A ten race card from Singapore on Friday with plenty on offer for all racing fans including the biggest 2YO field to head to the starter this season
The Aushorse Golden Horseshoe Preview (race 5) has nine juveniles ready to show they might be the next ‘Mr Big’ thing and with $95,000 in prizemoney up for grabs, an early bonus for lucky connections.
MASTER KING – who won handsomely at his race debut – looks the one to beat and the DUE SASSO gelding might just be the pick of this season’s 2YO crop.
And while the Laurie Laxon-trained youngster didn’t face much that day and subsequently sent off at a prohibitive odds-on quote, he would have appreciated the run in regard to both fitness and education and the only one to be on today.
Obviously a few of the newcomers – in particular SUPER GOOD from the red-hot Michael Freedman stable – will be worth watching on the day but most eyes on MASTER KING and a view to some serious 2YO races in the future.
Elsewhere on the card, Shane Baertschiger can continue the great start to his training career with strong winning hopes in REDDY TO ROCK (race 4), DRAGON WORLD (race 9) and THE HUSTLER in the last.
All three can win but THE HUSTLER – first up in 2012 – does look one of the better bets on the cards given what he has shown at only two career starts, a moderate Class 4 field and a nice recent trial under his belt.
It is mixed surface meeting with races 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 10 on the all-weather Polytrack and races 5, 8 and 9 on the Short Course (D), Turf.
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Best Bets; JUST NINI (race 3, win), THE HUSTLER (Race 10, win), and DRAGON WORLD (race 9, each-way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 7 (1, 5, 7, 8, 11 and 13) race 8 (1 and 6), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) and race 10 (2).
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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 GATEAWAY – 3 PEGASUS VICTORY – 7 FUKU’S PET – 10 RAPID REWARDS
On a Friday 13th meeting, if there is such a thing as a high quality Class 5 this is it. GATEAWAY is dropping in Class, the blinkers are on, he has a 3kg claim for Zawari, is well drawn and won well in this company back in December. He ticks most of the boxes and will be the one they have to beat. PEGASUS VICTORY is another Class dropper who also won in this class and over this distance in December; he is well enough drawn to give this a big shake. FUKU’S PET won one of these in January and has the advantage of the rails – that counts for plenty over 1000m. RAPID REWARDS is a maiden who has run close up placings at his past four starts in this company; he is not without a chance. SPEEDY PHIL is always competitive in these and whilst he cannot draw an alley for love nor money usually finds himself in the finish. NAPOLEON B, VANQUISH, QUI EST LA and even SILVER LEGEND can be considered for the exotics.
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1 BALE * Maiden having a start in class 5. Has shown speed from time to time, but poor draw and recent form makes this difficult. 33
2 GATEAWAY *** Significant drop in class and last win was in this company with blinkers added. Top chance. 3.50
3 PEGASUS VICTORY *** Dropping back to Class 5 and this distance suits. Good winning chance. 4.50
4 QUI EST LA ** Another class dropper. Not the best beginner but should be running on late. 16
5 SPEEDY PHIL *** Just missed from a wide draw last start and despite drawing badly again bound to be in it for a long way. 7.00
6 VANQUISH ** Ran on well to win in this company last start and pay to follow. 16
7 FUKU’S PET *** Perfectly drawn and can never be discounted in these. 7.00
8 NAPOLEON B ** Maiden who has plenty of speed but this is a good class 5 field and from the draw place chances are best. 16
9 GOOD FUTURE * 16 start maiden who will find it tough in this field. 50
10 RAPID REWARDS *** Maiden who has been well supported and placed at each of last four starts. Chance again. 5.50
11 RIVER DANCER * First up after a break, and will find these too fast – watch longer. 50
12 SILVER LEGEND ** Finally cracked it last time at start number 32. No reason why he won’t be in the mix again. 16
13 WING WARRIOR * Appreciates company but wants it longer. 50
14 ROCKETY CAT * Runs on but wants it longer. 50
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Race 2
Selections; 3 KTRONIC – 4 LIMITED EDITION – 8 IMAGURU – 9 TOUGH RULER
A very ordinary maiden field gives KTRONIC a chance to break though. His only two runs have been sound placings, and unless there is a serious unknown factor in this, he should be too strong. The rest of the field consists of horses who have not done much, some who may be improvers, and a few of which we know very little. Amongst the potential improvers is LIMITED EDITION who gets blinkers and pacifiers as well as the services of Jose Verenzuela. His trial form prior to what looked a soft debut effort was good enough for him to warrant consideration. The winkers come off SUPER AHEAD who showed speed last start and should be improved, Opie Bosson should give him a good trip from barrier two. Of the unknowns, TOUGH RULER trials well and could be set for a first-up win – a market watch is in order. IMAGURU won a trial in reasonable time and from the good draw could show up, and amongst the others JOHNNY HATES JAZZ and BREATH OF SUCCESS have experience on their side.
