MURDOCH looks ideal (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
While the May International weekend is a thing of the past in Singapore, the Group 1 Singapore Guineas more than props up what is a terrific day of racing.
Sure, these 3Y0’s have a long way to go before they get to the dizzy heights of a Rocket Man or Ouzo, but there is probably more interest locally to see which of these budding stars join the ranks of race winners that include War Affair, Big Easy and Better Than Ever.
With two separate winners in the first two legs we won’t have a clean-sweep but DEBT COLLECTOR who won the second leg over 1400m looks the horse to beat.
That Group win was on the back of a good first-up win over 1400m and given his maiden win at the start prior was over the mile, he can win the Guineas.
The NZ-bred gelding beat home the likes of NOVA STRIKE, MAGNUM and PEER GYNT in the 
Classic and you would expect much of the same crew to be fighting this out.
Add FITZROY and MR SCORSESE from the same race with one eye on the Pat Shaw trained CYBORG who burst into Guineas calculations after winning at his Singapore debut over 1200m last Sunday.
A great day and a great race.
Best Bets: (MURDOCH race 10, win), (FITZROY race 9, value) and (O’WHAT A FEELING race 11, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 9), race 9 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10 and 12), race 10 (1, 8 and 12), race 11 (3, 5, 6 and 9).
Race cards and Larry Foley’s synopsis follows and for updates on all runners go to www.kranjiracing.com
Please note the odds listed are “reference odds” only.
Race 5
Selections; 1 NEWLANDS – 2 ZIP A DEE DOO DAH – 7 AIR FORCE ONE – 6 DAVINCI
A strong KSC featuring a number of horses that may have Derby aspirations. NEWLANDS has won four from nine (and two from two this campaign) and shows plenty of promise as he steps up in trip. ZIP A DEE DOO DAH won easily at this trip last start and shows plenty of promise; he should be hard to hold off. AIR FORCE ONE did too much early and tired late last start, he likes to roll along and if held together will be hard to pass. DA VINCI has been running on well and placed twice at this trip last preparation and could get in the finish. Of the others, ROCKFAST was run down late last start at his first try over 2000m, SMART LAD is rarely far away and SUNNY will be charging late.
1 NEWLANDS *** Has won four from nine and shows plenty of promise as he steps up in trip. Should be handy throughout. 5.00
2 ZIP A DEE DOO DAH *** Won easily at this trip last start and shows plenty of promise. Should be hard to hold off. 4.00
3 ROCKFAST *** Run down late last start at first try over 2000m. Gets Nunes and should race well again. 12
4 SMART LAD ** Rarely far away at this level and should be in the finish. 12
5 PRECIOUS GEM ** Dropped out last start but has raced well at this distance previously. Has now had three runs since resuming and could show up. 16
6 DAVINCI *** Has been running on well looks ready to show his best in a race that suits. 6.00
7 AIR FORCE ONE *** Did too much early and tired late last start. Likes to roll along and if held together will be hard to pass. 4.00
8 LIM’S BATTLE ** Has won up to 1800m on the poly and won over a mile on turf last start. Gets Glen Boss and could be in the finish. 16
9 STAR CHOICE * Has struggled since Maiden win and has found a very strong field. 33
10 SUNNY ** Tough stayer who likes this trip and will keep the younger ones honest late. 12
11 DANGER ZONE * Hasn’t won for a long time and has found a very strong field. 33
Race 6
Selections; 10 WIMBLEDON – 9 RAISE NO DOUBT – 1 AFFLECK – 3 DANIEL
An Open stakes over 1200m with a number resuming, many of whom will be searching for form. WIMBLEDON only battled in the Lion City but ran a huge race in the Kranji Sprint with the same weight as this; with Manoel Nunes to ride he should be in the finish. AFFLECK is resuming; he has struggled since his Guineas win but trialled nicely recently and could race well fresh. The stablemate DANIEL is also resuming, he won the Patiti Gold last preparation and can also race well fresh, watch for support. RAISE NO DOUBT is consistent and his recent trial was strong. He also has fitness on his side and with only 51kg, should be hard to hold out. Amongst the others EL PADRINO’s best form is on the poly but he will enjoy the 53kg and could be charging home. CAVALLO bobs up every so often and if there is genuine speed he could close late. MY LUCKY STRIKE is yet to win on turf but has placed twice from five starts and could break through in this field.
