Mexican Rose
It will pay to get to the track relatively early on Friday with “relatively” the operative word on this occasion. MEXICAN GAL makes her race debut in race 2 on the nine-race card and given she is the daughter of former Singapore sensation, MEXICAN ROSE, she will demand plenty of attention.
Word from the stable is that she has the attributes that made her dam one of the most exciting mares seen in Singapore and a nice trial suggests the stable could be right. With just 48.5kg as a 2YO filly at the Restricted Maiden conditions, she is weighted to win on debut but whether she can emulate MEXICAN ROSE and win the Group 3 Juvenile Championship at start two will be another story.
Of course MEXICAN ROSE went on to win her first five starts and added another two Group races to her impressive CV before retiring to stud and given her daughter is owned and trained by the same concerns – Jupiter Stable and Laurie Laxon respectively – it would be a great story for Singapore racing. Elsewhere on the card, MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS is undefeated on the Polytrack at three starts and looks well-placed in race 7 to make it four-from-four on what looks his preferred surface.
His last start win was in this Class and while he has to carry a few extra kilograms tonight, he won well enough on that occasion to think he more than handles the increase with John Powell staying on-board. Those looking for some each-way value might want to wait for the lucky last where FARETTI gets blinkers added and could be cherry ripe first-up from a short spell to show his best.
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Best Bets; (MEXICAN GAL race 2, win), (MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS race 7, win) and (FARETTI race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 5, 9, 11 and 12), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5), race 8 (1, 2, 4, 6 and 8), race 9 (1, 2, 5 and 7).
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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 HUMOR TOWN – 8 NORTH STAR – 6 GYPSY STAR – 10 PRINCETON
Class 5 horses going round two tight bends on the polytrack always suggests a raffle is on the cards. Throw a recent Class-dropper who is a serious query over the trip – HUMOR TOWN – into a field with plenty of depth and it could get messy. But HUMOR TOWN has shown he wins in Class 5 sooner than later and the 1700m might be just what he needs. He has drawn wide but usually gets back so expect him to be flying late with Manoel Nunes a good booking. Plenty of others that can win and NORTH STAR looks due. The fact he was backed and ran well last start suggests the stable is confident he can knock in another win for the Takaoka/Munro combination. Last start winners – GYPSY STSAR and URBAN LEGEND – pick themselves with PRINCETON, CHENGDU WARRIOR and the emergency, SUPER STAR all due.
1 HUMOR TOWN *** Query at the trip but does get home well as a rule so watch tote. 10
2 SILENT POWER ** Disappointing last start this company but recent win was in similar affair. 33
3 URBAN LEGEND *** Drawn wide but in red-hot form and can win again. 4.00
4 WARISAN ** Shown nothing in five starts but trails with blinkers have been good so keep safe with head-gear added. 33
5 HOST THE NATION ** Nothing last start but previous form has him involved late. 20
6 GYPSY STAR *** Knocked in a well deserved win last start and pay to follow. 4.00
7 FANTASTIC WARRIOR * No. 200
8 NORTH STAR *** Supported and bounced back to form last start so keep safe. 6.00
9 BARGAIN BID ** Showed last start this trip is his caper and can include in exotics. 13
10 PRINCETON *** Looks due and goes close with luck from awkward gate. 8.00
11 REAL GOODMAN ** Can be hard to catch but recent trial with blinkers added suggest he goes OK. 20
12 CHENGDU WARRIOR *** Due and will get every chance from the good gate. 6.00
13 SUPER STAR *** Appreciates being back on the Poly and has the pace to lead and in this a long way. 20
14 ROYAL BRAT ** Cheeky run expected from the ace. 20
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Race 2
Selections; 12 MEXICAN GAL – 10 ROCK OF AGES – 4 LADY ROULETTE – 5 DELFYNE
At this time of year you have to look at the 2YO’s in Restricted Maidens and when a good looking filly named MEXICAN GAL gets to carry some 48.5kg, you have a second and third look. And a fourth look when you consider her dam – MEXICAN ROSE – won her first five races including the Group 3 Juvenile Championship at start two! She trials like a winner so expect plenty of support. Pat Shaw has two 2YO’s in the race and both ROCK OF AGES and TOPLESS should race well. Of the two, ROCK OF AGES has had plenty of trials and shown enough to think he is ready to go well on debut with the booking of stable-hoop, Barend Vorster, a pointer to his chances. Of the 3YO’s, LADY ROULETTE looks ready to win and the fact she gets blinkers and tongue-tie on and looked good at a recent trial with head-gear is in her favour. DELFYNE very much appreciates what was a good placing on debut and improves with that experience under her belt.
