Wild Geese shows his winning style at Kranji. (Photo: Singapore Turf Club)
Some solid racing from Singapore on Friday night and plenty of good horses to follow. Obviously the Kranji Stakes A over 1400m (race 7) is the highlight on the card and with three horses coming off runs in the International races in May, it is a mini-feature.
WILD GEESE tried hard in the Singapore Airlines International Cup but was outclassed after going out hard early in that quality field. But his form prior was excellent and he had found winning touch leading into the Cup so a big run fresh would not surprise. In his favour is Harry Kassim gets to use his 1kg claim at the race conditions and a strong recent trial suggests the 5YO might be a solid each-way hope.
The two other horses that come into this with International runs under their belts are SLEW OF LODE and EL PADRINO, who both missed on places in the KrisFlyer sprint. Both will find the 1400m to their liking and are certainly in the mix on best form. Elsewhere on the card some smart youngsters head to the start in the 2YO Open Stakes over 1100m on the Polytrack (race 3).
At the race conditions, the two horses that have wins under their belt – CASTOR and EXCEED EXPRESS – give 2kg to the rest of the field but both obviously go well and right in the mix as they head towards the Juvenile Championship. The field has depth though and some exciting types in MIGHTY GLORY and WIMBLEDON keep things interesting with both expected to get plenty of support.
GUILTLESS also fits under the “exciting” category and while flopping at his race debut with heavy support, he improves for the race experience and could win this with blinkers added.
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Best Bets; (BELLWETHER race 9, win), (GUILTLESS race 3, each-way) and (BAY OF ISLAND race 8, each-way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10 and 12), race 7 (1, 2 and 9), race 8 (Field), race 9 (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 AFFIRMATION – 8 ENZO – 7 CAN’T TOUCH ME – 2 AUREUS
A strong Class 5 over 1400m on turf opens proceedings. Mark Walker has the best hand with three runners headed by the handsome grey AFFIRMATION who is unbeaten at his three sojourns in Class 5, two over 1400m; well drawn with Manoel Nunes up he will be hard to beat. The stablemate ZAC COMMAND scored at 25/1 in KSD company over this trip last start, he rises only 3.5kg and with Jimmy Kek staying on, should be closing late once again. ENZO is headed for a hat-trick after two poly wins, his previous three career wins were over 1400m in Class 5; back to his preferred trip and surface he should race well. CAN’T TOUCH ME is very honest in this grade, both distance and surface suit; from the ace Barend Vorster should give him every chance. AUREUS is a 3YO Maiden who is having his first start in Class 5 but he has speed and was placed this distance four starts back. GRAND VITESS and ROCK SHOW could also figure in proceedings.
1 AFFIRMATION *** Suited this class and distance. Unbeaten at three attempts in Class 5, two at 1400m. 3.50
2 AUREUS *** Maiden with some speed who is usually thereabouts. Placed this distance four starts back. First time in Class 5 and should race well. 8.00
3 DAZZLE * Winkers off. Yet to dazzle but up in trip will help. 50
4 TAKEAIM * Blinkers off. Form poor in three starts since resuming for new trainer but recent trial was OK. 50
5 VICTORIOUS STREAK * Shown nothing in five starts. 33
6 ZAC COMMAND *** Won a KSD over 1400m at long odds when blinker/pacifiers came off. Poorly drawn and up 3.5kg but if anything, this is easier. 6.00
7 CAN’T TOUCH ME *** Rarely far away. Has a good record in this grade on turf and will get a gun run from the ace. 6.00
8 ENZO *** Headed for a hat-trick after two poly wins. Previous three lifetime wins were over 1400m in Class 5. Gets his chance. 4.50
9 TIME AFTER TIME * Tongue tie on. Maiden who is usually thereabouts and had excuses not to be in the mix last start. Keep safe. 25
10 GRAND VITESS ** Not far away last start and only wins have been at this trip. Wide draw and inexperienced rider no help. 16
11 HATHAWAY * Hasn’t done enough in five starts. 33
12 MAGICAL SUNSET * Rarely seen on turf and 1400m tests. 25
13 ROCK SHOW ** Failed on poly last start. Form ordinary but this surface suits and gets top rider. 16
14 VON SNITZEL * Has speed but gives up quickly. Only win was at 1200m on turf. 33
15 GRAVLAX * Long term maiden who battles away. 50
16 FOUNTAIN * Better effort last start but needs to improve a lot. 50
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Race 2
Selections; 1 SEBROSE – 6 ORION – 10 HIGHER SOUL – 8 BROTHER BAY
A Restricted Maiden over 1400m with three closers that have been knocking on door the ones to follow. SEBROSE has run on strongly at his past two outings to be runner-up over 1400m, the most recent after being caught wide; with Manoel Nunes on board he will be closing late again. ORION has also run on strongly at both outings to place over 1200m, he gets Corey Brown, is well drawn and will appreciate the extra distance. HIGHER SOUL is a Japanese-bred filly who has been tardy at the start but she too finishes off strongly; 1400m suits and with Alan Munro up for Takaoka-san, she will keep them honest late. Of the others, PHARMA BROWNE is a one-pacer who battles away; he has been freshened by a recent trial and whilst his best runs have been at a mile he has been placed at 1400m. BROTHER BAY ran on nicely over 1200m on debut, he will appreciate the ace and extra 200m, there is no real pace in this and he could try and go forward and dictate.
