MY LUCKY STRIKE looks very well placed to get back in the winners circle (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
It’s a stand alone Friday meeting as Singapore gears up for the Group 1 Lion City Cup and the Three-Year-Old Classic the following Sunday but there looks something for everyone with nine good races.
And while a the better races on the card include a cracking Open Poly Sprint and an intriguing BM89 event over 1800m, a lowly Class 5 mile (race 6) may offer one of the better bets on the night.
Yes, you often have to be wary of the lower rated races, however, FREE HAPPY ticks too many boxes not to be the one to be on and the 5YO does looks a standout.
True, he hasn’t won since June last year but given his recent strong form in better company than Class 5, he looks very hard to beat with Manny Nunes back on board.
The other two races mentioned are must watch affairs and MY LUCKY STRIKE looks well placed with 56kg to win the Open Sprint (race 7) while SEBROSE can win the BM89 over 1800 (race 5) and it’s no coincidence that Manny Nunes is on both.
Samba time!
Best Bets: (FREE HAPPY race 6, win), (HUSSONATOR race 2, each-way) and (ROCKFAST race 5, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (2), race 7 (1, 2, 3 and 4), race 8 (1, 6, 7 and 11), race 9 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8).
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 1
Selections; 1 DREAMCATCHER – 5 ROCK OF AGES – 4 MILLION ROUND – 7 MR PATRON
A few horses are going into this race with seemingly poor form but will run well in this company. Case in point it DREAMCATCHER who finds himself in Class 5 after a run in BM67 Company. He has shown previously he is more than up to winning this trip and track and with Nunes up and headgear back on; he could be very hard to beat. A couple in form that will win sooner than later in MILLION ROUND and ROCK OF AGES both have drawn wide. Obviously that is an issue over this trip but both can win with luck in running. Plenty of others to look at including surprise last start winner JOHN DUKE, MR PATRON, ALWAYS A WINNER and the two emergences, EXCITING PROSPECT and TIM.
1 DREAMCATCHER *** Can make excuses for poor recent efforts in better grade and can win this company with head-gear back on. 3.00
2 GOLDEN RABBIT ** Issues at last two starts but trials well and would give a sight if right. 12
3 JOHN DUKE *** Improved to win at long odds last start and best work expected late again. 12
4 MILLION ROUND *** Wide draw always a concern but wins this company sooner than later. 7.00
5 ROCK OF AGES *** Another with his foot on the till but will need favours from wide draw. 5.50
6 LEE MAN ** Inconsistent and rarely seen on the Poly so have to take on trust. 8.00
7 MR PATRON *** Drawn wide but placed last start on the turf and should be better suited here. 8.00
8 SUPER BONUS ** Form better thank it reads and this type of race is his caper. Value. 33
9 ALWAYS A WINNER *** Resuming sans blinkers and always an each-way show in races like this. 12
10 OASIS SPUR * No. 100
11 LUCKY COME ** Resuming and would be some show on best form so keep safe. 20
12 MATOAKA ** Maiden who can be included in exotics. 20
13 EXCITING PROSPECT *** Form better than it reads and happy to give another winning show in this company. 12
14 TIM *** Another who was disappointing last start but this is a race he can win. 20
Race 2
Selections; 4 HUSSONATOR – 1 ARHAT – 3 BLACK SWAN – 6 BALBOA
While we could try to make a case for a few horses like BALBOA to improve at odds, it really does look a race in three between ARHAT, BLACK SWAN and HUSSONATOR. All look ready to win a race like this and it will be interesting to see which one gets the most support. ARHAT comes into this after a super effort in Class 4 company and that more than holds up here. He is honest as well and that counts for plenty in maiden company. BLACK SWAN probably starts favourite – he has had the honour previously – and while he was disappointing last start, he gets a tongue-tie back on and has to win a race like this sooner than later. But the one we like is HUSSONATOR. The 3YO was given little chance last start over this trip so happy to ignore that run and take on his eye-catching recent trial. Vlad Duric on board doesn’t hurt.
