Kaiser looks a good value bet in race 9
Luck plays a big part in winning in this game and not just a late rails split or a crucial inside gate at the all important barrier draw.
You also need some luck when nominating for races as the depth from week to week and race to race can vary enough to make the difference between drinking champagne or ruing what could have been.
Case in point is the difference in depth between two maidens on the nine race card with STARSKY finding what could be described as a mediocre field in race 2 and LADY LIBERTY facing a tougher maiden mob in Race 4.
STARSKY has trialed good enough to think he will win races sooner than later but connections will be thinking he goes close on debut given he faces a couple of solid without being spectacular raced horses in LYYNA and WARSHIP and another debutante in BIG BANKER who might just need the run.
LADY LIBERTY on the other hand looks to have her work cut out after finding herself in a very strong Initiation that includes former Kiwi maiden SWAN SONG – who has trailed very well – with the winning chances reading right down to the two emergencies.
But the 3YO NH-bred filly has impressed at two career starts and with the form from her last start more than holding up (Gilt Complex winning again in nice company), she could be very hard to hold out.
.
Friday 25 September
Best Bets: (LADY LIBERTY race 4, win), (GREAT BALLS OFFIRE race 1, each-way) and (KAISER race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3 and 6), race 7 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8), race 8 (4 and 6), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 4, 8 and 9).
.
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.
.
Race 1
Selections; 4 GREAT BALLS OFFIRE – 7 SECRET SPICE – 6 LEE MAN – 1 BANKERS CALL
A reasonably strong and even Class 5 to start the stand alone Friday night meeting and you would imagine a few of these will come in for good support. As always we look for important changes to gear, jockey, trip, surface and Class and a few of these tick most of those important boxes. Case in point is GREAT BALLS OFFIRE who finds himself back on the turf over his only winning trip and in the right Class. He also gets his only winning hoop – Michael Rodd – and a slight gear change with earmuffs going on so he might be hard to beat. BANKERS CALL also finds himself in winnable company and blinkers added are certainly an indication that he is ready to show his best. SECRET SPICE is the in-from horse and looks the benchmark. Manny Nunes stays on and given he had excuses not to win a similar affair last start, he can make amends here. Throw in LEE MAN at his first start in Class 5 with CALLIDE RIVER and THUNDER CAT also in the winning mix.
1 BANKERS CALL *** Ignore recent form as he finds himself in right company with blinkers added. Can win. 10
2 D’DON * Right company but needs shorter and Poly. 50
3 DR N WING FIGHTERS ** Has looked ordinary since maiden win but should improve in Class 5. 50
4 GREAT BALLS OFFIRE *** Appreciates turf, trip, company and Rodd so must be a huge show. 4.00
5 INFERMO * Won very well on the Poly last start but big query on the grass. 20
6 LEE MAN *** Can be hard to follow but another that will enjoy Class 5 and Juglall. 12
7 SECRET SPICE *** Foot well and truly on the till and will make his presence felt late. 3.00
8 THUNDER CAT *** A maiden who also has his foot well and truly on the till and has been value. 6.00
9 CALLIDE RIVER *** Tongue-tie added after issues (roarer) last start when supported and very cheeky run expected. 12
10 GOOD LOOUKEN ** Was due but a better winning option on the Poly. 12
11 KING OF KOON ** Normally seen on the Poly but sneaks into Class 5 and has gone OK this trip on turf previously. 20
12 SUN EMPIRE ** Maiden who has put in a couple of good runs of late so can include in exotics. 20
.
Race 2
Selections; 9 STARSKY – 8 LLYNA – 10 WARSHIP – 6 BIG BANKER
This doesn’t look a strong Restricted Maiden field and as such a newcomer with a nice Official Trial under his belt in STARSKY could be the one to beat. The 3YO railed up nicely behind Miss Blanchett on that occasion and while she didn’t place at her race debut, this race does look weak enough for that trial form to hold up with gate 1 a bonus. Two with race experience that look handy enough in LLYNA and WARSHIP also come under notice. LLYNA was beaten a fair way into third at his debut but given his work late, the extra 200m and race fitness should see him involved at the business end. WARSHIP also battled away at his debut but may want longer again, however, this race is not strong so he should be prominent. Of the rest, BIG BANKER looked comfortable at his Official trial and the pairing of Walker/Nunes has to be respected with one eye on the market.