1 SEBROSE *** Has run on strongly at past two outings over 1400m, the most recent after being caught wide. Will be closing late again. 3.50
2 PHARMA BROWNE ** One-pacer who battles away. Freshened by recent trial and has been placed at 1400m. Best runs have been at a mile. 10
3 LIVE HAPPY * Distanced on poly over 1200m last start and needs to improve. 33
4 GOOD MISSION * Did nothing on debut. 50
5 IKTO * Blinkers off. Did nothing at first start over 1100m on poly. Will appreciate turf and the extra distance. 16
6 ORION *** Has run on strongly at both outings over 1200m. Gets Corey Brown and will appreciate the extra distance. 3.50
7 RIGHT IS RIGHT * Having third run since changing stables and needs to improve. 50
8 BROTHER BAY *** Ran on nicely over 1200m on debut. Will appreciate the ace and extra 200m. Goes close. 8.00
9 SUPER JOY ** Excuses last start after support on debut. Watch market. 20
10 HIGHER SOUL *** Has been tardy at the start but runs on strongly. 1400m suits and will be closing late. 3.50
11 BB SAKURA * Needs to improve on efforts to date. 33
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Race 3
Selections; 6 GUILTLESS – 2 EXCEED EXPRESS – 12 WIMBLEDON – 1 CASTOR
An 1100m race for the 2YOs on the polytrack and as always with these races the market is often the best indicator. In saying that, GUILTLESS had support and failed badly on debut but did look like he will benefit from the experience. He trialed very well in blinkers recently and despite a wide gate, should race well against his own age with support excepted again. EXCEED EXPRESS beat older horses when leading all the way to win over 1000m on his poly debut, he goes up 6.5kg against own age group but could be hard to beat again. WIMBLEDON had support, showed speed and fought on well behind RUAPEHU at debut; with Manoel Nunes up he could also be hard to beat. CASTOR won over 1000m on poly prior to a nice 3rd in Golden Horseshoe, the draw is no help but he has early pace and his recent trial will have freshened him. MIGHTY GLORY is also drawn wide but has speed and based on his good effort on debut against older horses may be able to cross. Amongst the others, ROCK ESPRIT failed in the Golden Horseshoe but his previous poly form was good, his recent trial was sound and he should race well. If the 2nd Emergency HAPPY HAPPY gets a run his recent trials have been impressive and he could give a sight.
