Touch Of Gold (Joao Moreira) proves too strong in Race 9 on Sunday 7 April 2013 – Singapore Racing
An all-Polytrack meeting from Singapore on Friday with the Open Benchmark 97 (race 6) a definite highlight. And anyone suggesting the race is not one for Polytrack specialists might want to take a quick peek at the winning statistics which show the 10 horse field amassing 41 wins in Singapore with an incredible 39 of those on the all-weather surface. In fact only MEAISIN and RAPIDO STAR have a single turf win to their name with the latter also having six Polytrack wins on his impressive CV. RAPIDO STAR also has the best recent form leading into the race with a good placing behind GREAT LIGHT at his last start. Add Joao Moreira and a very respectable 52kg to carry and RAPIDO STAR looks hard to beat. As mentioned, GREAT LIGHT – who subsequently finished out of the places at his next start – did beat him home in March but a pull in the weights and a slight advantage at the barriers points to a ‘form’ reversal. Oddly, Ivaldo Santana replaces Joao Moreira on GREAT LIGHT and Joao replaces Ivaldo on RAPIDO STAR but not much to be read into those changes given the good form of the two hoops. Splitting the two Brazilian jockeys might be a diminutive South African, Barend Vorster, on a Brazilian-bred horse in VALEVOLE. The Pat Shaw-trained 4YO is coming off a poor run at WFA Group level but might find the handicap conditions and the Polytrack more to his liking. Elsewhere on the card it will pay to follow Joao Moreira on the impressive TOUCH OF GOLD (race 3). The 4YO New Zealand-bred 4YO showed his class by winning in fine style in similar company last start and from gate one today he should prove too good once again and a horse to follow through the grades.
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Best Bets; TOUCH OF GOLD (race 3, win), BABY FACE (race 1, each-way) and BM WIN (race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (3), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 10), race 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8), race 9 (2, 3, 4, 8 and 9).
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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 BABY FACE – 4 SHINKANSEN – 8 CALIFORNIA KID – 10 ZAC COMMAND
A Class 5 over 1000m in which there should be plenty of early speed kicks off an all Polytrack programme. The race is top heavy with a few Class droppers and expect some improvers at the top of the ratings. BABY FACE is getting down in grade and despite the 57kg could be the one who improves the most. Blinkers added could be the key and expect a bold run. SHINKANSEN is suited this grade and will go fast from gate 3. The wizard Harry Kassim steers and trained by the master of Class 5 gallopers, Sam Chua; he should be hard to beat. CALIFORNIA KID has just missed out at his past three runs; he is drawn out but with Greg Cheyne on top should be near the lead all the way. ZAC COMMAND got up to beat CALIFORNIA KID at his last outing and with Moreira steering could well sweat off the leaders and have the final crack. FUMIKO, ROMA from the ace, and SPECTA DILEMMA are also likely to go fast and could provide serious nuisance value. FLY FREELY and SAHORO also worth a look in Class 5.
