Strubeli scoring his maiden victory with ease on Sunday Strubeli scoring his maiden victory with ease on Sunday 18 August 2013
Anyone who witnessed the eight-from-eight masterclass by Moreira last Friday might just be a little gun-shy to pick against the man dubbed ‘magic’ tonight. His book – as usual – is strong, so while trying to keep our selections based on previous good form and other factors on Friday, one eye is definitely on Joao. History suggests (and history is usually hard to argue with) that a repeat of his recordbreaking feat is highly unlikely but whatever his tally reads by race eight, Moreira will be keen to get the good one – STRUBELI – home in the last. The Elusive City 4YO took some solid trial form into his debut back in July and his close up placing behind FAITHFULLY, had him marked as one to follow. And follow him they did. Backed into a $1.40 favourite at his next start, STRUBELI bolted in under the guidance of Moreira by some six-and-a-half lengths and given the form from that race has been franked, he should be better than what Class 4 has to offer. The field has depth – most can win on a good day – but the majority of punters will be cheering home just one horse and STRUBELI should salute. In race 7 on the card, Joao stays on-board the lightly-raced EASY MAN who won first-up after a year away from racing. And on any other day the horse that placed in Juvenile Group company on debut might be a good thing but he is against a strong Class 3 field that includes the exciting PERFECT CHARGER. A 4YO gelding by One Cool Cat, PERFECT CHARGER is unbeaten at three starts on the Poly and given he is usually eased down to the wire when recording big wins, he looks topclass on this surface. Just two horses to follow on what is a very good nights racing.
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Best Bets; (race 7, PERFECT CHARGER, win), (race 9, STRUBELI, win) and (race 8, CONFALCON, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (2, 5, 6 and 8), race 7 (1, 2, 4, 5 and 7), race 8 (1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9), race 9 (10).
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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 HAPPY FOREVER – 2 JUST GOOD – 3 FAITHFULLY – 1 BRONCO
A decent quality Kranji Stakes D over 1100m starts the all-polytrack programme. There are plenty of chances and there will be plenty of speed. HAPPY FOREVER raced greenly but won in Maiden company last outing; blinkers go off but Moreira stays on for Laurie Laxon and from the good draw he should be on the speed all the way. Two of the better chances -JUST GOOD and FAITHFULLY – are drawn wide. Both are smart beginners and if their riders Manoel Nunes and Oscar Chavez respectively can get them across, they could well be in the finish. BRONCO ran 2nd at his only start in NZ and he has been trialing well enough to suggest a bold first-up showing. In what is a pretty good field others with a chance include ÉCLAIR SENSATION, SAHORO and BEAT TO QUARTERS.
1 BRONCO *** Ran 2nd at only start in NZ. Trialing well enough to suggest a strong first-up showing. Watch market. 10
2 JUST GOOD *** Resumed with nice all the way win over 1100m in similar grade last start. Up 1.5kg and has wide draw but Nunes stays on and should race well. 4.00
3 FAITHFULLY *** Strong efforts at only four starts. Poorly drawn but has regular rider Oscar Chavez and should make a bold bid. 4.50
4 ECLAIR SENSATION ** Poor effort last start but previous 3rd in Class 4 was sound. This is easier and with the good draw should be on the speed all the way. 12
5 HAPPY FOREVER *** Raced greenly but still won in Maiden companty last start. Moreira stays on and from the good alley should be near the lead all the way with blinkers removed. 3.80
6 OH MONEY COME * Not that far away at recent outings but has struck a tough field. 25
7 SAHORO ** Racing well in Class 5 and got a deserved reward last outing. This is harder but should be thereabouts. 10
8 BEAT TO QUARTERS *** Not the most reliable but ran on nicely at his last outing and the likely fast pace will suit. Keep safe. 12
9 DOUBLE S ** Good effort last start and gets Harry Kassim. Better in Class 5 but the claim will help and he could show up late. 14
10 GIVE WAY ** Resumed with a strong effort two starts back. Inside alley helps but better in Class 5. 25
11 VISIONARY * Maiden. Last run was an improvement but wants something easier. 33
12 LEGACY * Recent form poor. 50
13 LUCKY BREAK * Runs on but very green. Watch if senior rider is engaged. 25
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Race 2
Selections; 6 FANTASTIC NEWS – 1 GOOD SCORE – 7 HAPPY MONEY – 5 DIVA’S BROTHER
A Restricted Maiden over 1100m and FANTASTIC NEWS gets his chance. He put in a good effort from wide barrier last start, is well drawn and with KB Soo up should be on the speed all the way. GOOD SCORE has had a few chances but led and fought hard last start; Joao Moreira stays on and he should race well again. Of the first starters, HAPPY MONEY has Oscar Chavez, he looked useful at his most recent trial and could make a good debut. The Michael Freedman runner SAVODAN has had one quiet trial; with Alan Munro up and a nice alley, he too could race well on debut. Of the others we have seen POWERFUL FIGHTER will welcome being back on the polytrack and DIVA’S BROTHER with Harry Kassim up could be an improver. INFERMO is resuming but showed speed at his first preparation.
