Lively Dragon (John Powell, No 7) holds Ninetysix Champ (Danny Beasley) off to make a winning debut. (Photo Singapore Turf Club)
With three Group races scheduled for Sunday, it’s safe to say that Friday nights racing at Kranji is more of an entree than a main course. But punters with an appetite should find more than enough to fill their pockets if some promising horses continue on their merry way and some well placed horses win in what look to be very suitable races. LIVELY DRAGON ticks both those boxes after finding himself in Kranji Stakes D company (race 7) after a hard fought but nice enough win on debut. Given he did a few things wrong on that day – including dislodging the rider on the way to the gate – his effort to hold off NINETYSIX CHAMP (who won handsomely next start) was good enough to think he is up to this class of race. Add blinkers with John Powell staying on-board and he must go mighty close to back-toback wins to start his career. On the other hand, STORMY ALONG is a twelve start maiden suggesting it would be hard to make him a horse to follow, let alone a good thing in race 6 on the card. But the maiden sprint looks suitable and no reason to think he takes both good race form – albeit without a win – and good recent trial form to think he can salute with head-gear removed. There is some value about on the nine race card as well with ILUMINADO looking a strong each-way hope in race 8 in what is a suitable grade with a senior hoop engaged.
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Best Bets; (STORMY ALONG race 6, win), (TOMORROWS DREAMS race 4, each-way) and (ILUMINADO race 8, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1), race 7 (2, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9), race 8 (1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 9), race 9 (1, 3 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 GOLD LINE – 6 CELESTIAL STAR – 11 SOARING WIN – 5 SUPER SIX
A very ordinary Maiden over 1200m opens the all polytrack programme. GOLD LINE has been placed at eight of 10 starts but is unable to break through. He trialed well recently, the claim for Tengku Rehaizat helps and he gets his chance in this average field. The blinkers go on CELESTIAL STAR who showed massive improvement in a weak Class 5 last start and with Manoel Nunes staying on could go on with it. Sam Chua’s SOARING WIN has been knocking on the door, he is coming back from placing over 1700m but ran a close-up 4th at his previous start over this trip; he should get a good run from the inside alley and could be value. The stablemate, SUPER SIX, has had plenty of chances but is rarely distanced, his best runs have been when ridden forward and he should get that from the nice gate. Nothing else rates a mention.
1 GOLD LINE *** Placed at eight of 10 starts but unable to break through. Trialed recently, claim helps and will race handy all the way. 2.80
2 ARROWHEAD ** Only battled in KSD last outing. Has speed but has been fading over 1000m and may be tested from wide barrier. 8.00
3 NICE HAT TRICK * Pulled up when not striding last start and needs to improve. 50
4 SALUTE * Tongue tie on and gets senior rider but unsighted at all 10 starts. 50
5 SUPER SIX *** Having fourth start since changing stables. Has had plenty of chances and rarely distanced. Best runs have been when ridden forward and should get that from nice gate. 5.50
6 CELESTIAL STAR *** Blinkers on. Showed massive improvement in a weak Class 5 last start and with Nunes staying on could go on with it. 5.50
7 PEREGRINE FALCON ** Dropping back from a mile and KSD. Has some speed but prefer when the blinkers go back on. 16
8 MORRIS ** 21 starts without a win but can show up from time to time. 16
9 OUR RIVER DANCER * Has been disappointing. Battles away but lacks a turn of foot. 20
10 STARSTRUCK ** Placed twice at this trip on the poly. Fair effort in Class 5 two starts back and could show up. 16
11 SOARING WIN *** Coming back from placing over 1700m. Ran close-up 4th at previous start over this trip. Should get a good run from inside alley. 6.50
12 NATURAL AHEAD * Resuming. Tongue tie and pacifiers off, blinkers on. Will need more than gear changes to improve. 50
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Race 2
Selections; 1 HOLDING FAST – 3 FANTASTIC NEWS – 8 CONSTANCE’S SPIRIT – 7 LUCIUS VORENUS
An Initiation over 1200m fraught with danger with many first starters and a number resuming. Of the newcomers HOLDING FAST is an interesting runner. Trained by Stephen Gray he was placed at six from 11 starts on the all-weather tracks the UK at distances up to a mile; his trial form and the engagement of Corey Brown suggests a good Singapore debut. Of those we have seen, FANTASTIC NEWS is resuming after a bleeding attack and has had several trials and was also placed at all three starts prior behind good ones RITE OF SPRING, SAVODAN and RUSTY BROWN; he has speed and is another to watch for support. CONSTANCE’S SPIRIT is also resuming and has trialed quietly recently. He showed plenty at his first preparation but suffered from heat stress – watch for support. Of the rest, LUCIUS VORENUS is a nicely bred horse by Encosta da Lago out of the Group 3 winner Musidora; trained by Pat Shaw he is well drawn and has shown enough at the trials to warrant watching. Another debutant, BRAD, won a trial in slow time and with Manoel Nunes up for the powerful Laurie Laxon stable could be supported.
