Squire Osbaldeston looks a good pick in Race 7
After a wonderful Emirates Singapore Derby weekend where Michael Rodd, David Kok and a handy stayer named Well Done took the Group 1 honours, it’s back to a “bread and butter” mixed surface Friday night meeting.
And don’t punters love a meeting like this – one that offers a good thing or two coupled with super value in some very open races. Two horses that will be short but hopefully sweet for any all-up punters are the Stephen Gray-trained SQUIRE OSBALDESTON in race 7 and last start winner PREFERRED in the lucky last.
SQUIRE OSBALDESTON faces a small but even KSC field but in saying that he looks very hard to beat in a race that suits with Vlad Duric to ride. PREFERRED looks to have found his niche on the Poly.
The 4YO has been in excellent form at five starts in 2016 and his three Poly runs have seen a first up placing followed by two wins – his last start effort a beauty in the same Company as he meets on Friday. Hopefully they both get the “chocolates” and we can play around with value options elsewhere including DRAGON G and WHITE COFFEE on races 5 and 6 respectively.
Friday 15 July
Best Bets: (SQUIRE OSBABESTON race 7 win), (DRAGON G race 5, value) and (WHITE COFFEE race 6, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3 and 5), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5), race 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8), race 9 (2, 3, 5, 6, 9 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.
Race 1
Selections; 3 JUST NAME IT – 9 SHAQRAA – 13 GADAWON – 5 MISS BLANCHETT
Tough opener for punters with too many horses dropping back to their recent winning Class to be confident of finding the winner. JUST NAME IT does struggle to win but looks well placed at his first start in Class 5. That is odd in itself given he has only one win to his name but his maiden win was in Class 4 and his honest form has kept him in that company for longer than usual. He has trialled well recently sans headgear and can win this. There should be value about in a field with this much depth so a maiden in SHAQRAA also appeals. The 3YO looks an improver and could show up at his first run in Class 5 at only his fifth career start. Too many others to mention in a race with depth but ARLO and LEADERSHIP improve on recent poor form in this company while GADAWON has to pinch a race like this sooner than later. MISS BLANCHETT, ROCK OF AGES, HAPPY SAGA and SATELLITE PRINCE all win without surprising.
1 ARLO *** Ignore recent form as only win was this company, trip and track. 20
2 HAKAMGONG * Resuming and should need longer. 33
3 JUST NAME IT *** Improves lengths in this Company over 1200m and can win with blinkers removed on nice recent trial effort. 6.00
4 LEADERSHIP *** Another that won’t win out of turn but appreciates Class 5 and should figure in the mix. 12
5 MISS BLANCHETT *** Yet another who finds herself back in recent winning Company and can win. 5.00
6 MY REACH * Prefer on the Poly. 33
7 NOVA VICTORY ** Maiden in solid form and a must for exotics. 12
8 ROCK OF AGES *** Drawn awkwardly but recent trial was solid and must go close back in Class 5. 12
9 SHAQRAA *** Will improve with racing and gets a chance to show something in Class 5. Value. 20
10 HAPPY SAGA *** Desperate for a result for the support but hard to argue with honest form. 6.00
11 SATELLITE PRINCE *** Like to see over a tad longer but in form and has to be respected from the ace. 10
12 THUNDER CAT ** Goes good enough to include in exotics but better winning option on the Poly. 12
13 GADAWON *** Not far away in KSD company last start and has to pinch one soon. 6.00
14 SATELLITE GENIUS * No. 200
15 HEAVENLY GIFT ** Long-term maiden status a concern but in solid form and pay to include somewhere with tongue-tie added. 12
16 SILENT POWER * No. 200
Race 2
Selections; 2 BANDA SEA – 7 SPEEDY WARRIOR – 4 CAVATINA – 11 QUEEN ROULETTE
Unless the tote gives us a heads-up on some of the peripheral runners, this really does looks a race in three between newcomers BANDA SEA and CAVATINA and SPEEDY WARRIOR with the benefit of race experience under his belt. SPEEDY WARRIOR was green on debut before running on OK late and with that experience under his belt, he improves and can win this with Nunes up. Of the two newcomers, BANDA SEA looked to be doing it easy enough at his trial to think he is ready to show up on debut while CAVATINA put in an eye-catching effort at his Official Trial and expect a very solid debut.