1 GOOD SCORE *** Led and fought hard last start. Moreira stays on and should race well again. 3.80
2 POWERFUL FIGHTER ** Recent turf efforts poor but best run was on polytrack three starts back at this distance. Chance if he can repeat that effort. 10
3 HOME DADDY HOME * Has shown little to date but has top rider. Watch for support. 20
4 SALUTE * Well beaten at only three outings and needs to improve. 25
5 DIVA’S BROTHER ** Had some support at only outing but ran a distant last. Trialed OK since and gets Harry Kassim. Brother to OUR FRIENDLY DIVA and could improve. 14
6 FANTASTIC NEWS *** Good effort from wide barrier last start. Well drawn and should ber on the speed all the way. 3.00
7 HAPPY MONEY ** Went OK at most recent trial. Has senior rider and could show up. 8.00
8 INFERMO ** Resuming. Showed speed on debut with support and could show up fresh. 12
9 LUCKY ALL WIN * Led and faded last outing but not far away on debut. Could improve. 20
10 SAVODAN ** Has had one quiet trial. Half brother to useful sprinter AGENT. Watch market. 8.00
11 YUGIOH * First start. Had a quiet trial and bred for further. 20
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Race 3
Selections; 3 BM WIN – 5 FLAG OF COMMAND – 6 DOUBLE CASH – 1 BIGDINERO
A Class 4 over a 1000m sees a collection of the usual speedsters involved. BM WIN fought hard on the turf last outing and will relish being back on the polytrack. Harry Kassim’s claim helps, the distance suits and he should race well. FLAG OF COMMAND was run down last start in similar company but has Moreira again and should be competitive. The one that ran him down was DOUBLE CASH; he is now looking at a hat-trick and despite being up 3kg should race well again. The veteran speedster INDULGE gets the tongue-tie; he goes fast and has won four times at the trip; with little SB Ng claiming 4kg he may be hard to run down. There are several other chances most of whom are resuming; DON INAKI goes fast and has had several trials and BIG DINERO is down in grade and is a very handy horse on his day. FAT BOBO, the first-timer RAJAH BROOK and at the the bottom of the weights, POWERPAC rounds out an interesting race.
1 BIGDINERO ** Useful horse resuming – down in grade. Would like it a bit longer but could sprint well fresh. 10
2 INDULGE *** Tongue tie on. Speedster who has won four times at the trip. Goes fast and with the claim may be hard to run down. 6.00
3 BM WIN *** Fought hard on turf last outing and will relish being back on polytrack. Harry Kassim claim helps and should race well. 4.00
4 DON INAKI ** Resuming after respiratory issues. Drawn wide but goes fast and will have benefited from recent trials. 12
5 FLAG OF COMMAND *** Run down last start in similar company but has Moreira again. Should be competitive. 4.50
6 DOUBLE CASH *** Ran them down last outing and now looking at a hat-trick. Up 3kg but should race well again. 5.50
7 FAT BOBO ** Resuming and has a good first-up record. Could surprise but Poly form an issue. 12
8 RAJAH BROOK ** Trialed well recently and should make a good Singapore debut. Won 1200m maiden and placed twice from nine starts in NZ. 12
9 VON SNITZEL * Wants Class 5. 50
10 POWERPAC ** Not far away at last two outings. Only win was at this trip and with no weight could get in the finish. 14
11 SOLID WOOD * Wants easier and longer than this. 50
12 VOLKOV * Better in Class 5. 50
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Race 4
Selections; 2 BEAUTIFUL WORLD – 1 FUJIN BRIGHT – 3 SMART IDEA – 6 I LIKE
A Kranji Stakes D over 1900m brings together a few tough stayers. BEAUTIFUL WORLD is a big, strong front-runner who rarely runs a bad race in this class; he will enjoy the claim for Tengku Rehaizat and should give a bold sight. The Takaoka trained FUJIN BRIGHT could find the distance to his liking and given he wasn’t far behind Ultimate Warrior last start, this company suits. SMART IDEA boxed on well in BM61 over 1800m last outing, Vorster stays on and he should race well again. I LIKE’s best form is on turf but his last two polytrack efforts have been very solid; he will be suited by the trip and should be closing late. Amongst the other chances, IRO OTOKO is a solid stayer; he is up to a suitable distance and his effort two starts back was sound – he could surprise, while ROCKY GARDEN, although far from reliable, is suited at the distance and he could show up.
