Matterhorn and Barend Vorster prove too strong for stablemate Masthead and Ivaldo Santana, picture Singapore Turf Club
It’s fair to say SLEW OF LOAD goes better than most. After being a good thing beaten at his Singapore debut, the Argentinean 4YO has won his next three – all over 1200m. And given he arrived at Pat Shaw’s stable after racing (and winning twice) exclusively over the mile in Argentina, the step up to 1400m in an Open Benchmark 83 (race 7) looks ideal and he is very hard to beat. The field is not strong – the honest MATTERHORN looks his biggest danger – with connections looking at this race as a stepping stone to bigger and better things over more ground in the coming months. Elsewhere on the card, Laurie Laxon might have another nice youngster on his hands in RUAPEHU. The Stravinsky 3YO has been pushed out at a couple of local trials but the fact he won a trial back in NZ by some six-lengths has him under notice in race 2 on the card. With five other newcomers in the field and some raced horses that look ready to win including GOLDEN BRILLIANT, the tote might be a very good indication but RUAPEHU could be the testing material.
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Best Bets; (SLEW OF LOAD race 6, win), (LADY TRIO race 5, each-way) and (CALIFORNIAN GIRL race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1 and 3), race 7 (2, 4, 6, 10, 11 and 12), race 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 9), race 9 (3, 5 and 8).
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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; 2 MARCUSINO – 4 FLYING WILD – 1 DARK PULSE – 6 RAVOUX
A 1400m KSD kicks off the programme and this may well suit the moody MARCUSINO who enjoys both 1400m and turf; with Dan Beasley on top he should be near the lead all the way. FLYING WILD’s last win was over this distance in this grade with Manoel Nunes steering, he gets the same conditions and trialed well recently; he should be finishing off strongly. RAVOUX gets back on the turf and over his favourite trip; sharp improvement can be expected. The maiden, WASHINGTON BAY, will enjoy turf and 1400m, he should be on the pace all the way and old HOPKINS has won six times at the trip and can never be discarded. The lightly raced GOD’S SPEED and DARK PULSE are both resuming and while their best form is over longer, are suited by this grade and could race well; watch for support.
1 DARK PULSE *** Resuming. Only win was at a mile on poly but placed at 1400m on turf. Was racing well in Class 4 before spell and this is easier. Watch for support. 8.00
2 MARCUSINO *** Suited this grade and distance. Will be on the speed all the way. 4.50
3 FAMOUS N FAST ** Having second run for new stable. Best runs have been at 1200m on turf and last win was in this grade. 12
4 FLYING WILD *** Trialled solidly recently and win two starts back was with Nunes up in this grade. 4.00
5 HOPKINS ** Veteran whose most recent runs have been over 1200m on poly but has won six times at this journey. Always a threat. 8.00
6 RAVOUX *** Will relish being back on turf over favourite distance. Last win was in this grade and should race well. 5.00
7 ZAC VELOCITY * Last placing was at this trip but recent form has been poor. 33
8 GODS SPEED ** Lightly raced NH-bred who dislodged rider at only turf start. Won over 1700m on poly before spell and could show up fresh. Watch for support. 10
9 WASHINGTON BAY ** Maiden who will appreciate 1400m and turf. Should be thereabouts. 10
10 MARATHON LAD * Last win was at this trip over a year ago but has barely beaten a runner home at his past six outings. 50
11 ANGE D’ORIENT * Broke through at 29th start over this trip in weak Class 5 last outing but this is harder. 25
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Race 2
Selections; 7 RUAPEHU – 11 GOLDEN BRILLIANT – 5 KAURI PARK – 8 TWICKENHAM
A $75K Restricted Maiden over 1200m on turf and of those we have seen none have set the pulses racing and it may pay to watch for market moves amongst the debutants, some of whom may have been kept back to have a crack at the increased prizemoney. Laurie Laxon sends out RUAPEHU who has trialed well and before arrival won a trial at Foxton (NZ) by six lengths; with the in-form John Powell up from a good gate he should be hardest to beat. TWICKENHAM also had good trial form in NZ and has looked the part at the trials. He is a half-brother by Artie Schiller to BLACK ICE; with Corey Brown steering he should debut well. Of those with racetrack experience KAURI PARK put in a good debut over 1000m on poly and may well be better suited in this, GOLDEN BRILLIANT has done well at both outings and whilst his breeding suggests poly he must be considered a serious chance given his nice recent trials. INTENSE GOLD put in a solid effort in blinkers last start and despite the draw should get in the mix once again.
