Astrostar (Manoel Nunes) goes home an easy winner on debut
With most owners and trainers looking to lead in a winner or two at the Longines Singapore Gold Cup meeting on Sunday, it’s fair to say Friday’s all-Polytrack meeting is a bit thin. The form should hold up though and given most races look to be fairly even on paper, the tote on the day might be the punters friend. Those looking for a banker might have to wait for the last race – a Class 4 event over 1100m – and the promising ASTROSTAR. The Testa Rossa 3YO won handsomely on debut over this trip/track as the even money favourite before getting into all sorts of trouble in Novice company on the turf at his second run. A switch back to the Poly in what looks suitable handicap company suggests he can win with Ivaldo Santana, back from a long-term injury lay-off, once again teaming up with trainer, Sonny Yeoh. Elsewhere on the card, it will pay to keep a close-eye on scratchings as the first emergency, WONDER GENERAL, looks a good thing if he gets a start in race 6. The veteran is a five-time winner and given all those wins have been on the Poly and he is in very good form in better races than this, he should just win. In fact, the field is so light-on, WONDER GENERAL might even be a solid banker for those playing exotics including the Jackpot. Hopefully we find a couple of winners on Friday but just in case, bring on Sunday!
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Best Bets; (WONDER GENERAL race 6, win), (ASTROSTAR race 9, win) and (HUMOR TOWN race 1, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 3, 6, 11 and 13), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 10), race 8 (1, 3, 4, 7 and 10), race 9 (6).
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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; 9 HUMOR TOWN – 3 SACRED CROWN – 6 COOL CAT – 4 ARAPUNI
A modest Kranji Stakes D over 1200m kicks off the all polytrack programme. Sam Chua’s HUMOR TOWN generally runs on well late and his last outing in a similar race behind FLYING AHEAD was meritorious; from the good gate with S John up he should race well. SACRED CROWN has won his last two poly starts at cricket score odds, he trialed well recently and KB Soo stays aboard; leave him out at your peril. Ivaldo Santana returns to the saddle after injury and David Hill has put him on COOL CAT who ran on well in Class 4 over 1100m on poly last outing. All his three wins have been on turf but the 1200m suits and he should race well. Old ARAPUNI gets Vagner Leal, he was held up for a run and not far away last outing; he may not be done with yet. Amongst the numerous other chances, DAWN PROSPECT will appreciate being back in trip, IRISH LIGHTNING will appreciate the drop in Class but has never placed beyond 1000m and CHILI knows how to win and is always a danger at this level.
1 IRISH LIGHTNING ** Blinkers to winkers. Will find this easier than last outing in Class 4 but 1200m can test. 8.00
2 CHILLI ** Has been fading at recent outings. Gets senior rider. Knows how to win and always a chance in this grade. 8.00
3 SACRED CROWN *** Has won last two poly starts at cricket score outs. Trialed well recently. Needs to be on the speed but leave out at your peril. 4.50
4 ARAPUNI ** Tough 9YO who was held up and not far away last outing. Has top rider and may not be done with yet. 10
5 HAPPY FOREVER ** Has had a change of stables after hanging and racing greenly last start. Won Maiden three starts back over 1100m on poly with Moreira up. 25
6 COOL CAT *** Ran on well in Class 4 over 1100m on poly last outing. All three wins have been on turf but Ivaldo Santana returns and has won at 1200m. 5.00
7 DAWN PROSPECT ** Blinkers back on. Rider dropped whip last start and will appreciate coming back in distance. Was placed at 1200m in this Class on poly five starts back. 8.00
8 DOUBLE S * Recent form ordinary but has no weight and should get a good run from the ace. 1200m in this grade could test. 20
9 HUMOR TOWN *** Generally runs on well late. Best form is on this surface and from the good gate should race well. 6.00
10 VITALICO ** Racing well but dropping back sharply in distance. Better over longer but could surprise. 12
11 THE STALLONE * Not doing enough. 33
12 URBAN LEGEND * Dropping back in distance and only win was over a mile on turf. 33
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Race 2
Selections; 1 BRINGITHOME – 8 MAGIC TO WIN – 10 SOUTHERN GENERAL – 9 POWER LIN
A Restricted Maiden over 1100m brings together a few promising performers. BRINGITHOME is resuming and at his only three outings he put in strong efforts behind WAR AFFAIR twice and EASY MONEY; he won a trial recently in smart time and with Vagner Leal up under set weight conditions he should be hard to beat despite the wide draw. MAGIC TO WIN has been runner up at only two starts and showed plenty of speed last to be beaten by the flying BORDEAUX with daylight third; with Manoel Nunes on top he should be on the speed and gets a chance to break through. The winkers go on SOUTHERN GENERAL after he put in a nice effort on debut. He has trialed well since and with Lisa Allpress to ride, is bound to race well again from good gate. The blinkers and pacifiers come off POWER LIN. He crossed and led from a wide barrier before weakening on debut; he trialed well subsequently and should race well from the ace for Harry Kassim. LET’S SCREAM NOW and HIDDEN VENTURE could show up.
