Bordeux – Singapore Racing
A few jockeys are making the most of the “post Joao” era at Kranji with Corey Brown, Alan Munro and perhaps the top claimer, Harry Kassim, looking to have benefitted the most from his absence. But while the playing field has definitely evened out in the jockeys ranks, Manoel Nunes just keeps on doing what he has done all year – knocking in winners. So much so, the likable Brazilian edges close to a 100 winners in Singapore for the season – a remarkable feat in the fact that he would be the first to reach the magical century of winners without winning the jockeys championship. Joao already has that trophy in the bag but Manoel – who currently sits on 94 winners for the year – can create his own piece of history and it might just happen this weekend. On a night with few stand-outs, Nunes looks to have a solid book of rides and will be hoping to add to his tally early in night with GOOD SCORE – a nice each-way hope – in race 2. He could very well back that up with SELECT GATHERING (race 3) and PROVIDENCE (race 4) – both also solid each-way hopes in open races. His mount in race 6 – PEACE NO WAR – is probably the best horse he will ride on the night but the Group placed 3YO is up against a crack field which includes the exciting debut winner, BORDEAUX. Nunes enjoys a good relationship with former Zimbabwean conditioner, Michael Clements, and the pair look as good as chance as any in the lucky last with the in-form SECRET MISSION. Hopefully a couple of winners on Friday will help him get through the nervous nineties by Sunday evening but regardless of when he breaks the ton, it has been a great year for Nunes with many more winners to come.
.
Best Bets; (BORDEAUX race 6, win), (DAVIDE race 7, win) and (EXCAVATOR race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (5), race 7 (1), race 8 (Field), race 9 (Field).
.
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; 4 SARONG – 1 FUKU’S PET – 5 SOLID WOOD – 12 SUPER CAPTAIN
A 1100m scamper on the poly for the Class 5’s kicks off the programme featuring a number of pacy ones in good form. SARONG is a speedy mare, perfectly drawn with a 4kg claim for young Barnabas; she will come out humming and be hard to run down. FUKU’S PET is a solid Class 5 performer, he has won twice at the trip and with TH Koh’s 2kg claim to help should sit just off the speed and close late. The 8YO SOLID WOOD is a strange horse. Earlier in his career he was able to win up to 1800m, but more recently has been racing in good heart over much shorter trips; he was not far away last start over 1200m after dropping from Class 4 and should be competitive again. The tongue tie on goes on SUPER CAPTAIN, he was not far away last start; Oscar Chavez should give him every chance from the good alley. HILARY gets Corey Brown and wide gate, she is a moody mare but her recent efforts have been sound. The winkers go back on ABYSS, over a more suitable trip on the right surface and with the claim for Zawari he should race well. GIVE WAY is down in grade and gets the newly arrived Brazilian rider Vagner Leal, the horse has not won for a year but this is his trip and we all know what Brazilian jockeys can do!
1 FUKU’S PET *** Has won twice at this trip and always a chance in this company. Racing well and will be closing late. 4.50
2 POWERPAC ** Only win was at 1000m. Last effort in a KSD was poor but has run some good races in Class 4 and could improve here. 20
3 RISING SHADOW * 9YO resuming for new stable after having been off the scene for over a year. Has Nunes but may need more than that. 50
4 SARONG *** Speedy mare perfectly drawn with 4kg claim. Will come out humming and be hard to run down. 3.50
5 SOLID WOOD *** Racing in good heart. Not far away last start after dropping from Class 4. Should be competitive again. 5.50
6 VON SNITZEL * Tongue tie on. Now in the right grade and has top rider. Should race handy but best efforts have been on turf. 20
7 GIVE WAY ** Has not won in over a year but drops in grade and only wins have been at this distance. Has newly arrived Brazilian jockey and we all know what they can do! 16
8 STATE TROOPER * Resuming after finishing tailed off at last two starts. Has won two from three first-up but a win would surprise. 25
9 ABYSS ** Winkers back on. This trip, the claim and surface suit. Should race well. 10
10 SWEET BEAUTY * Maiden resuming. Best efforts have been on turf over longer. 33
11 HILARY ** Blinkers on. Moody mare who won one of these three starts back. Speedy and should race well with Corey Brown to ride. 10
12 SUPER CAPTAIN *** Tongue tie on. Not far away last start and well drawn here. 6.50
.