1 STING * Unsighted past three outings since resuming. Blinkers back on may help. 20
2 CITY OF KIRKWALL * By Pentire. Half-brother to good HK performer SHINY DAY. This may be too short. 50
3 DEMON KING * By No Excuse Needed. First start. Brother to Malaysian horse YEHLAISIANG. Had quiet trials. Market only guide. 50
4 FIRST OPTION * Needs to improve on debut. 33
5 KAURI PARK *** Ran on nicely on debut over 1000m on poly. Should be prominent. 3.50
6 LITTLE LION ** By Kheleyf. Has had quiet trials. Half-brother to middle distance horse THE JAZZ SINGER. May want longer. Watch for support. 33
7 RUAPEHU *** By Stravinsky. Trials well and from the good gate should race well. 3.50
8 TWICKENHAM *** By Artie Schiller. Half brother to BLACK ICE. Trials nicely and should debut well. 5.00
9 CLEVER BRIGHT ** Resuming. Has put in reasonable efforts at all three starts the most recent over 1400m. Poorly drawn but could race well fresh. 12
10 INTENSE GOLD *** Has been freshened and should race well despite wide draw. 10
11 GOLDEN BRILLIANT *** Raced well at both outings and subsequently trialing well. Can win. 6.00
12 RISING TIDE * Japanese-bred by Black Tide who may want longer. 33
13 ONE FINE DAME * Needs to improve on what we have seen so far. 50
14 GLOBAL FOCUS * Blinkers on but needs to lift. 33
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Race 3
Selections; 3 BEAUTY SUPREME – 2 SELIGI – 1 RISING EMPIRE – 6 TWO M AND M
A BM67 over 1400m on the turf in which there are plenty of chances, some of whom are dropping in class and some of whom will appreciate the distance and surface. BEAUTY SUPREME looks as good as chance as any. The 5YO’s only win in Singapore was this trip and his form since that victory good enough to suggest he wins again soon. SELIGI has been racing well on poly and is better on turf and with little Hasri’s claim and a good gate, should be handy all the way and hard to hold out. RISING EMPIRE has been struggling on the polytrack in higher grades and shorter races since returning from Malaysia; this race looks much more suitable and he did win his Progress under conditions similar to this. TWO M AND M will find this easier than his last effort in Class 3 and won a similar race two starts back; with Vagner Leal up, should get gun run from the ace. FLYING ZERO is a consistent sort who has been running well without winning, he goes well this company, the distance suits and should be near the speed all the way. There are numerous other chances including DANNY RICARDO who will enjoy being back on turf, LET’S TALK NOW and the interesting newcomer, the Longchamp winner, IZNATE.
1 RISING EMPIRE *** Has been struggling on the polytrack in higher grade and shorter races since returning from Malaysia. This race looks much more suitable and did win his Progress under conditions similar to this. 5.00
2 SELIGI *** Has been racing well on poly and better on turf. Should be hard to hold out. 4.00
3 BEAUTY SUPREME *** Fought on well over 1200m on poly last start. Has won twice at 1400m and should be handy all the way. 8.00
4 IZNATE ** Longchamp (France) mile winner who has been placed up to 2000m. Trials nicely. Watch market. 12
5 RIGHTEO ** Tongue tie off. Has disappointed on polytrack but won three times at Ruakaka (NZ) over 1400m. Could improve dramatically. 14
6 TWO M AND M *** Will find this easier than last effort in Class 3. Won a similar race two starts back and should get gun run from the ace. 5.00
7 DANNY RICARDO *** Found the class rise and poly too much last start after back to back wins. This is much more suitable and should race well. 10
8 FLYING ZERO *** Has been running well without winning. Goes well this company, distance suits and should be handy all the way. 6.00
9 NEOBIUM * Pacifiers to blinkers. Resuming. Was racing well in Malaysia over longer distances before spell. Well back at recent trial. 33
10 LET’S TALK NOW *** Good efforts at last two outings. Yet to win on turf but could show up with light weight. 14
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Race 4
Selections; 3 WAIRAKEI – 4 HUMOR TOWN – 5 MY TRICIA – 2 SUGARTIME JAZZ
The first of the polytrack races – an average Class 5 over 1200m comprising the usual suspects. WAIRAKEI is usually thereabouts in these, the distance suits and with Lisa Allpress up he should get a gun run from the good gate. HUMOR TOWN will find this easier than his last outing in a higher grade, the distance suits and he should be charging late. MY TRICIA is also well drawn, he is having his second run since changing stables and was close up last start; Alan Munro should give him every chance. RETROSPECT has done nothing in seven starts; he is resuming but has been trialing well, the pacifiers come off and with Manoel Nunes up this is not a strong field and he could make a bid – watch for support. FEI YUE is also resuming, his only win was at this journey and he could race well fresh. As always in these low grade races any of the others could get in the money without surprising with one eye on SUGARTIME JAZZ who can resent the Poly kick-back but has ability.
