Danger Zone (Alan Munro) scores by a short head from Kate’s Keeper (James McDonald) – Singapore Racing 19 May 2013
With the 2013 Longines Singapore Gold Cup run and won by Tropias last Sunday, it may pay to get the notebook out for the 2014 Emirates Singapore Derby and keep and eye on race 6 on the card at Kranji tonight. Sure, the Derby isn’t run for another seven or so months but with a few handy eligible stayers lining up in this Class 4 race over 2000m, it will pay to follow this form. INSPIRE is one such horse where the connections will be plotting a path to July. The Keeper 4YO has been impressive winning twice from just seven starts and given the distance of the wins – 1700m and 1800m respectively – the 2000m trip is no issue. Of the other Southern Hemisphere-bred 4YO’s in the race, JIM’s maiden win was over 1800m and TRADING GOLD has won over 1700m while BILLY BRITAIN and SACRED CROWN are stepping up in trip. But a Japanese-bred 3YO in DANGER ZONE might be the one to follow. The son of Mayano Top Gun may have only won once over 1400m in some 11 career starts but the fact his three recent second placings have been eye-catching runs over 2000m suggests he is one to follow closely. His trainer, Hideyuki Takaoka, trained last years Derby winner in Better Life and the affable handler might just have another contender on his hands in DANGER ZONE. Watch this space!
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Best Bets; (DANGER ZONE race 6, win), (MAGICAL TALENT race 7, each-way) and (INDULGE race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6), race 8 (5, 6, 7 and 9), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 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; 1 GENOVA AT WORK – 2 STORM ARC – 7 SWEET BEAUTY – 4 EXCELLENT BEAUTY
The usual open Class 5 over 1200m on the polytrack kicks things off. GENOVA AT WORK gets Oscar Chavez again, he has been racing consistently in this grade, he was held up for a run last start and if given a more positive ride from the six alley, he will be hard to beat. STORM ARC led and faded when resuming in a good KSD last outing, he has trialed well since and from the ace with Ivaldo Santana up should be prominent all the way. The mare SWEET BEAUTY ran on very strongly when resuming over 1100m, she is a maiden who gets back but Shafiq stays on and she should be finishing stoutly. Another mare, EXCELLENT BEAUTY, only battled in a strong Class 5 last outing on turf; go on her previous poly effort where she was beaten 2.5 lengths by GENOVA AT WORK after racing wide and meets him 5.5kg better. There is not much in the way of front-runners in this and from the good draw VOLKOV could give plenty of cheek. VISIONARY and FISCAL WINGS usually find trouble but if things go right they could get in the mix.
1 GENOVA AT WORK *** Racing consistently in this grade and will be hard to beat again. Will benefit from a more positive ride from OK gate. 3.50
2 STORM ARC *** Led and faded when resuming in KSD last outing. Trialed well since and from the ace should be prominent all the way. 4.00
3 AFROJACK * Just keeps sliding in the ratings and has to improve. 33
4 EXCELLENT BEAUTY *** Only battled in a strong Class 5 last outing on turf so go on previous poly effort where she was beaten 2.5l by Genova at Work after racing wide and meets him 5.5kg better. 6.00
5 FISCAL WINGS ** Blinkers back on, better on turf but fought on well over 1100m two starts back. Could improve with Nunes to steer. 10
6 MAGNIFICENT KID * Done nothing since arriving in Singapore. Only win was at a mile on turf in NZ. 33
7 SWEET BEAUTY *** Ran on very strongly when resuming over 1100m. Maiden who gets back but should be finishing stoutly. 6.00
8 HAPPY TURN * Led and faded over a mile last start; back to 1200m and has been thereabouts but prefer others, 20
9 RADIANT ROI * Resuming and only win was at 1700m. 33
10 VISIONARY *** Maiden who finds trouble. Saddle slipped last start but work late very good and bound to be running on again. 12
11 VOLKOV ** Can lead and from the good gate could give plenty of cheek in this company. 12
12 STATE TROOPER * Not racing well enough. 50
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Race 2
Selections; 3 CAN’T TOUCH ME – 11 VITALICO – 7 WEOWNA FLYER – 10 REAL GOODMAN
An interesting Class 5 over 1600m on the poly with a number of consistent performers up against a few who might be about to show something. CAN’T TOUCH ME is better on turf but has won on the poly at this distance in Class 5; he should get a gun run from the ace and will appreciate the 2kg claim for Zuriman. VITALICO has been running over unsuitable distances, he gets back to his favourite distance of a mile and Mark Walker has replaced Jimmy Kek with Corey Brown; you cannot get a clearer signal than that. The stable-mate, 3YO OUR RIVER DANCER’s sister SUMMERBLISS was placed in the VRC Oaks and three other black-type affairs; he is one-paced but now getting up to a suitable journey and from the good alley with Lisa Allpress up needs to show something in this. REAL GOODMAN goes best when ridden forward, he has won twice at 1600m – last time beating WEOWNA FLYER – and meets him 3kg better; he should be thereabouts again. WEOWNA FLYER is racing very consistently with a win and three placings at his past four starts all over a mile though only one placing was on the polytrack, despite the wide draw he should be in the finish once again. RETROSPECT is a four start maiden; he was held up last start over 1400m on turf and subsequently won a weak trial; he gets Harry Kassim and could be ready to show something. A’S VICTORIOUS is improving, has speed and could run a cheeky race.
