Dragon Force (Danny Beasley) makes his mark at his second start on Friday 09-08-13 (Photo: Singapore Turf Club)
Laurie Laxon is often challenged but rarely beaten. So while the nine-time Singapore Champion trainer has HW Alwin Tan breathing down his neck at the business end of the 2014 season, you wound’t bet against the Kiwi.
In saying that, Tan has thrown everything bar the proverbial at his tilt for what would be his first trainers premiership and looks well-placed on Friday night to pull back one – maybe two – on Laxon, making for a thrilling last meeting show-down on Sunday. The meeting opens with both trainers having each-way hopes in BEST NINE for Tan and HAPPY PRINCESS for Laxon.
DRAGON FURY could be a good thing for Tan in the second – in fact it looks one of the better bets on the card – but Laxon has WAIPA on debut who cannot be discounted. Rough hopes for both in the third before Tan saddles another couple of long-shots in the fourth while Laxon has a breather.
Laxon holds the aces in the fifth with STIRLING and MEXICAN GAL both strong winning hopes and while Tan has PLATOON, he will be hoping for a nil-all-draw before both have a rest in the sixth. HW’s winning hopes in race 7 rest with Oscar Chavez on the oft disappointing PERFECT CHALLENGER and if he does salute, Laurie can bounce back in race 8 with debut winner, RATHAUSGLOCKEL looking well-placed in KSD company.
The penultimate battle between the pair goes down to the wire in race 9 where both have two good each-way hopes in DRAGON KING and UNIQUE ONE (Tan) and EURO ZONE and BORDEAUX (Laxon) and goodness knows where that leaves us heading into Sunday!
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Best Bets; (DRAGON FORCE race 2, win), (EURO ZONE race 9, each-way) and (SACRED CROWN race 6, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 3, 4 and 9), race 7 (2, 3, 5 and 7), race 8 (2, 3 and 4), race 9 (2, 3, 4, 5 and 12).
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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 AMAZON GOLD – 9 D’DON – 2 DAY BY DAY – 11 ART OF WAR
Tricky race to start the last weekend of the season with a few horses very much appreciating the KSD company and a couple of smart last start winners who can go on with the job. A toss-up indeed but winning form is good form and D’DON and ART OF WAR are worth following. Both will obviously find this KSD field tougher than Class 5 and Maiden company respectively, but both won very well and D’DON in particular looks to be in a rich vein of form with back-to-back-wins this campaign. In saying that, with a Class drop in mind the top-two rated horses in AMAZON GOLD and DAY BY DAY also appeal. AMAZON GOLD has one win from some seven starts in Singapore but should find both the Poly and this company more to his liking. Add a HK bound Manoel Nunes and a fair gate and he might be the one to be on. DAY BY DAY gets John Powell from gate two and he will look the winner at some stage late with a tongue tie added.
1 AMAZON GOLD *** Excuses last start and should run a race in this company with tongue tie off. 20
2 DAY BY DAY *** Tongue tie on after running out of steam last start when supported. Give another chance. 6.00
3 FAT BOBO *** Wont win out of turn but showed last start why Poly is his caper. 8.00
4 XIN TREASURE *** Had issues last start (not striding) when not far away similar affair. In the mix. 8.00
5 BEST NINE *** Ran on well last start and right in this if he can make use if gate 1. 8.00
6 HILLBILLY BEAR ** Visor off. Will win in this company sooner than later and coming off nice trial. 10
7 DORAEMON ** Excuses (not striding) when just battling lats start and have to take on trust. 20
8 HAPPY PRINCESS *** Ignore last start as never a hope at the race conditions and keep very safe on best form. 6.00
9 D’DON *** Up in grade but winning form too good to ignore. 6.00
10 I’M KOOL *** Maiden who has shown enough at races and recent trial to keep safe at the kSD conditions. 12
11 ART OF WAR *** Broke maiden status in fine style last start and pay to follow. 8.00
12 SPANISH TRAIN * Competitive on his day but wide gate suggests we wait for Class 5. 100
13 GOOD BUDDY ** Always in the mix but does not win out of turn. 20
14 BINGO ** Never likely last start but the type that can surprise. 20
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Race 2
Selections; 6 DRAGON FURY – 3 ABOVE THE SKYLINE – 9 WAIPA – 11 DARSHANA
This really looks a race in two with DRAGON FURY and the newcomer ABOVE THE SKYLINE the only ones to consider. The obvious choice is DRAGON FURY who is backing-up after narrowly missing last Sunday. His trainer Alwin Tan will be throwing everything bar the kitchen sink to bridge the two-win gap to Laurie Laxon in the trainers premiership and DRAGON FURY could be one of those. Obviously what he has showed at two career starts has him winning soon and he is the one to beat. From the trails, ABOVE THE SKYLINE is the danger. The 3YO Australian-bred gelding has looked very comfortable winning two local trials and should run a bold race on debut with Manoel Nunes up. The winning hopes fall away quickly but Laurie Laxon has WAIPA who had trailed in NZ before arriving in Singapore. The 3YO also gets the ace and Froggy Newitt so a market watch is definitely in order.