1 BABY FACE *** Blinkers on significant as is drop in Class; doesn’t win out of turn but looks his turn. 10
2 FLY FREELY *** Rider reminded to ride out last start; previous form good and whilst alley no help should be near the speed all the way and will win in Class 5. 10
3 SAHORO ** Six-time winner resuming after long break with blinkers added; suited this distance and class and market watch in order. 12
4 SHINKANSEN *** Fought on well last start, well drawn and has claim for top apprentice, should be near the lead all the way. 6.00
5 FUMIKO *** Speedy but erratic mare, well drawn and should give a bold sight over 1000m. 7.00
6 ANCHIETA * Form too poor to consider. 50
7 GENUINE BARGAIN * Led and faded over 1200m last start; well drawn and could give a sight. 16
8 CALIFORNIA KID *** Runner up at past three starts and due to break through; drawn out but should race near the lead all the way. 6.00
9 SPECTA DILEMMA ** annot draw a barrier; racing well and has plenty of speed; should race well again. 10
10 ZAC COMMAND *** Nailed CALIFORNIA KID in last stride at lat outing and meets him 1.5kg worse; Moreira stays on and hard to beat again. 5.00
11 ROMA *** Been around the mark at last four outings over longer journeys, down 2.5kg and should race well from inside draw. 10
12 BIG MONEY * Winkers off. Maiden who is rarely far away, should race close to the speed and could surprise. 16
13 NOT FREE NOW * Would need to improve dramatically. 50
14 SPEEDY PHIL * Speedy but unreliable. 20
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Race 2
Selections; 1 LUCKY COME – 7 SHIPPING FORECAST – 9 SUPER WINE – 5 JUST THE TIP
An Initiation over 1200m with a couple of experienced types who are knocking on the door up against a number who have yet to show much plus a few first starters. LUCKY COME has had the benefit of seven runs for three placings and despite racing greenly flew home last start to just miss; well drawn in barrier 3 with Oscar Chavez to pilot he gets his chance in what does not look an over-strong field. SHIPPING FORECAST has also had six starts for two placings; his best efforts have been on turf but he won a trial recently; despite the wide draw he has the speed to get across and should race well. SUPER WINE put in a good first-up effort, his previous form was sound and from the inside alley he should put in a strong run for KB Soo and Theo Keiser. QUANTUM LEAP is resuming, he has had a couple of quiet trials but he was beaten less than a length at his previous start and with Alan Munro steering could race well fresh. JUST THE TIP has put in two decent efforts; he could be an improver and CAPTAIN MCCAW – by speed sire Exceed and Excel – with Moreira on top for Laurie Laxon suggesting a strong debut is possible.
1 LUCKY COME *** Ran on strongly but greenly last start; gets his chance here. 3.50
2 ARATIATIA * Later. 33
3 DIAMOND FLYER * Improving but needs more time. 20
4 EXQUISITELY SWEET ** By sprinting sire Nadeem, trials OK and could show up. 12
5 JUST THE TIP *** Two efforts have been solid; improving and chance again. 6.00
6 QUANTUM LEAP ** Resuming, beaten less than a length at last start, has had two quiet trials and could go well fresh; watch market. 107 SHIPPING FORECAST *** Racing and trialing well, poorly drawn but looks due. 5.00
8 REGAL SALUTE * Steadily improving but a way to go yet. 20
9 SUPER WINE *** Good first up effort; should be right in the finish from the good draw 4.50
10 CAPTAIN MCCAW ** By Exceed and Excel. Has led and faded in its five starts in UK for one placing; top rider aboard so could race well. 12
11 EISHIN BRIGHT * First start, poorly drawn and prefer to see. 50
12 YARDBIRD * Yet to show up. 100
13 CARRY ON FAMOUS * Well back at only start. 50
14 ZAOCRO HEIGHTS * Shown nothing to date. 50
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Race 3
Selections; 1 TOUCH OF GOLD – 2 SHAOLIN SOLDIER – 4 BOUNDLESS GLORY – 6 AWAKENED
A Kranji Stakes C over 1200m featuring the promising TOUCH OF GOLD up against a few seasoned performers. The 4YO spanked them in Class 3 last start and is equally adept on the poly as on turf; up 4.5kg but he retains Moreira and has the inside alley. SHAOLIN SOLDIER won for the first time on the poly last start, Harry Kassim takes the claim and the seven-time winner over the distance should race well again. The stable mate, BOUNDLESS GLORY, only battled on turf last start; back on the Polytrack the five-time winner at the distance has plenty of weight but should be running home strongly. AWAKENED resumed after a long break with a good fourth on the Polytrack; a better horse on turf he has trialed well since and could race well from his handy draw. EATON’S GOLD won in Class 4 two starts back and was not disgraced in this Grade last outing, the distance suits, he is well drawn and with Shafiq’s claim could surprise. ÉCLAIR FLYER is useful but has drawn wide as has the speedy MR MANI.
