IKING – In super form and will find this easier than his last start (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
As we count down the meetings to seasons end it may pay to have a quick glance at the Premiership tables to see who sits where and if it gets interesting in the run home.
A cursory glance suggests the leaders – Mark Walker (78 wins) in the trainers, Nunes a staggering 118 wins in the jockeys and Shafiq (54) in the Apprentice race – won’t be caught but it does get more interesting to see who run’s second.
Michael Freedman, HW Tan (both on 67) and perennial champ, Laurie Laxon (63) will be fighting out the minors of the trainers premiership and while Freedman has the best strike-rate of the trio, Tan and Laxon have the numbers to grab silver.
It’s tight for second in the jockey ranks and while Manny Nunes may very well win by 50, there is “Aussie Top Hoop” bragging rights up for grabs between Corey Brown (81) and Michael Rodd (78) which will no doubt keep them chasing rides and wins.
The top two in the apprentice race is done and dusted (Harry Kassim runs second) but two See’s – Troy on 20 and Joseph on 19 – keep the race for bronze going down to the wire.
So some extra incentives for all involved and worth keeping an eye on their respective mounts over the final six meetings of the 2015 season.
Friday 27 November
Best Bets: (WARSHIP race 2, win), (KEYSTONE race 4, win) and (OUR TOUCHE race 5, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (3, 6 and 9), race 7 (1, 3 and 5), race 8 (2, 4 and 7), race 9 (1, 3, 5 and 6).
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; 1 CAPTAIN MCCAW – 3 XIN TREASURE – 2 CITY OF SAILS – 4 MR PATRON
Truth be told it will pay to wait until the tote opens for the first race on Friday as a few of these stables will be looking for a result with their respective horses dropping in grade. CAPTAIN MCCAW is one such horse and while drawn wide for this, his recent form in better company suggests he is ready to win in Class 5. John Powell looks a very positive booking and hopefully he gets a little luck early from the gate. Likewise, XIN TREASURE will appreciate being in Class 5 given he placed two back in Class 4 so has to be seriously considered. CITY OF SAILS also appreciates the company and has shown glimpses with his trainer, Bruce Marsh, in fine form of late. Throw in TROPICAL FOREST as a winning hope and look for improvement from a few others like KING OF KOON with blinkers added.
1 CAPTAIN MCCAW *** Being showing enough lately to seriously consider dropping to Class 5. 5.00
2 CITY OF SAILS *** Can mix his form but goes good enough on his day to follow in Class 5. 6.00
3 XIN TREASURE *** Placed two starts back in Class 4 and hard to beat on that form. 4.00
4 MR PATRON *** Will win in this grade sooner than later and pay to follow. 5.00
5 BULLET * Maiden resuming and was pushed at recent trials so easier to ignore. 33
6 MR BLOSSOM ** Maiden but the Poly does look his caper and could be value. 12
7 SUPER BIG * No. 100
8 TROPICAL FOREST *** Form reads terribly but is better than what he showed last start and can follow in this type of race with tongue-tie added. 7.00
9 OASIS SPUR * Not a mile away last start but easier to ignore. 50
10 STOCK BROKER ** Will keep a few honest but exotics look best. 12
11 DRAGON INFINITY ** Form reads badly but gets senior hoop and should improve. 20
12 KING OF KOON ** Another whose recent form reads badly but gets blinkers so look for improvement. 20
Race 2
Selections; 1 WARSHIP – 2 DEBT COLLECTOR – 5 SALUT AMOUR – 4 SPUR ME ON
While we will make a case for a few of these at odds, WARSHIP should win. The War Chant 3YO has yet to run a bad race and getting back on the Poly stepping up to the mile looks ideal. He will be short in the betting but in this field with Barend Vorster up, he is extremely hard to beat. So who improves enough to keep him honest? DEBT COLLECTOR lost the rider last start and Michael Rodd gets his chance again. The 3YO improved two starts back and that effort suggests he will figure somewhere late. Michael Clements has two horses entered and while both SPUR ME ON and SALUT AMOUR have shown very little at the races, both look like improving lengths with blinkers added on what they showed at recent trials with headgear. ROYAL EXPLORER the other to watch in exotics.
