Barend Vorster guides Super Kenny to a first-up win following a severe injury on Sunday, 29 September 2013 . (Photo: Singapore Turf Club)
The Polytrack racing continues at Kranji on Friday with a solid nine race meeting and the combination of trainer Pat Shaw and stable jockey, Barend Vorster, should be well worth following. The pair have forged a very strong relationship over the years and while they don’t combine on Friday until race 6 on the card, they will have a strong say in the last four races. In race 6 – a KSC over 1700m – the consistent GREENSTONE looks well placed to get back into the winners circle. While the race certainly has depth, the American-bred 4YO finished close-up at his last start in a similar affair and must be due to knock in his first win since May this year. IRISH LIGHTNING is also consistent and as he tends to hit the wall at any distance over 1000m, he will appreciate the drop back in trip and could very well hang on to record his first win over 1100m in what is just a fair BM53 field (race 7). Their best chance comes in race 8 with the super impressive, SUPER KENNY. After having serious health issues earlier in the year, the Shaw stable have done a remarkable job to get the horse back to the races in excellent order; winning at his first two starts this campaign before narrowly going down at his third run back. Given that defeat was on the turf, SUPER KENNY looks extremely hard to beat back on the Poly with perhaps PERFECT CHARGER his biggest danger. If all things go to plan, VERTICAL START might be lining up for a Shaw/Vorster jackpot in the lucky last and the former Argentinean looks the improver after a good second-up run in Singapore. Elsewhere on the card, Shaw has booked the leading apprentice rider, Harry Kassim, on PREMIER GRADE in race 3 and he also looks a solid each-way hope.
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Best Bets; (SUPER KENNY race 8, win), (VERTICAL START race 9, each-way) and (KING OF KOON race 5, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (Field), race 7 (1, 2, 4 and 5), race 8 (1 and 2), race 9 (1, 6 and 11).
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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 BLAZING SPUR – 3 BLACK BEAN – 5 KTRONIC – 10 CONQUEST
A Class 5 for claiming riders over 1800m opens proceedings with Sam Chua having three of the major chances along with a couple of improving maidens from the Desmond Koh and Mark Walker stables. Desmond has BLAZING SPUR who got close last time over 1700m; he is stepping up to 1800m but with TH Koh should race well. The master of the Class 5’s, Sam Chua, has BLACK BEAN who led and was run down over 1800m last start after doing similar over 1600m at the start prior. Troy See claims 3kg and he should give a bold sight from the good draw. The stablemate, KTRONIC, has been running on grass and in higher grades; he was placed over 1900m in this Grade three starts back and this is far more suitable. The third of his runners is CONQUEST who disappointed last time but put in a good effort over 1900m previously; with Harry Kasim taking the ride he should be on the speed and be hard to run down. Mark Walker has PINYIN, a maiden who battled away last outing and is a chance again. JOHNNY HATES JAZZ broke through after a long time trying last start; with Zaki up from the ace he too should be prominent all the way.
1 BLAZING SPUR *** Improving maiden who got close last time. Stepping up to 1800m but should race well. 3.80
2 PINYIN *** Maiden, not far away last outing and a chance again. 6.50
3 BLACK BEAN *** Maiden who led and was run down over 1800m last start. Should give a bold sight. 4.50
4 FEED ME MORE * Blinkers off but will need more than that. 50
5 KTRONIC *** Has been running on grass and in higher grades. Placed over 1900m in this Grade three starts back and this is far more suitable. 5.00
6 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ *** Broke through after a long time trying last start. Well drawn and with Zaki up should be prominent all the way. 6.50
7 NATURAL AHEAD * 15 start maiden and has not got within 10 lengths of them at his past 5 starts. 50
8 SUPER VELOX * Winkers and tongue tie on. 37 start maiden who has been placed 11 of 27 on the poly. Failed at 1800m last outing and would need to improve. 20
9 WEIGHT IN GOLD * Recent trial OK but hasn’t won for three years and best form is on turf. 50
10 CONQUEST *** Disappointed last time put in a good effort over 1900m previously. Could set the speed and be hard to run down. 5.00
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Race 2
Selections; 7 STILETTO – 8 KINGSLEY – 1 LIVE WELL – 9 IMPERIOUS
An Initiation over 1200m and the mare STILETTO looks to get her chance. She has just missed in smart times at her only two turf outings and given she trials well on poly, with Vorster steering should be hard to hold off. KINGSLEY was checked and carried wide on debut yet still finished close up, he trialed well on Tuesday, is nicely drawn and with Corey Brown on top, should race well. The race could well be between these two. Of the rest, WINDSOR KNOT may want further but put in a much improved effort at his last outing; nicely drawn he should get a good run throughout. The interesting runner is the Cliff Brown trained IMPERIOUS, she is a half-sister by Lonhro to CLEAR FOR ACTION and has had numerous trials; with Harry Kassim to ride, he could show up. LIVE WELL has some speed and fought on well last start and FAHLA FAHLA resumed with a decent effort last time.
