One Rar (John Powell) at his win in a 1800m race on June 13, picture Singapore Turf Club
A rare August feature with the running of the Causeway Classic and the Group 3 race certainly brightens an otherwise standard fare of Poly and turf racing. The Classic is on the Polytrack and that will bring the likes of GOLIATH and to a lesser extent, ONE RAR, to the fore of punters minds.
Both horses excel on this surface and when you consider that their combined 12 career wins have all been on the all-weather track, connections will look at this feature as one they can be more than competitive in. Obviously GOLIATH, with one Group Polytrack win to his name, is the pick of the two and the 5YO will probably go off favourite in what looks a very wide open race.
He has to jump from the car park though (gate 12) and with the top-weight LIZARRE drawn beautifully in a barrier 2, the race to the first bend will be very important. LIZARRE also benefits from what was a solid first-up run after an excellent and career best fourth in the Singapore Airlines Cup in May and he might be too good for this field even with 59.5kg to carry.
But one that might slip under a few punters guards and run a huge race at odds is the veteran, STREET LEGAL. The 9YO – who was racing in Class 5 company just two years ago – hit a purple patch of form under the guidance of Bruce Marsh to the extent of looking a live hope in the 2013 Singapore Gold Cup.
His two runs this campaign have been more than satisfactory and he should be ready to show his best in what is a very suitable race with the experienced Davey Flores a good booking. Elsewhere on the card, a maiden in INFERMO might be a good thing in race 6 on the card. While the 4YO hasn’t set the racing world on fire with only one placing from some seven career starts, he finds himself with blinkers on first-time in Class 5 and given a slick recent trial, he might just go “woosh”.
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Best Bets; (CASH ADVANCE race 5, win), (INFERMO race 6, win) and (STREET LEGAL race 7, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8), race 8 (2, 6, 8 and 11), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and 10).
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; 10 QUALITASE – 9 ARAPUNI – 4 AFFIRMATION – 1 PEGASUS VICTORY
A Class 5 over 1200m on the poly with the major chances being some gnarled veterans of Singapore racing. QUALITASE has gone 29 starts since his last win bit has been placed at his past four outings at this level, two on the polytrack; from the ace and with a claim for Willie Tan, he will never get a better chance. Tadhg O’Shea is yet to break through in Singapore but gets his chance on the 10YO ARAPUNI fronting up for start number 96; he was just nutted last start and will give it his best shot once again. AFFIRMATION has been disappointing at recent outings but knows how to win a has Nunes to help him over the line. Amongst the others VOLKOV will go forward and should give some cheek, PEGASUS VICTORY also has speed but 1200m can test with ZAC COMMAND and GRAND VITESS likely to be closing late.
1 PEGASUS VICTORY *** Ordinary effort last start. Normally honest and was due but 1200m can test. 10
2 ZAC COMMAND ** Raced on the speed but only battled late over 1400m on turf last outing. Usually gets back on the poly and could be running on late. 16
3 GRAND VITESS ** Blinkers off. Only wins have been on turf. Will be running on but they may be too sharp. 16
4 AFFIRMATION *** Visor off, tongue tie on. Has been disappointing at recent outings but gets Nunes and knows how to win. Keep safe. 5.00
5 DYNASTY KNIGHT ** Placed two starts back in this company over 1200m. Only wins have been on turf but could show up. 12
6 VITALICO * Veteran whose best form is over longer but should be closing late. 20
7 MIDNIGHT * Barely beaten a runner home in eight starts. 33
8 UNIVERSAL STARLITE ** Not far away in maiden company two starts back but needs to improve. 14
9 ARAPUNI *** Honest 10YO suited this grade. Just missed at start number 95 and could make 96 a winner. 4.00
10 QUALITASE *** Has gone 29 starts since last win but has been placed at past four in this grade. Perfectly drawn and wont get one easier than this. 3.50
11 VOLKOV ** Veteran who will go forward, race on the speed and give a sight. Can be in the finish. 10
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Race 2
Selections; 4 LUCKY GIANT – 1 ART OF WAR – 5 SEBAS – 2 AGELESS
A small field of seven runners compete in a 1200m Restricted Maiden on turf. Most of these have shown something either at the trials or in races so a market watch is strongly advised. The most interesting runner is the Theo Keiser-trained SEBAS who is by speed sire Exceed and Excel out a top-race mare in Libidinous. He is well drawn, has Harry Kassim and trialed well enough to suggest a good debut. However, LUCKY GIANT was supported on debut where he looked solid. He appreciates the run and might be the testing material. Likewise, ART OF WAR has runs under his belt and has shown enough to win a race like this. LA FONTANA is another nicely bred type being a half brother to top galloper WALKING OR DANCING. He was green on debut but with Pat Shaw polish, should be an improver. AGELESS is a brother to EISENHEIM, he ran last on debut in April but has had two trials since and Nooresh Juglall jumps aboard.