Race 2
Selections; 1 BIG SEQUALO – 2 GOOD SCORE – 9 CALIFORNIA KID – 5 GANGNAM STYLE
A maiden over 1000m on the polytrack; most of these don’t like it much further and have been trying for some time. BIG SEQUALO has been running well in higher grade races; he has plenty of weight but with Corey Brown up gets his chance in this moderate field. GOOD SCORE is speedy but knocks up so the 1000m is ideal and he should run a cheeky race from the good gate. CALIFORNIA KID is from the in-form Michael Clements stable, his last two efforts have been sound, he drops 6kg from his last effort and with Alan Munro retaining the mount he should give a bold sight. GANGNAM STYLE also has some speed he has been thereabouts at recent outings and this should suit. ZAC GALLANT battles away, Harry Kasim stays on but the 1000m is as far as he wants to go. JUST DUIT was never sighted last outing but his previous runs showed promise and he does possess some speed.
1 BIG SEQUALO *** Has plenty of weight but has run good races against better ones than these. Gets his chance. 3.00
2 GOOD SCORE *** Ordinary effort last start but previous form was sound. Nicely drawn, distance suits and with top rider should be hard to run down. 5.00
3 DIAMOND FLYER * Refused to jump last outing. Trialed since but needs to improve. 50
4 JUST DUIT ** Never in it last start. Showed speed at previous outings and could show up. 12
5 GANGNAM STYLE *** Speedy and has been around the mark at recent engagements. Should give plenty of cheek. 5.00
6 ZAC GALLANT ** Battles away, has top rider and a chance in this weak field. 7.50
7 BEST GURU * Has been very disappointing. 33
8 GLOBAL CAST * Waste of a good alley. 50
9 CALIFORNIA KID *** Good efforts at past two outings and stable is in form. Drops 6kg from last start and good chance again. 4.00
10 ANCHIETA * Been trying for a long time without a result. 33
.
Race 3
Selections; 5 LUCKY DAPPER – 1 SELECT GATHERING – 3 FAT BOBO – 7 DANNY RICARDO
The first of the night’s turf races, a Class 4 over 1200m in which there is not a great deal of depth. The blinkers come off the frustrating LUCKY DAPPER who has finished in the top four in 12 of 14 starts. His only win was sans headgear and with Corey Brown staying aboard, he is bound to be thereabouts again. SELECT GATHERING’s last two efforts in this Class have been solid, Nunes takes over from Shafiq and he should benefit from the stronger rider; there is no natural front-runner here and he could get a soft run near the lead. DANNY RICARDO put in a solid effort when resuming, from the good gate with only 52.5kg he too should on the speed all the way. FAT BOBO is an interesting runner. He has only ever been seen twice on turf for a win and a fourth both times at this distance and class on a yielding track- if there is any rain about he could be the value. RAJAH BROOK trialed well recently (albeit with blinkers), a winner over 1200m in NZ he could be an improver. PACINO is an honest old 9YO and he will be there late.
1 SELECT GATHERING *** Last two efforts in this Class and surface have been solid. Yet to win on turf though often placed. Senior jockey takes over and he should race well. 4.00
2 PACINO ** Honest old 9YO who is never far away and bound to be running on late. 7.00
3 FAT BOBO ** Has only ever been seen twice on turf for a win and a fourth both times at this distance and class on a yielding track. Got home nicely last start. Keep safe. 7.50
4 BRING MORE MONEY * Last two efforts ordinary but is a three time winner at the trip. Needs to show improvement. 20
5 LUCKY DAPPER *** Blinkers off and only win was without headgear. Recent trial was strong and has finished top four in 12 of 14 starts and bound to be thereabouts again. 2.40
6 RAJAH BROOK ** Disappointed last start but trialed nicely in smart time recently – albeit in blinkers. Won over 1200m at Riccarton and could be an improver. 7.50
7 DANNY RICARDO ** Put in a solid effort when resuming, from the good gate with only 52.5 kg he should on the speed all the way 8.00
8 ARAPUNI * 9YO who has battled at his last few outings. Honest but age could be catching up with him. 33
9 JACKPOT * No. 50
.
