Stepitup goes for a hat-trick this weekend
A Group 3 highlights the nine race Friday night card and while STEPITUP is going for a hat-trick of wins, The Causeway Classic Stakes over 1800m (race 7) looks a beauty given most of these horses will grow a leg back on the Polytrack.
Yes, STEPITUP has won on the all-weather but given the horse nicknamed “The Bulldog” has to give the second highest rated horse in CHEETAH ON FIRE some 4.5kg and the progressive SNITZEL SPIRIT a whopping 10kg, he will have his work cut out. And CHEETAH ON FIRE does look well-placed with just 55kg and given he has been in the mix with some good horses on the turf of late and has a better record on the Poly, he could be the one to beat.
In saying that, SNITZEL SPIRIT – while a query at this level – is putting together a very handy CV and could very well be the testing material with just 49.5kg (give or take a late night snack for Corey Brown). Add some serious polytrack specialists in ONE RAR (who almost upstaged STEPITUP last start on the turf), GOLIATH, IN FACT and even COOPTADO and it should be a very busy finish.
Elsewhere on the card, the ROOM FOR EXCUSE camp looks to have found a very suitable race (3) to kick-start his campaign. The 5YO NZ-bred entire gets in best at the Graduation conditions and while there are a few unknowns in the race – BACH’S AIR and RUN IT TWICE are both making their Singapore debuts – he could be too good and knock in an overdue but deserved win.
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Friday 14 August
Best Bets: (ROOM FOR EXCUSE race 3, win), (THEBUZZDOWNUNDER race 5, eachway) and (JUST NAME IT race 6, each-way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 7, 10 and 11), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 8), race 8 (3 and 4), race 9 (1, 2, 3 and 4).
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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; 3 READY FORTUNE – 4 SOUTH GATE – 8 DOS EQUIS – 7 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ
Plenty on non-winners in this race and the safest option does look READY FORTUNE. The 6YO certainly doesn’t win out of turn but has been showing form and more importantly gets back onto the Polytrack with Nunes and gate 2 is a bonus. The big improver however could be a five-time winner in SOUTH GATE. The 8YO has been freshened by a couple of trials and while this looks a tough ask first up since early May, the race suits and he could be the best horse in the race. Like READY FORTUNE, DOS EQUIS gets back onto his preferred surface and should play a prominent role throughout while GYPSY STAR will be the one motoring late and can win. Hard to get excited about anyone else but may pay to include HAPPY JOY and PINYIN in exotics at any old odds in what should be a more suitable race for both.
1 HAPPY JOY ** Ran on OK late at odds and should appreciate Class 5. Value. 33
2 PINYIN ** Form reads badly but race suits and could improve lengths with gate 5 a factor. 20
3 READY FORTUNE *** Will appreciate being back on the Poly and could be hard to beat. 3.00
4 SOUTH GATE *** Resuming in what would be a very suitable race and could show up at odds. 12
5 BIGCAT RHAPSODY * Struggling. 33
6 GYPSY STAR *** Excuses last start and will be flying late. 3.50
7 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ ** Not the type to win out of turn but always a show in this type of race. 8.00
8 DOS EQUIS *** Very much appreciates being back on his preferred surface and will go very close. 4.00
9 BECOME RICH * Long-term maiden and exotics at very best. 50
10 NORTH STAR * Recent form just fair but only win was this trip. 33
11 WINNING SUCCESS * Cheeky run expected but usually found out late. 20
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Race 2
Selections; 6 DAMON – 12 MARINE TREASURE – 1 PROUD PINOY – 8 TARAMEA
Whatever the result of this race, the form will more than hold up in the future and the depth suggests there should be value if we can find the winner. With this in mind, we have gone for a horse that looked very disappointing not to have won last start in DAMON. The 4YO found all sorts of trouble over 1200m so his effort to place was a beauty and the step up to 1400m looks in his favour. With just 49.5kg, MARINE TREASURE also looks a very strong winning hope. The 3YO just missed behind RAFAELLO last start and given that form has been franked, he must go close. Stephen Gray has two in – PROUD PINOY and TARAMEA – and while the former looks the obvious choice on race form and may start favourite, both get blinkers first time and the latter could be a long-shot improver. Blanket over most others in what is a very strong maiden.
