A 10 race Polytrack meeting from Singapore on Friday with all eyes on the Open Benchmark 97 sprint (race 6) and the much anticipated clash between DICTATOR and POWERFUL TREE.
The pair has met previously – coincidentally dead heating for third behind VIVA PANATA in January – and when you consider they have won an amazing 13 races between them (all on the Polytrack), the race looks a cracker.
Of course at this level you have to respect your opponents with COUP ALIGN and AMADEUS MOZART sure to keep the pair honest with newcomer, MCCLINTOCK, adding a new dimension to the Kranji sprinting stocks.
Elsewhere on the card, Jose Verenzuela – who is on-board DICTATOR in the 6th – will be hoping to continue his great Friday night Poly form with a solid book of rides.
After upstaging Joao Moreira with a four-bagger last Friday, Verenzuela also looks to have winning chances on RARE EARTH (race 3), LUCKY EMPRESS (race 7), LIRA (race 8) and JOYLUCK (race 9).
While only sitting in eighth position on the jockey’s premiership table, Verenzuela only has Joao Moreira in front of him on winning strike rates and that statistic counts for plenty when following in-form hoops.
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Best Bets; LIZARRE (race 9, win), BENGAWAN (race 1, each-way) and VOLKOV (race 4, each-way). Bankers for Jackpots: Race 7 (4, 6, 8, 10 and 11) race 8 (1, 4, 6, 9, 10 and 13), race 9 (1) and race 10 (field).
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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; 1 BENGAWAN – 6 SPEEDY PHIL – 3 QUEEN KELL – 2 LUCKY SUN
The opener looks a tough one with plenty of Class droppers looking to improve up against some horses in fine Class 5 form. Of the Class droppers LUCKY SUN looks an obvious choice given he won his last couple in this company. That counts for plenty but an apprentice rider from a bad
gate suggests he will need some luck in running but should be right in this late. BENGAWAN also won the last time he was in Class 5 but worth noting that was back in 2009. Since then he proved to be a very handy Class 4 galloper and although his recent form reads badly, he has done enough to think he can improve dropping in grade and win. Hopefully (given his form) he also provides value in what is an open affair. With a few of the other fancies drawing awkwardly I will be keeping SPEEDY PHIL safe as he will get all the favours from gate one. He showed last start he will win in this company and all things considered will be in this a very long way. QUEEN KELL is another that is drawn awkwardly but will be right in this late and has to be respected. Last start winner APACHE JUNCTION also looms a winning hope and worth going wide in exotics as this race does have depth.
1 BENGAWAN *** Form reads badly but will grow a proverbial leg in Class 5 – big show. 10
2 LUCKY SUN *** Won his last couple in this company so has to be a big show – need an ounce of luck from wide gate. 6.00
3 QUEEN KELL *** Wins soon you would think and will be coming right into this late. 5.00
4 SIR EXCELLENCE ** Shown nothing in Singapore at the track but has some nice trials to his name and that might hold up dropping to Class 5. Value? 50
5 SKY PROTEGE ** Wide gate an issue but has pace and if he does try to make every post a winner in this grade he will go close – follow. 20
6 SPEEDY PHIL *** Showed last start he will win in this grade and gate one suggest he goes mighty close today. 4.00
7 APACHE JUNCTION *** Turned some good form into a nice win last time out and pay to follow. 3.30
8 VIENTO * No. 100
9 CRUCIBLE * Needs longer. 50
10 MONGOLIAN STAR * Appreciates first up run but another who will be better over longer. 50
11 FEELING GOOD ** Winning form is good form but this field is tough and each way looks best. 8.00
12 TYPHOON UNO ** Resuming after some OK runs earlier in the year and nice recent trial suggests he can be included in exotics fresh. 30
13 PASHA KHAN ** Better than what he has shown of late but only for the brave. 50
14 FUKU’S PET ** Hasn’t gone on with it after winning two starts back and another to take on trust. 20
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Race 2
Selections; 12 XIN TREASURE – 4 BOLD BID – 2 DAMAIPURI – 11 THE HUSTLER
An interesting Restricted Maiden with plenty of what look like solid newcomers and a few horses with race experience ready to show their best and win. And while I usually lean towards horses with that have shown something on the track, I thought there was enough to like about XIN TREASURE’s Official trial to think he might strike an early blow. To be ridden by YF Leong, the FLYING PEGASUS 3YO looked to be doing it easy at his Official trial finishing as he liked just behind his stable mate, XIN STAR (who subsequently placed at his debut). Of the raced horses I will be keeping a very close eye on BOLD BID after he showed plenty of pace at his debut. Although fading and being beaten a fair way behind IP MAN, BOLD BID looked the type that appreciated the hit out and with winkers upgraded to blinkers he is in this a very long way. The benchmark (and likely favourite) is DAMAIPURI and no reason to think he is not in the thick of this finish and goes very close. The tote is going to be a great guide on newcomers like FOUNTAIN, NATURAL NICE and THE HUSTLER and it will pay to keep a very close eye on the dividend board.
