Easy Man puts a smile on Joao Moreira’s face as they pass the post at Kranji
With a few potential Singapore top-liners finding winning tough as they progress through the ranks of late, it is with some trepidation that we declare EASY MAN the next big thing. Or at least the next big thing this Friday as the Ishiguru 4YO takes on Kranji Stakes company (race 6) looking for his fourth win on the trot. He showed last start in the same company – albeit with 55kg – that he is better than most and given he is undefeated on the Polytrack, a win looks highly likely. Obviously he will be short in the betting – most likely on the minimum – so punters might look to the Racing Guide Classic (race 7) for some value with GOODPACK a solid option. True, the 5YO hasn’t tasted victory in just over a year but given he has been racing at Group level at his past four runs, this ‘mini’ feature – a benchmark 83 no less – looks suitable and a big run is expected. He faces tough opposition over the 1400m journey with TOM and PEACEFUL WARRIOR both very strong over this trip, with EMPRESS WU also in terrific form chasing her fourth straight win. A great race and hopefully a result for each-way punters with GOODPACK.
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Best Bets; (EASY MAN race 6, win), (SWEET LODGE race 5, win) and (GOODPACK race 7, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (2), race 7 (2, 3, 4, 5 and 8), race 8 (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11), 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; 5 SOLID WOOD – 4 POWER AND GLORY – 11 BOSS CAN I CAN – 7 GENOVA AT WORK
An open Class 5 on the polytrack over 1200m kicks thing off on Friday with a few Class droppers engaged. Corey Brown gets on SOLID WOOD who was not far away in Class 4 last outing. He likes the polytrack and this class and distance suit; despite the draw he should be prominent all the way. POWER AND GLORY has also been racing competitively in Class 4. He is better on turf but the blinkers go on and while the wide alley doesn’t help, few get them away better than Danny Beasley; if he can get cover he will finish off strongly. Leslie Khoo has Oscar Chavez on BOSS CAN I CAN and the winkers go on- he knows how to find strife but if he can get away and sit on the speed he will be hard to hold out. Oscar was queried on his ride on GENOVA AT WORK last outing and SH Lee takes over and will be competitive again. GOOD BOSS can find trouble but his last run was good; if Joseph See can get him away and park him he should be hard to beat. Of the rest, Joao Moreira is on STAR RAINBOW for Mark Walker and he has the ace with SEASONS WONDER one that could surprise fresh.
1 ACORDO DE PAZ * Maiden resuming with blinkers. Trials OK and could show up fresh. 16
2 AFROJACK * Won two races in Australia and has dropped from Class 3 to Class 5 since arrival. Time to show something now. 20
3 GOOD BOSS *** Can be tardy at start and find trouble but on his last outing if ridden positively should be hard to beat. 6.00
4 POWER AND GLORY *** Blinkers on. Has been racing competitively in Class 4 and despite draw should be hard to hold out here. 4.50
5 SOLID WOOD *** Drops to Class 5 and gets Corey Brown. He usually goes well at this level and should be handy all the way. 4.50
6 STAR RAINBOW *** Still a maiden after eight starts but has been placed on three occasions, twice on poly. Moreira tries for the fourth time to get him over the line. 6.50
7 GENOVA AT WORK *** Rider Oscar Chavez was questioned after last outing when he ran on from a long way back. Usually thereabouts and should be competitive again. 10
8 MOOVA BULLET * Poor effort on turf last outing. Only win was this trip and could improve. 25
9 SEASONS WONDER ** Better over longer but sprinted well last time on resumption and could surprise. 16
10 PROSPERITY STAR * Has had leg issues and not racing well enough. 33
11 BOSS CAN I CAN *** Winkers on. If he begins and gets on the speed will be hard to hold out. 6.00
12 OUR ALCHEMIST * No magic here. 50
13 LIGHTNING ACE ** Won one of these three starts back, Draw doesn’t help as he likes to lead. 12
14 SAMURAI KID * Veteran who battles away but hasn’t won for a very long time. 25
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Race 2
Selections; 13 VITALLY SECRET – 8 MANGATANGI – 10 THE MIGHTY THOR – 12 STILETTO
An Initiation with eight first starters on the turf over 1200m and “watch the market” is the obvious mantra. Of the newcomers, MANGATANGI is one of Laurie Laxon’s and he has trialed nicely. With Danny Beasley steering from a good gate he should race well. STILETTO is a 4YO mare having her first start and Bruce Marsh has Corey Brown up. The younger sister is trained by Bruce’s son Stephen and ran 3rd at Listed level recently – she had a quiet trial here but trialed well in NZ prior to arrival – watch for support. The Brian Dean trained EAGLE STORM gets the pacifiers; he has also looked useful at the trials and could be a value runner from his inside alley. BEAT THE DEALER gets the South Australian apprentice Krystal Bishop and he too could race well. Of those we have seen VITALLY SECRET did not miss by much on debut, that race was not particularly strong but the effort was solid and with Harry Kassim taking over from Moreira, the claim will assist and he will be hard to beat. Moreira stays on THE MIGHTY THOR who raced greenly on debut; he will benefit from that and has a good gate. I-SCREAM NOW has shown some ability being placed at all three turf outings over 1200m but sadly he cannot draw an alley.