1 BRINGITHOME *** Resuming. Strong efforts behind WAR AFFAIR twice and EASY MONEY at only three outings. Won a trial recently in smart time and should race well again. 3.50
2 ABOVE LIMIT * Trials reasonably but prefer to see. 33
3 DARK EXPRESS ** Tongue tie on. Battled on last start and could get in the finish. 16
4 D’ARTAGNAN * Resuming. Brother to smart ones STICKPIN and GENUINE SPIN but did not do enough at only outing. 33
5 HIDDEN VENTURE ** Solid efforts at only two starts and with senior rider should be thereabouts again. 14
6 KINGSLEY * Sister to four-time provincial winner DARCI’S MONEY. Watch for support. 20
7 LET’S SCREAM NOW ** Raced handy but beaten 10 lengths on debut. Should improve. 20
8 MAGIC TO WIN *** Runner up at only two starts. Showed plenty of speed last to be beaten by the flying BORDEAUX. Gets a chance to break through. 4.00
9 POWER LIN *** Blinkers, pacifiers off. Crossed and led from wide barrier before weakening on debut. Trialed well subsequently but should race well from the ace with top apprentice up. 5.00
10 SOUTHERN GENERAL *** Winkers on. Nice effort on debut, trialed well since and with Lisa Allpress up is bound to race well again from good gate. 4.50
11 STORM JET * Done nothing so far and winkers to blinkers may not help. 33
12 XIAO LONG * Needs to improve. 50
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Race 3
Selections; 6 MAC VOLKS – 10 MAGIC OCEAN – 1 EATONS GOLD – 5 FLAG OF COMMAND
A Class 4 for the sprinters over 1000m in which there should be plenty of early speed. MAC VOLKS was run down last start over 1100m, but subsequently trialed impressively and with Lisa Allpress up, should be near the lead all the way. FLAG OF COMMAND is one of Mark Walker’s three runners; with pacifiers added he is suited this surface and distance; with Alan Munro to ride he should be close to the lead all the way. BIG SEQUALO broke through in a weak maiden last start, this is harder but he has enough toe to be on the pace all the way. Of the closers, MAGIC OCEAN’s starts can be costly but he will be running on strongly late, as will MIGHTY CREATION. Mark Walker’s other two runners are interesting – EATON’S GOLD has raced intermittently of late but in much higher Class, if right he should be right in the finish; PRIMERA ESPADA has returned from Malaysia where he failed on turf, he has had two runs over 1000m on the poly for two wins in Class 4 in Singapore; his recent trial was sound so watch for support.
