Royal Brat gives heavyweight jockey Bernard Fayd’Herbe a first win at Kranji on Sunday. Picture Singapore Turf Club
With nominations released this week for the International races in May, the countdown to the Singapore Airlines International Cup has officially started. And with the running of the Group 3 Merlion Trophy, the KrisFlyer sprint is also well and truly on the agenda. The premier Poly WFA sprint race on the local racing calendar, the Merlion is the first leg of the Singapore Sprint series, which culminates with the Group 1 Lion City Cup in April. But while a few Polytrack specialists see this race as a chance for Group glory, the cream usually rises to the top and the top-rated horses are the ones to follow at the race conditions. MY CAPTAIN OBVIOUS heads the ratings and although having his first start for over one year, he could prove too good. The flashy grey – who represented Singapore in Japan in 2012 – has had two trials in preparation for his much anticipated return to racing and while he wouldn’t be fully woundup, a huge first-up run is expected. The field does have depth – SUPERNOVA, EL PADRINO and PIONEER SEVEN all could race above their respective ratings – but the winner should come from those with runs on the board with MR BIG, HUKA FALLS and GOAL KEEPER all well-placed at the WFA conditions. Throw is CAVALLO, who continues to impress with back-to-back wins to his name, and the race looks a beauty with the winner likely to have a big say as a local hope in the KrisFlyer come May.
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Best Bets; (ROYAL BRAT race 8, win), (INVICTUS race 4, value) and (MULAN 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 12), race 7 (Field), race 8 (1, 2, 3 and 5), race 9 (1, 2 and 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; 3 ARAPUNI – 2 RICHEAST – 1 BANKERS CALL – 6 HAPPY FOREVER
A Class 5 over 1100m starts off the all poly programme. Old ARAPUNI ran on well behind JONATHAN last outing and this grade and distance suit. His last win was at 1100m in Class 4 and with Rueven’s claim, he is better than most of these. The grey RICHEAST is on the quick back–up; he has been racing consistently and with Ivaldo Santana up should be prominent all the way. STORM ARC is dropping back to more suitable class and distance; his recent trial was sound and with Alan Munro up he should race well. HAPPY FOREVER can be tardy at the start but if Saifudin gets him away he will appreciate the good alley and should be right in the finish. SUPER CAPTAIN jumped awkwardly and was ultimately eased down last start; if right he is competitive in this company and should be handy all the way. BANKER’S CALL will appreciate being down in Grade, he has some speed and if Lisa Allpress can get him across, he could make his presence felt.
1 BANKERS CALL *** Has found Class 4 and KSD too tough since Maiden win. Better suited here. Watch for support. 8.00
2 RICHEAST *** On quick back-up. Racing consistently, was caught wide last start and should be in the finish once again. 3.50
3 ARAPUNI *** Veteran who ran on strongly last outing. Last win was at 1100m in Class 4. Better than most of these. 5.00
4 HOOPER * Extremely unreliable but has speed and suited in Class 5. On best form could make his presence felt. 20
5 SUPER CAPTAIN ** Forget last run jumped awkwardly, raced wide and was eased down. Well drawn and with claim should be handy all the way. 10
6 HAPPY FOREVER *** Can be tardy at the start but if he gets away will appreciate good alley and should be handy all the way. 6.00
7 SACRED CROWN * Form reads poorly but can surprise and ace helps. 33
8 BARGAIN BID ** Changed back to Sam Chua after short sojourn with Bruce Marsh. Battles away; distance suits and has top rider. 14
9 MAGNIFICENT KID * Put in good run over 1400m on turf three starts back. Only win was in NZ at a mile on turf and poly efforts ordinary. 33
10 OUR RIVER DANCER * Blinkers/Pacifiers on. Has been very disappointing. Top rider may help. 25
11 STORM ARC ** Dropping back to more suitable class and distance. Recent trial sound. Should race well. 5.00
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Race 2
Selections; 9 HAPPY PRINCESS – 1 TAKEOVER – 11 OCTIVIA – 5 GOLD LINE
A very open Initiation over 1200m with Laurie Laxon having three runners and Pat Shaw and Steven Burridge two each. Pat Shaw’s GOLD LINE has been knocking on the door but only battled last start when finishing third on turf; with blinkers and tongue tie added, back on the poly over a trip that he was placed at three starts back, he can be expected to race well. All of Laurie’s three, OCTIVIA, HAPPY PRINCESS and HATHAWAY have realistic hopes though it is the filly HAPPY PRINCESS who could be his best hope. She debuted well and with Corey Brown up will get every chance after excuses on debut. OCTIVIA also impressed on debut running on strongly; she has the best draw of the trio and with Rueven’s claim should race well. But the hardest to beat may be Steven Burridge’s TAKEOVER, who put in a good effort in fast time over 1200m on turf behind BEST TOTHELIGN last outing. With Manoel Nunes retaining the mount, he will be hard to hold out despite the wide draw. THE MIGHTY THOR is another that has been trying for a while and GEESON MASTER has looked useful at the trials. MY BARBARELLA has disappointed since coming to Singapore with some reasonable NZ form behind her; back on the poly with Dan Beasley and a good alley over 1200m she could show up.
