WALL STREET BOY might have arrived in Singapore with only one win to his name – in TRARALGON of all places – but the horse who raced under the moniker of “Just Forget It” back in Australia, was better than that. The well-bred 4YO was placed in Group company in South Australia before competing at a high level in Victoria and Tasmania. Now with Cliff Brown – an astute trainer of stayers – the Encosta De Lago gelding has been earmarked for the Singapore Derby in July and given what he has shown in five starts in Singapore, he looks a horse to follow. Obviously with back-to-back wins to his name, he is bang-in-form but it was the dominance of his most recent victory over the Derby distance of 2000m that has him black-booked for Group glory. Naturally – given the fore mentioned wraps – he is the the horse the others have to beat at Kranji Stakes C level and with 56.5kg, he looks extremely well placed to knock in a hattrick of wins. Brown also has LORD BROMPTON in the field but the horse that followed a similar Derby path to WALL STREET BOY last year, will have to be at his best carrying 59.5kg in what is a small but quality staying field. As you would expect, the master-san of stayers in Singapore, Hideyuki Takaoka, has three runners but while the promising FUJIN BRIGHT and TANGIBLE ASSETS come into this with winning form, it might be FLYING TEMPO who poses the biggest threat to WALL STREET BOY. The English-bred entire looks very well placed with 56.6kg given he wasn’t far away at Group level at his last start carrying 54kg. Elsewhere on the card, there might be a couple of value picks from the trials with FIST in blinkers/pacifiers for the first time at the races (race 3) and TASHI resuming in the last, both giving glimpses at their respective morning hit-outs.
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Best Bets; (WALL STREET BOY race 5, win), (FIST race 3, value) and (TASHI race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 6 and 10), race 7 (1, 3, 5 and 8), race 8 (1, 3 and 8), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 5, 9 and 10).
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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; 4 WAIRAKEI – 10 MACAU ROULETTE – 1 LUCKY STRATEGY – 5 BARGAIN BID
A Class 5 over 1200m on the polytrack starts off the programme. WAIRAKEI has been threatening to win one for a while; he ran on well over 1200m in similar grade last start and on the polytrack, a surface he handles well, with Lisa Allpress up, he should be closing late. MACAU ROULETTE is also a maiden and resuming from a bleeding attack but his two recent trials have been good; he could sprint well fresh for YF Leong – watch for market support. LUCKY STRATEGY is a maiden but is always around the mark and with Noh Senari’s claim, gets his chance to break through. BARGAIN BID won one of these four starts back but has changed stables since to Bruce Marsh from Sam Chua; Corey Brown stays on and he should be handy all the way. SURPASS had the tongue tie last start and put in his best ever performance; with Manoel Nunes to steer he could be one to watch for support. In what is a very open race, the last-start winner FOUNTAIN – who drops in weight – and SUPER CAPTAIN – who could lead – are also worthy of thought.
1 LUCKY STRATEGY *** Still a maiden but with the claim may find Class 5 easier. Should be handy all the way. 7.00
2 OCEAN STORY ** Blinkers to winkers. Improvement noted in recent trial; is a half brother to top NZ mare DASHING DONNA and may be ready to show up – watch for support. 14
3 SUPER CAPTAIN ** Never in contention last outing. Won Class 5 over 1100m at previous run and only other win was 1200m on poly. Goes best when ridden forward. 14
4 WAIRAKEI *** Has been threatening to win for a while and went close last outing on turf over 1200m. Has won on poly over 1200m and should be in the finish again. 4.50
5 BARGAIN BID *** Won similar affair four starts back and has since changed stables. Nicely drawn with top rider and should be thereabouts again. 6.00
6 SIMPANG ** Still a maiden after 12 starts. Two best runs have been on poly over 1000m and 1100m and appreciates Class 5. 25
7 CLARITY * Nice alley but form poor. Recent trial fair but only win was on turf. 20
8 SURPASS *** Tongue tie helped last time when resuming and recorded only placing of career to date in weak Class 5. With Nunes up could show further improvement. 6.00
9 FOUNTAIN *** Drops 2.5kg for winning a similar affair last outing, Not the most reliable but must be a chance again. 6.00
10 MACAU ROULETTE *** Resuming after a bleeding attack. Maiden who has been trialing well and could sprint well fresh. Watch for support. 6.00
11 POWERPAC ** Blinkers on. Gets back and is usually running on late without threatening. Only win was at 1000m. 25
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Race 2
Selections; 3 NINETYSIX CHAMP – 7 MISTER CANDY – 4 RISE ‘N’ SHINE – 9 BB SAKURA
A Restricted Maiden over 1200m on turf with a few interesting newcomers engaged as well as several resuming. NINETYSIX CHAMP put in a nice debut over 1100m on the poly, he should have benefited from that and Dan Beasley should give him a prefect ride from the good alley. The fact he was supported on debut is a good sign and his trainer, HW Tan, is in fine form as well. MISTER CANDY is resuming, he had been racing well before pulling up lame at his only polytrack start; his most recent trial was good and he should race well fresh. RISE ‘N’ SHINE had several trials in New Zealand and has had a couple in Singapore. By Zabeel out of top race-mare Kay’s Awake, he should be well-prepared for his race debut. BB SAKURA is a Japanese-bred by Jungle Pocket, he may want longer and Takaoka runners usually need some time but his trials have been promising and a market watch is advised. HATHAWAY showed speed but weakened on debut, he is resuming and with Corey Brown up, could race well fresh. NOVEMBER STAR is on the quick back-up after putting in his best effort to date last outing.