1 LIVE WELL *** Excuses last start not to finish in the mix and improves for the experience. Value. 12
2 ABOVE REACH * Did little at only start but had won a trial earlier. Look for improvement. 33
3 AMAZEALOT * Trials fairly but prefer to see. 33
4 LUTONG GARDEN * Has had several trials without showing up. 33
5 FAHLA FAHLA ** Resumed with reasonable effort over 1100m. Battles away but improvement required. 20
6 WINDSOR KNOT *** Much improved effort at last outing. Nicely drawn and should get a good run. 10
7 STILETTO *** Has just missed at only two turf outings. Trials well on poly and should be hard to hold off in this. 2.00
8 KINGSLEY *** Checked, carried wide on debut and still finished close up. Trialed well on Tuesday, nicely drawn with top rider, should race well. 3.00
9 IMPERIOUS ** Half-sister by Lonhro to CLEAR FOR ACTION. Has had numerous trials and could show up with Harry Kassim to ride. 8.00
10 RIGHT IS RIGHT * Pacifiers on. Shown nothing at the trials. Watch market. 50
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Race 3
Selections; 5 ASTROSTAR – 3 ALAN – 1 YOURSTOKEEP – 2 DIVINE HERO
A Class 4 over 1200 metres and ASTROSTAR can win. He led and just missed last time when supported over 1100m, he has plenty of speed and will give them something to run down. ALAN also gets a chance to redeem himself. The Oscar-owned gelding won three starts back over 1200m on turf and scored his maiden victory at this trip and surface. He was slowly away last start and lost his chance; with Vagner Leal up from a good draw he should be handy all the way. YOURSTOKEEP has plenty of weight but his last win was this Class, surface and distance and with Alan Munro on top, he should be right in contention. DIVINE HERO is resuming and trialed well recently; he may like longer but has a good first up record and at his only poly start was 4th at this distance in this Class – Corey Brown will hold him up for one run and give him every opportunity. PREMIER GRADE and the consistent GOOD BUDDY could also get in the mix with LUCKY COME the value runner although he will need luck in running.
1 YOURSTOKEEP *** Back in trip and has plenty of weight but last win was this Class, surface and distance. Should be right in contention. 5.00
2 DIVINE HERO *** Trialed well recently. May like longer but has good first up record and only poly start was 4th at this distance in this Class. 7.00
3 ALAN *** Won three starts back over 1200m on turf and scored his maiden victory at this trip and surface. Slow away last start and with Vagner Leal up should get every chance. 4.00
4 LUCKY COME ** Not far away at last two outings. Gets back and will need some luck for claiming rider. 16
5 ASTROSTAR *** Led and just missed last time over 1100m but should handle extra 100m. Hard to beat. 2.50
6 PREMIER GRADE ** Won last start at this trip. Up in Class but should make his presence felt from the good gate. 12
7 GOOD BUDDY ** Professional place-getter who will be on the speed and give a good sight. 10
8 ACES HIGH * Resuming. Only win was at this trip. Well drawn and could sprint well fresh. 25
9 DORAEMON * Hasn’t won for three years and whilst he was smart once may now be looking for Class 5. 100
10 LIGHTNING MAC * Wants easier than this. 100
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Race 4
Selections; 1 FLUTZ – 4 CLERMONT CLUB – 5 PEREGRINE FALCON – 8 PHARMA BROWNE
An Initiation over a mile which does not appear to have much depth. FLUTZ has been runner-up at his past two outings over a mile on turf; he hung last time, Tengku Rehaizat stays on and if he handles the poly and goes straight should be hard to beat. CLERMONT CLUB has been closing well over shorter journeys. He is by Casino Prince out of a Zabeel mare who won at 2000m; with Corey Brown on top he gets a chance to show his wares. The blinkers come off PEREGRINE FALCON he did nothing when resuming but showed some promise in first preparation and with Harry Kassim replacing WS Chan and a longer journey, could improve. The pacifiers go on PHARMA BROWNE, he is on the quick backup and was a long way back at only start over 1200m. A brother to BROWNE’S ANATOMY, he could appreciate the mile. The rest have little to recommend them but the blinkers come off VICTORY TOUCH and Ivaldo Santana replaces Marcus Au – he may be ready to show something.