1 AFFLECK *** Resuming after returning lame last start. Has struggled since Guineas win but trialled nicely recently and could race well fresh. 4.00
2 TRUDEAU * Resuming and while recent trials have been OK, hasn’t shown worthwhile race form for some time. 33
3 DANIEL *** Resuming after bleeding attack with tongue-tie. Won Patiti Gold last preparation and can race well fresh. Watch market. 6.00
4 EL PADRINO ** Tough sprinter who is better on poly track but will enjoy 53kg and could be closing late. 10
5 MY LUCKY STRIKE ** Has an outstanding record on poly but yet to win on turf. With many resuming may get his chance in this field with headgear removed. 12
6 SOUTHERN BOSS * Ran a bold race last start on turf in weaker company and drops 7.5kg. Could give a sight though best performances are on poly. 16
7 CAVALLO ** Resuming. Has a habit of bobbing up when least expected and has run well first up previously. 16
8 GOAL KEEPER * Has been running in top company and may find this easier but best efforts have been on poly. 20
9 RAISE NO DOUBT *** Consistent and recent trial was strong. Has fitness and with only 51kg should be hard to hold out. 6.00
10 WIMBLEDON *** Only battled in Lion City but ran a huge race in Kranji Sprint with the same weight as this. With Nunes up should be in the finish. 4.00
11 DARCI CHARMER * Battling at recent outings and may want easier. 33
12 SUPERNOVA * Hasn’t won for a while and best form is on poly. 33
13 KLEVER MAN * Resuming sans blinkers. Outclassed. 50
Race 7
Selections; 1 QUECHUA – 6 TWICKENHAM – 2 FASTNET DRAGON – 4 PERFECT P
A strong race equivalent to a Group field. In these races Pat Shaw is often dominant and in this he has a full hand with five runners. Singapore’s best stayer QUECHUA looks his top chance, he is resuming after his Fortune Bowl win, his recent trial was sound and he is suited at this trip; as always he will be hard to beat. FASTNET DRAGON may be the one to spoil Pat’s day, he has put in two sound efforts over a mile since resuming, ran some excellent races last preparation in top company and this distance suits. Pat’s second string is PERFECT P who put in a strong effort in the Fortune Bowl despite the saddle slipping; he is trialling nicely and could show up fresh. Yet another of Pat’s chances IN FACT won the Moonbeam Vase last outing and has trialled well since; he runs on and can be in the finish. TWICKENHAM has yet to win beyond 1800m but will race handy and has the services of Vlad Duric. Of the others SEBROSE is honest, stays the trip and will be thereabouts, MIGHTY WARRIOR and LAUGHING GRAVY are both in good form but stepping up in grade.
1 QUECHUA *** Resuming after Fortune Bowl win. Singapore’s best stayer whose recent trial was sound and is suited at this trip. Hard to beat. 3.50
2 FASTNET DRAGON *** Has put in two sound efforts over a mile since resuming. Ran some excellent races last preparation and this distance suits. 4.00
3 COOPTADO * Singapore Gold Cup winner who has battled since. Resuming and may need the run. 20
4 PERFECT P *** Resuming after putting in a strong effort in the Fortune Bowl despite saddle slipping. Trialling nicely and could show. 5.00
5 IN FACT ** Surprise winner of the Moonbeam Vase last outing and has trialled well since. Runs on and can be in the finish. 10
6 TWICKENHAM *** Has yet to win beyond 1800m but will give them something to catch in this. 10
7 ONE RAR * Battles away but best form is on poly and tested against these. 20
8 SEBROSE ** Honest and won El Dorado Classic over 2200m last preparation. Will be thereabouts. 10
9 MIGHTY WARRIOR * Just missed at only try at this trip in a KSC. This is much harder but could show up. 20
10 LAUGHING GRAVY ** In top form in weaker company. Should be on the speed throughout. 20
11 IMPERIAL MARCH ** Ran on OK last start over a mile in this company and worth thought on that effort. 33
12 MARTIN * Steps up to a suitable distance but hasn’t won for a long time and improvement required. 33
Race 8
Selections; 4 DREAMWEAVER – 2 MY BROTHERS KEEPER – 1 IKING – 6 URASHIMA TARO
Plenty of depth to this Class 4 field and with so many horses in form and a couple of significant Class droppers, finding the winner will be tough. But there will be value on offer and hopefully DREAMWEAVER can turn his good form into a win at each-way odds. The Irish-bred gelding has shown more than enough at three starts in Singapore and given his last start effort in Graduation company over this trip, he must go close. The two Class droppers that come under notice are IKING and MY BROTHERS KEEPER. Both have been competitive in better company and with Nunes and Duric respectively booked, both can win without surprising. Too many others with winning hopes to mention but URASHIMA TARO looks a promising 3YO who wouldn’t have been out of place in the Guineas, NORTH ATLANTIC ICE is always a show and SILENT ARROW could be the value pick.