1 WALTZ ** Ran 4th three starts back in similar affair. Placed once in six starts. Will race mid-field and battle away. 16
2 YUGIOH * Distanced at all five outings. 33
3 NINETYSIX CHAMP *** Was handy all the way at poly debut over 1100m with support. Nicely drawn and with Beasley to ride should be on the speed all the way. 3.00
4 RISE ‘N’ SHINE *** By Zabeel out of top race-mare Kay’s Awake. Had several trials in New Zealand and has had a couple in Singapore. Gets Nunes and should be well-prepared for his race debut. 4.00
5 HATHAWAY ** Pacifiers on. Resuming. Showed speed before weakening at only start when she did get some support. Improves. 12
6 MY SWALLOW * Gets top South Australian apprentice and champion rider of 2014 Jamie Kah. Will need to improve on what he did on debut. 25
7 MISTER CANDY *** Winkers on. Showed promise before pulling up lame at only poly start before let up. Trialed well recently and should race well fresh. 3.00
8 NOVEMBER STAR * On quick back-up after best effort in three starts last outing. Well beaten on that occasion but could be further improved. 16
9 BB SAKURA ** By Jungle Pocket. Very nice type having first star. Trials nicely but may want longer. Watch for support. 10
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Race 3
Selections; 4 WONDERFUL PRINCE – 1 FIST – 8 OASIS SPUR – 7 BINGO
A very weak KSD over 1100m on the polytrack where most of the runners are questionable in terms of distance, surface, grade and/or fitness – not forgetting reliability. WONDERFUL PRINCE is a maiden making his Singapore debut and his only two starts were reasonable efforts on the Geelong Synthetic. He trialed nicely on Tuesday and with Manoel Nunes taking the mount and given he has struck a very average race, a market watch is in order. FIST finds himself dropping in grade; his only win was over 1300m in a weak NZ Maiden, this may be more suitable and with Alan Munro to steer with head-gear added (good trial with blinkers noted), he may improve on what he has shown to date. OASIS SPUR has speed, he has been caught off the track at his past couple of runs with the saddle slipping; from the nice draw 1100m is optimal and he should be near the lead for a long way. GOOD SCORE is another speedy fellow who just fell in last outing; this is harder but he should give a sight from the ace and with P.Dellorto’s claim. The likely speed could suit the enigmatic BINGO; he has been running reasonably in stronger class races and he should be able to make his presence felt late. CHEETAH KING’s best form is on turf over longer but he does have a turn of foot and could surprise late.