1 ART OF WAR *** Has been thereabouts at recent outings on poly. Up 5.5kg on most recent effort but should race well again. 3.00
2 AGELESS ** Blinkers to winkers. Brother to EISENHEIM. Ran last on debut. Resuming, has trialed twice and gets Juglall. Watch for support. 6.00
3 LA FONTANA ** Well bred gelding by Testa Rossa. Raced greenly on debut but could be an improver. Watch market. 10
4 LUCKY GIANT *** Not far away after getting gun run on debut when supported. Should be handy all the way. 4.00
5 SEBAS *** By Exceed and Excel out of top race mare Libidinous. Half-brother to three winners, trials nicely, perfectly drawn. Watch for support. 2.80
6 SECRET SPICE ** Resuming. Fair effort last outing and has looked okay at trials. 20
7 DREAMBIGGER * Blinkers on. By Holy Roman Emperor. Well back at trials and may want longer. 33
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Race 3
Selections; 7 EXCEED EXPRESS – 3 ORCHARD ROAD – 2 OZYMANDIAS – 1 MAPLE MEMORY
Another small field compete in a Novice event over 1200m on turf. EXCEED EXPRESS won well over 1000m on the poly on debut before taking on tougher 2YO company. He gets in well at the weights and with Manoel Nunes up, should be hard to run down. ORCHARD ROAD also has speed and the lightly raced 5YO mare scored well in Maiden company last start; if she handles the turf, she will be hard to beat. OZYMANDIAS ran 4th in a BM67 last start; that is harder than any of these have attempted and he should be closing late. MAPLE MEMORY is an interesting runner. He won over 1200m on debut at Chantilly in France and has placed thrice since, his trials have been fair and with John Powell taking the mount for Leticia Dragon, a market watch is recommended. BOB is also resuming and could race well fresh.
1 MAPLE MEMORY ** Won at Chantilly (Fr) and placed 3 times from 7 starts. Trialed fairly and gets top rider. Watch market. 8.00
2 OZYMANDIAS *** Ran 4th in BM67 last start over 1200m. That is better than most of these and should race well. 4.00
3 ORCHARD ROAD *** Lightly raced 5YO mare who led scored well over EASY EASY last start on poly. Should race well again. 2.80
4 BOB ** Resuming. Placed this trip in Maiden company three starts back. Well drawn, watch for support. 12
5 BRANKSOME ** Good effort on debut behind ORCHARD ROAD and should improve for the outing at odds. 33
6 UNLIMITED POWER * Needs easier than this. 33
7 EXCEED EXPRESS *** Won Maiden over 1000m on poly and then took on tougher 2YO company. Speedy and well placed in this with Nunes to ride. 2.50
8 BEST LIFE * Outclassed. 50
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Race 4
Selections; 2 HAPPY SAGA – 9 MATADOR – 1 SUPER JOY – 5 SUVARNABHUMI
Another Restricted Maiden over 1200m on turf and of those we have seen, none look better than average so anything could win this and “watch the market” is the mantra. REAL SAGA has been round the mark at recent poly outings, he is nicely drawn and if he handles the turf, should put in another honest effort. SUPER JOY put in his best effort to date over 1400m last start; he drops back to 1200m but the field is not strong and he should race well again. LA QUINTA is resuming, by speed sire Nicconi he had support and showed speed but faded on debut; he has had a couple of quiet trials – watch market. MATADOR has been thereabouts at his two outings and with Juglall taking the mount should make his presence felt. DYLAN with blinkers on and INVINCIBLE GOLD are potential improvers. Of the debutants OCEAN MAGIC and XZUBERANCE look likely types – watch for support. SUVARNABHUMI improves at odds.