1 IKING *** Ran on well in better company last start and most recent win was in Class 4 so has to be a big show. 7.00
2 MY BROTHERS KEEPER *** Finished in the mix with Iking last start and wins very soon in this company. 5.00
3 NORTH ATLANTIC ICE *** Three runs this campaign have all been good and due for a result. 8.00
4 DREAMWEAVER *** Just missed in Graduation company last start over this trip and looks well placed in this to win. 4.00
5 NATION THEATRE ** Thereabouts as a rule but this field is strong so exotics looks best. 20
6 URASHIMA TARO *** Promising type who ran on very well to place last start over 1200m and must be considered. 7.00
7 D’BUFFALO MAN ** Supported and ran OK when backing up from overdue maiden win honest enough to keep following. 10
8 EXQUISITELY SWEET ** Showed last start in slightly easier company why he is always a show but this field is strong. 20
9 SILENT ARROW *** Has been running on well in similar affairs and could be an excellent each-way option at value. 20
10 WAR LORD * No. 200
11 HEE’S FORTE * Blinkers off but easier to ignore. 100
12 LUCKY STRATEGY ** Always a show in races like this and will be working into this late at value. 12
13 MISS BLANCHETT ** Only win was in Class 5 but has been in honest form and can include in exotics with no weight. 12
Race 9
Selections; 2 DEBT COLLECTOR – 12 FITZROY – 6 CYBORG – 3 MAGNUM
While it’s ever so tempting to try and find a “smoky” in these 3YO Group races, the Classic is the best guide. And given DEBT COLLECTOR made it three straight when winning at Group level at his last start, he picks himself and after drawing gate 4 with a mile no problem, he is hard to beat. In saying that you could make a case for a few of the horses that finished behind him over 1400m including the fast finishing NOVA STRIKE, the benchmark that is MAGNUM, PEER GYNT, MR SCORSESE and FITZROY. Of that bunch obviously the placegetters in NOVA STRIKE and MAGNUM appeal and should finish in the mix but FITZROY does look the biggest improver after drawing gate 2. INFANTRY also came through the Classic and is worth another look while the former Argentinean CYBORG backs up from winning at his Singapore debut last Sunday and may be the bolter.
1 CONFLIGHT ** Did some work to lead before fading in the Classic and may be tested again late. 20
2 DEBT COLLECTOR *** Stepped up to win the Classic after back-to-back wins in easier company and can win again. 5.00
3 MAGNUM *** Placed in both legs of the 3YO series and looks the benchmark. 4.00
4 NOVA STRIKE *** Excuses in the first leg before placing in the second and gets his chance here. 5.00
5 INFANTRY *** Ran on well in the Classic suggesting mile suits and comes into calculations with blinkers added. 20
6 CYBORG *** Former Argentinean who backs up after winning at Singapore debut last Sunday. Keep safe. 8.00
7 MARINE TREASURE * Overraced in the Classic and have to take on trust. 50
8 RAFAELLO ** Could make excuses in the Classic and has trialed well since. Keep safe. 20
9 LITTLE BIG MAN ** Has been well placed leading into this and winning form is always good form. 12
10 MR SCORSESE *** Looked to have every chance in the Classic but would not sack on that sold effort. 12
11 PEER GYNT ** Ran on very well in the Classic at long odds and subsequent trial was good. 12
12 FITZROY *** Another that finished off god enough on the Classic to follow with good gate a factor. 20
13 MAGSTOCK ** Gets blinkers after never looking comfortable in the Classic and should improve at long odds. 50
14 BANDIDO * Placed in KSD company last start but this looks a leap of faith. 50
15 SPECIAL FORCE * Another tested this level. 100
Race 10
Selections; 1 MURDOCH – 8 GOLAZO – 12 GOLD RESERVE – 2 GURU-GURU
An interesting KSD over 1800m in which three last start maiden winners all look like the types to go on with the job. At the top of the list is MURDOCH who won well when blinkers went on last start. That was over 1400m and the run suggests he will improve again over longer, which makes the 1800m ideal. The Japanese 3YO GOLAZO also looks like 1800m will suit after winning over the mile at his last start and his trainer, Hideyuki Takaoka, certainly knows a bit about this staying caper. GOLD RESERVE broke his maiden status in KSD company so picks himself with Noreesh Juglall staying onboard. Plenty of others win without surprising including GURU-GURU, TIGER BAY, DRAGON, GINSENG, MOLLY BROWNE and BLACK SWAN.