1 PROUD PINOY *** Gets blinkers after just missing last two and looks hardest to beat. 4.00
2 LIM’S ELUSIVE *** Also just missed last start and right in this finish. 4.50
3 AMI ELEVEN *** Never looked comfortable when disappointing with heavy support last start but worth another look. 20
4 PREFERRED ** Preferred surface does look the Poly but pay to keep safe. 33
5 NOT EXACTLY ** Not beaten far after doing it tough last start and worth a look at value. 33
6 DAMON *** Looked a good thing beaten last start and can make amends here with 1400m in his favour. 6.00
7 LUCKY LINCOLN *** Excuses at both starts and showed more than enough to think he wins with luck in running. 8.00
8 TARAMEA *** Impossible on race form but recent trial with blinker suggests he improves lengths at odds. 50
9 MANGATOETOENUI *** Will win one of these sooner than later and might even sneak out to each-way odds. 8.00
10 WINNING CAUSE *** Resuming with a good hit out at a recent trial and a win would not surprise. 10
11 DRIVE ** Improved lengths with blinkers added last start and pay to follow at odds. 20
12 MARINE TREASURE *** Just missed at last outing with excuses. Will be hard to hold out. 8.00
13 WINNING GOOD *** Excuses not to be right in the mix last start and happy to follow each-way. 20
14 NOVA STAR ** Improved last start and 1400 suits. Keep safe at odds. 50
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Race 3
Selections; 1 ROOM FOR EXCUSE – 5 RUN IT TWICE – 3 BACH’S AIR – 6 SECRET WEAPON
ROOM FOR EXCUSE probably doesn’t win enough to be a good thing but given he has found himself in a what looks a very suitable race first after a spell and his main opposition are all also first-up, he gets his chance here. Also in his favour is that although only winning twice from some 11 starts, he has run into some very good types so his race record is probably better than it reads. He is also is best at the race conditions and it may be a case of him being just too good for this field. There are a few unknowns though and two raced newcomers in RUN IT TWICE (Australia) and BACH’S AIR (Argentina) should both have admirers. The pair have trialed smartly recently and both get in-form senior hoops so will be given every chance in running. SECRET WEAPON resumes after a very good first campaign and has to be seriously considered and RED DAWN will keep them all honest.
1 ROOM FOR EXCUSE *** Smart type resuming. In best at the race conditions and hard to beat. 3.50
2 RED DAWN ** Honest and will play a part throughout. 6.00
3 BACH’S AIR *** Former Argentinean who has trialed good enough to keep safe at Singapore debut. 3.00
4 FELAROF ** In badly at the weights and need longer to show his best but will work into exotics late. 33
5 RUN IT TWICE *** Former Australian who looked very comfortable at recent trail and market watch in order on Singapore debut. 5.00
6 SECRET WEAPON ** Resuming after showing plenty at three starts and recent trial suggests he goes well. 5.50
7 QUICKSILVER ** Broke maiden status in fine style at long odds last start and will be more than competitive. 12
8 YU LONG GLORIOUS * Nice name but not for me. 100
9 SALUT AMOUR * écrire votre propre billet 200
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Race 4
Selections; 9 PUBLIC FIGURE – 1 INCANDESCENT – 2 AGUILA AZTECA – 5 HEE’S EGO
An interesting maiden Poly sprint and while you can make a case for five or six, PUBLIC FIGURE with some good Class 4 form to his name should go very close. The 4YO Irishbred looked due after going close in an Initiation over 1000m three starts back and backed that up with two good runs in higher company. All things being equal, 55kg from gate 4 in this field looks a winnable combination. INCANDESCENT is also ready to win after showing plenty first up after a spell. He has drawn wide but expect a positive ride, as this does look suitable. Leading trainer, Mark Walker, has two in and both can win. Oddly, AGUILA AZTECA did look his better choice and will be in this a very long way with Corey Brown up, but Nunes on HEE’S EGO will keep punters on their toes and expect him to be doing best late. PROBABLY another to watch.
1 INCANDESCENT *** Winker off. Appreciates what was a good first up run and could be hard to beat. 3.00
2 AGUILA AZTECA *** Has been disappointing not to have won one by now but could be hard to run down sans tongue-tie. 6.00
3 I’M KOOL ** Has plenty of speed and in this a long way with tongue-tie added. 12
4 PROBABLY *** Put in his best performance when blinkers added last start and pay to follow. 6.00
5 HEE’S EGO *** Appreciates first-up run and will be flying late. 10
6 GANNA ** Form reads terribly but recent trial with blinkers suggest he improves length at odds. 50
7 ILUVYOU * Gets upgrade to blinkers but should need more than that. 100
8 MR BLOSSOM ** Solid without threatening but will be value and could figure late. 20
9 PUBLIC FIGURE *** In form and very much appreciates being back in maiden company. Can win. 3.00
10 BELLY DANCE * No. 100
11 MAGIC TO WIN * Needs weaker than this. 50
12 RAINBOW STAR * No. 100
13 BLACK LABEL * Appreciates the Poly but needs to lift. 50
14 I-SCREAM NOW * No. 100
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Race 5
Selections; 4 THEBUZZDOWNUNDER – 1 MUSCLE BEACH – 10 PUSAKA – 6 GET GOING
This race is ridiculous in the fact we can make a good case for backing every horse (including both emergencies) in this field to win. And while the tote may be a good guide to see whom the stables fancy, value has to be on offer and hopefully it comes in spades with THEBUZZDOWNUNDER. The 6YO is hard to catch – he has only won three from some 32-career starts – but he is a genuine swooper and this race has enough early pace to think he will be the one to be on late. Not sure about value but MUSCLE BEACH went very close last start in a similar affair and will get every chance for Shafiq from gate 2, so looks the obvious choice. Too many others to make a good case for but PUSAKA is fresh and will be another flying late, GET GOING gets Nunes so has to be considered and the first emergency, KNOW EACH OTHER, looks suited.
