Singapore Racing – Friday

Ruapehu (John Powell) draws clear to claim his maiden win in Race 2 on Friday, picture Singapore Turf Club 06/06/14

There is an old saying in racing that goes something along the lines of trainers should put themselves in the best of company and their horses in the worst.

So while Laurie Laxon enjoys what is no doubt very good company in France on a welldeserved holiday, his horses look extremely well-placed in Singapore in his absence.

None more so than RUAPEHU who finds himself in a field of seven in a Novice event over 1100m and given there only looks a few that bother him on form, race 5 on the eight race card is his to win.

The now 4YO has only one win to his name but the fact that was at his only Polytrack run and two of his three seconds placings (from only four career starts) have been behind the smarter than most GOLDEN BRILLIANT, he should win.

And staying on the mantra on putting the horses in the worst company, it will pay to follow plenty of the top-weights with the number 1 saddle cloth likely to be prominent all night.

Early on in the card, TOP OF THE TOWN goes close in the opener while the veteran BAY OF ISLAND must be a huge show over the mile in Class 5 in race 2.

Equal top-weight (but number 2), SMART IDEA, looks extremely well-placed in race 3 and the trend certainly continues in race 4 where WINNING STAR must go close on his good form.

A Laxon race-to-race “number 1” double with RUAPEHU and DOUBLE STAR in races 5 and 6 is followed by another “toppy” in PEGAUS VICTORY in the seventh but hopefully the trend stops in the last with ORGIN FAST (number 4) ready to win in what is a wide open affair.

Best Bets; (RUAPEHU race 5, win), (TENUPONTEN race 6, value) and (TEOCHEW BARRISTER race 1, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 5 (1), race 6 (1, 6, 7, 9 and 11), race 7 (1, 3, 5, 6 and 9), race 8 (3, 4, 8 and 9).

Race 1

Selections; 10 TEOCHEW BARRISTER – 1 TOP OF THE TOWN – 6 UNIVERSAL STARLITE – 9 EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE
Some extremely ordinary performers go around in what is a very weak 1200m polytrack maiden. So while extremely unreliable, TEOCHEW BARRISTER could get in the mix if he consents to do his best. He has excuses last start so ignore that run and Oscar should be able to get him to show his best here. TOP OF THE TOWN put in his best effort in four Singapore runs when 2nd to LION MASTER last outing. This field is no stronger and the 3kg claim for Zawari coupled with a good alley should help. UNIVERSAL STARLITE fought on when fourth in the same race and he should be thereabouts again. DRAGON WALK has been disappointing after showing some early promise but if he can overcome his recent tardy getaways he has enough speed to be prominent throughout. EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE ran on solidly when fourth to STAR JET at his last outing and gets an upgrade to blinkers.

1 TOP OF THE TOWN *** Put in his best effort in four starts when 2nd to LION MASTER last outing when tongue-tie added. Well drawn and with the claim should be right in the finish. 3.00
2 CLASSIC EFFECT * Needs to improve on three starts to date. 33
3 GOOD CHILD * Well beaten at all four outings. 50
4 DRAGON WALK ** Has been slowly away at recent starts. Showed speed in earlier engagements and if he gets away this race may be weak enough. 6.00
5 TAKEAIM * Blinker/pacifiers on but form too poor to consider. 50
6 UNIVERSAL STARLITE *** Fought on for fourth behind LION MASTER last outing. Should race well again. 5.00
7 FANTASTIC WARRIOR * Shown little so far. 50
8 BAT KING * Gets Blinker/pacifiers and tongue tie but may need more than that. 50
9 EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE *** Solid effort behind STAR JET last start. Should make his presence felt with upgrade to blinkers. 5.00
10 TEOCHEW BARRISTER *** Has been disappointing but excuses last start, can run on and this is a weak field. Watch for support. 4.00
11 SUI GENERIS * Blinkers on but has to improve dramatically. 25

Race 2

Selections; 1 BAY OF ISLAND – 3 MONEY KING – 2 GODS SPEED – 7 GANBATTE GANBATTE
An extremely open Class 5 over a mile with many chances. SUPER LUCKY POWER has changed stables, his recent trial was impressive and he may go forward with SUPER STAR and FEI YUE being tried at the distance for the first time. This should give a sit for the veteran BAY OF ISLAND who has been placed three times with little Ruzaili and should race well again. He knows how to win and if the boy can do him justice, he will be hard to hold out. MORE THAN WORTHY and GOD’S SPEED are one-pacers who will appreciate a solid speed and should be in the finish whilst GYPSY STAR, FOREIGN EXCHANGE and MONEY KING are the one’s that will be closing late. Of those three, MONEY KING looks due and appreciates Class 5 so goes mighty close. The horse formally known as Warisan, GANBATTE GANBATTE, might be the bolter at odds as he looks suited this type of race and had excuses last start.