1 HOLDING FAST *** Placed six from 11 on the all-weather in UK up to a mile. Trialing well. Watch for support. 3.00
2 DAZZLE * Tongue tie on. Resuming. Has had several trials but needs to improve on first preparation. Watch market. 25
3 FANTASTIC NEWS *** Resuming and has had several trials. Was placed at all three starts before bleeding attack. Watch for support. 3.60
4 BENGLIAM * Blinkers on. Resuming. Did not do anything at first preparation but watch for support. 33
5 ACE RICH * Has had six unplaced starts. Battles away. 33
6 BRAD ** By Sir Percy. Won trial in slow time. Watch for support. 8.00
7 LUCIUS VORENUS *** Nicely bred horse by Encosta da Lago out of Group 3 winner Musidora. Well drawn and has shown enough at trials to warrant watching. 5.00
8 CONSTANCE’S SPIRIT *** Resuming. Showed plenty at first preparation but suffered from heat stress. Watch for support. 4.50
9 HERE COME BUDDY * Shown nothing to date. 50
10 SHOW CLASS * Yet to live up to his name. 50
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Race 3
Selections; 1 DOUBLE STAR – 2 SOUTHERN BOSS – 5 SHIPPING FORECAST – 6 FAITHFULLY
A BM67 for the speedsters over 1000m where the top three chances look better than the rest. DOUBLE STAR was not far away last start, he drops in grade and gets a 4kg claim for Kif Toh. The 5YO gelding has won twice at 1000m and will be hard to hold out. SOUTHERN BOSS has been placed at past four outings and his last win was in this grade and distance; well drawn he gets a claim and will be on the speed all the way. SHIPPING FORECAST has plenty of speed; with Manoel Nunes up he can cross, lead and give plenty of cheek. Of the others, FAITHFULLY is in form but this is tougher and a pair of former top 2YOs – RISING EMPIRE and KAISER – go around. Both have slipped in the ratings, had changes of stable and neither have won for a long time but it would be nice to see them go well.
1 DOUBLE STAR *** Not far away last start. Drops in grade and gets a 4kg claim. Will be hard to hold out. 3.00
2 SOUTHERN BOSS *** Placed at past four outings. Well drawn, gets a claim and will be in the speed all the way. 3.30
3 KAISER * Former top 2YO who just battled when resuming for new stable. Dropping in the ratings but has not won for 2 years. 20
4 RISING EMPIRE ** Another top 2YO who has returned from an unsuccessful sojourn in Malaysia. Having fifth start for Desmond Koh and has not won for 18 months but smart when right. 14
5 SHIPPING FORECAST *** Has plenty of speed. Can cross, lead and give plenty of cheek. 3.50
6 FAITHFULLY ** Ran on but never really threatened in Class 4 last start. Will do the same again. 9.00
7 IMACRUISER ** Honest and will be closing but may find these a bit too nippy. 14
8 SOMBRANI * Distanced at all three Singapore starts. Hawkesbury and Muswellbrook winner who needs to improve. 33
9 MAGIC OCEAN * Goes well at this trip but wants a weaker grade. 25
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Race 4
Selections; 5 TOMORROWS DREAMS – 2 NINETYSIX CHAMP – 3 JET MAN – 1 MACHFIVE
A KSD over 1100m where are most of the runners are inconsistent types. TOMORROWS DREAM is an interesting runner. He was backed and given no chance last start and got home well enough to think he can win a race like this. But NINETYSIX CHAMP finally broke through at his last start after a string of minor placings, with Danny Beasley staying on he should be on the speed and race well again. JET MAN is more reliable than most, he has fought well in Class 4 and KSDs for Manoel Nunes at his past three outings. Sam Chua has elected to go for a claimer Troy See but with 55kg in this Grade, he should race well. MACH FIVE is getting down in the ratings and is suited in this; he raced wide and fought on in higher grade last outing when resuming, despite the awkward draw he should make a bid. NOT SIMPLE’s last two efforts have been poor but prior to that he was racing well and may appreciate Manoel Nunes; he should get a gun run and finish off strongly. BLACK FURY got home at cricket score odds in maiden company last start; from the ace he could give a big sight again. SUGAR MAN trialed well recently and might be value.
