Got Luck
With a couple of big Group Sundays on the horizon, Friday sees a solid if unspectacular meeting from Singapore, but a nice betting card nonetheless. And it will pay to make sure you are settled in early as GOT LUCK in race 3 looks a terrific banker on what could be an otherwise an each-way day. The 4YO by Danroad won at his first three times at the races before tasting defeat for the first time at his most recent run but, given a suitable race, he can make quick amends. His recent trial good enough to suggest he remains in top-form and with Danny Beasley to steer from gate two over 1000m, he should be too good. The main danger is the somewhat underrated, SAND LANE, for the Brown/Brown combination. A 5YO NZ-bred gelding, SAND LANE has won twice and placed another five times from nine starts in Singapore and given the 1000m is his pet trip, he keeps the likely short-priced favourite very honest from the ace draw. Elsewhere on the card, the latest Brazilian hoop to make a winning impression at Kranji, Vagner Leal, looks to have a few nice rides and is a jockey to follow. The “Leal Deal” might not trouble the scorer early but CHEETAH KING in race 7 looks a serious winning hope. Only a 3YO, CHEETAH KING backed up a good maiden win with a nice run with excuses in Novice company and looks very well-placed at the handicap conditions in this BM67 with the step up to 1600m ideal. Leal also jumps on a sneaky chance in the last, JET MAN, who very much appreciates a solid first-up run and the step up to a more suitable 1200m.
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Best Bets; (GOT LUCK race 3, win), (GOT LUCK/SAND LANE race 3, exacta) and (CHEETAH KING race 7, each-way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8), race 7 (1, 2, 4, 5 and 6), race 8 (1, 3, 5, 8, 9 and 11), race 9 (1, 3, 5).
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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 AFFIRMATION – 1 ACORDO DE PAZ – 4 HOOPER – 5 EXCELLENT BEAUTY
An average Class 5 on the turf over 1400m starts proceedings. The grey AFFIRMATION is back in Class 5, he has won five times at 1400m and whilst it has been a while since he won, with Nunes to steer and back on turf he could grow another leg in this. Mark Walker has two others with chances; FISCAL WINGS, who has the blinkers off with Barend Vorster on and STAR RAINBOW, who, while a maiden has the tongue tie and Corey Brown on. ACORDO DE PAZ has been knocking on the door at his past couple of outings, he did not get the clearest of runs last time and over an extra 200m with Harry Kasim on top and 1kg claim he gets his chance to break through. EXCELLENT BEAUTY has won in this company in the past at this trip, she is a six time winner and was not far away last time; with Dellorto’s claim she drops 7.5kg on her last outing and should be handy all the way. HOOPER may also be one to watch at value. His form is patchy to say the least but this race is suitable and Shafiq onboard looks a good move. Other chances include AFTERNOON DELIGHT, MY SACRIFICE and SPARKLING STAR.
1 ACORDO DE PAZ *** Decent efforts at past two outings give him his chance to break through here. 3.50
2 AFFIRMATION *** It has been a while since he has won but big run two back and will appreciate being in Class 5. 4.50
3 AFTERNOON DELIGHT ** Has won twice at the trip and not far away last time. Has top rider and good alley. Keep safe. 12
4 HOOPER *** Has been crying out for Class 5 and gets senior apprentice. Big show. 20
5 EXCELLENT BEAUTY *** Has won in this company in the past at this trip. Not far away last time and drops 7.5 kg on that run. 4.50
6 FISCAL WINGS ** Blinkers off. Decent effort on poly and better on turf with only win being at this trip. 10
7 STAR RAINBOW ** Tongue tie on. Still a maiden but often races well, gets Corey Brown but failed at only attempt at 1400m. 12
8 ANY CHOICE * Blinkers on but form too poor. 33
9 MY SACRIFICE ** Did nothing on turf two starts back but racing well and has been placed at this trip in the past. 12
10 SUI GENERIS ** Best run to date last outing. Look for further improvement. 25
11 SPARKLING STAR ** Normally runs on to be just behind the place-getters. Should be thereabouts again. 14
12 KING CROSS * Maiden resuming. Best runs have been on poly but has surprised firstup before. 33
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Race 2
Selections; 2 GOOD BUDDY – 8 STORMY ALONG – 1 RED RIVER ROCK – 5 DORAEMON
A Kranji Stakes D over 1200m on the polytrack with a lot of horses who are often “thereabouts”. GOOD BUDDY will find this easier than recent Class 4 outings, he is never far away but two wins and 12 seconds says it all. With Sam Subian to ride he should be able to sit on the speed and be hard to run down. STORMY ALONG is still a maiden but was pushed off the course last start and unlucky not to win; with Nunes up he should be handy and with ordinary luck, should race well. MAGICAL SUNSET ran on strongly to win in Class 5 last outing, he drops in weight on that win and if Zawari can get him away could be a threat again. FLYING AHEAD was beaten as favourite over a mile last outing; he has been placed at 1200m and with Alan Munro riding from the ace should be well placed all the way. PINT SIZED PRINCE has plenty of pace, he knocked up last time but with Harry Kasim on top will be on the speed for a long way. There are plenty of other chances; DORAEMON, THRUST and RED RIVER ROCK who trials well and appreciates the grade.