1 GOOD CHILD * Race form hopeless but does trial OK. 100
2 MIGHTY ASTROBOY * Another that hasn’t brought trial form to the track. 100
3 OVERPOWER * Needs to improve but best run was this trip. 50
4 LADY ROULETTE *** Blinkers on after being a good thing beaten with excuses last start and can make amends. 3.00
5 DELFYNE *** Appreciates good debut run and goes close. 8.00
6 BLANCHETT ** Quiet trial and market only guide. 20
7 WINFREY * No. 100
8 FEDERER * Blinkers added but might need more than that. 50
9 HAPPY HAPPY ** Showed speed and dropped out on debut when supported. Has won several trials and will be the improver. 12
10 ROCK OF AGES *** Trials well enough to think he has plenty to show on debut. 12
11 TOPLESS ** Worked home late at a recent trial and worth a look at value. 20
12 MEXICAN GAL *** Has plenty of pedigree and trials like she can win on debut. 2.00
13 ZORRO * No. 200
14 BANGKOK ROCKET * No. 200
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Race 3
Selections; 1 CODIGO – 5 BLACK SNOW – 4 HOPKINS – 2 DREAMCATCHER
CODIGO won at his Singapore debut and looks well-placed in this poly sprint to knock in his second win some 11 starts later. The 6YO has been consistent of late and showed last start with an eye-catching late run that he can win back in Class 4. The switch to the Poly is in his favour, as is an upgrade to blinkers so expect a big run. BLACK SNOW is also due and looks in this up to his eye-balls. The 4YO has been close-up at his last two starts and a handy 2kg Zuriman claim could do the trick. HOPKINS has had more starts than most of the other horses combined but showed last start he is still a force to be reckoned with at this level. A Rueven claim puts him only 1kg up on that win and he certainly capable of backing-up. Other winning hopes include DREAMCATHER second-up with Manoel Nunes on-board, FARRAND who might provide some value in what is a very suitable race with FINAL COUNTDOWN and CASSIS OOLONG a couple of lightweight chances.
1 CODIGO *** Excellent work late last start suggests he is ready to win with blinkers added a factor. 3.00
2 DREAMCATCHER *** Beaten a long way into at first run back but showed he will be more than competitive. 6.00
3 KAISER * Blinkers on after running on OK last start but still needs to improve. 33
4 HOPKINS *** Veteran who showed last start he still has what it takes and some hope with 2kg claim from the ace. 6.00
5 BLACK SNOW *** Looks due and will make his presence felt at the business end. 6.00
6 FARRAND *** Very much appreciates company and must be considered. 12
7 LET IT ROCK ** Won maiden two back and will find this easier than Graduation company last start. 20
8 BRAVE SISTER * Brave early but shows feminine side late. 200
9 FINAL COUNTDOWN *** Very much appreciates first-run back and looks a solid eachway hope. 12
10 CASSIS OOLONG *** Has been in terrific form since blinkers added and right in this. 6.00
11 FLAMING FIREHEART ** Broke maiden status last start but will find this a lot tougher. 20
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Race 4
Selections; 3 ZAC COMMAND – 11 QUALITASE – 10 REGAL SALUTE – 1 LUCKY EIGHTY EIGHT
Plenty of good form in this Class 5 and the tote could be a good guide. As it stands though, ZAC COMMAND won in better company than this (KSD) last start over 1400m and no reason he can’t win again in Class 5 with Harry Kassim back on. His last start win was a bit of a surprise with head-gear removed but given his good form prior in Class 5, we can follow in this. Down the weights, QUALITASE also looks well-placed to win. The 6YO is more than due to knock in another win and from gate one with winkers on, he gets his chance. As mentioned, the race has depth with the likes of REGAL SALUTE, LUCKY EIGHTY-EIGHT and FEI YUE all having winning chances with RORY the improver at long-odds back in Class 5.
1 LUCKY EIGHTY EIGHT *** Backed-up maiden win this Class with a close-up placing and goes very close back on the Poly. 4.00
2 RORY ** Form reads badly but improves lengths in Class 5. 33
3 ZAC COMMAND *** Won in higher grade over longer last start and this looks more suitable. 4.00
4 ZAC VELOCITY ** Form reads terribly but a significant drop to Class 5 suggests a tote watch in order. 50
5 POWER ANGEL ** Won a weak Class 5 two starts back but will need luck from wide gate. 20
6 FEI YUE *** Has enough speed to cross from wide gate and in this a very long way. 8.00
7 NOT SIMPLE ** Has been disappointing but did run on OK last start. 20
8 VANTAGE * Resuming sans blinkers but needs longer. 50
9 ALWAYS A WINNER ** Won this trip and Class three back but this field does look strong. 20
10 REGAL SALUTE *** Maiden who looked a good thing beaten first-up and must be respected. 5.00
11 QUALITASE *** Over-due and looks very well placed with winkers added from the ace. 5.00
12 BUZET ** Resuming and versatile enough to include somewhere. 20
13 SARAWI * No. 200
14 SUPER LUCKY ** Resuming after a good run of form over longer. Keeps safe. 20
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Race 5
Selections; 3 CHEETAH ON FIRE – 1 ONE RAR – 2 ILUMINADO – 8 GOLDEN LARK
Not much separated ONE RAR and ILUMINADO last start and there is a fair chance there is not much between them again. ONE RAR gets a very handy 2kg claim so the weight pull actually goes in his favour (just) and connections would have been very happy when he drew gate 1 – always handy with two tight turns to contend with. The connections of ILUMINADO have stayed with a 3kg claimer and the 6YO is certainly tough enough not to worry about jumping from gate 7. But CHEETAH ON FIRE might just be ready to show his best back on the Poly and beat them all. The 5YO has been tried over 1400m (twice) and 1800m on the turf at his last three starts and given his four career wins have been on the Poly, this race could be ideal. The race has depth so go very wide in exotics with GOLDEN LARK worth an each-way look with no weight.
