENGAWAN last start – from the good alley with Danny Beasley riding he should race well. Of the rest, GUERRERO showed promise in his first preparation, he had excuses last start and back on the Polytrack over a more suitable distance should improve and ONE ON ONE, whilst never having been placed in 16 starts, ran a decent fourth at his last outing and may appreciate the trip. JUMBO CAN and RIEUSSEC MAGIC have been trying for a long time and can be considered for exotics.
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1 GUERRERO *** Ordinary run last start but struck interference. If he can get on pace from the good draw not without a chance. 20
2 HIGH FLY MARCO *** Has run 2nd three times in last four starts. Suited by this trip and if he can avoid trouble is a strong chance to break through. 2.50
3 HAPPY SHINKO *** Not far away in a reasonable Class 5 event over this distance won by Bengawan. Should race well from the ace draw. 6.00
4 ALL FORUS *** Has been very disappointing but excuses last start and from the good draw should be given every chance. 4.00
5 EXPLODER * Has yet to go off. 100
6 ONE ON ONE ** Good run last start puts him in with a chance in this weak field. 13
7 STAR BALLAD *** No world beater but last three runs have been meritorious over distance and can win. 4.00
8 TRAP * Battles away, but overall form not good enough. 33
9 JUMBO CAN * One pacer who could be considered in the exotics. 33
10 RIEUSSEC MAGIC * Has been trying for a long time, and whilst he occasionally places. a win would surprise. 33
11 ETERNAL BRIGHT * Been a maiden for a very long time. 100
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Race 5
Selections; 1 POPI POPI – 8 ARADEA – 7 SHINING GLORY – 2 RAGING STORM
The Leslie Khoo trained 3YO POPI POPI took on SUPER EASY last start and got badly burned, but this is much easier and his previous Polytrack form was very good. ARADEA got caught wide last start but toughed it out and was not disgraced, he is much better drawn here and the 1200m suits. SHINING GLORY is coming back to 1200m, but he does have a good record over the trip and could surprise. TRAVERTINE and RAGING STORM are last start winners up in Class but are good enough to be competitive and TRUDEAU whilst racing poorly at his last two outings is suited by the 1200m and has the services of Barend Vorster. For value have a second look at RIO FORTUNE who was resuming after a bleeding attack last start and performed creditably, he will be improved and Shafiq has a good record on him, he is much better than his form suggests.
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1 POPI POPI *** Smart 3YO who found the class too strong last start. Previous form was good and likes the Polytrack. Good chance. 2.50
2 RAGING STORM *** Got the sit and ran on well to win last start. Not so well drawn and up in class makes it harder this time. 6.00
3 SHAOLIN SOLDIER ** Better on turf but ran on well last start and could surprise. 20
4 TRAVERTINE ** Scored a good first up win last start, but this is tougher and wide draw does not help. 14
5 GOOD STRIKER * Resuming last start and jockey reported he tied up, previous poly form was good, but bad draw reduces his chances. 20
6 RIO FORTUNE ** Far better than his form suggests, should be improved by first up run and with Shafiq’s claim is well in at the weights. 20
7 SHINING GLORY *** Coming back to 1200m – over which he has a very good record – not the best alley, but does run on well. 12
8 ARADEA *** Caught wide last start but battled on well – much better drawn and a good chance over 1200m. 5.00
9 SARATOGA ** Better on turf but from good draw should be running on late. 14
10 ASPEN HEIGHTS ** Probably likes it longer than this, but strong run two starts back in similar affair keeps him under notice. 12
11 IMACRUISER * Not racing well and bad gate no advantage. 100
12 TRUDEAU ** Last two runs poor but this is more suitable and engagement of Vorster significant. 20
13 KOBE TOP GUN * Wants it longer than this. 33
14 WOJCINSKI * Speedy but generally found wanting over last 100 metres. Easier/shorter. 33
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Race 6
Selections; 1 SKY PROTEGE – 3 TOP HAPPINESS – 2 TAKESHI – 4 SIMPLE MAN
In-form local trainer, Leslie Khoo, looks set to play a big hand in this race with SKY PROTEGE and TOP HAPPINESS both winning chances. SKY PROTEGE got the early nod given blinkers go on and reigning champion apprentice, R Shafiq, is on board but as the stable doesn’t mind a punt, the market might be our best guide on the day. TOP HAPPINESS showed last start he wins again soon in a suitable distance race (all his recent poor form over shorter) and SKY PROTEGE won the last time he was over 1700m in Class 5. Sharing top weight with the Khoo pair is TAKESHI and he certainly warrants respect given his good vein of form with SIMPLE MAN a solid each-way hope with Oscar Chavez on board. Of the rest you can include a few down in the weights – OLYMPIC MAN, LEGACY and TIC TOC – but a Khoo win does look likely.