1 SUN DAYTON * Nuisance value only. 100
2 ZENIGAME ** Recent trial good enough to include in exotics on debut. 20
3 ABOVE THE SKYLINE *** Has looked very comfortable winning two trials and can win on debut. 3.00
4 ATOM * Hard to consider on poor debut run. 100
5 BLACK DIAMOND * Prefer others on exposed trial form. 50
6 DRAGON FURY *** Backing-up after narrowly missing last Sunday. Hard to beat. 1.80
7 FLYING WINNER ** Solid at the trials and can figure in exotics. 12
8 RED ANT * Will improve with experience but may need longer. 100
9 WAIPA ** Quiet local trial but gets Newitt, gate 1 and trained by the master so respect. 12
10 ZENIDIN * Hard to have on exposed trial form. 100
11 DARSHANA ** Trialed good enough to consider on debut with market a fair guide. 12
12 SPEEDY DRAGON ** Finished off well late on debut so pay to keep safe although may need longer. 20
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Race 3
Selections; 8 SKY ELEVEN – 10 JUSTICE WORLD – 7 RUM N RAISINS – 4 HUMOR TOWN
Lot to like about this race from a punting perspective with a few horses well and truly due and enough early pace to make it an honest run affair. SKY ELEVEN is one of those due and should very much appreciate gate 1 after racing keenly last start. The 4YO looks a promising type and Nunes may let him bowl along just behind the pace-setters which should be to his advantage. JUSTICE WORLD also looks due after hitting the line very well at his second Singapore start. The Kiwi-bred won a maiden in Australia before arriving at Kranji and certainly his last start effort suggests the mile suits. Plenty of others to consider with RUM N RAISINS in very good form and drawn to advantage and HUMOR TOWN back over a suitable trip after a sighter first-up. Throw in BEAUTY SUPREME, SERPICO at odds and the bolter, BENJI’S EMPIRE, in what is a wide open race.
1 BEAUTY SUPREME *** Drawn badly but in solid form and will give a sight with luck in running. 12
2 HIGH TROJA ** Placed at long odds at second Kranji start and pay to follow. 10
3 TO BE REMEMBERED ** Query at the trip but honest and will be battling away late. 20
4 HUMOR TOWN *** Very much appreciates first-up run and step up to suitable trip. 6.00
5 SERPICO ** Form better than it reads and won at only starts this surface over this trip. Value. 20
6 CALLIDE RIVER ** Badly drawn and out of form but should show more back on his preferred surface. 50
7 RUM N RAISINS *** Slight query on the surface but in winning form and drawn to
advantage. 3.50
8 SKY ELEVEN *** Still has a bit to learn but plenty of ability and wins again soon with gate 1 and Nunes a factor. 3.50
9 BENJI’S EMPIRE ** Cheeky run expected and could give a sight if left alone out front. 20
10 JUSTICE WORLD *** Showed more than enough to the line at second Singapore start to win stepping up the mile. 7.00
11 ADRENALINE ** Always in the mix and often at odds o keep very safe. 20
12 FLAWLESSLY * Later. 100
13 BOURNE ACADEMY * Appreciates Singapore debut and look for some improvement. 33
14 MEAISIN *** Drawn badly for this but race is suitable so pay to follow in similar affair. 12
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Race 4
Selections; 2 LUCIUS VORENUS – 3 BRING MONEY HOME – 1 HOLDING FAST – 9 BECOME RICH
A few of the fancies in this maiden have had their chances of late making it tough to be confident of finding the winner. But as its stands, LUCIUS VORENUS looks well-placed to turn some good recent race and trial form into a win. We thought he was a good thing two starts back over 1200m after a cracking trial but he disappointed before showing enough last start to follow again. Blinkers are off and Corey Brown goes on and hopefully that combination is successful. BRING MONEY HOME is green as the grass he won’t be running on but obviously still has enough ability to win a race like this with Barend Vorster and the upgrade to blinkers in his favour. HOLDING FAST has had his chances but must be respected with MM Firdaus claiming 2kg and of the rest, there could be value in the likes of BECOME RICH and the emergency, TOOBIGTOFAIL, to name just two.