1 I-SCREAM NOW *** Sat wide the entire trip last start and boxed on over 1100m on the poly. Placed at all three turf outings over 1200m. Deserves some luck but badly drawn again. 7.00
2 FINAL COUNTDOWN * Reported to have respiratory issues last outing. Poorly drawn and would need to improve. 20
3 HAPPY TURN ** Getting closer but bred to stay and wants longer. 33
4 BEAT THE DEALER *** Has been trialing nicely and a good debut would not surprise. Watch for support. 12
5 CELESTIAL BLISS * Blinker pacifiers on. Has not shown up at trials. 50
6 EAGLE STORM *** Pacifiers on. Has looked useful at the trials and well drawn. Watch for support. 12
7 LIVE WELL ** Good effort on debut but has a horror draw. If Verenzuela can get him across he could give plenty of cheek. 12
8 MANGATANGI *** Won trial in smart time, albeit pushed. Nicely drawn and should debut well. 5.00
9 PUZZLE * Trials OK but bred to stay and poorly drawn. Half brother to CHINESE TYCOON. 20
10 THE MIGHTY THOR *** Beaten a fair way on debut but raced greenly and with Moreira staying aboard should be improved by the run. 5.50
11 SOON N LEONG * Shown nothing at the trials. 50
12 STILETTO *** Won trial in very slow time but trialed OK in NZ before coming to Singapore. Has top rider and good gate. Sister to 3YO filly ZANOTTI placed at Listed level in NZ at her last start. Watch. 6.50
13 VITALLY SECRET *** Raced wide and did not miss by much on debut. Should race well again. 5.50
14 XIAO LONG * Blinkers on. Did not show up at only trial. 50
15 DARING INITIATIVE * Improved run last time but still finished a long way from the winner. 20
16 DIVA’S BROTHER * Finished well back at only two outings. 50
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Race 3
Selections; 1 ROYAL TUDOR – 3 ALAN – 8 MY BROTHER – 6 SAVODAN
A Class 4 over 1200m on turf. Bruce Marsh’s horses are flying at present and he and Corey Brown are developing a powerful partnership. ROYAL TUDOR might be their next success. His best form is on the polytrack but he was not far away on turf last start and the 1200m should suit. Moreira stays on ALAN for Laurie Laxon; he just battled last outing but from the ace and back to his winning distance there should be no excuses. Alan Munro is on the debut winner SAVODAN. The draw won’t help but he may appreciate the surface and the slightly longer trip. MY BROTHER is no superstar but he is racing consistently and Harry Kassim is in fine form; he is drawn out but the claim will help him. FLYING WILD was not far away when resuming last start, he has won on turf over 1200 and if given a positive ride by Danny Beasley could be right in the finish.
