Can Manny Nunes make Dr Ocotpus a winner in the opener?
As you would expect, Manny Nunes returned to the riding ranks in Singapore with plenty of winners – six at his first weekend back – and no reason to think he doesn’t continue on with his winning ways tonight.
In saying that, the Brazilian only has one ride in the first four races but can make that mount – DR OCTOPUS – a winning one in the opener. The one-time winner looks out of form but a significant drop to Class 5 company and the fact Nunes jumps on suggests a very forward showing. A couple of each-way hopes in ALPHA CENTAURI (race 5) and SACRED SPIN (race 6) will keep Nunes interested mid-meeting but it is his finish to the card that could see him extend his margin in the jockeys premiership.
GHOST looks very hard to beat in race 7 and CASH BOX only has THE GENERAL to worry about in race 8. True, THE GENERAL will be hard to toss but if Nunes has knocked in a couple of wins by the last, BRHAMA CIRCUS will be well supported to give him another hat-trick of wins and continue what has been an expected but still refreshing return to racing.
Elsewhere on the card, there looks a few open races and the likes of REMEMBER ME (race 4) and NATION THEATRE (race 6) should provide each-way value and it will worth keeping an eye on RORY in the first as he should win a race like that if anywhere near his best.
.
Friday 10 July
Best Bets: (THE GENERAL race 8, win), (NATION THEATRE race 6, each-way) and (REMEMBER ME race 4, each-way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 8 and 9), race 7 (1, 3, 8, 10 and 12), race 8 (1 and 3), race 9 (1, 2 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 DR OCTOPUS – 6 RORY – 2 SUPER SPUR – 7 ALWAYS A WINNER
DR OCTOPUS gets his chance to knock in just his second career win dropping to Class 5 company. His maiden win was over this trip so that is also in his favour and Manny Nunes obviously a good booking. RORY looks his main danger. The 5YO looked disappointing last start but given he had excuses on that occasion, the run better than it looks and he will win one of these sooner than later. The race lacks depth but SUPER SPUR very much appreciates the drop to Class 5 so he could give this a shake and ALWAYS A WINNER has to be respected on recent form. Keep the emergency STOCK BROKER safe and perhaps PROBO CHANDROSO who improved last start.
1 DR OCTOPUS *** Significant drop in Class and only win was this trip. 2.50
2 SUPER SPUR *** Another who comes under notice back in Class 5 with experienced hoop a factor. 8.00
3 LET’S SCREAM NOW * Maiden who looks impossible on form. 50
4 PROBO CHANDROSO ** Showed last start this company is to his liking and can include in exotics. 6.00
5 LIVE IN HOPE ** Excuses last start and improves at odds for the run under his belt. 33
6 RORY *** Excuses last start and happy to think he is up to a race like this if on-song. 4.50
7 ALWAYS A WINNER *** Tongue-tie off and always a show in races like this. 6.00
8 BANK ON ME * Improved this company last start but needs to show more. 33
9 LOYALTY’S ANGEL * No. 100
10 PURE WHITE ** Maiden back in trip but usually thereabouts. 15
11 POWERFUL FIGHTER * Hard to have on from. 33
12 GODS SPEED ** Form reads badly but appreciates getting back on his preferred surface. 33
13 STOCK BROKER *** Maiden who looks suited in this so keep safe if he gets a start. 6.00
14 FINAL COUNTDOWN * No. 100
.
Race 2
Selections; 6 MR JACKSON – 1 MIGHTY GLORY – 3 CONFACET – 4 GILT COMPLEX
Firstly, in a race with little depth, it will pay to keep both emergencies very safe if they get a run. MR BLOSSOM looks to have his foot on the till and MARINE TREASURE had support on debut and did enough to follow in a race like this. But as it stands, two confirmed starters that are ready to win in MR JACKSON and MIGHTY GLORY look the pair that punters will be on. Not much separates the two but MIGHTY GLORY has been trying for a while now so we will give the benefit of the doubt to MR JACKSON to win at start three. Not a lot of newcomer’s standout on trial form but CONFACET and LUCKY LINCOLN could come in for support and always pay to include a 2YO in exotics with EAGLE SOAR and GOLD STOCK the pick of that bunch.