1 RED RIVER ROCK *** Has been trialing well but race form since win has been ordinary. Might appreciate company. 14
2 GOOD BUDDY *** Will find this easier than recent Class 4 outings and appreciates good draw. Is never far away but two wins and 12 seconds says it all. Certain to be thereabouts again. 4.00
3 PINT SIZED PRINCE ** Has plenty of pace and will be up the front for a long way. 10
4 POKAIWHENUA ** Only battled last outing and best recent run was on turf. Won maiden in NZ at this journey and could show up. 12
5 DORAEMON *** Placed in similar company over 1000m three starts back. The claim helps and could make a bid. 14
6 LIGHTNING MAC ** Been battling since resuming after 1000m win. Good on his day but improvement needed. 20
7 MAGICAL SUNSET *** Ran on strongly to win in Class 5 last outing. Drops in weight on that win and if he gets away could be a threat again. 6.50
8 STORMY ALONG *** Maiden. Was pushed off the course last start and unlucky not to win. Should race well. 6.50
9 THRUST ** Battled away last outing and has top Malaysian rider. Only wins have been on turf at 1200m. 12
10 FLYING AHEAD *** Back in trip and best runs have been over longer. Beaten as favourite over a mile last outing; has been placed at 1200m and with Alan Munro riding from the ace should be well placed all the way 6.50
11 STREET RUFFIAN ** Has won twice at 1200m. Battles away and should be thereabouts. 16
12 HUMOR TOWN *** Generally runs on well late. Best form is on this surface and from the good gate could surprise. 14
13 MAX RESOURCE * Dropping back in distance but normally puts in an honest effort 20
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Race 3
Selections; 1 GOT LUCK – 4 SAND LANE – 2 SOUTHERN BOSS – 3 GOLDEN RABBIT
A BM67 over 1000m on the poly and the speedy GOT LUCK gets a chance to redeem his defeat to SUPER KENNY last start; from the good gate Dan Beasley should be able sit on the speed and he will be hard to run down. SAND LANE also goes fast and from his inside gate will be up the front early. In fact, SAND LANE might be the only serious danger to GOT LUCK and a forecast looks a very good betting option in this small field. GOLDEN RABBIT came late to win in easier company last start – if the speedsters get the stitch he could overwhelm them. SOUTHERN BOSS has plenty of toe and was ridden upside down last start; if ridden on the pace he could be a serious nuisance. The others will struggle to keep up but TRAVERTINE could close late.
1 GOT LUCK *** Decent effort last start and trialed well subsequently. Won three from three prior and will be hard to run down in this. 1.80
2 SOUTHERN BOSS ** Has a ton of speed and was ridden upside down last start. Could cause a few problems. 10
3 GOLDEN RABBIT ** Nailed them late last start in Class 4 company and while this is tougher, should go well again. 5.00
4 SAND LANE *** Goes fast, has the ace and Corey Brown. Will be on the speed for a long way. 2.60
5 TRAVERTINE * Good run two starts back but these will be too quick. 50
6 SUPERMART * Runs on but likely to get too far back. 50
7 JERAM CLIPPER * Only win was at 1400m on turf. Honest but this is too hard. 50
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Race 4
Selections; 8 STILETTO – 9 HOFBURG PALACE – 4 TAKEOVER – 7 HONEYMOON
There are six first starters in this Initiation over 1200m on turf and there will be plenty of traps for the unwary. Of those we have seen, STILETTO made a sound debut over this journey on the turf and has a reasonable alley; with Corey Brown to ride for Bruce Marsh she should be right in the finish. The winkers come off HOFBURG PALACE who has been placed at all four starts, the last three over 1200m on turf; with Manoel Nunes aboard he should be competitive again. BARNBURGH LAD showed speed at his polytrack debut, his subsequent trials have been good and whilst he is poorly drawn and turf is a query, he should race well. Of the first starters, watch the market is the mantra but WU SCHOLAR has had a lot of trials and is from the Leslie Khoo yard, he is a half-brother to the smart Peter Moody performer CUTE EMILY and could be worth watching on debut. The stablemate HONEYMOON also trials well and is worth considering. MY BARBARELLA has not really shown up at the trials but at her last start in NZ ran 4th to the Wakeful Stakes winner KIRRAMOSA with PUCCINI who has been placed at listed level 3rd. ALADDIN won a trial at Cranbourne before coming to Singapore and has looked useful; CLERMONT CLUB is nicely bred but may want ground; TAKEOVER trials well enough and often enough and has Harry Kasim to ride.