1 HOLDING FAST *** Drawn wide and desperate for a result for the support and form. 4.00
2 LUCIUS VORENUS *** Had his chances but mile sans blinkers looks a smart move. Can win. 3.00
3 BRING MONEY HOME *** Super green so is a risk but shown enough to win with upgrade to blinkers. 6.00
4 ADIVINO ** Best work late last start has him under notice in this company with gate 2 a bonus. 12
5 VICTORY COMMANDS * Just battles away and might need easier than this. 33
6 VITALLY SECRET ** Battled on OK in KSD company last start and can include in exotics. 10
7 DOUBLE JEOPARDY ** Placed at two Poly maiden starts and another for exotics at odds. 20
8 KATONG PARK ** Drawn badly and hard to follow on form so take on trust. 20
9 BECOME RICH ** Will work into this late and could be handy enough to have a say from the inside gate. 12
10 HAPPY SAGA ** In form and always gives the indication the mile suits so keep safe. 12
11 VOY ** Solid without threatening. 20
12 SUI GENERIS * Blinkers off. Issues last start but easier to ignore. 50
13 TOOBIGTOFAIL ** Last run better than the result and worth some thought at odds. 20
14 GOLDEN JADE ** Form from last start placing has held up and can include somewhere. 20
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Race 5
Selections; 5 STIRLING – 13 MEXICAN GAL – 1 BARNATO – 8 FOREVER LUCKY
With the trainers premiership going down to the wire, this race could prove pivotal with Laurie Laxon having one and perhaps two winning chances. STIRLING won very well on debut and the effort suggests he is a horse to follow through the grades. There was a whisper late about the 4YO at his first-start and he duly saluted with the proverbial leg in the air. Dan Beasley – who won’t be riding in Singapore in 2015 – stays on and he can go out with a big bang. If STIRLING doesn’t get the job done for LKL, MEXICAN GAL can. She is first emergency but with Nunes booked she might just get a run and a huge show at the handicap conditions. BARNATO is the one they both have to beat and the Pat Shaw-trained 3YO will look the winner at some stage but can be his own worst enemy over-racing on most occasions. The race has depth so keep FOREVER LUCKY at odds safe with blinkers added with the two lad’s, ASSERTIVE LAD and BARNBURGH LAD, both in the mix.