1 WARSHIP *** In form and handles the Poly so very hard to beat in this weak field. 1.80
2 DEBT COLLECTOR ** Winkers off. Ignore last start where he lost the hoop and take on improved effort two starts back. 6.00
3 ROYAL EXPLORER ** Very disappointing last start but two best runs have been over the mile. 8.00
4 SPUR ME ON ** Form reads badly but gets blinkers and recent trial with headgear suggests improvement. 7.00
5 SALUT AMOUR ** Another who has shown nothing at the track but improves in trial form with blinkers added. 6.00
6 SPIRIT SEVEN ** Usually in the mix but needs things to go right to win. 12
7 MAGIC PAINT * Shown nothing at the races. 50
8 NATURAL WATER * Will improve with racing. 50
9 NOVA POWER * No. 200
Race 3
Selections; 5 CASING ROYAL – 2 SAFFIR – 1 LUCKY MISSION – 6 CONVICT
While he may not have beaten much on debut, CASING ROYAL certainly showed enough to think he is more than up to Class 4 Company. And given it’s just a fair Class 4 field (division 2), connections will be looking at making it two wins from two starts but he will want to make use of the nice gate. SAFFIR looks the testing material. The 4YO has hit a rich vein of form and went very close last start to making it three wins from his last four starts. One of his recent wins was in Class 4 and obviously that sort of form will hold up in this weak field. LUCKY MISSION wasn’t far behind SAFFIR last start in a similar affair to this and given he had excuses not to finish closer, he has to be respected. Throw a blanket over most others for exotics – especially CONVICT who gets blinkers back on at his first attempt on the Poly at the races.
1 LUCKY MISSION *** Excuses not to finish closer last start in similar affair and pay to follow. 4.50
2 SAFFIR *** In form and should figure heavily in this finish. 3.00
3 GRAVITY * Tongue-tie on but easier to ignore. 50
4 PHILANTHROPIST ** Excuses last start and can include in exotics on form prior on this surface. 12
5 CASING ROYAL *** Won well enough on debut to think he is up to this company with gate 2 a bonus. 3.00
6 CONVICT ** Gets blinkers and could improve at first race start on the Poly. 20
7 LIKA TIGER ** Hard to have on recent form but did show intent last start and could run another cheeky race. 12
8 HEE’S EGO ** Back in trip but enjoys the Poly and could add value to exotics. 10
9 YOU DA ONE ** Thereabouts as a rule but might be looking for easier to win. 20
10 KLEVER WARRIOR * No. 100
Race 4
Selections; 3 KEYSTONE – 9 SUN MIRACLE – 8 SATELLITE POWER – 12 WHITE SHADOW
This could be a very intense betting affair given two of the main hopes – KEYSTONE and SUN MIRACLE – are coming off very impressive trials and are sure to have admirers. And while we would like to back them both, KEYSTONE with race experience gets the early nod. The 4YO has impressed at two Poly starts and given the blinkers go on and his recent trial was excellent, he is the one to beat with gate 1 and a 4kg claimer in his favour. However, SUN MIRACLE bolted in at his Official Trial and the time was slick as well. Da Silva rides for Dragon and from gate 3 he could be very hard to beat as well. While it could be a race in two it will pay to respect the newcomer SATELLITE POWER on his trial form while WHITE SHADOW should improve on his debut effort given the support he received on that occasion.