1 KNIGHT’S PARADISE ** Second run back after long spell and getting up to a distance that suits. Market watch in order. 14
2 RETROSPECT *** Four start maiden who was held up last start and subsequently won a weak trial. Gets Harry Kassim and could be ready to show something at odds. 12
3 CAN’T TOUCH ME *** Has won on the poly at this distance in Class 5. With Zuriman and 2kg claim should get a gun run from the ace. 8.00
4 DRAGON PLAYER ** Not far away at last two polytrack outings. Only win was over a mile on turf. 20
5 GOLDEN ALONG * Blinkers on but has not been doing enough. 33
6 OUR RIVER DANCER ** Sister was placed in the VRC Oaks; one-paced but getting up to a suitable journey. Needs to show something in this. 10
7 WEOWNA FLYER *** Racing very consistently with a win and three placings at past four outings. Ran 2nd to REAL GOODMAN at last poly outing over this trip. Despite wide draw should be in the finish once again. 6.00
8 A’S VICTORIOUS ** Still a maiden but has speed and could give a bold sight from the draw. 10
9 FOREIGN EXCHANGE * Resumed with reasonable effort over 1400m on turf. Only placed once on poly in nine attempts but has good draw and light weight. 20
10 REAL GOODMAN *** Goes best when ridden forward. Has won twice at 1600m last time beating WEOWNA FLYER and meets him 3kg better. Should be thereabouts again. 5.00
11 VITALICO *** Back to favourite journey and Corey Brown replaces Jimmy Kek. Should race just off the speed and finish off strongly. 4.50
12 CASSIS OOLONG * Was ridden forward last start but faded with jockey reporting respiratory issues. Could give some cheek. 33
13 DOUBLE HOCK * Only battled last start over 1900m after a couple of good efforts. Rough chance if he gets a start. 20
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Race 3
Selections; 1 SLEW OF LODE – 5 STRUBELI – 4 DUTY FREE – 7 SOON YI
A small but interesting Class 4 field compete over 1200m on the turf with two newcomers SLEW OF LODE and NO NONSENSE engaged. Of the two, SLEW OF LODE – one of Pat Shaw’s Argentineans – comes into this two wins from his country of birth and has looked smart at the trials. He has 58kg but even with Vorster putting up a bit of lead, from the good gate he should race well. However, the one he may have to beat is the Steven Gray trained STRUBELI. The Elusive City 4YO has had plenty of wraps but blotted his copybook last start; he gets on turf for the first time but has been freshened and his trials indicate a strong performance. DUTY FREE surprised on turf last outing and should race well again from the good draw. SOON YI can be a disaster at the start but if he gets away from the ace could be right in the finish, however his only win was on the poly. NO NONSENSE is by O’Reilly, his only win was at Timaru over a mile and he looks as if he will want longer.