1 MACHFIVE *** Getting down in the ratings and suited in this. Raced wide and fought on in higher grade last outing when resuming. Should make a bid. 4.50
2 NINETYSIX CHAMP *** Finally broke through at last start after a string of minor placings. Should race well again. 4.00
3 JET MAN *** Has fought well in Class 4 and KSDs for Manoel Nunes at his past three outings, gets a claim for Troy See and should race well despite wide alley. 5.00
4 BLACK FURY ** Got home at cricket score odds in maiden company last start. Well drawn and could give a big sight again. 10
5 TOMORROWS DREAMS *** Blinkers to winkers. Ran well considering torrid run last start with support and pay to give another chance. 12
6 RORY ** Racing in good form. This field is stronger but should be near the lead for a long way. 12
7 SUGAR MAN ** Last run OK and recent trial good. Keep safe. 20
8 BINGO * Lame last start but form poor and impossible to predict. Last win was at this trip and has won in higher grade than this. Could shock. 25
9 NOT SIMPLE *** Last two efforts poor but prior to that was racing well and may appreciate Manoel Nunes. Should get a gun run. 5.00
10 JUSEAGLEYE * Maiden. Well back when resuming and others look better. 50
11 INVINCIBLE DRAGON * Resuming. Maiden whose only placings are on turf. 50
12 VISIONARY * Ran 4th in similar Grade 3 starts back but more comfortable in Class 5. 33
13 URBAN LEGEND * Coming back in distance. Won weak Class 5 over 1200m two starts back but tested here. 33
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Race 5
Selections; 2 SEASONS WONDER – 4 FOREIGN EXCHANGE – 7 ROMA – 5 BIG HARVEST
A Class 5 for the usual suspects over 1900m. SEASON’S WONDER has battled away at a mile at his last two starts and was placed over 1900m at his last attempt; he is relatively well weighted and should race kindly for Shafiq. FOREIGN EXCHANGE swaps the visor for blinkers and gets Corey Brown instead of Rueven; he struggled last start but his previous efforts were good including a win over 1800m four starts back, he should be running on late. ROMA is a long term maiden mare who has been close up at her past four starts up to 1700m; with Alan Munro on top she should be near the lead all the way. BIG HARVEST is up 3kg on a solid staying win over 1800m last start, he is one paced but the distance is no problem. SING A SONG is a dour maiden who will appreciate the claim for Kif Toh, he will go forward and could be hard to run down. Amongst the rest ROCKY GARDEN, PICTURE and EXCUSEZ MOI are possibilities in a race that anything could win.
