War Affair, the champion 3yo elect steps up in the Gr1 Singapore Guineas. Photo: Singapore Turf Club
Singapore Group 1 Guineas
The Singapore stellar weekend kicks off with a bumper racemeeting on Friday 16 May
The question is how far WAR AFFAIR?
While it would be nice to find something to beat the champion three-year-old elect in the Singapore Group 1 Guineas, nothing looks close to considering.
After two good wins in the Sprint (1200m) and the Classic (1400m), the O’Reilly 3YO will only improve stepping up to the mile and it again look a case of who fills the minor placings.
The win would also take WAR AFFAIRS prizemoney past the magical $1 million mark and take his career record to nine wins from just twelve starts – that says it all.
But racing does throw some curveballs occasionally and those looking to take on the odds on pop could make a case for RISE ‘N’ SHINE who, unlike most of the other runners in the field, comes into this with winning form after by-passing the Classic. The Mark Walker-trained gelding has been impressive winning three races from four career starts with excuses when he did find one better on the day.
BOGART is the only other horse in the field that didn’t race in the Classic and his last start win was also good enough to throw into the top three mix.
Of the horses that did follow WAR AFFAIR home in the Classic, GOODMAN obviously ran a terrific race to finish only two lengths from the winner with daylight to the third placed horse, ROOM FOR EXCUSE.
PERFECT CHALLENGER ran on to finish fourth but given he has since raced and won in Class 3 company, he could easily improve again and get a Group 1 podium finish.
BLUE SWEDE bombed in the Classic but as he was always going to go better over the mile, it may pay to put a line through that run and keep safe at value.
Group 2 Aushorse Golden Horseshoe
Affleck could have the better of Barnato Photo: Singapore Turf Club
In the other feature of the night – the Group 2 Aushorse Golden Horseshoe – most interest will be in the return bout between AFFLECK and BARNATO. AFFLECK was impressive when beating a very green BARNATO on that occasion but given BARNATO gets a 2kg swing in the weights and hopefully races more tractably with experience, it could be a ding-dong battle to the wire. The only other 2YO’s with wins to their names – CASTOR and the filly, KIWI KARMA – also look realistic winning hopes although it will pay to go very wide in exotics as there are sure to be a few others that improve with race experience and fitness.
Larry Foley’s Selection and race previews
Best Bets: (MEXBOROUGH BOY race 4, win), (WAR AFFAIR race 7, win) and (WHAT’S DAT race 6, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (Field), race 7 (1), race 8 (1, 2 and 5), race 9 (2, 4, 5, 7 and 12).
Please note the odds listed are “reference odds” only.
Race 1
Selections; 4 FRANCES – 2 TROPICAL FOREST – 7 FRAGRANCE EMPIRE – 6 THAT’STHEONE
There looks to be more than a few horses that are ready to win a race like this and the opening race of the biggest weekend in Singapore should make for excellent betting race. In fact the tote might be a good guide given the likes of TROPICAL FOREST would easily win a KSD Poly sprint if near his best and his form suggest that is not far away with Oscar Chavez to steer. But FRANCES comes into this after a nice run in better company and Laurie Laxon does have a winning way with fillies. The 3YO has only won once in nine career starts but her close-up fourth behind NEUTRINOS was good and from gate one, she gets all the favours with a handy 3kg claim. Plenty of others win without surprising with FRAGRANCE EMPIRE coming into this with a nice Class 5 win – his first – to his name and the Brian Dean pair of THAT’STHEONE and TOMORROWS DREAM right in the mix as well. PROBO CHANDROSO the other to keep safe.