1 EATONS GOLD *** Will find this a lot easier than recent KSC encounters. If right, with Nunes up should give this a shake. 10
2 PRIMERA ESPADA ** Pacifiers on. Has been racing in Class 3 in Malaysia without success. Last raced in Singapore a year ago when trained by Leticia Dragon. Trialed well recently and won at only two tries in Class 4 over 1000m on the poly. watch for support. 12
3 BRIAN * Resuming after being off the scene for a year. Prefer to see. 33
4 BIG SEQUALO *** Broke through in a weak maiden last start. This is harder but should race well again. 5.00
5 FLAG OF COMMAND *** Jockey reported issues last start when disappointing and goes close on previous big run. 5.00
6 MAC VOLKS *** Was run down last start over 1100m, trialed impressively subsequently. Should be near the lead all the way. 3.50
7 MIGHTY CREATION *** Has had leg issues but can run on powerfully. Will be closing late. 10
8 PROBO CHANDROSO ** Resuming after bleeding attack. Prefer to see. 33
9 HERO SUCCESS * Only win was at this trip but may want something easier. 20
10 MAGIC OCEAN *** Starts can cost him but will be running on strongly late. Big show. 4.50
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Race 4
Selections; 9 BANKERS CALL – 10 SO FREE NOW – 5 SUPER SIX – 2 GOOD SCORE
Another very weak Maiden over 1200m with most of the runners having indifferent form and numerous convictions. Blinkers and a good gate helped BANKER’S CALL last time and he put in his best performance to date, this time he is poorly drawn but has Harry Kasim on top and if he can get him across, he should give a bold sight. Veteran trainer Mohd Yusof‘s SO FREE NOW has removed the winkers, his last two efforts in stronger races have been good and a recent trial was sound; with KK Ng up he should be able to race near the lead and be hard to pass. SUPER SIX was well-beaten in a strong Graduation last start, he is better on turf but usually runs an honest race and could show up in this field. I-SCREAM NOW can find trouble but has been placed at the trip and if not caught wide could get right in the finish. Other chances in a very open affair include GOOD SCORE, GANGNAM STYLE, MORRIS and if it gets a run, the emergency OUR RIVER DANCER.
1 BOLSHOI RULER ** Resuming with blinkers/pacifiers. Even efforts at only two Singapore starts. Placed over this distance in NZ and could show up. 10
2 GOOD SCORE ** Leads but might be found out late over this trip. 14
3 I-SCREAM NOW ** Has been placed at this trip on the poly. Knows how to find trouble but if he is not caught wide and races tractably should be in the finish. 8.00
4 VIVA RAAJ * Coming back in trip. Best form has been over longer. 25
5 SUPER SIX *** Well beaten in a strong Graduation last start. Better on turf but could show up in this field. 4.50
6 MIGHTY HUNTER * Shown nothing in four starts but with Zaki up may well go forward and set a pace. 25
7 DIAMOND FLYER * Shown little so far. 33
8 MORRIS ** Blinkers Pacifiers on, 17 start maiden but has been placed twice at this trip. Lame last start and chance again in this weak field. 10
9 BANKERS CALL *** Blinkers and a good gate helped last time. Poorly drawn but has top rider and should give a bold sight. 4.50
10 SO FREE NOW *** Winkers off. Last two efforts good in stronger races and recent trial was sound. Should race well. 4.50
11 D’DON * Form ordinary and poorly drawn. 33
12 GANGNAM STYLE ** Disappointed last start but this field is weak and should be on the speed for a long way. 10
13 OUR RIVER DANCER ** Never far way and a must for exotics if he get s a start. 6.50
14 CHINESE TYCOON * Been a maiden for a very long time but occasionally gets in the money. 20
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Race 5
Selections; 9 CONQUEST – 4 INVICTUS – 2 EXCUSEZ MOI – 1 REDDY TO ROCK
A dreadful Class 5 over 1800m in which 10 of the 13 runners are maidens, most of them long-term. At least CONQUEST is a multiple winner, he should go forward from the ace and set a speed; his last effort over 1900m was solid and with S John and only 50.5kg, he could well be the one to run down. Most of the other likely contenders are maidens, INVICTUS has been around the mark regularly at recent starts and not having much luck; with Manoel Nunes to ride he should be handy all the way and finish off well. GOD’S SPEED and EXCUSEZ MOI are maiden plodders who will sit off the speed and run on. REDDY TO ROCK got a win over a win over 1600m last start; he has plenty of weight and is on trial at the trip but the claim for Hasri will help his chances. CLASSIC THUNDER, JOHHNY HATES JAZZ and SUPER VELOX round-out the usual suspects.