1 TOUCH OF GOLD *** Spanked them in Class 3 last start on turf and has strong poly form; up 4.5kg but with the ace and Moreira must be hard to beat. 2.40
2 SHAOLIN SOLDIER *** Won for first time on the poly at his last outing; 1200m specialist with seven wins over the trip to his credit; awkwardly drawn but should race well with gun apprentice to ride. 5.50
3 HONEST TRUTH * Speedy but has been fading badly. 50
4 BOUNDLESS GLORY *** Loves the poly and 1200m having won five races under those conditions; well drawn and should get a perfect trip; will run on strongly. 5.50
5 ECLAIR FLYER *** Raced wide last start and has drawn poorly again; claim for Rehaizat may help. 8.00
6 AWAKENED *** Better on turf but resumed after long break with solid fourth last start this surface; handily drawn and should race well. 6.50
7 TREASUREINTHEHEART * Will need to improve on two runs to date. 25
8 EMBLESSED * Resuming. Useful performer suited this surface and distance but has found this grade too strong in the past. 25
9 MR MANI ** Blinkers off. Speedy but awkwardly drawn and may find others too smart. 20
10 DYNASTY KNIGHT * Has no Polytrack form and recent efforts ordinary. 50
11 EATONS GOLD ** Good effort two starts back and not far away last start; well drawn and with Shafiq’s claim could surprise with best work expected late. 20
12 PLAY ON * Looking for something easier. 50
13 TRY THE CHANCE * No chance. 100
14 BIGDINERO *** Honest performer who will race well if he gets a start; follow. 20
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Race 4
Selections; 1 BEAUTIFUL WORLD – 8 STREET LEGAL – 3 IRISH FLASH – 4 MARAETI
A Kranji Stakes D over 1700m with several tough, experienced middle-distance battlers set to fight it out with a couple of 3YO improvers. BEAUTIFUL WORLD is well suited in these, he can sit on the speed keep out of trouble and kick on well; a big, strong horse he is well in with Tengku Rehaizat’s claim and should race well. STREET LEGAL is never far away in these though he rarely wins. His last start effort was sound and more importantly he is now up to a suitable distance; with Zuriman’s claim he is well weighted and goes close. IRISH FLASH is a one-pacer, he won a similar race to this two starts back, and with Moreira to ride he should race well despite his outside draw. MARAETI is an eight-time winner who has dropped way down in the ratings, the distance suited and he has John Powell and the rails draw; like many class droppers he could sharply improve. There are three 3YOs in the field, CASINO KING who won a similar race two starts back and SLAYER who scored over a mile at his last outing – both should race well. The third entrant, CHEETAH showed promise early but has been struggling of late and is being tried over a journey. SUPER ZUCCA has changed stables to Laurie Laxon, he is never that far way and a forward showing is expected. ZAC WARRIOR won last start but could be tested at the trip.
