Bogart (Manoel Nunes) starts to draw clear from his rivals in Race 5 on Friday, 09 August 2013
A mixed surface meeting kicks off what is a big weekend of racing from Singapore and while all eyes are on Sunday and the Group 1 Raffles Cup, it could be a pivotal night in what is a very interesting Trainers Premiership. As is stands, the old master, Laurie Laxon, leads them up on 64 winners for the season. The canny Kiwi won on a count-back to knock in his seventh Championship in 2012 and with Pat Shaw just two behind on 59 and Mark Walker and Michael Freedman both another two back on 57, it will go down to the wire. And given it could be a quiet night for Laxon, Michael Freedman – who had the same amount as winners as Laxon in 2012 – could make his move with some horses well-placed to win. BOGART in the last race looks a very good chance given he has been plying his trade in some good company of late and certainly up to winning in Class 4. Manoel Nunes takes the ride on the smart 3YO and in a race that lacks depth, he could be too good and edge Freedman closer to what would be his first Trainers Premiership. His other winning hopes on the night include SUPER JUNIOR (race 8), SLAYER (race 6) and DAWN PROSPECT in what looks an open Kranji Stakes D mile (race 5). Pat Shaw could also find a winner or two with IRISH LIGHTNING and DON INAKI both some hope in race 3 and CASINO KING a solid each-way hope in race 5. Mark Walker has had some 200 more runners than Laxon and Shaw and remarkably 300 more than Freedman and his numbers tonight could see another added to his 2013 tally but which one of his seven entries is anyones guess.
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Best Bets; (BOGART race 9, win), (FLYING AHEAD race 7, each-way) and (ENZO race 6, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 11), race 7 (1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 11), race 8 (1, 2, 4, and 7), race 9 (2, 4 and 12).
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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; 2 MY NEW BOSS – 9 SACRED GENERAL – 1 ZAC SUGGESTION – 5 LADY TRIO
A BM53 over 1400m on the turf opens proceedings and CHEETAH and LUCKY GENERAL should be the ones to cart them along which may help some of the better chances who are closers by nature. MY NEW BOSS blew the start last time but still put in a good effort when resuming; he gets Corey Brown and will have benefited from his recent trial – from the nice gate he should be running on late. LADY TRIO has a strong finishing burst when in the mood. She put in a good effort two starts back and raced wide last outing; from the ace with Tengku Rehaizat claiming she could surprise. SACRED GENERAL, a maiden, is another one of these Freedman cast-offs taken over by Mohd Yusof. He has been placed three times from eight starts on turf in his career and his effort after racing three wide last outing suggests he may be ready to break through; down 4kg and with Alan Munro retaining the mount he should be kept safe. ZAC SUGGESTION battled on last start to finish within two lengths of the winner; he won a Maiden at 1400m but is up 3kg here and not as well drawn as last time. LUCKY GENERAL won in Class 5 with Lisa Allpress up, then with Verenzuela on top sat handy all the way to just miss in this class and distance last outing; the unfashionable Danny Chee takes over but being well drawn he should still race well. AFTERNOON DELIGHT will find this easier than recent engagements and has won twice at the trip.