1 REDDY TO ROCK *** Found a race to suit and ran on well to win over a mile last start. On trial at 1800m and has plenty of weight but claim will help. 6.00
2 EXCUSEZ MOI *** Maiden, who has no early speed but usually runs on, will appreciate a solid pace. 8.00
3 GODS SPEED ** Six start Maiden whose last two efforts have been solid. Will be running on again. 8.00
4 INVICTUS *** Has been around the mark at recent engagements, on trial at 1800m but with Manoel Nunes up should be hard to beat. 4.50
5 VICTORY TOUCH * Hasn’t got within 10 lengths of the winner in six starts. No. 50
6 SUPER VELOX ** 36 start maiden who has been placed 11 of 26 on the poly. On trial at 1800m but this field is very weak. 12
7 CARRY ON FAMOUS ** Ran on last start over 1700m and might add value to exotics. 20
8 ANGE D’ORIENT * Twenty-four start maiden whose only placings have been on turf. 20
9 CONQUEST *** Three-time winner who put in a good effort over 1900m last outing. Will set the speed from the ace and could be hard to run down. 4.50
10 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ ** Twenty-three start maiden who was placed at 1700m four starts back in a weak Class 5. Battles on and likely to be handy all the way. 12
11 SOCIAL NETWORK * Has won four races including one on the polytrack but has always struggled at anything beyond a mile. 20
12 CLASSIC THUNDER ** Twenty-two start maiden who was placed over 1700m in a weak race three starts back and could show up again. 10
13 HONEST WIND * Done nothing in 16 starts. 50
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Race 6
Selections; 13 WONDER GENERAL – 3 OASIS SPUR – 1 TESTING TIME – 6 ABYSS
The first rule of thumb in “Claiming Riders Only” races is see which horse Harry Kassim is on. Then back it. But with the leading claimer oddly left without a ride in what is a very weak field, it is tough. So much so that the emergency, the-in-form WONDER GENERAL, could well start close to the even money favourite if he gets a start. Presuming he does start, he wins on form and happy to think with Zaki already booked, he just goes to the front and stays there. Of the confirmed starters, OASIS SPUR might be one to watch after drawing gate three. The one-time winner has pace and showed two starts back from the same gate in better company, he can be followed. Obviously the last start winner, TESTING TIME, is a huge show, especially given no other horses bring even placed form from their most recent run into the race. He has drawn wide but there is speed from the outside so expect a very forward showing. Of the rest, ABYSS improves, BIG MONEY is close to a win and BEST BARGAIN could sprint well fresh with blinkers added.
1 TESTING TIME *** Last start winner who has placed on this surface with forward showing expected. 2.50
2 VON SNITZEL ** Form only fair but OK late last start and will go OK this company. 20
3 OASIS SPUR *** Did it tough from wide gate last start so big show with better draw. 5.00
4 GLOBAL CAST * No. 200
5 MOOVA BULLET * Drawn badly but not a mile off them last start so can include in exotics at value. 50
6 ABYSS *** Did everything wrong last start and worth another look with upgrade to blinkers. 5.50
7 BEST BARGAIN ** Resuming and while form reads badly, could run a cheeky race with blinkers added. 10
8 FOUNTAIN ** Form reads terribly but recent trial OK when pushed out so look for improvement. 50
9 DRAGON DANCER * Blinkers off, no. 200
10 STEALTH FIGHTER * Maiden who is hard to have on recent form. 33
11 BIG MONEY *** Wide gate a concern but certainly ready to win again and forward showing expected. 4.00
12 MR VANTASTIC * Need to be at his best but this field is weak. 33
13 WONDER GENERAL *** In-form and wins if he gets a start. 2.00
14 QUI EST LA * Prefer longer. 100
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Race 7
Selections; 1 RIEDEL – 2 DAAD’S THE WAY – 10 TRADING GOLD – 6 WINNING SUCCESS
Most horses in this field are in very good form and the winner will certainly earn his keep. From the top, RIEDEL is coming off what looked a very strong win in KSD company at just his third start in Singapore and given he has drawn the ace, he could be very hard to beat. But the Class 4 warrior that is DAAD’S THE WAY has drawn just outside him in two and he certainly keeps RIEDEL and the rest of the field honest with Bruce Marsh opting for what looks a smart 2kg claim. One horse that doesn’t need a claim is TRADING GOLD. The 4YO Brazilian gelding resumed with a very big run and can win a race like this with only 51kg to carry. Hard to leave two last start winners in CASINO KING and DARK PULSE out of calculations with WINNING SUCCESS also a hope at likely each-way value.