1 SLEW OF LODE *** Won twice in Argentina and has looked smart at the trials. May be better on the poly but should race well on debut. 3.50
2 NO NONSENSE * Former Kiwi. By O’Reilly. Only win was at a mile and will want longer than this. 20
3 XIN TREASURE ** Not that far away last time and usually thereabouts. 8.50
4 DUTY FREE *** Surprised on turf last outing and should race well again from the good draw. 4.50
5 STRUBELI *** First start on turf. Promising horse who blotted his copybook last start. Has subsequently been freshened and his trials indicate a strong performance. With Lisa Allpress up he should get every chance. 2.50
6 GLOWNIGHT RACER ** Finds trouble but may be suited by turf and the small field. Should be running on late. 10
7 SOON YI ** Starts are very costly but if he gets away will be right in it. Only win was on polytrack. Value. 8.00
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Race 4
Selections; 3 GYPSY STAR – 4 TRIPLE GOALS – 1 CHEVY – 9 QUI EST LA
Yet another Class 5, this one a very weak Division 2 over 1600m on the poly with a collection of the usual suspects involved, few of whom who know how to win. GYPSY STAR’s last effort was good and while he is far from reliable, he looks suited here and should be finishing on late. The Blinker/pacifiers come off the veteran CHEVY, his last win was without them five starts back at this distance and class; he has won eight races which is five more than anyone else in the field. His last four wins have all been with Saifudin on top and he should race well. QUI EST LA has found himself an ordinary race; he battled away well in a KSD last start, is suited at the distance and with Troy See’s claim has no weight, he should be handy all the way. TRIPLE GOALS is far from reliable with three wins from 53 starts but his recent form is sound with a win and there placings in past five starts; with Tengku Rehaizat claiming he should sit handy and be in the mix again. RICH BORN and LEGACY are always threats in these type of races.
1 CHEVY *** Blinker/pacifiers off, won without them in this class and distance five starts back. Knows how to win, goes well for Saifudin and hard to beat. 4.00
2 QUALITASE * Blinkers on. Hasn’t won for 18 months and recent form is poor. 20
3 GYPSY STAR *** Not the most reliable. Gets back and should be finishing on late. 6.50
4 TRIPLE GOALS *** Has won three from 53 but recent form is sound with a win and three placings in past five starts. Should be in the mix again. 5.00
5 CHAPTER AND VERSE * Fourth two starts back is the closest he has got in 13 tries. Back to a mile and Nunes stays on but prefer others. 16
6 NATURAL AHEAD * Tongue tie on. Never likely in 14 starts. 33
7 ROCKETY CAT ** Blinkers on. Long-term maiden who battled on last outing over a mile and is often thereabouts. 12
8 RICH BORN ** Raced ungenerously last outing. Has won twice at a mile and may go better for Vagner Leal. 8.00
9 QUI EST LA *** Battled away well in a KSD last start. Suited at the distance and with Troy See’s claim has no weight. Should be handy all the way. 4.50
10 AMERICAN TYCOON * Recent form poor but only win was at 1600m and gets Harry Kasim. 25
11 LEGACY * Recent form poor over shorter distances but has won twice at the trip and with no weight could surprise. 20
12 NEWFOUNDFAME * 24 starts without a result. No. 33
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Race 5
Selections; 14 ORIGIN FAST – 1 MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS – 2 ADRIEN – 4 CLERMONT CLUB
An interesting Initiation over 1200m on turf where many have shown promise at their only starts. ORIGIN FAST is a nice filly by Exceed and Excel, from the Takaoka stable and to be ridden by Alan Munro, she has raced well at all three starts and should be handy all the way again. MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS did nothing wrong on debut and was forced to sit wide; from the ace with John Powell steering should be on the pace and get the gun run. ADRIEN is a nicely bred horse who has looked smart at his only two outings; being bred for longer he should enjoy the 1200m on turf. The wide draw does not help but if Vagner Leal can get him a sit he should be in the finish. CLERMONT CLUB put in a solid performance on debut, with Manoel Nunes taking the reins from Vagner Leal he should race well from an inside draw. Steven Burridge’s TAKEOVER raced greenly but was not far away on debut; with Harry Kasim to steer he should get a nice run from the good gate. Of the debutants the remaining Burridge pair UNLIMITED POWER and WHATANITE are of interest; UNLIMITED POWER is by Snitzel out of a four-time winning Zabeel mare No Penalty, he won two trials in Australia before coming to Singapore; WHATANITE is by O’Reilly and a half-brother to the good middle distance mare MANGO DAIQUIRI. Others that should race well are INTENTION, GAZOO and FOLLOW THE KING.
