Huka Falls – Singapore Racing 02-12-12
HUKA FALLS looks hard to beat in race 7. The Align 4YO has returned to racing in fine form this campaign, winning once and placing twice from three runs. Given he won eight from 11 in what was massive first campaign, the question was always going to be whether he could back that up and stamp himself as top-class. Although beaten twice this preparation, he would have lost no friends going down first-up to DAVIDE and setting the race up for the long-shot TRUDEAU at his most recent run. At the Kranji Stakes A conditions, he again gives weight to DAVIDE – so pay to respect him – but it might be the much-travelled DARK MATTER who is the biggest threat. The Stratum 5YO had won four from eight in Singapore before a successful Dubai campaign which saw another two wins coupled with two solid runs in Group company. Oddly, his next campaign – albeit a brief one – was in Malaysia where, under the guidance of Frank Maynard junior, he was successful at his only start. So while DARK MATTER now boasts a career record of seven wins (in three countries) and three placings from just 13 career starts, his form is hard to line-up against the Singapore “regulars” in HUKA FALLS and DAVIDE. Can he win? Probably. But HUKA FALLS is the one he has to beat.
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Best Bets; (ASTRO STAR race 2, win), (HUKA FALLS race 7, win) and (GREEN TRACER race 9, each-way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 4 and 8), race 7 (2, 3 and 4), race 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 9).
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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; 6 MR PATRON – 11 WEOWNA FLYER – 4 STAR ACADEMY – 3 NINETYFIVE ARRIVAL
A weak Class 5 for Claiming riders over 1600m on turf starts off proceedings. MR PATRON has been running on at recent outings, the most recent over a mile. He is nicely drawn and a positive ride by Zuriman could have him right in the finish. Moreira got WEOWNA FLYER home (as well as seven others on that day) for his maiden win; he drops a kilo for that and with Harry Kassim’s claim should be very competitive again. STAR ACADEMY is a consistent front-runner who battled away well over this course anddistance last outing; she is not a big mare and may well benefit from 3kg claim for Troy See. The winkers go back on NINETYFIVE ARRIVAL, his only win was at 1400m but he normally battles away and S Noh should give him every chance from his good gate. Other chances in an open race include EISHIN BRIGHT who improved last run, MONEY BEE who may be suited by the trip and STEALTH FIGHTER whose best runs have been turf.
1 QUIET ACHIEVER ** Maiden whose best effort was on turf and appreciates the company but a long way back last outing. 25
2 MONEY BEE ** Was running on over a shorter trip on the poly last outing. Suited on turf and at a mile, could surprise with Zaki. 14
3 NINETYFIVE ARRIVAL *** Winkers on. Only win was at 1400m. Normally battles away and could be helped by the claim. 6.00
4 STAR ACADEMY *** Consistent front-runner who battled away well over this course and distance last outing. Not a big mare and may well benefit from 3kg claim. 3.50
5 EISHIN BRIGHT ** Improved effort last start and from the good gate may be ready to show something. 14
6 MR PATRON *** Maiden who ran on strongly over a mile last outing. Nicely drawn and with the claim could benefit from a positive ride. 5.00
7 GOOD SUGGESTION * Well back at all seven starts. 50
8 SMITTEN KITTEN *** Down in class but stepping up in distance. Has been placed at a mile and could show up. 14
9 STEALTH FIGHTER ** Maiden whose best runs have been on turf. Will appreciate the claim and could show up. 14
10 SUGGESTAHABIT * Blinkers on but yet to show up in 9 starts. 50
11 WEOWNA FLYER *** Moreira got him home last time. Drops a kilo for the win and with Harry Kassim claim should be very competitive again. 3.50
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Race 2
Selections; 4 ASTROSTAR – 1 GOLD LINE – 2 PIASAU GARDEN – 10 WALTZ
A Restricted Maiden over 1100m on the polytrack features six first starters up against a group of just-average performers. Watch the market is the obvious mantra. Of those we have seen, GOLD RUN put in an ordinary effort on the turf over 1400m at his last outing. However, having the Pat Shaw polish with Barend Vorster up he will appreciate coming back to 1100m on the poly though 57kg may test; he should be prominent all the way. PISAU GARDEN has been steadily improving, he is coming back from 1400m on turf but has enough speed to be handy throughout from the good gate – he could be value. SUPER BONUS is resuming after suffering a cut pastern last outing; he is speedy and from the astute Leslie Khoo stable, watch for support. Of the un-raced brigade, ASTROSTAR is the most interesting runner. By Testa Rossa, his mother had four starts in South Africa winning a race and being placed twice at Group 3 level from four starts. His trial form has been good and with Manoel Nunes to steer from the ace, he is primed for a strong debut. WALTZ has a very unusual action – could be a hurdler – but he won his trial, albeit in slow time; with Corey Brown to steer from a nice gate he could race well. HAPPY MONEY also looks a useful type.