1 ARHAT *** Honest and effort in Class 4 last start has him hard to beat here. 3.00
2 COMMODORE LINCOLN ** Form looks ordinary but improves with blinkers added over a more suitable trip. Keep safe. 20
3 BLACK SWAN *** Gets tongue-tie back after being slightly disappointing with support last start but wins soon. 2.40
4 HUSSONATOR *** Never in the hunt last start so happy to ignore as this race looks suitable with eye-catching recent trial under his belt. 5.00
5 NATURAL WATER * Just battles away and skinny end of exotics at best. 33
6 BALBOA ** Will improve with racing and mile should suit. 12
7 SUPER BUFFALO ** Another that improves with racing and gets tongue-tie. Watch market. 12
8 WALTERS BAY * Will appreciate debut run but like to see some support. 20
9 BRAVE BLOSSOM * Gets blinkers but may need more than that on race form. 50
10 GOLAZO * Dour type who may need longer than this to show his best. 50
Race 3
Selections; 9 RIVER OF GOLD – 13 PRATT STREET – 8 COURT CASE – 7 SAFFIR
An odd race with three raced newcomers adding to the intrigue. The trio in question – FIGHTING WARRIOR and SATELLITE BOY from Australia and UNCLE LUCKY from New Zealand – all bring moderate race form to Singapore but all have trialled like they have something to offer on debut with the market a terrific guide. But of those we know, RIVER OF GOLD looks a good option. The 3YO is honest and is certainly due to knock in another win with gate 2 and Dan Beasley on top in his favour. After two disappointing runs, COURT CASE showed last start he is more than up to Class 4 company and he also looks a serious winning hope. The interesting runner is the first emergency, PRATT STREET. The 3YO’s form looks patchy at best but a recent very good trial with blinkers suggests he could win this with headgear added from gate 1. Plenty of other hopes so look for value elsewhere.
1 FIGHTING WARRIOR *** Former Australian who arrived with modest form but has trialled well enough to consider at Singapore debut. 12
2 LIVELY DRAGON *** Resuming with downgrade to winkers after a solid run of form and could show up. 8.00
3 MEGATHINK * Resuming and hard to have. 100
4 MIGHTY MAN ** Drawn wide and can disappoint but showed last start he wins when on song. 9.00
5 TOP GUN ** Not a lot when resuming but has won second-up previously so keep safe. 12
6 WE ARE GENIUS *** Another that showed last start why he is always a show in race like this. 4.00
7 SAFFIR *** Resuming after bleeding attack with solid trial under his belt and another to keep safe. 12
8 COURT CASE *** Showed last start he is up to this company and will go close. 8.00
9 RIVER OF GOLD *** Excuses not to go closer last start and right in this. 4.00
10 SATELLITE BOY *** Another former Aussie with moderate race form but trials like he has plenty to offer on debut. 12
11 WINNER’S SMILE ** Handy enough type resuming sans blinkers and can include in exotics. 20
12 UNCLE LUCKY ** Former Kiwi maiden who has trialled OK locally but wide gate makes for a tough debut. 20
13 PRATT STREET *** Not a lot when resuming but recent trial with blinkers added was very good and can win. 5.00
14 GUILTY PLEASURES *** Hard to fault honest form but needs a result. 6.00
Race 4
Selections; 2 ALIBI – 3 AMAZING MAN – 9 WAIPAKIHI – 7 GABBAR
Again, a race with many chances including ALIBI on debut. The 3YO by Darci Brahma has looked very professional at the trials and looked to be doing it easy at his most recent hit out. You would expect support on debut from those trial efforts with the in-form Vlad Duric to steer. Of those with good race form to their names, AMAZING MAN looks a strong winning show. The NZ-bred gelding led for most of the race to narrowly go down last start and given he gets to jump from gate 1 in this, he could be hard to run down. Plenty of others to watch including WAIPAKIHI who looks a handy enough type and should race well sans blinkers, SILK ROUTE, NOVA LEGEND and GABBAR who should be running on late if the race is run to suit.