1 BELLY DANCE * Blinkers off but struggling. 50
2 JET STRIKER * Shown nothing at three starts but could improve with blinkers added after OK recent trial. 50
3 FORTUNE SPIRIT * Runs on but might be better suited over longer with blinkers removed for this. 33
4 GOLD STOCK ** Had supported and went OK similar affair two starts back so market watch in order. 10
5 NOVA LEGEND * Battled away last start but should need longer. 20
6 BIG BANKER *** Looked comfortable at Official Trial and pay to respect. 4.50
7 CAMERA STELLATA ** Last start better than it looks and can include in the exotic mix in this weak field. 12
8 LLYNA *** Beaten a long way into third on debut but that experience and extra 200m could see a result. 4.00
9 STARSKY *** Official trial good enough to win on debut in a field with no standout. 6.00
10 WARSHIP *** Not far away on debut and might be the testing material in this field. 3.00
11 GOLD CUSTOMER * Will benefit from race experience but like to see more. 50
.
Race 3
Selections; 8 COTE DE NUITS – 1 MIGHTY MAN – 9 SAFFIR – 5 ZIPPY GENERAL
A tough race for form analysts with three raced newcomers and four last start winners up in Class in this field. Of the raced newcomers, the two from Japan look like they might need the run but the Australian – ZIPPY GENERAL – is worth a look on form from down under and his nice local trial. The Rodd booking also has him under notice. Of the four last start winners, SAFFIR has subsequently trialed very well and happy to think he can step up to this company and it will pay to keep INCANDESCENT, SATELLITE PRINCE and JOE SWIPER safe. But the one they will all have to beat is COTE DE NUITS. The former Kiwi has yet to win at eight starts in Singapore but did look due on this surface before showing little last start on the turf. Nunes retains the ride and he can make quick amends. Likewise, MIGHTY MAN comes off a shocker but that was over 1600m and has to be a big show back over his recent winning trip.
1 MIGHTY MAN *** Nothing over 1600m last start but huge show back to recent winning trip. 5.00
2 WAKINO NEXUS * Former Japanese mare who may need the run. 20
3 HUMOR TOWN * Not a mile away last start but still needs to improve. 33
4 IKING *** Showed last start at odds that he can handle this short trip and have to respect. 12
5 ZIPPY GENERAL *** Former Australian who looked comfortable at recent trail and should be more than competitive at Singapore debut. 6.00
6 FOURVIERE * Former Japanese entire who will be improved by the outing. 33
7 INCANDESCENT *** Broke maiden status last start and pay to follow given solid form this campaign. 5.00
8 COTE DE NUITS *** Excuses last start so happy to ignore as previous Poly form was very good. 4.00
9 SAFFIR *** Backed up Class 5 win with very nice trial suggesting he is up to this company. 12
10 SATELLITE PRINCE ** Also stepping up in Class after last start win but should be competitive. 12
11 JOE SWIPER ** Won a weak won last start but the effort good enough to keep safe in exotics. 12
12 SMART SUPREME * Not a mile away last start but would like to see in Class 5. 33
13 THEBUZZDOWNUNDER ** Back in trip but is versatile and recent form OK. 20
14 GOLDEN PASTURE ** Just battled last start but previous good form has him under notice. 20
.
