Jose Verenzuela guide Flax to victory in the Group 1 Raffles Cup, picture Singapore Turf Club
At last! International racing returns to Singapore with the $3 million Singapore Airlines International Cup and the $1 million KrisFlyer Sprint. South Africa is represented in the Sprint by the Mike De Kock-trained, KAVANAGH and good luck to all concerned! Two South African-bred and owned horses in LIZARRE and FLAX compete in the Cup and both locally trained horses look ready to run big races. Can they win? Not sure but the races will be beauties as will the other seven races on offer on the biggest day of the year.
.
Best Bets; DASHER GO GO (race 9, win), RED CADEAUX (race 10, win) and LUCKY BREAK (race 4, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 10), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8), race 10 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 6), race 11 (3, 4, 13).
.
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 3
Selections; 4 DANNY RICARDO – 7 SOUTH GATE – 3 SUPER VICTORY – 1 JOHN OF ARCH
The problem with big meetings like this weekend is that every man and his dog wants to lead in a winner. This race is a perfect example of too many horses with their foot-on-the-till and finding the winner will be tough. But hopefully some value to be found with the top three or four picks. DANNY RICARDO got into strife last start and did look a good thing beaten. He will need luck as it will be a busy race but a clean run will see him figure heavily in this finish. SOUTH GATE also looks due and did more than enough late at his last start to think he goes close in this at each-way odds with SUPER VICTORY likely to lead and be heard to run down given his good form of late. Another to watch at long odds is the top-weight, JOHN OF ARCH. His form reads badly but over the mile in Class 4 looks perfect and worth noting he won on this day last year. Too many other winning hopes to mention.
1 JOHN OF ARCH *** Form reads only fair but up in trip in his favour and will win this grade; value. 50
2 THE GREAT GREY *** In form and will be finishing all over them late; big show. 5.00
3 SUPER VICTORY *** Leads and hard to run down given good form; can win. 6.00
4 DANNY RICARDO *** Looked a good thing beaten last start and right in this. 7.00
5 YASTRZEMSKI *** Drawn wide but has top international hoop to steer which can’t hurt; big show with winkers added. 4.00
6 FLY NOW ** Showed last start he will be competitive this company and in this a long way. 12
7 SOUTH GATE *** Never involved until strong work late last start and looks due. 12
8 MURALI *** Broke through for overdue maiden win last start and should be more than competitive here with blinkers off. 8.00
9 VINTAGE ROSE ** Will find this easier than a tough last start field and worth some thought. 12
10 MARATHON LAD ** Form better than it reads and can make use of good gate; value. 33
11 FLYING WILD *** Showed more than enough last start to think he is a show stepping up to the mile. 12
12 JACKPOT *** Hasn’t been at his best of late but this does look suitable with top hoop and gate one factors. 20
13 SPINNING SUCCESS ** Fresh and certainly competitive if any luck from wide alley. 50
14 SMART IDEA ** Form looks hopeless but could make a case for exotics at likely long odds. 100
15 READY FORTUNE ** Maiden but only just beaten by Murali last start so could be value. 33
16 SLAYER ** Didn’t need the wide gate but competitive this company with no weight. 33
.
Race 4
Selections; 10 LUCKY BREAK – 1 YES BABA – 9 KATE’S KEEPER – 12 DANGER ZONE
One of the better Restricted Maiden races of late with depth and plenty of significant gear changes to muddy the waters. LUCKY BREAK is one of the horses where a gear added plays part. His eye-catching debut run was good enough to follow but with blinkers added and John Powell on-board from gate one, he is a huge winning show. YES BABA should also benefit from a gear change; this time blinkers off (visor on). The Pat Shaw-trained 3YO should start favourite and looks the benchmark on exposed form. KATE’S KEEPER had excuses not to finish closer to the run-away winner on his debut and that run good enough to think he wins sooner than later although gate 13 could be an issue in what will be a very hotly contested race. Throw a blanket over STAR RAINBOW, ZAC SUGGESTION, MORRIS, SWEET LODGE, DANGER ZONE and SPRING THUNDER with one eye on the emergency, DRAGON G, at value.