1 NOVA LEGEND *** All good form is on the Poly but excuses not to win last start and should figure prominently. 4.00
2 ALIBI *** Trials like he knows a thing or two about this racing caper and can win on debut. 5.00
3 AMAZING MAN *** Narrowly missed last start when leading throughout and expect much the same with gate 1 a bonus. 4.00
4 DESTINY KNIGHT * Prefer others on exposed trial form. 100
5 DOMINATE ** Led on debut before fading and should improve with race fitness. 50
6 DRAGON KINGDOM ** Will improve on what was a solid race debut and can include in exotics. 20
7 GABBAR *** Has ran on well at both career starts and expect much the same again. 12
8 SILK ROUTE *** Well beaten into third last start but wins sooner than later and one of the main hopes. 5.00
9 WAIPAKIHI *** Handy type who should race well sans blinkers. Big show. 8.00
10 MISS WAIMATAITAI ** Solid without being a threat last couple but will be thereabouts. 12
11 LIM’S RANGER * No. 200
12 PHANFONE * Japanese-bred filly who did not show up at the trials. 50
13 WHITE SHADOW * Easier to ignore. 100
14 CAMERA STELLATA * Not at his best last start and may need longer. 33
Race 5
Selections; 2 SEBROSE – 7 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON – 3 MIGHTY WARRIOR – 9 ROCKFAST
Unfortunately you can’t fit all the winning hopes into the selections and as such a serious horse in BOURBON GOLDMAN misses out. Which sounds crazy given the 6YO finished second to Blue Danube in BM97 company last start over 2000m and no reason he can’t win this with a handy 3kg claimer on-board. Likewise, last start winner LAUGHING GRAVY doesn’t find himself on our podium but can win again if given any leeway out front. But SEBROSE is hardest to beat and happy to have him on top. The 5YO runs on well and given the depth of this field it should be a honest run race, which will suit. The honest MIGHTY WARRIOR also gets his chance to knock in another win and SQUIRE OSBALDESTON is also due and wins without surprising. Keep ROCKFAST safe at likely good value, as his recent form is a lot better than it reads.
1 BOURBON GOLDMAN *** Showed more than enough last start to think he gives this a shake with handy 3kg claim. 4.00
2 SEBROSE *** Ran on well as expected in the JBBA Moonbeam Vase and can win this. 4.00
3 MIGHTY WARRIOR *** Smart and honest so always a good each-way option. 4.00
4 VALBUENA ** Has been battling away of late and can figure in the exotic mix at value. 20
5 BRILLIANT DEAL * Pace influence at best. 50
6 MARTIN ** Putting in the odd good one of late so pay to keep safe in a race that should suit. 15
7 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON *** In excellent form and looks ready to win again. 5.00
8 LAUGHING GRAVY *** Got the favours out front last start to win but have to respect form. 8.00
9 ROCKFAST *** Form a lot better than it reads and could run a race at nice odds. 12
Race 6
Selections; 2 FREE HAPPY – 10 TEMBUSU ESTRELA – 1 CIRRUS – 13 PERCIUS
While this field has depth and it’s always hard to be super confident in Class 5 races, FREE HAPPY should win. The 5YO is very honest and has been going good enough in better company than this to think he is extremely hard to beat. In fact happy to make him one of the better winning options on the day. But if anyone does beat him it will probably be from trainer Stephen Gray stable. TEMBUSU ESTRELA looks his best hope on paper and will break his maiden status in a race like this. He also gets Vlad Duric, which is a pointer to his chances. The stablemate PERCIUS is the first emergency but is in form and can win if he gets a start while Gray’s other runner, CIRRUS, looks hopeless on race form but comes under notice with a eye-catching recent trial under his belt. INSOFAR and ZENZERO the other two to watch.