Race 4
Selections; 1 GOOD LOOUKEN – 3 PERFECT PLAN – 2 PROVIDENCE – 4 SIR FLEETWOOD
A Kranji Stakes D of little depth featuring some moody ones over the 1000m on the polytrack. The very disappointing GOOD LOOUKEN needs to step up in this. Highly rated in Argentina, he won on debut in Singapore and had a rating of 73 – now down to 54. His last start effort on turf was fair and back on the poly with John Powell – aided by the visor – will attempt to get him to do his best. PERFECT PLAN is hard to follow but put in a solid run last start; well drawn he will appreciate the claim and should be on the speed all the way. The stablemate, PROVIDENCE, is equally hard to follow but he trialed well recently behind HOT GOLD after a poor effort last outing; his previous two efforts were strong and he should appreciate having Manoel Nunes aboard. Harry Kasim is on SIR FLEETWOOD who has won seven races and is not without a chance but may like it a little bit longer than this. Most of the rest are happier in Class 5; ALWAYS A WINNER and WONDER GENERAL have speed and could get a nice run in front, BALLY BOY won a weak maiden over this trip but disappointed the start thereafter and may want easier.
1 GOOD LOOUKEN *** Won on Singapore debut in June 2012 and had a rating of 73.
Now down to 54 and will not find one much easier than this. Fair effort on turf last start, back on the poly needs to show something. 3.00
2 PROVIDENCE *** Trialed well recently behind HOT GOLD. Poor effort last outing but previous two efforts were strong and should appreciate Nunes. 5.00
3 PERFECT PLAN *** Put in a solid run last start. Hard to follow but well drawn, will appreciate the claim and should be on the speed all the way. 4.00
4 SIR FLEETWOOD ** Has won seven races and is not without a chance but may like it a little bit longer than this. 8.00
5 OH MONEY COME * Maiden who will find this too hard. 25
6 BALLY BOY ** Won a weak maiden over this trip and disappointed the start thereafter. May want easier. 12
7 RORY * Only win was at this distance. Found 1200m too far last start but previous effort in this grade over 1000m was sound. Could surprise. 16
8 ALWAYS A WINNER ** Has speed and should be up the front for a long way. 12
9 THE STALLONE * Should improve with head-gear but unlikely. 50
10 WONDER GENERAL ** Better in Class 5 but will be on the speed for a long way. 10
.
Race 5
Selections; 12 MISTER CANDY – 11 ORIGIN FAST – 4 DEAUVILLE – 1 LUMINESCENCE
A Restricted Maiden over 1200m on the turf which looks very weak on paper. Of the three debutants in the field, the Laurie Laxon trained DEAUVILLE looks to have the best credentials; by Darci Brahma, a brother to JONATHAN (not that you would boast about that) and half-brother to SOUL COMMANDER. He trials nicely, is from a top stable and has Corey Brown on top; he should debut well. ORIGIN FAST is a nice type by top sire Exceed and Excel trained by Hideyuki Takaoka and to be ridden by Alan Munro. He has put in good efforts at his only two starts and should be running on strongly. MISTER CANDY is a Northern Hemisphere bred 2YO, he debuted nicely for Pat Shaw and with Vorster on top, is certain to race well. None of the others have shown a lot, though the Brian Dean pair LUMINESCENCE and OVERPOWER look useful and Danny Beasley’s mount, BLACK FURY, could be an improver.