1 ROYAL TUDOR *** Has plenty of weight and best form is on poly. Good effort last start on turf over 1400m and this trip will suit. In-form rider and stable makes him hard to beat. 3.50
2 VERTICAL START ** Argentinean galloper who won one race from four outings. Watch for support. 10
3 ALAN *** Just battled last start but back over winning distance with the ace and Moreira there should be no excuses. 3.00
4 BRONCO * Maiden who was placed at Wanganui. Did not do enough at Singapore debut to warrant a chance. 33
5 MARATHON LAD ** Resuming. Best form has been on turf and could show up fresh. 20
6 SAVODAN *** Scored narrowly in Maiden company on the poly last outing. This is tougher but may appreciate surface and slightly longer trip. 6.00
7 WINNER’S SMILE *** Slowly away last start and not far away at the end. Value. Will benefit from a more positive ride. 14
8 MY BROTHER *** Racing well. No Rocket Man but tries hard. Drawn out but will benefit from the claim and should be thereabouts. 10
9 FLYING WILD *** Not far away when resuming last start; has won twice at this trip, once on turf, and if given a positive ride could be right in the finish. 14
10 BRILLIANT BEAUTY ** Worked hard and faded last outing. Only win was at this trip. 20
11 AFFIRMATION * Well beaten last few outings and needs to improve. 50
12 FRENCHMAN * Resuming and best form is on polytrack. 50
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Race 4
Selections; 1 CLUTHA LAD – 3 VIVA RAAJ – 2 SPOT ON – 5 INVICTUS
A Maiden over 1700m on the polytrack and most of these have been trying for some time. Moreira gets on CLUTHA LAD, he has plenty of weight but his recent form is extremely solid and he was placed over this trip two starts back; he does get back but if kept reasonably handy just off the speed he should be hard to beat. The stablemate INVICTUS has also been racing well on the turf over shorter journeys – he too gets back and finishes on; he ran 4th at his only mile attempt and could go better here. VIVA RAAJ has speed but Tengku Rehaizat may have to use him up getting across, he just missed last start at 1700m and does fight on; he could be hard to run down. SPOT ON is another Bruce Marsh/Corey Brown combination who resumed with a good effort over 1200m; he is on trial at the trip but deserves serious consideration. LIGHTNING WHEELS is by Pentire, he appreciated the 1700m last start and put in a much better effort; he should be further improved. There are plenty of other chances GRAVLAX, MYSTICAL DIAMOND and MACAU ROULETTE amongst them.
1 CLUTHA LAD *** Racing very solidly and placed at this trip two starts back. Has plenty of weight but gets his chance with Moreira steering. 3.50
2 SPOT ON *** Resumed with a nice third last start, Corey Brown stays on and whilst he is on trial at this trip, he should give a good account. 5.00
3 VIVA RAAJ *** Held on well to just miss over 1700m last start. Not well drawn but should get across and lead – will be hard to run down. 4.00
4 GODS SPEED * Lost rider last time and blew the start hopelessly at outing prior. Has some ability but take on trust. 16
5 INVICTUS *** Has been racing well on turf over shorter trips; was placed 4th over a mile at on poly five starts back. Should be running on late. 7.50
6 GRAVLAX ** Long-term maiden who battles away; should be thereabouts again. 14
7 LIGHTNING WHEELS ** Appreciated the extra distance last start. Could surprise. 12
8 MYSTICAL DIAMOND ** Decent effort over 1700m in Class 5 last outing. Down 2.5kg and could make his presence felt. 16
9 MACAU ROULETTE ** Ran 3rd in same race as MYSTICAL DIAMOND. Trialed well recently. Down 2kg and should be thereabouts. 16
10 DIAMONDDASH * Done nothing in 13 starts. 50
11 CHINESE TYCOON * Placed 10 times in 37 outings. Has been placed at a mile but ran last at his only attempt beyond it. 25
12 CLASSIC THUNDER * Placing in a weak Class 5 at 1700m two starts back was one of his rare good efforts. Prefer others. 33
13 WORLD OF FAME * Well beaten at all 8 outings. 50
14 CHAPTER AND VERSE * Batted away at last outing but flattered by slow tempo. 33
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Race 5
Selections; 7 SWEET LODGE – 6 GREEN JACKET – 5 DRAGON – 3 NATION THEATRE
A Class 4 over 1600m on the turf – LONESOME ME is a polytracker, whilst he is unlikely to win he likes to bowl along in front and with Krystal Bishop’s claim he will set a genuine tempo. Moreira climbs on SWEET LODGE, one of Steven Burridge’s three runners. She resumed with a great effort over 1400m last outing with excuses. Her only win was at the mile and from the inside alley she should get every chance. The stablemate NATION THEATRE is on the quick back-up after a reasonable effort in a strong Progressive last outing. He won over a mile at Goulburn (NSW) ; with Jose Verenzuela on top, the blinkers and a nice draw a positive ride can be expected. GREEN JACKET has been racing well over shorter journeys; from his good barrier Alan Munro should have him poised all the way. DRAGON is a useful performer who resumed with a solid fourth over the mile; Danny Beasley stays on and will be sure to get him away well from his wide gate; he will be hard to hold out late. Corey Brown takes over from Joao Moreira on ARATIATIA who battled hard over the mile last outing and should be thereabouts again.