1 CIRRUS *** Impossible on race form but recent eye-catching trials suggest he could be the improver. Watch market. 20
2 FREE HAPPY *** In form on the turf and drop to Class 5 suggests he is hard to beat. 2.50
3 PISTA * Blinkers back off but hard to have on race form. 50
4 WEE MONSTER ** Form reads badly but gets blinkers and best run was over this trip. 20
5 INSOFAR *** Ran on well to place over 1400m last start and should figure in this finish. 5.00
6 PETITE VICTOIRE ** Will improve dropping back to Class 5. 20
7 ZENZERO *** Hard to fault form of late and pay to follow each-way. 8.00
8 AUREUS ** Three career wins have been on the Poly but usually competitive on the turf. 8.00
9 HAPPY CAT ** Won a weak one this trip two starts back and can include in exotics. 20
10 TEMBUSU ESTRELA *** Maiden who had excuses not to finish close last start in this company and pay to follow. 6.00
11 BERNARD’S FIGHTER * Easier to ignore. 50
12 GODS SPEED ** Draw a concern but improved efforts of late has him under notice in exotics. 33
13 PERCIUS *** Last few efforts over the mile have been very good and wins sooner than later. 5.00
14 DUAL IMPACT * No. 100
Race 7
Selections; 3 MY LUCKY STRIKE – 1 EL PADRINO – 2 HUKA FALLS – 4 SUPER WINNER
You would presume most of the runners in this are either not up to tackling the big boys in the Lion City Cup next week or, like MY LUCKY STRIKE, are Poly specialists and this race is their bread and butter. And while there are a few others that also grow a leg on this surface, MY LUCKY STRIKE looks ready to win again and is the benchmark with 56kg under the race conditions. This weight looks more than fair given EL PADRINO – who will be chasing him home – and the honest HUKA FALLS have to carry 59 and 58.5kg respectively. SUPER WINNER is the other Poly specialist who has to be respected and wins without surprising while PACHELBEL’S CANON could be the value runner first up for a new trainer after a bleeding attack in the Kranji Mile.
1 EL PADRINO *** Poly specialist who will be motoring late and can win. 3.00
2 HUKA FALLS *** Just wins too many times in races like this not to be a show. 5.00
3 MY LUCKY STRIKE *** Poly specialist who looks very well placed to get back in the winners circle. 3.00
4 SUPER WINNER *** Refuses to run a bad race and wins without surprising. 5.00
5 SLEW OF LODE * Resuming with blinkers but should need longer to show his best. 20
6 GOLDEN SAND STEED * Struggling of late. 100
7 INDIAN JADE ** Not a mile away when resuming and should benefit from the run. 20
8 PACHELBEL’S CANON ** Resuming after bleeding attack in the Kranji Mile and trialling well enough to consider with tongue-tie off for new trainer. 20
9 SUPERNOVA * Prefer others. 50
10 GOT LUCK ** Appreciates first up run and could be value for exotics. 33
11 LIM’S GREETING * Blinkers off but needs easier. 100
Race 8
Selections; 6 CHASE – 1 FAMOUS ARTIST – 7 POLE PARADISE – 11 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK
A good KSC over 1400m. The visor comes off CHASE who will have benefited from recent outings and with Manoel Nunes up, he will get cover off the speed and can finish off best. FAMOUS ARTIST put in a strong effort without blinkers last start; he is on trial at the trip but should run on well. POLE PARADISE is very consistent; if he can get across he will be hard to run down while GOLDEN CURL is also consistent and rarely runs a bad race. GANADOR can improve from his first Singapore outing. GOLDEN TOMAHAWK’s best form is on the poly but he ran on nicely at this trip last star. In 2013 TOTALITY won the Three Rings Trophy at this trip, he has fallen a long way in the ratings but has won four tines at the trip and could surprise.