1 FEI YUE ** Resuming. Only win was at this journey and could race well fresh. Watch for support. 8.50
2 SUGARTIME JAZZ ** Pacifiers to winkers. Only win was on turf and has been reported as resenting poly kickback in the past. Take on trust. 16
3 WAIRAKEI *** Usually thereabouts. Distance suits and should get a gun run from the gate. 4.50
4 HUMOR TOWN *** Will find this easier than last outing in higher grade. Distance suits and should be charging late. 5.00
5 MY TRICIA *** Having second run since changing stables and having head-gear added. Close up last start and should get a good run from inside alley. 6.00
6 RAPTURE * Has some speed but has been fading over shorter. 20
7 REDDY TO ROCK * Resuming and best form is over longer. 33
8 SUPER CAPTAIN * Battled away over 1100m last two outings. This distance may suit better but poorly drawn. 20
9 VOLKOV ** Could well lead in this and may be hard to pass late. 10
10 RETROSPECT ** Pacifiers off. Resuming. Yet to place in seven starts but trialing well and gets top rider. Watch market. 6.50
11 ZAC COMMAND ** Ran on stoutly last start and often thereabouts. 12
12 STORM ARC * Tongue tie on. Poor effort last start but trialed well since. Suited by 1200m and could improve. 16
13 HELLOLO * Will race handy but only battles. 20
14 GOOD DAY * Veteran who will run on late. 25
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Race 5
Selections; 1 LIVE IN HOPE – 7 LADY TRIO – 2 LIGHT BRIGADE – 8 MACAU ROULETTE
A KSD over 1400m on the turf and surely the disappointing LIGHT BRIGADE gets his chance. A $1.4 million dollar yearling, he was originally trained by Gai Waterhouse and won two races the best being a midweek affair at Warwick Farm over 1300m though he did place in the Group One Randwick and Rosehill Guineas, ran 7th in the AJC Derby and 2nd in the Newcastle Cameron Handicap. He has then passed through the hands of Peter Moody and Michael Freedman without winning another race; now with David Hill he charged home over 1000m in Class 4 last outing and now finds himself in KSD company over a distance and surface on which he is comfortable. LIVE IN HOPE is down in grade and also drops back to a more suitable distance on his preferred surface; with Noh Senari’s claim he should be hard to beat. LADY TRIO also gets back to a suitable grade, surface and distance; she can run on very powerfully when in the mood and should be closing late. In fact her closing effort on a leaders track last start has her under winning notice. The grey ZAC SUGGESTION will also enjoy the conditions and should make his presence felt. Amongst the others, the maiden GOOD MUMMY is racing out of her class but will enjoy turf and 1400m. MACAU ROULETTE looks to have turned the corner after his maiden win and worth another look.