1 GOLD LINE *** Ordinary effort on turf last outing. Will appreciate coming back to 1100m on the poly. Has 57kg but should be prominent all the way. 3.00
2 PIASAU GARDEN *** Has been steadily improving. Coming back from 1400m on turf but has enough speed to be handy throughout from the good gate. 6.00
3 SUPER BONUS ** Resuming after suffering a cut pastern last outing. Speedy and could get in the mix although very green. Watch for support. 6.00
4 ASTROSTAR *** By Testa Rossa. Dam had four starts in South Africa winning a race and being placed twice at Group 3 level from four starts. Trialing well and with Manoel Nunes to steer from the ace, is primed for a strong debut. 3.00
5 CIVIL UNION * First start. Did not show up at trials. 33
6 HAPPY MONEY ** Trials OK and full-sister, PRECIOUS GEM, is useful. Watch. 16
7 LET’S SCREAM NOW ** Blinkers and tongue tie on. Trialed OK. Mother won at a mile. Watch for support. 25
8 OVERPOWER * Pacifiers on. Yet to show up at the trials. 33
9 RUNFORIT * Blinkers on. Needs to improve from initial outing. 25
10 WALTZ ** Brother to Darci Time who has won three from eight in WA. Trialed very greenly but has Corey Brown and a good alley. Watch. 10
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Race 3
Selections; 1 YES BABA – 4 BOWIE KNIFE – 3 DAAD’S THE WAY – 6 BORSALINO
An interesting Class 4 over 1700m on the polytrack with some proven old boys up against some useful younger ones. Even better, CASINO KING and STAGE BRIGHT should go forward and set a speed. YES BABA is a handy sort of 4YO who has won twice and been placed six times from 11 starts – he put in a bold effort under Moreira over 2000m on the grass last outing and is much better suited this trip. With Barend Vorster steering he should be close to the lead all the way. His testing material might be a couple of gnarled veterans in DAADS THE WAY and BOWIE KNIFE. DAADS THE WAY ran on very strongly last outing to finish 4th, just off the winner, JOYOUS EXPRESS. Corey Brown takes over from Zuriman and his strength in the finish could be a major factor. Old BOWIE KNIFE ran in the same race and Alan Munro got him into second; he is racing consistently and stays strongly. BORSALINO ran on nicely over 1400m last start; Manoel Nunes stays on and the 1700m should suit so he could break his Singapore maiden status. There are plenty of other chances; LORD ROBERTO was not far away last start and is now up to a suitable distance on his favourite surface; he should race well with Lisa Allpress to ride; BUNGAE has won his past two and trialed well recently, with Shafiq’s claim he will carry less weight than when he won a BM61 last outing and should be hard to beat again.
1 YES BABA *** Put in a bold effort to finish 3rd over 2000m on the grass last outing. Much better suited in this and with Vorster steering should be close to the lead all the way. 4.00
2 BUNGAE *** Has won his past two and trialed well recently. Will carry less weight than when he won a BM61 last outing and should be hard to beat again. 7.00
3 DAAD’S THE WAY *** Ran on strongly last outing over 1600m. Tough old fellow well suited here and with Corey Brown up should be running on late. 5.00
4 BOWIE KNIFE *** Racing honestly in this grade. Tough stayer who should get a nice run and be thereabouts again. 5.00
5 BIGCAT RHAPSODY ** Loomed but capitulated quickly last start – may have found the 2000m too far and given a gentler run from the ace here may get right in the finish. 12
6 BORSALINO *** Ran on well over 1400m last outing and this distance should suit. Well drawn and Nunes retains the mount. 7.00
7 LORD ROBERTO *** Not far away last start and now up to a suitable distance on his favourite surface. Should race well. 4.50
8 CASINO KING ** Outclassed last outing but previous form good. Could lead and be hard to run down at odds. 25
9 STAGE BRIGHT * Form ordinary. Could help set the speed. 50
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Race 4
Selections; 2 HAPPY RAINBOW – 4 HAPPY FOREVER – 1 FLY FREELY – 8 ZAC GALLANT
A Kranji Stakes D for the speedy ones over 1000m on the polytrack. HAPPY RAINBOW has won his last two over this trip; he is up 1.5kg but with Manoel Nunes staying aboard, he will be able to sit near the lead and kick strongly. HAPPY FOREVER put in a shocker last start and the blinkers go back on; he beat subsequent winners NATURE IS NATURE and CORONET PEAK at his previous start and with the claim for TH Koh and the nice draw, it may pay to give him another chance. FLY FREELY was inconvenienced at the start and charged home late last outing; he has plenty of weight and can find trouble but if he gets a nice run will be very hard to hold out. ZAC GALLANT is a maiden who showed speed and fought well in Class 5 company at his last outing; from the nice draw with top apprentice Harry Kassim up he should be in the race for a long way. Amongst the rest, SHINKANSEN will give some cheek, D’DON, SO FREE NOW and SPICY CAT could show up.