1 NAPOLEON B ** Blinkers added so look for improvement but tough from wide gate. 100
2 DAMAIPURI *** Looks in good order and will be in the thick of this. 4.00
3 RUMPELSTILTSKIN * Blinkers back on but hard to have. 100
4 BOLD BID *** Showed pace at debut and improves for the run and blinkers added – goes close. 10
5 FOUNTAIN *** Looked good winning recent trial and has to be a big hope from nice gate with no weight. 4.00
6 KING’S FRIEND ** Improved at second run and good work late suggests he has more to offer – follow although wide gate some issue today. 50
7 NATURAL NICE *** Solid at Official trial and certainly worth considering on debut with market a very good guide. 12
8 NEWFOUNDWEALTH ** Put in a shocker on debut but had some support so worth watching as he should have more to offer. 30
9 SMART CHOICE * Resuming and while recent trial OK he needs to show something before considering. 50
10 SUPER LUCKY ** Resuming after just a fair debut but should improve with blinkers added. 40
11 THE HUSTLER *** Looked well held at a couple of trials and expect a strong debut. 4.00
12 XIN TREASURE *** A lot to like about his Official trial and happy to think he has plenty to offer on debut. 4.00
13 HURRY HARIMAU * Needs to show more. 200
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Race 3
Selections; 3 YIN XIN – 4 RARE EARTH – 8 ZAC HEAVEN – 1 GRAND ARRIVAL
After a couple of nice second placings at his first two race starts, YIN XIN showed what he is capable of last time out with an emphatic win and hard to beat on that effort. And while the horse he beat that day, CALOMBARIS, only fell-in to win at his next run, the fact YIN XIN beat him so convincingly – some five lengths – suggests this is a horse to follow. Obviously he steps up in company but the Theo Kieser-trained 4YO should handle Class 4 and perhaps beyond. Although somewhat disappointing last start with support, RARE EARTH very much appreciates that outing and can show his best today. Jose Verenzuela should get the most out of the STRAVINSKY gelding and given the form he showed at his first campaign he should really be in the thick of things in this type of race. With value in mind I will be keeping a very close eye on ZAC HEAVEN with gate one a factor. The Michael Freedman-trained 4YO has pace and has more than handled the step up to Class 4 company, so in this a very long way. And while last start winner, POPI POPI, looks a genuine winning hope, I expect GRAND ARRIVAL to run an honest race and might be a horse to follow in Singapore.