1 TAKEOVER *** Ran on well in fast time on turf last outing. Trialed well prior and will be hard to beat despite wide draw. 5.50
2 THE MIGHTY THOR *** Has been battling away for a while and will be thereabouts again. 6.00
3 GEESON MASTER ** Pacifiers on. 4YO by Red Ransom. First start. Half brother to Warwick Farm winner Mineko. Won trial in slow time. Watch for support. 10
4 SPALATO * Half brother to PRINCETON. By Elusive City. Did nothing in trial and prefer to see. 25
5 GOLD LINE *** Blinkers and tongue tie on. Placed at past four outings but only battled last start. Ran 3rd in similar affair three starts back. Should be in the finish once again. 5.00
6 STING ** Winkers off. Only placing was on poly at 1100m. Very green but runs on and could get in the finish. 14
7 MIGHTY ASTROBOY * Got a mile back and was very green at first outing. Should be improved but draw no help. 20
8 MY BARBARELLA ** Has been disappointing since nice Singapore debut after showing form in NZ. Well drawn and shorter poly trip may suit. 10
9 HAPPY PRINCESS *** Got checked late on debut when running on well. Should be improved. 8.00
10 HATHAWAY ** Resumed with solid effort on turf. Has some speed and poly should suit. Wide draw a challenge. 14
11 OCTIVIA *** Solid effort on debut. Nice alley and claim puts her in contention. 6.00
12 HERE COME BUDDY * Northern Hemisphere bred. Showed little at trial. watch for support. 33
13 VALENTINO ** Solid effort on debut and trialed well subsequently. Chance if he gets a run. 10
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Race 3
Selections; 5 MANGATANGI – 4 PERFECT CHALLENGER – 2 BENJI’S RULE – 6 BLUE DIAMOND
A Class 4 over 1200m and MANGATANGI gets a chance to make amends. He is a consistent type who just missed last outing over 1200m on turf; well drawn and with Rueven’s claim he will be hard to pass late. Oscar Chavez stays on PERFECT CHALLENGER who runs on very strongly; if ridden to keep in touch is the one that will be closing late. BLUE DIAMOND disappointed in Novice class last outing; he won his Maiden at this trip at the start prior – perfectly drawn with Dan Beasley up he has speed and should give a bold sight. JET MAN’s last win was in a similar race with Manoel Nunes up; he gets that combination and should be kept safe. BENJI’S RULE has won his past two wearing blinkers in KSD company – one on the poly; he is up in grade but gets a claim for Noh Senari and should race well again. HIMALAYA DRAGON ran on strongly to win over 1100m on poly on debut, this is tougher but he should make his presence felt. ANGRY CAT was close up last start in similar company, the change from Dan Beasley to a claimer is a concern but he should race well.