Race 4
Selections; 11 LADY LIBERTY – 1 SWAN SONG – 4 AMISTAD – 6 GIORGIO
One of the better Initiation (maiden) races we have seen of late with some very nice types heading to the start including the second emergency, LIM’S BULLET, who can win if he gets a start. The 4YO made an eye-catching debut with a claimer on-board and with Corey Brown taking over with winkers added, he could be hard to hold out. But as it stands, LADY LIBERTY might be one of the better bets on the day. The 3YO filly has placed at both career starts an given the form from her last start second behind Gilt Complex has been franked in very good company, she could be hard to beat. The field has plenty of depth though and also some smart newcomers including SWAN SONG. The 4YO Kiwi maiden has looked very strong at the trials and with Nunes up, he should debut well. Throw in AMISTAD who has also trialed very well with a market watch on GIORGIO and MASTER BANGER with a blanket over the field for exotics.
1 SWAN SONG *** Raced maiden from NZ. Trialing like a winner and could be hard to beat on debut. 3.50
2 ZARULES * Another raced NZ maiden and prefer to watch Singapore debut on what we have seen at the trials. 33
3 PERFECT PRIZE * Resuming with blinkers but impossible on form. 200
4 AMISTAD *** Has looked very good at two Official trials and worth a serious look on debut. 7.00
5 EASY DRAGON ** Hit the line nicely at Official trial and pay to keep safe. 20
6 GIORGIO *** Recent trial looked slick and must be respected with the market a good guide. 12
7 MASTER BANGER *** This field has depth but trialed well enough to consider at likely value. 12
8 STAR WARRIOR ** Has had plenty of trials so should be fit and ready for debut. Exotics. 20
9 WINNING MAN ** Drawn awkwardly but looked comfortable at two trials and another to include somewhere. 20
10 MIRREN ** Trial looked solid and gates the ace so have to respect. 12
11 LADY LIBERTY *** Not far off Gilt Complex last start and that form has been well and truly franked. Hard to beat. 2.50
12 MARGAUX * OK at trials but has run into a strong field. 33
13 DURAN ** Placed on debut in a weak one and can improve with that run under his belt. 12
14 LIM’S BULLET *** Gets winkers and C Brown after eye-catching debut. Follow. 3.00
.
Race 5
Selections; 3 ZAC COMMAND – 6 SUPERMART – 1 SUPER EIGHT – 2 FLYING MISSION
As you would expect, not much to get excited about in this Class 5 field given it’s division 2 and nothing jumps off the page to back. As such, ZAC COMMAND with Manny Nunes up looks the most solid option. The Brazilian went on last start and the effort good enough to think ZAC COMMAND will win one sooner than later and he might not get a weaker field than this. SUPERMART also did enough last start to think he could be hard to hold out. Regular hoop Sam Subian stays on and his recent form has him involved late on a course (D) that should suit. SUPER EIGHT is coming off a shocker with support but gets blinkers and hopefully C Brown can make amends for those who followed. FLYING MISSION might not win out of turn but looks suited here and the market might be the best guide on a couple of the others including IMPERIOUS and GYPSY STAR.
1 SUPER EIGHT *** Gets blinkers after being disappointing last start and will win soon in this company. 5.00
2 FLYING MISSION *** Struggles to win but racing like 1400m will suit so keep safe. 5.00
3 ZAC COMMAND *** Went close with Nunes last start and right in this. 3.00
4 HAPPY SAGA ** Should be doing best work late and add value to exotics. 20
5 NOTNOWTOMORROW * Gets blinkers but struggling of late. 33
6 SUPERMART *** Supported and ran well enough last start behind General Conatus to follow. 4.00
7 BROWNE’S ANATOMY * Hard to catch of late and have to take on trust. 33
8 IMPERIOUS *** Ran on well last start and expect much the same again. 10
9 ROYAL FLUSH * No. 200
10 GYPSY STAR ** Returned not striding last two starts so is a risk but goes well when right. 20
11 SACRED CROWN ** Not a mile away last start and another that could add some value to the skinny end of exotics. 20
.