1 GRAND ARRIVAL *** Enough to like about his Singapore debut run to think he goes well here with gate two a bonus. 10
2 POPI POPI *** Won too well last start not to think he gives this a shake with 3kg claim a factor. 4.00
3 YIN XIN *** Broke through for well deserved maiden win in fine style and can go on with the job on that effort. 2.80
4 RARE EARTH *** Appreciates what was an OK first up run and while disappointing for the support he has to be respected. 3.00
5 SICHUAN RULER ** Smart enough type resuming and pay to keep an eye on tote first up in what is a strong Class field. 12
6 TENUPONTEN ** Resuming sans head-gear and recent trial suggests he goes OK. 40
7 ZESTFULGO ** While a win would surprise he goes OK on his day in this company and will add value to exotics. 40
8 ZAC HEAVEN *** Has been in good form since blinker added and can be in this a long way if he makes use of gate one. 12
9 HAPPY MORE * Hard to consider. 200 10 SHEN KIM ** Raced well above his fighting weight last start and while it would be good to see in Class 5 he has to be included in exotics. 30
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Race 4
Selections; 5 VOLKOV – 1 MONSOON BREAK – 4 BUZET – 11 MESTI BOLEH
One of the more interesting Class 5 Poly races with most horses having genuine winning claims. This being the case I would be watching the dividend board closely as someone is going to be value and that might be our best option. And one horse that may well and truly be over the odds is VOLKOV. The one-time winner had been battling away in Class 4 since that victory in June 2010 before being somewhat disappointing first run back in this company. But a step up in distance could be what the doctor ordered to turn his good Class 4 form into a win. I will point out we did like him last start so it was super disappointing to see him first beaten but willing to follow at odds. And staying with the value theme, I very much think MONSOON BREAK is going to be the improver. His first run for Don Baertschiger was sans blinkers over a shorter distance and given his previous good run for Basil Marcus was over the mile (with blinkers) I think he is ready to show his best with headgear back on from gate one. Add BUZET to the value mix as his run two starts back good and his only win was over the mile so stepping back up in distance a good move. Obviously MESTI BOLEH a huge show on his big effort last start but he will have support and no favours again after drawing badly.
1 MONSOON BREAK *** Ignore last run as very much appreciates back up to what looks his best distance with blinkers back on. Gate one a bonus and can win. 12
2 WHIRLRUNNER *** Showed enough last start similar affair to think he plays a part in this finish. 10
3 DRAMA SUPERSTAR *** Looked to have his chances last start but close enough to think he is still in form and one of the leading chances. 8.00
4 BUZET *** Did it tough last start from bad gate and happy to think he goes well today in what is a suitable race with any luck from awkward gate. 7.00
5 VOLKOV *** Very disappointing to be first beaten last start but will be better than that in Class 5 and pay to watch closely over what could be a very suitable distance. 20
6 DOUBLE DOSE ** Going along in good enough order to win but inexperienced hoop will need luck from bad gate. 20
7 KAEPEEYAI *** Ignore last run on the turf as his Poly form has him winning sooner than later. 6.00
8 CHEVY *** Could try to make every post a winner from the bad gate and if ridden aggressively early, he goes close. 12
9 COFFEE KID *** Pay to forgive last start as he will improve stepping back up in distance given what he showed two runs back. 25
10 GOOD GENERAL ** Just fair last start but form similar races prior good and can follow. 8.00
11 MESTI BOLEH *** Surprised a few by hitting the line strongly after doing it tough from wide gate last start and can win on a repeat of that effort. 3.50
12 TIC TOC *** Followed up just a fair run with support to a beauty at bolter’s odds similar affair to this – watch. 25
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Race 5
Selections; 4 MACAU – 3 PALOMBARO – 7 GOOD STRIKER – 1 DORAEMON
As you would expect a few Poly sprint specialists head to the start in this Class 3 dash and while it will be interesting to see how the likes of GOOD STRIKER goes for his new trainer (ZL Mok – his third), I do think MACAU is ready to show his best and win again. The FASTNET ROCK 4YO has done little wrong at nine Singapore starts; winning three and placing another four times since arriving from NZ. I also like the fact he has the stable apprentice, R Shafiq, on-board as the 3kg claimer won the last time he rode him in June. His main danger, PALOMBARO, also has an apprentice (CS Chin) on-board and his 4kg gives the Bruce Marsh-trained 6YO a chance to make it three-in-a-row. Add the fact his six wins have all been on the Poly and he certainly plays a part in what is a small but tricky field. As mentioned, GOOD STRIKER is every chance on his best form and pay to respect with one eye on the tote. The recent form falls away after these three but pay to include most in the skinny end of exotics as it looks like that type of race.