1 YES BABA *** Blinkers off and visor on to try and turn a frustrating run of seconds into a win; hard to beat. 3.00
2 STAR RAINBOW *** Jockey reported not striding out last start so may pay to ignore and follow with blinkers first time. 6.00
3 ZAC SUGGESTION *** Has been more than solid at three starts and worth thought with upgrade to blinkers. 12
4 MORRIS *** Did it tough last start and certainly worth entertaining with blinkers removed. 12
5 NOBLEMAN STAR ** Was very keen in running last start so upgrade to blinkers may see a result. 33
6 SACRED CROWN ** Thereabouts as a rule and leading Hong Kong jockey will help. 16
7 SURPASS ** Form better than it reads and could show up at odds with tongue-tie back off. 33
8 GARATTA KID * First start; trials quiet and market only guide. 50
9 KATE’S KEEPER *** Excuses in what was a good debut behind Firsttothelign; big show. 5.00
10 LUCKY BREAK *** Eye-catching run on debut and looks a huge show here with senior hoop, blinkers and the ace draw. 12
11 SWEET LODGE *** Resuming so back in trip OK and pay to keep very safe. 9.00
12 DANGER ZONE *** Back in trip but blinkers added; best work expected late. 20
13 SPRING THUNDER *** Form a lot better than it reads and work late last start has him under notice at odds. 33
14 BLACK BEAN * Tongue-tie on but hard to have. 100
15 DRAGON G *** Debut better than the result and big improvement likely at value. 33
16 FEED ME MORE * Blinkers added after poor debut; not for me. 100
.
Race 5
Selections; 4 HOLY EMPIRE – 10 OM – 5 BIG READY – 13 TAKE IT HOME
Another super tough race to find the winner and it may be a case of the tote being your best friend. As is the case with most Novice races, more than a handful of last start winners are in the field and another few with close up placings after recent wins. And truth be told there doesn’t look much between the likes of OM or BIG READY who both broke somewhat overdue maiden statuses at their last starts. Both can win again and expect both to be heavily supported. HOLY EMPIRE is the joker in the pack though given he resumes after nearly a year away from the track. But his two runs as a 2YO were very good including a close up second in the Group 3 Juvenile Challenge. Hopefully he gets some support and is at his best as he did look a nice type and well worth following. The blanket over eight or so others with winning hopes.
1 WORLD WAR ** Bad gate a concern and needs a result for his recent good form. 20
2 SUPER AHEAD * Resuming; no. 200
3 IRISH REBEL * Former Kiwi who might need the run after drawing the widest. 200
4 HOLY EMPIRE *** Resuming after a long spell; smart and close up placing in Juvenile Championship has him one to follow. 8.00
5 BIG READY *** Finally got a result for faithful followers and hard to beat again. 4.00
6 HERO SUCCESS *** Backed up good debut win with narrow defeat in Class 4; big show. 5.00
7 BRILLIANT BEAUTY ** Won on protest last start but the effort good enough to follow. 33
8 FAST FAST BOY *** Resuming. Can lead and a cheeky run expected; keep safe. 20
9 LUCKY DAPPER *** Resuming after smart maiden win and looks one of the leading hopes. 8.00
10 OM *** Got his act together to win handsomely last start and could prove hard to beat. 4.50
11 DAZZLING DAME * Resuming after surprise win last start; prefer to watch. 33
12 CAPTAIN MCCAW *** Won well at Singapore debut and have to respect. 7.00
13 TAKE IT HOME *** Backed up good maiden win with a solid run Novice company; follow. 20
14 GOLD DANCER ** Improves for what was a solid enough debut; exotics at value. 100
15 POTLUCK * Needs to lift on recent efforts. 100
16 OASIS SPUR * Blinkers off; reassess Class 5. 200
.