1 BEAUTIFUL WORLD *** Big, strong horse suited this class and distance; will sit on the speed and with Tengku Rehaizat claim be hard to run down. 4.50
2 GRAND WOOD PARK * Only win was at 1100m. Finished well back on resuming after long spell and win would surprise. 20
3 IRISH FLASH *** Solid one-pacer who won two starts back; gets Moreira which may overcome the awkward draw. 5.00
4 MARAETI *** Eight time winner way down in the ratings; well drawn and has top rider; could surprise. 8.00
5 CASINO KING *** 3YO who won at this trip two starts back; should race well again. 6.50
6 CHEETAH * Showed promise earlier but struggling of late; on trial at the trip. 20
7 SLAYER *** Won well last start and distance should suit; awkwardly drawn but should race well again. 6.50
8 STREET LEGAL *** Never far away and up to a suitable distance; looks a serious hope with claim. 6.00
9 NORTH STAR * Not showing enough. 50
10 ZAC WARRIOR ** Won in Class 5 last start but could be tested at the trip. 14
11 SUPER ZUCCA ** Has changed stables, never far away and could show up. 14
12 DRAGON DANCER * Form poor. 50
13 GRAVLAX ** Maiden who shows glimpses; take on trust. 33
14 CHINA EAGLE ** Ran on last start and has won at this trip in similar class. 14
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Race 5
Selections; 4 LADY SHARK – 11 WAIRAKEI – 6 REVERSE TAKEOVER – 1 AMERICAN VISION
A 1200m Class 5 for Claiming Riders will put the punters to the test with several class droppers fighting it out against a couple who are racing well and due for a win. LADY SHARK has been putting in honest efforts without winning; this is weaker than her recent encounters and she gets her chance with the experienced Suhaimi to steer and we do like the fact she was backed (and found trouble) last start. WAIRAKEI is racing well without luck. He was caught wide last start and held up the start prior; with Harry Kassim steering from the number one alley he can expect to get the gun run and be hard to beat. REVERSE TAKEOVER gets back into Class 5 and has Tengku Rehaizat who has won on him before to steer, he should race well. SIR FLEETWOOD is back in Class 5 where he revels; TH Koh was on him last start and he will find this much easier. DANGER MONEY also gets back into Class 5 where he often grows another leg; with Zuriman riding he can settle off the speed and run on strongly. SOLID WOOD is having his second run since dropping into Class 5; little Hasri should give him a good trip. AMERICAN VISION might be the Class dropper who starts at long-odds so have a good look on the day as he improves.
1 AMERICAN VISION *** Well beaten last start in higher grade; this class and distance is more suitable and can win. 12
2 DANGER MONEY *** Form reads badly but drop in Class significant given he has won three of his last four in this company; big show. 6.00
3 GOLD HALO * Recent form ordinary but will appreciate Class 5; improves. 25
4 LADY SHARK *** Supported last start similar affair and found trouble; wins this with any luck. 5.00
5 MR PATRON * Needs to improve. 33
6 REVERSE TAKEOVER *** Class dropper in suitable company with top rider who knows him well; should be in the mix. 7.00
7 SIR FLEETWOOD *** Revels in Class 5 and with TH Koh to steer should be right in the finish. 6.50
8 SOLID WOOD *** Sound effort in Class 5 last start after reasonable Class 4 efforts; well suited here. 7.00
9 STRATA STAR ** Resuming after much better effort last; chance if he can repeat. 14
10 THINK AHEAD * Will find this too short. 50
11 WAIRAKEI *** Racing well, caught wide last start and from the inside draw with Harry Kassim should get the gun run. 5.50
12 MY BROTHER ** No Rocket Man but could show up. 14
13 ZAC SUPREME *** Decent effort on resuming and goes well on the Polytrack; chance if he gets a start. 6.00
14 PRINCESS JANNA ** Far from reliable but can put in a good run. 16
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Race 6
Selections; 3 RAPIDO STAR – 2 VALEVOLE – 7 GREAT LIGHT – 6 TEXAN TAKEOVER
Tough race in the fact that most of these can win on their day but most are unreliable conveyances to say the least. So RAPIDO STAR with consistent form of late, Moreira on-board with just 52.5kg ticks more boxes than most. With speed on his outside, Moreira should get a nice sit from gate seven or at least have options to have every chance when it matters. In saying that it would be tempting to have a long look at VALE VOLE on the day after drawing gate two. The Pat Shaw-trained 4YO can be inconsistent but this race does look suitable with 56kg and if he does show near his best, he is right in this. Of the rest who can win if ‘on-song’, GREAT LIGHT was never involved last start so happy to ignore that run and give another chance and TEXAN TAKEOVER had big support last start and while disappointing, can bounce back. Throw in BIRTHDAY GIFT from gate one with Oscar C on-board with one eye on any support for APACE CROWN at the top of the weights and LAGO BAY and CASH DOT COM on the minimum.