1 SUPER JOY *** Sat on speed last start and put in best effort to date when 4th last start over 1400m. Drops back to 1200m but should race well again. 6.00
2 HAPPY SAGA *** Has been battling away well on poly. Chance if he handles the turf. 3.50
3 LA QUINTA ** Resuming. Had support on debut but faded. Has had quiet trials but well drawn. Watch for support. 10
4 PREFERRED * By Elusive City. Has only had one fair trial. Watch market. 25
5 SUVARNABHUMI *** Heavily supported before running last on debut. Might pay to forget that run and take on trial form. 16
6 XZUBERANCE *** Pacifiers and tongue tie on. By Henry the Navigator out of useful Street Cry mare Tevez. Had one quiet trial. Watch market. 6.00
7 DYLAN *** Blinkers on. Slowly away and raced greenly on debut when supported. Could improve sharply. 10
8 INVINCIBLE GOLD ** Got well back and ran on when debuting. Potential improver. Watch for support. 12
9 MATADOR *** Has battled away at both outings. Gets Juglall and should make his presence felt. 6.00
10 OCEAN MAGIC ** By Any Suggestion out of good mare Birthday Hill. Has looked useful at trials and could debut well. Watch market. 8.00
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Race 5
Selections; 1 CASH ADVANCE – 2 HAPPY MONEY – 3 MY SHINE – 4 APPRECIATION
A KSC over 1100m on the poly with several speedy and consistent performers involved. CASH ADVANCE is racing in great heart and looking at a hat-trick. With the 59kg, Shane Baertschiger has elected to go for a 2kg claim with Zuriman and he should have him on the speed all the way. He beat APPRECIATION last start who in turn beat HAPPY MONEY last time they met. Both horses are consistent and should in the first few all the way. The 3Kg claim for Willie Tan will help HAPPY MONEY. MY SHINE is another honest fellow who trialed well recently and from the inside barrier, Manoel Nunes should give him a gun run. Of the rest, DRAGON WALK ran a bold race in Class 3 last outing, CODIGO broke through in Class 4 and MAPLE STAR with the ace has been thereabouts at recent starts and will be closing late.
1 CASH ADVANCE *** Speedster racing in great heart. Won BM83 last start over this trip with 52kg. Has plenty of weight but will give a bold sight once again. 2.00
2 HAPPY MONEY *** Speedy and will be up the front for a long way. Claim helps. 6.00
3 MY SHINE *** Never far away and trialed well recently. Will get a gun run with Nunes up. 6.00
4 APPRECIATION *** Beaten by CASH ADVANCE last start and beat HAPPY MONEY start prior. Consistent performer who should be handy all the way. 6.00
5 SUPERB SUCCESS * Third run back from a let-up and should be ready to show up. 50
6 CODIGO ** Broke through last start. This is tougher but will be thereabouts again. 12
7 DRAGON KING ** Ran a bold race in Class 3 last start. Can run a cheeky race. 12
8 PURE TACTICS * Won Class 4 two starts back but this is tougher. 33
9 MAPLE STAR ** Getting down in ratings. Recent form sound. Well drawn and should get a gun run. 20
10 CAPTAIN KIRK * Has pace but recent efforts poor. Needs to improve. 100
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Race 6
Selections; 1 INFERMO – 6 SPECTA DILEMMA – 7 FUKU’S PET – 2 MAGIC OCEAN
The tote may be a good guide to what could be a very good thing in this Class 5 sprint with INFERMO. The maiden only has one placing to his name from some seven career starts but his recent trial with blinkers was excellent and he could just be too good for this motley crew. He has speed and 1000m has always looked his caper but head-gear at his first attempt in Class 5 looks the winning combination. The usual suspects of SPECTA DILEMMA, FUKU’S PET and BLUE LAGOON all look in good enough for to keep INFERMO honest and again, the market will be a good guide to see if there is any stable confidence on the trio. One that might improve at odds is MAGIC OCEAN who looks in poor form but gets a significant drop back to Class 5 company so one to keep safe.