1 ONE RAR *** In excellent form and should get the gun run for the claimer from gate 1. 3.00
2 ILUMINADO *** Just missed last start behind ONE RAR and right in this finish. 3.00
3 CHEETAH ON FIRE *** In-form and switch back to winning surface could see a result. 6.00
4 MITRE PEAK ** Not a lot last start so blinkers on and could make a bid. 12
5 JIMTOWN ** Ran on well last start and this trip looks his caper on Malaysian form. Keep safe. 12
6 SMART IDEA ** Disappointing with support last start but goes close if having a good day. 8.00
7 PATERSON ROAD *** Won this trip in Class 4 two starts back and happy to follow. 8.00
8 GOLDEN LARK *** Ran on well last start in similar affair and will make his presence felt late. 12
9 CHEETAH ** Up in trip suits and can run a very cheeky race with no weight. 20
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Race 6
Selections; 2 LION MASTER – 1 FLUTZ – 9 MIDNIGHT – 11 ACORDO DE PAZ
Given it’s a maiden you could make an excuse for a weak field but this race is bottom-ofthe-barrel. So a horse with some upside in LION MASTER might be a good place to start. The upside is that the 3YO has only had three career starts and will find this easier than the Restricted Maidens he has been competing in. He has speed too, so will give a sight with Zaki from gate 3. Staying at the top of the weights, FLUTZ is better than most and if he makes use of the good gate and 4kg claim, he goes close and worth following over longer again. The other more obvious picks are CHINESE TYCOON at start 50 and ACORDO DE PAZ who both have good recent form with the battler, AUREUS, who gets Nunes. The smokey might be MIDNIGHT who has shocking form but a recent trial with blinkers good enough to watch at odds with head-gear on.
1 FLUTZ *** Back in right company and while best form had been over longer, must go close in this field. 6.00
2 LION MASTER *** Has plenty of speed and in this a very long way. 5.00
3 ENCOSTA ZONE * Excuses last start but easier to ignore from wide gate. 100
4 TOP OF THE TOWN * Last start better than the result and tongue-tie goes on but only for the brave. 50
5 AUREUS *** Usually thereabouts and wont find one easier than this. 4.00
6 MR VICTORY * Resuming with downgrade to winkers but hard to have. 50
7 UNIVERSAL STARLITE * Appreciates being back in Maiden company but needs to lift. 50
8 VICTORIOUS STREAK * This race is weak but not that weak. 100
9 MIDNIGHT *** Blinkers on. Form looks hopeless but has shown glimpses and recent trial with head-gear looked promising. 12
10 BEVERLY HILL * No. 50
11 ACORDO DE PAZ *** One of the few horses with good form from his last run. Big show. 4.00
12 CHINESE TYCOON *** Start 50 as a maiden is a concern but is due! 4.00
13 BAT KING * Blinkers off but no. 200
14 FAHLA FAHLA *** Some hope in this weak race if he gets a start. 8.00
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Race 7
Selections; 4 MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS – 3 LUCKY MISSION – 1 CORONET PEAK – 2 CASH DOT COM
What a cracking race! But while you could make a case for five or so nice types, MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS might just be a Poly specialist and the one the others have to beat. The 4YO – who arrived in Singapore as a raced maiden from New Zealand – has shown a distinct liking for the all-weather track and can take his unbeaten run on this surface to four. His turf form is better than most as well but his strong win last start back on the Poly suggests this is his surface. But he will have to be at his best with a field that includes a very progressive 3YO in LUCKY MISSION with CORONET PEAK and CASH DOT COM both capable to win this easily on their day. MY SHINE also looks a solid eachway hope and goodness knows who wins if the race is set up for swoopers!