1 FLY FREELY *** Inconvenienced at the start and charged home late last outing. Has plenty of weight and can find trouble but if he gets a nice run will be very hard to hold out. 3.50
2 HAPPY RAINBOW *** Has won his last two over this trip. Up 1.5kg but with Manoel Nunes staying aboard can sit near the lead and kick strongly. 3.50
3 DORAEMON ** Speedy and getting to a winnable grade. Keep safe. 33
4 HAPPY FOREVER *** Put in a shocker last start and blinkers go back on. Beat subsequent winners NATURE IS NATURE and CORONET PEAK at previous start. May pay to give another chance. 3.50
5 RORY * Having third run since changing stables. Only win was at this trip but would have to improve. 25
6 D’DON ** Returned a roarer last start and has changed stables from Freedman to O’Hara. Showed some promise at earlier outings. Watch. 16
7 SO FREE NOW * Speedy but draw no help. 20
8 ZAC GALLANT *** Maiden who fought well in Class 5 company last outing. From the nice draw with top apprentice up should be in the race for a long way with blinkers on first time. 7.00
9 SHINKANSEN ** Speedy and will, as always, keep a few honest in this. 16
10 MAGIC OCEAN * Only win was at this trip. Often tardy at the start and that won’t help here. 50
11 PLAY ON * Goes OK on his day but recent form poor. 50
12 BUNKER TROUBLE * Been in the bunker for a very long time. 100
13 SPICY CAT ** Still a maiden but a chance if he gets a start. 12
14 PEGASUS VICTORY * Has speed but recent form too poor to consider. 33
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Race 5
Selections; 1 LUWAK COFFEE – 8 SERGEANT PEPPER – 9 SIR FLEETWOOD – 10 HUMOR TOWN
A particularly tricky Class 4 over 1200m on the turf brings together an odd collection. LUWAK COFFEE is resuming, he had been racing well in Graduation and Progressive Class against horses like BALE STAR and LISTEN. His best form is at 1400m but gets a claim for Harry Kassim and should sprint well fresh – his class could carry him through. SERGEANT PEPPER has been racing well in this Grade over 1400m, he is perfectly drawn and with Pat Shaw polish and Vorster up should get a gun run and go close to winning. Laurie Laxon has got plenty of tough breadwinners in his stable and SIR FLEETWOOD has found another ordinary field; he usually gives his best and with Lisa Allpress up could go close again. This is not a strong field and there could be a couple of “smokeys”. HUMOR TOWN ran on very strongly last outing, he gets a more experienced rider in Sundaras John for P Dellorto and whilst better suited in Class 5, he could show up in this field. SACRED CITY is an interesting runner. A Kyneton Maiden winner who started favourite at two runs for Freedman and failed. He then had one run for Mohd Yusof and went awry; the blinkers come off and he was pushed in his recent trial but if right could well be too good for these. BRING MORE MONEY has been racing on the polytrack for Danny Chee, he is better suited on turf having won twice at the trip, he trialed well recently and with Oscar Chavez and a good alley he could be one to watch.