1 FLUTZ *** Runner-up at past two outings over a mile on turf. Hung last time and if he handles the poly and goes straight, should be hard to beat. 2.30
2 ESCALADE PEAK * Tongue-tie on. Disappointing horse coming back in distance; only placing was over 1400m on turf. 20
3 VICTORY TOUCH * Has barely beaten a runner home in eight starts. Blinkers off and Santana replaces Marcus Au. Watch for support. 20
4 CLERMONT CLUB *** Has been closing well over shorter journeys. By Casino Prince out of a Zabeel mare who won at 2000m. Gets a chance to show his wares. 2.80
5 PEREGRINE FALCON ** Blinkers off. Did nothing when resuming but that was in Class 4 Showed some promise in first preparation and with Harry Kassim up and a longer journey could improve. 5.50
6 VOY * Blinkers and tongue tie off. Yet to do much. 33
7 SING A SONG * Shown nothing to date. 33
8 PHARMA BROWNE ** Pacifiers on. Long way back at only start and on quick back-up. Brother to BROWNE’S ANATOMY and could appreciate the mile. 6.00
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Race 5
Selections; 5 COOL CAT – 3 TOMORROWS DREAMS – 4 TROPICAL FOREST – 8 KING OF KOON
A difficult BM53 over 1100m with plenty of chances, most of whom are trouble finders or unreliable. COOL CAT has not been far away at his past three outings, he is yet to win on the poly but meets his last start conqueror HUMOR TOWN 3kg better for 1.5 length defeat over 1200m. TOMORROW’S DREAMS win was at this journey, he drops 3kg on his last start placing, gets the 3kg claimer Reuven and from the good gate should be prominent all the way. TROPICAL FOREST knows how to find trouble but is way down in the ratings; he is well drawn and with Oscar Chavez to ride should be finishing off late. ROBERT E is poorly drawn but down in grade; he goes well for Hasri and if he gets across could give a bold sight. Other chances include HUMOR TOWN who will appreciate a solid speed, KING OF KOON who is on the improve and HERO SUCCESS who will find this easier than recent outings.
1 ROBERT E *** Poorly drawn but down in grade. Goes well for Hasri and if he gets across could give a bold sight. 8.00
2 ZAC SUGGESTION ** Consistent performer but better over longer and on turf. Draw and inexperienced apprentice no help. 12
3 TOMORROWS DREAMS *** Winkers to blinkers. Only win was at this journey. Drops 3kg on last start placing and from the good gate should be prominent all the way. 4.50
4 TROPICAL FOREST *** Knows how to find trouble but down in the ratings. Well drawn and should be finishing off late. 5.00
5 COOL CAT *** Not far away at past three outings. Yet to win on poly but gets his chance here. Meets HUMOR TOWN 3kg better for 1.5 length defeat over 1200m. 5.00
6 HERO SUCCESS ** Will find this easier than recent Class 4s. Only win was at 1000m but does run on late and 1100m may suit. 12
7 HUMOR TOWN *** Likes a solid pace and will be finishing off late. Won well last start and could do so again. 6.00
8 KING OF KOON *** Was held up last outing and not far away. Zuriman takes over from Richard Lim and with the claim could be ready to show something. 10
9 MY TRICIA * Blinkers Pacifiers on. Best form on turf but has a poly placing at 1000m. Could show up. 20
10 THRUST * Fair run three starts back over 1200m but best efforts have been on turf. 33