1 SATELLITE KING ** Drops in grade and and gets winkers so look for improvement. 20
2 TROPICAL FOREST *** Not the most reliable but wins a race like this on his day. 6.00
3 TOMORROWS DREAMS *** Well and truly due and goes close with support with upgrade to blinkers. 4.00
4 FRANCES *** Always thereabouts and gate 1 helps but needs a result. 4.00
5 HOPKINS ** Another Laxon runner that is always thereabouts. Value. 20
6 THAT’STHEONE *** Ready to win again and switch back to Poly in his favour. 11
7 FRAGRANCE EMPIRE *** Won well when breaking maiden status in Class 5 company and pay to follow. 6.00
8 PROBO CHANDROSO *** Hasn’t won for a long time but back in form and goes close. 8.00
9 GOOD SCORE ** Has plenty of speed but can tire late. 33
10 HIDDEN VENTURE ** Competitive this company but might need it easier to win. 20
11 SUPER STRIKE ** Nothing last start but some previous runs OK at value. 50
12 SO FREE NOW ** Broke maiden status last start and will be competitive. 20
13 NOT SIMPLE ** The type that could show up at odds but prefer in Class 5. 33
Race 2
Selections; 10 MISTER CANDY – 6 BRAD – 12 GUILTLESS – 1 STATE GENERAL
I think it’s safe to say that trainer Pat Shaw would consider himself a tad unlucky if either MISTER CANDY or GOLD LINE doesn’t win today. The pair have placed 16 times from a combined 19 starts and for consistency alone they deserve to break though. And while it’s tough to win on the International weekend, they must go close with MR CANDY the pick. The US-bred 3YO has only missed out on a place once and comes into this with a nice trial under his belt. Blinkers go back on and he should be right in this with gate 1 a bonus. The race has depth though and the succinctly named BRAD looked nice enough at his race debut to follow. He has drawn wide but he should be doing his best work late with the experienced Alan Munro to steer. A host of other chances with the 2YO on debut, GUILTLESS, one to watch with just 49kg and the likes of STATE GENERAL, KAURI PARK, RAINBOW STAR and INFERMO all some hope.
1 STATE GENERAL *** Went close last start when blinkers added and right in this. 5.00
2 GOLD LINE *** Placed nine from 11 and has to win soon. 6.00
3 RAINBOW STAR *** Turned some poor form around with a cheeky run and pay to keep safe. 12
4 INFERMO *** Has speed and appreciates first-up run. Each-way. 8.00
5 EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE * Ran well two starts back but have to take on trust with downgrade to winkers. 20
6 BRAD *** Debut was very promising and well worth following. 6.00
7 GRAND PARIS * No. 200
8 KAURI PARK *** Not a lot last start on turf but debut and subsequent trial on the Poly has him under notice. 11
9 RIGHT IS RIGHT * Resuming after a good turf run but might need longer. 33
10 MISTER CANDY *** Blinkers on and looks ready to turn some very consistent form into a win. 4.00
11 EL VERDUGO ** Had some support on debut and should improve for the run. 20
12 GUILTLESS *** 2YO who trialed well enough to win with no weight. Watch tote. 12
13 ACE RICH * Not racing well enough. 50
Race 3
Selections; 4 RAISE NO DOUBT – 8 SPUN GOLD – 2 MANGATANGI – 1 CRAZY TIMES
With all due respect to a few nice types who look horses to follow, RAISE NO DOUBT might be just too good today. While arriving as a raced-maiden, his form from without winning in Australia was very promising and he certainly has made his mark in Singapore by bolting in at his two starts. Again, you have to respect his opponents but RAISE NO DOUBT looks a class act and wins better races than this. Of those who keep the fave honest, SPUN GOLD resuming could give him a scare. The 3YO showed enough on debut to follow but it was a good second up win (he also bled that day) that has him stamped as a horse that will go through the Classes. The break would have not done him any harm and with a couple of nice trials under his belt, he could be the testing material. MANGATANGI, CRAZY TIMES and USAIN COLT the only others to really worry about.