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1 BREATHOFSUCCESS ** Caught wide last start and would probably prefer longer, but should be running on strongly fresh. 40
2 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ ** Ran on well late last start and not the worst in this weak field. 40
3 KTRONIC *** Start costly last time out and that effort to place after good debut has him very hard to beat today. 2.00
4 LIMITED EDITION *** Good draw, blinkers and pacifiers applied, Verenzuela to ride all signal sharp improvement from first start effort – watch market. 7.50
5 MOOVA BULLET * Trials OK, but prefer to see. 33
6 SUPER AHEAD *** Winkers removed, showed speed last start and from good draw could be in it for a long way. 5.50
7 WIN THE DAY * Won a trial, but first start ordinary, could improve. 33
8 IMAGURU *** Won a recent trial and could show up from good draw with senior rider on top. 5.50
9 TOUGH RULER *** Trials well and could be set for a first-up win with Vorster riding- watch market. 5.50
10 LADIES FIRST * Showed nothing at first start. Later. 100
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Race 3
Selections; 6 JUST NINI – 4 KOMPRESSOR – 12 MINAH CURRENT – 8 NO REASON
JUST NINI scored well in maiden company last start – in fact excellent given he did it tough – and looks a progressive type. He has drawn better today and with race experience looks hard to beat. KOMPRESSOR ran a strong race last start after a tardy start, he has always looked up to Class 4 company and gets his chance from gate three with Mark Ewe on top. MINAH CURRENT is way down in the ratings but she is better than a lot of these and first-up should make her presence felt with the good draw and little weight. Both CHILLI and FLY FREELY are consistent performers who race well in this class and distance and NO REASON is back to a suitable distance and he loves the Polytrack. STUB has been freshened up, and could surprise at value.
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1 STUB ** Ran his best race in Singapore first up and gets the opportunity to show something again fresh. 16
2 BUNKER TROUBLE * Shown nothing to date. 50
3 CHILLI *** Started favourite last start and battled on well. Always a chance in these. 6.00
4 KOMPRESSOR *** Had excuses last start and did not miss by much, can get back and may need some luck, but gets his chance in a moderate field. 3.50
5 FONG SU * Speedy type who needs a soft lead in front to show his best. 50
6 JUST NINI *** Strong win in Maiden company last start and should get a good sit just off the pace – will race well. 4.00
7 GERMAN ROULETTE * Freshened up by recent barrier trial, but may be looking for something easier. 40
8 NO REASON *** Back to a distance that suits and loves the Polytrack – good chance. 6.00
9 FLY FREELY *** Narrowly beaten this class and distance last start. Awkward draw but he gets back and will be coming home hard late. 6.00
10 SADDLE THE WIND * Freshened up by recent trials and could show up if he can get near the lead. 33
11 HILARY * Won a weak maiden three starts back but last two runs ordinary. Top rider engaged but may be looking for something easier. 40
12 MINAH CURRENT *** First up but has the good draw and better than a lot of these. Watch for support. 12
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Race 4
Selections; 8 DAN NOBLE – 1 EIGHTH WONDER – 3 REDDY TO ROCK – 10 PRUSSIAN JACK
Tough old Class 5 Poly mile with plenty of horses in form and a few ready to improve making finding the winner tough. But DAN NOBLE showed he is back in form two starts back and had excuses last start (drifted in the market and the rider reported he did not handle the track conditions). The switch back to the Poly and a distance to his liking suggests he is ready to win again. EIGHTH WONDER has been costly as beaten favourite at his last two starts, but his only win came with Verenzuela riding and he gets the chance to turn things around here. REDDY TO ROCK is racing in rare form and whilst the engagement of John Powell obviates the allowance claimed at his previous two starts, he still represents a good chance. PRUSSIAN JACK ran on strongly over 1000m last start and the mile on the Polytrack suits. CAN’T TOUCH ME won in Class 5 in January and his subsequent runs have been good enough to suggest a chance here. NINTH AVENUE has been getting a mile back and running on over shorter distances, he will need luck but this may be more his caper. CONQUEST’S last two runs have been good but he can mix his form and has to be taken on trust. Do your best!
