Dragon Fury looks the only winner on paper (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
A rare Friday day meeting thanks to the Easter break and as such, a bumper 11 race card is on offer for Singapore punters.
Most the fields have depth as well so there should be plenty of value on offer throughout the day with one exception – race 7 – where DRAGON FURY looks the only winner on paper. Yes, that can be dangerous as the 4YO will start at very short odds, however, the race does look his to lose after two very narrow defeats in better company than this.
Those that don’t want to take the likely odds-on price that will be on offer for DRAGON FURY may want to have a look at the previous race and the veteran DAAD’S THE WAY. The 10YO finds himself back on the Poly in Class 5 and given his career record on this surface (this will be start 113 with nine of his 10 wins on the Poly), he could easily win and should be value given his veteran status.
As mentioned there should be value in most other races given the depth of the fields and it will pay to keep an eye on gear changes or some handy apprentice claims including R Hasri who gets 4kg off the back of CASING ROYAL in race 10 which very well could be a winning move by connections.
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Friday 25 March
Best Bets: (DRAGON FURY race 7, win), (CASING ROYAL race 10, each-way) and (DAAD’S THE WAY race 6, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6), race 9 (2, 5, 7, 8 and 10), race 10 (1, 2 and 6), race 11 (1, 2 and 7).
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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 5
Selections; 1 CONFACET – 6 DR OCTOPUS – 2 EXCITING PROSPECT – 7 DRAGON KING
A few maidens in this Class 5 field so obviously while it’s hard to be confident, CONFACET can break his duck. The 4YO made a complete mess of the start – not all his own fault – at his most recent outing and his effort to the wire to place suggests he is hard to beat in this with luck from the wide gate. CONFEIGN is another maiden who looks due and should appreciate being back on the Poly although he too has a wide gate to overcome. Of the rest, DR OCTOPUS is extremely frustrating to follow but must win a race like this sooner than later while EXCITING PROSPECT looks out of form but the drop to his winning grade with blinkers back on has him under notice. Keep DRAGON KING safe with a market watch on the rest.
1 CONFACET *** Blew the start and his chances last time out and hard to beat if luck in running. 3.00
2 EXCITING PROSPECT *** Form better than it reads and comes under notice back in winning grade with blinkers back on. 8.00
3 SATELLITE STAR ** Another who improves in this company with upgrade to blinkers. 33
4 SGFIFTY * No. 100
5 CONFEIGN ** Maiden who will improve back on the Poly in this company. 6.00
6 DR OCTOPUS *** Frustrating horse but is due and has to win again sooner than later. 4.00
7 DRAGON KING *** Returned not striding when supported last start and pay to follow with blinkers back on. 6.00
8 MAJOR GREEN ** Maiden who gets a tongue-tie after two solid runs. Exotics. 20
9 PUBLIC GUARDIAN * OK effort two starts back but easier to ignore as a rule. 50
10 DAWN OF THE WORLD * No. 100
11 CASSIS OOLONG ** Will not win out of turn but always some hope in this type of race. 12
12 MATOAKA ** Maiden who showed enough last start to include in exotics. 20
13 SMART INVESTMENT * Needs to show more. 100
14 RIO DE JANEIRO ** Solid without winning and wide gate makes this tough. 12
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Race 6
Selections; 2 DAAD’S THE WAY – 9 ANAK PENANG – 7 FORTUNE SPIRIT – 1 TANGIBLE ASSETS
Maybe we are being a tad romantic but there is no reason not to have DAAD’S THE WAY on top in this Class 5 event over 1700m. Yes, he is having start 113 and his form doesn’t jump off the page, however, the switch to Poly is in his favour and he wins without surprising with blinkers off. The others that could show up in what looks a tricky race include KING SAVINSKY who will be running on late, FORTUNE SPIRIT who will enjoy getting back on the Poly, ANAK PENANG who went very close last start and pulled up lame, last start winner RON with TANGIBLE ASSETS the Class dropper who improves length on recent poor form.
