Huka Falls – Singapore Racing 02-12-12
HUKA FALLS showed what a grand horse he is by carrying 59kg to knock in his tenth career win over 1100m at his last start and with a kilo less to carry at the Kranji Stakes A conditions, he might prove hard to pass again in race 8 on tonight’s card. The Align 4YO almost singlehandedly won his trainer (and biggest fan) Laurie Laxon the 2012 Trainers Premiership when he burst on the scene to win five races from his first six starts late in the season and obviously did his job in 2013 winning another four. A frustrating finish to 2013 had many pundits writing off the NZ-bred gelding – especially in handicap races – but a huge last start effort under Corey Brown to hold off PIONEER SEVEN suggests he has plenty to offer in 2014. And in what looks a head-to-head battle, he takes on PIONEER SEVEN again over 1100m and remarkably – given he beat the Aussie bred by a head – 2kg better off at the race conditions. However, the saddle did slip on PIONEER SEVEN on that occasion and given he was well backed to win, he can make amends on Friday. The race does look a race in two although it might pay to keep an eye on RONNIE BROWN first-up after a spell given his good Poly record, his previous form fresh, no weight and with a strong recent trial under his belt. Elsewhere on the nine-race card, Laurie Laxon looks to have found another nice debutante in VICTORY ACHIEVER. The NZ-bred 3YO has trailed well enough to think he goes better than OK and given Laxon has found a weak maiden (race 2), he really should win.
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Best Bets; (VICTORY ACHIEVER race 2, win), (SURE WIN race 5, win) and (SPLICE race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 4, 5, 8, 10 and 11), race 7 (1, 5, 6, 8 and 9), race 8 (2 and 7), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8).
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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; 3 PREMIER GRADE – 7 KING OF KOON – 1 ALL MY WAY – 6 CAPTAIN MCCAW
A very average KSD over 1200m starts off the all-polytrack programme. Most of these conveyances are extremely unreliable and a careful market watch is recommended. Case in point is PREMIER GRADE who could be classed as the “bookie’s pal”. But the grade and distance suit and, as always, he trialed well recently and we can ignore his last start. KING OF KOON missed the start and rocketed home last outing. His recent trial was sound and he could be ready to break through in Singapore – his only win was at Tauranga (NZ) where he beat GRAND VITESS by seven lengths. The blinkers go on CAPTAIN MCCAW, he has been around the mark recently and with Corey Brown steering should get in the finish once again. ALL MY WAY was not far away in a solid Class 4 over 1100m last outing where he came in for support. He has 58kg and lightweight Lisa Allpress but his only win was at 1200m and he could show up.
1 ALL MY WAY *** Not far away in Class 4 over 1100m at last outing with support. Lisa Allpress rides and has 58kg; only win was at 1200m on poly. 6.50
2 ORIENTAL PEARL ** Reported not striding out last start. Has speed but hard to follow. 16
3 PREMIER GRADE *** Won one of these four starts back. Excuses last start so ignore and recent trial good. Goes close. 6.00
4 SOUTHERN GENERAL ** Never sighted last start but much better than that. Could improve sharply – watch for support. 10
5 ZAC HEAVEN ** Got a soft lead and won two starts back over 1100m in Class 5. Has Nunes but 1200m tests. 12
6 CAPTAIN MCCAW *** Blinkers on. Trialed okay, thereabouts recently and should be in the finish once again. 5.50
7 KING OF KOON *** Beaten 4.5l but missed start and rocketed home last outing. Trialed well since. Only win was maiden at Tauranga (NZ) over 1200m beating GRAND VITESSE by 7 lengths. 4.00
8 HOOPER * Very unreliable. Won 3 starts back in weak Class5 but has reverted to type since. 20
9 SACRED CROWN ** Unreliable. Won similar race six starts back and done nothing since. Gets winning rider and ace draw so could improve. 16
10 STRIDE METEOR ** Won weak Class 5 over 1100m two starts back. With top rider and good alley must be respected. 6.00
11 PISTOL DAWN * Broken. 50
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Race 2
Selections; 11 VICTORY ACHIEVER – 6 BLACK FIERY – 4 WINDSOR KNOT – 1 APPRECIATION
A 1000m Initiation on the poly and most of these we have either not seen or they have not shown a lot. And as is the case of late, Laurie Laxon has one that goes better than OK at the trials and looks hard to beat. VICTORY ACHIEVER is the one of Laurie’s in question – he bolted in a an albeit weak trial and Corey Brown rides. By Volksraad, he may want longer but should sprint well fresh. BLACK FIERY resumed with a solid second last outing, he has been placed at his only two poly runs and should be able to cross and be on the speed all the way. WINDSOR KNOT has had the benefit of seven starts and recently has been not far away behind some smart ones in STILETTO and CRAZY TIMES; that could be good enough for this. APPRECIATION gets the winkers; his debut was sound and from the ace he should be on the speed all the way. As in all these type of races, watch the market is the mantra.