1 KING OPERA * Former Australian and prefer to watch on trial form. 33
2 THE JEUNEYMAN ** Form reads badly but gets blinkers and could improve dramatically. 12
3 KEYSTONE *** Blinkers added after some close up efforts this surface and recent trial suggests he is hard to beat. 2.50
4 WESTERN BOSS * No. 100
5 KING OF THIEVES ** Improves on what was a sold debut but wide gate will make this tough. 20
6 MR DE NIRO ** Resuming after disappointing first campaign when supported and have to take on trust. 10
7 PRESSING ON * Needs to show more before we consider. 50
8 SATELLITE POWER ** Trials like he knows a bit about this caper and should go well. 10
9 SUN MIRACLE *** Impressed winning Official trial in very slick time and hard to beat on that effort. 2.30
10 SMART FORTUNE * Prefer later over longer. 100
11 CASTLE QUEEN * Has a bit to learn. 100
12 WHITE SHADOW ** Disappointing with heavy support on debut but should appreciate the run so keep safe. 20
Race 5
Selections; 4 OUR TOUCHE – 1 BLACK MAGIC – 7 CALIFORNIA SUN – 5 SECRET SPICE
Most of these horses need to find a few lengths to win and with this in mind a gear change on one of the main hopes looks a good move. The horse is OUR TOUCHE and his recent form in Class 4 suggests the company suits as well. He has trialed very well previously with blinkers so the headgear should assist and expect support and a big run. Also appreciating this company is BLACK MAGIC. The 4YO hasn’t set the world on fire in Class 4 but given his last win was in this company and his recent effort was solid, he can win. Nothing else jumps off the page to win but CALIFORNIA SUN trialed well and loves the Poly so can be considered first-up while SECRET SPICE is in winning form – albeit over the mile – so has to be respected.
1 BLACK MAGIC *** Showed enough last start to think he goes close back in his recent winning company. 3.00
2 EASY MONEY * Have to take on trust on recent form. 33
3 SCIENCE FICTION ** Not a mile away last couple and can include in exotics in this field. 8.00
4 OUR TOUCHE *** Gets blinkers and will improve enough with headgear in this company to win. 3.00
5 SECRET SPICE ** Up in grade and down in trip after winning over the mile so take on trust. 8.00
6 EVERTRUST * Gets blinkers added after poor Singapore debut. No. 100
7 CALIFORNIA SUN ** Resuming and trials like he is ready to show something first up. 12
8 HELEN ** Very disappointing last couple but this race suits. 12
9 WINNING STAR * Reassess easier and over longer. 33
10 RUN CHEETAH RUN * Wait for Class 5. 50
Race 6
Selections; 3 I-SCREAM NOW – 6 PURE WHITE – 9 ZAC GALLANT – 10 CHINESE TYCOON
When you consider that the top four picks in this race have some 145 starts for only two wins between them, this race looks a minefield for punters. Obviously a 63-start maiden in CHINESE TYCOON exaggerates those statistics but the fact remains there is not a lot of winning form in this race. As such a last start winner in I-SCREAM NOW could take some beating. That was the 6YO’s maiden win (at start 27) but given he has subsequently trialed well he looks the one to be on. PURE WHITE is a maiden but has looked due of late so worth a look back on the Poly but he obviously needs a result. ZAC GALLANT doesn’t win out of turn but gets his chance in this weak field. Tiger?
1 DRAGON RUBY * Struggles as a rule but only placing was in this grade on the Poly. 33
2 GYPSY MAGIC * Veteran who can show up from time to time. 20
3 I-SCREAM NOW *** Broke maiden status last start in similar affair and subsequent trial suggests he can win again. 3.00
4 MR CALIFORNIA * Yet to place in 10 career starts and needs to improve. 50
5 GOOD SCORE ** Backing up after fair run last Sunday and this is no tougher. 12
6 PURE WHITE *** Maiden who has looked due and very much appreciates being back on the Poly. 4.00
7 STREET RUFFIAN ** Veteran who has looked due of late and might not get a better chance than this. 6.00
8 SOUTHERN ADMIRAL * Tongue-tie off but easier to ignore. 50
9 ZAC GALLANT *** Always a show in races like this but does struggle to win. 4.00
10 CHINESE TYCOON ** Maiden having start 64 but will be competitive. 12
Race 7
Selections; 1 IKING – 3 TARAMEA – 5 KING SAVINSKY – 4 VERGLATICA
An odd race on this particular day where most the horses look in form which should make for an interesting betting affair with some value about. IKING won’t be value but he is the testing material in Class 4. True, the 7YO doesn’t win out of turn but he did get the chocolates two starts back and his effort to place last time out in BM83 company was excellent. He handles the Poly and with Nunes up he looks the one to be one. TARAMEA is also in the winning mix after his run of good form since blinkers were added to his gear three starts back. Throw in KING SAVINSKY as a serious winning hope over 1900m and VERGLATICA might get out to value in what should be a suitable race. Blanket over the rest including the three last start Class 5 winners.