1 CASTOR *** Won over 1000m on poly prior to nice 3rd in Golden Horseshoe. Had a quiet trial recently. Draw no help but has early pace. 4.50
2 EXCEED EXPRESS *** Beat older horses when leading all the way to win over 1000m on poly debut. Up 6.5kg against own age group but should be hard to beat again. 4.00
3 ROCK ESPRIT ** Failed in Golden Horseshoe but previous poly form was good. Recent trial was sound and he should race well. 14
4 ART OF WAR * Battles on in his races and should be thereabouts again. 20
5 BANGKOK ROCKET * Need to improve on debut effort. 50
6 GUILTLESS *** Had support and failed badly on debut. Trialed very well in blinkers and despite wide gate should race well. Watch for support. 7.00
7 MIGHTY GLORY *** Good effort on debut against older horses but wide gate no help. May have enough speed to cross. 6.00
8 SATELLITE PRINCE ** Fair effort last start. Gets senior rider but needs to improve. 14
9 SILENT ARROW * By Red Arrow out of a very good race mare Youthful High. Has shown little at trials but watch market. 50
10 TWODOLLARMUPPET ** Blinkers on. By Henry the Navigator out of Encosta De Lago mare Pink Salt. Bred for longer but trials OK so watch for support. 33
11 DR N WING FIGHTERS * By Akhenaton. Has had quiet trials. 33
12 WIMBLEDON *** Had support, showed speed and fought on behind RUAPEHU at debut. With Nunes up, could be hard to beat. 4.50
13 SUPER JOE * Returned a roarer last start. Take on trust. 33
14 HAPPY HAPPY *** Pacifiers on. Showed speed and dropped out on debut when supported. Has won several trials and will be the improver. 6.00
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Race 4
Selections; 3 LUCKY LION – 2 INTENTION – 4 MOONBEAM DAZZLER – 15 TEOCHEW BARRISTER
A Maiden over 1200m on turf where most have been trying for some time and found seriously wanting. LUCKY LION copped interference last start when resuming and still ran 3rd, he has been placed five times from nine starts on turf and with Manoel Nunes up, gets a chance to make amends in this weak field. INTENTION resumed and battled on in a KSD over 1100m on the poly, he has placed at both turf starts and with Corey Brown on top, should race well. MOONBEAM DAZZLER battled on in a KSD over 1400m last start, he has speed, the 1200m is more suitable and with Zaki up should give a sight. FOLLOW THE KING was placed on the poly three starts back and his recent trial was solid, the pacifiers helped last start and he could be an improver -watch for support. In what is a very ordinary race any of the others could win with FAHLA FAHLA, LIVE WELL and the emergencies TEOCHEW BARRISTER and MORRIS amongst the chances.
1 NO NONSENSE Scratched.
2 INTENTION *** Resumed and battled on in a KSD over 1100m on the poly. Placed at both turf starts and should race very well. 3.50
3 LUCKY LION *** Copped interference last start when resuming and still ran 3rd. Placed five from nine on turf and gets a chance to make amends. 3.00
4 MOONBEAM DAZZLER *** Has speed but weakens. Battled on in a KSD over 1400m last start. This is easier and with Zaki up should give a sight. 6.00
5 FINANCIAL PLANNER * Barely beaten a runner in four starts. 50
6 PESCATORE * Pacifiers on but has shown nothing in four outings. 50
7 FOLLOW THE KING *** Placed on poly three starts back and recent trial was solid. Pacifiers last start may have helped. Watch for support. 7.00
8 FANTASTIC WARRIOR * Poorly drawn and has shown nothing in six starts 50 9 DESTINY GENERAL * Blinkers on. Well back at all eight starts. 50
10 FAHLA FAHLA ** Only placed once in 12 starts but often thereabouts. Drops back from a KSD over 1600m on poly. Watch for support. 14
11 LIVE WELL ** Tongue tie on. Unplaced at all 12 starts. Fair effort last start over 1100m on poly. Could improve. 14
12 DIAMOND ON THE BAY * Unplaced at all 20 starts. Major improvement required. 25
13 HONKYTONK MAN ** Visor off. Has changed stables. Trialed well recently but best efforts have been over longer. Watch market. 16
14 AL-HAMID * 25 starts for one placing and poorly drawn. 33
15 TEOCHEW BARRISTER *** Drops back from 1600m on poly. Can run on strongly and could make his presence felt. 10
16 MORRIS *** Has been placed four times from eight starts on turf. Suited this distance and will be hard to beat if he gets a start. 5.00
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Race 5
Selections; 3 PERFECT CHARGER – 5 SURE WIN – 4 TOUCH OF GOLD – 1 HARD STUFF
A small field of eight compete in a BM89 over 1100m on the poly with Alwin Tan having the strongest hand. PERFECT CHARGER resumed and scored well in a KSC carrying 58kg over 1000m last start finishing strongly from off the pace; with the ace and the claim for Joseph See, he will carry only 52.5kg and should get a gun run. The stablemate TOUCH OF GOLD was placed three starts back in BM83 over this trip, he was close up on turf in a KSB over 1400m last start and with a claim for Willie Tan, is better suited here. SURE WIN is very speedy, he was placed at 1000m last start and will lead for a long way. BAHEN was not far away in a fast run race last start and will be closing late. HARD STUFF is a threetime winner at the trip, the claim for TH Koh helps and he too will be in the finish.