1 MIGHTY GLORY *** Frustrating now to have won one yet but switch to Poly and gate 1 could see a result. 2.70
2 PUBLIC GUARDIAN ** Improves on first-up run and could show up in exotics at value. 20
3 CONFACET *** Trials good enough to think he plays a part on debut in a field with little depth. 10
4 GILT COMPLEX * Prefer to just watch on exposed trial form. 33
5 LUCKY LINCOLN *** Drawn awkwardly but solid at two Official trials and worth a look. 10
6 MR JACKSON *** Showed more than enough at two starts to think he can win this. 2.50
7 RAAJPOOT ** Hasn’t shown his hand at two quiet trials and would like to see market support. 20
8 EAGLE SOAR ** Has speed and could run a very cheeky race with just 50kg. 20
9 DRAGON RUBY * Needs to show more. 50
10 GOLD STOCK ** Will improve with racing and not the worst with lightweight. 20
11 SPIRIT SEVEN * Another 2YO who has trialed quietly and would like to see support. 20
12 MOTHER NATURE * Will improve with race experience but later. 33
13 MR BLOSSOM *** Been running some big races at odds and gets his chance in this field. 5.00
14 MARINE TREASURE *** Supported and did enough at debut to think he wins one early. 5.00
.
Race 3
Selections; 1 MR WHITAKER – 4 SCOUT DONE – 3 KAISER – 8 PERFECT CHALLENGER
Plenty of horses in this race come under notice after having all sorts of excuses last start but none better than the top-weight, MR WHITAKER, who could have gone close to winning last start. That was on the turf and given he gets back onto his recent winning surface, all bodes well for a result. Like MR WHITAKER, SCOUT DONE is a very progressive type and obviously finds himself in a rich vein of form coming off two wins. He is up in grade but a recent trial suggests he is up to this company and can win. Of the rest, KAISER looks the benchmark on recent form in this grade, DREAMCATCHER is right in this on his usual solid form while the likes of PERFECT CHALLENGER sans headgear and SWEET LODGE should work into this late. EASY MONEY and perhaps TROPICAL THUNDER at any old odds are two for the exotics if budget permits.
1 MR WHITAKER *** Excuses not to win last start and hard to beat back on his preferred surface. 2.50
2 DREAMCATCHER ** Always a show in races like this and a must for exotics. 8.00
3 KAISER *** Needs a result while in form but will keep them very honest. 4.00
4 SCOUT DONE *** Progressive type whose recent trial suggests he is up to this company. 4.00
5 SWEET LODGE ** Will be running on well at odds and pay to keep safe. 12
6 SLAYER * Resuming and like to see over longer. 20
7 EASY MONEY ** Better than what he showed first up after spell and could show up at long odds. 20
8 PERFECT CHALLENGER ** Form starting to read badly but goes OK on his day and will work into this late with blinkers off. 20
9 VITALLY SECRET * Appreciates Poly but needs longer and easier. 100
10 TROPICAL FOREST * Form looks hopeless but excuses last start and did trial well prior. 50
.
Race 4
Selections; 2 REMEMBER ME – 4 ASTRO MAN – 1 SPEED MACHINE – 5 LIM’S BATTLE
Jockeys will play a big part in this race with Laurie Laxon opting for a 3kg claimer to get REMEMBER ME over the line and Bruce Marsh putting all his eggs in the Michael Rodd basket on ASTRO MAN. REMEMBER ME is certainly in form and has gone very close at two Poly starts. If F Tan can make use of gate 1, REMEMBER ME could be hard to hold out. In saying that, ASTRO MAN has drawn gate 2 and is due with the step up to 1600m a good move. Of the others, the two Lim stable horses in LIM’S BATTLE and LIM’S MIRAGE both have winning chances while SPEED MACHINE showed three starts back he enjoys this trip and track.
1 SPEED MACHINE *** Improves after two runs this campaign and best run was this trip and track. 6.00
2 REMEMBER ME *** Looks due and very much appreciates being back on the Poly with visor off. 4.00
3 MR TRY ** Query the surface and hard to follow but pay to keep safe on best form with tongue-tie added. 12
4 ASTRO MAN *** Showed more than enough to think step up to the mile will suit with winkers off. 5.00
5 LIM’S BATTLE *** Blinkers on. Awkwardly drawn but gives every indication the mile is his caper so pay to keep safe. 8.00
6 KIWICAN ** Form poor but may appreciate the mile so watch for any stable support. 20
7 HAPPY JOY * Excuses last start but impossible on race form. 200
8 LIM’S MIRAGE *** Query on the Poly but some recent turf form suggests he is ready to win. 3.00
9 RAINBOW WARRIOR * Sink or swim. 100
10 VIVA RAAJ * No. 100
11 PHARMA BROWNE ** Shows glimpses but hard to recommend. 20
12 HONKYTONK MAN * Runs the odd cheeky race but easier to ignore. 50
13 LORD DARLINGTON * Skinny end of exotics at best. 33
14 PUERTO COLONIA * No. 100
.