Race 6
Selections; 3 GREENSTONE – 6 FIRST SCOOP – 12 MUSKETEER – 2 FEISTY LEO
Yet another strong affair, this time a Kranji Stakes C over 1800 metres where a number of the 4YOs could be meeting in the Derby later on in the year. This could well be a strong form race. GREENSTONE is one of the most honest and game animals around, he always gets up the front and defies them to run him down, with Moreira to rate him he will be hard to pass again. FIRST SCOOP got back too far last time and let GREENSTONE get a winning break, Verenzuela takes over from Tengku Rehaizat and he is likely to have him much handier. LORD BROMPTON is lightly raced but full of promise, he resumed from a freshen-up with a strong win over 1400 metres last start, at his previous outing over 2000 metres he went down to GREENSTONE and meets him 1.5 kgs better for a half-length defeat. HOT GOLD has been entered in some high quality so clearly someone thinks he is pretty good; this race is somewhat easier but he is being tried over 1800 metres. FEISTY LEO always runs on and being by Blackfriars the 1800 metres should suit him. MUSKETEER resumed with a strong win over 1400 metres, he won a similar race to this last preparation and should be able to just sit of the speed and run on strongly. The mare RAZZIYA OF SYDNEY is also racing in great form and at the top of the weights GOODPACK will find this easier than recent encounters. A very good race and many of these horses will be racing against each other in Singapore Group races in the future.
1 GOODPACK ** Good effort in QEII Cup and not far away at previous start in a similar affair to this, has plenty of weight and bad barrier but claim will help. 16
2 FEISTY LEO *** Always runs on; on trial at this trip but bred to get it; will be charging home late. 8.00
3 GREENSTONE *** Never runs a bad race; will be on the speed all the way and fight like a bulldog. 6.50
4 KING FAALCON * Wants it longer than this. 33
5 DON PLATENSE * Has been struggling in higher grade races though this trip may suit. 25
6 FIRST SCOOP *** Promising 4YO who found himself too far back last start. Will run on strongly and be hard to beat. 5.00
7 HOT GOLD ** Promising horse who has been running in much stronger company; gets his chance over this trip. 14
8 LORD BROMPTON *** Ran on the speed and stole the race last start; could do the same again. 6.50
9 ONE RAR ** Blinkers on; last two efforts have been ordinary after previous strong win, needs to improve. 16
10 RAZIYYA OF SYDNEY ** Racing well; gets back and runs on strongly, will appreciate speed in the race. 8.00
11 WARSPIRIT * Disappointed at recent starts but may do better on turf over this journey. 33
12 MUSKETEER *** Resumed with strong win over 1400 metres; won a similar race over 1800 metres last preparation and could prove hard to beat here. 7.00
13 KNIGHT’S COMMAND * Broke through last start over a mile; this is much harder but should race well again. 25
14 CANNON HILL ** Has been putting in solid efforts at recent starts and must be a chance again. 16
15 MY NEW BOSS ** Solid effort over a mile last start; nicely drawn and a chance if he gets a start. 16
16 CARTAGO * Suited this surface and trip, chances improved if wet. 33
.
Race 7
Selections; 6 MASTHEAD – 7 TOUCH OF GOLD – 1 EL MILAGRO – 5 METEOR MIKE
Another very strong race, a rare Kranji Stakes A over 1200 metres. TOUCH OF GOLD found the 1400 metres a bit far at his last outing, back to 1200 metres and with the good barrier draw he should be on the speed all the way and will be the one they have to run down. EL MILAGRO found the Lion City Cup too tough last start but his previous for was exemplary and with Matt Kellady claiming 1kg he should be very competitive. His last win was over MASTHEAD and Moreira takes the mount, he has been knocking on the door and gets his chance in this. METEOR MIKE ran a great race behind SUPER EASY in the Lion City Cup and is a very honest and consistent horse; he will be running on strongly. LETS SEE ACTION is another that has been racing consistently, he resumed with a strong second over 1200 metres and being down in the weights could sit on the speed and run on late. Bruce Marsh has two chances, HAMMER DOWN who gets the blinkers for the first, he won a trial recently and after three runs back Ivaldo Santana jumps on and he should be ready to show his best, his other runner TRUDEAU is resuming and trialed very well recently, this will be tough but he was a model of consistency last time in and could show up fresh.