11 GYPSY MAGIC * Won in Class 5 two starts back and better suited that company. 50
12 SILVER FLY * Not flying. 50
13 MOOVA BULLET * Runs on but better in Class 5. 33
14 ZENA * Only win was at 1400m on turf. 50
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Race 6
Selections; 3 TIGER MASTER – 7 DARING FIGHTER – 8 FLYING AHEAD – 2 GREENSTONE
After the two pace influences in the field – FREEZEMASTER and TIGER MASTER – drew gates one and two respectively, a lot will depend on race tactics. As it stands, FREEZEMASTER might have no option but try to “run and stun” and Ivaldo Santana on TIGER MASTER might get a beautiful sit. If so, TIGER MASTER is just traveling too well of late not to think he wins with any peace in transit and could be a good thing. However, it could get frantic early and this will play into the hands of a the back-markers which could include the versatile DARING FIGHTER at value. SB Ng – who rode him to his last win – goes on as does the tongue-tie which augers well for a podium finish. Storming late will also be the bang-in-form FLYING AHEAD. The wide draw is not a concern as Alan Munro will take him back and given a solid pace expected, he might be hard to hold-out late. Of the others in what is a very open race, GREENSTONE looks due and BUNGAE is in very solid form.
1 AROWANA DOT COM ** Form only fair but can run a cheeky race over this trip in suitable company. 20
2 GREENSTONE *** Backed up close-up placing with another solid trial and goes close. 6.00
3 TIGER MASTER *** In super form and no worries switching back to the Poly. Hard to run down. 3.00
4 FREEZEMASTER ** Will ensure a solid early pace from gate one and wont be far away at the finish. 10
5 MY FRIEND JO ** Disappointing last start but previous form in similar affairs has him in the mix. 10
6 BUNGAE *** In solid-form and has to be respected with top-claimer on-board. 6.00
7 DARING FIGHTER *** Did it tough last start so run was good and appreciates being back on the Poly with tongue-tie added. Value. 20
8 FLYING AHEAD *** Won too well last start not to think he is capable of three straight. 4.50
9 EASY MONEY ** Placed at only open run and while this is tougher it will pay to keep safe. 16
10 CHEETAH ** Tested this company but another to include somewhere with no weight. 20
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Race 7
Selections; 1 CAPTAIN MCCAW – 4 FUKU ICHIBAN – 2 IRISH LIGHTNING – 5 PINT SIZED PRINCE
This race will probably get ugly late with plenty of speedsters likely to hit the wall over the final 100m or so. And given two of the speedsters with winning hopes – IRISH LIGHTNING and PINT SIZED PRINCE – have drawn wide, it could also be ugly early and certainly no place for the meek and mild. But both horses will be suited by the 1100m and both could win without surprising. CAPTAIN MCACAW and FUKU ICHIBAN have fared better with gates three and one respectively and that will be in their favour. CAPTAIN MCCAW was supported last start and did well enough to follow with R Rueven’s 3kg claim a factor. FUKU ICHIBAN’s form reads better than it looks in the book and from the ace his hoop, Saifudin, might get a gun run and should figure late. If it is a race for closers, SILVER AND GOLD back from the mile and SUGARTIME JAZZ could be in the mix.