Race 6
Selections; 6 XZUBERANCE – 1 PLATOON – 2 LIM’S BATTLE – 3 SUPER JOE
When half the field are coming off last start wins, there looks to be plenty of good form for punters to consider in this Class 4 Poly event over 1700m. And just to show that winning form is good form, LIM’S BATLE is gunning for four wins on the trot after only breaking his maiden status in early August. Obviously he is a chance again but with an extra 2kg to carry, connections of PLATOON – who was beaten only half a length on that occasion – might think the swing in the weights should see them make quick amends. But XZUBERANCE backed up a good placing in nice company with a win in this company last Friday and looks hard to beat. Gate 2 with Harry Kassim up looks a good option and happy to stay with the 4YO while in form. SUPER JOE looks the best of the rest but it will pay to keep most others safe, as these races are always tricky.
1 PLATOON *** Just missed last start in similar behind Lim’s Battle and can make amends. 4.00
2 LIM’S BATTLE *** A couple of extra kilo’s to carry but very hard to fault winning form and looks the benchmark. 4.00
3 SUPER JOE *** Not the type to win out of turn but always a show and appreciates the ace. 7.00
4 DRAGON G ** Very much appreciates being back on the Poly and will be value. 33
5 TEQUILA SHOT ** Drawn awkwardly but placed at only Poly start and pay to include somewhere. 12
6 XZUBERANCE *** Backing up after winning over 1800m last start and hard to beat again. 3.50
7 MR CLOONEY ** Backed up maiden win on the Poly with a solid effort so should be competitive. 12
8 SWIFT ** Recent good form all on the turf so have to take on trust. 20
9 KING SAVINSKY ** Showed last start he can handle this company and a must for exotics. 12
10 GENERAL CONATUS * Stepping up from Class 5 and might find this company tough. 33
.
Race 7
Selections; 5 BROTHER BAY – 2 ZAC BENEVOLENT – 3 GRAND VITESS – 4 RIO DE JANEIRO
A tricky race for punters with Stephen Gray having two aces up in his sleeve in GRAND VITESS and RIO DE JANEIRO who both get important gear changes. In particular GRAND VITESS gets blinkers as he drops in Class so it will pay to ignore some seemingly poor form, as he will win this type of race. RIO DE JANEIRO gets a visor, which may seem insignificant but he was supported last start at his first attempt in Class 5 and well worth following. But ZAC BENEVOLENT will be the big improver dropping to Class 5. His last start was good enough to think he is in OK form and looks very well placed to show something in Singapore. BROTHER BAY is the benchmark however. The maiden has his foot well and truly on the till and he deserves to win a race like this with Nunes a significant factor. The race has depth though so keep PEREGRINE FALCON, POWERFUL FIGHTER and READY FORTUNE safe in a race with depth.
1 PARTIE ARTIE * Appreciates Class 5 company but hard to have on form. 50
2 ZAC BENEVOLENT *** Showed more than enough last start to think he improves again this company. Keep safe. 12
3 GRAND VITESS *** Ignore recent form as blinkers go back on in suitable grade and trip. Big show. 12
4 RIO DE JANEIRO *** Had support last start and worth following with cheeky run expected with visor added. 5.00
5 BROTHER BAY *** Just missed last two and hard to hold out with Nunes up. 3.00
6 PEREGRINE FALCON *** Beat Brother Bay two starts back this trip and has to be a show again. 6.00
7 POWERFUL FIGHTER *** Turned some poor form into a win and close-up second and have to follow. 4.50
8 READY FORTUNE *** Yet another with a hoof on the till and a win would not surprise. 11
9 SILENT POWER * Improved effort last start but still needs to show more. 100
10 STANZOUT * Veteran who could add value to skinny end of exotics. 33
11 BERNARD’S FIGHTER * Will be doing best work late but might need easier. 33
12 DOS EQUIS * Going along OK but a better option on the Poly. 33
13 REYSHA ** Showed last start the mile is his caper and pay to keep safe. 12
14 MIGHTY EMPEROR ** Ran on well late last start this trip and will be more than competitive. 20
.
