City Lad (Jose Verenzuela, yellow cap) holds off Shuttle Man (John Powell) to score a narrow win, picture Singapore Turf Club
A mixed-surface, nine race card from Singapore on Friday where a newcomer with a tough name in TURANGAWAEWAE should win on debut in race 2 and a seasoned top-liner in CITY LAD can turn some good form into a much deserved win for connections in race 7. TURANGAWAEWAE is another from the Laurie Laxon-trained and owned assembly line of smart 3YO’s that has seen the veteran handler winning another premiership in 2013. There is no suggestion that the golden run will stop anytime soon and given what TURANGAWAEWAE – a raced maiden from NZ – showed at his Official trial, a win at his Singapore debut would not surprise. CITY LAD heads the weights in the OB 97 event over 1400m and the consistent and somewhat underrated 5YO can win. The race looks suitable fresh after a poor run in the Raffles Cup and a recent trial suggests he might be hard to pass late with a handy 2kg claim courtesy of Tengku Rehaizat. With GOLD RUTILE in the field, CITY LAD might also be value and although not winning for just over 12 months, is worth a serious look.
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Best Bets; (TURANGAWAEWAE race 2, win), (MAKAWAO race 5, win) and (CITY LAD race 7, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (3, 4, 5, 6 and 11), race 7 (1 and 4), race 8 (1, 4, 8 and 9), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 5 and 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; 2 STAGE BRIGHT – 1 SOUTH GATE – 6 PURE RABID – 3 BEAUTIFUL WORLD
An open KSD over 1800m on the poly starts the programme and includes a number that have been racing well in higher grade as well as some proven fellows over the distance in Class 5. The Takaoka-trained STAGE BRIGHT has been racing in better company of late; whilst yet to win in Singapore, he has placed at his past three starts in this grade on the poly-with Alan Munro to ride this race suits and he will be handy all the way. BEAUTIFUL WORLD also races handy, he was freshened and put in a good effort when resuming over 1700m last start; Manoel Nunes stays on and he should give a bold sight. SOUTH GATE will find this more suitable than his most recent start and whilst his only poly win was at his first start over 1000m three years ago, he has been placed twice at this distance and surface in four attempts in higher grades; with a positive ride from Saifudin should give a sight. PURE RABID just missed two starts back in this grade over 1900m with a 4kg claim; he then put a decent effort in higher class. He is suited here and the 3kg claim helps. There are plenty of other chances; JOHNNY HATES JAZZ is racing well and will appreciate the 52.5kg with Zaki steering; ROYAL BRAT battled on well for 4th in this Class over a mile last outing and has won in Class 5 over 1800m and I LIKE has been very consistent over 1900m in Class 5.
1 SOUTH GATE *** Will find this more suitable than most recent start. Has been placed twice at this distance and surface in four attempts in higher grades. With a positive ride should give a sight. 6.00
2 STAGE BRIGHT *** Placed at past three starts in this grade on poly. Yet to win in Singapore but gets Munro and this race suits. Will be handy all the way. 3.50
3 BEAUTIFUL WORLD *** Bold front-runner who put in solid effort when resuming over 1700m in this grade. Nunes stays on and will be near the lead all the way. 5.00
4 BRILLIANT POWER * Done nothing in seven starts in Singapore. Only win was at a mile in NZ on turf. 33
5 GOLDEN DOMINATOR * Only wins at 1400m on turf. Has failed at all four attempts beyond that distance. Placed on poly three times early in career. 25
6 PURE RABID *** Just missed two starts back in this grade over 1900m with 4kg claimer then decent effort in higher class. Suited here and claim helps. 6.50
7 I LIKE ** Last six poly runs at 1900m have yielded 2 Class 5 wins and never further back than 5th. This is tougher but will be in the mix again. 8.00
8 ROYAL BRAT *** Battled on last start over a mile in this Class. Has won over 1800m in Class 5 and will be near the lead all the way. 10
9 FAITHFUL WARRIOR * Won maiden by 10 lengths six starts back but has done nothing since. 25
10 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ *** Small horse who will appreciate 52.5kg. Racing well and should be handy all the way. 6.50
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Race 2
Selections; 9 TURANGAWAEWAE – 3 PANAMA CITY – 5 THREE WHIP – 1 PRECIOUS GEM
An Initiation over 1200m on turf and of those we have seen none have been particularly exciting and the four first starters will further confuse the issue. The most interesting is the Laurie Laxon-trained TURANGAWAEWAE who has trialed well and is to be ridden by Corey Brown. He ran second in a decent race at Trentham (NZ) at his only start as a 2YO and if ready may be smart enough to get away with this. PANAMA CITY did not do much on debut but subsequently trialed well in blinkers and gets Oscar Chavez; his dam has thrown multiple winners including the black-type winner, HAIRY- watch for support. THE MIGHTY THOR has not been far away at all five starts and has been placed at this trip; the engagement of John Powell should help. SMART CHIEF put in a reasonable initial effort behind MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS and RIGHT IS RIGHT likewise was not disgraced at his first start. Of the others, PRECIOUS GEM was placed at a mile at Newcastle (NSW), TIME AFTER TIME and THREE WHIP both trial well enough to warrant a market watch.
