Singapore Racing – Friday

After drawing blanks in his last 16 starts, Afrojack (Mark Ewe) finally tastes victory in Race 4 on Friday. Picture Singapore Turf Club.

He’s back. The man they call “Magic”, Joao Moreira, returns to racing in Singapore for a full-weekend for the first time since 2013.

The record-breaking jockey did make a cameo on International Day in May and while only riding the one winner from what looked a strong book of rides, this mixed surface meeting does look his caper.

Joao was a master of poly racing during his time in Singapore and he did manage to get some average horses in lower Class races to show their best.

So with rides in Class 5 races on the likes of AFROJACK (race 1), STATE TROOPER (race 4), PICTURE (race 6) and AFTERNOON DELIGHT (race 8), you would expect the ace Brazilian hoop to knock in a couple of wins.

He will also get the most out of a solid maiden in HAPPY HAPPY (race 2) and could even lift EXCAVATOR to an overdue win in a Class 4 sprint (race 5).

But Moreira also gets the best out of good horses and VALBUENA certainly fits that bill in race 7.

After only three runs in Singapore that included two in Group 1’s, the former Kiwi finds himself in suitable Class 3 company and should have the Class to show his best with Moreira pulling the strings.

Hopefully for followers of the now Hong Kong-based champ, he has a few winners under his belt heading into the last but if he doesn’t, ALAN could be one of his best for the day.

The Oscar Stable-owned Alan backed up a good Class 4 victory with a close-up second and in a race with no depth, he should really win.

Best Bets; (ALAN race 9, win), (OVER EASY race 6, each-way) and (SOLID WOOD race 4, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 6 and 7), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5), race 8 (2, 4, 5 and 7), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5).

Race 1

Selections; 5 AFROJACK – 1 ALWAYS A WINNER – 2 FISCAL WINGS – 4 SUPER BONUS
An interesting Class 5 over 1200m on the poly starts the programme if only for the return of the great man Joao Moreira, who takes the mount on AFROJACK – one of Alwin Tan’s two runners. The two-time winner has got out of his ground at his past two outings and has run on late; he is suited in this company and with Moreira and a good gate is likely to be much handier and will close-off well. The stablemate, GOOD BOSS can also be tardy at the start; from the wide gate with Oscar Chavez up, where he sits in the run will be a challenge but he can finish off his races. The pace should be set by ALWAYS A WINNER and if he is allowed to roll along he could be hard to pass. FISCAL WINGS may well go forward and take him on, he will be much better suited with Manoel Nunes taking over from 4kg claimer Desmond Chan. Others that should be finishing off late include SUPER BONUS who will appreciate Noh Senari and the mare GYPSY STAR who is back in trip but can finish very strongly.

1 ALWAYS A WINNER *** Possesses speed and led last start. Won at previous start when ridden off the pace. Will give a sight. 4.50
2 FISCAL WINGS *** Handy and battled away when ridden by 4kg claimer last start. With Nunes up will cross and be close to the lead all the way. 6.00
3 MISCHEF LOVE US * Has shown some improvement at past two efforts but still has a way to go. Nice alley will help. 25
4 SUPER BONUS ** Got a mile back but ran on well last outing when resuming. Will benefit from a more positive ride with top apprentice aboard. 7.50
5 AFROJACK *** Has got too far back at past two outings. Wont make that mistake with a good alley and Moreira. 3.50
6 FAMOUS N FAST * Only wins on turf with headgear and has not shown any worthwhile form for some time. 25
7 DAZZLE * Showed speed and faded last outing. Yet to place in 7 runs. 33
8 GOOD BOSS ** Often misses start and finds trouble. Poorly drawn but if he gets away can be in the finish. 8.00
9 NOVEMBER SUCCESS * Unsighted at recent trial and needs to improve on what we have seen to date. 33
10 GYPSY STAR ** Won three starts back over 1400m and has won this trip. Gets back in her races and coming back from 1600m but if close enough will be running on late. 8.00
11 LAM EDITION * Has shown nothing. 50
12 PLAY ON ** Disappointed since winning 3 starts back. Take on trust 12
13 DIAMOND ON THE BAY * Waste of a good gate. 50