1 ANGRY CAT *** Close up last start in similar company. Change to claimer a concern but should race well. 8.00
2 BENJI’S RULE *** Has won past two wearing blinkers in KSD company, one on the poly. Up in grade but gets a claim and should race well again. 8.00
3 CALIFORNIAN GIRL * Speedy but tested beyond 1000m. 33
4 PERFECT CHALLENGER *** Runs on very strongly and if ridden to keep in touch, will be closing late. 4.50
5 MANGATANGI *** Just missed last outing. Well drawn and with Rueven’s claim, gets his chance to make amends. 4.00
6 BLUE DIAMOND *** Disappointed in Novice class last outing. Won Maiden at this trip. Perfectly drawn, has speed and should give a bold sight. 5.00
7 FUKU ICHIBAN ** Racing very well but yet to win on poly and best efforts are over longer. 16
8 HIMALAYA DRAGON *** Ran on strongly to win over 1100m on poly on debut. This is tougher but should make his presence felt. 8.00
9 SUGAR MAN * Having third run back from resumption. Found 1400m on turf too much last outing. Only win was over 1000m on poly and could race well from inside draw. 16
10 JET MAN ** Goes best when ridden near the lead. Last win was at this trip in Class 4 with Nunes up. Keep safe. 10
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Race 4
Selections; 1 STORMY ALONG – 10 INVICTUS – 2 AMAZEALOT – 5 FOLLOW THE KING
A very ordinary Maiden over 1200m and STORMY ALONG gets his chance to break through. He has been runner-up at past two outings and has been placed five times from 11 outings; with Davey Flores once again partnering with John O’Hara, he is the one to beat. One to watch at value is INVICTUS who is resuming with blinkers. Although his best recent form is over longer, he has good first-up form this trip and recent trials indicate he could sprint well fresh and Harry Kasim should have him motoring home late. AMAZEALOT is an improving type and was close up at last outing in similar affair; nicely drawn, Ivaldo Santana should give him every chance. FOLLOW THE KING was not far away last start over 1200m on the poly last start and with Alan Munro steering should get in the mix. MORRIS, MONEY KING, DEAUVILLE and LIVE WELL are capable of surprising.
1 STORMY ALONG *** Runner-up at past two outings and has been placed five from 11. Strong chance again. 3.00
2 AMAZEALOT *** Close up at last outing in similar affair. Improving and nicely drawn in this. 3.50
3 ABOVE REACH ** Ran on from a very long way back over 1400m on turf last start. This may be too short. 14
4 DEAUVILLE ** Blinkers on. Only battled last start over 1400m on turf. Usually thereabouts but draw no help. 12
5 FOLLOW THE KING *** Not far away over 1200m on poly last start and should get in the mix. 6.00
6 OCEAN STORY * Yet to threaten in five starts. 50
7 JUST DUIT * Resuming and recent trial not encouraging. 50
8 LIVE WELL ** Blinkers off. Only battled at last two starts. Has some ability but needs to improve. 14
9 MONEY KING ** Battled away at past couple. Yet to place in six starts but Corey Brown and a good alley could help. 14
10 INVICTUS *** Resuming with blinkers. Best form is over longer but has gone well first-up and recent trials indicate he could sprint well fresh. 12
11 MORRIS ** Placed seven times in 19 starts. Gets Nathan Berry to help him break through. 14
12 XIAO LONG * Would need to improve dramatically. 50
13 EISHIN BRIGHT * Coming back in trip. Last start better than the result but yet to place in 11 starts. 100
14 DIAMOND FLYER * Yet to place in 9 starts and wants further. 100
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Race 5
Selections; 2 ASTROSTAR – 5 LET GO LENNI – 1 LET’S SEE ACTION – 6 SELIGI
A Kranji Stakes C over 1200m with quite a few chances. ASTROSTAR is a very consistent sprinter never having missed a place on the polytrack. Well drawn, he just missed in Class 3 last start and while he has plenty of weight, will be hard to run down. LET’S SEE ACTION was run down late in a similar race last start, he too has 58kg but should race well again. LET GO LENNI looked pretty good winning in Class 4 company last outing, he is up in grade but should be hard to beat if he brings that form to the table. SELIGI has been racing well in Class3 company, he usually battles on well late and should be in the finish. DUTY FREE is also in good form and runs on very strongly, he will be closing late. DANNY RICARDO is racing well and AROWANA DOT COM could surprise.