1 PRECIOUS GEM *** Placed at Newcastle (NSW) over a mile from three starts. Has had several trials and could show up – watch for support. 10
2 THE MIGHTY THOR *** Not far away at all five starts and was placed at this trip. Should appreciate senior rider. 4.00
3 PANAMA CITY *** Did nothing at first start but won trial in blinkers recently. Gets Oscar Chavez and if supported should race well. 5.00
4 SMART CHIEF *** Solid effort on poly debut behind MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS and from the good draw should be prominent all the way. 8.00
5 THREE WHIP ** Blinkers on. First start. Thorn Park 4YO whose mother won twice at 2100m. Finished on terms with PANAMA CITY in recent trial. Watch for support. 14
6 WHATANITE ** Form reads badly but excuses last start so look for a better run at value. 25
7 ASTROHEAT * Needs to improve. 25
8 TIME AFTER TIME ** Pacifiers on. First start. Trials nicely. Watch for support. 10
9 TURANGAWAEWAE *** Blinkers on. Placed at Trentham (NZ) at only 2YO start. Trials well, from top stable with top rider. Should debut well. 3.50
10 RIGHT IS RIGHT ** Fair effort on debut and has trialed since. Watch for support. 12
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Race 3
Selections; 4 WAIRAKEI – 6 THRUST – 1 FISCAL WINGS – 7 ZAC COMMAND
A Class 5 over 1200m on turf with a bunch of the usual suspects involved. WAIRAKEI’s last win was this class, surface and distance with 55.5kg; he will find this easier than recent Class 4 outings and with Lisa Allpress to steer, should show up from the good alley. THRUST battled on well over 1400m last start, he has won twice at 1200m the last time beating ZAC COMMAND and FISCAL WINGS; with Corey Brown again taking the mount, he should race well. Mark Walker has a strong hand with three runners. FISCAL WINGS does not win often but regularly places, last time out he was first over the line but lost it in the Stewards Room; he is suited at 1200m and will be in the finish again. The stablemate ZAC COMMAND is another who places more often than he wins but gets top apprentice Harry Kasim and should be thereabouts again. His third runner, MY TRICIA raced fiercely last start and the blinker/pacifiers come off, he could show up from nice alley. Other chances include SO PERFECT and SACRED PRINCE who are unreliable but can race well fresh.