1 APPRECIATION *** Winkers on. Put in a solid debut. Recent trial only average but could improve. Draw helps. 7.00
2 PANAMA CITY * Needs to improve on two outings to date. 50
3 ZEDKAAR ** First start. By Ekraar. Trialed fairly behind TURANGAWAEWAE. Watch for support. 33
4 WINDSOR KNOT *** Been around the mark recently behind smart ones in STILETTO and CRAZY TIMES. Should go well in what looks an average race. 6.00
5 RAPTURE ** Showed speed but weakened at last outing. 1000m should suit. 20
6 BLACK FIERY *** Resumed with a solid effort over this trip. Should cross and be handy all the way. 3.50
7 MAGIC DRAGON * Blinkers off. Distanced at all three starts. 200
8 OVERPOWER * Well beaten but ran on last start over 1200m. May want further. 50
9 ACE RICH * Runs on but wants further than this. 100
10 RAINBOW STAR ** Was pushed in recent trial in slow time. Brother to CEE THE DRAGON a winner of three minor races including last start on Sunshine Coast (Qld). Watch for support. 20
11 VICTORY ACHIEVER *** By Volksraad. Won trial well enough to think he is very hard to beat in this weak field. 2.30
12 WINNING STAR ** Blinkers off. Good effort last start and could race well in this. 12
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Race 3
Selections; 1 BOWIE KNIFE – 5 INCREDIBLE HULK – 6 ROYAL BRAT – 2 IRISH FLASH
A small field of only six do battle in a Class 4 over 1700m. BOWIE KNIFE is a veteran with recent winning form and it might pay to ignore last start where the hoop reported “not striding”. He has been running in better races than this and while he would like it longer and has top-weight, he should be too good. ROYAL BRAT should go forward and set the pace though it is unlikely to be electric and it could become a sprint home. If he is allowed to have a soft lead with only 50kg from the ace, he could be difficult to pass as most of the field are dour types who only grind away. INCREDIBLE HULK is a 9YO who knows how to win; he also has no weight and his last run was good – if he can sit handy enough he could finish over the top. Any of the other three – IRISH FLASH who is fourth up with Nunes aboard, BRILLIANT POWER who ran on last start, or SAINT VALLEY who will come home late – could win without surprising in a race where tactics will play a major part.