1 EL MILAGRO *** Found it too hot in Lion City Cup but previous form was excellent; hard to beat with 1kg claim. 4.50
2 VALEVOLE ** Put them away in style last start on the polytrack; turf form is not as good but should be in it for a long way. 123 ZAC INFLUENCE * Good stayer resuming and will wonder where they went. 50
4 RED BEARD ** Resuming and has changed stables; good when right but prefer to watch firstup; market fair guide. 20
5 METEOR MIKE *** Extremely honest fellow who ran a bold race in the Lion City Cup; will be in the mix again. 6.00
6 MASTHEAD *** Has been racing well without winning and gets his chance here from good draw with Moreira to ride. 4.50
7 TOUCH OF GOLD *** Failed last start over 1400 metres; better suited here and with Dan Beasley to ride from the good gate should be on the speed all the way. 5.50
8 TEXAN TAKEOVER ** Speedy, but this is a strong field and he may be better off on the polytrack. 16
9 HAMMER DOWN ** Blinkers on; has had three runs since resuming and from the good draw should be ready to put the hammer down. 14
10 CITY LAD * Resuming, this may be a bit short but could go well fresh. 25
11 GREAT LIGHT * Best form is on the polytrack and they may be too smart in this. 25
12 TRUDEAU ** Resuming, trialed well recently and whilst this will be a test from tough gate is very honest and will have a crack. 14
13 LET’S SEE ACTION ** Resumed with strong 2nd over 1200 metres and should be further improved; could surprise. 14
.
Race 8
Selections; 3 NANDOWRA – 2 THE COMEDIAN – 10 SHUTTLE MAN – 1 ALWAYS CERTAIN
An Open Handicap over a mile with some quality horses engaged against some who have been in good form in weaker grades. Michael Freedman has a strong hand with four runners the best of whom may be NANDOWRA, a very honest performer suited at the mile and with Nunes to steer will be handy all the way and kick on strongly. Moreira gets on THE COMEDIAN, the blinkers come off, and he is unpredictable but has a nice alley and goes best fresh; he could have the last laugh. ALWAYS CERTAIN is a quality galloper who will be helped by the claim for Zuriman, he has rarely been ridden by an apprentice and could not win for Rehaizat or Shafiq, however he will keep them all honest. His fourth runner is MATTERHORN who should be up near the lead and give a bold sight. The party poopers for the Freedman team could come from Steven Burridge or Pat Shaw. Steven has SHUTTLE MAN who bounced back to form last star with a strong win, and has no weight with Harry Kassim taking the mount, the wide draw could challenge and a positive ride is in order, his other runner BLACK ICE is a day-to-day proposition with leg issues but always gives his best. Pat Shaw has the moody MARTINCHO CAT who has struck a rich vein of form and has the bonus of Barend Vorster and an inside draw. The veteran miler KEEP AWAY and BORN TO FLY who will run on strongly can be considered for the exotics.
1 ALWAYS CERTAIN *** Quality galloper who will be helped by the claim; will keep them all honest. 4.00
2 THE COMEDIAN *** Blinkers off and gets Moreira; unpredictable but could have the last laugh. 6.00
3 NANDOWRA *** One of four runners for Michael Freedman; very honest performer suited at the mile and will give it his best shot. 3.50
4 BLACK ICE ** Nice horse who has numerous leg issues, has struggled at his last couple of starts but is always competitive. 10
5 KEEP AWAY * Veteran who has won 9 times at this trip; has no weight and can never be discounted. 20
6 AROWANA DOT COM * Form only average but ran on ok last start; would like some rain. 33
7 BORN TO FLY ** Good effort when third last start over this trip; this class will test but racing well. 16
8 MARTINCHO CAT ** Moody Argentinean who has been racing well lately and from the good gate could surprise. 14
9 MATTERHORN ** Won well last start, this is tougher but from the nice alley could be in it for a long way. 16
10 SHUTTLE MAN *** Bounced back to form last start and with no weight could be right in this despite the tough draw, 6.00
11 RUNNING TALL * Probably not quite up to this Class. 33
12 MITRE PEAK * Will find this too hard. 50
.