1 RIEDEL *** Coming off a strong win in KSD company and that looked good enough for this. 3.50
2 DAAD’S THE WAY *** Ready to win again and will get every chance from gate two with handy claim. 4.00
3 CASINO KING *** Another last start KSD winner and looks a big show. 5.00
4 BRILLIANT POWER * Will improve with racing but like to see some support with downgrade to winkers. 100
5 DARK PULSE *** Broke through for overdue win last start in maiden company but has been competitive in Class 4 previously. Follow. 6.00
6 WINNING SUCCESS *** Hard to fault recent Poly form and could be nice each-way value. 10
7 NATION THEATRE ** First start on the Poly but shown enough to think he wins in Singapore soon. 12
8 GALAXY EXPRESS * Struggled since winning five starts back. 100
9 PURE RABID ** Super disappointing with support last start but pay to keep safe in what is a suitable race. 33
10 TRADING GOLD *** Super first-up run suggests he has returned in the form that has him winning a race like this. 6.00
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Race 8
Selections; 3 SIR FLEETWOOD – 7 DANGER MONEY – 1 TOMORROWS DREAMS – 4 HOPKINS
SIR FLEETWOOD looks a very good option in a race with no stand-outs given his good recent run and trial. The Laurie Laxon-trained 6YO has been a terrific money spinner for connections winning seven times from 61 starts and with Harry Kassim from gate four, he can add to the tally. The danger – excuse the pun – might be DANGER MONEY. The 7YO has also been in very solid form of late and is overdue for another win. gate one helps and his jockey, Alan Munro, does enjoy this weekend. The improver – and one to watch at value – is the top-weight, TOMORROWS DREAM. The 4YO wasn’t suited last start and showed two back he appreciates the handicap conditions and should go OK for 3kg claimer, R Zawari. Throw in HOPKINS – also from the Laxon stable – and the versatile SUPER JETSET with one eye on the tote.
1 TOMORROWS DREAMS *** Form reads badly but appreciates handicap conditions and claim. Keep very safe. 6.00
2 OUR FRIENDLY DIVA * Form better than it reads but wide gate makes this tough. 33
3 SIR FLEETWOOD *** Coming of a nice placing and recent trial also good. Can win. 3.50
4 HOPKINS *** Winning form is good form in a race like this and pay to respect. 6.00
5 ROYAL BRAT ** Another last start winner but back in trip a concern. 20
6 RORY ** Ran on OK last start so may improve over 1200m. 12
7 DANGER MONEY *** In solid form with only poor recent run in Class 4 company. Each-way. 6.00
8 I’M A RICH MAN * No. 200
9 ALWAYS A WINNER ** Cheeky run expected but might be found out late. 20
10 SUPER JETSET *** Versatile and in this a long way. 5.00
11 FANTASTIC BOY * No. 50
12 VANQUISH ** Enjoys the trip and thereabouts as a rule. 14
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Race 9
Selections; 6 ASTROSTAR – 7 MEDIA CAPTAIN – 1 CORONET PEAK – 3 DREAMCATCHER
A Class 4 sprint to close the meeting and ASTROSTAR can make quick amends after finding plenty of trouble at his second race start. The check he received on turning for home put paid to his chances of making it two-from-two but his debut win easily good enough to win this. Expect support and he might just be too good for this field. MEDIA CAPTAIN might be the value and will ensure whoever wins earns his money. The Cliff Brown-trained gelding is in solid form and with winkers added from gate four, new centurion, Manoel Nunes will get the gun run. Obviously CORONET PEAK is on red-hot form coming of two wins and has to be a huge show to make it three in-a-row. DREAMCATCHER is also coming off a nice win and looks very well placed to run a good race with DOUBLE CASH a winning hope on his good recent form. But ASTROSTAR the one to be on.
1 CORONET PEAK *** Hard to fault winning form and recent good trial suggests he can win again. 4.00
2 MACHFIVE ** Form reads badly but last run was good and appreciates the company. 33
3 DREAMCATCHER *** Turned some good form into a nice win and pay to follow. 4.00
4 DOUBLE CASH *** Excuses last start and previous winning form has to be respected. 12
5 PALOMBARO ** Disappointed last start but chance on good run two back. 20
6 ASTROSTAR *** Lost all chances when severely checked last start and looks a huge chance on good debut win. 3.00
7 MEDIA CAPTAIN *** Winkers added and going to play a big part in this finish from gate two. 6.00
8 SACRED CITY ** Disappointing last start but switch to Poly a good move and appreciates gate one. 20
9 THAT’STHEONE ** Right in this if having a good day and pay to watch for support. 20
10 ANDIKO ** Always an each-way hope this type of race. 33
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