1 APACHE CROWN ** Appreciates first up run and race suits; watch for any support. 20
2 VALEVOLE *** Form starting to read badly but 56kg looks OK this company; keep safe. 5.00
3 RAPIDO STAR *** Not beaten far into the places last start and right in this. 3.50
4 BIRTHDAY GIFT *** Recent form only fair but races suits and gate one always a bonus this trip. 8.00
5 FIGHTER JET ** Hard to follow but placed in a similar Poly sprint three back so take on trust. 33
6 TEXAN TAKEOVER *** Disappointing as even money fave similar affair last start but pay to keep safe. 4.00
7 GREAT LIGHT *** Happy to put a line through poor effort last start as can win this if any run from wide gate. 5.00
8 LAGO BAY ** Form better than it reads and the type who has to be included with just 50kg. 12
9 CASH DOT COM ** Did it tough enough last start to follow at odds with no weight. 20
10 MEAISIN * Eligible for easier races than this and happy to just watch today. 33
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Race 7
Selections; 4 GYPSY MAGIC – 10 ZAC STAR DESTROYER – 2 CAUTION – 3 I’M SUPERMAN
A solid Class 5 field considering it is division 2 with more than handful likely to come in for some support with a busy finish on the cards. GYPSY MAGIC has looked due of late and with Freddie Firdaus on-board, he looks a good place as any to start. The affable apprentice has a good record on the 6YO – a win and a solid placing from two recent rides – and expect the Khoo stable to back him in to win this. ZAC STAR DESTROYER very much appreciates being back over 1200m after finding the mile all too hard last start. His recent form over this trip has been sound and he should be thereabouts in this field. As mentioned there are plenty of serious winning hopes so go wide in exotics with (from the top) SPANISH TRAIN, CAUTION, I’M SUPERMAN and the two emergencies – CHINESE TYCOON and MIDLIFE CRISIS – all some hope.
1 SPANISH TRAIN *** Looked to have every chance last start but should be thereabouts. 8.00
2 CAUTION *** Widest draw might not be a concern given his speed and form but maiden status is; play with caution. 3.50
3 I’M SUPERMAN *** Ran like Jimmy Olsen last start but looks a winning hope here from gate one on best form. 6.00
4 GYPSY MAGIC *** Looked to have every chance last start but positive move to hoop who has had success on this horse previously; big run expected with support likely. 4.00
5 BUNKER TROUBLE * Fore! 100
6 ZAC GENERATION * Appreciates first run back where he was OK late but happy to wait for longer. 25
7 RICH BORN ** Won over the mile last start and have to take on trust back in trip. 20
8 LUCKY SUN ** Certainly not the worst at start 129 in what is a suitable race; each-way. 12
9 STARSTRUCK ** Nothing last start but previous form solid enough to include in exotics at value. 20
10 ZAC STAR DESTROYER *** Back in trip a good idea after being found out late over the mile; right in this. 5.00
11 SUDDEN INTEREST * Battled since win five starts back and happy to ignore. 50
12 TRAP * Hard to have on form but drawn well and recent trial OK; watch for any stable support. 50
13 CHINESE TYCOON *** Another maiden who should go very close on form; big show. 5.00
14 MIDLIFE CRISIS *** Turned around some poor form with a great effort late last start and have to follow on that run. 12
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Race 8
Selections; 8 FIRST SCOOP – 1 GOODPACK – 2 THE RUDE WARRIOR – 3 SUPERCZAR
A great race and the fact we could not find room for GREENSTONE and ONE RAR – both very good horses that can win – out of the top four picks is testament to the depth and class of the field. GREENSTONE in particular deserves another mention as his consistency is something to behold and Moreira gets his chance on top. The gate is a concern but a win would not surprise. But some quality at the top in GOODPACK and THE RUDE WARRIOR and an up-and-coming potential star in FIRST SCOOP all appeal. FIRST SCOOP obviously faces his biggest test but the way the FALTAAT 4YO has won his last two suggests he is up to this. From gate five, Tengku Rehaizat should get a few favours and with just 53kg, can win. GOODPACK found it tough last start late but has the runs on the board in good company so have to respect with a very handy 3kg claim a factor. THE RUDE WARRIOR has been thereabouts without a result so blinkers go off and certainly right in this. SUPERCZAR won’t be mentioned in the same breath as a few of the others in this but don’t discount as he will be strong late at each-way value.