1 MURDOCH *** Broke maiden status in fine style when blinkers went on and step up to 1800m looks ideal. Can win. 3.80
2 GURU-GURU *** Racing in very consistent form and wins again soon. 6.00
3 TIGER BAY *** Drawn wide but can go forward and racing in good enough form to follow. 8.00
4 ZHUHAI * Improved effort over the mile last start but needs to show more. 50
5 KARIGARA * Led before fading last start over the mile and could run another cheeky race. 20
6 DRAGON *** Ran on well over 2000m last start and worth a look on that effort. 12
7 GINSENG *** Two runs this campaign good enough to suggest he wins one soon. 12
8 GOLAZO *** Broke maiden status last start over the mile and will improve again up in distance. 10
9 MOLLY BROWNE *** Wide draw always a concern but in form and gets Nunes so has to be respected. 8.00
10 BLACK SWAN *** Maiden who looks due and 1800m could do the trick. 12
11 EXCELLENT WINNER * No. 100
12 GOLD RESERVE *** Broke maiden status in this company over the mile last start and pay to follow. 8.00
13 BLADEMEISTER ** Not a mile away last start but exotics looks best in this field. 33
14 GALAXY EXPRESS ** Eligible for easier company but going along OK and can include in exotics. 33
15 NO SMOKING JEFF ** Usually hits the one OK so could show up in this company over 1800m. 20
16 BIMALA ** Showed last start he is up to tech company and pay to keep safe. 20
Race 11
Selections; 9 GET GOING – 5 THE WIND – 6 O’WHAT A FEELING – 3 RUN IT TWICE
The lucky last is just that given whoever wins may need all the help they can get, as will punters trying to find the winner. In fact all bar the struggling ALONSO have genuine winning hopes but given some of the likely good form from earlier races, GET GOING is the one to be on. Newlands could very well win in KSC Company over 2000m in race 7 and Little Big Man takes winning form into is in the $500,000 Singapore Guineas and given these two horses beat GET GOING over 1400m at his last two starts, he can win this. Too may others to mention but THE WIND will find this easier than the 3YO Classic and must be respected while O’WHAT A FEELING gives this a shake if right. Blanket over most others.
1 BRAHMS AND LISZT *** Form reads badly but drops to winning Class and can win. 20
2 SPECIAL ID *** In form and will be in this a very long way from gate 2. 8.00
3 RUN IT TWICE *** Hit a proverbial wall last start but happy to think he wins this if right. 8.00
4 SIR REGINALD *** Showed last start over this trip and company he can win this. 8.00
5 THE WIND *** Will find this easier than the 3YO Classic and hard to beat on form prior. 5.00
6 O’WHAT A FEELING *** Pulled up lame last start and excuses at start prior so worth a look on exciting maiden in this trip. 12
7 SIAMESE CAT ** Disappointing at Singapore debut with support but should improve for the run. 20
8 HOT GOLD *** Showed last start what this type of race is his caper and goes close again. 12
9 GET GOING *** Just missed behind two nice types at his last couple and gets his chance here. 4.00
10 MURRAYFIELD *** In very solid form and has to be respected with blinkers off. 12
11 ROYAL EASTER ** Won maiden this trip and last two in slightly easier company good enough to include in exotics. 16
12 ALFONSO * Issues of late. 200
13 MAREA NEGRO *** Will be running on and may sneak out to each-way value in a race with depth. 20