1 DORAEMON ** Form reads badly but very much appreciates the good gate and will improve. 30
2 LAGO BAY ** Doesn’t go a yard on the turf so ignore last start and take on trust on good Poly form. 15
3 PALOMBARO *** Strong win in similar company last time out to make it two on the trot and that form has since been franked – big show with claim a factor. 4.00
4 MACAU *** Fresh, goes well this type of race and the form from his last race has more than held up – big show. 3.20
5 EXCELIFY ** Appreciates first run back and will improve but exotics best today. 20
6 MARCUSINO ** Showed he will be more than competitive this company and knows how to win – follow. 8.00
7 GOOD STRIKER *** Resuming after doing it super tough in good company last start – loves this type of race and can win. 2.50
8 HOWGOODISTHAT ** Goes good enough on his day to include in skinny end of exotics but Class 4 looks his caper. 40
9 SHINKANSEN ** Always trying his best and keeps a few honest but needs easier company than this. 40
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Race 6
Selections; 5 POWERFUL TREE – 3 DICTATOR – 1 COUP ALIGN – 6 AMADEUS MOZART
An odd race with what looks like a couple of stand-outs who may find it tougher than it looks against some interesting types. The two horses that should fight out this finish are DICTATOR and POWERFUL TREE. POWERFUL TREE in particular looks to be flying and with seven wins, his last in a similar weighted race to this, is the one to beat. In fact the ST PETERSBURG gelding has only been unplaced once on this track and that type of Poly form always stands up and Danny Beasley will be hoping to keep what looks a good ride. Similarly, DICTATOR doesn’t do much wrong on this surface and bar a poor performance last time out his form has him right in this. His Open Class win two starts back suggests he is right up to the best on this surface and looks well enough in at the weights to win again. While these two stand out on Poly form, I will be keeping an eye on COUP ALIGN and MCCLINTOCK with AMADEUS MOZART the smoky at odds with just 50.5kg.
1 COUP ALIGN *** Resuming after a couple of disappointing runs but has pace and expect him to be in this for a very long time with handy claim. 7.00
2 FANTASTIC OWNERS * Honest type resuming but prefer to just watch. 100
3 DICTATOR *** Happy to overlook an uncharacteristic poor Poly run last time out and seriously consider with winkers removed – big show. 3.00
4 MCCLINTOCK ** Former Aussie with a couple of Group wins to his name – obviously respect with nice recent trials under his belt. 8.00
5 POWERFUL TREE *** Record of seven wins and four places from 12 Poly starts speaks for itself – hard to beat. 1.80
6 AMADEUS MOZART ** Always keeps them honest when no weight to carry – watch at value. 10
7 TEN TEN LAI ** Has the good early speed to make use of good gate and will add value to exotics. 30
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Race 7
Selections; 6 CONQUEST – 8 RIEUSSEC MAGIC – 11 LUCKY EMPRESS – 10 VIPER MAN
In races like these (division 2, Class 5) a few things need to be in your favour to win and CONQUEST looks to have ticked a few boxes in this. In saying that he has looked to have his chances of late and has been costly for supporters but in a race with little depth he will not get a better chance to knock in his third career win. Like CONQUEST, I think RIEUSSEC MAGIC is due and had excuses last start. His wide gate is a concern but if he gets any sort of run for Ronnie Stewart – hopefully forward early – he goes close. But LUCKY EXPRESS also looks to have his foot well and truly on the till and a win would not surprise. In fact the 8YO mare might not get a better chance to knock in her first Singapore win but obviously Jose Verenzuela will have his work cut out given her lack of winning form. Plenty of other hopes – VIPER MAN, BOOM TOWN and EIGHT AVENUE – so go wide in exotics.