1 ZAC SUGGESTION *** Battled on last start to finish within two lengths of the winner. Won Maiden at 1400m but up 3kg here and not as well drawn as last time. Chance. 5.00
2 MY NEW BOSS *** Blew the start last time but still put in a good effort when resuming. Gets Corey Brown and should get a nice run from the barrier. Will be running on. 4.00
3 THE OMEGA MAN ** Won on debut but efforts since have been disappointing although never in the hunt last start. Take on trust. 20
4 CHEETAH ** Outclassed last time but won over 1600m three starts back on the polytrack. Won Maiden a year ago at this trip. Has speed and should be prominent for a while. 14
5 LADY TRIO *** Has a strong finishing burst when in the mood. Good effort two starts back and raced wide last outing – well drawn and could surprise. 4.50
6 AFTERNOON DELIGHT ** Will find this easier than last couple and has won twice at the trip. Keep safe. 14
7 LUCKY GENERAL *** Sat handy all the way to just miss in this class and distance last outing. Well drawn, Danny Chee takes over from Verenzuela. 7.00
8 SEASONS WONDER ** Ran on stoutly when resuming; would like longer and best form is on polytrack. 14
9 SACRED GENERAL *** Maiden placed three times on turf from eight starts. Good effort last outing, down 4kg and could be ready to break through. 5.00
10 QUALITASE * Form too poor to consider. 50
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Race 2
Selections; 7 GAZOO – 9 POWER LIN – 6 FLYING MISSION – 10 SOUTHERN GENERAL
A Restricted Maiden on the polytrack over 1200m and there are six newcomers so watch the market is the obvious mantra. The blinkers are on GAZOO who looks more than useful; he is by the speed sire Zizou; he won a trial at Warwick Farm before coming to Singapore and has trialed well – with Alan Munro taking the mount he should race well. POWER LIN has won both his trials and looks smart – poorly drawn he has Harry Kasim to help. FLYING MISSION looks a likely type from the trials and should make a good debut with Manoel Nunes to steer. SOUTHERN GENERAL has also done enough at trials to be included in exotics. Of those we have seen, none look superstars though FLYING NEKO gets his chance; he is resuming after an improved effort with the blinkers; his recent trials suggest he should race well from the ace with Corey Brown in the saddle. Q NINE STAR has been battling away for a while; a tardy start cost him over the 1000m last time and if ridden closer by Lisa Allpress he should be in the finish. The blinkers go on OUR RIVER DANCER he has just battled at his last two outings but could improve with the headgear and the claim for Willie Tan.
1 BATTLE BOY *** Fair effort on debut when held up for a run. Should be improved. 14
2 FLYING NEKO *** Resuming after an improved effort with the blinkers. Has had several trials and should race well from the ace with Corey Brown in the saddle. 4.50
3 WINGS SENIOR * Needs to improve on what we have seen so far. 50
4 OUR RIVER DANCER ** Blinkers on. Just battled last two outings but could improve with the headgear and the claim. 10
5 Q NINE STAR *** Has been battling away for a while. A tardy start cost him last time. If ridden closer should be in the finish. 7.00
6 FLYING MISSION *** Working nicely and should make a good debut with Nunes up. 8.00
7 GAZOO *** Blinkers on. By speed sire Zizou. Won a trial at Warwick Farm before coming to Singapore and has trialed well – with Alan Munro taking the mount he should race well. 4.50
8 GENERAL CONATUS * First start. Poorly drawn and prefer to see. 33
9 POWER LIN *** Has won both his trials and with Harry Kasim up should race well on debut. Watch for support. 4.50
10 SOUTHERN GENERAL *** Works and trials well. Watch market. 14
11 WOMBAT FLYER * By Reaan. Has looked useful at trials. Watch market. 20
12 YUGIOH * Later. 50
13 XIAO LONG * No 50
14 STORM JET * Would have to improve. 50
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Race 3
Selections; 1 GOLDEN RABBIT – 7 IRISH LIGHTNING – 8 MEDIA CAPTAIN – 3 LUCKY COME
A Class 4 over 1000m on the poly and there is plenty of speed in this with the likes of INDULGE and DON INAKI involved. GOLDEN RABBIT is a Class dropper; he won twice at 1000m in Australia, this class should suit and with Harry Kasim’s claim he should be handy and finish off well. The blinkers go on IRISH LIGHTNING, he loves this trip, has Vorster, is perfectly drawn and will be on the speed all the way. His stable-mate, DON INAKI, is also a hope on his recent good trial form. There will be plenty of others going forward; MEDIA CAPTAIN goes quickly and has the ace; he has no real turn of foot but a hot speed will help and he should be in the finish. FISH RABBITFISH is far from reliable but he is speedy and this distance suits. If they go crazy in front, MIGHTY CREATION will sit off them and finish on late; he could tip them all out. In a very open race, JET MAN, SAHORO and MAGIC OCEAN cannot be ignored with LUCKY COME the value.