1 FINAL COUNTDOWN * Blinkers off and did trial OK sans head-gear but has been disappointing. 50
2 ALADDIN ** Won trial at Cranbourne before coming to Singapore and has looked useful. Watch for support. 16
3 CLERMONT CLUB ** Nice type by Casino Prince out of a winning Zabeel mare. Half bro to MOIRAI who has won five races in NZ and was placed at Listed level at 2. May want ground. 14
4 TAKEOVER *** Plenty of trails under his belt and won a few so worth thought. 8.00
5 WU SCHOLAR ** Has had a lot of trials and well drawn. Half sister to useful Peter Moody performer CUTE EMILY. Watch for support. 10
6 TRIPLE A PLUS * Speedy but knocks up quickly. 100
7 HONEYMOON *** Trials nicely. From astute stable. Watch market. 16
8 STILETTO *** Made a sound debut over this journey on the turf and has a reasonable alley. With Corey Brown to ride for Bruce Marsh she should be right in the finish. 3.00
9 HOFBURG PALACE *** Winkers off. Been placed at all four starts including last three over this distance on turf. Will race well again. 4.00
10 BARNBURGH LAD *** Resuming. Has trialed well and debut effort on poly was sound. Poorly drawn and turf a query. 5.50
11 WOMBAT FLYER * Tongue-Tie on but never likely on debut. 200
12 MY BARBARELLA ** Had two runs in NZ for a second and fourth to KIRRAMOSA when even money favourite. Has had quiet trials. Well drawn, watch for support. 12
13 FOLLOW THE KING ** Tongue tie on. Nice debut and will race well if he gets a run. Poorly drawn. 20
14 EAGLE STORM * Was checked on debut and put in a fair effort. Could improve. 20
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Race 5
Selections; 1 PROVIDENCE – 12 SOON YI – 2 MANNY PACUIAO – 3 FAST FAST BOY
This is a raffle of a Kranji Stakes D over 1200m on the polytrack where a number are horses either find trouble, miss the start or both as evidenced by the many gear changes. The Mark Walker-trained PROVIDENCE is on the quick back-up after his narrow defeat last week; he is far from reliable but if he has come up he should go close in this field. The stablemate MANNY PACUIAO always seems to find trouble; he will go back but should be running on at the finish. GOOD BOSS always missed the start until his last outing, when he jumped out and led all the way; the blinkers stay on and from the nice gate he could do it again. The Sam Chua-trained SOON YI was not far away last start in similar company, trialed well recently and has won at this journey, he is often slowly away but the blinkers come off and with Sunduras John up a more positive ride can be expected. FEI YUE found 1700m too far last start, back to a more suitable trip with blinkers, tongue tie and John Powell on he could get in contention. FAST FAST BOY is resuming after having changed stables, the blinkers come off and the tongue tie goes on, his only win was at this trip and whilst his trial was ordinary a market watch is in order. LUCKY GENERAL is racing well and with the 4kg claim for WS Chan should be up near the lead for a long way.