1 FISCAL WINGS *** Does not win often but regularly places. First over line but lost it in the stewards room last time. Suited at 1200m and will be in the finish again. 4.00
2 MY TRICIA ** Blinker/Pacifiers off. Raced fiercely last start. Only win was at 1400m on turf. Could show up from nice alley this company. 12
3 SARAWI * Resuming after transferring from Malaysia. Trials OK; only win was at Penang in a Class 5. Watch for support. 33
4 WAIRAKEI *** Last win was this class, surface and distance with 55.5kg. Will find this easier than recent Class 4 outings and should show up from the good alley. 6.00
5 WALTZ ** Maiden who was not far away on poly over 1100m last outing. Has in-form rider but wide alley does not help. 20
6 THRUST *** Battled on well over 1400m last start. Better suited at 1200m and gets top rider. Beat ZAC COMMAND and FISCAL WINGS last time they met at this trip. 4.50
7 ZAC COMMAND *** Places more often than he wins but gets top apprentice and should be thereabouts again. 4.50
8 JAWARA * Blinkers off. Nine start maiden who has been disappointing. Draw does not help. 50
9 LUCKY GENERAL * Will relish being back on turf. May want easier but has some pace and could give cheek. 33
10 SO PERFECT *** Second run up from spell and goes well fresh. Not far away from THRUST, FISCAL WINGS and ZAC COMMAND at last turf run at this trip. Could surprise at odds. 14
11 DOUBLE S * Better suited on poly. 50
12 SACRED PRINCE *** Resuming. Has speed and smart when right. Watch for support. 12
13 ENZO * Battles away but wants it weaker and longer. 33
14 SUI GENERIS ** Maiden who is thereabouts as a rule. 50
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Race 4
Selections; 2 LUCKY STRATEGY – 8 HEARTS – 1 DRAGON WALK – 4 GOOD SCORE
A maiden over 1100m on the polytrack and a number of these have been trying for some time. LUCKY STRATEGY has not been far away at all his six starts, the better draw, shorter distance, surface and claim for S Noh are all in his favour and he gets his chance to break through. HEARTS has been trying for a long time but has been placed three from three at this trip on the poly. He was unlucky not to win last start and gets his chance again. DRAGON WALK was outclassed but led and battled on behind USAIN COLT when resuming; this is much easier and with the in-form Dan Beasley up he should give a sight from the good alley. GOOD SCORE has plenty of speed but gets run down late, he is drawn out but will go forward and give a bold sight. RISING AHEAD, BLOSSOMS SEQUEL AND ZAC GALLANT could show up in a very ordinary field.
1 DRAGON WALK *** Outclassed but led and battled on behind USAIN COLT when resuming. This is much easier and should give a sight from the good alley. 4.00
2 LUCKY STRATEGY *** Never far away. Better draw, shorter distance, surface and claim all in his favour. 4.00
3 ABOVE LIMIT * Blinker/Pacifiers and tongue tie on. Won trial recently and addition of gear could signal improvement. 20
4 GOOD SCORE *** Blinkers off. Pacy but gets run down although did have respiratory issues last start. Will be on the speed for a long way. 6.00
5 SECRET QUEST * Blinkers on. Did nothing when resuming from very long spell although will strip fitter. 50
6 RISING AHEAD *** Nice effort on resuming and will benefit from a more positive ride. 16
7 BLOSSOMS SEQUEL ** Has been placed twice on turf. Was freshened and resuming when well back at only poly start last outing. Could show up. 16
8 HEARTS *** Has been trying for a long time but has been placed three from three at this trip on the poly. Good effort last start with excuses and gets his chance again. 3.50
9 ZAC GALLANT ** Has been placed several times but struggles late in his races. 12
10 LADY POWER ** Better effort when resuming and excuses not to finish closer but may want longer. 33
11 CELESTIAL STAR * Barely beaten a runner home in 8 starts. 50
12 CHINESE TYCOON * 41 start maiden. 50
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Race 5
Selections; 2 MAKAWAO – 9 PRINCE GONSKI – 7 TOAST’S ANGEL – 4 SMART SAMURAI
A Class 4 over 1100m on the polytrack with a few smart ones engaged. MAKAWAO went out a maiden but did the job last start in Class 4 after having been beaten as favourite at previous start. John Powell stays on, he has plenty of speed and despite 2kg weight rise, could go on with it. PRINCE GONSKI beat MAKAWAO on debut and meets him 1kg better. He trialed well recently, Dan Beasley gets on and could help him overcome the tough draw. TOAST’S ANGEL had her first run for Mark Walker last start and was runner-up to MAKAWAO, she gets the blinkers and should race well again – if the speedsters terrorize MAKAWAO (like they did two starts back) she could be the one finishing it off. LADIES’ FIRST has won three of her past four and is going for a hat-trick; from the good gate with Zaki up she should be on the speed all the way. SMART SAMURAI had little luck last start, he would prefer 1000m but goes well for Shafiq and should give a sight as could MACHFIVE and PINT SIZED PRINCE from their inside draws.