1 TANGIBLE ASSETS *** Nothing last start but significant drop in Class and should run a bold race from the ace. 5.00
2 DAAD’S THE WAY *** Veteran who has to be respected on the Poly in this company with blinkers off. 8.50
3 FOREST KING * Form reads badly but could improve this trip and company with blinkers off. 33
4 KING SAVINSKY *** Blinkers/pacifiers off. Wide gate is a concern but will win sooner than later. 6.00
5 MANHATTAN DREAM * Could improve over this trip with blinkers off but like to see some support. 20
6 SCENE OF THE CRIME * Slightly improved effort last start but still like to see more. 33
7 FORTUNE SPIRIT *** In form and only win was on the Poly so looks a big show. 4.00
8 READY FORTUNE ** Battled on well last start and should work into this late. 12
9 ANAK PENANG *** Pulled up lame last start when just missing over the mile and goes close here with tongue-tie added. 6.00
10 RON *** Should go forward from the wide gate and have to respect while in winning form. 8.00
11 DASHING JACK ** The odd good run and can include in exotics for value. 20
12 INFERMO * Pulled up lame last start and tested this trip so take on trust. 33
13 PRINCETON ** Long-term maiden who can show up in exotics. 33
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Race 7
Selections; 3 DRAGON FURY – 6 KNIGHT WAGER – 1 GOODMAN – 5 TWICKENHAM
An odd race given DRAGON FURY looks an absolute “monty” on paper but take him out and it is a raffle. But as it stands the 4YO has won four times over this trip – including once at Group level – and his recent close-up finishes has him in better form in better races than anything else in this race. So he starts super short – possibly $1.60 or even less – and it does look a case of odds-on watch on for punters. So who runs second? The blanket goes over the rest of the field but KNIGHT WAGER and TWICKENHAM resuming could throw a surprise (thus the look on!) and GOODMAN certainly appreciates the company with a 4kg claim a smart move by Laurie Laxon. But DRAGUN FURY the only one to be on to win.
1 GOODMAN ** Been thereabouts of late and 4kg claim in this company has him in the mix. 12
2 SUPERNOVA ** Resuming after long spell and should be competitive. 33
3 DRAGON FURY *** In very good form and looks extremely hard to beat in this field. 1.60
4 SEBROSE ** Freshened after New Year Cup and worth thought in exotics with headgear off and tongue-tie on. 20
5 TWICKENHAM ** Resuming after Gold Cup campaign and recent trial suggests he will go well first up. 8.00
6 KNIGHT WAGER ** Very progressive type resuming and will be doing best late. 5.00
7 ROOM FOR EXCUSE ** Very honest and always worth an each-way look at odds. 12
8 GOBI RANGER ** Form better than it reads and will add plenty of value to exotics. 20
9 GOLDEN CURL * Always competitive but might need easier company than this. 20
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Race 8
Selections; 1 STREET TAIPAN – 6 DRAGON STEED – 3 WARSHIP – 2 PANACHE
With six of these maidens coming off last start placings it really does look a tough race to find the winner. WARSHIP probably starts favourite – he was last start – and while he wins without surprising, a few punters may be gun-shy as he really should have won one by now. So why not STREET TAIPAN who almost won at his Singapore debut at very long odds? While we won’t get much over 3-1 in this, he can win with Munro from gate 3 a good combination. The other horses coming off good runs that have to be considered include PANACHE, DRAGON STEED, MARGAUX and DOUBLE JEOPARDY while SILVER TYCOON and ASTRO CANDY are also both in the mix on solid recent form.
1 STREET TAIPAN *** Singapore debut a beauty at long odds and has to a big show in this. 4.00
2 PANACHE *** Can lead them up and will look the winner at some stage. 6.00
3 WARSHIP *** Looks a matter of time before he knocks in a win but has been costly for supporters. 4.00
4 SILVER TYCOON *** Headgear off, tongue-tie on as he tries to turn good form into a win. 8.00
5 ASTROCANDY *** Improving with each run and should be thereabouts in this field. 20
6 DRAGON STEED *** Improved lengths when blinkers went on last start and pay to follow. 8.00
7 MARGAUX ** Ran on well to place last start and versatile enough to make use of better gate here. 12
8 RAINBOW FISH ** Nothing last start but previous two runs were OK. 20
9 DOUBLE JEOPARDY ** Long-term maiden who will be running into exotic calculations late. 20
10 MEGABUCKS * No. 100
11 PRESENT ARMS * Gets winkers but hard to have. 200
12 TOOBIGTOFAIL ** Runs the odd good race but can disappoint so tale on trust. 8.00
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Race 9
Selections; 7 LUMINIFF LAD – 5 NOVA WARRIOR – 2 REACH FOR THE SUN – 8 LIM’S SHOWCASE
Not many tougher races on the card and truth be told we had to shuffle the selections around on more than one occasion before settling on the top four picks. And given the opportunity you could change them again before they jump and still not get it right. But as it stands LUMINIFF LAD with three wins from five starts and NOVA WARRIOR with four from ten are both progressive, in spanking form and pick themselves. But away from that pair you can make a case for TERMS OF REFERENCE who has an outstanding Poly record, WHITE HUNTER who could be value after having issues last start over 1400m and REACH FOR THE SUN who is overdue and in super form so another that picks himself. For value keep LIM’S SHOWCASE very safe as he improves with headgear back on the Poly. Good luck!