1 CRAZY TIMES *** Nice type who looks well placed with a 3kg claim and downgrade to winkers. 8.00
2 MANGATANGI *** Broke through for well deserved second career win last start and can follow from the ace. 5.00
3 PITSTOP * Resuming in a tough race. 200
4 RAISE NO DOUBT *** Backed up strong debut win by walking home at second start in Singapore. Hard to beat. 2.00
5 USAIN COLT *** Smart enough 3YO who looks a horse to follow. 5.00
6 ALAN * Honest enough but should be outclassed. 33
7 ALL MY WAY * In badly at the conditions. 200
8 SPUN GOLD *** Resuming after a nice win at second career start (bled) and trials suggest he goes well fresh. 6.00
9 BALESTRA ** Always in the exotic mix and often value. 33
10 SUGAR MAN * Winkers off but should need easier than this. 50
11 GOLDEN KNIGHT * Home well last start but realistically needs Class 5. 50
Race 4
Selections; 1 MEXBOROUGH BOY – 14 WAR LORD – 2 GOLDEN MISSION – 5 GOLDEN RABBIT
MEXBOROUGH BOY placed in the Aushorse Golden Horseshoe at 100-1 a year ago and after a few wins since that shock run, he looks hard to beat in this Class 4 sprint. But rest assured he won’t go off at long odds in this race and given the way he won last start when blinkers were added, he might even go off the odds-on elect. Nothing jumps off the page to beat him and from gate 7, Dan Beasley will have him handy throughout and ride him like a good thing. He does have top weight, so down the list it might pay to keep WAR LORD safe at value with just 50kg. Barend Vorster rides and WAR LORD’s recent solid form has him under notice. GOLDEN MISSION is the other who could win on best form. The Argentinean 4YO had excuses last start and should keep the field honest. Two from the trials that could be worth looking at are GOLDEN RABBIT (although his lack of turf form
a worry) and the former Malaysian, SWISS BANK, who should improve on what was a terrible Singapore debut.
1 MEXBOROUGH BOY *** Won very well with blinkers added last start and could be hard to beat. 2.50
2 GOLDEN MISSION *** Excuses last start and goes very close on best form. 4.00
3 SWISS BANK ** Singapore debut a shocker but some hope on Malaysian form with nice recent trial under his belt. 20
4 CAPTAIN KIRK * Struggled this campaign. 33
5 GOLDEN RABBIT ** Lack of turf form a concern but recent nice trial suggests he is ready to show his best. 8.00
6 PACINO ** Showed a return to form last start on the turf and pay to follow at odds. 12
7 MAL’S DAD * Appreciates first-up run but may want further. 33
8 POTLUCK * Form since win terrible but improves with blinkers back on. 33
9 FLY FREELY * Prefer on the Poly. 33
10 JUST FOR J * No. 200
11 I-SCREAM NOW ** Maiden who goes OK and will add value to exotics. 12
12 RORY * Forget last run but might need easier than this. 33
13 BRILLIANT BEAUTY * No. 200
14 WAR LORD *** Better than most of these and could be value down in the weights. 7.00
Race 5 – Group 2 Aushorse Golden Horseshoe
Selections; 1 AFFLECK – 2 BARNATO – 14 KIWI KARMA – 13 STOCK BROKER
First feature race of the weekend and great field of two year olds to do battle in the Group 2 Aushorse Golden Horseshoe. Gates are always important in group races and especially on the long course. The two likely favourites of AFFLECK and BARNATO have drawn well in barriers 3 and 4 respectively but the same cannot be said for KIWI KARMA who has drawn off the track in gate 13. There could be a good battle in the market between all three runners after AFFLECK blew his rivals away with an effortless win on the turf on debut running 1:10.62. In that same race BARNATO did it all wrong and never settled but still ran a creditable race to only finish 2nd only 2.8L behind AFFLECK. He has since gone back and trialled well where he seemed to settle a little better – he also gets a 2kg swing in the weights. Kiwi Karma has won her last two starts by two lengths on each occasion after jumping fast and running her opponents off their legs. Apart from these there are plenty of other chances with the likes of last start winner CASTOR and horses who have placed at there last starts such as ROCK ESPRIT, I’M KOOL, A LOT IN HAND and STOCK BROKER who all look nice place chances and make what looks like a very interesting race to be run.