Race 2

Selections; 5 SUPER WINNER – 1 HAPPY HAPPY – 7 HEE’S EGO – 3 ART OF WAR
A Restricted Maiden over 1100m on the poly with Alwin Tan having the three runners with the best disclosed form though none have looked blessed with above average ability. He has taken the tongue tie off but put Moreira on HAPPY HAPPY who has been close up at his previous three starts over shorter trips when ridden by apprentice jockeys; he should be in the finish once again. David Flores also replaces an apprentice on HAPPY SAGA who will appreciate getting back on the poly after a failure on turf; he will be thereabouts once again. ART OF WAR runs on well in his races, Oscar Chavez replaces the apprentice rider and he will be closing late. Of the newcomers SUPER WINNER is out of a good mare Millie Rose and has won both his trials; from the Theo Keiser stable with KB Soo up, he should debut well. HEE’S EGO is by Tale of the Cat out of the useful and very well-bred mare Quatro, with Manoel Nunes to ride he has done enough at the trials to warrant a close look. BRAHMA CIRCUS is also well-bred and whilst not showing a lot at the trials, has a top
rider and good gate.

1 HAPPY HAPPY *** Tongue tie off. Has been close up at previous three starts over shorter trips with apprentice riders and gets Moreira. 3.80
2 HAPPY SAGA ** Disappointed last outing on turf but thereabouts at previous three poly starts. Will battle away once again and may appreciate senior rider. 5.00
3 ART OF WAR *** Has put in solid efforts at past two outings and whilst he might like longer, will be running on again. 4.00
4 SO SIMPLE ** Improving type but green. Watch for support. 12
5 SUPER WINNER *** By Kaphero. Has won both his trials and should make a good debut. Watch market. 4.50
6 BRAHMA CIRCUS * By Darci Brahma out of a stoutly-bred mare. Has not shown up at trials but is well drawn with top rider. Watch market. 16
7 HEE’S EGO *** By Tale of the Cat out of very well-bred and useful race mare Quatro. Gets top rider and has trialed well enough to warrant a market watch. 5.00
8 YOUNG LADY * Done nothing at two outings. 50

Race 3

Selections; 4 DAAD’S THE WAY – 5 SPOT ON – 2 BOOMARANG DELUXE – 1 MY FRIEND JO
A Class 4 over 1700m on the poly with some honest old stagers involved. There is little between a number of these and the engagement of Joao Moreira for the veteran DAAD’S THE WAY may make the difference. He has been racing as honestly as ever and ran third to the dead-heater BOOMARANG DELUXE last outing over a mile. The stablemate SPOT ON who ran a strong second in a good BM67 last outing beating ALFONSO home may go forward to set a reasonable tempo, which will suit the old fellow. In what is an open race, INSPIRE, DRAGON G and BOOMARANG DELUXE should all race handy and be in the finish. MY FRIEND JO has not won for a long time but is steadily dropping down in grade and the distance and surface suit. BATTLE BOY is still a maiden but did not miss by much over a mile in this grade last start – he could surprise.

1 MY FRIEND JO *** Has not won for a long time but is steadily slipping down in Class. Suited by the distance and surface. 10
2 BOOMARANG DELUXE *** Looked like he would win easily last start over 1600m in this Class but had to settle for a dead-heat. Should get a gun run from the ace. 4.00
3 INSPIRE *** Trapped three wide over 1900m and whilst one-paced was close-up at the finish last start. Consistent and will be thereabouts again. 5.50
4 DAAD’S THE WAY *** Honest old fellow who gets Moreira and that may make the difference. Has won eight races and will be closing late once again. 3.50
5 SPOT ON *** Fought on well last start in strong BM67 beating ALFONSO home. If left in front, could be hard to run down. 5.00
6 BATTLE BOY ** Maiden who just missed in Class 4 last outing over a mile. Could surprise. 6.50
7 DRAGON G ** Honest and battles away but may be more comfortable in easier. 12
8 SOUTH GATE * Has been struggling at longer trips and better suited in this with no weight. Can be tardy at the start but goes best if ridden forward. 20