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1 EIGHTH WONDER *** Foot on the till and although costly for favourite backers last couple, should win soon. 3.50
2 JALIETTE * Maiden having a go in Class 5, only beaten 4 lengths last start, and could improve with Baster to ride. 30
3 REDDY TO ROCK *** Racing very well and strong chance again despite wide alley. 3.50
4 SUPERNATURAL POWER * Has not got within 10 lengths of the winner in 5 starts to date. No. 200
5 CAN’T TOUCH ME ** Disappointing last start similar affair but won in Class 5 in January, and whilst he may be better on turf, not without a chance here from good draw. 9.00
6 DANGER MONEY * Not racing well. 50
7 NINTH AVENUE *** Form better than it reads and should have plenty to offer late – watch market. 25
8 DAN NOBLE *** Drifted in the betting and plenty of excuses last start. Suited here first run over mile in this Class – watch for support. 4.80
9 GUSTORUNNER ** Much improved run last start. Pacifiers come off and could improve further. 20
10 PRUSSIAN JACK *** Ran on strongly over 1000m last start, mile on poly suits and has a good chance with an even run. 6.50
11 VITALICO ** Form OK, but blinkers come off, and has never won without them. 20
12 CONQUEST *** Last two runs good and at his best would be a threat, but he does mix his form and has to be taken on trust. 14
13 TRIPLE GOALS ** Has been backed and beaten a few times lately, but a chance if he gets a start with ace draw a bonus. 20
14 RECYCLE TRIUMPH * Veteran who finds a mile too far these days. 33
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Race 5
Selections; 1 MASTER KING – 8 SUPER GOOD – 5 GOLDEN PRINCE – 4 DRAGON WISH
MASTER KING bolted in at his only start and with natural improvement should be too good again. SUPER GOOD is by boom sire Fastnet Rock and comes from the powerful Michael Freedman stable; he trials well and is the obvious danger. GOLDEN PRINCE raced against older horse’s last start and was not disgraced, he could be an improver. DRAGON WISH and SMART DRAGON have both shown enough at the trials to be considered in the placings and AKUBRA ran on well at his only engagement.
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1 MASTER KING *** Spanked them at his only start and hard to beat again. 1.75
2 AKUBRA ** Ran on nicely at only start, though a long way from winner. 20
3 DRAGON SPEED * Yet to show up at two starts. Later. 50
4 DRAGON WISH * Nicely drawn and trials OK, but prefer to see. 25
5 GOLDEN PRINCE ** Raced wide last start against older horses, and battled on. Likely improver. 20
6 KAISER BRIGHT * Trials only average. Watch. 50
7 SMART DRAGON ** Trials OK and could show up – definite place chance. 20
8 SUPER GOOD *** Trials well, drawn nicely, and is the clear danger to the top weight. 2.00
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Race 6
Selections; 6 MONEY BEE – 3 BROWN SHADOW – 10 HIS MY IDOL – 1 BAY OF ISLAND
What a tough race. Literally every horse has a winning chance and the market should reflect this. In saying that, MONEY BEE has the most obvious good form leading into this having backed up a Class 5 win with two good seconds in this company. He has drawn awkwardly in gate 8 but Jose Verenzuela will ride him like a good thing and hopefully has enough luck into that tight first bend to show his best. BROWN SHADOW is the interesting runner in the fact he tackles this type of distance/field for the first time in Singapore and has showed more than enough to think he handles both. He might just get out to decent each-way odds as well and in what is an even field, might deliver the knock-out blow. Another ‘sneaky’ hope is the bottom-weight, HIS MY IDOL. The HK Tan-trained gelding looked destined for Class 5 but a nice effort over 1200m last start suggests he could show-up back over a more suitable trip. Throw a blanket over the rest with special mention to the consistent AGENAIS who, although not in my top four picks, has form around MONEY BEE so has to be included somewhere and both Stephen Gray runners, BAY OF ISLAND and BOY who could both win without surprising.