1 EMBLESSED ** Class dropper. Will find this an awful lot easier than recent engagements, but has never won beyond 1200m and has never won on turf. 16
2 LONESOME ME ** Saddle slipped last start. Best on the polytrack but likes to bowl along in front and claim for Krystal Bishop will help. 16
3 NATION THEATRE *** Blinkers on. Outclassed in a progressive last week but much better suited here. Has won at the trip and should give a bold sight. 4.50
4 BREAKING VAULTS * Two runs back from a spell have been ordinary but maiden win was this trip. 25
5 DRAGON *** Not far away when resuming over 1600m. Will strip fitter and should race well. 5.00
6 GREEN JACKET *** Been racing well over shorter journeys. Only win was this distance and surface. Should go close. 5.00
7 SWEET LODGE *** Great effort over 1400m last outing with excuses when resuming. Perfectly drawn, has Moreira and only win was at a mile. Hard to beat. 3.50
8 ARATIATIA *** Fought on well last start at the mile. Racing consistently and should be handy all the way. 6.00
9 BUKIT ROSE WOOD * Better on poly but did win his maiden over this trip on turf. Wants easier. 25
10 WARRIOR * Looking for Class 5. 50
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Race 6
Selections; 2 EASY MAN – 4 MY SHINE – 1 BIONIC BOY – 10 ANGRY CAT
EASY MAN looks top-shelf. And while it took punters a while to catch on (he started 2-1 last start), his dominate effort in this company suggests they throw everything in their pockets on the Ishiguru 4YO and he shouldn’t let them down. Who runs second? MY SHINE is honest and kept his terrific run of form going with a close-up placing over 1200m in Class 3 at his last start. Regular rider, Jose Verenzuela, stays on and bar the short priced favourite in EASY MAN, he looks a good option for punters. BIONIC BOY is also in solid form and very much appreciates being back on the Poly. His handy 2kg claim courtesy of Tengku Rehaizat, has him in the mix and certainly a horse to follow. While there might be some value for exotics in the likes of EATONS GOLD, MACHFIVE ROYAL STYLE and MR MANI the pair of ANGRY CAT and BM WIN look the more solid options for the minors placings.
1 BIONIC BOY ** Back on Poly this grade in his favour and always a threat. 16
2 EASY MAN *** Stamped himself as a top-liner with a dominate win this company last start. Very hard to beat. 1.20
3 BM WIN ** In-form and gets a few favours form gate three with top claimer on-board. 12
4 MY SHINE ** Showed last start he more than handles this company and keeps the favourite honest. 7.00
5 MACHFIVE ** Issues last start and worth including skinny end of exotics at value. 100
6 MR MANI ** Resuming and goes well enough on his day to keep an eye on the tote. 33
7 EATONS GOLD ** Form only fair but recent trial OK so another that could sneak a place at value. 33
8 WILKINSON * Reassess easier company. 200
9 ROYAL STYLE ** Issues last start but has placed at long odds previously this company. 50
10 ANGRY CAT ** Back on Poly in his favour and could be the closer. 12
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Race 7
Selections; 3 GOODPACK – 5 PEACEFUL WARRIOR – 4 TOM – 2 EMPRESS WU
While a relatively small field heads to the starter for the Racing Guide Classic, there is plenty of quality and the race looks a cracker. So much so that a horse like EMPRESS WU – who knocked in a hat-trick of wins over this trip at her last start – might not even get on the podium. Sure, she can win but with no favours expected with speed drawn inside and out, EMPRESS WU will need to lift to win again in this company. On the other hand, GOODPACK very much appreciates the company and can turn some good runs into an overdue win. The 5YO has had two runs this campaign since leading them up in the Derby and with a handy claim over what looks a suitable trip, expect a very forward showing – hopefully at each-way value. two horses that look at their best over 1400m and with form to win are TOM and PEACEFUL WARRIOR and not much separates the pair in what should be a busy finish. Keep LORD BROMPTON safe for exotic at odds.