Race 5
Selections; 6 MAJESTIC MOMENTS – 1 GOLIATH – 7 ALPHA CENTAURI – 4 THESE STREETS
Cracking race with some up and coming stars tested against GOLIATH who has claims to be the best Poly horse in Singapore when at his best. The 5YO has an exceptional record on the all-weather track and while he did put in a few bad runs on this surface some six months ago, they do look an anomaly as he showed two starts back that at his best, he is very hard to beat. He does have to carry 59kg though and that will test against the likes of MAJESTIC MOMENTS who gets in very well with just 51kg. The 3YO has only had one run for one win on this surface but has shown he is up to this company and he could be hard to beat. The race has depth though and ALPHA CENTAURI loves the surface and is in form while THESE STREETS – who is having his first go on the poly – should go well. Don’t forget OM.
1 GOLIATH *** Showed two starts back why he is extremely hard to beat on the Poly. 4.00
2 ALEXANDRA PALACE * Can be hard to catch and Poly form a query. 12
3 NANDOWRA ** Not far away last couple and cheeky run expected. 20
4 THESE STREETS *** Hard to fault recent form but doesn’t win out of turn and having first try on the Poly at the races. 6.00
5 HOLY WARRIOR ** Hasn’t won since Singapore debut but thereabouts and this type of race suits. 10
6 MAJESTIC MOMENTS *** Smart type who won well at only start on this surface. Hard to beat. 3.00
7 ALPHA CENTAURI *** In form and enjoys the Poly so right in this. 5.50
8 OM *** Not seen often on this surface and wont win out if turn but in form and will be in the mix late. 12
9 TIGER MASTER * Struggling. 100
10 DRAGON G ** Very much appreciates being back on the Poly and will improve at odds. 33
.
Race 6
Selections; 3 NATION THEATRE – 2 IKING – 1 KAI POWER – 8 BRING MONEY HOME
Hard to be confident in this race with most horses having some hope on best form and at least six very well-placed to turn some good recent form into a win. Case in point is IKING who refuses to run a bad race recently and never far away at the finish. Obviously he is desperate for a result while in form but again gets his chance. NATION THEATRE should enjoy being back on the Poly and a big run is expected. He has drawn wide but that may ensure a positive ride and hopefully a result. KAI POWER has shown at his last two starts that the Poly may be his caper while BRINGMONEYHOME is another fancy who goes close with luck after drawing badly. YES BABA at odds one other to watch and go even wider in exotics.
1 KAI POWER *** In very good form and could be hard to hold out in recent winning grade. 4.00
2 IKING *** In extremely consistent form and has to win one sooner than later. 6.00
3 NATION THEATRE *** Drawn awkwardly but Poly form is excellent and looks very well placed to win this. 10
4 SACRED SPIN ** Always a show in this type of race with best work expected late. 12
5 SMART VINTAGE ** Yet to win in Singapore but thereabouts as a rule and recent trial OK. 12
6 TANGIBLE ASSETS ** Resuming after bleeding attack but would give this a shake on best form. 20
7 BORDEAUX ** Honest as a rule and may appreciate this trip on the Poly. 12
8 BRING MONEY HOME *** Another fancy drawn wide but in very good form and can win. 5.00
9 YES BABA *** Gets tongue-tie and gate 1 in what is a very suitable Poly race. Keep safe. 12
10 DAAD’S THE WAY ** Back on his favourite surface and could figure at odds at start 99. 20
11 U GOT IT ** Resuming with blinkers and could run a very cheeky race at odds. 33
12 ROSADO ** Can be hard to follow but showed enough last start to keep safe. 9.00
13 CHRISTMAS ** Won similar affair two back and pay to keep safe. 12
14 MR CONNERY ** Appreciates being back on the Poly and can make his presence felt at odds. 20
.
Race 7
Selections; 1 GHOST – 8 GOLDEN CURL – 12 GATO NEGRO – 3 BOGART
While the race could show up a surprise or two, it would be a brave pundit to tip against GHOST. The lightly raced 6YO has obviously had his issues over the years but he looks in good health at the minute and hard to beat back on his preferred surface. If things do get silly out front, GOLDEN CURL may the danger late. The 6YO can storm home if the race is run to suit swoopers and an experienced claimer in Harry Kassim looks a smart move. Of the rest, GATO NEGRO appreciates being on the Poly and is always a show at odds while BOGART is in good enough form to follow and has a nice Poly record. Keep both emergencies safe but GHOST the one they all have to beat.