1 SKY MOUNTAIN * Not Travelling well at all. 200
2 BETTER THAN YOU * Did not need wide gate. 200
3 EIGHTH AVENUE ** Form just fair but wins on his day and while gate an issue he goes close in this field. 8.00
4 BOOM TOWN *** Won two starts back similar affair with heavy support (albeit Moreira factor) and big show here. 4.50
5 BICARA * Not for me. 100
6 CONQUEST *** Last start better than the result and form prior has him winning this from gate two. 3.50
7 MAX RESOURCE ** Always gets home OK so this type of race should suit – exotics. 20
8 RIEUSSEC MAGIC *** Ignore last start where he may have had an issue after breaking through the gates and follow on what looked winning form prior to that. 6.00
9 SILENT FAITH ** Did it tough last start and form solid so happy to follow in exotics. 20
10 VIPER MAN *** Best work late last start suggests he is ready to win and worth following. 6.50
11 LUCKY EMPRESS *** Foot on the till and will be given every chance in what is a suitable race. 5.00
12 MULTI WARRIOR ** Did enough late last start to include in skinny end of exotics at value. 40
13 LUCKY MAN * No. 500 14 NEFERTITI * Blinkers off and goes OK on her day but easier to ignore. 30
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Race 8
Selections; 4 LIRA – 1 BAY OF ISLAND – 9 WING WARRIOR – 13 DASH FOR WIN
Not a lot of form that jumps off the page at you in this mile and against my better judgment, I eventually settled on a horse that has to jump from a very awkward barrier, LIRA. At best the FLYING SPUR 5YO has gate nine to contend with but that can often cause huge issues heading into the tight first bend. Hopefully the experienced Jose Verenzuela rides him confidently into a handy position and with any cover/luck he goes mighty close. The grey-gelding does look to have the best form in this company and – without being confident – he is as good as option as any. Of the others I think BAY OF ISLAND is the big improver back in what looks a suitable race. His two runs back have been ‘sighters’ and he should be ready to show his best on a track he was won four times and a distance he was won thrice. I would have preferred blinkers/pacifiers on but he has drawn gate one which is a huge advantage and Danny Beasley should get all the favours. WING WARRIOR – coming off two wins – has to be respected although will obviously find Class 4 tougher than his previous two assignments and I think the emergency, DASH FOR WIN, is some hope in what is a very even field if he gets a start. Tough race – do your best.
1 BAY OF ISLAND *** Form only fair in two runs from a break but stepping up in distance looks ideal and look for a better run today. 7.00
2 SUPER RICH * Step up in trip suits but needs to lift on form. 40
3 DARING SPLENDOUR * Hasn’t won for a while and will need to lift to trouble this lot, exotics only. 40
4 LIRA *** Very consistent and again looks the one to beat if any luck from awkward draw. 3.50
5 CHIEF SECRETARY ** Hasn’t had a lot of luck lately and could be the improver with OK Poly form to his name. 20
6 SOCIAL NETWORK *** Has excuses last start and go on his good form previously, working up to a win and will pay to follow. 15
7 STRIDE METEOR ** Placed two starts ago before not much last time with support, hard to follow. 40
8 ICE AGE ** Form just OK since his smart debut win but may be suited over the extra journey, worth another chance with claim and nice gate. 10
9 WING WARRIOR *** Outside gate always tough at mile start but in top form and have to respect despite rising in grade. 10 10 DOUBLE RANSOM *** Scored a handsome win last time and although this much harder with wide gate he should handle this company and keep following. 4.50
11 EIGHTH WONDER ** Hasn’t gone on with it after his debut win but looks an each-way chance in an open affair. 7.00
12 SUN ENTERPRISE ** Last start winner in easier company and this harder over more ground, place only. 10
13 DASH FOR WIN *** Step up in trip and blinkers added suggests he goes OK – watch if he gets a start. 12
14 GOLDEN FRIENDS ** Appreciates the mile and handicap conditions but might need Class 5. 50
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Race 9
Selections; 1 LIZARRE – 4 JOHN OF ARCH – 3 JOYLUCK – 8 MONTEREY
An interesting race in the fact that the Pat Shaw-trained LIZARRE again looks super hard to beat, desperately needs a win to get into Gold Cup consideration and has found one better at both Singapore runs thus far. So while I would suggest some caution in a small and competitive field, I think the JET MASTER gelding will win and hopefully win well considering the form he brought to Singapore from South Africa. True, that form (which included a Group 1 placing and a listed win) was from over a year ago, however, the 5YO has looked in terrific order since arriving and lost few friends at his two second placings at Kranji. He should be better than Class 3 and win but he will need to take his opposition seriously with JOHN OF ARCH (back on the Poly a big move) and JOYLUCK (terrific each way option) both more than capable on their respective day in what is a very suitable race.