1 BARNATO *** Still has a bit to learn about the racing game but goes super and can win this. 3.50
2 SOUL COMMANDER ** Recent form just fair and drawn wide but gets head-gear and goes OK on his day. 33
3 ASSERTIVE LAD *** Yet to win on Poly but fought hard when supported similar affair last start and in the mix again. 6.00
4 SILVER DOLLAR * Winkers off. Appreciates first-up run but have to take on trust. 33
5 STIRLING *** Won very well at race debut and could be hard to bear again. 3.50
6 BANNISTER ** Appreciates first-up run but prefer over longer. 20
7 BARNBURGH LAD *** Continued his good run of form in this company last start and have to follow. 6.00
8 FOREVER LUCKY *** Form just fair but won maiden this trip/track and gets blinkers for the first time so could surprise. 33
9 LIM’S RALLY ** Backed-up good debut with nice win and in the mix. 10
10 PLATOON ** Just fair last start but drawn well and will be competitive. 20
11 STARPERFECT * Needs longer. 200
12 RACER KING ** Turned some solid form into a good win and pay to keep safe with gate 1 a factor. 10
13 MEXICAN GAL *** In form, loves the Poly and looks well-placed at the handicap conditions. 4.00
14 SOON YI *** Looks due and will be flying late. 10
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Race 6
Selections; 4 SACRED CROWN – 1 BEAT TO QUARTERS – 3 ROUGH DANCE – 9 WINFREY
This race could get ugly but a couple of last start winners in BEAT TO QUARTERS and WINFREY looks a good place to start. BEAT TO QUARTERS turned some solid form into a barnstorming win in a similar affair to this and no reason not to think he isn’t doing his best work again late. WINFREY – who turned around some poor race form to win last time out – has a bad gate to contend with but certainly comes under notice on that effort and previous good trial form. But one that looks well placed to win is SACRED CROWN. The 5YO is a five-time winner (all on the Poly) and the fact he gets a senior hoop form gate 1 in a suitable grade, he could be hard to beat. Throw in ROUGH DANCE who went ever so close to winning when dropping to this grade last start and the second emergency, OCEAN POWER, is one to follow at long odds when he gets a start.
1 BEAT TO QUARTERS *** Stormed home to win last start similar affair and pay to follow. 3.00
2 JUST FOR J * Struggling. 50
3 ROUGH DANCE *** Went close dropping to this grade last start and right in this. 3.50
4 SACRED CROWN *** Form reads only fair but drop in grade coupled with gate 1 and senior hoop has him under notice. 10
5 YOUNG LADY * No. 100
6 PIASAU GARDEN ** In the mix last couple and blinkers added see a result. 11
7 STANZOUT ** Veteran back in trip and can include in exotics. 33
8 ONE DOLLAR BETTER * No. 100
9 WINFREY *** Drawn badly but showed more than enough winning last start to follow. 3.50
10 LORD GRANTHAM ** Maiden who battles away and can include in exotics. 12
11 LUCKY GENERAL * Can ignore last start but better suited on turf. 33
12 FAHLA FAHLA * Nuisance value only. 50
13 PHARMA BROWNE * Appreciates first-up run but better over longer. 20
14 OCEAN STORY *** Excuses last start and happy to give another chance with blinkers added. 20
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Race 7
Selections; 5 PERFECT CHALLENGER – 2 TAFFETAS – 3 SEED OF SPEED – 7 SWEET LODGE
PERFECT CHALLENGER has let us down on more than one occasion of late. But every time we get the pen out to strike him off the list, he finds a race to suit and we get back onboard. Three of his four wins have been on the Poly and this trip should suit so the planets align (once again) with gate 3 a bonus. Also in his favour is the fact the race has no standout and the depth could be in his favour. Throw a blankets over most others form CANNON HILL at the top of the weights to YOU DA ONE with a potage stamp to carry – but special mention to the mare TAFFETAS who looks ready to win again with the mile ideal, SEED OF SPEED who gets his chance and SWEET LODGE who gets to a suitable trip.
1 CANNON HILL ** Very much appreciates company and should figure in exotics with blinkers removed. 6.00
2 TAFFETAS *** Work late last start suggests Poly mile ideal and can win. 3.00
3 SEED OF SPEED *** Excuses last start and should handle the Poly so looks a leading hope. 5.00
4 MESHMAKER ** Just fair last start but race suits and will work into this late. 33
5 PERFECT CHALLENGER *** Form reads only fair but this trip on his winning surface looks a very good combination. 6.00
6 WHITE COFFEE ** Mile has tested in the past but should get a nice run from gate 2 and pay to keep safe. 20
7 SWEET LODGE *** Last start better than the result and step up to the mile looks ideal. Big show. 8.00
8 INVICTUS ** Goes good enough on his day to include in exotics but tested this company. 20
9 YOU DA ONE ** Yet to win in Singapore but going along in good order and not the worse with no weight. 6.00
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Race 8
Selections; 2 RATHAUSGLOCKEL – 3 CALIFORNIA SUN – 4 FATKID WONDERER – 11 WONDERFUL ERA
Laurie Laxon has had some nice horses win on debut of late and while RATHAUSGLOCKEL isn’t his best, the 3YO looks up to KSD company and could be hard to beat. He did just win with a 2kg claim on that occasion and Laurie has opted for a senior rider in Nunes but the race is not strong and he should get a gun run from gate 3. Two other horses in CALIFORNIA SUN and FATKID WARRIOR broke their maiden status’ at their respective last starts and can go on with the job. Both won well enough to think there is not much between them and both have claimers in Firdaus (2kg) and Ewe (1kg) which looks a smart move at the handicap conditions. Of the rest, JET SET is the other last start winner and WONDERFUL ERA, while still a maiden, gets blinkers for the first time so look for support. Others can run well so go wide in exotics.