1 CORONET PEAK *** Coming off a rare bad run but can bounce back with claim from a good gate. 7.00
2 CASH DOT COM *** Also coming off a shocker but wins on best form. 7.00
3 LUCKY MISSION *** Won what was a suitable Progress event last start and has to be a huge show. 3.00
4 MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS *** Unbeaten on the Polytrack at three starts and could be hard to beat. 2.30
5 MY SHINE *** Always a show in races like this and might sneak out to value in this field. 12
6 DRAGON KING ** Goes OK when on his game with winkers changed to blinkers left side only. 33
7 BIGDINERO ** Showed again last start why he is always a hope with a light weight. 20
8 BAZINGA * Unreliable and this field is strong. 50
9 DRAGON SPIRIT * Struggling. 100
10 HILLBILLY BEAR ** Very much appreciates first-up run and could be one to watch at value. 20
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Race 8
Selections; 4 PLAY ON – 6 KING OF KOON – 1 OASIS SPUR – 8 FANTASTIC BOY
A claimers only race so things can get interesting but PLAY IT ON looks the one the others have to beat after winning well last start. The 7YO’s four career wins have been on this surface over this trip so obviously this is his caper and form too good to ignore. KING OF KOON disappoints more often than not but had enough excuses last start to think he is ready to knock in his maiden win (in Singapore) and given his just fair form on paper, he might get out to value. Another at value might be OASIS SPUR. The 4YO has had excuses since dropping to Class 5 and gets a tongue-toe to hopefully show his best at odds. FANTASTIC BOY and SO PERFECT two others with form to win a race like this and not many others appeal.
1 OASIS SPUR *** Form reads terribly but excuses of late and tongue-tie on so keep safe at value. 12
2 SO PERFECT *** Thereabouts as a rule and recent trial good enough to go close in this field. 6.00
3 LIVE HAPPY * Blinkers off but cant have on form. 200
4 PLAY ON *** Turned some good form into a win in a similar affair to this and could be hard to beat. 2.00
5 ARAPUNI ** Had a bit of support when placing last start and can include in exotics. 8.00
6 KING OF KOON *** Had excuses last start and could knock in maiden Singapore win on a repeat of that effort. 6.00
7 MORRIS ** Coming off a shocker but goes OK on his day with gate one a bonus. 20
8 FANTASTIC BOY *** Ignore last start and take on previous good Poly form. 8.00
9 STRIDE METEOR ** Form reads badly but shows up on occasion this type of race so include in exotics at value. 33
10 HONEST WIND * Struggles. 100
11 RED SENSATION * Easier to ignore. 100
12 ZENA * Not for me. 100
13 JAWARA * No. 100
14 PEREGRINE FALCON ** Plodder but not the worst here. 33
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Race 9
Selections; 1 FARETTI – 2 SAVAGE STORM – 7 LUCKY DAPPER – 5 FLAK JACKET
FARETTI could be a good thing in the lucky last with blinkers added to his racing gear for the first time. His last two starts since dropping to Class 4 have been OK without being “get on me next time” efforts. However, a break from racing coupled with the head-gear could do the trick. The interesting thing with this horse is the fact he hasn’t raced with blinkers but has trialed very well when head-gear has been on on numerous occasions. That’s enough for me. Obviously SAVAGE STORM is the benchmark with his recent form but has struggled to win at Class 4 level. In saying that he should win sooner than later in this company and certainly in the mix. Like SAVAGE STORM, LUCKY DAPPER has been doing everything bar win at this level of late and has to win one soon. The interesting runner is FLAK JACKET who made a good Singapore debut with support and while he has drawn wide and has blinkers off, he must be respected on what we have seen.
1 FARETTI *** Resuming and blinkers on first time a significant move given trial form and hard to beat. 4.00
2 SAVAGE STORM *** Hard to fault form of late and looks the benchmark. 4.00
3 WHITE COFFEE * Last start good late but have to take on trust with blinkers off. 20
4 CHEYENNE WARRIOR * Winkers off but impossible on recent form. 100
5 FLAK JACKET *** Blinkers off after being supported and running well on debut. Can win. 4.00
6 TRUST ME ** Better than what he showed last start this company and keep safe on OK recent trial. 12
7 LUCKY DAPPER *** Doing everything bar win of late but must make emends soon. 4.00
8 FUKU ICHIBAN ** Yet to win on the Poly and last two runs ordinary but recent trial good so keep safe at odds. 33
9 HAPPY PRINCESS ** Nothing last start but back on the Poly this trip in her favour and pay to include somewhere. 20
10 NO NONSENSE * Resuming sans tongue-tie and better suited maiden company. 100
11 DRAGON NINETYNINE ** Form reads badly but appreciates being back on the Poly. 50
12 SIMPANG ** Backed up a good run with a Class 5 win and could be competitive. 20
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