Race 8
Selections; 6 GOLD PEREGRINE – 4 KNIGHT WAGER – 1 INDIAN JADE – 3 IDEAL GUIDE
As you expect a very good field heads to the start in this Kranji Stakes B event over 1400m and while we are happy to stick with a bang-in-form GOLD PEREGRINE, it’s an open race and he might not be the best value option. But winners are grinners and it’s hard to jump off the former Irish 4YO who has hit the ground running since arriving in Singapore. Harry Kassim takes over from M Rodd (weight) and his 1kg claim won’t hurt the hat-trick chances. In his way might be KNIGHT WAGER who gets the services of Rodd. The 5YO hasn’t done a lot wrong in eight starts in Singapore and looks well placed in this company over 1400m with best work expected late. Plenty of others with serious winning chances including INDIAN JADE who won very well last start, the honest IDEAL GUIDE who gets Nunes, BRAHMA CIRCUS who refuses to run a bad race and ALPHA CENTAURI who may be value.
1 INDIAN JADE *** Hard to fault turf form of late including strong last start win and right in this. 6.00
2 ALPHA CENTAURI *** Always a show in races like this with best work expected late. 12
3 IDEAL GUIDE *** Rarely runs a bad race and should get his chance here from gate 1. 7.00
4 KNIGHT WAGER *** Just missed last start in similar affair and will be flying late again. 4.00
5 HOT GOLD ** Not far away at each-way odds last starts in similar affair and pay to keep safe. 20
6 GOLD PEREGRINE *** Hard to fault winning form since arriving from Ireland and pay to keep following. 3.00
7 BRAHMA CIRCUS *** Refuses to run a bad race and in this up to his eyeballs. 7.00
8 MEXBOROUGH BOY * Tested this company. 33
9 NORTHERN BOSS ** Also tested this level but form suggests he could sneak a place at odds. 20
10 CONSTANCE’S SPIRIT * Going along OK but another that would be better suited in easier company. 20
.
Race 9
Selections; 2 SILVER STAR – 1 KAISER – 9 JELLY BEAN – 8 DUTY FREE
While you can make a winning case for close to half this field, SILVER STAR is racing in top form and hard not to make him the number one choice. The 5YO has only won twice from some 13 career starts but when you consider he has another seven places and his last start win was very good, he is hard to beat with Noreesh Juglall staying onboard. Who beats him? JELLY BEAN has only had two starts and obviously has a future on what we have seen so far. Corey Brown retains the winning ride and he should get every chance jumping from gate 5. One at likely each-way value that may sneak under a punters guard is KAISER. The 7YO is a nine-time winner who has found some form of late and should be suited dropping back into Class 4 company with a handy CC Wong 2kg claim. INVINCIBLE MAN, HADES and DUTY FREE the others that win without surprising.
1 KAISER *** In very solid form and will find this company to his liking so forward run expected. 7.00
2 SILVER STAR *** Knocked in well deserved win last start in similar affair and pay to follow. 4.00
3 INVINCIBLE MAN *** Hasn’t won since January but always a show and will give this a shake. 10
4 HADES *** Won in KSD company last start but form prior in similar races to this suggests he goes close. 8.00
5 SECRET MISSION * Not a mile away last start but drawn wide and struggles to win at the best of times. 33
6 QUEEN’S SEVEN ** All good recent form on the turf but pay to keep safe with one eye on the tote. 12
7 SACRED SPIN ** Showed he is versatile enough last start to include in exotics but should need longer. 20
8 DUTY FREE *** Had looked due before swooping to win last start and pay to respect. 13
9 JELLY BEAN *** Backed up good debut with a nice win and must go close. 4.00
10 LOUEY VELOCE ** Might need easier to win but showed enough last start when blinkers added to follow. 8.00
11 THANKFULNESS ** Just battled last start but can run a good race. 20
12 PROBO CHANDROSO * Can run a cheeky race but better suited in Class 5. 50
13 JIMTOWN * Reassess easier and longer. 100
14 CHEETAH KING * OK last start but better option on the turf. 50
.