1 LET’S SEE ACTION *** Run down late in similar race last start. Has 58kg but should race well again. 5.00
2 ASTROSTAR *** Speedy fellow, well drawn. Just missed in Class 3 last start. Has plenty of weight but will be hard to run down. 3.50
3 AROWANA DOT COM ** Improved effort last start and at his best would be right in this. Watch for support. 12
4 DRAGON KING ** Resumed and found BM83 on turf too hard last start. This is easier and could make his presence felt. 12
5 LET GO LENNI *** Scored impressively last start. Perfectly drawn and whilst this is harder will be hard to beat again. 4.50
6 SELIGI ** Has been racing well in Class 3 company. Usually battles on well late. 8.00
7 BEAUTY SUPREME * Resumed with solid effort in Class 3 over 1200m. Unknown on poly. 20
8 DUTY FREE ** In good form and runs on very strongly. Will be closing late. 10
9 WARSPIRIT * Coming back in trip. This may be too tough but last win was over 1000m on poly in BM67 class. 20
10 DANNY RICARDO ** Racing well on turf and looking for a hat-trick. This is harder but should be closing late. 10
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Race 6
Selections; 1 FANTASTIC BOY – 5 MAGIC DIVA – 3 FRENCHMAN – 12 ZAC STAR DESTROYER
This looks very hard for punters with most of the top hopes – FANTASTIC BOY, MAGIC DIVA, FRENCHMAN and ZAC STAR DESTROYER – the types that disappoint more often than not but all coming off promising runs. There does look plenty of early speed so of the horses in question, FANTASTIC BOY, MAGIC DIVA might be best suited to a good pace set by the likes of GANGNAM STYLE and HELLOLO. FANTASTIC BOY ran on very well late last start and although drawn wide again, he might race handier with Zaki booked and a win would not surprise. MAGIC DIVA will also be running on late and her form suggests she wins again sooner than later and this race is weak. Of the rest, FRENCHMAN showed enough last start to think he might be ready to show something (anything!) from gate 1 and the lowly rated ZAC STAR DESTROYER also looks in good enough form to play a part in the finish.
1 FANTASTIC BOY *** Excellent work late last start in similar affair has him playing a part in this. 3.70
2 SURPASS *** Disappointing with support last start but never looked comfortable and worth another look. 8.00
3 FRENCHMAN *** Improvement noted last start and two career wins were on this surface. Watch tote. 8.00
4 GANGNAM STYLE * Has speed but struggles late. 33
5 MAGIC DIVA *** Ran on well after tough run last start and will be closing late in this. 5.00
6 POWERPAC * Didn’t look keen last start and hard to have from wide gate. 33
7 HELLOLO *** Will be thereabouts throughout and Nunes looks a good booking. 12
8 GOOD SUGGESTION * Tongue-tie on but hard to have. 50
9 GOOD DAY ** Never a threat with support for new trainer last start but will battle away. 6.00
10 RED SENSATION ** Led and fought on last start but yet to place in 21 outings. 12
11 WIN THE DAY * Upgrade to blinkers but struggling. 50
12 ZAC STAR DESTROYER *** Good effort last start from wide gate so must be a big show from barrier 3. 7.00
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Race 7
Selections; 1 CAPTAIN OBVIOUS – 2 MR BIG – 4 HUKA FALLS – 8 SUPERNOVA
It might be easier to mention the only horse that can’t win on recent form; VALEVOLE. And that’s a horse with seven Polytrack wins under his belt and a few of them at a very high level. He has also trailed well recently.. but we digress… So who wins? At WFA level you have to start at the top and while resuming after a year away from racing, CAPTAIN OBVIOUS may be too good for most here. The dashing grey has trailed like he is more than ready to win first-up and no doubt connections had this race in mind some time ago for his long awaited return. MR BIG also has the runs on the board at the top level and while not at his very best of late, his last start good enough to think he could be hard to pass at WFA conditions. You can make a case for most others with special mention to HUKA FALLS who looked in good order at a recent trial, EL PADRINO who is always one to watch and some Poly specialists down in the ratings including SUPER NOVA and PIONEER SEVEN. Great race.