1 HEAD START * Hard to consider on recent form. 50
2 EMPRESS WU *** Tough win last start so big effort to keep winning run going. Big show again. 3.00
3 GOODPACK *** Has been a year without winning but very much appreciates this company and a big run would not surprise. 6.00
4 TOM *** In form and always a winning hope this trip. 3.00
5 PEACEFUL WARRIOR *** In-form and looks very well placed back over favourite trip. Goes close. 4.00
6 LIGHTNING THIEF ** Not far away two runs this campaign and appreciates the extra 200m with downgrade to winkers. 33
7 BENJI’S EMPIRE ** Can run a cheeky race with top claimer from gate one in his favour. 33
8 LORD BROMPTON *** Smart type resuming after Derby run; goes well this trip firstup. 12
9 SUPER SHADOW ** Appreciates what was just a fair first-up run and previous form this type of race good. Keep safe. 20
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Race 8
Selections; 2 CASINO KING – 5 FEI YUE – 1 CHRISTMAS – 6 STAR ACADEMY
A solid KSD with plenty of good from to go on including no less than four – STAR ACADEMY, SAINT VALLEY, PICTURE and SUPER ZUCCA – last start winners. Of the quartet, STAR ACADEMY looks a good chance to keep her run of form going that has wielded two wins and a placing from her last four starts. But horses with Class 4 form look the one’s to be on and CASINO KING is well placed to win this. The two-time winner showed in Class 4 last start he is up to this and while drawn badly, he can push forward, lead and win. FEI YUI is the interesting runner. Although only winning once from 16 starts and on trial at the trip, the 4YO Irish-bred gelding is consistent, has speed and could find this race to his liking. While respecting the last start winners already mentioned and ONEPLUSZERO ONE who has three recent wins to his name, CHRISTMAS at the top of the weights is the improver and well worth a market watch.
1 CHRISTMAS *** Disappointing last start but suitable company over this trip should see improvement. 12
2 CASINO KING *** Drawn wide but can lead and showed last start that he could prove hard to run down. 4.00
3 STAGE BRIGHT * Struggling. 100 4 VASSILAKOS ** Form ordinary but might appreciate being back on the Poly. 33
5 FEI YUE *** On trial at the trip but in-form and could run a very forward race. 6.00
6 STAR ACADEMY *** Won maiden over this trip/surface and form since good including last start win. Follow. 4.00
7 ONEPLUSZERO ONE *** Wide gate an issue but last run better than the result and previous winning form obviously good. 8.00
8 WHAA * OK late last start but previous form ordinary. 33
9 SAINT VALLEY *** Dead-heated last start similar affair and will be the one closing late. 12
10 PICTURE *** Another last start winer who has to be respected. 8.00
11 SUPER ZUCCA *** Hit some form – including last start Class 5 win – and pay to follow. 8.00
12 WHO ELS * Not at his best of late. 50
13 GLIMMERING *** First-up run good and looks very well placed to win a race like this. 12
14 FAITHFUL WARRIOR *** Another emergency who looks a winning hope after what he showed two back. 12
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Race 9
Selections; 5 STRUBELI – 2 DRAGON FORCE – 7 LUCKY DAPPER – 1 SELECT GATHERING
He will be short and might be a risk but STRUBELI can atone in the lucky last. True, he was beaten out of the placings when given every chance last start at the $1.40 favourite but his maiden win two starts back was strong as was his recent trial. Moreira stays on the 4YO and given there only looks to be a couple of serious threats, he can win. The biggest threat looks to be the promising 3YO, DRAGON FORCE. The NZ-bred gelding has looked the goods at his three career starts and the fact he was backed and just beaten in this company at his last start suggests he is one to follow through the grades. While the likes of BRING MORE MONEY and SAIGON EMPIRE can improve and play a part, the only other two with winning hopes look to be SELECT GATHERING and the consistent LUCKY DAPPER who both keep the race honest.
1 SELECT GATHERING *** Showed last start at healthy odds he will win this company. Follow. 8.00
2 DRAGON FORCE *** Was supported and just missed last start this company and must go close. 3.50
3 BRING MORE MONEY ** Excuses last start and is the improver at each-way value. 20
4 GOOD LOOUKEN * Thereabouts as a rule and visor added but turf form a serious query. 33
5 STRUBELI *** Very disappointing last start not to place with heavy support but run OK and subsequent trial was strong. Can atone. 2.50
6 THEBUZZDOWNUNDER * Might be better over longer but fresh enough to keep safe. 12
7 LUCKY DAPPER *** Super consistent but finding second win elusive. Each-way. 8.00
8 DANNY RICARDO ** Form starting to read badly and have to take on trust. 33
9 SAIGON EMPIRE ** Improves on what was just a fair debut given support. 12
10 JACKPOT ** Recent form ordinary so downgrade to winkers could see improvement. 33
11 HUMOR TOWN ** Always a show but love to see in Class 5. 20
12 THE GIANT * No. 200
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