Race 9
Selections; 8 DASHER GO GO (JPN) – 3 SUPER EASY – 7 MR BIG – 2 LUCKY NINE
DASHER GO GO might not be the best sprinter in Japan at the moment but don’t let that small fact put you off. The Japanese form is ‘world class’ and with the trainer having travelling experience and the horse in good form, he can win. The Singapore-based horses have been hard to beat in this in recent years and SUPER EASY is a classy Michael Freedman trained sprinter who returned to his best form winning the Singapore Group 1 Lion City Cup last start, he has the home ground advantage, is nicely drawn in 6 and with Joao Moreira on top will be hard to beat. The other Freedman runner, MR BIG, is very honest and finished 2nd to Ato in this race last year, the field is stronger this time but with Corey Brown to steer cannot be discounted. BALMONT MAST finished second in the Golden Shaheen in Dubai is perfectly drawn in 2 and must be respected. LUCKY NINE is a top sprinter from Hong Kong who won the Chairmans Sprint (HK Gp 1) in February; his last two efforts have been ordinary but could win this if at his best. The Australian horse BEL SPRINTER won the Galaxy in Sydney on resuming before a third behind Black Caviar, he can be moody but if he has handled the trip and the weather he will be the testing material, unfortunately he has the visitor’s draw in 10 and will probably have to go back and look to finish off strongly. For the exotics include the Mike de Kok trained KAVANAGH.
1 BEL SPRINTER *** Australian sprinter who won Galaxy over 1100 two starts back and was third to BLACK CAVIAR at last outing. Can be moody but if right will be running over the top of them at the end. 3.50
2 LUCKY NINE *** Top HK sprinter who won Chairmans Prize over 1200 metres in February; last two runs ordinary but if right could easily win. 5.00
3 SUPER EASY *** Top Singapore sprinter who won Lion City Cup at last start. Has Moreira aboard and will be hard to beat. 3.50
4 BALMONT MAST *** Ran second in Golden Shaheen in Dubai which is good form for this; knockout hope. 6.00
5 DUX SCHOLAR * Good English sprinter but may be find these too smart. 20
6 KAVANAGH ** South African sprinter with solid record; exotics. 20
7 MR BIG ** Blinkers off; honest little local sprinter who will give it his best shot; cannot be dismissed. 16
8 DASHER GO GO (JPN) *** High quality Japanese sprinter who will be right in this to the end. 6.50
9 GOAL KEEPER * Not up to this class. 100
10 EMERALD HILL * Better on polytrack. 50
11 SPEEDY CAT * Too smart for the feline. 50
.
Race 10
Selections; 4 RED CADEAUX – 2 MILITARY ATTACK – 3 PASTORIUS – 13 BETTER LIFE
A terrific field goes around in this year’s renewal. RED CADEAUX is a grand old world travelling 7YO, he won in Hong Kong three starts back, is tough as teak and with Gerard Mosse the pilot, will be suited by the long straight at Kranji. His second in the Dubai World Cup is winning form here. The John Moore trained MILITARY ATTACK won the QE II Cup in Hong Kong last start and has looked good on the track since arriving, with Zac Purton steering from a perfect draw he should have the gun run and be very hard to beat. The German horse PASTORIOUS is an interesting runner, a star in his home country he scored a big win in the Prix Ganay, a Group race in France over 2000m and if he has acclimatized is a strong chance, he has drawn out a bit and will need to get cover early. DAN EXCEL scored in the Champions Mile in Hong Kong, the 2000 metres may test but he is perfectly drawn in the ace. The Doomben Cup winner MAWINGO has recently arrived in Singapore to be trained by Michael Freedman and is going to stay on after the Cup, his recent form is nothing flash, reportedly he has been “picky” with his food and he must be taken on trust. Amongst the Singapore horses the best chance is the class mare BETTER LIFE who showed she is nearing her best with a strong win last time out over 2000 metres in the Singapore QEII Cup (Singapore Group 2);, trained by the master conditioner Hideyuki Takaoka and to be ridden by Alan Munro she will keep them honest. For the exotics, include HUNTER’S LIGHT, FLAX and MULL OF KILLOUGH.