1 MUSCLE BEACH *** Just missed last start in similar affair and right in this. 4.00
2 BIG CITY *** Showed them a clean set of hoofs when blinkers went on last start and have to follow. 4.00
3 MR TRY *** No favours when leading hard last start so worth another look on good win prior. 20
4 THEBUZZDOWNUNDER *** Will find this race and company to his liking and will be flying late. 13
5 ABOVE THE HORIZON *** Resuming and will always be an each-way show in races like this. 10
6 GET GOING *** Disappointing not to have won in nine starts in Singapore but pay to keep very safe. 6.00
7 GUILTY PLEASURES *** Pay to ignore last two as has had excuses and did look due prior. 12
8 HARDCORE ROCK ** Very disappointing last start but previous form had him winning races like this. 20
9 PERFECT CURIOSITY *** Very much enjoys racing on the pace and in this a very long way. 8.00
10 PUSAKA *** Back in trip but freshened and will work into this late. 20
11 SWIFT *** Always an each-way show and happy to follow at value. 20
12 SILENT ARROW ** Will find this tougher than first-up win but hard to fault form. 20
13 KNOW EACH OTHER *** Very disappointing not to have won this year but this is suitable and pay to keep safe. 12
14 MONEY KING *** Due and another that looks suited grade and trip. 12
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Race 6
Selections; 10 JUST NAME IT – 1 MIGHTY GLORY – 3 BATTLE KING – 11 STAR BEAUTY
Division 2 of the KSD over 1400m and while this race might be a tad easier to narrow down the winning chances than the previous Division 1 field, it’s still tough. Some obvious inform choices at the top of the ratings in MIGHTY GLORY, BATTLE KING and even NATURAL NICE will get their fair share of support and all should figure at the business end. Likewise, HONGCHEN and STAR BEAUTY coming off good placed runs come under notice with the latter likely to be flying late if the race run to suit. But a horse that finds more trouble than most and comes into this after a disappointing run in JUST NAME IT is the top pick. He gets blinkers back on – which he seems to enjoy – and has certainly shown enough to think he wins if things go right. Keep the first emergency, APPELLATION, safe as he is a value hope.
1 MIGHTY GLORY *** Blinkers off and 1400m no trouble. Big show. 3.00
2 NATURAL NICE *** Back-to-back good runs in similar affairs suggest he is ready to win again. 8.00
3 BATTLE KING *** In-form and freshened by good recent trial. Hard to beat with downgrade to winkers. 4.00
4 CONGO ZANDOR * Disappointing last couple and have to take on trust. 33
5 DOUBLE RAINBOW ** Ran on OK when all over last start and pay to keep safe. 12
6 LOUEY VELOCE ** Has been running some cheeky races of late and could pinch one soon. 12
7 HONGCHEN *** In form and should figure in this finish. 10
8 LION WAVE * Not a mile away last start but needs to improve again. 33
9 EXCELLENT MAGIC ** Showed last start this company is more to his liking and can consider in exotics. 12
10 JUST NAME IT *** Gets blinkers after disappointing effort last start but have to keep safe. 8.00
11 STAR BEAUTY *** Has been running on well at value and pay to follow each-way. 33
12 RAVOUX ** Turned some honest form into a Class 5 win and may be better suited there. 33
13 APPELLATION *** Had excuses not to finish a lot closer last start and could be the value runner. 20
14 WARSPIRIT ** Showed last start why he is always a chance. 20
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Race 7
Selections; 2 CHEETAH ON FIRE – 1 STEPITUP – 4 COOPTADO – 3 ONE RAR
A tough feature at the race conditions and you could probably make a case for most runners given the spread of weights. STEPITUP is small in stature, which makes 59.5kg a tough ask, but his well-documented bulldog persona will see him the benchmark in this small but very competitive field. But while it’s hard to fault his recent winning form and he handles the Poly, CHEETAH ON FIRE wasn’t far behind him last start but should find another gear back on his preferred surface. Five of the 7YO’s six wins have been on the Poly and he looks well placed with 55kg. ONE RAR also comes off a close-up placing on the turf behind STEPITUP and he too should go better on the Poly so has to be seriously considered as a winning option. One that could surprise is COOPTADO who hasn’t raced on the Poly yet in Singapore but showed form last start in the Derby (after being gelded) and should handle the all-weather being an Argentinean-bred. Of the rest, SNITZEL SPIRIT is in spanking form and has a featherweight so pay to respect and ALPHA CENTAURI also comes into this with a last start win to his name. IN FACT improves back on the Poly and the inconsistent GOLIATH wins if at his best. So yes, everyone some hope!