1 PROVIDENCE *** On quick back-up and did not miss by much last start. Should race well again. 4.00
2 MANNY PACUIAO *** Gets back and can find trouble but usually runs on well late. 6.00
3 FAST FAST BOY *** Resuming for new stable sans blinkers with tongue tie on. Only win was at this trip. Watch for support. 10
4 RON ** Resuming after failing in Class 4 over 1700m last start. Nice type and trial was OK but may need the run. 12
5 MINAH CURRENT * Form not good enough. 33
6 PREMIER GRADE ** Poorly drawn. Always trials well and was placed last start in this grade. Not the most reliable but could show up. 11
7 GOOD BOSS *** Can be tardy at the started but jumped and led all the way last outing. Big chance if he does the same. 6.50
8 KING OF KOON * Has been battling and needs to improve. 25
9 FEI YUE ** Blinkers and tongue tie on. Found 1700m too far last start. Back to a more suitable trip and could get in contention. 10
10 LUCKY GENERAL ** Blinkers off. Racing well and with 4kg claim should be up near the lead for a long way. 10
11 MIDNIGHT * Maiden who is getting better but needs to show more. 33
12 SOON YI *** Blinkers off. Not far away last start in similar company and trialed well recently. Has won at this journey and should be handy all the way. 6.50
13 DOUBLE S * Last few efforts ordinary but can surprise from time to time. 33
14 D’DON * Recent form poor. 50
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Race 6
Selections; 1 DRAGON G – 5 SEASONS WONDER – 2 RECIPROCATE – 4 ROCKY GARDEN
This race looks another raffle with most capable on their day and tactics/tempo will play a big part. DRAGON G might be a maiden and up against some veterans who know how to win like CHEVY, but he is in form and wins a race like this soon. He has 59kg – which is a concern – but given what he showed last start in a similar affair, he is up to the task. SEASONS WONDER has a wide gate to contend with but his hoop, Alan Munro, is in fine form and with some pace influences also drawn wide, he might get a few favours finding an early position. The trip certainly suits as does the Polytrack so expect him to be somewhere in the finish with luck in running. The interesting runner is RECIPROCATE. The 8YO looks hopeless on form but drops back to Class 5 where he won twice and placed another three at his last five runs this company. Plenty of other hopes who have found suitable races with ROCKY GARDEN, CHEVY and RISKY VENTUE all some hope.
1 DRAGON G *** Maiden but ready to win and can handle the weight. 2.70
2 RECIPROCATE *** Form reads badly but crying out for this company and improves lengths. 20
3 RISKY VENTURE *** Very much appreciates back on the Poly and some show from gate one. 6.00
4 ROCKY GARDEN *** Recent form just fair but pushed to line in recent trial and might surprise with C Brown up. 12
5 SEASONS WONDER *** Wide gate always a concern but suited trip and track. Can win. 6.00
6 LIGHTNING WHEELS ** Maiden but last two efforts have been good and has top claimer. 12
7 I LIKE ** Form better than it reads and will be working into this late. 12
8 CHEVY *** Drawn awkwardly but back to suitable trip suggest she plays a part somewhere late. 8.00
9 DOUBLE HOCK ** Placed last two starts and has to be some hope in what looks an even field from gate two. 12
10 SOCIAL NETWORK * Needs to improve. 100
11 ALL FORUS * Might surprise one day but has been trying for too long. 20
12 CONQUEST * Might run a cheeky race but should be found out late. 33
13 CHENGDU WARRIOR ** Has put in the odd good run of late and can include in exotics for value. 20
14 SUPER VELOX * Just battling away of late. 50
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Race 7
Selections; 5 CHEETAH KING – 4 NATION THEATRE – 2 LONESOME ME – 6 GREEN JACKET
It will be interesting to see how the E Course is treating swoopers in the earlier races as there looks plenty of pace in this mile and it could get exciting late. The two that can lead are the top two rated horses in YOURSTOKEEP and LONESOME ME and given they have both drawn near the rail, it could get busy early. Both horses led them up over this trip at their respective last starts and both hung on well. But they might just set it it for a couple of in-form swoopers in CHEETAH KING and NATION THEATRE. CHEETAH KING broke his maiden status in fine style two starts back over this trip and showed last run in Novice company – again over 1400m – that he can win stepping up to the mile. NATION THEATRE has had four starts in Singapore and gives every indication he wins sooner than later and will be closing late for popular visiting Malaysian hoop, I Azhar. GREEN JACKET the improver with one eye on MARCUSINO and TAI COMMANDS for exotics at value.