1 ULTIMATE WARRIOR * Having third run for Bruce Marsh and best form is over longer. 50
2 MAKAWAO *** Maiden who did the job last start in Class 4 after having been beaten as favourite at previous start. Has plenty of speed and despite 2kg weight rise could go on with it 3.50
3 SIR FLEETWOOD * Honest old journeyman who would like it slightly longer and slightly weaker. 20
4 SMART SAMURAI ** Raced erratically last time with support. Goes better for Shafiq but would prefer 1000m and wide draw no help. 10
5 SUPER SPUR ** Resuming. Trialed well recently. Could show up fresh though draw no help. 33
6 PRIMERA ESPADA * Never sighted last start but better at this trip. Has not won for over 2 years. 33
7 TOAST’S ANGEL *** Blinkers on. Having second start for Mark Walker. Good effort when second to MAKAWAO last start and should race well. 5.00
8 LADIES FIRST *** Has won three of past four and going for a hat-trick. From the good gate should be on the speed all the way. 6.50
9 PRINCE GONSKI *** Beat MAKAWAO on debut and meets him 1kg better. Trialed well recently. Has tough draw but Dan Beasley gets them away well from wide gates. 4.00
10 MACHFIVE ** Outclassed last start but will find this easier than recent outings. Could surprise from ace draw. 16
11 MR MANI ** Blinker/pacifiers on. Dropping in ratings and this race is suitable but has not won for over a year. 33
12 PINT SIZED PRINCE *** Bold effort last start and always capable of a cheeky run. 12
13 NOT SIMPLE * Ran on well last start and could show up if he gets a run. 20
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Race 6
Selections; 6 MR BEAN – 5 FABERGE – 11 ZAC STAR DESTROYER – 3 BEST BARGAIN
Not a great field so connections of a few horses that are in OK form will be hoping for a result to pay the bills. The tote will be a good guide as stable confidence would be a pointer but as it stands MR BEAN looks due and well placed back on the turf from gate three. R Shafiq rides and given what he showed last start on the Poly, he is the benchmark. FABERGE might also appreciate the turf and obviously comes right into contention on his good placing when blinkers where added for the first time in Singapore at his last start. Nunes stays on so support is likely (again) and worth a serious look. Only a few others to seriously consider with ZAC STAR DESTROYER – sans headgear – coming into this with a good trial under his belt (gate a concern) and BEST BARGAIN also in solid enough form although he is not seen often on this surface. SACRED GENERAL the other to include.
1 JADE WIN ** Resuming. Hard to have on form but recent trial OK and senior hoop onboard so market watch in order. 33
2 SECONDWAVE ** Not a lot last start but back in trip a good move and can figure in exotics. 10
3 BEST BARGAIN *** Not often seen on the turf but certainly going well enough to win this. 6.00
4 SACRED GENERAL *** Maiden who has speed, appreciates first-up run and could run a very cheeky race. 16
5 FABERGE *** Backed and placed when blinkers and Nunes added last start. Can win this. 3.00
6 MR BEAN *** In-form and very much appreciates switch back to the turf. Hard to beat. 3.00
7 HELLOLO ** Form reads badly and normally seen on the Poly but could surprise sans head-gear at value. 20
8 CASSIS OOLONG * Back in trip and hard to have. 50
9 GYPSY STAR * Resuming after a long break and market only guide. 50
10 SOARING WIN * Easier to ignore. 100
11 ZAC STAR DESTROYER *** Fresh and recent trial good enough to figure here with head-gear removed. 10
12 AL-HAMID * Disappoints more often than not. 50
13 LUCKY BANKER * Last run better than the result but still easier to leave out. 33
14 WIN THE DAY * OK two starts back and appreciates the gate. 50
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Race 7
Selections; 1 CITY LAD – 4 GOLD RUTILE – 7 DEVIL’S CUT – 2 METEOR MIKE
An interesting race with a few horses fresh after Group races late in November 2013 and some nice trial form to take note off. At the top of the weights is CITY LAD and like always, he is worth a look with value a factor. Obviously it will pay to ignore his last start where something looked amiss in the Raffles Cup with a good recent trial an indication all is well with the horse. He does have weight to carry but a handy 2kg claim and a nice gate in a small field should be in his favour, as is some good first-up form. GOLD RUTILE is probably the punters elect and while a query at this level, she shows more than enough to think she is right in this finish with no weight back over 1400m. Her consistent form suggests she will handle most company and it might be a case of whoever beats her wins. Throw a blanket over the rest but a good trial and recent run by DEVIL’S CUT suggests he goes OK on the minimum.