1 FIST *** Blinker pacifiers on and trailed well with headgear. Down in grade and should improve in this company with Alan Munro on top. 7.00
2 CHEETAH KING ** Has been freshened since last outing. Best form is on turf over longer but suited this Grade and normally runs on late. 12
3 JOHN OF ARCH * Veteran resuming. Wants longer than this. 33
4 WONDERFUL PRINCE *** Maiden making Singapore debut. Only two starts were reasonable efforts on the Geelong Synthetic. Trials nicely and gets Nunes – watch market. 3.00
5 BIDABULL * Maiden resuming after a long time out of action. Watch for any support but prefer to see. 33
6 GOOD SCORE ** Has plenty of speed but can tire late. Got home last start and well drawn again. Should give a sight. 5.50
7 BINGO *** Enigmatic performer who will appreciate a fast tempo and can run on powerfully late. Will find this easier than recent Class 4 efforts. 6.00
8 OASIS SPUR *** Has speed and excuses last two runs when saddle slipped. 1100m suits and from the good alley should be on the speed all the way. 3.50
9 BAY OF ISLAND * Pacifiers on. Better over longer but this is a weak race and could be running on late. 33
10 GOLDEN ALONG * Done nothing in six starts. 200
11 PISTOL DAWN * Yet to fire a shot. 200
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Race 4
Selections; 1 NINTH AVENUE – 4 NORTH STAR – 6 FOREIGN EXCHANGE – 2 PICTURE
Another very weak Class 5 over 1800m on the polytrack where CONQUEST will set the tempo and the rest will attempt to run him down. Most of these are just battlers, though the 8YO NINTH AVENUE does know how to win having achieved the feat nine times – the most recent being at his last start over this distance in this Class. FOREIGN EXCHANGE has only won once and that was at 1400m but two starts back over this trip he ran NINTH AVENUE to 1.5 lengths and meets him 6.5kg better – with Reuven up, he gets his chance. NORTH STAR broke through at his 17th attempt last outing, he is up 4.5kg but is a very dour sort who keeps whacking away. Amongst the others PICTURE, KTRONIC and GIVE ME STRENGTH are one-pacers who will just keep plugging away.
1 NINTH AVENUE *** 8YO who knows how to win. Up 3kg on win in similar race at last outing. Should be running on late. 4.00
2 PICTURE ** One pacer who battles way and should be thereabouts again. 7.00
3 GIVE ME STRENGTH ** One-pacer who will enjoy being back on the poly with gate one a bonus. Will plug away. 10
4 NORTH STAR *** Broke through last start over this trip. Up 4.5kg but is dour type and will keeping plodding away. 4.00
5 GRAVLAX * Has been a maiden for a long time but often thereabouts. Will battle away late. 16
6 FOREIGN EXCHANGE *** Only win was at 1400m but meets NINTH AVENUE 6.5kg better for 1.5 length defeat over 1800m two starts back. Gets his chance to break through. 3.00
7 KTRONIC ** Has not won beyond 1700m but battles away and is regularly placed. 12
8 CONQUEST * Will probably lead but generally gets run down. 20
9 WEIGHT IN GOLD * Has not won for a long time and unlikely in this. 33
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Race 5
Selections; 5 WALL STREET BOY – 6 FLYING TEMPO – 4 FUJIN BRIGHT – 3 LORD BROMPTON
A very interesting KSC over 2000m with Hideyuki Takaoka and Cliff Brown having five of the seven runners including the up-and-coming middle distance horses FUJIN BRIGHT and WALL STREET BOY respectively. FLYING TEMPO will probably set the pace and hopefully a reasonable tempo will be assured. WALL STREET BOY has looked a horse of quality at his last two outings demonstrating a good turn of foot; with John Powell on top again he should be hard to hold out. LORD BROMPTON has been running in tougher races and ran 2nd at Group 3 level two starts back – he could easily figure in the finish and provide a Cliff Brown quinella. Of the Takaoka trio, FUJIN BRIGHT is a more dour type, he has won three on end and whilst this is harder he will run the 2000m right out. FLYING TEMPO also ran at Group 3 level at his last outing, he has a win over 2200m on his CV and they will leave him alone in front at their peril. TANGIBLE ASSETS is a useful stayer and of the other two runners, CANNON HILL is resuming and will enjoy being back on turf, ILUMINADO is untried at the trip and whilst he has won twice on turf is better on the poly.