1 SMART MASTER * No. 100
2 BANDA SEA *** Green but looked to be doing it easy at recent trial and can win. 4.00
3 CAPTAIN ROYAL * No. 100
4 CAVATINA *** Hit the line nicely at recent trial and looks ready for strong debut. 4.00
5 LIM’S SPARKLE ** Solid at recent trial with blinkers and market watch in order. 12
6 SILVER MAN * Nothing on debut. 200
7 SPEEDY WARRIOR *** Green when running on late on debut but improves for the experience and can win. 3.00
8 SUPER G * Like to see support on exposed trial form. 33
9 SUPER MISSILE ** Drawn awkwardly but shown enough at trials to include in exotics on debut. 7.00
10 WINTERFELL * Prefer others on exposed trial form. 33
11 QUEEN ROULETTE ** Solid and keeps a few of the newcomers honest on race form. 7.00
Race 3
Selections; 6 COURT CASE – 2 BOARD WALK – 5 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK – 3 POWER LIN
The first Poly race on the card and while nothing jumps of the page, COURT CASE looks ready to win again. The 3YO has been in solid form since winning on the Poly four starts back and gets his chance in this field with a tongue-tie added and Manny Nunes back on board. BOARD WALK also looks ready to win again and showed more than enough last start when dropping to Class 4 to follow. Juglall stays on and expect him to be motoring late with support likely. Two to follow at each-way value are POWER LIN and GOLDEN TOMAHAWK while MONGOLIAN CHIEF improves back on his winning surface.
1 GOBI RANGER * Impossible on recent form but sliding down the ratings and could surprise on the Poly. 33
2 BOARD WALK *** Showed enough last start to think he wins sooner than later in this company. 5.00
3 POWER LIN *** In form and often terrific each-way value. Follow. 8.00
4 LIM’S BATTLE * Blinkers off and back in trip so easier to ignore. 33
5 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK *** Always a big show on the Poly and gives this a shake. 6.00
6 COURT CASE *** In very solid form and wins this without surprising with tongue-tie added. 4.00
7 MONGOLIAN CHIEF *** Only battled on turf over 1400m after maiden poly win. Better suited here and could show up. 6.00
8 EXQUISITELY SWEET ** Recent form ordinary but was going well this trip and track previously so keep safe at odds. 20
9 AMAZEALOT ** Excuses last start and a must for exotics on previous solid form. 10
10 MACHFIVE ** First up run solid enough to follow this campaign. 12
11 IN BOCCA AL LUPO ** Excuses last start and another to keep safe at value in what is a suitable race. 12
Race 4
Selections; 1 GABBAR – 2 NINEPINS – 6 MUSCULAR SPRINTER – 3 CAMERA STELLATA
There doesn’t look many surprises in this field with GABBAR likely to start a short priced favourite and hard to beat on exposed form. The 3YO had excuses two starts back when finishing fifth and his form in and around that run suggest he wins soon with a visor added for good measure. NINEPINS is a much better option on the turf and looks his biggest danger. He has also had a few excuses in his races not to have knocked in a win by now and gets his chance with blinkers off over what looks a suitable trip. Of the rest, MUSCULAR SPRINTER improves on what was a solid debut run and CAMERA STELLATA placed last start in a similar affair and no reason he doesn’t do the same again. Keep SHARP NIGHT and the 2YO FUNKADELIC safe at odds.
1 GABBAR *** Ready to win and 1400m should be his caper with visor added to his gear. 2.50
2 NINEPINS *** Another suited back on the turf over 1400m and gets his chance with blinkers off. 4.00
3 CAMERA STELLATA *** Placed last start at each-way value in similar affair and expect much the same. 5.00
4 MAGIC PAINT * Can run a cheeky race but prefer others. 50
5 SHARP KNIGHT ** Excuses last start and form probably better than it reads so can include at odds in exotics. 20
6 MUSCULAR SPRINTER *** Improves for what was a very solid debut and should figure prominently throughout. 4.00
7 THANATOS * Appreciates senior hoop but like to see more before considering. 100
8 ANGEL OF MINE * Hard to have. 100
9 FUNKADELIC ** 2YO who improves with no weight on what was a solid debut. 10
Race 5
Selections; 1 DRAGON G – 4 SWAN SONG – 3 BIG BANKER – 7 TOOBIGTOFAIL
There does look a couple of obvious horses to consider here in last start winners OVER EASY and TOOBIGTOFAIL. OVER EASY turned around some poor form to win at odds in a similar affair to this last start and TOOBIGTOFAIL showed why winning form is good form to follow when making it back-to-back Class 5 wins at his most recent start. But happy to keep these two safe and have a long look at DRAGON G who is having his first start in Class 5 since 2013. The 6YO will obviously enjoy the company and more importantly finds himself in the right race so look for support and a big run with Dan Beasley up. Another not so obvious pick is the maiden SWAN SONG. The 4YO looks only a fair chance on recent form but will very much appreciate Class 5 for the first time and Nunes jumps back on which won’t hurt. BIG BANKER the benchmark on his super honest form.