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1 SKY PROTEGE *** Showed last start he wins this Class with step up in distance and blinkers added in his favour today. 2.80
2 TAKESHI *** In form and looks a leading hope in a suitable race. 8.00
3 TOP HAPPINESS *** Showed last start similar affair why he is always a threat over this trip – watch marker. 6.00
4 SIMPLE MAN *** Thereabouts last start and pay to follow each way. 8.00
5 THE KATHUMPA ** Better effort last time out and could be on the improve with blinkers removed for this. 20
6 KIPADI * Struggling. 200
7 OIL BARON ** Better than what he showed last start where he did it tough and exotics on previous OK form. 20
8 ALL DRAMA * Fresh but needs to show more than he has of late and wide draw a concern. 50
9 ROLLTHEDICE ** Turned around some horrible form with a big effort to place at odds last start and pay to keep safe. 20
10 OLYMPIC MAN *** Happy to put a line through poor effort last start on rain-effected track and take on what looked winning form prior to that. 12
11 LEGACY *** Backed up a solid effort with a good placing and expect a cheeky run. 10
12 TIC TOC *** Form good considering low rating and not without a chance from the ace draw. 6.00
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Race 7
Selections; 1 MY FRIEND JO – 2 WONDER – 4 MY RACE – 3 SPECIAL ENCORE
You can throw a blanket over this field with every horse a winning hope in what looks an extremely tough race to find the winner. True, SPECIAL ENCORE does look in red-hot form and Opie Bosson choosing to stay on board a pointer to being the likely favourite and hard to beat. However, a horse Bosson was on last start, WONDER, has come into his own of late back up to more suitable distances and looks a super winning show over 1700m. A 4kg claim for CS Chin – who rode him two starts back for an eye-catching second – looks in his favour and he will be flying late. But at the top of the weights (even with his 2kg claim) is MY FRIEND JO and he looks perfectly placed to win a race like this. In fact his effort last start where he was given little chance from the widest gate was excellent and if he reproduces that form with a better run expected from gate six, he can win. MY RACE is another top winning hope and while we can’t pick them all, his form around NANDOWRA is a similar affair to this has him winning soon and he might just be value given the depth in this field and his poor last start effort (where he had excuses).
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1 MY FRIEND JO *** Super effort with excuses last start and his work late has him a huge show here from a better gate. 5.00
2 WONDER *** In super form last couple and step up in distance suggests he can win this. 5.00
3 SPECIAL ENCORE *** Hard to argue with winning form and last start effort good enough to step up here and win again. 2.60
4 MY RACE *** Ignore last start (saddle slipped) as form prior has him a winning hope in this 8.00
5 FORGIVEN *** In form and switch back to Poly in his favour – keep safe. 8.00
6 LIGHTNING THIEF ** A step up but last start Class 4 win good enough to keep safe. 8.00
7 DARING FIGHTER ** Starts an issue but always a show if race run to suit swoopers. 12
8 QUALITASE ** Excuses for poor runs of late and hard to fault Poly form – the value runner. 30
9 DARING SPLENDOUR ** Showed last start he has something to offer in this company and can include in exotics from gate one. 50
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Race 8
Selections; 4 YIN XIN – 6 FINDERSKEEPERS – 2 COUP ALIGN – 5 MR TIMELY
Even in a field that boasts a couple of horses rated over 100, YIN XIN looks a special. The Theo Kaiser-trained 4YO has been a revelation winning five times and placing four from just nine career starts but it is his Poly form and recent Group third at WFA behind BETTER THAN EVER that has him the one to beat here. He is drawn perfectly in gate 3 and Danny Beasley should have no hesitation in riding him in front if necessary and a strong win would not surprise. As you would expect at this level there are some very good horses he has to beat but what you wouldn’t expect in Open Class is how many queries there are on some of the other chances. PERFECT PINS resumes after bleeding – COUP ALIGN second up from a spell – FINDERSKEEPERS drawn badly with a claimer on top – MR TIMELY a non-winner – ECLAIR MYSTIC having first Singapore debut – all risks but obviously a hope with market a fair guide. But YIN XIN the obvious choice.