1 FUJIN BRIGHT *** Singapore maiden who was placed in a good Class 4 over a mile last outing. Takaoka trained and could be just getting up to a trip that suits. Keep safe. 8.00
2 BEAUTIFUL WORLD *** Tongue tie on. Tough front-runner who rarely runs a bad race in this class. Will enjoy the claim and should give a bold sight. 3.50
3 SMART IDEA *** Boxed on well in BM61 over 1800m last outing. Vorster stays on and should race well again. 4.00
4 ROCKY GARDEN ** Resumed with reasonable effort over a mile in Class 5. Distance suits and has top rider, though the class may be too strong. 8.00
5 IRO OTOKO ** Up to a suitable distance and effort two starts back was solid. Could surprise. 10
6 I LIKE *** Best form is on turf but last two polytrack efforts very solid. Will be suited by the trip and should be closing late. 4.00
7 PICTURE * Maiden having 9th start who put in a good effort two starts back and gets Moreira. Failed at this trip last outing but could improve. 16
8 GOLDEN ROSEWOOD * Yet to win in Singapore and best previous form was on turf. 33
9 NATURAL AHEAD * Has been disappointing; 12 starts without a placing. 33
10 RISK FACTOR * Battling 16 start maiden; last effort reasonable. Gets Nunes but would need to improve. 50
11 NEWFOUNDFAME * 21 starts without a result. 50
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Race 5
Selections; 1 SUPER JUNIOR – 4 MESHMAKER – 2 SOLITAIRE – 7 GOLDEN LARK
A small but good quality Class 3 field do battle over the 1700m. SUPER JUNIOR has been racing in great heart. He was three wide and just missed last outing in similar grade; with Alan Munro up he will be hard to beat. MESHMAKER looked the winner last time over the 1600m but couldn’t go on with it late; he gets Moreira and the ace which could make the difference. SOLITAIRE ran 3rd in that same race as SUPER JUNIOR; he rarely runs a bad race and is bound to be thereabouts again. GOLDEN LARK is racing well in easier class; he is suited this distance and with Corey Brown up will be running on late. The others EL PERIGO, MY FRIEND JO and U GOT IT are also useful performers and could show up in what will be a very tactical affair.
1 SUPER JUNIOR *** Was three wide and just missed last outing in similar grade. Hard to beat. 3.00
2 SOLITAIRE *** Rarely runs a bad race and bound to be thereabouts again. 4.00
3 U GOT IT ** Caught wide last start and while a long time between drinks, Harry Kassim sees improvement. 20
4 MESHMAKER *** Looked the winner last time but couldnt go on with it. Gets Moreira and the ace which could make the difference. 3.00
5 MY FRIEND JO ** Has not won beyond a mile but ran on strongly last outing. Chance again with blinker off. 8.00
6 EL PERIGO ** Having third run back since resuming and suited this distance. Could show up. 16
7 GOLDEN LARK ** Racing well in easier class but suited this distance and with Corey Brown up will be running on late with no weight. 7.00
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Race 6
Selections; 6 VERGLATICA – 9 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ – 2 CLUTHA LAD – 5 VIVA RAAJ
There is no doubting the Steven Burridge-trained VERGLATICA is due. The 3YO is coming off three close up placings – the most recent a bob of the head – and connections have opted for Joao Moreira to get the over-due result. Thus, he could be odds-on but hard
to beat on recent form. JOHNNY HATES JAZZ is also due and comes into this as another maiden with three recent close-up placings to his name. Zaki knows the horse well and the pair will probably lead and look the winner late in the straight. Of the rest with winning hopes, CLUTHA LAD looks well placed stepping up in trip after a rattling finish at his last start and VIVA RAJ will be in this a very long way fresh with Jose Verenzuela calling the shots. There are others that have a say but given the likes of GREYSTOKE, KEEPITCONFIDENTIAL and HOST THE NATION have all drawn wide, they will need luck to win.