1 GOODPACK *** Did not go on with last start but a 3kg claim in this company looks a very good move; can win. 8.00
2 THE RUDE WARRIOR *** Thereabouts without a result of late so blinkers go off; watch tote. 6.00
3 SUPERCZAR *** Not far way last start and has looked due of late; follow each-way at odds. 20
4 GREENSTONE *** Wide gate is always a concern but has early pace, is super consistent and must go close. 4.00
5 ONE RAR *** Put in a shocker as favourite last start but pay to give another chance on excellent form prior. 5.00
6 IMACRUISER *** Placed two of his last three at nice odds; up in trip not a problem so follow. 33
7 LUXURIOUS CHOICE ** In great form and must be respected with 3kg claim in better company. 12
8 FIRST SCOOP *** Biggest test to date but won too well last start not to think a hat-trick is on the cards; follow. 3.00
9 QUINTA DE LAGO * Struggling. 100
10 BOWIE KNIFE ** In form but a big ask in this company; place at best. 33
11 SMART IDEA * Recent nice trial was with blinkers so might wait for easier race with headgear. 100
12 BY LAW * Trip suits but like to see in something easier. 100
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Race 9
Selections; 3 JET ACE – 9 HERO SUCCESS – 4 NOT SIMPLE – 8 BM WIN
Hard to be confident of finding the winner here and looks the type of race to go wide in exotics. In saying that they backed HERO SUCCESS on debut and the 3YO certainly won well enough to think he more than handles this grade. The only concern is that the race has depth and he has drawn awkwardly so will need to be at his best second up to win. So a last start winner in JET ACE appeals. The stable money was on last start – that’s a good sign – and I like the fact Harry Kassim rode him two back where he lead with the young hoop reporting he wasn’t striding (no finding). NOT SIMPLE has done nothing wrong of late winning and running second at his last two with Willy Tan on-board. He was at generous odds on both occasions so worth a serious each-way look again. Of the others keep both emergencies safe with BM WIN and ARAPUNI in the winning mix.
1 MODEL CITIZEN ** Resuming for another new stable with blinkers removed; recent trials good and market good guide. 16
2 ARAPUNI *** Won well enough in Kranji Stakes D company but will need to work from wide gate. 5.00
3 JET ACE *** Money was on last start and have to follow on that strong win. 4.00
4 NOT SIMPLE *** Backed up good win with a very solid placing and looks well placed here with gate one a bonus. 6.00
5 ROBERT E ** Always an each-way show in this type of race and blinkers back on a good move. 16
6 TOUCH THE LINE ** Love to see over longer but form (at odds) too good to leave out; flying late. 33
7 ASIUS ** Former Australian who will enjoy the trip and market watch in order. 33
8 BM WIN *** Starts costly of late but more than capable on his day; keep safe with one eye on the tote. 12
9 HERO SUCCESS *** Backed and won well on debut; drawn awkwardly but can win this. 3.00
10 DOUBLE CASH * Has pace but might be looking for easier company. 33
11 MR BEAN * Another who goes OK but like to see in Class 5. 50
12 POWER AND GLORY ** Form better than it reads and will be right in this late with blinkers downgraded to winkers. 3313 DAWN PROSPECT ** Happy to give another chance on strong debut win this track. 33
14 LIGHTNING MAC ** Showed two back what he has to offer; senior hoop booked a factor. 20
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