1 HAPPY HAPPY * Disappointing last two but will find this easier so watch for support. 12
2 RATHAUSGLOCKEL *** Coming off a good debut win with support and should handle this company. 3.00
3 CALIFORNIA SUN *** Broke maiden status in fine style in Class 5 last start and pay to follow. 5.00
4 FATKID WONDERER *** Also broke maiden status last start and has the speed to be in this a very long way. 6.00
5 SUPER SPUR ** Ran on OK late last start and could show up in exotics at odds. 33
6 HARDEN UP ** Wide gate an issue but showed enough at his last couple to keep safe. 8.00
7 LADY TRIO * Nothing last start and better served on turf. 50
8 SINGLE ACT * Struggling of late. 33
9 BRANKSOME * Excuses not to finish closer last start at longs odds and could surprise. 33
10 CLERMONT CLUB * Not far away last start but prefer over longer. 13
11 WONDERFUL ERA ** Maiden who gets blinkers and worth some thought although wide draw is a concern. 8.00
12 JET SET ** Won in Class 5 last start and should be competitive with no weight. 12
13 IMACRUISER * Needs longer. 50
14 SOUTH GATE * Needs longer. 50
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Race 9
Selections; 2 EURO ZONE – 5 RAPPOR – 3 BORDEAUX – 4 KAISER BRIGHT
Laurie Laxon could have another couple of aces up his sleeve in the lucky last with EURO ZONE and BORDEAUX well and truly in the winning mix. EURO ZONE is the interesting runner finding himself resuming in what could be a very suitable Class 4 poly sprint. And although hitting the wall late at his only other poly run (on his Kranji debut), the 5YO has trialed well recently and certainly better than Class 5 company at his best. In fact he wasn’t disgraced in a crack at Group company not long ago and that form obviously holds up here. BORDEAUX is in fine form and looks a solid each-way option with Corey Brown up and is a two-time Poly winner. One that Laxon would be worried about is RAPPOR. The 4YO’s two runs this campaign have been very good and he will be in this a very long way from the favourable draw. Throw in KAISER BRIGHT, WOW resuming and the HW Tan pair of DRAGON KING and UNIQUE ONE.
1 DRAGON KING ** Coming off a couple of very poor runs but drop in grade has him under notice with upgrade to blinkers. 12
2 EURO ZONE *** Smart type resuming with very good trial under his belt and could be hard to beat in this company. 4.00
3 BORDEAUX *** Last run better than the result and previous form in this type of race has in right in this. 6.00
4 KAISER BRIGHT *** Had excuses not to finish closer last start in similar affair and must be considered. 8.00
5 RAPPOR *** Just beaten last start and in the winning mix. 4.00
6 BENJI’S RULE ** Blinkers off and always an each-way hope often at odds. 20
7 ARROWHEAD ** Returned to some form last start and can include in exotics. 12
8 GET GOING ** Former Australian who won one from seven before arriving but exotics best on trial form. 20
9 ROYAL TUDOR * Struggling. 100
10 UNIQUE ONE ** Surprised most by winning last start and this is tougher. 20
11 WINNING STAR ** In super form but back in trip a concern in this company. 20
12 WOW *** Resuming after breaking maiden status in fine style and recent trial suggests he is worth a look. 8.00
13 THEBUZZDOWNUNDER *** Blinkers off and back in trip after a solid run of form but pay to keep safe at odds if he gets a start. 20
14 TRUST ME ** Hard to trust but some hope on good run two starts back. 33
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