1 WHAA ** Form hopeless but only good run was from decent alley so could surprise. 50
2 CLUTHA LAD *** Best work late last start for close up placing suggests he handles trip and goes very close. 4.50
3 GREYSTOKE ** Beaten a long way last start and but previous form has him some hope. 12
4 KEEPITCONFIDENTIAL ** Winkers on and in solid form but bad gate makes winning tough. 20
5 VIVA RAAJ *** Freshened after poor run but races handy and in this a long way. 12
6 VERGLATICA *** Foot on the till and gets Moreira. Should win. 2.20
7 BEVERLY HILL ** Thereabouts on a good day but another whose job looks tough from wide gate. 20
8 HOST THE NATION ** Yet to place at 10 race starts but close up effort last start and senior hoop has him under notice. 20
9 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ *** Foot on the till and probably leads from the good gate and hard to run down. 4.50
10 HONEST WIND * Last start better but prefer most others. 200
11 CLASSIC THUNDER ** Often puts in a big run late and pay to keep safe on what we saw last start. 20
12 DESERT VIKING * Struggles. 200
13 LIGHTNING WHEELS * Blinkers off and easier to ignore. 100
14 MYSTICAL DIAMOND *** Handled the trip last start and one to follow. 6.00
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Race 7
Selections; 4 PERFECT CHARGER – 1 GOLDEN SAND STEED – 2 ONE SMART CAT – 7 EASY MAN
Kranji Stakes C fields don’t come much better than this with some up-and-coming stars of the local racing scene taking on some solid Poly sprinters. A horse with plenty of ‘buzz’ about his future is PERFECT CHARGER who is three from four and undefeated on this surface. The HW Tan-trained 4YO has been eased to the wire at his previous two Poly runs and while he is up against some very nice types here, he is the one to watch. EASY MAN could also be the real deal after returning from near on 12 months away from the track with an effortless first up win, albeit in easier company. As a juvenile, EASY MAN placed at Group level on debut before winning at his second start. A long break and a big win with blinkers added has him under notice. But with plenty of action expected out front, the race looks perfect for GOLDEN SAND STEED. A model of consistency, GOLDEN SAND STEED won the last time he raced over this trip and he will be the one closing late. ONE SMART CAT and SUPER GOOD can both figure in this finish with IMACRUISER the one to add value (hopefully 100-1) to the skinny end of exotics.
1 GOLDEN SAND STEED *** Super consistent, last win was over this trip and right in this late. 5.00
2 ONE SMART CAT *** Not far away in good company last start and has to be a leading show. 5.50
3 DRAGON SPIRIT * No. 200
4 PERFECT CHARGER *** Won with the proverbial leg in the air last start very hard to beat. 2.50
5 SUPER GOOD *** Appreciates very good first run back in similar affair and pay to keep safe. 8.00
6 ROYAL STYLE * In-form but up against some smart ones here. 50
7 EASY MAN *** Lightly raced 4YO who resumed with a dominate win in easier company. Can win again. 3.50
8 IMACRUISER ** Form better than it reads and appreciates gate one. Value. 50
9 WORK AHEAD * Not far away last couple but might need it easier than this to consider. 50
10 ZENIDEKKA * Finds trouble as a rule but works into exotic calculations late. 50
11 WINNER’S SMILE ** Not a lot last start but showed more than enough previously to follow. 50
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Race 8
Selections; 1 PROVIDENCE – 7 CONFALCON – 3 KING OF KOON – 5 THAT’STHEONE
PROVIDENCE has had the services of Joao Moreira on just one occasion and it’s no surprise that he won with heavy support. Second-up from a spell and with Moreira back on-board, expect much the same. He did plenty wrong at his first up run and given that still looked OK and this race is suitable, he was going to have a big say in this anyway. Obviously, THAT’STHEONE looks the main danger given he is coming off a Class 4 win and with a 3kg claim, looks very well weighted in a KSD and it will also pay to respect both PREMIER GRADE and DUTY FREE who also come into this with wins under their belts – albeit in Class 5. Two that aren’t so obvious are the former Malaysian 5YO, CONFALCON and KING OF KOON with head-gear added. Both don’t jump of the page form-wise but both have good recent trials under their respective belts and could surprise.