1 LUMINESCENCE ** Fair efforts at only three starts all on the poly. Making turf debut. 16
2 BLACK FURY ** Has shown some pace in his races but has knocked up. Making turf debut. 16
3 CONFIDENCE * Debutant drawn wide and prefer to see. Half brother to Perth winner BROCKY’S DEAL. 50
4 DEAUVILLE *** Brother to JONATHAN and half-brother to SOUL COMMANDER. Trials well, from top stable and has top rider. Should debut well. 2.50
5 JET COSMO * Shown nothing at two outings. 100
6 LIVE HAPPY * Blinkers on. Improving but may be better on the polytrack. 20
7 MAIBOY LOLLIPOP * Well back on debut. 100
8 MY BOY JACK * Tongue tie on. Resuming. Did little at only two starts and prefer to see. 100
9 OVERPOWER * Trials fairly. Watch for support. 20
10 XIAO LONG * Finished a long way back at only start. 200
11 ORIGIN FAST *** Nice type by top sire Exceed and Excel. Has raced well at only two starts and should be running on again. 3.50
12 MISTER CANDY *** Northern Hemisphere 2YO. Nice effort on debut and trialed well subsequently. Should race well despite awkward draw. 3.00
13 WOMBAT FLYER * Never likely at only start. 500
14 STORM JET * Winkers on but may need more than that. 500
.
Race 6
Selections; 5 BORDEAUX – 3 PEACE NO WAR – 2 DRAGON FORCE – 6 BALESTRA
THis might be a small field of six but the interest in watching the likes of BORDEAUX, PEACE NO WAR and DRAGON FORCE battle it out over 1000m is worth the cab fare to Kranji. BORDEAUX has only had the one start but what he gives away in experience to his main rivals, he makes up for on that commanding debut performance. The Sir Percy 3YO won by a lazy four lengths on that occasion and the slick time suggests he could be one to follow through the grades. A slight weight pull on his main rivals – courtesy of only having one win to his name – is in his favour. PERACE NO WAR is the interesting runner in the fact this will be his first-time on the Polytrack at the races. His turf form in top juvenile company was excellent and given what he has shown at the trails, he should handle the allweather (blinkers added) with no problems. DRAGON FORCE is no slouch either and in terrific form so has to be a big winning hope with the other 3YO, BALESTRA, a must for exotics at value.
1 CAPTAIN MCCAW ** Appreciates first-up run and tongue-tie added but up against some nice types here. 25
2 DRAGON FORCE *** Nice type in-form and has to be a big winning show. 3.00
3 PEACE NO WAR *** Blinkers on, tongue-tie off after being a good thing beaten last start. Follow. 3.00
4 PISTOL DAWN * Not up to this standard. 100
5 BORDEAUX *** Won like a very good thing on debut and looks hard to beat. 2.00
6 BALESTRA ** Done nothing wrong at two starts but may be tested against some smart types. 12
.
Race 7
Selections; 1 DAVIDE – 3 CAVALLO – 6 HAMMER DOWN – 7 LET’S SEE ACTION
With the top-rated horse at nominations – GOAL KEEPER – not accepting, the weights looks to have treated the in-form DAVIDE very nicely. The last start winner (and three of his last five) has 57kg to carry and at the race conditions, he is not only the highest-rated horse in the race but the best at the rating/weight ratio. That is a good enough reason to think he is very hard to beat and continue a good run of form for the Pat Shaw stable who also has VALEVOLE and LET’S SEE ACTION in this race. CAVALLO – who beat DAVIDE two starts back over this trip/surface – looks the danger again. The pair have a similar weight increase since they last met and CAVALLO gets to jump from gate one and should also appreciate the drop back to his winning distance. HAMMER DOWN looks an interesting runner first-up after a bleeding attack with LET’S SEE ACTION and RAPIDO STAR in the exotic mix.
1 DAVIDE *** In super form and looks very well weighted with 57kg. Hard to beat. 1.60
2 VALEVOLE ** Going along OK and while a query on the turf, will be in this late. 20
3 CAVALLO *** Last start better than the result and back to winning recent trip in his favour. 5.00
4 RAPIDO STAR ** Normally seen on the Poly but has some turf form to his name and inform. Keep safe. 4.50
5 BAZINGA * OK last start but serious query on the turf. 50
6 HAMMER DOWN ** Resuming after bleeding attack and more than up to this on his day with blinkers off. Watch market. 10
7 LET’S SEE ACTION ** Tongue-tie off after being disappointing last start but the type to include on best form. 12
.