1 ROCKY GARDEN ** Put in a shocker last start but won one of these four starts back. Always a possibility. 14
2 SEASONS WONDER *** Battled away over a mile at last two starts and was placed at last outing at 1900m. Meets ROCKY GARDEN 6.5kg better for 4.8 length loss. 4.50
3 BAT KING * Six start maiden yet to be sighted. 33
4 FOREIGN EXCHANGE *** Visor to blinkers. Only battled last start but previous efforts were good including win over 1800m four starts back. Senior rider may help. 5.00
5 BIG HARVEST *** Up 3kg on solid staying win over 1800m last start. One paced but distance no object. 5.00
6 PICTURE *** Pacifiers to blinkers. Usually on the speed and battles away. Won trial recently and only win was at this journey. 14
7 ROMA *** Long term maiden who has been close up at past four starts up to 1700m. Should be near the lead all the way. 6.00
8 EXCUSEZ MOI *** Blinkers off. One-pacer who was not far away last start. Will appreciate a solid speed. 14
9 SING A SONG *** Dour maiden who will appreciate the claim, go forward and could be hard to run down. 6.50
10 SACRED GENERAL * 22 start maiden who battled into third over 1800m two starts back. Could show up. 25
11 CHENGDU WARRIOR ** Gets a mile back in his races and will pass tired ones late. 33
12 CONQUEST * Generally leads but has been fading of late. 25
13 KTRONIC ** Battles away and usually a chance in these. 16
14 CLASSIC THUNDER *** 29 start maiden who just missed at 1900m last start. Chance if he gets a run. 14
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Race 6
Selections; 1 STORMY ALONG – 3 LUCKY LION – 5 MYSTICAL DIAMOND – 11 CHINESE TYCOON
While it’s tough to be confident in a Maiden, STORMY ALONG looks very well prepared to win this. Apart form good form from the race track, a solid recent trial with headgear removed suggests he is ready to win. He was pushed to the wire in that particular trial (17 April) but that might keep his mind on the job at hand and expect a very positive ride from Davey Flores. Who beats him? Two horses that have shown enough previously to test him are LUCKY LION and MYSTICAL DIAMOND – both resuming. Both are usually in the mix with LUCKY LION getting the benefit of a nice gate (3) so Corey Brown should get the gun run. Of the rest, CHINESE CULTURE has put two good runs together so worth a look from the ace with SO FREE NOW, DRAGON WALK and perhaps ACORDO DE PAZ also in the mix.
1 STORMY ALONG *** Foot on the till and recent trials sans head-gear good enough to win this. 3.00
2 DRAGON WALK ** Just battled away last start but previous form has him playing a part somewhere. 6.00
3 LUCKY LION ** Resuming and usually around the mark so has to be respected. 8.00
4 UNIVERSAL STARLITE * Resuming after poor first campaign. No. 50
5 MYSTICAL DIAMOND ** Resuming after a shocker but another who plays a part on best form. 5.50
6 RAPTURE * Struggles as a rule. 33
7 SO FREE NOW ** Last run in KSD company good and pay to follow back in a maiden. 8.00
8 SILVER FLY * No. 50
9 ACORDO DE PAZ ** Excuses last start and worth a look in exotics on best form. 10
10 JEM JET * No. 100
11 CHINESE TYCOON ** Last couple of runs have been good and can include with gate one a bonus. 8.00
12 CHAPTER AND VERSE * Not a mile away last start but easier to ignore. 20
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Race 7
Selections; 2 LIVELY DRAGON – 5 SUPER JETSET – 9 MACAU ROULETTE – 7 SUPER STRIKE
LIVELY DRAGON had a debut that both connections and favourite backers would remember when, after being sent out the near odds-on favourite, he threw jockey John Powell on the way to the gates. After some anxious moments he was passed fit to race and much to the relief of all concerned, just hung on to win. In his favour today is the blinkers go on and he should be more experienced and the fact that the horse he just beat, NINETYSIX CHAMP, bolted in at his next start. Nothing else jumps off the page to beat him although SUPER JETSET will lead and is often hard to run down with SOLID WOOD always a show in this grade and race. Throw in MACAU ROULETTE and AFROJACK who both look to have grown a proverbial leg since breaking their respective maiden status’ with SUPER STRIKE also in good form and a must for exotics.