1 DRAGON G *** Form looks hopeless but finds himself in right company on the right track over the right trip. 7.00
2 OVER EASY *** Turned around some poor form to win at odds last start and have to respect. 10
3 BIG BANKER *** Well beaten into third last start but again looks the benchmark on form. 4.00
4 SWAN SONG *** Form better than it reads and not without a winning hope at first start in Class 5 with a tongue-tie and visor on. 7.00
5 BALBOA ** Well beaten but battled on last start and could go forward again. 20
6 SPEED CRAFT ** Improves back on the Poly over suitable trip with tongue-tie added. 20
7 TOOBIGTOFAIL *** Hard to fault back-to-back win similar affairs to this and pay to follow. 5.00
8 VERGLATICA ** Disappointing not to have won one of these of late and have to take on trust. 12
9 RISING STAR ** Placed last start when racing on the pace and will battle away again in exotics. 33
10 GALAXY EXPRESS ** Yet to win on the Poly but always looks a show. 12
11 BLACK DIAMOND ** Only win was in similar affair to this and can include in exotics on recent form. 12
12 GRAND PARIS ** Hard to follow but showed last start why he has to be respected on best form. 12
13 GOLDEN JADE ** Another that always looks a show and has to be included in exotics. 20
14 WALTERS BAY * No. 200
Race 6
Selections; 3 WHITE COFFEE – 2 CAPTAIN MCCAW – 1 DR N WING FIGHTERS – 5 BREAKING VAULTS
Terrible race and punters will again jump on CAPTAIN MCCAW to break a two-year winning drought. But while he is in form, gets Duric and really should win this, two years is a long time not to have tasted the champagne and it might have lost its fizz. So while we will keep him safe, we won’t be backing him at a short quote and hopefully we can find value elsewhere. WHITE COFFEE could be the one. The 8YO has been threatening to win of late and this race looks suitable with Oscar Chavez to ride from gate 7. Likewise, DR N WING FIGHTERS should be value coming off a bad run but his effort to win in a similar affair to this two back suggests he can bounce back. Throw in BREAKING VAULTS as a winning hope but it could be anyone’s race.
1 DR N WING FIGHTERS *** Freshened since showing nothing last start but appreciates being back in recent winning company. 8.00
2 CAPTAIN MCCAW *** Hard to fault form but lack of recent winning form a worry. 2.70
3 WHITE COFFEE *** Form better than it reads and could win this at odds. 12
4 BORN A FIGHTER ** Form only fair but appreciates being back on the turf. 20
5 BREAKING VAULTS *** Resuming after returning a roarer last start and have to respect on winning form prior. 6.00
6 CANNON KING ** Maiden whose best form is on the Poly so have to take on trust. 12
7 GEARIGURU ** Drawn awkwardly but in solid form and pay to keep safe. 8.00
8 FLAMING FIREHEART ** Nothing last start on the Poly but can run a cheeky race. 12
9 KENNEDY * No. 200
10 DOUBLE JEOPARDY * Tough to follow and may want longer. 20
11 UNION JAC ** Excuses last start and worth thought on good run prior. 33
12 ANAK PENANG ** Maiden in solid form but needs luck from wide gate. 20
13 DAWN OF THE WORLD * Blinkers off after two poor runs and easier to ignore. 20
14 GREENBACK * Blinkers off and no. 50
15 ROMA * Not the worst but like to see on the Poly. 20
Race 7
Selections; 1 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON – 3 IMPERIAL MARCH – 2 IKING – 4 CHASE
While you would imagine he will need to be right on his game to win, SQUIRE OSBALDESTON is the one to beat here and expect punters to flock to the equal top weight. The 6YO won over this trip back in January and while not winning since, he is due and Vlad Duric stays onboard to get a result. But the field – while small – has depth and IMPERIAL MARCH could be his biggest danger. The 4YO had excuses last start but loves this trip and could be the big improver with a nice trial under his belt. Of the rest, IKING just continues to show up in whatever race he contends in and CHASE is in very good form since moving stables and pay to follow. LIM’S AFFECTION on the quick back-up also a winning show.