1 YOURSTOKEEP *** Led them up and not far away last start similar affair and in this a long way. 6.00
2 LONESOME ME *** Another on-pace runner who wasn’t far away last start. Big show. 4.00
3 MARCUSINO ** Disappointing last couple but the type who can bounce back with blinkers back off. 12
4 NATION THEATRE *** Shown more than enough at four starts in Singapore to win a race like this. 3.70
5 CHEETAH KING *** Backed up good maiden win with big effort with excuses in Novice company and goes very close in this. 3.00
6 GREEN JACKET *** Only battled last start but looks suited here and has to be respected. 12
7 OVER EASY * Not going well and might need easier. 100
8 TAI COMMANDS ** Excuses last start but didn’t run on so have to take on trust. 20
9 CARTAGO * Going along OK but prefer over longer and perhaps easier. 20
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Race 8
Selections; 1 ENZO – 8 DOS EQUIS – 5 GRAND VITESS – 3 HIS MY IDOL
This looks a very weak Class 5 field and given what he showed last start in better company, ENZO might be hard to beat. The three-time winner loves this trip and with excuses at his last run when finishing fourth in a BM53, he can carry 57kg and win for the 1kg claimer, M Zaki. GRAND VITESS is a maiden but looks ready to win and probably starts favourite. Lisa Allpress rides for compatriot, Steven Gray, and expect the Irish-bred 4YO to be flying late. As mentioned the field is not strong so a horse like DON EQUIS – who also had excuses last start – could easily win in what is a suitable race. The 6YO has only one career win to his name but you can expect support back on the turf over 1400m. Throw in HIS MY IDOL and RED SENSATION and forget the rest.
1 ENZO *** Big run last start this trip with excuses and very much appreciates Class 5. Can win. 4.00
2 FOREIGN EXCHANGE * Struggling of late. 33
3 HIS MY IDOL *** Thereabouts similar affair three back and must go close in this weak field. 6.00
4 FEED ME MORE * No. 100
5 GRAND VITESS *** Foot on the till and will be the one closing late. 3.00
6 BUZET ** Has been disappointing of late and have to take on trust. 12
7 CHI LIN * OK very late last start and blinkers on but easier to ignore. 50
8 DOS EQUIS *** Excuses last start and previous form in similar affairs has him some show with support likely. 6.00
9 GALLANT HEIGHTS *** Battled away late last start and previous form good enough for this. 8.00
10 JERAM ROSE WOOD ** Didn’t go on with the job last start but cheeky run expected this company. 20
11 RED SENSATION *** Putting in some oK runs of late and gets very chance from gate one with Vorster on-board. 20
12 HONEST WIND * No. 100
13 SUDDEN INTEREST ** Battles away as a rule and can include in exotics at value. 33
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Race 9
Selections; 5 RAGING STORM – 1 MOVIE GOER – 3 SELECT GATHERING – 2 JET MAN
A solid Class 4 to close proceedings and the top-weight MOVIE GOER certainly looks the benchmark. The 6YO has been a model of consistency of late winning twice and never finishing further back than fourth at his last eight starts. Corey Brown took over from Joao Moreira last start and the Aussie hoop will win one soon for Laurie Laxon. But one horse that looks perfectly placed to upset MOVIE GOER is RAGING STORM. The Stephen Gray-trained 8YO won the last time he was in this grade (over this trip) and given his good form in some better races than this, he should be finishing all over the top of this field. SELECT GATHERING also looks well placed back on his winning surface and could easily turn some good recent form into a win with JET MAN another that is well placed over 1200m on the Poly to win. The value is WORK AHEAD who improves after excuses last start.
1 MOVIE GOER *** In terrific form and looks the the one the others have to beat to win. 2.50
2 JET MAN *** Appreciates extra 200m and always some hope in races like this. 7.00
3 SELECT GATHERING *** In solid form and switch to winning surface a good move. 4.50
4 XIN TREASURE *** Excellent effort late last start similar affair has him under notice. 8.00
5 RAGING STORM *** Significant drop in grade and looks in good enough for to win this. 4.00
6 RAVOUX * Not seen often on this surface and happy to ignore with blinkers off. 50
7 WORK AHEAD *** Plenty of excuses last start (roarer) and looks suited to run a big race at odds. 33
8 KISS ME ** Not far away last start this company and worth following each-way. 20
9 ROUGH DANCE ** Last couple just fair but goes OK on a good day. 33
10 SUGARTIME JAZZ ** OK run three back this surface but is a risk with winkers removed. 50
11 VASSILAKOS * May appreciate back in trip but easier to ignore. 100
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