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1 BAY OF ISLAND *** In the mix last start similar affair and happy to follow with 4kg claim a factor. 12
2 BOY *** Placed last start and can step up again with blinkers removed. 6.00
3 BROWN SHADOW *** Last run better than the result and best work late as a rule suggest he handles the step up to 1700m – can win. 12
4 BUKIT MAS *** Appreciates what was a solid first up run and always and each-way chance at value. 12
5 LONESOME ME *** Broke maiden status last start and while a step up in company should be competitive and pay to keep safe. 6.00
6 MONEY BEE *** Two very good efforts to place in this company since Class 5 win and the one to beat in this. 3.00
7 AGENAIS *** Continued solid run of form and has to be considered each-way. 4.50
8 BOWIE KNIFE ** Won what was a suitable race in Class 5 last start and has shown he can step up so must be respected although wide gate an issue. 12
9 SEACREST ** Needed Class 5 to win two start back but competitive and a must for exotics. 25
10 HIS MY IDOL *** Last run over unsuitable distance very good and a genuine light-weight hope with gate one a bonus. 30
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Race 7
Selections; 1 OBLIVION – 7 CHAN’S ELECTRA – 11 MY WAY – 8 ELYSIUM
Although a few horses could play a support-role if at their best in this Class 5 Poly mile, the stage is set for OBLIVION or CHAN’S ELECTRA to knock in a well-deserved win. OBLIVION in particular looks due on what he has shown at his three runs since returning from a bleeding attack last year. He has drawn a tad awkwardly in 8 but in a field with little depth, the experienced Alan Munro should get a nice run in transit and be too good late. CHAN’S ELECTRA hasn’t won for nearly two years but recent form coupled with the inside gate suggests that could change today. The 5YO gelding has been costly for supporters of late but they will see this as a race he can make amends and a very bold run would not surprise. Of the rest, MY WAY appreciates a senior hoop (although somewhat offset by the bad gate) and worth keeping safe with CHEVY, ELYSIUM, AMERICAN TYCOON all some hope. Also watch both emergencies if they get a run with FORMIDABLE QUEST the likely improver at ridiculous odds.
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1 OBLIVION *** Foot on the till and looks to have found a very weak field so hard to beat. 3.00
2 OLD FAITHFUL * Not even with your money! 100
3 FOCUS * No. 100
4 AMERICAN TYCOON ** Battles away and likely to play a part in the top four. 7.00
5 CHEVY *** Will need luck form widest gate but very much appreciates step up in distance and could show up. 12
6 FORMIDABLE QUEST ** Appreciates first up run and step up in Class and will be the improver at odds. 50
7 CHAN’S ELECTRA *** Desperately needs a result for supporters but wont get a better opportunity than this – can win. 3.00
8 ELYSIUM *** Last two Poly runs have been good enough to give this a shake – keep safe. 12
9 HIGH MILLENNIUM * No. 100
10 WHO ELS * Goes good on his day but needs a senior hoop and happy to wait. 20
11 MY WAY *** Drawn badly but will win this type of race sooner than later and senior hoop suggests it could be sooner. 5.00
12 FLEET FOOT * Good gate a bonus but struggles as a rule. 100
13 LUCKY EMPRESS *** Won with support similar affair two starts back so has to be some hope back up in trip. 8.00
14 REVERSE TAKEOVER *** In form and will keep them honest but maiden status always a concern. 12
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Race 8
Selections; 1 PEACEFUL WARRIOR – 6 DYNASTY KNIGHT – 4 BORN TO FLY – 3 CARIBBEAN MOON
PEACEFUL WARRIOR looks the stand-out in this race and while I have given plenty of others winning chances, he is the one to beat. If there was a concern it is that he is coming off a five day break but the ease in which he won as odds-on favourite last start suggests he is flying and the punters will flock to him again. If you aren’t keen on the likely short odds on offer for PEACEFUL WARRIOR, DYNASTY KNIGHT will give a bold showing out front. Obviously this is a step up from his previous two Class 4 wins, but the way he put paid to his rivals on those occasions has him a real threat if left alone in front. And with a fast pace expected you would imagine plenty of others to be rattling home late including BORN TO FLY, CARIBBEAN MOON and DEEP POCKETS (at odds). Of the rest, CHATEAUNEUF DUPAPE did it tough last start and is certainly worth another look with GOLDEN QUEST the improver second up in Singapore and an eye on the market for the newcomer, KNIGHT’S COMMAND.