1 LUWAK COFFEE *** Resuming, was racing well in Graduation and Progressive Class against horses like BALE STAR and LISTEN. His best form is at 1400m but gets a claim for Harry Kassim and should sprint well fresh. 4.00
2 SELECT GATHERING ** Better on poly but has placed five from ten on turf. Should be running on late. 20
3 POTLUCK ** Resuming. Surprised on the turf over 1400m before break. Goes well on his day and could sprint well fresh. Watch market. 16
4 BRING MORE MONEY ** Nor far away last start and has won twice on the turf over 1200m. Gets Oscar Chavez and a good alley, watch for support. 10
5 SACRED CITY ** Blinkers off. Kyneton Maiden winner who started favourite at two runs for Freedman and failed. Had one run for Mohd Yusof and went awry; was pushed in his recent trial but if right could well be too good for these. 12
6 ZENIDEKKA ** Failed at only turf run but has been racing in much stronger company than this and with the nice alley could surprise. 12
7 SCARLET STAR ** Good effort last start on turf in a much stronger Class 4 than this. Yet to win on turf and has inexperienced rider. Watch. 14
8 SERGEANT PEPPER *** Has been racing well in this company over 1400m. Perfectly drawn and with Vorster up should go close. 4.50
9 SIR FLEETWOOD *** Has found another ordinary field. Usually gives his best and with Lisa Allpress up could go close again. 4.50
10 HUMOR TOWN *** Ran on well last start and gets the experienced S John. Should make his presence felt. 6.50
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Race 6
Selections; 2 GRAND VITESS – 1 DRUMSARA – 4 JERAM ROSE WOOD – 8 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ
Not a lot of depth to this Class 5 mile and as such, it is worth concentrating just four horses – GRAND VITESS, DRUMSARA, JERAM ROSE WOOD and JOHHNY HATES JAZZ. GRAND VITESS is a maiden but has shown more than enough at his recent runs to think he wins soon and this race looks perfect. His work late has been excellent over 1400m at his last couple so the extra 200m on a course that suits could see a result. DRUMSARA also looks very well placed to win. The 6YO’s two career wins have both been over the mile and given his most recent was four starts back and the last time over this trip on the turf, a win would not surprise. JERAM ROSE WOOD won five starts back over 1400m and his form since that victory has been solid and should be handy throughout. JOHHNY HATES JAZZ is another maiden in the form that has him winning sooner than later and comes under notice with top claimer, Harry Kassim, on-board from a nice gate.
1 DRUMSARA *** In solid form on the Poly and won last time this trip on the turf. Goes close. 4.75
2 GRAND VITESS *** Maiden but in super form and a mile on the turf ideal. 4.00
3 CHI LIN * Blinkers off and needs to improve. 100
4 JERAM ROSE WOOD *** In the mix last few and in this a very long way. 3.50
5 SUPER VELOX ** Nothing last couple but goes close at his best and race suits. 50
6 TRIPLE GOALS ** First beaten last start but previous form has him under notice. 12
7 SOCIAL NETWORK ** Form reads badly but appreciates first up run with market watch in order. 20
8 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ *** Maiden but due with top claimer and gate two in his favour. 6.00
9 WIN THE DAY ** Has failed to impress since win four starts back so step up in trip a good idea. 20
10 BIG HARVEST * No. 200
11 AMERICAN TYCOON * Nyet. 200
12 CONQUEST ** In very solid form without a result. Each-way. 12
13 ROLLTHEDICE ** Upgraded to blinkers and should be closing late. Exotics. 12
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Race 7
Selections; 2 HUKA FALLS – 3 DARK MATTER – 4 DAVIDE – 1 FLYING FULTON
The big question is this sprint is how good is DARK MATTER? The last time the 5YO was seen in Singapore he was beaten in Kranji Stakes C company back in December 2011. But at that stage of his career his record stood at four from eight starts and given he travelled to Dubai and won twice before finding himself in Malaysia in what looked a backward move. One start for one win under Frankie Maynard had him on the bus back to Singapore and with no weight, he looks well placed for a big first-up run. Can he beat the likely favourite in HUKA FALLS? The Align 4YO has 58kg to carry after a shock loss to Trudeau at his last start but can bounce back with Corey Brown on-board. DAVIDE looks the only other horse with a realistic winning hope given he beat HUKA FALLS two starts back and gets in very well at the race conditions.