1 BAY OF ISLAND *** Veteran who has been placed at past three outings in similar affairs when ridden by Ruzaili. Will appreciate claim and should race well. 6.00
2 GODS SPEED *** Drops in grade and only win was over 1700m when ridden by Lisa Allpress. Will be handy all the way with upgrade to blinkers. 6.00
3 MONEY KING *** Placed over 1900m last start and put in good effort over a mile at previous start both in KSD company. Has covered ground in both those outings and may find this easier. 6.00
4 ZAC VELOCITY * Better on turf but showed last start he appreciates the company. 20
5 MORE THAN WORTHY ** One-pacer who battles away. Will get a gun run from the ace. 10
6 FEI YUE ** Blinkers off. On trial at the trip. Only win was at 1200m but could give cheek from the good alley with John Powell to ride. 16
7 GANBATTE GANBATTE *** Formerly Warisan. Solid effort when resuming over 1700m with excuses in this company. Watch for support. 14
8 FOREIGN EXCHANGE *** Dead-heated last start. Suited this grade and goes well for Rueven. Will be closing late. 7.00
9 SUGARTIME JAZZ ** Usually runs on but has been reported as resenting polytrack in the past. Take on trust. 20
10 SUPER LUCKY POWER *** Blinkers off, tongue tie on. Resuming for new trainer. Pushed but won barrier trial very well recently. Watch market. 10
11 GYPSY STAR *** Won on turf over 1400m two starts back then ran on over 1700m on poly. Will appreciate claim and should be powering home late. 7.00
12 SUPER STAR ** Likes to lead and if he gets a soft lead may be hard to pass. 12

Race 3

Selections; 2 SMART IDEA – 9 DRAGON G – 6 BOOMARANG DELUXE – 3 DAAD’S THE WAY
Another tough race, a Class 4 over a mile with a number of proven performers involved. There are several likely to go forward with BEAUTIFUL WORLD who normally leads and LONESOME ME and DRAGON G both go best when ridden on the speed. The latter has been racing well in Class 4 on turf and given his only wins have been on the poly and the mile suits, Dan Beasley should give him every chance. SMART IDEA was given no chance in a KSC last outing and came from well off the pace to finish a close up fourth; the mile also suits and from the good barrier with Rueven’s claim, he should get a gun run just back of the speed. BOOMARANG DELUXE had support and just missed to the promising HUGHSY last start over 1400m. His only win was on the poly and if he can handle the quick back-up and 1600m, should be in the finish once again. ENLIGHTEN KNIGHT is an interesting runner. He won a maiden at Arawa Park in NZ over 1400m and at his last start over a mile in Singapore made a long sustained run only to weaken late; with Noreesh Juglall replacing Desmond Chan, he could attract support. DARK PULSE returned to form on turf last start and has won on the poly; despite the weight could race well. Old DAAD’S THE WAY can never be discounted in these affairs.

1 DARK PULSE ** Returned to form on turf with 1400m KSD win. Has won at this journey on poly and despite weight, poor draw and Class rise, should race well. 7.50
2 SMART IDEA *** Was given no chance last outing when he ran on from well back to finish close up in KSC company behind ONE RAR. Well drawn in this and should get a gun run. Claim helps and will be hard to beat. 4.00
3 DAAD’S THE WAY *** Veteran who has been racing soundly and always a chance in these. 8.00
4 BEAUTIFUL WORLD * Pulled up lame last start but likes to lead and could give a sight if left in front. 20
5 GOOD LOOUKEN ** Will enjoy being back on poly and has raced OK over the mile previously. Keep safe at odds. 33
6 BOOMARANG DELUXE *** Had support and just missed to the promising HUGHSY on turf over 1400m last start. Only win was on poly at 1000m but if he handles quick backup and 1600m, should be in the finish. 5.50
7 ENLIGHTEN KNIGHT ** Won maiden at Arawa Park (NZ) over 1400m. Made long run before weakening over a mile on turf in Class4 last outing. Gets senior rider and could make a bid. Watch for support. 10
8 LONESOME ME ** Will enjoy being back on poly. Best efforts have been when allowed to race on pace and should get that opportunity from good alley. 8.00
9 DRAGON G *** Honest fellow who battles away. Close up at past couple of outings on turf over 1600m and only wins have been on poly. Should give a bold sight from the ace. 4.50
10 HUMOR TOWN *** Raced wide and bolted in at first attempt at 1700m in Class 5 last outing. This is much harder but drops 7kg and could surprise again. 12