Race 4

Selections; 10 STATE TROOPER – 1 SOLID WOOD – 7 JET SET – 2 BRILLIANT BEAUTY
A raffle of a Class 5 over 1100m on the poly with plenty of the usual suspects involved. When Moreira was last in Singapore he was the master of these and has taken the mount on STATE TROOPER who is far from reliable but did win in KSD company at this trip three
starts back. With Joao to keep him honest, he may be hard to hold out. Two of the speedier ones, JET SET and BRILLIANT BEAUTY are drawn out but if they can get away and cross, they may be hard to pass late. BRILLIANT BEAUTY’s stablemate, DRAGON PLAYER is also poorly drawn but does get back in his races; third run up from a spell after a strong second when ridden by P.Dellorto last start, he gets Davey Flores and may be the one closing late. SOLID WOOD is down in grade, he has won at KSD level over 1100m and from the ace could give Irishman Tadgh O’Shea a welcome winner. Amongst the many other chances JADE WIN resuming with a nice trial under his belt and STREET RUFFIAN who put in a much improved performance last start could get in the finish. If the emergency SO PERFECT gets a run he will be right in the finish.

1 SOLID WOOD *** Class-dropper. Has won over this distance at KSD level and from the ace should get a gun run. Goes close. 8.00
2 BRILLIANT BEAUTY *** Disappointed last start. Poorly drawn but has enough speed to get across and may be hard to run down. 5.00
3 DRAGON PLAYER *** Poorly drawn but gets senior rider. Gets back but ran on strongly for apprentice last start at second run up from spell. Keep safe. 7.00
4 JADE WIN ** Resuming but trialing well. Suited this grade and only win was at 1200m on poly. Watch for support. 10
5 MIGHTY ASTROBOY * Shown nothing so far. 50
6 VANTAGE * Needs longer. 50
7 JET SET *** Poorly drawn but has speed and should be up the front for a long way. 5.00
8 STREET RUFFIAN ** Put in his best run for some time when 2nd last outing. If he can repeat will be in the finish. 10
9 YUGIOH * Done nothing so far. By Elvstroem and may want much longer. 50
10 STATE TROOPER *** Far from reliable but won over 1100m in KSD company three starts back, has a good gate and gets Moreira. 4.50
11 SACRED PRINCE ** Veteran who does not win often but ran home strongly to win over 1000m last start. Well drawn and could figure again. 10
12 TEOCHEW BARRISTER * Disappointing maiden. May want easier. 20
13 SO PERFECT *** Has been racing consistently in this grade. Will be hard to beat if he gets a start. 6.00
14 LUCKY GENERAL ** Nicely drawn. Has some speed and could give a sight if he gets a start. 12

Race 5

Selections; 1 GOLDEN MISSION – 2 ASPEN – 3 SAVODAN – 8 KISS ME
A Class 4 over 1200m on turf and the interesting runner is ASPEN who was placed at Group level in 3YO company in NZ as well as winning over 1400m. He has been trialing very well and with Manoel Nunes to steer from a good gate, will be hard to beat. GOLDEN MISSION has only won one race in Singapore but he is never far away, Nooresh Juglall stays on and his recent strong trial indicates another good performance. SAVODAN has yet to really live up to expectations, he battled over 1400m last start but has had a blinker/pacifier trial since and from the ace with Alan Munro up, should get every chance. EXCAVATOR last won in February, 2012 when he beat ATO. On that occasion Moreira was aboard; he gets to try and do it again this time in Class 4. Down in the weights SATELLITE KING ran 3rd in a KSD over 1200m two starts back and drops 8kg, whilst FLAMING FIREHEART gets a 5.5kg drop in weight from his Maiden win over the same distance. KISS ME and TROPICAL FOREST could also show up in an open affair.

1 GOLDEN MISSION *** Has only won one race but usually close-up and trialed well recently. Will be handy all the way. 4.00
2 ASPEN *** Winner over 1400m and placed at 3YO Group level in NZ. Trialing well. Watch for support. 3.80
3 SAVODAN *** Blinker/pacifiers on. Battled away last start over 1400m and has been freshened by nice trial. Well drawn and should get every chance. 4.00
4 EXCAVATOR ** Long time since he has won but if anyone can do it, Moreira can. 14
5 TROPICAL FOREST ** Often finds trouble but will be running on late. Best form is on poly but won in KSD company over this trip three starts back. 12
6 TWIST OLIVER * Useful type resuming but may like it longer. 25
7 GOLD LINE * Has been battling away over longer trips. Only win was over 1200m on poly. 16
8 KISS ME *** Close up in Novice company on poly last start. Only win was at this trip. Poorly drawn but honest and could show up. 12
9 SATELLITE KING ** Only win was at this trip. Solid effort when 3rd in KSD over 1200m two starts back. Drops 8kg on that effort and should show up. 12
10 WINNER’S SMILE ** Battled away when resuming after long spell. Has trialed since and should be improved. 33
11 FLAMING FIREHEART ** Won maiden over 1200m three starts back and drops 5.5kg. Ran 3rd over 1000m on poly last start and should give a sight. 12