1 HARD STUFF *** Fair effort last start and is a three-time winner on poly at 1100m. Claim helps and should be in the finish. 4.00
2 BAHEN ** Not far away in fast run race over 1100m last start. This is easier and should be closing late. 6.00
3 PERFECT CHARGER *** Resumed and scored well in KSC with 58kg over 1000m last start finishing strongly from off the pace. Should get a gun run again. 3.50
4 TOUCH OF GOLD *** Placed three starts back in BM83 over this trip. Close up on turf in KSB over 1400m last start and better suited here. 3.50
5 SURE WIN *** Placed over 1000m in KSC company last start. Very speedy and will give a sight for a long way. 6.00
6 KNIGHT SPIRIT * Placed over 1200m in KSC on turf last outing. Last win was at 1600m and they may be too speedy in this. 20
7 IMACRUISER * Likely to find these too quick. 16
8 FARRAND * Eligible for easier. 33
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Race 6
Selections; 9 GYPSY STAR – 12 SECONDWAVE – 2 LUCKY STRATEGY – 3 BANKERS CALL
Big field and with no stand-out it might provide value if we can find the right horse. GYPSY STAR looks overdue to win a race like this and might even be at each-way odds with apprentice J See back-on. Worth noting his last win – some six starts back – was with the junior hoop at a big quote so don’t jump off if he does drift. SECONDWAVE may also be value given the form in the book. But he had plenty of excuses last start and with Vorster retaining the ride, a result here could be on the cards. Of the rest, LUCKY STRATEGY is a maiden but is usually in the mix. Munro jumps back on and from a good gate he should have every chance with BANKERS CALL an improver with blinkers back on. Keep WINNING STAR safe at long odds with RAPTURE and LADY POWER also involved if having a good day.
1 HORAZ SAMOSIR ** Improved last start and trip will suit so include in exotics. 20
2 LUCKY STRATEGY *** Maiden but usually in the mix and this looks suitable. Big show. 5.00
3 BANKERS CALL *** Blinkers back on as he drops back in trip and goes close on effort three starts back. 5.00
4 RAPTURE *** Coming off his best effort yet and some hope in a similar affair. 12
5 WINNING STAR *** Form better than it reads and blinkers on suggests very forward showing. Value. 33
6 SARAWI * Has ran the odd good one and might improve with senior hoop. 50
7 QUALITASE *** Looks due and should get every chance from the good draw. 8.00
8 AFTERNOON DELIGHT ** Blinkers off after being disappointing with support last start. Take on trust. 10
9 GYPSY STAR *** Well and truly due and will be motoring late. Can win. 5.00
10 LADY POWER *** Drawn wide but showed last start she is ready to win. 7.00
11 MAGNIFICENT KID * Recent form poor but only career placing was this trip. 50
12 SECONDWAVE *** Excuses last start not to be right in the finish and could win this without surprising. 12
13 SMART CHOICE * Didn’t need the wide gate. 100
14 SOARING WIN ** Maiden but showed enough last start to include in exotics. 33
15 RISING SHADOW * Blinkers off but no. 100
16 SUI GENERIS * Goes oK on his day and not the worst if he gets a start. 33
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Race 7
Selections; 1 WILD GEESE – 9 SLEW OF LODE – 2 EL PADRINO – 11 GOLD RUTILE
A rose between two Class 5 thorns is the best way to describe what is very strong Kranji Stakes A over 1400m. In fact the race is so strong that three horses – WILD GEESE, EL PADRINO and SLEW OF LODGE – all come into this after runs in the Singapore International races. WILD GEESE – who ran in the SAIC over 2000m – heads the ratings and looks well placed fresh to run a huge race. Harry Kassim’s 1kg claim helps and a recent trial suggests he can bounce back from his disappointing but perhaps expected poor run in the Cup given he tried to match it early with some world class horses. SLEW OF LODE was unplaced in the KrisFlyer but the freshen up and 1400m in this company has him right in this with support expected. Likewise, EL PADRINO looks better suited over 1400m and will be the closer on a course that should suit swoopers. GOLD RUTILE is honest and well placed down in the weights so looks the value with SICHUAN RULER and RAFAGA in the exotics mix with SPEEDY CAT also worth thought from the ace.