1 IKING *** In super form and will find this easier than his last start. 3.00
2 SUNNY ** Placed last start on the Poly but looks a better option on the turf. 12
3 TARAMEA *** Has improved lengths since blinkers went on and right in this. 4.00
4 VERGLATICA ** Supported last week in this company and could make excuses so keep safe. 10
5 KING SAVINSKY *** In form and will be working home strongly with 1900m in his favour. 5.50
6 CHI LIN ** Obviously hit a rich vein of form but this company with test. 12
7 OVER EASY ** Up in grade after all the way win but cheeky run expected. 10
8 STARPERFECT ** Not far away in KSD company last start and can include in exotics. 12
9 BLACK FRIDAY ** Another last start Class 5 winner who can make his presence felt. 12
Race 8
Selections; 2 RACER KING – 7 MIGHTY GLORY – 4 COTE DE NUITS – 6 DUTY FREE
While the stats don’t read as badly as race six on the card in regards to non-winners, most of the top picks here don’t win out of turn so it is hard to be confident. In saying that it’s hard to fault their honesty led by RACER KING, MIGHTY GLORY and COTE DE NUITS. All three can win this with RACER KING looking due with some nice recent efforts adding to his career record of one win and ten placings from 18 starts. Similarly, MIGHTY GLORY has had just the one win but ten placings from 20 career starts and is well placed here with gate 1 a bonus. COTE DE NUITS is yet to win in Singapore but is usually thereabouts and also looks well placed to break his Kranji duck. Nothing else jumps off the page on recent form but DUTY FREE will be swooping if race run to suit.
1 GOLDEN MISSION ** Not a mile away last start and appreciates KSD company. 20
2 RACER KING *** Will not win out of turn but is due and gets his chance in this field. 3.00
3 ANGRY CAT ** Appreciates first up run and pay to keep safe in what is a suitable race. 20
4 COTE DE NUITS *** Yet to win in Singapore but loves the Poly and must go close. 3.60
5 DREAMCATCHER ** Starting to struggle but most recent win was in this company. 12
6 DUTY FREE ** Will always be a show if race run to suit swoopers. 12
7 MIGHTY GLORY *** Super honest and gets his chance from gate 1 in a race with no standout. 4.00
8 TOAST’S ANGEL * No. 100
9 EXCITING PROSPECT * Blinkers off but might be looking for Class 5. 33
10 ROMA ** Always some hope on best form on the Poly but better in Class 5. 20
11 FLAMING FIREHEART ** In form but eligible for easier. 12
Race 9
Selections; 1 LINCOLN ROAD – 5 STIRLING – 3 CAPTAIN BLONDIE – 6 WHITE HUNTER
Punters hoping for a “good thing’ to get them home in the last will be looking no further than the smart LINCOLN ROAD. The Shane Baertschiger-trained 4YO impressed when winning on debut before making it two from two in Class 4 at his last start. And while he just got the better of The Cosmos on that occasion, it was a gap to third and that form will more than hold up here. He will be short though and while the race doesn’t have a great deal of depth, the likes of STIRLING, CAPTAIN BLONDIE and WHITE HUNTER will all keep him honest. STIRLING in particular looks due to knock in a win in Class 4 company and Nunes should give him every chance from gate 2. Both CAPTAIN BLONDIE and WHITE HUNTER have shown at two and one starts in Singapore respectively that they also win soon.
1 LINCOLN ROAD *** Backed up strong maiden victory with a very good win in this company and hard to beat again. 2.10
2 BRAHMS AND LISZT * Form OK but this looks too short. 20
3 CAPTAIN BLONDIE *** Just missed last start in similar affair and should figure again. 4.00
4 POLE PARADISE ** Resuming and this looks unstable enough first-up to keep safe. 20
5 STIRLING *** Showed last start he wins in this grade sooner than later and must go close. 6.00
6 WHITE HUNTER *** Supported but well beaten into third on Singapore debut, Will improve on trial form. 6.00
7 DUAL IMPACT * No. 100
8 GOLD LINE ** Solid and always worth a look at odds in exotics. 20
9 KAISER BRIGHT * Struggling of late. 100
10 GOLD CROWN ** Going along OK but would prefer over longer in easier company. 20
11 D’DON * Won last start over 1000m in Class 5 and that is his caper. 50