Race 4

Selections; 1 WINNING STAR – 6 DOUBLE HOCK – 2 EXCUSEZ MOI – 5 REAL GOODMAN
Another poor race – a Class 5 over a mile full of non-winners and those that haven’t won for a long time. WINNING STAR is a maiden but he gets a significant riding change with Noreesh Juglall getting aboard stepping up to a mile. Being by Keeper, the mile should be a suitable distance for him and from the good gate he looks the horse with most upside. EXCUSEZ MOI is also a maiden, he was caught wide last start and plodded away; better drawn in this, he should be handy all the way. DOUBLE HOCK is another that has been a maiden for a long time but with P Dellorto taking the claim he should get a gun run from the ace. ZENA is third run back from a let-up, the mile suits and with Lisa Allpress taking over from TR Barnabas, she could show up. Of the usual suspects, CONQUEST should be able to lead and could give a sight, REAL GOODMAN, MR BEAN, BARGAIN BID and TRIPLE GOALS have at least won races in their careers and could show up.

1 WINNING STAR *** Placed at past two outings. Gets Juglall and distance should suit. Will be on the speed all the way. 3.00
2 EXCUSEZ MOI *** Dour fellow who battles away. Gets a 4kg claim and should be handy all the way. 5.00
3 SALUTE * Form not good enough. 50
4 BARGAIN BID ** Only win was at 1200m but battled away over 1700m two starts back and is rarely far away in this grade. 14
5 REAL GOODMAN ** Far from reliable but does know how to win and this distance, grade and surface suit. Saddle slipped last start but have to take on trust. 12
6 DOUBLE HOCK *** Still a maiden after 24 starts but will get a gun run from the ace and gets his chance. 6.00
7 MR BEAN ** Yet to win on poly or beyond 1400m but has been placed numerous times. Chance again. 12
8 ZAC WARRIOR * Placed two starts back over 1200m but failed at only attempt at a mile. Three-time winner who could show up in this weak field. 16
9 CONQUEST * Likes to lead but has been getting caught at recent outings. Could give a sight. 14
10 TRIPLE GOALS ** Veteran who rarely wins but always a threat at this level. 12
11 ZENA ** Third run back from let-up and gets Lisa Allpress. Fair effort last start and suited here. Watch for support. 8.00

Race 5

Selections; 1 RUAPEHU – 5 MASTERMIND – 2 KAZUO – 3 KISS ME
A small Novice field over 1100m where RUAPEHU is the one with recent form, has drawn the ace, his only win was on the surface at 1100m and with Corey Brown up should be able to dictate proceedings all the way. And given his form is behind some types including GOLDEN BRILLIANT, he will be very short and hard to beat. Who runs second? KAZUO won in Initiation company with TR Barnabas up two starts back then fought well over 1200m last outing; with Lisa Allpress steering he should race well. MASTERMIND has plenty of speed, he had support when resuming but was caught wide and weakened; in his first preparation he beat KAZUO home over 1000m on the poly and meets him 7kg better. KISS ME was not far behind RUAPEHU in a Graduation last start, he should race well again.

1 RUAPEHU *** Placed in Graduation company on turf at past two outings. Only win was on this surface and distance. Hard to beat from the ace. 1.20
2 KAZUO ** Won 1200m poly Initiation two starts back and fought on well for TR Barnabas over 1200m in Class 4 last outing. Gets Lisa Allpress and should race well. 5.00
3 KISS ME ** Honest and usually thereabouts at this level. Only win was at 1200m on turf. 12
4 JUST FOR J * Blinkers and tongue tie on. Has done nothing since surprise win at long odds on debut. 200
5 MASTERMIND ** Caught wide when resuming and faded. At previous start beat KAZUO over 1000m and meets him 7kg better. 6.00
6 OCEAN DREAM * Trialing fairly but outclassed in this. 200
7 UNLIMITED POWER * Has ability but eligible for much easier. 200

Race 6

Selections; 1 DOUBLE STAR – 9 TENUPONTEN – 11 STILETTO – 7 SOLITAIRE
This race could very well be DOUBLE STAR’s to lose. With four wins and six places from some 17 starts, the Laurie Laxon-trained 5YO has certainly paid his way and given he placed in Open company last start, this race looks very winnable with only 55kg courtesy of a Rueven claim. But a couple down the weights in TENUPONTEN and STILETTO are well worth a look. TENUPONTEN bled last start but certainly has shown enough previously to think he wins a race like this on a good day. The tongue-tie goes on and with a very nice recent trial under his belt, he could surprise first-up at odds. STILETTO has plenty of pace and is the one the others have to run down. The mare showed enough last start with support in this company to follow with gate 3 and Corey Brown both in her favour. Of the rest, VERTICAL START is worth another look with blinkers on first-time and SOLITAIRE leads what could be a plethora of swoopers.