1 MEANDRE ** Finished sixth in the Dubai world cup last start and has an each-way chance in this. 12
2 MILITARY ATTACK *** In super form winning the QE II Cup IN Hong Kong last start and has looked good on the track since arriving. Hard to Beat. In super form winning the QE II Cup IN Hong Kong last start and has looked good on the track since arriving. Hard to Beat. 4.00
3 PASTORIUS *** Star German galloper who scored a big win in the Prix Ganay in France over 2000m and is one of the big chances. 5.00
4 RED CADEAUX *** Well travelled 7YO who won in HK three starts back and should be flying home late at the finish. 5.50
5 DAN EXCEL *** Last start winner of the Champions Mile in Hong Kong and have to respect. 6.50
6 HUNTER’S LIGHT ** Disappointed in the Dubai World Cup as favourite but was in top form prior and deserves another chance. 12
7 MAWINGO * Doomben Cup winner whose recent form has been ordinary; has been picky at his food this week and must be taken on trust. 25
8 MULL OF KILLOUGH ** Another veteran who is in career best form wining his last three starts in England. Should be competitive 12
9 FLAX * Ran 3rd last year, tries very hard and will be competitive. 20
10 LIZARRE * Honest middle distance horse who will give his best but others look stronger. 3311 DEEP POCKETS * Blinkers off, always runs on but the looks outclassed in this. 50
12 READY TO STRIKE * Has Moreira and in great form but looks out of his depth here. 50
13 BETTER LIFE *** Class mare who showed her best last start to win the QE II Cup in Singapore over 2,000m. Trained by a master of stayers and looks the best local hope. 10
.
Race 11
Selections; 4 SICHUAN RULER – 3 DAVIDE – 13 MIRACLE BAY – 11 SELECT GATHERING
The programme concludes with a strong Class 3 over 1200 metres on turf with the issue clouded by a number that are resuming. SICHUAN RULER is a super honest 1200 metre sprinter who is well drawn with regular rider John Powell; he will be charging at them late. DAVIDE is another honest fellow from the Pat Shaw stable he has found the Class too hot in some recent events but is trialing well and suited this grade; he should give a bold sight. MIRACLE BAY is a flyer who races well fresh; he will give a huge sight if Ivaldo Santana can get across and lead. SELECT GATHERING rarely runs a bad race and with Moreira on top should sit just off the speed and run on strongly. SUPER MISSION is a former Argentinean Group winner who has been finding it far too tough at Singapore Group level, this is much easier and with Manoel Nunes to steer he must be a strong chance despite the wide alley. DIVINE HERO is a promising type resuming with a nice barrier draw and MAI GURU is a useful 3YO working his way through the classes. FARETTI is an interesting US-bred runner who trials well and could bear watching from his good gate.
1 SECRET MISSION *** Former Argentinean Group winner who will find this much easier than the Group races he has been contesting. Strong chance despite wide alley. 6.00
2 SUPER GURU * Resuming and would prefer longer. 50
3 DAVIDE *** Honest sprinter, trialing well and suited this grade; should give a bold sight. 6.00
4 SICHUAN RULER *** Very honest 1200 metre sprinter who is well drawn with regular rider; will be charging at them late. 4.50
5 KAISER * Blinkers on; has struggled since his stellar 2YO days and not helped by wide barrier. 33
6 PEOPLE’S VICTORY * Resuming; barrier draw against him and best form has been on polytrack. 50
7 WILKINSON ** Resuming, pulled up lame last start; good on his day and could race well fresh. 16
8 MAI GURU ** Speedy 3YO not helped by the draw but with Verenzuela up could make his presence felt. 16
9 SACRED PINS * Speedy but has yet to really fire in Singapore, poorly drawn but has champion Kiwi rider aboard. 25
10 DOUBLE STAR * Failed on turf last start and may be just a polytracker; draw no help and must be taken on trust. 25
11 SELECT GATHERING *** Rarely runs a bad race and with Moreira on top should sit just off the speed and run on strongly. 5.00
12 DIVINE HERO ** Likely type resuming, this may be a bit short but should get a nice run from the good alley and could surprise. 16
13 MIRACLE BAY *** Speedster who races well fresh, will give a sight if he can get across and lead. 6.50
14 FARETTI * US galloper who has been trialing well, nicely drawn with experienced rider; watch for market support. 20
15 ARAPUNI * Veteran who always gives his best shot, Class 3 is tough but nicely drawn. 20
16 PACINO * Good effort last start and usually puts in an honest one. 20
.