1 BOWIE KNIFE *** Tough 8YO who is suited in this grade and whilst he might like longer has been successful at 1700m. Won over 1900m three starts back has been freshened. 2.50
2 IRISH FLASH ** Winkers off, fourth run back from spell and gets Nunes. Last win was at this trip in Class 4 with Moreira up. Expect improvement. 12
3 SAINT VALLEY ** Dour type who gets well back and runs on. Has won at 1700m but will need a strong tempo. 12
4 BRILLIANT POWER ** Only win was at Hastings (NZ) over a mile but has been running on at recent outings. Well drawn and conditions could suit. 12
5 INCREDIBLE HULK *** 9YO who might like longer but gets into this with no weight and could be hard to hold out late. 3.20
6 ROYAL BRAT *** Has the ace and no weight. will be hard to pass if he gets his way in front in this field. 3.00
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Race 4
Selections; 2 HOPKINS – 4 ALL SERENE – 6 COOL CAT – 1 TROPICAL FOREST
A KSD over 1200m and the Cliff Brown-trained ALL SERENE may be able to take on some of the journeymen here. He resumed and ran on well in similar grade over 1100m and with Alan Munro and the extra 100m, he looks well placed although of concern is the fact he has yet to win on the poly and has only won once overall. HOPKINS is one of Laurie Laxon’s journeymen and in his long career he has only raced on the poly eight times for three wins and two placing; this grade suits and he should be in the finish once again. TROPICAL FOREST is not easy to follow. He emphatically broke a long drought two starts back and followed up with a good effort on turf – a surface he dislikes. Back on the poly and if Oscar Chavez can pick a passage, he should be closing late. COOL CAT has been around the mark of late, Ivaldo Santana should have him handy all the way and he will make his presence felt. SOLID WOOD is on the quick back-up after winning in Class 5. Noh Senari stays on, this is not much harder and the 3kg claim will help. SUGARTIME JAZZ and VOLKOV could get in the exotics.
1 TROPICAL FOREST *** Broke a long drought two starts back and unsuited on turf last outing. Surface, distance and grade suit and should be closing late. 4.00
2 HOPKINS *** Tough journeyman who has a good poly record of three wins and two placings from eight tries. Suited in this grade and will be thereabouts again. 4.00
3 RAVOUX * Better on turf and over slightly longer. 16
4 ALL SERENE *** Resumed with strong effort over 1100m. Yet to win on poly and has only one win overall but this is more suitable and will threaten late. 6.00
5 GOLDEN KNIGHT * Tongue tie on, blinkers off. Resuming. Won on debut but has had five unplaced runs and a change of stable since. Recent trial fair watch for support. 20
6 COOL CAT *** Placed at past three poly outings in similar company and should threaten again. 6.00
7 SOLID WOOD *** On quick backup after running on stoutly to win in Class 5 over 1200m. This is not much harder and has the same rider and claim. 6.00
8 VITALICO * Looking for Class 5 and wants longer than this. 33
9 SUGARTIME JAZZ * Pacifiers on. Much prefers turf and 1400m but can run a good race on poly and this field is not strong. 25
10 RAPID REWARDS * Better in Class 5 but should set a solid speed before being run down late. 33
11 VOLKOV ** Prefers Class 5 but speedy and could give a lot of cheek in this. 14
12 SO FREE NOW * Placed three starts back in Maiden company and better suited there. 50
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Race 5
Selections; 5 SURE WIN – 4 MIA – 3 BLUE DIAMOND – 6 BALESTRA
A nice Novice over 1100m with four last start winners engaged, three of whom should prove to be the popular picks given they all won as odds-on punters elects. SURE WIN showed plenty of toe over 1000m last start. He is drawn out but should have the speed to cross and may be hard to run down. MIA led all the way and won well over this distance and surface on debut; he too should be hard to hold out. BLUE DIAMOND won over 1200m on debut leading all the way; he could be the one being strong late. Of the rest, BALESTRA has put in good efforts against better company and he can be expected to race well again. FINAL COUNTDOWN broke through in easier company last start but could get involved.