1 CAPTAIN OBVIOUS *** Top-liner resuming after a year away from racing. Trials like he is ready. 4.00
2 MR BIG *** Not at his very best of late but suited at WFA and in this a very long way. 4.00
3 GOAL KEEPER *** Battled on well last start and has an exceptional record on this surface so pay to keep safe. 12
4 HUKA FALLS *** Issues last start and recent trial looked good. Big show. 6.00
5 CAVALLO *** In super form and pay to respect with gate one a bonus. 6.00
6 EL PADRINO ** Might be tested at WFA but has ability and could be flying late. 33
7 PIONEER SEVEN ** Smart and last start win was strong but another facing stiff test at WFA open company. 5.00
8 SUPERNOVA *** Resuming after placing in the Group 3 Saas Fe and goes too well on the Poly not to consider. 8.00
9 RAPIDO STAR ** Big ask at the conditions but always pay to include on the Poly. 20
10 VALEVOLE * Has looked OK at recent trials but while competitive, should be outclassed. 33
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Race 8
Selections; 1 ROYAL BRAT – 5 NORTH STAR – 2 GALLANT HEIGHTS – 3 JET COSMO
Everyone loves a Class dropper in form and ROYAL BRAT certainly ticks those boxes and could be hard to beat in this. The 7YO had a very good 2013 winning some four times which is a huge effort for a horse of his age in this low grade. The fact he remains in-form in 2014 and finds himself back in Class 5 suggests he can win again with gate 1 and a 2kg Zuriman claim factors. But plenty of other hopes in good form and NORTH STAR also looks very well placed after drawing well in gate 3 and he could easily win for in-form hoop, Alan Munro. GALLANT HEIGHTS broke his maiden status in fine style last start and like ROYAL BRAT and NORTH STAR, he has drawn well and that counts for plenty over two tight Poly turns. Throw in JET COSMO although his wide gate is a concern with most others some hope for exotics.
1 ROYAL BRAT *** Down in grade and will be very hard to pass with 2kg claim. 3.50
2 GALLANT HEIGHTS *** Broke overdue maiden status with a very good Class 5 1700m win and pay to follow. 4.00
3 JET COSMO *** Wide gate some concern but looks due to break maiden status. 6.00
4 BROWNE’S ANATOMY ** Battles away and always worth a look in exotics. 10
5 NORTH STAR *** In fine form and a serious winning hope from gate 3. 4.50
6 RECIPROCATE ** Placed at long odd last start and this type of race does look his caper. 20
7 GRAVLAX ** Long-term maiden but recent form has been OK. 20
8 REAL GOODMAN ** Backing up after OK run in KSD company. Keep safe at value. 20
9 BIG HARVEST ** Excuse last start and another who adds value to exotics. 20
10 JOYCE * Form hopeless but best run was under Chavez. 100
11 SUPER VELOX ** Not the worst but has been trying for a very long-time so place looks best. 50
12 CLASSIC THUNDER ** Coming off a shocker but previous form sound. 20
13 THE GIANT ** Maiden and drawn badly but will be working into this late. 20
14 DOS EQUIS *** Backed and showed last start he wins a race like this soon. 8.00
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Race 9
Selections; 2 MULAN – 1 TIGER BEE – 5 PURE TACTICS – 8 FLYING WILD
This race looks a beauty with the up-and-coming TIGER BEE certainly a horse to follow. The 3YO took a couple of runs to find his feet but showed enough at his third start to suggests he goes OK, before winning his next two. However, while his last start win was good and he is obviously a progressive type, he does have top-weight to carry and that will be a test in what is a good Class 4 field. In fact, PURE TACTICS – who finished runner-up to TIGER BEE last start – gets a 3kg pull in the weights and some form students will tell you that’s enough to turn the tables. PURE TACTICS gets to jump from gate 1 and that is also in the favour of the Strategic 4YO. But a bonny mare called MULAN might beat them both. The 6YO is going along OK but given she drops to Class 4 for the first time since January 2013, she should grow a leg and at her best, wins. Others to include are FLYING WILD, FUNCA and SIR FLEETWOOD.
1 TIGER BEE *** Backed up maiden win with a strong win this company. Hard to beat. 2.00
2 MULAN *** Form better than it reads and switch to Poly coupled with drop in Class could see a result. 8.00
3 SOMBRANI * Needs to show something before considering. 100
4 SIR FLEETWOOD ** Excuses last start not to finish closer and appreciates switch back to Poly. Value. 12
5 PURE TACTICS *** Resumed with good placing behind TIGER BEE and meets the topweight 3kg better off. Chance. 4.50
6 PACINO * Struggling. 100
7 FUNCA ** Resuming and while always a big show and looking good at recent trial, his Singapore maiden status a concern. 8.00
8 FLYING WILD ** Coming off a good enough KSD win and worth an each-way look. 6.00
9 AFFIRMATION * Not suited but the type that works into this late. 33
10 SIMPANG * Won on the Poly two back but that was in Class 5. 33
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