1 GOLDEN RABBIT *** Will find this easier than recent outings in Class 3. Won twice at 1000m in Australia. Suited here and with Harry Kasim’s claim should be handy and finish off well. 3.50
2 JET MAN ** Resuming and awkwardly drawn. This could be a bit short but could race well fresh. 10
3 LUCKY COME *** Form better than it reads and will be the value runner involved late. 33
4 DON INAKI *** Dropped out last start but subsequently trialed well. Senior jockey takes over and should be on the speed all the way. 12
5 INDULGE ** Speedy but has knocked up in much higher grade races at recent outings Much better suited here but draw does not help. 12
6 FISH RABBITFISH ** Far from reliable but speedy and this distance suits. Could run a cheeky race given what he showed last start. 14
7 IRISH LIGHTNING *** Blinkers on. Loves this trip and will be on the speed all the way. 3.50
8 MEDIA CAPTAIN *** Goes quickly and has the ace. Has no real turn of foot but will be in the finish. 9.00
9 MIGHTY CREATION ** Will sit off the speedsters and finish on late. Could tip them all out. 12
10 SAHORO ** Ordinary effort last start but drops 6kg in weight. Likes the 1000m and always a chance in these. 14
11 HERO SUCCESS * Only win was at this trip but up against some smart ones here. 50
12 MAGIC OCEAN ** Won two starts back when the leaders stopped. This is tougher but will be closing late. 14
13 RORY * No. 50
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Race 4
Selections; 10 SPICY CAT – 5 ACORDO DE PAZ – 1 OH MONEY COME – 9 BALLET DANCER
A very weak Maiden over 1200m on the turf gives SPICY CAT his chance. He resumed close-up in a KSD on the poly last start; his last two turf runs were 4th to ZAC WARRIOR and 2nd to JOYOUS EXPRESS, both times with blinkers; that is good enough for this. Most of the rest have no form whatsoever to recommend them and if they have any decent efforts they are on the polytrack. ACORDO DE PAZ put in a good run last start on the poly, he has Pat Shaw polish and Harry Kasim; if he handles the turf he should be hard to beat. OH MONEY COME gets the blinker pacifiers; he was placed at Tauranga over this trip before coming to Singapore; his last polytrack outing was strong and he could be one to watch. BALLET DANCER showed some speed at last outing and his better efforts have been on turf- watch for support. SEA OF LOVE has done nothing in three starts, the winkers and tongue tie come off, she won a trial lately and John Powell gets on; from the Laxon stable she could be due to improve. Any of the rest could win or get in the placings without surprising.
1 OH MONEY COME *** Blinker Pacifier on. Placed at Tauranga over this trip before coming to Singapore. Ran on strongly on the polytrack last outing and could be one to watch. 6.00
2 WHAA ** Hasn’t done much since arriving in Singapore. Was placed over this trip in a weak race in NZ. 8.00
3 MIGHTY HUNTER * Done nothing in three starts. 50
4 SEA OF LOVE *** Winkers, tongue tie off. Done nothing in three starts but won a trial recently and gets senior rider. Watch for support. 6.00
5 ACORDO DE PAZ *** Good effort on the poly last start but may be better on that surface. If he handles the turf should be hard to beat. 5.00
6 D’DON * Excuses last start (roarer) but disappoints as a rule. 20
7 QUIET ACHIEVER ** Coming back in trip. Only placing was at 1400m. Well drawn and could show up. 14
8 BANKERS CALL ** Winkers to Blinkers. Improvement noted at most recent outing and could show up in this weak field from the good alley. 14
9 BALLET DANCER *** Winkers to blinkers. Showed some speed at last outing and better efforts have been on turf. Watch for support. 7.00
10 SPICY CAT *** Blinkers on. Resumed close up in a KSD. Last two turf runs were 4th to ZAC WARRIOR and 2nd to JOYOUS EXPRESS, both with blinkers. That is good enough for this. 4.00
11 CHINESE TYCOON * Been a maiden for a long time but won’t get one much weaker than this. Better over longer and on the poly. 50
12 AL-HAMID ** Downgrade to winkers. Pushed in recent trial but effort good so look for improvement. 50
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Race 5
Selections; 1 JOHN OF ARCH – 5 DAWN PROSPECT – 7 FAITHFUL WARRIOR – 8 SUPER JETSET
A Kranji Stakes D over a mile on the polytrack and maybe there is one last hurrah in old JOHN OF ARCH; he had no luck over 1400m last start and up to his favourite journey with Bernard Fayd’Herbe to steer he should get a perfect run from barrier two. The blinkers come off DAWN PROSPECT and he will very much appreciate being back on the poly; he has gone well over the mile in Class 4 in the past and should get a great run from the ace with Corey Brown to steer. SUPER JETSET loves this trip, well drawn with Zaki up he will bowl to the front and be hard to run down. CASINO KING disappointed last outing when he went too hard early, Harry Kasim should have him handy all the way and if properly rated be hard to pass. STAGE BRIGHT, FAITHFUL WARRIOR and URBAN LEGEND are all capable of getting in the mix.