1 DOUBLE STAR *** Place in Open company last start and will find this more to his liking. 4.00
2 SMILESWITHHISEYES ** Promising stayer freshened and will work into this late. 20
3 CASH DOT COM ** Better than what he has shown at his last two but like to see some support. 20
4 RIEDEL ** Another Walker stayer freshened for this but could show up late if race run to suit. 20
5 AWAKENED * Hard to have on recent form and Poly not his caper. 33
6 VERTICAL START *** Blinkers on after being disappointing last start and always looks a winning hope. 6.00
7 SOLITAIRE *** Excuses last start and previous form has him storming home late. 8.00
8 DRAGON KING ** Hasn’t been at his best of late but goes well enough on a good day to keep safe. 20
9 TENUPONTEN *** Resuming with tongue-tie after bleeding last start and recent trial suggests he goes close. 8.00
10 KNIGHT SPIRIT ** Placed two starts back this trip but another who will be suited to longer. 20
11 STILETTO *** Speedy mare who looks very well placed to show her best in this company. 4.00
12 SELIGI ** Always in the mix and worth a serious each-way look with blinkers on. 10

Race 7

Selections; 1 PEGASUS VICTORY – 5 GOOD BOSS – 9 SUPER CAPTAIN – 6 STATE TROOPER
Punters might be wary of this claimers only Class 5 Poly sprint with a couple of the fancies having had plenty of support of late for little return. At the top of the weights, PEGASUS VICTORY is the main culprit finding one better two starts back as the odds-on pop and finishing third with heavy support at his most recent run. Rueven looks a good move as does a fair gate and field with no depth, so he gets his chance. GOOD BOSS is in a similar boat support wise but certainly shown enough to think he goes mighty close if he does a few things right in running. As mentioned there isn’t much depth to this race so a horse like SUPER CAPTAIN looks some hope after drawing nicely in gate 2 and STATE TROOPER – who is coming off a shocker – has to be respected on his KSD win two starts back. This could get ugly!

1 PEGASUS VICTORY *** Foot on the till but desperately needs a result for the support of late. 3.00
2 RICHEAST * Very disappointing two runs this campaign and would need support before considering. 33
3 DRAGON PLAYER *** Never a show last start from a similar gate but could surprise if ridden more positively. 12
4 VANTAGE * Needs longer. 33
5 GOOD BOSS *** Backing-up after another good placing and looks ready to win. 3.00
6 STATE TROOPER *** Pay to excuse last start failure as win two back in KSD company has him well and truly in this. 6.00
7 I’M A RICH MAN * Resuming with upgrade to blinkers and hopefully improves with OK recent trial a pointer. 50
8 CARNIVAL STAR * Resuming and best form is on the grass. 33
9 SUPER CAPTAIN *** Excuses last start and looks well placed from gate 2 to win this. 6.00
10 CELESTIAL STAR ** Disappointing last start but previous form has him involved somewhere. 20
11 PRINCETON * Nothing last start so back in trip might be a good move. 33
12 STRIDE METEOR ** Last start better than the result and could surprise at odds. 33
13 BEST BARGAIN * Hard to have on recent form. 33

Race 8

Selections; 4 ORIGIN FAST – 3 MIGHTY CREATION – 9 GAZOO – 8 SACRED CROWN
ORIGIN FAST is in super form and connections would be hoping she can add another win to what is a very good CV. The race looks perfect given most of the good form from other horses does come from easier races and from gate 2, Alan Munro will give the filly every possible chance. Of the three last start winners, only SACRED CROWN won at this level and while he is up a few kg’s for the effort and has a wide gate to contend with, he gets an experienced hoop in Tadhg O’Shea and must be respected. Of the rest, MIGHTY CREATION finds himself back in his recent winning grade and goes close on best form with GAZOO – who had excuses last start – will appreciate gate 1 and should figure late. But ORIGIN FAST the best option in the last.

1 DRAGON SPIRIT * Appreciates company but form hopeless. 50
2 HARDEN UP ** Form reads badly but excuses last stat and appreciates this company so watch for support. 20
3 MIGHTY CREATION *** Finds himself back in his winning company from four starts back and pay to keep safe. 8.00
4 ORIGIN FAST *** In very good form and looks extremely well-placed from gate 2 to win this. 2.00
5 EXQUISITELY SWEET ** Last run a lot better than the result and goes close at odds with tongue-tie removed. 20
6 RED RIVER ROCK * Resuming for new trainer after a poor run of form with market only guide. 20
7 HAKAMGONG * Reassess over longer. 33
8 SACRED CROWN *** Won nicely last start this company with no weight and must be respected with senior hoop. 6.50
9 GAZOO *** Excuses last start and gets his chance after drawing the ace. 8.00
10 GOOD SCORE ** Took a drop to Class 5 to win but pay to keep safe as has the speed to be a nuisance. 12
11 GENOVA AT WORK ** Another last start Class 5 winner who would be competitive on his day. 12
12 PETITE VICTOIRE * Blinkers off after showing little last start and might be looking for easier. 33

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