1 CANNON HILL * Resuming after a couple of ordinary efforts but will enjoy being back on turf. 20
2 ILUMINADO * Blinkers off. Untried at the distance and whilst he has won twice on turf is better on the polytrack. 20
3 LORD BROMPTON ** Ran on for 2nd in Group 3 over this trip two starts back. Will be right in the finish although plenty of weight to carry. 3.00
4 FUJIN BRIGHT ** Working his way though the Classes and is going for four on end. This is much harder but is trained by a master of stayers. 3.40
5 WALL STREET BOY *** Has spanked them at his last two starts and looks a quality middle-distance horse in the making. Up in grade but hard to beat again. 2.80
6 FLYING TEMPO ** Not that far away at his last outing, has won over 2000m and could be hard to run down if left alone in front. 6.00
7 TANGIBLE ASSETS * Solid win in Class 4 last outing but will find this tougher. 20
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Race 6
Selections; 2 XIN TREASURE – 6 SUPER JETSET – 1 BENJI’S RULE – 7 HIS MY IDOL
Nothing jumps off the page but four or five horses are in the type of form that have them winning a race like this. XIN TREASURE is one such horse and with regular hoop, claimer Tengku Rehaizat, on-board from gate 8, he goes close. Back on the Poly over 1100m also looks in his favour. Top hoop, Manoel Nunes, rides the versatile SUPER JETSET and given the grey 6YO had excuses last start, he is well worth a look and certainly figures heavily throughout this sprint. You have to throw in the two last start winners in BENJI’S RULE and HIS MY IDOL with both horses obviously in-form and looking to have found a winnable race. BENJI’S RULE has the 3kg claimer in S Noh and that could be a factor although he has drawn wide. STAR RAINBOW the closer and it will pay to go wide in exotics.
1 BENJI’S RULE *** Won on the turf last start but previous Poly form good enough to follow with 3kg claim. 5.00
2 XIN TREASURE *** In-form and happy to think he he goes close back on the Poly. 4.00
3 BLACK RAIN ** Resuming with blinkers after a good run of form and could work into this late. 20
4 KISS ME ** Appreciates first-up run and should show improvement in what is a suitable race. 20
5 TOMORROWS DREAMS ** Battled on OK last start and could place at value. 33
6 SUPER JETSET *** Excuses last start and previous form has him right in this mix. 4.50
7 HIS MY IDOL *** Coming off a good Class 5 win and pay to follow while in form. 4.50
8 MAMMA BALLENA * Maiden resuming and while she did look due, she might need longer. 20
9 BOLSHOI RULER * Battles away but might find a few of these too slick. 33
10 STAR RAINBOW *** Backed-up maiden win with two good efforts and will work into this late. 8.00
11 VISIONARY ** Competitive but might need easier to win. 20
12 LEGACY * Needs longer. 100
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Race 7
Selections; 1 GOLD RUTILE – 5 EMPEROR’S BANQUET – 3 TOM – 8 SUPER JUNIOR
Hideyuki Takaoka looks to found another top-liner in the consistent Japanese-bred mare, GOLD RUTILE. The 6YO has won three from twelve since arriving from Japan and the fact she has placed another eight times has her the each-way punters pal. But she is better than that and given she drops from a Benchmark 97 to a KSC, she can add to the winning tally. She has 58.5kg to carry but good enough to win. It is a good field though and EMPEROR’S BANQUET is in very good form. The form Aussie galloper has won three from six and the drop back to 1400m looks a smart move in this company. Regular stable hoop, Barend Vorster, rides and he certainly looks a very promising type with better races on his agenda. You could make a case for plenty of others – a horse like OM at odds could be tempting on the day – but two quality horses horses resuming in TOM and SUPER JUNIOR appeal and could win.
1 GOLD RUTILE *** Has plenty of weight but in terrific form and hard to beat dropping to this company. 2.50
2 THE RUDE WARRIOR ** In-form and will be competitive late but this is as short as he wants it. 20
3 TOM *** Resuming after solid run in Group company and just goes too well this trip not to be a show. 6.00
4 IRISH COFFEE ** Backing up after showing little last Sunday but last win was this trip. 33
5 EMPEROR’S BANQUET *** In super form and one of the main hopes. 4.00
6 FULL TOSS ** Very much appreciates first-up run and could surprise at odds. 20
7 AROWANA DOT COM * Impossible on form but recent trial suggests improvement likely. 50
8 SUPER JUNIOR *** Resuming and goes better than most so have to consider with 3kg claim. 8.00
9 GOLD RUN ** Won very well in easier company and worth a look although up against some smart ones here. 12
10 IKING ** Won when blinkers added last start but another who faces a big jump in Class. 20
11 OM ** Better than what he showed last start and appreciates senior hoop. 20
12 WHITE COFFEE * Competitive on a good day but prefer in something easier. 50
13 BENJI’S EMPIRE * Tongue-tie on and cheeky run expected although should be found out late. 100
14 SUPERMART * Eligible for easier company than this. 200
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Race 8
Selections; 1 GYPSY MAGIC – 8 GOOD DAY – 3 GYPSY STAR – 9 DIAMOND ON THE BAY
To say this field lacks depth would be some what of an understatement, especially given a horse who has one placing to his name from 18 career starts and a rating of 25 – DIAMOND ON THE BAY – sneaks into top four calculations. But the 5YO can’t possibly win, his effort in better company last start was noted and he can improve back in a race like this. As it stands though, only three horses – GYPSY MAGIC, GYPSY STAR and GOOD DAY – can win on current form. Of the trio, GYPSY MAGIC was backed last start and went close to leading-all-the-way from a wide gate so no excuses in this field after drawing gate one. GOOD DAY is first-up after a change of stables and given he is usually in with a shout in races like this, he must be considered with Manoel Nunes on-board. GYPSY STAR confirmed the adage that a change is as good as a holiday by winning for his new trainer at his last start but while he can definitely win this, he should improve over longer.