1 LIVE IN HOPE *** Drops in grade. Gets back to more suitable distance and on preferred surface. With claim and good alley should get a gun run. 3.40
2 LIGHT BRIGADE *** Was placed in Group company in Australia but had done little in Singapore before charging home over 1000m in Class 4 on poly last outing. Drops in Grade and well suited in this. 8.00
3 FLYING MISSION * Has been very disappointing since winning maiden on polytrack. Take on trust. 16
4 GOOD MUMMY ** Maiden who ran on well over this distance two starts back. From top stable with top rider. Keep safe. 8.00
5 JAPPANELLA ** Has disappointed since winning maiden at 1400m. Change to senior rider significant. 10
6 ZAC SUGGESTION ** Gets back on turf and over more suitable distance. Should make his presence felt. 12
7 LADY TRIO *** Can run on very powerfully when in the mood. Grade, surface and distance suit. Big show. 5.00
8 MACAU ROULETTE *** Backed up maiden win with solid effort and pay to follow. 7.00
9 GREENBACK ** Has been disappointing but was placed this grade and distance three starts back. Goes best when ridden forward. 10
10 SACRED CROWN * Very hard to follow and better in Class 5 on poly. 25
11 JEM JET * No. 50
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Race 6
Selections; 1 SLEW OF LODE – 3 MATTERHORN – 4 EMPEROR’S BANQUET – 7 LOYAL FRIENDS
SLEW OF LOAD could be a good thing here. The former Argentinean had excuses at his Singapore debut when he looked a good thing beaten and certainly made amends for followers by winning his next three. 1400m looks no problem as is the step up in Class but it might be a case of “odds-on-look-on” in this small field. On paper he does look to have most covered with the exception of MATTERHORN. The 6YO doesn’t win out of turn – he has some 18 places to go with his six career wins – but given he mixes it with some very smart types and is always competitive, suggests he gives this a shake and keeps the favourite honest. Gate 1 and S Noh in his favour. Throw a blanket over the rest for exotics with LOYAL FRIENDS looking solid at two runs this campaign and CONGO ZANDOR the improver at long odds.
1 SLEW OF LODE *** Extremely hard to fault on form and should step up and win in this company. 1.70
2 CONGO ZANDOR ** Excuses not to finish closer last start, 1400m suits and could add value to exotics. 50
3 MATTERHORN *** Always a show in these and expect a very forward showing with claim from gate one. 4.00
4 EMPEROR’S BANQUET ** Honest and will be prominent throughout. 5.00
5 CHEETAH ON FIRE ** Plenty of excuses last start and worth another look with senior hoop and no weight. 15
6 BIGDINERO ** Never in the hunt last start but expect good work late and always pay to keep safe. 20
7 LOYAL FRIENDS ** Got home well last start so step up to 1400m looks ideal. Eachway. 8.00
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Race 7
Selections; 10 WONDER GENERAL – 6 STATE TROOPER – 12 ZAC STAR DESTROYER – 2 PRINCETON
Impossible to be confident in races like this but WONDER GENERAL ticks more boxes than most and should go very close to winning this. The veteran has five career wins to his name and although not at his best of late with a rating of just 28, he is due gets gate three and Ivaldo Santana. Also in his favour is the fact that STATE TROOPER has drawn badly and while he has early speed and a 3kg claimer in Willy Tan on-board, he might be made to work early and WONDER GENERAL will be ready to pounce late. Of the others, ZAC STAR DESTROYER has drawn to advantage in gate 2 and is in good enough form to follow in races like this with BUZET also some hope from the ace. With one eye on value (and the market), PRINCETON could improve lengths down in Class 5 and ROCKETY CAT comes into this with a nice trial under his belt and gets Corey Brown.
1 CELESTIAL STAR ** Freshened after a terrible run of form but has looked OK at trials so market watch in order. 20
2 PRINCETON *** Form looks hopeless but sneaks through the back-door into an easy Class 5 and worth thought at odds. 20
3 MAX RESOURCE * Prefer over longer. 33
4 BUZET *** Two runs this campaign have been solid and will figure somewhere. 8.00
5 FRENCHMAN ** Looked to have every chance with support last start and have to take on trust. 6.00
6 STATE TROOPER *** Due and has enough speed to cross and be hard to pass late. 6.00
7 PLAY ON ** First-up run with blinkers good and pay to follow. 10
8 DOUBLE S * Struggling of late. 100
9 KING CROSS ** Long-time maiden but thereabouts of late and a must for exotics. 12
10 WONDER GENERAL *** Looks due and could be hard to beat in this field. 4.00
11 ROCKETY CAT *** Back in trip but recent good trial has him under notice. 8.00
12 ZAC STAR DESTROYER *** In-form, drawn well and one of the main hopes. 7.00
13 BULLDOZER ** Form only fair but recent trial looked better. 33
14 WIN THE DAY * Back in trip but struggling. 200
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Race 8
Selections; 9 STRUBELI – 7 INDIAN JADE – 3 NATURE IS NATURE – 6 SPEED DEMON
It’s safe to say that you could do the form for this race seven or eight times and come up with a different winner each-time. And it also might be a case of following a horse that has done the right thing by the pocket at some recent runs. So while STRUBELI could only manage second at his last start, the fact that was behind the smart SLEW OF LODE suggests he is in form and can get back into the winners circle with gate two a bonus. Those that backed INDIAN JADE last start won’t be jumping off in a hurry. The well-travelled NH-bred 4YO won very well at his Singapore debut and certainly gives every indication the extra 100m is ideal and worth following over longer again. As mentioned, you can make a case for most others but NATURE IS NATURE first-up after a terrific run of form could easily show up and SPEED DEMON looks suited.