1 STEPITUP *** In terrific form and tough enough to carry big weight and win. 3.00
2 CHEETAH ON FIRE *** In solid form and better suited back on the Poly. Big show. 5.00
3 ONE RAR *** Just missed last start behind Stepitup and also back on his preferred surface. 6.00
4 COOPTADO *** Improved second up when fourth in the Derby and Poly no issue. Keep safe. 7.00
5 GOLIATH ** Obviously ignore last start over 1200m and can win if having a good day. 12
6 IN FACT ** Can be hard to catch but back on the Poly should see his best. 12
7 ALPHA CENTAURI ** Tested this company but hard to fault honest form. 12
8 SNITZEL SPIRIT *** Very progressive type winning five from 12 and could surprise with no weight. 5.00
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Race 8
Selections; 3 SPANISH BAY – 4 BELIEVE YOURSELF – 2 FLAK JACKET – 7 GOLDEN CURL
On paper, a group winner in SPANISH BAY looks extremely hard to beat here. The Nadeem gelding has a terrific race record of four wins and three placings from nine career starts but more importantly races handy and has form around the likes of Kiwi Karma and Affleck. Given this is a BM83, he looks well placed with 58.5kg and can give his underrated hoop, Saifudin, another good win. However, we at kranjiracing are big fans of BELIEVE YOURSELF and she looks well placed first-up to run a big race over 1200m.Throw a pace influence in FLAK JACKET – a genuine winning hope in his own right – into the mix and everyone gets a chance including GOLDEN CURL with a light weight who will be flying late. Great race but SPANISH FLY the one to beat.
1 SIR LOVESALOT ** Appreciates solid first-up run in good company and well worth a look. 8.00
2 FLAK JACKET *** Has been running some very good races in good company and get this chance here. 3.00
3 SPANISH BAY *** Group winner as a 3YO and hard to beat in this field. 2.00
4 BELIEVE YOURSELF *** Resuming after good first campaign and will make her presence felt late. 12
5 HOT GOLD * Worked home well last start but might find a few of these too slick. 20
6 TAFFETAS * Appreciates first-up run but run into some good ones here. 33
7 GOLDEN CURL *** In fine form and will make his presence felt very late with no weight. 12
8 PURE TACTICS * Put in a rare good turf run last start but tested here. 20
9 AMI * Prefer others. 50
10 GOLDEN MISSION * No. 100
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Race 9
Selections; 4 TIMO – 3 POSEIDON – 1 CONVICT – 2 QUEEN’S SEVEN
On a day where some races have more depth than punters really need, this race looks to be top heavy and hopefully finding the winner is a bit easier than earlier in the card. And hard to go past TIMO who, while disappointing not to win with very heavy support last start, looks the one to beat here, The 4YO was far from disgraced on that occasion – beaten in a blanket finish to the smart RAFAELLO – and with a tongue-toe added for this, he can make amends. POSEIDON keeps him more than honest though given the 4YO has won one and placed six from just seven career starts. He is resuming but his recent trial suggests he is ready to show his best, which has to be respected. Of the rest, CONVICT down in grade may be the best value option and QUEEN’S SEVEN is always a hope – especially in Class 4. Forget the rest.
1 CONVICT *** Form reads badly but suited this company and could win without surprising. 20
2 QUEEN’S SEVEN *** Back in suitable company and in this a very long way. 10
3 POSEIDON *** Smart type resuming and can knock in another win. 3.00
4 TIMO *** Gets tongue-tie after just missing as the odds-on elect last start. The one to beat. 2.00
5 WILKINSON * Super tough to follow and Class 4 may test. 33
6 EASY MONEY ** Not a mile away last start and can include in exotics. 12
7 CAPTAIN MCCAW ** Always around the place and this is not a strong Class 4 field. 12
8 ONE UNITED ** Disappointing last start but gives this a shake on form prior. 12
9 FRANCES * Reassess Class 5. 200
10 ALLEZ ** Maiden who could add value to exotics in what is a weak Class 4 field. 50
11 LIM’S PERFECT * Gets winkers but should need easier. 200
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