1 GHOST *** Back on the Poly in his favour and hard to beat. 2.50
2 ASTROSTAR ** Another who appreciates the Poly and will be thereabouts at the business end. 6.00
3 BOGART *** In form and has a good Poly record so a switch in surfaces a good move. 7.00
4 RAPIDO STAR * Nowhere near his best of late. 50
5 LEE BANK * Former Malaysian who would need support to consider. 50
6 GOOD NEWS ** Remains in good form and will make his presence felt late. 12
7 GOBI RANGER ** Disappointing last start but handles the Poly and look for improvement. 12
8 GOLDEN CURL *** Excuses last start and could win this if race run to suit backmarkers. 8.00
9 CORDOBA * Hard to have on form but only Poly run was OK. 33
10 BLACK FURY *** Loves the Poly and showed last start he can win a race like this. 8.00
11 SOLITAIRE ** Will be running on late at odds but should need easier to win. 20
12 GATO NEGRO *** Was checked last start and appreciates the Poly. Value. 20
13 SECRET MISSION *** Continues to run well in these types of race and often value. 12
14 TOU SHOU BRIGHT *** Another that continues to show up at value and have to follow. 12
.
Race 8
Selections; 3 THE GENERAL – 1 CASH BOX – 12 ALAN – 8 COTE DE NUITS
A really odd Class 4 sprint where there looks only two winning hopes but still tough for punters given nothing separates the pair. Coincidentally, CASH BOX and THE GENERAL both come into this with three runs in Singapore under their belts after arriving as racedhorses from Australia and Argentina respectively. THE GENERAL just gets the early nod given he gets to jump from gate 1 and that may count for plenty come the business end. Nothing else appeals in this race but for those wanting to play something other than a win, place or forecast, ALAN might show sorting at long odds back on the Poly and COTE DU NUITS obviously showed enough last start to follow.
1 CASH BOX *** Shown a liking for the Poly since arriving and wins a race like this. 2.50
2 MUSCLE BEACH * Freshened and gets tongue-tie but prefer others. 20
3 THE GENERAL *** Just missed last start and ready to knock in first Singapore win. 3.00
4 CHEYENNE WARRIOR * Goes OK on his day but disappointing last start and have to take on trust. 20
5 THEBUZZDOWNUNDER ** Significantly back in trip but win four starts back was over 1200m so pay to keep safe. 12
6 AMITYSHIP * Should strip fitter for Singapore debut run but like to see some support. 20
7 CLERMONT CLUB * Needs longer. 100
8 COTE DE NUITS ** Almost pinched one at odds in easier company last start and another to keep safe. 12
9 DRAGON INFINITY * Competitive last start in this company but should need easier to win. 20
10 SMART SUPREME * Loves the Poly but 1200m can test. 20
11 D’DON * Up in Class and better over shorter. 20
12 ALAN ** Form reads terribly and should need easier but switch to Poly a smart move. 100
.
Race 9
Selections; 2 BRAHMA CIRCUS – 8 GADAWON – 1 ASSERTIVE LAD – 6 ART OF WAR
Another race with little depth and punters should gravitate to the consistent BRAHMA CIRCUS. The 3YO probably doesn’t win often enough to be odds-on but his honesty coupled with a race with no other standout suggests they give him a “red-hot go”. As mentioned nothing jumps off the page to beat him but ASSERTIVE LAD – who’s is yet to win on the Poly – will win sooner than later in this company so has to be respected and GADAWON might be suited back on his winning surface. ART OF WAR and STILETTO two to keep safe at odds and YIN YIE is an each-way hope.
1 ASSERTIVE LAD *** Yet to win on the Poly but showed last start he does sooner then later in this grade. 4.00
2 BRAHMA CIRCUS *** Always a winning show in races like this and pay to follow. 2.50
3 STILETTO ** Disappointing when resuming in similar affair last start but can improve for the outing. 12
4 DOHATSUTEN ** Japanese sprinter making Singapore debut and could give a sight. 33
5 YIN JIE ** Always a show in this type of race and often at value so pay to follow. 12
6 ART OF WAR ** Excuses last start (saddle) and subsequent trial suggests he runs a cheeky race. 20
7 DRAGON KING ** Last run better than the result and worth some thought in exotics at odds. 20
8 GADAWON *** Not far away of late and back to winning surface has him under notice. 5.00
9 ANGRY CAT * Better than his form suggests but needs easier than this, 33
10 OHANA ** Appreciates first-up run in Singapore and look for improvement. 20
11 KING OF KOON * Been in good form of late but prefer in Class 5. 20
12 LION MASTER * Resuming with tongue-tie and might need easier. 100
.