Race 8
Selections; 8 INVICTUS – 3 TAKIS – 5 SILENT POWER – 6 DREAMMAKER
It’s safe to say that even with his allowance halved last Sunday, Harry Kassim is still well in-front of most his peers claiming just 1kg. The record-breaking apprentice has been booked on INVICTUS and that counts for plenty in this claimers-only race. The horse itself has form on his side and with excuses last start, it would safe to say he bounces right into contention in what is a suitable race and can knock in what would be his maiden win. TAKIS on the other hand is a two-time winner and looks very well placed dropping to Class 5 company. The Pat Shaw stable is going great guns and expect support and a big run from the South African-bred 6YO with ZZ Zuriman on-top. It is an open race though and you have to respect last start winner, the moody DRAMA SUPERSTAR, the veteran VITALICO and ALVITO likely to be doing his best work late. For value, include SILENT POWER and DREAMMAKER.
1 BLAZING SPUR ** First-up run a lot better than the result and pay to keep safe at value. 33
2 DRAMA SUPERSTAR *** Will miss the start, tack on and run home. Can win but a risk. 5.50
3 TAKIS *** Was disappointing last start but very much appreciates this company and goes very close. 4.00
4 ALVITO ** Will get back and run on and always looks some hope. 6.00
5 SILENT POWER *** Not far away two starts back in similar affair. Each-way. 12
6 DREAMMAKER *** Awkwardly drawn but looks ready to break maiden status and can follow. 12
7 THE GIANT * Easier to ignore. 100
8 INVICTUS *** Excuses last start and form prior has him winning soon with red-hot apprentice a factor. 4.00
9 VITALICO *** Excuses last start and always an each-way hope in races like this. 6.00
10 SUPER VELOX * Struggling of late. 50
11 QUI EST LA ** Form better than it reads and include in exotics at value. 20
12 CARRY ON FAMOUS * No. 200
13 SOCIAL NETWORK * Needs to improve. 200
14 WEIGHT IN GOLD * No. 500
.
Race 9
Selections; 1 EXCAVATOR – 5 TERMINATOR – 8 FLYING ZERO – 9 MAPLE STAR
This race looks to have so many winning chances that you could easily replace the top four picks with another four and go very close to being spot-on. So while the depth makes finding the winner tough, it will be a great race with value the bonus. Starting from the top, EXCAVATOR looks very well placed in KSC company and that could be enough to see him home at odds. All his recent form has been in top company and given he showed enough behind DAVIDE at his most recent run, he could go super here with a very handy 3kg claim. TERMINATOR has drawn wide but his form suggests he puts in a big run for John Powell and FLYING WILD – so disappointing with support since winning in Class 4 – has blinkers added and his recent trial was huge so keep very safe. MAPLE STAR gets a mention with value in mind with apologies for leaving GOLDEN SAND STEED, BIONIC BOY and SECRET MISSION out of the top picks.
1 EXCAVATOR *** Big drop in Class and showed enough late last start to think he can win this with handy 3kg claim. 12
2 BIONIC BOY *** Has found form and this is the type of race he will win with gate one always a bonus. 6.00
3 GOLDEN SAND STEED *** Super consistent and going to be in the winning mix again. 4.00
4 SECRET MISSION *** Placed last start in similar company with support and can follow on the Poly. 6.00
5 TERMINATOR *** Drawn awkwardly but in terrific form of late and could easily win this. 6.00
6 POPI POPI ** Smart enough type resuming after more than a year away from the track. Market best guide. 20
7 BM WIN ** Placed similar company over 1100m last start and will be competitive from gate two. 12
8 FLYING ZERO *** Has been very disappointing last few but recent trial with blinkers was excellent so expect support and a big run with head-gear added. 4.00
9 MAPLE STAR *** First-up run and subsequent trial were good and could be the bolter at odds. 33
10 MACHFIVE * Needs to lift. 200
11 BIGDINERO ** Resumed with nice run this trip and while better over longer, might be involved late. 25
12 AFFIRMATION * Placed last start at odds in Class 4 but this looks too tough. 100
.