Race 6

Selections; 1 GALAXY EXPRESS – 6 OVER EASY – 3 PICTURE – 2 DOMENICO
While there looks plenty of depth to this race (go wide in exotics), we could narrow it down to three or four winning hopes on paper. Two horses in particular – GALAXY EXPRESS and OVER EASY – are coming off good runs in better company and like to think they both
play a big part in this finish. GALAXY EXPRESS has only won one race from some 20 career starts but given his good recent form, a drop in grade with Harry Kassim up looks a winning combination. He has drawn well too (5) and you would expect a very forward run. OVER EASY hasn’t drawn well but will get back anyway so that might be OK. He has shown at his last few starts since blinkers went back on he is due to win again and he should be motoring late. Of the others with winning hopes, Joao Moreira has had one ride on PICTURE for one win – say no more – and DOMENICO is better than what he showed last start with blinkers off a good move.

1 GALAXY EXPRESS *** Doing more than enough in better company to think he figures prominently here. 4.50
2 DOMENICO *** Coming off an absolute shocker with support similar affair but blinkers off looks a smart move. 8.00
3 PICTURE *** Won two starts back and only other win was when Moreira was on. Big show. 3.50
4 DOS EQUIS ** Better suited back in Class 5 and will add value to exotics. 33
5 VICTORIOUS STREAK ** Turned around some poor form with close up placing at odds and pay to keep safe. 20
6 OVER EASY *** Form easily good enough to win a race like this and will be flying late. Big show. 6.00
7 NORTH STAR *** Did it tough enough last two to think he wins a race like this sooner than later with gate 2 a factor. 6.00
8 BRILLIANT POWER ** Backing up from solid run last sunday and in the exotic mix again. 20
9 EXCUSEZ MOI ** Maiden who battles away at odds. 20
10 ATIAMURI ** Broke maiden status at start 24 and can be hard to follow. 12
11 RECIPROCATE * Easier to ignore. 100
12 KTRONIC ** Form better than it reads and can include at value in exotics. 20
13 CONQUEST * Has been struggling at the business end of late. 100

Race 7

Selections; 2 VALBUENA – 4 NEW YORK CITY – 1 FUJIN BRIGHT – 3 WAR TIME
I think it’s safe to say that the punters support will be evenly shared in this small but very good Class 3 field and it might be worth waiting to see if the connections do jump on one particular horse. And with tactics likely to play a bit part in the race and a solid early pace expected, it could be set up for swoopers and a very busy finish. Laurie Laxon has two runners who will be strong late and happy to think NEW YORK CITY – who has a cult following in Singapore – and VALBUENA have a big say in this finish. VALBUENA – with Joao Moreira on – is having is first run since a relatively rushed Derby campaign and he looks a horse to follow. NEW YORK CITY swoops as good as any and should handle the rise in Class with Dan Beasley staying on a good move. But plenty of others in spanking form and WAR TIME is looking for his fourth win on-the-trot and FUJIN BRIGHT very much appreciates the drop back to Class 3 company. Throw in TANGIBLE ASSETS and the promising ZEDKAAR.