1 FLY FREELY * Hard to have on two runs this campaign. 50
2 LIVELY DRAGON *** Blinkers on after throwing rider before winning on debut. Big show. 3.00
3 SOLID WOOD *** Not at his best in Class 4 company last start but previous form in this type of race has him in the mix. 6.00
4 MR MANI ** Impossible on race form but recent trial OK so market watch in order with tongue-tie added. 20
5 SUPER JETSET *** Will lead and the one to pass late. 5.00
6 FRANCES ** Form only fair but won maiden this trip so look for better run. 12
7 SUPER STRIKE *** Has been running big races at odds last couple and pay to keep safe. 8.00
8 AFROJACK *** Took a while to break maiden status but back-to-back wins has him under notice. 10
9 MACAU ROULETTE *** Battled away over 1400m last start but pay to respect back over preferred trip and track. 10
10 DYNASTY KNIGHT * Reassess turf and easier company. 50
11 SO PERFECT ** Resuming and goes well enough fresh to include in exotics. 20
12 PLAY ON ** First-up run with blinkers good and pay to follow although might need easier. 20
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Race 8
Selections; 2 ILUMINADO – 5 ONE RAR – 1 FUJIN BRIGHT – 7 SMILESWITHHISEYES
You can look at this race from many angles and unfortunately come up with many different results. From the top, FUJIN BRIGHT looks good enough to get back into the winners circle given he drops back to a suitable grade and while 59.5kg looks an ask, he is up to it. The proverbial blanket goes over ONE RAR, RIEDEL, ENCOSTA DIABLO – they all will go well in what is a suitable race so take your pick. SMILESWITHHISEYES had excuses last start and will get support again to win a race like this so throw him in. Down in the weights, VERGLATICA is in form and just another you have to consider. But with one eye on value, ILUMINADO might upset them all. He gets a senior hoop from a good gate in what is a suitable grade and race. In fact he might get out to juicy each-way odds and that is enough to have him as the best bet in what is a very tough race to find the winner. Good luck.
1 FUJIN BRIGHT *** Did it tough last start in nice company so better suited here although 59.5kg a fair ask. 4.00
2 ILUMINADO *** Looked a good thing beaten two back on this surface and happy to follow. 12
3 MITRE PEAK * Best effort this campaign was two starts back was this trip/class but have to take on trust. 33
4 ENCOSTA DIABLO ** Battled away last start but will appreciate being back on the Poly. 8.00
5 ONE RAR *** Foot on the till and no excuses after drawing the ace. 4.00
6 RIEDEL *** Always in the mix and enjoys the surface. Each-way. 8.00
7 SMILESWITHHISEYES *** Excuses last start as favourite and certainly one to follow in this type of race. 3.50
8 WAR TIME ** Form woeful but suitable trip suggests he can improve. 50
9 VERGLATICA *** In fine form and back onto his winning surface has him under notice as a light-weight hope. 10
10 SAINT VALLEY ** Will work into this late but needs easier to win. 33
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Race 9
Selections; 1 SCRAPPER WELL – 5 TO BE REMEMBERED – 3 SAVAGE STORM – 8 SELECT GATHERING
SCRAPPER WELL had a couple of sighters – one good, one bad – before showing he will go well in Singapore by winning handsomely at his third start at Kranji. I like the fact he was taken on early in that race and more than held his own late to win comfortably. He would need to improve again in this field to win but given a nice run from gate 3, he should get every possible chance. An interesting runner is TO BE REMEMBERED. The two-time winner has looked due and was backed last start so the booking of red-hot 4 claimer, Kif Toh, looks a good one and if the apprentice can get a clear passage late, he will be closing fast. The only other horse that would win without surprising is SAVAGE STORM who is up in grade from KSD company but is gunning for a hat-trick of wins with his latest victory very strong.
1 SCRAPPER WELL *** Super job last start to win after being taken on early and hard to beat on that effort. 4.00
2 SUPER SPUR ** Saddle slipped last two starts which is a concern but some hope regardless. 20
3 SAVAGE STORM *** Back-to-back wins suggests he has found consistency and pay to follow. 5.50
4 FAT BOBO * Didn’t back up surprise win and has to be a risk. 20
5 TO BE REMEMBERED *** Looks due with boom 4kg claimer a winning move. 4.00
6 TOUGH RULER ** Hasn’t shown a lot this campaign but some hope on best form. 12
7 ZAC HEAVEN ** Will most likely lead from the ace but not sure he gets it al his own way early. 8.00
8 SELECT GATHERING ** Last run better than the result and worth though at odds in what should be a suitable race. 20
9 GREEN JACKET ** Back in trip some concern but has form over this distance so don’t dismiss. 8.00
10 THEOLOGY ** Two runs since resuming have been reasonable and will add value to exotics. 33
11 ALAN ** Drawn wide but this is his best trip/surface and another that will be value. 20
12 TROPICAL FOREST * Will add nuisance value early and possibly late if having a good day. 20
13 INDULGE ** Has pace but 1200m could test this company. 20
14 ALL MY WAY ** In the mix at odds if he gets a start. 20
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