1 JOHN OF ARCH *** Grand old miler who might have one last hurrah left. Had no luck last start and from the good gate should get a gun run in what is a more suitable race. 4.00
2 JETSET MAN * Done nothing since coming to Singapore. Only win was at 1400m on turf. 33
3 CASINO KING *** Disappointed last outing when he went too hard early. Should be handy all the way and if properly rated, be hard to pass. 4.50
4 STAGE BRIGHT *** Decent effort last start and likely to run a forward race. 20
5 DAWN PROSPECT *** Blinkers off. Will very much appreciate being back on the poly. Should get a gun run from the ace with Corey Brown to steer. 3.00
6 BUKIT ROSE WOOD ** Last two efforts fair and suited at the mile. Should be running on late. 16
7 FAITHFUL WARRIOR *** Absolutely smashed them two starts back and trialed well recently. Could run a big race. 16
8 SUPER JETSET *** Tongue tie off. Likes to get on the speed and from the good draw should be hard to run down. 5.00
9 URBAN LEGEND ** Coming back to a mile on after a big run over 1900m. Should be running on late. 16
10 NEWFOUNDFAME * No. 33
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Race 6
Selections; 9 ENZO – 4 SLAYER – 8 GOOD TOWKAY – 1 TAI COMMANDS
Nothing beats a value runner and hopefully our top pick, ENZO, provides just that. His form in 11 starts in 2013 certainly makes for ordinary reading but given he backs up from what was arguably his best run for over 12 months last Sunday, he could surprise. Zaki – who was onboard the last time the 5YO won back in October 2012 – stays on and from gate two he might just be ready to get back to his best with a positive ride expected over his favourite trip. He will need to be at his best though with plenty of horses in good form and it might be SLAYER, first-up after a spell, who is hardest to beat. The one-time winner was in good form at his previous campaign and no reason to think he doesn’t return with a spring in his step after a short freshen-up. GOOD TOWKAY has been brutal for punters (and Moreira fans) in recent months but with blinkers and Alan Munro on, he might be ready to knock in what is an overdue win. TAI COMMANDS, BEAT TO QUARTERS, ZAC SEDUCTION and ANGE D’ORIENT all in the mix.
1 TAI COMMANDS *** Thereabouts last couple and in the winning mix if handier in running. 12
2 MARAETI * Form reads badly and wants longer but the type that could surprise in this company. 33
3 REVERSE TAKEOVER * In form but a better option on the Poly. 20
4 SLAYER *** Resuming and wins a race like this on his day. 5.00
5 BEAT TO QUARTERS *** Going along in good order and best work expected late. 4.00
6 SIMPANG * Battled on OK last start but still needs to find more before we consider. 33
7 ZAC SEDUCTION *** Good effort similar affair last start and pay to respect. 8.00
8 GOOD TOWKAY *** Racing well without a result but blinkers might do the trick. 3.00
9 ENZO *** Backing up after eye-catching run and loves this trip so pay to follow at odds. 33
10 GRAVLAX ** Maiden status a huge concern but certainly in the exotic mix. 12
11 ANGE D’ORIENT *** Versatile and in-form so back in trip no issue although maiden status is. 12
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Race 7
Selections; 8 FLYING AHEAD – 2 PURE RABID – 1 RIEDEL – 5 BAY OF ISLAND
Two horses – FLYING AHEAD and PURE RABID – both come into this race with similar average form on paper but both very much appreciate being back in what is a very suitable race and both can win. Of the two, FLYING AHEAD looks like he has been bidding his time to find the right race with recent runs including unsuitable Progress and Graduation affairs. We can ignore them and in KSD company with top hoop Corey Brown going on, he looks a definite winning hope with support from the stable expected. Likewise, PURE RABID will very much being back over a suitable trip after two runs this campaign over 1200m. His effort late at his most recent start was impressive and he can certainly win on a repeat of that run. Of the rest, the usual suspects cannot be ignored with BAY OF ISLAND, SAINT VALLEY, NINTH AVENUE and JOHNNY HATES JAZZ all some show with the top-weight, REIDEL, the improver.