1 AWAKENED *** Form looks ordinary but finds himself in a suitable race and goes close on best form. 12
2 LAMBORGHINI FLAME *** Can lead from gate one and in this a very long time. Eachway. 12
3 NATURE IS NATURE *** Smart type resuming and has to be a huge show on form from last campaign. 4.50
4 DRAGON KING *** Last run OK and look for a return to form. 12
5 MAGICAL TALENT ** Resuming sans blinkers and certainly goes good enough on his day to keep safe in exotics. 20
6 SPEED DEMON *** Well beaten into third behind Faaltless last start but very forward run expected. 9.50
7 INDIAN JADE *** Won well with support at Singapore debut and 1200m turf looks a good move. 3.00
8 HARDEN UP * Needs to show more. 100
9 STRUBELI *** Smart and last start placing behind Slew of Lode good enough for this. 5.00
10 VERTICAL START ** Showed improvement with winkers added last start and pay to keep safe. 12
11 SOLITAIRE ** Drops back from the mile with best work expected late. 20
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Race 9
Selections; 8 NEUTRINOS – 3 MANGATANGI – 5 CALIFORNIAN GIRL – 1 CHEYENNE WARRIOR
An interesting race as the punters will probably flock to two horses – NEUTRINOS and MANGATANGI – and while they certainly deserve the attention, it will provide some interesting punting options on the others picks. But as it stands, the pair look the ones the others have to beat with NEUTRINOS getting the nod on what he showed last start in a very similar affair to this. He has drawn better than MANGATANGI as well (5 and 12 respectively) so Corey Brown should get a few favours and NEUTRINOS will be hard to hold out. MANGATANGI has probably been a bit disappointing not to have won of late with support but certainly wins a race like this without surprising anyone. So where is the value? Starting at the top, CHEYENNE WARRIOR is a lot better than what he showed last start and a recent trial suggests he improves with a 3kg claim from a good gate in his favour. CALIFORNIAN GIRL is also better than what she has shown of late and this race is suitable with blinkers on first-time. Keep JET MAN and PROBO CHANDROSO safe.
1 CHEYENNE WARRIOR *** Resuming after a poor first-up run but recent trials good enough to follow. 12
2 SOMBRANI * Shown nothing. 200
3 MANGATANGI *** Needs a result for the support but wins sooner than later. 3.00
4 BELLUS WONDER * Resuming with winkers after less than impressive Singapore debut. No. 50
5 CALIFORNIAN GIRL *** Form reads badly but blinkers on first time over suitable trip has her under notice. 20
6 THE SITUATION * Resuming with tongue-tie but hard to have. 200
7 FLY FREELY ** Excuses at first-up run and goes OK when right. 20
8 NEUTRINOS *** Backed up maiden win with a very good run this Class with support. Goes close. 3.00
9 JET MAN *** Usually value and will give a good account of himself again. 6.00
10 MAGIC OCEAN ** Competitive with best work expected late but might need easier to win. 12
11 PROBO CHANDROSO *** In-form and would win a race like this on his day. 6.00
12 DYNASTY KNIGHT * Reassess turf and easier. 200
13 PALOMBARO * Not going well at all. 200
14 SUGAR MAN ** OK last start and well worth a look in exotics. 12
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