1 PROVIDENCE *** Did a lot wrong first-up and that effort good enough to think he wins this. 2.50
2 JETSET MAN * Resuming after issues (roarer) and have to take on trust. 20
3 KING OF KOON *** Excuses last start not to finish closer and pay to follow with head-gear added for this. 20
4 OUR FRIENDLY DIVA * Struggling. 100
5 THAT’STHEONE *** Turned some solid form into a nice win last start and always a hope in races like this. 4.00
6 PREMIER GRADE *** Doesnt win out of turn and up in grade. 4.00
7 CONFALCON *** Former Malaysian who has trailed well enough to consider at Singapore debut. Watch market. 20
8 SUPER STRIKE ** Competitive last start after Class 5 win two back. Keep safe. 33
9 DUTY FREE ** Another last start Class 5 winner who will be competitive. 10
10 MORRIS ** Will appreciate the company, recent trial OK and could show up with tongue-tie off and blinkers on. 25
11 SHINKANSEN * Recent form just fair but could give cheek at odds from gate one. 50
12 RAPID REWARDS ** Speedy and always a danger in these. 20
13 MOOVA BULLET * Competitive effort after maiden win two back but should need easier. 33
14 BUNKER TROUBLE * No. 200
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Race 9
Selections; 10 STRUBELI – 7 MANNY PACUIAO – 1 LUCKY COME – 9 MEDIA CAPTAIN
While you would doubt Joao Moreira will be looking to match his previous Friday haul of eight wins, he should add one to his nights tally with STRUBELI in the last. The 4YO showed more than enough at his race debut in July to think he wins soon but after demolishing his rivals by over six-lengths at his second start, he should be better than Class 4. The form from his maiden win has held up and while up against some nice types here, he should win. MANNY PACUIAO is one horse that will keep him honest and works into this late. The 6YO backed up a nice win with an unlucky close-up second and certainly one to follow while in good form. Plenty of others in the mix with LUCKY COME, JET MAN, PACINO, KAISER BRIGHT and MEDIA CAPTAIN all with some hope with SELECT GATHERING one to also include at value.
1 LUCKY COME *** Honest and claim looks a good move with gate one a bonus. 10
2 SELECT GATHERING *** Recent form just fair but appreciates Class 4, claim and gate. Value. 33
3 TRUE NORTH ** Looked like he needed the first-up run and pay to keep safe as goes OK. 20
4 JET MAN *** Honest type who looks ready to win again with top claimer a factor. 8.00
5 PACINO *** Not a lot last start but usually each-way value with C Brown a good move. 16
6 KAISER BRIGHT *** Wide gate a concern but in terrific each-way all the way. 8.00
7 MANNY PACUIAO *** Excuses not to register back-to-back wins last start and right in this late. 6.00
8 GOOD LOOUKEN ** Always in the mix this trip and might get out to value. 16
9 MEDIA CAPTAIN *** In-form and wins again this company very soon. 6.00
10 STRUBELI *** Backed up good debut with a commanding win and could be too good here. 2.50
11 BREAKING VAULTS * Resuming after un-placed Guineas run. Later. 100
12 SIR FLEETWOOD * Honest enough but like to see in Class 5. 200
13 SERGEANT PEPPER ** This is a tough race but happy to include in exotics on recent solid form. 20
14 MINAH CURRENT ** Excuses last start and one that goes OK at odds on her day. 33
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