1 GYPSY MAGIC *** Supported and went close last start and hard to beat from gate one. 2.00
2 GIVE WAY * Struggling for a while now. 100
3 GYPSY STAR *** Won at first start at long odds for new trainer and while better again over longer, will be motoring late. 12
4 KING CROSS ** Long-time maiden status a concern but work late last start has him under notice. 20
5 GOLDEN ROSEWOOD ** Thereabouts last couple and certainly in the mix. 6.00
6 SAMURAI KID ** Obviously a tough horse to follow on form but can win on a good day. 8.00
7 DIAMONDDASH * Yet to place in some 15 career starts but not disgraced first-up so look for any support. 20
8 GOOD DAY *** Resuming for new trainer and while a long time between wins, a big first-up run is expected. 6.00
9 DIAMOND ON THE BAY ** Form reads badly but last start OK and drops back to suitable company. Keep safe. 20
10 VANQUISH ** Thereabouts on a good day and can include in exotics. 12
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Race 9
Selections; 2 GATO NEGRO – 3 BOGART – 10 TASHI – 1 IMPEL
A race for the youngsters with three 3YO’s right in this market. There was plenty to like about GATO NEGRO’s last start dead-heat with STRUBELI and he looks extremely wellplaced with a 3kg claim to go on with the job here. He only carried 51.5kg at the Graduation conditions but with the claim he is only 2kg up and from gate 4, young Willy Tan should try to make every post a winner. BOGART looks the main danger. The Michael Freedmantrained 3YO had a successful first campaign netting two wins and four places from just seven starts and a nice recent trial suggests he can continue his good run here fresh. TASHI had a short juvenile campaign but given he won on debut and has changed stables during a spell, he is worth a look. He too has trailed like a horse that enjoyed the break and he should be value. Plenty of other hopes including IMPEL at his Singapore debut. The Gonski 4YO has trailed very well suggesting he is ready to fire first-up with blinkers and the market might be a very good guide. Throw in WHAT’S DAT and KAISER BRIGHT into the winning mix and keep ZAC VELOCITY safe in the skinny end of exotics for value.
1 IMPEL *** Former Kiwi who has trialed like he is ready to win at his Singapore debut. 4.00
2 GATO NEGRO *** Dead-heated with STRUBELI last start in Graduation company and well in this with 3kg claim. 4.00
3 BOGART *** Resuming with nice trial under his belt after what was a good first campaign. Can win. 3.00
4 CALIFORNIAN GIRL * Resuming and while speedy, might be found out late. 50
5 WHAT’S DAT *** In-form and while never having won on the turf, he will be in the mix late. 8.00
6 PINT SIZED PRINCE ** Mostly seen on the Poly of late but debut win was on this surface and have to respect winning form. 12
7 PATERSON ROAD * Former Kiwi making Singapore debut and while trials OK, the market is best guide. 50
8 DO ME A FAVOUR * Resuming and prefer to watch. 50
9 KAISER BRIGHT *** Just battled late when heavily supported similar affair last start but worth another look from the ace. 8.00
10 TASHI *** Resuming for new trainer and trails like the break has done him good so worth a look at odds. 20
11 ZAC VELOCITY ** Appreciates being back on the turf and might be a light-weight hope at odds. 50
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