1 FUJIN BRIGHT *** Form better than it reads given the company and in this up to his eyeballs. 4.50
2 VALBUENA *** First run since solid derby effort and another that appreciates suitable company and should figure. 4.00
3 WAR TIME *** Racing in terrific form and carried 59kg to win last start suggesting he can step up in Class. 3.50
4 NEW YORK CITY *** Found winning form and have to respect with 54kg and Dan Beasley staying on-board. 5.00
5 TANGIBLE ASSETS *** Another last start winner who is right in this with handy 1kg claim. 5.00
6 ZEDKAAR ** Promising horse resuming but this looks a tough ask first-up. 20
7 U GOT IT * Fresh but might find this too tough with blinkers off. 33

Race 8

Selections; 7 AFTERNOON DELIGHT – 2 BANKERS CALL – 4 SINGLE STAR – 5 PEREGRINE FALCON
Kiwi trainer, Stephen Gray, looks to have a very big say in this Class 5 Poly sprint with three runners. And given he has booked a couple of very good hoops in Juglall and Moreira on BANKERS CALL and AFTERNOON DELIGHT respectively, his charges should figure heavily late. Moreira has to contend with gate 12 but AFTERNOON DELIGHT is in solid form and very much appreciates a strong senior hoop. Likewise, BANKERS CALL is in solid form and has drawn wide but the switch to a senior hoop in Juglall is significant. The race is not strong but SINGLE STAR showed first-up he will win a race this campaign sooner than later with the maiden, PEREGRINE FALCON, also ready to win. Watch the tote looks good advice on the others.

1 HAPPY FOREVER ** Placed in a weak one last start and exotics best in this field. 8.00
2 BANKERS CALL *** In the mix of late with support last start and senior hoop a good move. 4.00
3 SHEN KIM * Struggling. 50
4 SINGLE STAR *** Resumed with support and that effort good enough to win this. 4.00
5 PEREGRINE FALCON *** Maiden status a concern but has looked due and pay to keep safe with downgrade to winkers. 5.00
6 SUPER LUCKY * First-up run only average and might need longer. 33
7 AFTERNOON DELIGHT *** Looks due and gets Moreira so right in this. 4.00
8 MAGNIFICENT KID * Winkers on but struggling. 200
9 ANY CHOICE * Back in trip but easier to ignore. 50
10 SPICY CAT ** Form reads badly but can run a cheeky race at odds. 50
11 STRIDE METEOR ** Last two runs have been solid and in the exotic mix in this weak field. 12
12 ZAC STAR DESTROYER ** Not a mile away last start and has shown previously this type of race suits. 20

Race 9

Selections; 4 ALAN – 5 HE’S A STRIKER – 1 ALPHA CENTAURI – 3 LUCKY DAPPER
ALAN might not have been a good thing beaten last start but he went mighty close to making it back-to-back wins and with Moreira on-board, he can close the day off well for punters. The race is obviously suitable given his efforts of late in similar affairs and doesn’t have a lot of depth. The horses he has to beat include a newcomer from the UK in HE’S A STRIKER. The 4YO brings consistent form from his races in the UK and a nice local trial suggests he is ready to show his best first-up. ALPHA CENTAURI resumes and certainly
showed more than enough at his last campaigns to think he is better than most. He hasn’t set the world on fire at recent trials but on ability, he wins races like this with a market watch in order. Last start winner, the consistent LUCKY DAPPER, picks himself and it will pay to keep MARSEILLE ROULETTE safe sans blinkers as he is better than recent form suggests.

1 ALPHA CENTAURI *** Smart enough type resuming with tongue-tie and pay to keep safe first-up. 6.00
2 MARSEILLE ROULETTE ** Blinkers off after disappointing run of form but recent trial suggests he shows a bit late. 20
3 LUCKY DAPPER *** Broke through for well-deserved an overdue win last start and will be more than competitive. 5.00
4 ALAN *** Beaten a whisker last start and looks hard to beat in this field. 2.80
5 HE’S A STRIKER *** Former UK galloper who looked good enough at the trials to consider at Singapore debut. 6.00
6 FABER HEIGHTS * Resuming sans winkers and easier to ignore. 50
7 NORTH ATLANTIC ICE * Needs to show something before we consider. 50
8 YOURSTOKEEP ** Might pay to ignore last start in atrocious conditions and include in exotics at odds on previous oK form. 20
9 ANGRY CAT ** Unreliable but some recent efforts good enough to run a race here. 8.00
10 WORK AHEAD * Best form is on the Poly and have to take on trust. 20
11 GYPSY MAGIC ** Competitive and a must for exotics at value. 20
12 LUCKY COME * OK last start but like to see in Class 5 on the Poly. 33

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