1 CITY LAD *** First-up after something looked amiss in the Raffles Cup but some show here on good recent trial. 5.00
2 METEOR MIKE ** First-up after unplaced but OK run in the EW barker over this trip and always some show. 5.00
3 MATTERHORN ** Form reads only fair but will be on the speed and in this a long way. 6.00
4 GOLD RUTILE *** Up in Class but smart and back to 1400m a good move. 2.30
5 HOT GOLD ** Not a mile away over 1400m in EW Barker but exotics look best. 12
6 SUPERB SUCCESS ** Last start a lot better than the result given excuses in running and worth a look at long-odds. 33
7 DEVIL’S CUT ** Backed up good run with a nice trial and cheeky run expected. 6.00
8 BENJI’S EMPIRE * Coming off a disappointing run and hard to have. 50
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Race 8
Selections; 1 WINNING SUCCESS – 9 PINYIN – 4 FACE OFF – 8 INCREDIBLE HULK
Five or so horses in form and it might be a case of whoever gets the best run or race to suit wins. WINNING SUCCESS is one of those and given the stable has opted for a 3kg claimer in J See, he will probably try to pinch this. He races on the pace anyway and from gate five they will try to make every post a winner. If something does take him on and a hot pace is set early, both INCREDIBLE HULK and SAINT VALLEY come well and truly under notice. INCREDIBLE HULK will benefit from a senior hoop in Santana and SAINT VALLEY showed last start he can win when the race is run to suit swoopers. Two others with genuine winning hopes include another last start winner in FACE OFF – a big show on what he showed first-up in Class 5 company – and the maiden PINYIN who looks ready to win what is a very suitable race.
1 WINNING SUCCESS *** Showed last start he wins again soon this type of race. 3.50
2 SLAYER * Better than what he has shown last two but that form a worry. 20
3 NO NONSENSE * Will appreciate a few runs under his belt but need to show something. 20
4 FACE OFF *** Won first-up after bleeding attack and pay to follow. 4.00
5 SAINT VALLEY ** Wide gate not a concern as will get back and a show if race run to suit. 8.00
6 MY NEW BOSS * Winkers added but needs to improve. 20
7 SUPER STAR ** Something amiss last start and worth a look at odds from gate one in a suitable race. 20
8 INCREDIBLE HULK *** Appreciates Santana and will be flying late. 6.00
9 PINYIN *** Maiden who looks well and truly due. Big show. 4.00
10 RECIPROCATE * Needs easier. 100
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Race 9
Selections; 3 SAVODAN – 1 MAPLE STAR – 5 GILT LAD – 2 PACINO
While some very honest horses in PACINO and MOVIE GOER might make for a solid each-way bet or two, some smart types first-up could be the one’s to follow. SAVODAN in particular looked destined for better things than Class 4 company after winning his first two races and narrowly beaten at his third. The wheels fell off as the well-backed favourite at start four but given excuses (including pulling up lame), he is certainly worth following first-up after a short break. If there was a concern it is the fact Michael Freedman has opted for a 3kg claimer in S Noh, especially after the 3YO drew gate 12. Another progressive type resuming is GILT LAD and given what the lightly-raced 6YO showed at his long awaited first campaign, he is certainly worth a look here. But while SAVODAN and GILT LAD are on-the-way-up, MAPLE STAR very much appreciates being back in Class 4 and will win a race like this sooner than later. His recent form is on the Poly but with two wins on the turf on his CV, he should go well with blinkers off and the experienced John Powell jumping from gate 3.
1 MAPLE STAR *** A lot of recent good form on the Poly but has won on turf and will go well dropping to Class 4 with blinkers off. 10
2 PACINO *** Veteran who is always an each-way show in this company. 6.00
3 SAVODAN *** Pulled up lame when beaten as favourite last start but can make amends fresh. 3.00
4 CONVICT ** Resuming after just fair run when blinkers added last time-out. Exotics. 12
5 GILT LAD *** Lightly-raced 6YO resuming after a solid campaign. Watch for support. 6.00
6 MOVIE GOER ** Honest and in this a very long way. 6.00
7 KAISER BRIGHT ** Excuses last start not to finish closer and goes close on a good day. 10
8 MR IKHLAS * No. 100
9 DANNY RICARDO ** Another solid each-way type who can win if things go right. 12
10 ZAC VELOCITY ** Resuming and goes well enough first-up to consider in exotics for value. 33
11 SUPER JETSET ** Versatile and should be competitive in this company from gate one with top claimer. 20
12 BAY OF ISLAND * Needs easier and longer. 100
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