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1 PERFECT PINS *** Resuming after bleeding attack and while a risk he certainly loves the trip and a bold run expected. 12
2 COUP ALIGN *** Appreciates solid first run back and should strip fitter – watch. 6.00
3 BEAU BRUMMELL * Best work late but wait for longer. 50
4 YIN XIN *** Not disgraced last start stepping up to Group company and this looks perfect to show he wins this level. 2.50
5 MR TIMELY *** Not at his best last start on a soft track but has looked due and 1000m Poly a good option. 20
6 FINDERSKEEPERS *** Needs luck in running but in super form without a result and a win would not surprise. 4.00
7 DICTATOR ** Excuses last start but always a hope on his favoured surface. 20
8 ECLAIR MYSTIC *** Former Australian who arrives via Group duties in Macau – watch market but working well enough to go well at Singapore debut. 8.00
9 KAISER ** Honest and did it tough in the 3YO sprint to think he gives this a shake from gate one. 20
10 FAST BREAK * Goes well on his day and appreciates light weight but should be outclassed by a few of these. 50
11 MY SON * In form and loves carrying the minimum but this is step up in Class. 30
12 ECLAIR FLYER ** Didn’t embarrass himself in Group company last start and back to 1000m Poly looks smart – keep safe in exotics. 20
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Race 9
Selections; 4 GREAT LIGHT – 1 DORAEMON – 6 GOOD BOSS – 3 GOOD TOWKAY
An extremely tough race to finish the meeting but hopefully plenty of value in what is a very open race. GREAT LIGHT is in form and Stephen Baster – who might have had a couple of good choices in this race – should ride a very forward race from gate three and the horse certainly doesn’t have to find much to win. He will be supported but with so much depth there still might be some each way value for him with the market an interesting guide for all the runners. In particular DORAEMON, who drops to this company for the first time since 2009! And he showed two starts back he is in good enough form to show his best in Class 4 and a win would not surprise. Plenty of others with winning chances and I do like the fact GOOD BOSS jumps from gate one and GOOD TOWKAY gets back to his winning trip. Last start winner MOVIE GOER, STANZOUT and SOLITAIRE to be kept safe.
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1 DORAEMON *** Significant drop in Class so expect support on good run two starts back and a very big run – can win. 7.00
2 MOVIE GOER *** Won similar affair last start and looks a leading show with claim and nice gate a bonus. 5.00
3 GOOD TOWKAY *** Didn’t handle the mile last start so drop back to winning distance in his favour – watch. 6.00
4 GREAT LIGHT *** Foot on the till and might just lead from the nice gate and prove hard to run down – big show. 4.50
5 CHARLY B ** Bad start costly last time out but needs a result for followers. 8.00
6 GOOD BOSS *** In form and will be in this for a very long time form the ace draw – can win. 6.00
7 SOLITAIRE *** Resuming after good win over the mile – has ability and market a good guide fresh. 8.00
8 STEVEN ** Better than what he showed last start and could be a good value option for exotics. 30
9 SHINKANSEN ** Usually thereabouts and worth a look at long odds. 40
10 STANZOUT *** Ignore last start on the turf as previous Poly form has him an each way chance in this. 20
11 AFFIRMATION * In OK form but 1200m on the Poly a worry. 40
12 CHUN DOONG * Needs longer and probably easier. 100
13 STORM ARC * Struggling. 500
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