1 FAMOUS ARTIST *** Had support and ran on well without blinkers in Class 3 last start over 1200m. Rises 3kg but Corey Brown stays on and should get a good run throughout. 4.00
2 GOLDEN CURL ** Rarely runs a bad race at this level. Claim helps and if held up, can run on strongly. 10
3 GANADOR ** Will be improved by recent Class 3 outing. Rises 3kg and awkwardly drawn but could run on late. 8.00
4 PRECIOUS GEM * Battled on well when resuming but best form is over longer. 33
5 SPLICE ** Fair when resuming but best efforts have been in Class 4. 16
6 CHASE *** Visor off. Gets Nunes and this distance suits. Will be running on strongly late and should be hard to hold out. 4.00
7 POLE PARADISE *** Has gate speed and if he can cross may be hard to run down. 5.00
8 TOTALITY * Won Three Rings Trophy a this trip but has fallen in the ratings since. Distance suits and could surprise. 16
9 ANY RUMOUR * Recent form poor and improvement required. 33
10 DAVINCI ** Last start better than the result and might pay to keep safe in a race that suits. 33
11 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK *** Best form has been on poly but ran on well last start and could get in the finish. 8.00
12 HAPPY SAGA * Wants an easier grade. 33
13 WINNING STAR * Best efforts have been over longer in weaker company. 25
14 SOUTHERN HUSSLER * Still a Maiden but battled away well in this Grade when resuming. Can find easier. 33
Race 9
Selections; 6 RUN IT TWICE – 3 KIRKS RYKER – 2 EN CIVIL – 5 NINETYSEVENEMPEROR
The usual open Class 4 over 1400m, this one of good quality. RUN IT TWICE did not miss by much when resuming after having a wide trip; he is better suited at this distance and from the good gate Corey Brown should give him every chance. KIRKS RYKER has been consistent at this level and his recent trial was strong if Barend Vorster can find cover he will be strong late. EN CIVIL won one of these two starts back, Manoel Nunes takes over and whilst his best form may be on poly he could be hard to hold out. GOLDEN CASINO put in a good effort when resuming on the poly, he has won at this distance and with CC Wong’s claim should get a good run throughout. NINETYSEVENEMPEROR is in good form, the distance suits and Oscar Chavez should give him every chance. STREET TAIPAN won well in Maiden company last start, this is harder but the 3kg drop in weight will help. REDDOT RISING also looked a likely type when winning his Maiden and should get a good run from the inside gate.
1 DEMON KING ** Only battled on poly over 1000m when resuming but should improve for the run. 16
2 EN CIVIL *** Won one of these two starts back and ran on well last start. Gets Nunes and should be closing late. 6.00
3 KIRKS RYKER *** Very consistent at this level and trialled well recently. If he can find cover will be hard to hold out. 5.00
4 GOLDEN CASINO *** Ran on well when resuming. Has won at this distance. Well drawn and with the claim can be handy throughout. 6.00
5 NINETYSEVENEMPEROR *** Racing consistently at this level. Suited this distance and will be closing late. 6.00
6 RUN IT TWICE *** Performed well when resuming over 1200m. Better suited this trip and should be handy throughout. 5.00
7 STREET TAIPAN *** Won well over this trip in Maiden company. Drops 3kg and can show up. 12
8 REDDOT RISING *** Won Maiden over 1200m and can show up from the good gate. 12
9 WATER PARK * Argentinean having first Singapore outing. Trials have been moderate. Watch market. 16
10 SILENT ARROW ** Ran on fairly last start but better in easier. 25
11 JUBILATION * OK last start but tested against these. 33
12 SECRET SPICE ** Racing solidly at this level but may need easier to win. 25
13 OCEAN GENERAL ** Form reads only fairly but could run very cheeky race at odds. 33
14 SIR REGINALD ** Returned not striding when tried over 1800m last start but have to respect on win two back. 20