1 FLYING FULTON ** Looks too short but did finish second to Rocket Man last time over this trip. 20
2 HUKA FALLS *** Beaten fair and square last start and has weight but still the one to beat. 2.00
3 DARK MATTER *** First start back in Singapore after winning in Malaysia via a successful Dubai trip. Keep safe. 2.80
4 DAVIDE *** Beat Huka Falls two starts back on the Poly this trip and well weighted here. 3.00
5 KEEP AWAY * Might be closing late to add value to exotics. 100
6 MATTERHORN ** Resuming with blinkers and would need to be at his best. 33
7 CAVALLO ** Did it tough last start in the Jumbo Jet and should improve. 50
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Race 8
Selections; 3 GOLD RUTILE – 8 EMPIRE BAY – 9 WORLD WAR – 1 HARD STUFF
A great race and plenty of winning hopes with the “field” a good option in any multi-leg exotic options. So although one punting eye will be on value on the day, GOLD RUTILE looks the one the others have to beat. The Japanese-bred mare has won two from her seven starts in Singapore and given what she has shown at her last two when placed behind the smart Empress Wu, she has to go close. The form line behind Empress Wu will hold up so EMPIRE BAY down the weights is well worth a look. He had excuses not to finish closer on that occasion and might bet a solid each-way option. Two last start winners stepping up in Class – WORLD WAR and BEAUTY SUPREME – also look horses to follow and both should get support and big runs would not surprise. As mentioned, the field has depth and it might pay to keep an eye on perceived Poly specialist, HARD STUFF, who is in form and could get out to a back-able price.
1 HARD STUFF *** Rarely seen on the turf but in super form and could easily win. 10
2 BENJI’S EMPIRE *** Was keen out front when pushed same trip last start and in this a long-way from better gate. 12
3 GOLD RUTILE *** In form, race suits and hard to beat. 3.00
4 BEAUTY SUPREME *** Backed up two good runs in Singapore with a strong Class 4 win and pay to follow. 4.50
5 ULTIMATE WARRIOR *** Nothing last start but previous form suggests he makes his presence felt late. 20
6 SULMONA * Prefer on the Poly. 200
7 SACRED EMBLEM ** Won three out of last five and work late at recent run has him in the mix. 20
8 EMPIRE BAY *** Excuses last start in similar affair and in this a very long way. 8.00
9 WORLD WAR *** Progressive and last start win easily good enough for this with no weight. 3.00
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Race 9
Selections; 2 GREEN TRACER – 3 GOLDEN MISSION – 1 COLLECT THE CASH – 7 RISING EXPECTATION
A very tricky race to close the card and it will pay to include some horses at value that improve in what is a suitable race. Case in point are RISING EXPECTATION, WINNER’S SMILE and JETSET MAN who all come into this with relatively poor recent form but could easily show up with luck on best form. RISING EXPECTATION in particular looks an each-way show from gate one and we can obviously ignore his last run where he had issues. But on exposed form a horse like GREEN TRACER looks ready to win. The former Australian has shown more than enough at four Singapore starts to follow and the switch back to the experienced John Powell looks a very good move. GOLDEN MISSION has metaphorically and perhaps ironically, grown a leg since he lost his testicles and looks a strong winning hope also with Manoel Nunes aboard. COLLECT THE CASH, first-up for a new trainer with blinkers should be in this a very long way.
1 COLLECT THE CASH *** Resuming for new trainer with blinkers added and nice recent trial under his belt. Can win. 5.00
2 GREEN TRACER *** Excuses last start and 1400m looks ideal to open Singapore winning account with tongue-tie removed. 6.00
3 GOLDEN MISSION *** Excuses last start and huge effort late suggests he handle 1400m and hard to beat. 3.00
4 RAJAH BROOK * Did it tough at Singapore debut so should improve. 50
5 WINNER’S SMILE ** Form reads badly but has ability and back on turf a good move. Value. 33
6 JETSET MAN *** Form reads badly but appreciates first-up run and won over this trip in NZ. 33
7 RISING EXPECTATION *** Ignore last start where he had issues and keep safe at likely long odds on best form. 25
8 GRAND WOOD PARK ** First beaten last start but appreciates the run back. 200
9 MY BROTHER *** In form and will win in Class 4 so pay to follow. 4.00
10 THE OMEGA MAN * Freshened after two disappointing efforts since maiden win. Market a good guide. 33
11 BRILLIANT BEAUTY ** Nothing last start but previous form good and appreciates Class 4 company. 12
12 LEAVE ME ALONE ** Battled on well after leading similar affair last start. Exotics. 12
13 FLYING AHEAD ** Needs Class 5 but competitive on a good day this type of race. 33
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