1 LIZARRE *** Shown plenty at two Singapore starts and can turn his good runs into a win today – hard to beat. 1.80
2 IMAGERY ** Battled on well behind a few smart ones lately and looked in good form on the training track this week, keep following. 8.00
3 JOYLUCK *** Continues to race in career best form and have to consider again in what looks a suitable race – each way all the way! 6.00
4 JOHN OF ARCH *** Not far away from the action of late and worth noting he has won his last two Poly outings over the mile (albeit in Class 4) – watch. 15
5 QUINTA DE LAGO ** Found the competition and trip difficult last time and better suited today. 12
6 RAW COURAGE * Never lived up to the market support last start and blinkers off for this, others make more appeal. 40
7 DAAD’S THE WAY * Hasn’t really threatened since his Class 4 win and may need something easier than this and blinkers. 40 8 MONTEREY *** Racing well and should be doing best work late with small field a help, goes close. 4.00
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Race 10
Selections; 3 PROBO CHANDROSO – 2 SWAGGER – 1 SENOR LINEAR – 6 NADAL
As usual we have a very competitive Class 4 race to finish the meeting and finding the winner looks tough. But PROBO CHANDROSO looks ready to win and from gate two, he looks a very solid option. His form, without winning, has been strong and his last start placing behind TROPICAL FOREST should hold him in good stead here. And while last start winner SENOR LINEAR has the runs on the board (like PROBO CHANDROSO he was due to win), SWAGGER is one that could turn around some poor form and should be the improver dropping to this grade. The Pat Shaw-trained gelding won the last time he stepped out in Class 4 and while going well at his next start in better company he found it all too much at his next three. The drop in Class would be welcome and with three Poly wins to his name he obviously enjoys this surface. In a wide open race I will be keeping an eye for stable support for NADAL with blinkers removed first time in a very long time with BEAM ME UP, BRIAN and SIR FLEETWOOD all some hope.
1 SENOR LINEAR *** Turned some good form in to a tough win last time, stays in this grade and should be hard to beat again despite 58kg, leading chance. 4.00
2 SWAGGER *** Form reads badly but didn’t really handle the step up to Class 3 so look for big improvement back in winning company. 6.00
3 PROBO CHANDROSO *** Fought on gamely behind Tropical Forest last time when placed and should get every chance from inside alley, ready to win. 3.50
4 BEAM ME UP *** Resuming after a short break and showed enough in first prep to follow and should be in the finish on best ability. 8.00
5 BRIAN *** Not the easiest to follow on form but certainly capable on his day and must be respected with blinkers removed for this. 8.00
6 NADAL *** Blinkers off an interesting move (last time sans blinkers jan 2009) but form suggests he goes mighty close with gate one a bonus. 8.00
7 ASTRONAUT MAN ** Showed speed before run down late last time, should be in it for a long way with 50.5kg. 15
8 SIR FLEETWOOD *** Not far away from a winning result and should get very chance from inside draw and can figure with handy claim, big hope. 12
9 LIGHTNING ACE ** Did it tough last start but realistically needs Class 5 to be a winning chance. Place best. 30
10 NINTH AVENUE ** Last start winner in easier Class 5 and this looks hard back in trip opposing stronger company. 30
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