1 MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS *** Did nothing wrong on debut and from the ace should be close to the lead and race well again. 4.50
2 ADRIEN *** Looked smart at only two outings on poly. Poorly drawn but if Vagner Leal can get him across, should race well. 7.00
3 BEAUTY ADMIRE * First start. Poorly drawn and prefer to see. 50
4 CLERMONT CLUB *** Put in a very solid debut and should be further improved. 8.00
5 EAGLE STORM * Reasonable effort with excuses on debut but may need more time. 25
6 FOLLOW THE KING *** Showed speed on debut over 1000m on poly and have to respect. 14
7 PUZZLE * Blinkers on. Poorly drawn, showed speed and dropped out on debut. Would have to improve. 33
8 TAKEOVER *** Raced greenly but not far away on debut. Should get a nice run from the good gate. 8.00
9 UNLIMITED POWER ** Pacifiers on. By Snitzel out of four-time winning Zabeel mare No Penalty. Won two trials in Australia before coming to Singapore. Watch market. 14
10 WHATANITE * First start.By O’Reilly. Half brother to good middle distance mare MANGO DAIQUIRI. Might need longer but watch market. 25
11 NAOMI ** Tongue tie on. Has shown speed and battled on at all three polytrack starts over shorter distances. Draw does not help but could show up fresh. 16
12 GAZOO ** Showed speed and put in nice debut effort over 1200m. Should race well again. 12
13 INTENTION ** Solid debut and should be further improved. 12
14 ORIGIN FAST *** Has raced well at all three starts and should be handy all the way again. 5.50
15 BOLSHOI RULER * Battled at all three starts and needs time. 25
16 GENE * Needs to improve on efforts to date. 50
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Race 6
Selections; 6 DANGER ZONE – 7 JIM – 2 FUJIN BRIGHT – 3 INSPIRE
Plenty of good form to go on in this Class 4 test for stayers with three last start winners and a few others ready to win. DANGER ZONE might not have a win to his name of late – he comes into this with recent three seconds under his belt – but looks perfectly placed to get a result for followers. The 3YO Japanese-bred gelding looked a good thing beaten last start in what looked a good field and looks very well placed to knock in a well-deserved win. JIM took a while to knock in his maiden win – too long if you had backed him – but his effort to win in Class 4 company was good and certainly can go on with the job with Vagner Leal from gate one a good combination. Too many others with form to win but MAKE A RETURN looks ready to lead all the way sooner than later with BLUE LION, FUJIN BRIGHT and INSPIRE three others to watch.
1 BLUE LION *** Did it very tough last start so pay to ignore and give another chance in winning company. 6.00
2 FUJIN BRIGHT *** Recent good form on the Poly but handles this surface and pay to follow. 5.50
3 INSPIRE *** Another with excellent Poly form and has to be respected. 8.00
4 BILLY BRITAIN ** Did it tough last start stepping up to this company so worth another look at value. 20
5 MAKE A RETURN *** Back in form and the one they have to run down late. 10
6 DANGER ZONE *** Looked a good thing beaten last start and can win what looks a very suitable race. 3.50
7 JIM *** Broke through for maiden win last start and pay to follow with gate one a bonus. 4.00
8 INCREDIBLE HULK ** Tongue-Tie off. Form starting to taper but last win was in similar affair. 33
9 SACRED CROWN ** Ran on OK last start but big step up in distance a concern. 33
10 TRADING GOLD ** Disappointing last start but have to respect on big first-up run prior. 20
11 CARTAGO ** Trip suits but might need it a tad easier to win. 33
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Race 7
Selections; 4 MAGICAL TALENT – 1 BOURBON GOLDMAN – 3 BOARD WALK – 2 SAVANNAH DANCER
Finding the winner in Class 3 is always a tough ask and this is no exception. The topweight, BOURBON GOLDMAN is in top-form and given he did it tough last start to win carrying 53.5kg, he looks well placed from gate one with 57kg. BOARD WALK is going along just as well and nothing really splits the pair at the handicap conditions. Both will get support and both obviously can win. But one that might upset the pair is the lightly-raced 4YO, MAGICAL TALENT. The former Australian won his first three starts in Singapore and although his from looked to have dropped off, his recent trial with blinkers added was very good and he could easily win this with head-gear added first-time. With these three likely to dominate betting, it might pay to keep an eye on the value runners – SAVANNAH DANCER, LUWAK COFFEE and even ONE RAR first-up after an ambitious Derby campaign. Needless to say, go wide in exotics.