1 AFFLECK *** Impressive winner on debut who looks above average. Should win this. 2.00
2 BARNATO *** Won well on debut and did everything wrong last start behind Affleck. If can settle in the run, can win after nice recent trial. 5.00
3 CASTOR *** Won well last week in weaker race. If can find the lead from a middle gate, could look the winner. 12
4 ROCK ESPRIT ** Been running well but beaten both starts by Kiwi Karma. Can run a place if improves. 20
5 CONFEIGN ** Running on well at all three starts and will need to improve a few lengths to figure in this. 25
6 I’M KOOL * Ran on well last week in weaker race behind Castor. Will need to improve many lengths to feature in this. 100
7 A LOT IN HAND ** Ran on well at debut and if can improve a few lengthens can run a place. Watch the tote. 25
8 IRREPRESSIBLE * Debuted last week and beaten a mile. Will need to see again. 150
9 KNOW EACH OTHER * Ran on well at debut and needs to improve. Market best guide. 75
10 MASURAO ** Fast horse who has been on pace at both starts. If can get across from outer gate, can stay on for a place at odds. 50
11 SCOUT DONE * Debuted behind Affleck and beaten a long way. Will need to see again. 150
12 SINGSURAT * Very green on debut and will improve in time. 125
13 STOCK BROKER ** Ran on well last start with no weight against the 3YO’s. If produces last start effort can sneak a place at value 25
14 KIWI KARMA *** Impressive winner at last two starts and if can get an easy lead from the outside gate will look the winner up the home straight. 3.50
Race 6
Selections; 3 BEAUTIFUL WORLD – 1 CLUTHA LAD – 8 WHAT’S DAT – 5 GOLDEN LARK
A raffle and it might pay to have a few tickets if you want to find the winner. And with many of the good winning hopes drawing wide, luck will pay a huge part. As it stands though, BEAUTIFUL WORLD won very well last start, jumps from a fair gate, will go forward and has a handy claim. That’s probably enough to have him on top but with such an even field, you would want each-way odds. Likewise CLUTHA LAD can win on form but each-way odds is probably needed given he jumps from a wide gate and it could get messy into the first bend. A couple that can be included with value in mind is WHAT’S DAT and GOLDEN LARK with DAAD’S THE WAY, PHANTOM NIGHT and PROFOUND all winning hopes.
1 CLUTHA LAD *** Due but will need luck from wide gate. 4.00
2 DAAD’S THE WAY *** Showed last start why he is always a hope although also drawn wide. 7.00
3 BEAUTIFUL WORLD *** Bolted in last start over 1900m and might be hard to beat on that form. 4.00
4 SINGLE ACT ** Impossible on form but blinkers off and up in trip has him under notice. 12
5 GOLDEN LARK *** Excuses last start and previous form good enough to follow at value. 20
6 PHANTOM KNIGHT *** Winkers added and should be handy enough when it counts to have a say late. 7.00
7 PROFOUND *** Always an each-way hope in this sort of race. 12
8 WHAT’S DAT *** Form better than it reads and some show in an open field. 12
9 CLERMONT CLUB ** Improves at odds back over a suitable trip/surface. 33
10 I LIKE ** Nothing last start but might appreciate having no weight. 20
11 PINYIN ** Coming off a shocker but previous form has him involved somewhere from the ace. 14
12 PUZZLE ** Broke maiden status last start and should be competitive although this obvious tougher. 15
13 GALAXY EXPRESS * Needs easier. 100
Race 7 – Singapore Group 1 Guineas
Selections; 1 WAR AFFAIR – 5 RISE ‘N’ SHINE – 9 BLUE SWEDE – 2 GOODMAN
WAR AFFAIR has carried all before him and looks to have a mortgage on the race. If anything he is better at 1600m than the shorter journeys over which he has put paid to much of the field in the past. With regular rider Dan Beasley to steer, he is clearly the one to beat. The stablemate PERFECT CHALLENGER continues to improve running home strongly to beat a good Class 3 field over 1400m at his last outing; he has a good turn of foot and with Oscar Chavez on top will be closing better than most at the end of the 1600m. RISE N SHINE is by Zabeel so the mile should be no problem. He is in great form and Mark Walker would undoubtedly take great delight if he could lower the colours of his former charge in such a prestigious race. The value runner could be ROOM FOR EXCUSE, from the Takaoka stable he steps up to a mile for the first time and should be finishing off strongly.
The enigma of the race is BLUE SWEDE who put in a shocker last start but the excuse was that he choked up; the tongue tie goes on and if can produce his best could be the surprise packet. Laurie Laxon has his pair GOODMAN and DANIEL engaged and whilst both are honest WAR AFFAIR has always had their measure.