1 SACRED CITY * Kyneton maiden winner yet to settle in Singapore. Has been fractious at the trials and has struck a strong field here. 50
2 FINAL COUNTDOWN * Broke through last start in Class 5 but this is much tougher. 20
3 BLUE DIAMOND *** Nice effort on poly debut over 1200m. Speedy and should give a sight. 4.00
4 MIA *** Won well on debut over 1100m on poly and should be on the speed all the way. 3.00
5 SURE WIN *** Well bred horse who showed plenty of speed to win over 1000m last outing. Tested by the barrier but should be near the lead all the way. 2.20
6 BALESTRA ** Has been running handy races against strong company and from the ace should make his presence felt again. 8.00
7 DAUNTLESS KNIGHTS * Taking on a big challenge here. 200
8 DRAGON PERK * First start, Did not show up at trials. Watch market. 50
9 SUPER LUCKY POWER * Blinkers off but will need more than that. 200
10 WARISAN * Northern Hemisphere bred having first Singapore start. Has had numerous trials. Watch for support. 33
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Race 6
Selections; 5 BM WIN – 10 MEDIA CAPTAIN – 11 BIGDINERO – 1 SUPERB SUCCESS
Although not featuring in the top four selections, SELIGI deserves more than an honourable mention in this preview. The 8YO broke through for a very much overdue win at his last start and the style in which he won suggests he is worth another look. The other last start winner, MEDIA CAPTAIN is in much the same boat by turning some good form into a last start win and given his consistency over this trip/surface, he is right in this finish. But a couple of horses back onto their preferred surface with form in this company also appeal. BM WIN has pace, a 4kg claim and that combination may prove a winning one back on the Poly. Likewise, SUBURB SUCCESS will enjoy being back on the Poly and a big run would not surprise and given his relatively poor recent form, he might be value. There is obviously plenty of speed in the race so BIG DINERO will be the closer and certainly makes his presence felt late.
1 SUPERB SUCCESS *** Last start ordinary but switch to suitable grade and preferred surface has him under notice. 7.00
2 CASH DOT COM ** Resuming after bleeding attack with cheeky run expected. 20
3 TIM * Didn’t back up good win and have to take on trust. 20
4 SELIGI *** Turned some solid form into a strong win and pay to follow. 6.00
5 BM WIN *** Going along OK and switch to this trip on the Poly in his favour. Can win. 12
6 PRINCESS SARAH * Form better than it reads but prefer on the turf. 50
7 SOUTHERN BOSS ** Starts can be costly but goes good enough on his day to consider in exotics. 12
8 SUPER GOOD *** Has been disappointing with some support this campaign but another who could win on his day. 5.00
9 DUTY FREE ** Appreciates being back on the Poly and improves with gate one a bonus. 12
10 MEDIA CAPTAIN *** Another coming off a well-deserved win and form has him right in this. 4.00
11 BIGDINERO *** Keeps on showing plenty with no weight and will be doing best work late. 6.00
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Race 7
Selections; 5 SERPICO – 6 STAGE BRIGHT – 1 AFFIRMATION – 8 AMERICAN VISION
Not often the outside gates figure heavily in selections in a Poly mile but with the two main winning hopes in SERPICO and STAGE BRIGHT drawing 12 and 11 respectively, the winner should come from out wide. Apart from good form, in their respective favour is the fact AMERICAN VISION has also drawn wide in gate 9 and his early speed should ensure that they can take up a relatively good position into the first bend. Of the two, SERPICO is certainly overdue after finishing runner-up at his last five outings and with a 4kg claim, he can win. Likewise, STAGE BRIGHT is due and with the experienced Alan Munro up, can break his Singapore duck dropping back to the mile. AFFIRMATION was disappointing last start but worth another look from the ace and FAITHFUL WARRIOR can also win if ridden aggressively early. This race could get ugly so if the budget permits, go very wide in any exotic combinations.
1 AFFIRMATION *** Disappointing never to fire a shot last start but appreciates gate one and mile wont hurt. 4.00
2 CASINO KING ** Better than what he showed last start and the company suits. 10
3 MARCUSINO ** Can be hard to follow but switch to Poly should see improvement. 12
4 NO NONSENSE ** Not far away last start so on the improve but wide gate an issue. 33
5 SERPICO *** Widest draw a concern and a query on this surface but wins soon and pay to follow. 3.20
6 STAGE BRIGHT *** Yet to win in Singapore but drop back to the mile looks a good move. 6.00
7 FACE OFF ** Did it tough last start so worth another look from gate 2. 12
8 AMERICAN VISION *** Form starting to read badly but cheeky run expected and the type to keep safe. 12
9 FAITHFUL WARRIOR *** Pushed hard to lead last start when winning and a repeat of the same has him going close. 8.00
10 STORM ARC * Needs shorter/easier. 50
11 LEGACY ** Nothing last few but back to winning trip and surface suggests improvement at odds. 33
12 WHO ELS * No. 200
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Race 8
Selections; 7 PIONEER SEVEN – 2 HUKA FALLS – 10 RONNIE BROWN – 8 TEXAN TAKEOVER
There looks to a few horses right out of form in this race so while finding the skinny end of exotics might be a struggle, finding the winner can be narrowed down to two or three. Obviously HUKA FALLS and PIONEER SEVEN are likely to be involved at the business end on what they showed last start. On that occasion, HUKA FALLS showed plenty to win by a small margin carrying a massive 59kg and given he gets in 2kg better off against PIONEER SEVEN for winning, he must be hard to beat again. But PIONEER SEVEN can make amends and gate one could very well make the difference in what could be a classic battle between two very good horses. If there was to be an upset, RONNIE BROWN with just 50.5kg could be one to keep safe. The five-time winner has excellent first-up form and with a strong recent trial under his belt, he is well worth a look. The winning chances probably stop with those three mentioned but TEXAN TAKEOVER is honest and VALEVOLE is coming off a good recent trial.