1 RIEDEL *** Excuses at both Singapore starts and looks well placed from gate three this company to win. 12
2 PURE RABID *** Super late last start over 1200m and can win up to suitable trip. 5.00
3 SILVER AND GOLD * Never looked likely first-up from a spell but improvs for the outing. 33
4 KING OF KOON * Nothing last couple but might appreciate trip. 33
5 BAY OF ISLAND *** Always a show this type of race and right in this from gate two. 5.00
6 VASSILAKOS * Easy to ignore. 100
7 SAINT VALLEY *** Never got going last start but will be the one closing late. 12
8 FLYING AHEAD *** Not suited at recent runs and this looks perfect to show his best. Can win. 3.50
9 VICTORY TOUCH * No. 100
10 NINTH AVENUE *** Always an each-way show in this type of race. 6.00
11 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ *** Maiden but looks due and right in this if he makes use of the ace. 5.00
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Race 8
Selections; 2 SUPER JUNIOR – 1 MESHMAKER – 7 BLUE LION – 4 EL PERIGO
A very open race and the field looks a very smart option in any exotic bets. So while most can win and the tote may be a good guide on the day, SUPER JUNIOR should very much appreciate the 2kg Harry Kassim claim and certainly looks suited to run well here. The fact he can race handy enough is in his favour and if in the mix on turning for home, he might be hard to hold out. MESHMAKER beat SUPER JUNIOR in September over 1700m on the Poly and it will pay to follow the Testa Rossa 5YO. The former Aussie looks a stayer with a future in Singapore and this race looks an ideal lead-up to the Gold Cup so pay to respect. Two other last start winners in BLUE LION and EL PERIGO are both well and truly in the mix but as mentioned, anyone can win and the race should be a beauty.
1 MESHMAKER *** Broke through for well deserved win last start and can go on with the job. 3.00
2 SUPER JUNIOR *** Not far from the places over 2200m last start and pay to follow. 4.50
3 DON PLATENSE ** Blinkers off stepping up in trip after two good runs and in this a long way. 8.00
4 EL PERIGO *** In winning form and wont mind being back on the turf. 5.00
5 IRISH REBEL ** Hit the line well over the mile last start and certainly plays a part in this. 12
6 FLYING TEMPO ** Improves over more ground with Singapore debut under his belt. 33
7 BLUE LION *** Coming off a good win and while this is harder, he should race well. 7.00
8 INCREDIBLE HULK ** This looks too tough but sure to be doing his best late. 33
9 DANGER ZONE *** Only has one win to his name but loves this trip and looks a lightweight hope. 8.00
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Race 9
Selections; 2 BOGART – 4 MARCUSINO – 12 WAIRAKEI – 1 VAGABOND
Not a lot of depth in this Class 4 sprint but given the form-line of the top few hopes comes from different types of races, it is tricky to find the winner. Hopefully the early 3YO form holds up and BOGART shows his older rivals a clean pair of heels. Although drawn wide, the Darci Brahma-gelding should go forward under Brazilian hoop, Manoel Nunes, and be very hard to beat given his good form in Novice, Graduation and 3YO company. MARCUSINO could be the one he has to beat. The 6YO lead all the way two back to win in a very similar affair and given his strong recent trial with head-gear, we can forget his last run without blinkers and follow. WAIRAKEI won in Class 5 last start but given the strength of that win, he could easily go on with the job and it will pay to watch for support. It will also pay to keep an eye on the tote for newcomer, VAGABOND, with HONEST TRUTH and BENJI’S RULE the improvers at value.
1 VAGABOND *** Former Australian who has trailed well enough to show up at his Singapore debut. Market best guide. 8.00
2 BOGART *** Smart 3YO who has shown more than enough to think he can win in this company. 2.50
3 TAVAN BOGD ** Resuming and did win on debut so worth thought first-up. 12
4 MARCUSINO *** Blinkers on after failing last start and must be a big show given he won with head-gear two back and recent trial good. 5.00
5 HONEST TRUTH ** Form reads badly but has made the running over longer last couple so could run a cheeky race, 33
6 MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS * Former Kiwi and market only guide on trial form. 50
7 BENJI’S RULE ** Form reads very badly but not far away last start and appreciates turf. Value. 33
8 DORAEMON ** Run two back OK and good enough on his day to surprise at odds. 50
9 DUTY FREE ** Last start better than the result but prefer on the Poly. 33
10 CAUTION * Has been doing it tough but only wins have been on poly and prefer on that surface. 100
11 QUITE A MAN ** Resuming and while form reads badly his recent trial was OK. 50
12 WAIRAKEI *** Up in grade but bolted in last start and will have admirers on that effort. 3.00
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