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1 PEACEFUL WARRIOR *** Backing up after being heavily supported and winning accordingly last Sunday – can win again. 2.00
2 BE A MAN ** Took a drop to Class 4 to get an overdue result but always competitive and worth a look each-way. 20
3 CARIBBEAN MOON *** Enjoying a pretty good run of form and keeps a few honest in what is a very solid field. 8.00
4 BORN TO FLY *** In form and fresh enough to think 1400m is ideal – watch at odds. 15
5 CHATEAUNEUF DUPAPE *** Excuses last start for just fair effort and certainly worth some thought today. 6.00
6 DYNASTY KNIGHT *** Won last two in Class 4 company with relative ease and could be extremely hard to run down if not respected out front. 7.50
7 GOLDEN QUEST ** A lot to like about his Singapore debut and that run with a welcome step up in distance has him one to follow = watch for support. 12
8 KNIGHT’S COMMAND *** Former Kiwi who arrives in Singapore with very strong record of three wins from just five starts and has to be a show on debut – market a good guide. 10
9 DEEP POCKETS *** Rarely runs a bad race and looks well placed here to have last crack at them if race run to suit swoopers. 20
10 WORLD FAMOUSMAN * Goes OK on his day but happy to wait for Class 5. 50
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Race 9
Selections; 1 DRAGON WORLD – 4 WHITE COFFEE – 5 EXCEL N STRIKE – 2 MY SON
A small field but a very interesting race form-wise with the market likely to be the punters pal on the day. And while there is plenty of recent winning form to follow, I think DRAGON WORLD looks perfectly placed to show his best and can win with T Rehzait’s 3kg claim an important factor. With 56kg to carry, the Shane Baertschiger-trained 7YO should have the measure of last start winner MY SON and although giving five or so kgs to a couple of progressive types in WHITE COFFEE and EXCEL AND STRIKE, he has runs on the board in this company and that should count for plenty. Obviously the three other horses mentioned are in form and can win with stable support a very good guide. Of the rest, I will be keeping an eye on TOPICAL FORREST at likely long odds as although seen as a ‘Poly Specialist’, he has placed behind ATO on the turf (albeit a long way beaten) and excuses could be made for some of his poor runs on this surface.
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1 DRAGON WORLD *** Not a lot last start but thereabouts as a rule of late and this looks suitable with claim to show his best. 5.00
2 MY SON *** Good win carrying weight last start and looks to be well placed to make it back-to-back. 3.50
3 TROPICAL FOREST ** Huge query on this surface but last run terrific and might be the surprise packet. 20
4 WHITE COFFEE *** Couldn’t make it a hat-trick of wins in Singapore over the mile last start so freshened and back in trip looks a good move – big show. 3.00
5 EXCEL N STRIKE *** Held on to win at Singapore debut and while this is tougher he should be improved for the run and has serious claims again. 2.60
6 ANDIKO ** Form OK and recent trial good but not seen often on this surface so have to take on trust. 30
7 DOREMI LA * Has been struggling in good company and happy to reassess in Class 4. 100
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Race 10
Selections; 2 THE HUSTLER – 1 LUCKYATSUCCESS – 5 A CUT ABOVE – 6 ZAC HEAVEN
He might be short but hopefully THE HUSTLER is sweet for those looking to get out of jail or make a good night even better in the lucky last. And although beaten as odds-on pop at his second career start back in December, the fact he wasn’t disgraced that day, has been given a break and showed plenty at a recent trial suggests he goes round short again in a race he should win. What makes him an even better winning option is that he has plenty of upside as a 3YO and given he is against what looks a ‘just fair’ Class 4 field, his ability should more handle the company. I also like John Powell on-board and what looks a winning weight in 55,5kg. Of the rest we were on a couple of these in similar affairs last start and while both LUCKYATSUCCESS and A CUT ABOVE were both slightly disappointing, both are worth following and should show up sooner than later in this grade. NATURAL BORN FIGHTER and ZAC HEAVEN figure somewhere in exotics.
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1 LUCKYATSUCCESS ** Better than what he showed last start in this company and goes close. 6.00
2 THE HUSTLER *** Smart 3YO resuming after unplaced run as odds on pop last year – recent strong trial suggests he wins first up. 1.80
3 NATURALBORNFIGHTER ** Good effort last start doing it tough from bad gate similar affair but bad draw again suggest place best option. 8.00
4 EL PATRON * Can’t have on recent form. 50
5 A CUT ABOVE ** Looked to have his chances last start but gate one helps and has looked ready for a result prior. 6.00
6 ZAC HEAVEN ** Good effort last start from wide gate and has the pace and form to be a solid each way hope in this. 8.00
7 SAMURAI KID * Competitive this company on his day and fresh but realistically needs Class 5 and happy to wait. 50
8 TENTENWIN ** Usually has excuses and can run a cheeky race with gate two a bonus. 30
9 CHINESE TYCOON ** Blinkers removed after good maiden run and has shown to be competitive this Class previously so keep safe. 20
10 NATALIA * Reassess Class 5. 100
11 JOHNNY BE GOOD * Maiden who needs it easier than this. 50
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