1 YIN XIN * Coming off a shocker and pushed along to win subsequent trials. Place at best. 33
2 HUKA FALLS *** Carried more weight to win similar affair last start and pay to follow. 3.00
3 VALEVOLE ** Has been disappointing of late but recent trial good enough to include in exotics. 12
4 RAPIDO STAR ** Nothing last couple but the type to keep safe on the Poly. 20
5 CONGO ZANDOR * Former Malaysian and prefer to just watch first-up at Singapore debut. 100
6 MY SON ** Obviously better than what he showed last start but have to take on trust. 20
7 PIONEER SEVEN *** Backed and just beaten by HUKA FALLS last start in similar affair and can make quick amends. 2.20
8 TEXAN TAKEOVER ** Hasn’t won for a long-time but always thereabouts. 11
9 TOUCH OF GOLD ** Will work into the exotic mix late. 33
10 RONNIE BROWN *** Smart enough type resuming with nice trial under his belt and goes close with no weight. 6.00
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Race 9
Selections; 6 SPLICE – 2 U GOT IT – 8 MOVIE GOER – 1 CLUTHA LAD
While there are some horses in winning form – CLUTHA LAD gunning for a hat-trick to name one – and some horses that are due, there is no real stand-out and as such some value could be the best option. SPLICE hasn’t won on the Poly or below 1400m but he has a bit of class about him that could show up in this field. I like the fact his first-up run was in good company and the effort certainly warrants respect in Class 4. Add gate one and a big run late is expected – hopefully at odds. U GOT IT hasn’t won for a long time but showed last start in this company that he can get back into the winners circle soon. Although back in trip and drawn the car park, he can go forward and has won twice previously over 1200m on this surface. Of the rest, the three last start winners – CLUTHA LAD, ANGRY CAT and FAITHFULLY – all come under consideration with MOVIE GOER and CHEETAH ON FIRE also in the mix.
1 CLUTHA LAD *** Backed-up maiden win with a terrific effort to win this trip and grade so have to follow. 5.00
2 U GOT IT *** Drawn wide but showed last start he wins soon in this Class. 10
3 ANGRY CAT *** Won in slightly easier company last start but goes close again back on the Poly. 5.00
4 CHEETAH ON FIRE *** Will get back and be the closer late at each-way value. 12
5 DON INAKI ** Thereabouts as a rule but will need to work from wide gate. 20
6 SPLICE *** Very much appreciates solid first-up run and handicap conditions. Big show. 8.00
7 FAITHFULLY *** Yet to win in Class 4 but last start KSD victory good enough to follow. 8.00
8 MOVIE GOER *** Supported of late and looks due. 5.00
9 PACINO ** Not as his best of late but the type who pops up in races like this. 33
10 PRIMERA ESPADA ** Hasn’t won for a very long time but showed enough last start to follow. 14
11 TO BE REMEMBERED ** Another who is always in the mix but long time between wins. 12
12 WINNING SUCCESS * Form good but back in distance a big concern. 33
13 PURE WHITE ** Solid Singapore debut but should improve over longer than this. 20
14 ZAC VELOCITY * Nothing last start and better on turf. 200
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