1 WILD GEESE *** Found out class-wise at International level in May but recent trial suggests he bounces back. 5.00
2 EL PADRINO *** Another outclassed at International level (KrisFlyer) but can win this with nice recent trial and blinkers removed. 6.00
3 GOLIATH * Resuming and a big risk on the turf at this level. 20
4 BORN TO FLY *** In solid form and always an each-way hope this trip. 7.00
5 NANDOWRA * Resuming and will find this too short. 50
6 WHAT NOW * Another Brazilian rider tries but hard to have on last start similar affair. 20
7 SPEEDY CAT ** Not at his very best of late but thereabouts and might be value from the ace with Nunes. 12
8 RAFAGA ** Blinkers on first-time and last two runs this trip good so pay to keep safe. 25
9 SLEW OF LODE *** Will find this easier than the KrisFlyer and a win would not surprise. 3.00
10 SICHUAN RULER ** Certainly doesn’t win out of turn but always an each-way hope at value. 12
11 GOLD RUTILE *** Resumed with solid run and can improve in what is a suitable race. 8.00
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Race 8
Selections; 5 BAY OF ISLAND – 1 MORE THAN WORTHY – 3 SACRED CROWN – 9 MAX RESOURCE
This game is a dead-set raffle. So much so while you can make a case for a few that look ready to win, a grand-old campaigner in BAY OF ISLAND could be the safest bet. The seven-time winner – all on the Poly and five overt the mile – has drawn to advantage in 4 and with 4kg claimer Ruzali retaining the ride, he should be in the mix. You can make a case for most of the others including all four of the horses asked to carry 59kg – MORE THAN WORTHY, ON TWISTTER, SACRED CROWN and SILENT POWER. Of the quartet, MORE THAN WORTHY looks well placed with a 2kg claim in a suitable race and SACRED CROWN probably goes better than most and might be well worth a look stepping up to the mile. Of the rest, include (in no particular order) the two emergencies plus SUPER ZUCCA, MAX RESOURCE, PEREGRINE FALCON and BRILLIANT POWER.
1 MORE THAN WORTHY *** Two runs since maiden win good and right in this. 5.00
2 ON TWISTTER *** Showed last start he appreciates Class 5 company and worth a look. 12
3 SACRED CROWN *** Always worth a look this grade and pay to keep safe stepping up to the mile. 12
4 SILENT POWER *** Appreciates first-up run in unsuitable company and improves lengths. 8.00
5 BAY OF ISLAND *** Always an each-way show in races like this. 10
6 THREE WHIP ** Turned around some poor form with a close-up placing and could repeat. 20
7 BRILLIANT POWER *** Should really have won one of these by now but have to keep safe. 12
8 PEREGRINE FALCON *** Yet to place in 11 starts but not far away of late and mile will suit. 12
9 MAX RESOURCE *** Coming off a good run and can win stepping up to his two-time winning trip. 4.00
10 SUPER ZUCCA *** Recent form reads terribly but coming off a good trial and pay to keep safe with tongue-tie added. 20
11 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ ** Appreciates being back in Class 5 and could run a cheeky race with Zaki up. 20
12 ROCKETY CAT ** Long-term maiden but certainly goes good enough to finish in the mix. 7.00
13 POWERFUL FIGHTER *** Maiden who will appreciate Class 5, Poly and the mile. Value. 20
14 NORTH STAR *** Supported and bounced back to form last start so keep safe if he gets a start. 12
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Race 9
Selections; 5 BELLWETHER – 6 CAIYAYA – 4 XIN TREASURE – 2 SUPERB SUCCESS
They backed the speedster BELLWETHER like there was no tomorrow at his Singapore debut and he got a stitch late to miss a place. Punters were a tad gun-shy at start two but those that kept the faith were rewarded with a strong win at a more realistic 2-1 quote. Don’t
expect that price on Friday as some “fair-weather” punters will make BELLWETHER as short as he was on debut but given the field and his dominate last start win, the odds-on quote might be justified. Nothing jumps of the page to beat him although XIN TREASURE is certainly in very good and honest form and will keep the favourite honest late. He will also get some support and looks well placed with a handy 2kg TH Koh claim. Those looking for value however, might look at CAIYAYA resuming. The 7YO is a six-time winner this trip and track and certainly up to a race like this on his day with gate one a bonus.
1 ECLAIR FLYER * Appreciates first-up run but needs to improve on recent form. 20
2 SUPERB SUCCESS ** Resuming and always a show in races like this. 8.00
3 BAZINGA ** Returned to form in similar affair and pay to keep safe at value. 15
4 XIN TREASURE *** Has been in good form of late and will keep them honest late. 4.00
5 BELLWETHER *** Speedster who showed at second Singapore start he is better than most of these. Hard to beat. 1.60
6 CAIYAYA *** Resuming in suitable race and recent trials suggest she could run a big race at value. 15
7 EXQUISITELY SWEET ** Resuming and cold show up late although might wait for longer. 20
8 ONWATS APP ** Resuming after winning at very long odds last start but that was turf so take on trust. 20
9 MOOVA FISH * Struggling. 200
10 GOOD BUDDY * Needs easier. 100
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