1 WAR AFFAIR *** Star of Singapore racing and hard to see him being beaten. 1.80
2 GOODMAN ** Super effort to keep WAR AFFAIR honest last start and in the mix again. 10
3 DANIEL * Obviously better than what he has shown last two but hard to have. 100
4 PERFECT CHALLENGER ** Backed up good run in the Classic with a great Class 3 win. Follow. 12
5 RISE ‘N’ SHINE ** Very smart type who comes into this with winning form and expect support to test WAR AFFAIR. 4.00
6 ROOM FOR EXCUSE ** Beaten a long way into third in the Classic and appreciates the mile. 8.00
7 BOGART * Comes into this with a Class 4 win under his belt and that is not good enough. 33
8 MARSEILLE ROULETTE * Excuses last start but could be tested this level. 33
9 BLUE SWEDE ** Excuses in the Classic so tongue-tie goes on and will be closing late. Keep safe. 12
10 LIVELY DRAGON ** Hard to argue with two wins from two starts but huge leap in faith from KSD company. 33
Race 8
Selections; 1 PIONEER SEVEN – 5 ITALIAN JOB – 2 GOLDEN SAND STEED – 4 SICHUAN RULER
A great race to showcase the Poly track as these sprinters will put on a show over the shortest journey. Hard to decide between ITALIAN JOB and PIONEER SEVEN with the latter only getting the nod given he gets to jump from gate one with a very handy 3kg claim. He also finds this company more to his liking and a strong recent trial suggests he is hard to beat. But ITALIAN JOB is in super form and he could win this without surprising. In fact he has been going so well he could win easily with Davey Flores up and watch for heavy support. He was beaten by GOLDEN SAND STEED last start so you have to include that horse somewhere with SICHUAN RULER one to watch at value. Most other some hope in exotics so go as wide as the budget permits.
1 PIONEER SEVEN *** Will find this company more to his liking and hard to beat from the ace with handy 3kg claim. 3.00
2 GOLDEN SAND STEED *** Super honest and pay to keep following in what is a suitable race. 6.00
3 PETRENUI ** Jockey reported not striding after fading first-up. Improves. 8.00
4 SICHUAN RULER ** Always in the mix and often value. Keep safe. 14
5 ITALIAN JOB *** Beaten but not disgraced as odds-on pop last start and can make quick amends. 3.00
6 HARD STUFF ** Nice win last start and has red-hot claimer but this is a test. 20
7 ONE SMART CAT ** Too smart this surface to leave out but another tested this company. 20
8 SOUTHERN BOSS ** Bolted in last start for well deserved win but need to be at his very best here. 12
9 HYPERNOVA ** Another facing a test Class wise but hard to leave out of exotic combinations. 12
Race 9
Selections; 5 STILETTO – 7 CONVICT – 12 KINGSLEY – 2 PINT SIZED PRINCE
Let’s hope the first eight races have been kind to us because the last looks a minefield. The mare STILETTO looks one to follow and given she has yet to miss a place in five starts, she is honest. Her two wins – one turf, one poly – have been good and although she has drawn a tad awkwardly, she goes very close. But plenty of others with winning hopes and CONVICT might be value. Stephen Gray has thrown the stable apprentice on and if he gets
any sort of run from an awkward alley, he should be a good each-way show. Down in the weights, KINGSLEY might sneak under the radar although leading hoop, Manoel Nunes is on-board. The winkers go on and although he has also drawn wide, he should be very competitive. Throw in PINT SIZED PRINCE back in a suitable grade and race with SAVAGE STORM and WINDSOR KNOT well and truly in the mix.
1 KAISER * Impossible on form. 50
2 PINT SIZED PRINCE *** Down in grade so ignore last start over unsuitable trip and seriously consider. 6.00
3 SAVODAN ** Disappointing last start but look for improvement with claim and tonguetie. 12
4 SAVAGE STORM *** Found consistent good form and has to be a leading hope. 4.50
5 STILETTO *** Progressive type who will be in this a very long way. 3.00
6 BENJI’S RULE ** Blinkers off and competitive on his day at value. 33
7 CONVICT *** Excuses last start and happy to entertain with 4kg claimer. 8.00
8 DOUBLE CASH * Prefer over 1000m. 20
9 MOOVA FISH * No. 500
10 WILKINSON * Struggling. 100
11 MASTER DRAGON ** Wide gate an issue but appreciates what was a tough first-up run. 33
12 KINGSLEY *** Last start better than the result and worth thought with winkers added and no weight. 12
13 WINDSOR KNOT *** Maiden who is more than competitive in this company. 8.00
14 NINTH AVENUE * Needs longer and easier. 50
15 ANGSANA * Blinkers off but no. 50
Race cards and Larry Foley’s synopsis and updates on all runners go to www.kranjiracing.com