1 BOURBON GOLDMAN *** Coming off a strong win same company and looks well placed with 57kg from gate one. 3.00
2 SAVANNAH DANCER *** Battled on OK last start and did look due so keep safe. 8.00
3 BOARD WALK *** In terrific form and will be right in this finish. 2.50
4 MAGICAL TALENT *** Lightly raced but smart 4YO who could easily show up with blinkers added. 4.50
5 ONE RAR *** Resuming after derby campaign and pay to keep safe as has first-up form. 12
6 LUWAK COFFEE *** Always a chance in races like this and might be value in a field with depth. 20
7 PACINO ** Veteran who took a while in Class 4 to win again but can be competitive. 33
8 WARSPIRIT * Struggling. 100
9 BIGDINERO ** Excuses last start and while this field is strong, could add value to exotics. 50
10 JET MAN ** Form better than it reads and another who could sneak a place at long odds. 50
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Race 8
Selections; 9 PRINCESS JANNA – 6 MR BEAN – 7 LIGHTNING ACE – 5 BUZET
It’s hard to get excited about this race and it is with some trepidation that PRINCESS JANA – yet to win in Singapore in 31 race starts – is the the top pick. Although unreliable, the 7YO mare backed up a third placing in what looked a weak field with a close-up placing in an OK Class field. That form more than holds up here and with a nice recent trial under her belt and the in-form Manoel Nunes on-board, she goes close. Obviously nothing else jumps off the page but LIGHTNING ACE was given no chance last start and could easily win a race like this on his day with gate one a bonus. MR BEAN has been disappointing of late but comes into calculations after a nice trial and BUZET probably the only other that could win without surprising.
1 TRIPLE A PLUS * Has some pace but struggles late. 33
2 FABERGE * Former Malaysian and market only guide. 20
3 PLAY ON ** Last start with some support better with excuses (saddle) so pay to keep safe. 12
4 REGAL SALUTE ** Form reads badly but back in trip a good move as form over this trip OK. 12
5 BUZET *** Versatile and back on the Poly looks smart. Keep safe. 8.00
6 MR BEAN *** Form reads badly but has blinkers added and recent trial looked good. 6.00
7 LIGHTNING ACE *** Never in the hunt last start but always a show in weak races like this. 8.00
8 PRINCIPAL * No. 100
9 PRINCESS JANNA *** In-form and will not get a better chance to break Singapore duck than this. 2.00
10 ROLLTHEDICE * Struggling. 50
11 SUDDEN INTEREST ** Battles away as a rule and could figure somewhere in this field. 10
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Race 9
Selections; 1 INDULGE – 5 TROPICAL FOREST – 2 HONEST TRUTH – 3 PERFECT PLAN
The last looks a raffle with no horse jumping off the page form-wise and a few horses that could improve dramatically in what should be a suitable race. One of the improvers is the top-weight, INDULGE. A six-time winner on the Poly (four over this trip), INDULGE has been placed in some higher rated races than this of late and with a 3kg claim in KSD, he could easily turn around some poor form and win. The grey, TROPICAL FOREST also looks an improver first-up after a spell. The 7YO hasn’t won over this trip but has four wins to his name on the surface and looked in very good order at a recent trial. Of the rest that can improve is HONEST TRUTH back on his winning surface and even POWER PAC down in weights at long odds. The two horses with the best form leading into this are PERFECT PLAN and SPEEDY DWARF who obviously have to be included somewhere.
1 INDULGE *** Form reads badly but excuses last start and should go close this company with tongue-tie added. 8.00
2 HONEST TRUTH *** Very much appreciates being back on his winning surface so look for improvement. 8.00
3 PERFECT PLAN *** Unreliable but goes close if having a good day with blinkers removed. 5.00
4 SPEEDY DWARF *** Always a show in races like this and will be closing late. 5.00
5 TROPICAL FOREST *** Resuming and recent trial suggests he could show his best firstup. 5.00
6 LIGHTNING MAC * Needs to find a few lengths on his recent efforts. 33
7 ZAC HEAVEN * Battled on OK after doing it tough last start but wide draw no help. 33
8 BALLY BOY ** Battled away last start and not far away but wide gate makes winning tough. 12
9 POWER ANGEL ** Placed last start similar affair and have to respect. 5.00
10 LUCKY GENERAL * Needs easier. 50
11 POWERPAC * Form better than it reads and could sneak a place at long odds. 33
12 ROCKET RIDER * Resuming after long break and market only guide. 20
13 ZENA ** Has been hitting the line well of late so pay to keep safe at odds. 50
14 MR VANTASTIC * No. 100
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