1 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON *** Hoof on the till and looks hard to beat in this. 2.00
2 IKING *** Super honest and almost pinched a good one last start. Big show. 5.00
3 IMPERIAL MARCH *** Excuses before running on last start and recent trial suggests he gives this a shake. 5.00
4 CHASE *** Won over the mile two back before running on well last start and going too well to ignore. 8.00
5 LIM’S AFFECTION *** Backing up after placing over the mile last Sunday and pay to follow with 3kg claimer and tongue-tie added. 5.00
6 PANAMA CITY ** Solid without being a threat this campaign and exotics look best. 20
7 HIGH BLADE * No. 100
Race 8
Selections; 8 WAR CITI – 3 SUN PIONEER – 1 LIM’S GREETING – 2 LIVELY DRAGON
WAR CITI looks a handy filly and is well placed back on the Poly to knock in her second career win. In five starts she has won once and been placed twice, however, in her favour is the fact her win and a close up placing was on the all-weather track. SUN PIONEER also looks a big show back on the Poly. The 4YO has shown a liking for the Poly – his only two wins attests to that fact – so his last start placing on the turf should hold up here. Of the rest, LIM’S GREETING could be the value in a race that suits given his recent poor form and LIVELY DRAGON is in form and wins again without surprising. Throw in the expensive newcomer, GRAND CROSS, while RIVER OF GOLD and SILVER CITY also win without surprising.
1 LIM’S GREETING *** Ignore some recent poor form in unsuitable affairs as gone close in a race like this. 20
2 LIVELY DRAGON *** Has had plenty of support of late and racing accordingly so have to follow. 5.00
3 SUN PIONEER *** Just missed last start and better again on the Poly so hard to beat. 4.00
4 GRAND CROSS *** Very expensive yearling who had moderate success in Australia but well placed here to show up at Singapore debut. 8.00
5 RIVER OF GOLD *** Supported when winning similar affair two starts back and pay to follow the money. 8.00
6 BATTLE KING ** Should need longer but in form and will be running on late. 12
7 SILVER WIND *** Draw some concern but won well on debut and pay to follow. 7.00
8 WAR CITI *** In solid form but switch to this winning surface could see a result. 7.00
9 SCOUT DONE ** Not far away last start at long odds and has to be respected back on his preferred surface. 20
10 SILK ROUTE ** Excuses last start not to be in the mix and can include in exotics at value. 20
11 STARSKY ** Ran on OK last start and could work into exotic calculations late. 20
12 UNCLE LUCKY ** Maiden who has shown enough to think he could surprise at long odds. 50
Race 9
Selections; 2 PREFERRED – 5 SOLITAIRE – 6 CASING ROYAL – 10 MIGHTY KENNY
The lucky last is usually a wide-open affair and this is no exception. In saying that we are going to make a big case for PREFERRED and punters should agree on the strength of his last start win. That was on the Poly and given that was his second straight win on this surface (that book-ended two solid turf runs), he has to be hard to beat with Michael Rodd from gate 3. It could get willing early so a swooper in SOLITAIRE could be worth a second look. The wide draw is not a concern as John Powell will ride the in-form 7YO cold with best work obviously expected late. One to watch at odds is CASING ROYAL who was given no chance last start so pay to put a line through that run and keep safe at value. Of the rest, STIRLING is in very solid form and picks himself while the two Pat Shaw runners in MIGHTY KENNY with blinkers added and VERTICAL START both come into contention on the back of good trials.
1 NAZIR * Former Aussie who will be better suited over longer. 33
2 PREFERRED *** Showed last start why the Poly is his caper and that win strong enough to follow. 2.50
3 STIRLING *** In solid form and has to be considered from gate 1. 4.00
4 CASH BOX * Struggling. 50
5 SOLITAIRE *** In form this campaign and will be working into winning calculations late with tongue-tie added. 6.00
6 CASING ROYAL *** Given no chance last start so forget and keep very safe at value on the Poly. 33
7 RUSTY BROWN ** Always an each way show in races like this. 12
8 FLYING SHADOW ** Better than what he has showed last couple and worth a look at odds with tongue-tie added. 33
9 VERTICAL START *** Solid and recent trial suggests he can be followed. 12
10 MIGHTY KENNY *** Disappointing of late but recent trials suggests he goes well with blinkers added. 6.00
11 REAL HERO * Not a mile away last start but prefer in easier company. 33
12 FORTUNE SPIRIT * Reassess easier and longer. 100