1 CAPTAIN MCCAW *** Last start OK with support and might appreciate being back on the Poly with handy 3kg claim. 4.00
2 IRISH LIGHTNING *** In solid form and drop back to 1100m in his favour. 3.60
3 SILVER AND GOLD ** Placed last start over the mile and will be closing late back in trip. 20
4 FUKU ICHIBAN *** Last start better than the result and could pinch this from gate one. 8.00
5 PINT SIZED PRINCE *** Ignore last start where he did it very tough and goes close on best form in what is a suitable race. 6.00
6 CHILLI ** Wide drawn an issue but could still run a cheeky race. 20
7 GOOD BOSS ** Needs things to go his way but capable on his day. 12
8 MINAH CURRENT * Not going well enough at the minute. 100
9 SUGARTIME JAZZ ** Put in his best Poly performance to date when closing late last start and pay to keep safe at value. 20
10 ZAC HEAVEN ** Has done it tough last couple so look for improvement at odds from good gate. 33
11 VOLKOV ** Won at odds in Class 5 last start and worth thought while in form. 12
12 SHINKANSEN ** Always keep them honest. 8.00
13 FABERGE * Improves on Singapore debut run but eligible for easier than this. 200
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Race 8
Selections; 1 SUPER KENNY – 2 PERFECT CHARGER – 4 DEVIL’S CUT – 9 SINGLE ACT
It was well documented that SUPER KENNY had some serious issues early this year. But after six-months away from the track, the Australian-bred 4YO has returned in fine style and was a whisker away from a hat-trick of wins this campaign when narrowly going down to Peaceful Warrior on the turf at his last start. Back on the Poly with another nice trial under his belt, SUPER KENNY can continue on with his rich vein of form from gate two with regular hoop, Barend Vorster, on-board. He has 58kg to carry but so does his main opposition on form, PERFECT CHARGER. The NZ-bred 4YO has done little wrong at his six career starts and looks every chance to knock in win number four from start seven. While it could be a race in two, the interesting runner is DEVIL’S CUT who resumes after a long break following a short-lived Dubai campaign earlier in the year. The fact Steve Burridge travelled with him so early in his career suggests he goes OK and could show up with solid recent trial under his belt. Also of some interest is the Kiwi newcomer in SINGLE ACT. His recent trial was good enough late to think he has something to offer at his Singapore debut with the market a very good guide.
1 SUPER KENNY *** Has been in super form this campaign and very hard to beat here. 2.50
2 PERFECT CHARGER *** Smart and always a winning show. 3.50
3 ECLAIR FLYER ** OK late last start and might improve again back on his preferred surface. 33
4 DEVIL’S CUT *** Promising horse resuming after ambitious Dubai run early this year. Market best guide. 8.00
5 KAISER * Excuses last start but still needs to find a few yards before we consider. 50
6 CORONET PEAK ** Hard to fault form after a hat-trick of wins but this field is very strong. 6.00
7 SUPER GOOD ** Can out in the odd bad one but drawn favourably and some show on best form. 8.00
8 PACINO * Will run his usual honest race but like to see in Class 4. 33
9 SINGLE ACT ** Former Kiwi who showed enough at recent trial to think he shows something at Kranji debut. 12
10 MACHFIVE * Needs to be having a very good day. 33
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Race 9
Selections; 1 VERTICAL START – 11 SOON YI – 6 XIN TREASURE – 3 WASSAIC
VERTICAL START could make it a strong finish to the card for trainer Pat Shaw and jockey Barend Vorster in what looks a suitable race for the former Argentinean galloper. The 3YO was very green at his Singapore debut before finding the line nicely at his second start at Kranji. The fact he has looked good at two recent trials is a good pointer to his chances in this race and a big run is on the cards. He is the top weight though and one at the other end of the scale who is also ready to win is SOON YI. With Oscar Chavez up, the Brazilian-bred 3YO loomed large at his most recent run and has been one to follow over the last month or so. The only other obvious winning hope in the race is the consistent XIN TREASURE. The 5YO is a three-time winner and given he has finished close-up at his last three runs, he must be a big winning hope in this field. Hard to make a case for most others but last start winner, WASSAIC, could go well first-up after a short lay-off.
1 VERTICAL START *** Showed enough last start and at two recent trials to think he goes close here. 4.00
2 DREAMCATCHER ** Ran on OK late last start this company but awkward draw is a concern. 7.00
3 WASSAIC ** Resuming and goes well enough first-up to consider. 10
4 PROFOUND ** Resuming and while better over longer, could be the swooper. 12
5 RAVOUX * Not seen often on this surface and might pay to ignore with blinkers off. 33
6 XIN TREASURE *** Foot on the till and can often get out to good value. Follow. 3.30
7 ORIENTAL PEARL * Hasn’t run on at his last couple and that is a concern. 33
8 SACRED CROWN ** Back to a more suitable trip in his favour and can improve at odds. 33
9 ARAPUNI * Veteran who might appreciate downgrade from blinkers to a visor. 33
10 BROWNE’S ANATOMY * Resuming and prefer others. 100
11 SOON YI *** Loomed like a winner last start and is due. Big show. 3.50
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