1 INFERMO *** Maiden who gets blinkers and recent trial looked good enough with headgear to win this. 2.00
2 MAGIC OCEAN *** Recent form poor and drawn wide but will grow a leg back in Class 5 and pay to keep safe. 20
3 NOT SIMPLE ** Disappointing last start with support but gets blinkers so look for better run. 8.00
4 RORY ** Last win in similar affair but needs to improve on recent efforts. 20
5 MACAU ROULETTE * Just battled last start this company and would like to see market support before considering. 33
6 SPECTA DILEMMA *** Excuses last couple and looks due to win a race like this. 7.00
7 FUKU’S PET *** Always a show in this type of race often at value with gate 1 a factor. 6.00
8 BLUE LAGOON *** Won one of these four starts back and in this a very long time. 7.00
9 BEST BARGAIN * Hard to have on form but should be fitter and could place at odds. 50
10 CHINESE TYCOON ** Brought up the half-century without a win last start but can include in exotics. 20
11 ZAC STAR DESTROYER * Goes OK on his day but recent form poor. 50
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Race 7
Selections; 5 STREET LEGAL – 1 LIZARRE – 2 GOLIATH – 8 ONE RAR
This race looks extremely tough for punters with winning hopes from top to bottom. Starting at the top, LIZARRE has 59.5kg to carry but in his favour is he has one solid race under his belt after a huge fourth in the Singapore Airlines International Cup and gets to jump from gate 2. Down in the weights, ONE RAR has won his last three starts on the Poly and while up in Class, 52kg looks a fair weight and CANNON HILL won this race last year so it would pay to keep him safe as well. Plenty of other winning hopes and GOLIATH has drawn badly in 12 but is a super Poly horse so improves lengths on his last two starts and should start favourite. SUPER NOVA and NANDOWRA could provide good each-way value but another that could run a huge race at odds is the veteran, STREET LEGAL. The 9YO has looked solid this campaign as he steps up in distance and has certainly shown enough at some trials to think he can win at this level. And in an open race, his value does look tempting with Davey Flores up.