1 ALPHA CENTAURI * Very much appreciates first-up run and has won this trip/track but should need longer. 33
2 REACH FOR THE SUN *** Racing in terrific order but desperate for a result while in form. 5.00
3 CLUTHA LAD ** Showed two starts back he is versatile enough to drop back in trip and go well so keep safe. 8.00
4 HIGH BLADE * Resuming and needs to show more. 50
5 NOVA WARRIOR *** Progressive type who knocked in a well deserved win last start and pay to follow. 4.00
6 BOARD WALK ** Last start better than the result and could play a part at odds. 20
7 LUMINIFF LAD *** Has been very well placed when winning three of five career starts and can win again at handicap conditions. 4.00
8 LIM’S SHOWCASE *** Form reads badly but gets headgear and very much appreciates being back on the Poly. Value. 20
9 SPRING THUNDER * Resuming and prefer others. 100
10 TERMS OF REFERENCE *** Has an exceptional Poly record and has to be a winning hope back on this surface. 6.00
11 IKING * Drawn wide and might be finally looking or easier company. 100
12 WHITE HUNTER *** Returned not striding over 1400m last start and back in trip looks in his favour with blinkers on. 8.00
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Race 10
Selections; 2 CASING ROYAL – 6 POWER LIN – 1 ROYAL RULER – 8 MR WHITAKER
Hopefully some value on offer for our top pick in this Class 4 Poly sprint with CASING ROYAL. The 3YO NZ-bred colt looks a likely type and his Poly record suggests he enjoys the surface and can win this. In his favour is the fact that ROYAL RULER – the likely favourite – has to jump from gate 12 and while he can win, he will need luck. POWER LIN is another to watch. The 5YO doesn’t win out of turn but had excuses last start at very long odds and can win this with Dan Beasley up. MR WHITAKER was close up behind ROYAL RULER last start so picks himself and it will pay to keep FAT POWER and COURT CASE very safe as they can improve on poor last start efforts after both trialling well.
1 ROYAL RULER *** Drawn wide but in form and always a winning hope on the Poly. 4.00
2 CASING ROYAL *** Wins again soon in this company and will enjoy the Poly and 4kg claim. 4.00
3 FAT POWER *** Freshened and a very nice recent trial has him under notice. 12
4 FEDERER * Hard to have on recent form but will appreciate better gate. 33
5 TOP GUN ** Resuming and another one that is always a show in races like this. 12
6 POWER LIN *** Excuses not to win last start at very long odds and goes very close here. 12
7 COURT CASE *** Coming off a shocker but could make excuses and has trialled very well since. Keep safe. 6.00
8 MR WHITAKER *** Returned to form last start and right in this on that effort. 6.00
9 RUSTY BROWN ** Not often seen on the Poly but recent run this surface OK and will be value. 25
10 SOUTHERN CHIEF ** Wide gate an issue but will improve again on maiden win and can follow. 8.00
11 HAMMER DOWN * Not a million miles away last start but easier to ignore. 100
12 WEE MONSTER * Improved last couple but should need easier. 100
13 ONE MORE ACHIEVER ** Appreciates being back on the Poly but might need Class 5. 33
14 PO’DE OURO * Reassess in Class 5. 50
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Race 11
Selections; 7 D’BUFFALO MAN – 1 KIRKS RYKER – 2 COLONEL LINCOLN – 6 ASPEN
No rocket science in the last race with the three last start winners looking the likely choices. From the top, KIRKS RYKER took a couple of sighters in Singapore before breaking his maiden status. While that win was OK, it was his next run and his last start win that has him pegged as a horse to follow. COLONEL LINCOLN also took a few sighters in Singapore before winning but that was over this trip and he too will go on with the job. But it may be a last start maiden winner in D’BUFFALO MAN that beats them all. The 3YO got blinkers on that occasion and the win looked good enough to think he can go on with job with Corey Brown staying onboard. NINETYSEVENEMPEROR, ASPEN and NO SMOKING JEFF the other three that win without surprising.
1 KIRKS RYKER *** In form and has to be a winning hope again with only an extra 3.5kg to carry. 6.00
2 COLONEL LINCOLN *** Won nicely over this trip last start and more than up to Class 4. 6.00
3 NATION THEATRE ** Only wins have been on the Poly but pay to keep safe as will be thereabouts. 20
4 NINETYSEVENEMPEROR *** Disappointing last start but freshened by recent good trial and pay to keep safe. 10
5 SCOUT DONE * Gets tongue-tie but out of form and query on the turf. 33
6 ASPEN *** Appreciates a fair gate and always a show over 1400m. 8.00
7 D’BUFFALO MAN *** Broke through for well-deserved maiden win when blinkers went on last start and pay to follow. 3.00
8 DEAUVILLE * Is better on the turf but easier to ignore. 50
9 NO SMOKING JEFF *** First up run was good and has shown he handles this trip/track previously so has to be a show. 10
10 MAREA NEGRO ** Always an each-way show in races like this. 8.00
11 FREE HAPPY ** Another that is always an each-way show at odds on the turf. 12
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