1 LIZARRE *** Big weight an issue but appreciates first-up run and right in this. 6.00
2 GOLIATH *** Drawn wide but will show his best back on the Poly and could be hard to beat. 3.00
3 SUPERNOVA *** Has been solid of late but with six wins on this surface, he could also grow a leg and win. 9.00
4 DUJARDIN ** Not at his best of late but has won at Group level on the Poly so keep safe. 12
5 STREET LEGAL *** Has been showing enough late to think this race suits and will be value. 20
6 NANDOWRA *** Drawn wide but has shown more than enough last couple to follow in what is a suitable race. 8.00
7 RAFAGA ** Has been thereabouts of late but would need to be on his game in this field. 33
8 ONE RAR *** Big step up in Class but won his last three this surface and has to be a light-weight hope with gate 1 a bonus. 6.00
9 TENZING * Will work into this late but place a good result. 33
10 SHUTTLE MAN * Not a mile away last start but would need to be having a good day. 33
11 MAGICAL TALENT ** Not a hope last start after botching start and pay to keep safe with tongue-tie added and OK recent trial under his belt. 12
12 CANNON HILL ** Form not the worst and won this race last year so could surprise with postage stamp weight. 12
13 FUJIN BRIGHT ** Honest and could figure in the skinny end of exotics with no weight. 33
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Race 8
Selections; 2 SUPER CAPTAIN – 6 PROSPERITY STAR – 11 RED SENSATION – 7 BARGAIN BID
While you can’t expect too much in a Division 2 Class 5, this field is very weak and the market should be a very good guide. In saying that there are more than a few unreliables so play with care and go wide in exotics. As it stands, SUPER CAPTAIN looks due and his form line should more than hold up here. He has drawn gate 1 – that always helps – and with a 3kg Willy Tan claim, he is hard to beat. Those also in the winning mix on recent form include the maiden, PROSPERITY STAR and RED SENSATION who placed at long odds in a similar affair last start. THE GIANT can disappoint but has shown glimpses so pay to keep safe and BARGAIN BID will appreciate dropping back in trip and would be right in this on a good day. Hopefully SUPER CAPTAIN shows his best, otherwise it will get ugly.
1 HOST THE NATION * Back in trip after a run of poor from and hard to have. 50
2 SUPER CAPTAIN *** Due and looks very placed from gate 1 in this field. 3.00
3 MOOVA BULLET * Had issues last start but form terrible. 50
4 RAPTURE * Only good run was three back on turf and needs to lift. 12
5 JAWARA * Just battles away and skinny end of exotics best. 20
6 PROSPERITY STAR *** Maiden who goes OK in this type of race and this field is weak. 4.00
7 BARGAIN BID *** Back in trip a good move and right in this on best form. 6.00
8 THE GIANT *** Nothing last start but previous form suggests he could be better than most of these. 6.00
9 FOUNTAIN ** Not a mile away last start and most recent win was this trip. 20
10 LUCKY BANKER ** Hasn’t won for over three years could run a place in this field. 33
11 RED SENSATION *** Placed at long-odds last start in similar affair and that form good enough for this. 8.00
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Race 9
Selections; 2 EAGLE STORM – 3 TWO M AND M – 10 SOON YI – 8 COOL CAT
Tough race to finish the night and while EAGLE STORM doesn’t win out of turn, he is in very good form and goes close again in this. The 5YO has only won twice from some 10 career starts but with six second placings also on the CV, he looks a horse to follow. John Powell goes on and it may be a case of whoever beats him, wins. TWO M AND M could be the horse that poses the biggest threat after a nice hit-out at a recent trail. Like EAGLE STORM, TWO M AND M doesn’t win out of turn but looks due and in-form jockey in Juglall looks a good booking. There could be some value on offer and pay to keep the likes of SHIPPING FORECAST, SPEED DEMON and the honest COOL CAT safe with SOON YI the one to watch late if race run to suit.
1 SHIPPING FORECAST *** Won similar affair two back and looks well-placed here with 2kg claim. 5.00
2 EAGLE STORM *** In-form and right in this with John Powell on-board. 2.75
3 TWO M AND M *** Always an each-way show in races like this and recent trial suggests he goes close. 5.00
4 ECLAIR FLYER * Struggling of late. 33
5 SOUL COMMANDER * Having first run on the turf in Singapore after just fair form of late. Market only guide. 33
6 SPEED DEMON *** Looks ready to win but like to see some market support. 8.00
7 KAISER * Broke a drought by winning two back but not suited here. 20
8 COOL CAT *** Honest and happy to consider after jumping from gate 1. 12
9 THE OMEGA MAN ** In-form three runs this campaign and another to follow each-way. 12
10 SOON YI *** Will be doing best work late and looks due for a result. 12
11 CHEETAH ** Versatile and can include in exotics with winkers added. 20
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