SIngapore Horse Of The Year
The 2014 Racing Awards were run and won last week and no real surprises with SUPER EASY winning the coveted Horse Of The Year award, BETTER LIFE getting her due recognition and a couple of journalists waking up in strange rooms with hangovers. Two of the above-mentioned have been retired to breeding duties but that’s a story for another day. Friday racing won’t reach any great heights but some nice Class 3, Kranji Stakes C and some solid Class 4 races makes it a very good night for punters.
Early on, a rare 2400m event (race 3) has an interesting small field assembled with CANNON HILL the one with runs on the board at a higher level. But the 6YO Group 3 winner hasn’t been at his very best of late and this might give some of the others a chance to knock in a win at this level. DANGER ZONE is a frustrating horse – one win against seven second places backs that statement up – but he can make amends here. Regular stable-hoop, Alan Munro, goes back-on and given the 4YO is race fit and in-form, he must go very close to a result for patient followers. Tactics will play a part and most of the the others look to have winning hopes as well.
Like CANNON HILL, IRISH REBEL might be a class above his rivals at Class 4 level in the last but unlike CANNON HILL, he brings some solid form into the race. Although only winning once from 14 starts in Singapore, IRISH REBEL has been thereabouts in some nice company and given his sole win was at Class 4 level, he looks extremely well-placed and could be a good thing. Elsewhere on the card, BOGART – first-up with winkers added and a nice trial under his belt – could play it again in race 8 on the card with support likely.
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Best Bets; (IRISH REBEL race 9, win), (BOGART race 8, win) and (ROMA race 1, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 6 and 8), race 7 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 11), race 8 (1, 6, 10 and 12), race 9 (1, 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 FOREIGN EXCHANGE – 10 CONQUEST – 6 ROMA – 4 GALLANT HEIGHTS
A very ordinary Class 5 over 1700m on the polytrack starts off the programme in which CONQUEST with Harry Kassim up could go out and set a bold speed and be hard to run down. FOREIGN EXCHANGE broke through for his first win in over two years last outing; with Rueven retaining the mount and a 100m less to travel, he could be the hardest to beat. Most of the others major contenders are maidens – some of whom regularly place such as GALLANT HEIGHTS who has been on the podium at past five starts. The pacifiers come off, Noh Senari climbs on and he will be running on once again. HOST THE NATION is another yet to win but has finished in the top four at seven of his past eight runs and should be thereabouts again. There are plenty of other chance; SUPER STAR could easily surprise, NEWFOUNDFAME broke through last outing and GOLD HALO and the mare ROMA – who had excuses last start and could be value – have shown improvement at recent outings.
1 SUPER STAR ** Put in a shocker last start but last win was this class, surface and distance. Goes best when ridden forward. 10
2 HOST THE NATION *** Maiden who battles away. Has finished in top four at seven of his past eight runs. Will be thereabouts. 6.00
3 FOREIGN EXCHANGE *** Broke through for first win in over two years last outing. Could repeat with Rueven retaining the mount. 4.20
4 GALLANT HEIGHTS *** Pacifiers off. Maiden who has been placed at past five starts. Runs on and will be thereabouts again. 6.00
5 RECIPROCATE * Hasn’t won for 18 months but last win was at this trip. Could improve. 20
6 ROMA *** Maiden mare who had excuses not to go very close last start. Worth a look. 20
7 THE GIANT ** Coming back in trip and was placed at last try at 1700m. Has top SA apprentice and could be finishing on late. 6.00
8 NEWFOUNDFAME *** Broke through in a very weak race over 1700m last outing. May go on with it. 10
9 GOLD HALO ** Hasn’t won for a long time but has been putting in fair efforts since stepping up in distance. Chance again. 12
10 CONQUEST *** Will lead and may be hard to run down with no weight on his back. 6.00
11 WEIGHT IN GOLD * 9YO who has not won for four years. 100
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Race 2
Selections; 8 ADRENALINE – 10 COGITO ERGO SUM – 2 THE MIGHTY THOR – 9 HITCHHIKER
An Initiation over 1400m on the turf with a number of chances, most whom have had only one or two starts. ADRENALINE has fought on well at his only two starts, the 1400m should suit and with Manoel Nunes up, he should be handy all the way. COGITO ERGO SUM is a Takaoka-trained Japanese-bred 3YO who has been running on over shorter distances on the polytrack; stepping up to 1400m on turf and with Alan Munro up he should be hard to hold out. HITCHHIKER also put in a solid effort at only start and 1400m should suit; with Corey Brown up he should be in the finish. THE MIGHTY THOR has been trying for a while but keeps running into better ones; this race suits and with Jamie Kah’s claim, he gets his chance to break through. Other chances include the big horse GENE, who is improving with racing as well as PRECIOUS GEM and GOOD MUMMY with PANAMA CITY one to watch as has some ability.
1 PRECIOUS GEM ** Solid effort on debut. Has a placing over a mile at Newcastle (NSW) and should be improved. 10
2 THE MIGHTY THOR *** Has been trying for a while but keeps running into better ones. This race suits and gets his chance to break through. 4.50
3 GENE ** Not far way at last two outings. Big horse who is getting better with racing. 12
4 PANAMA CITY ** Has some ability but very green so does find trouble. Keep safe. 20
5 THREE WHIP * Only battled at only two starts. Needs to improve. 20
6 TOP OF THE TOWN ** First start. Half brother to JOYCE. Showed some toe in his trial and from the good gate could give a sight. 16
7 GOOD MUMMY ** Pacifiers to blinkers. Has changed stables and been freshened after debut. Well drawn, watch for support. 16
8 ADRENALINE *** Has fought on well at only two starts. Should be handy and race well again. 4.00
9 HITCHHIKER *** Solid effort at only start and 1400m should suit. Should be in the finish. 4.50
10 COGITO ERGO SUM *** Has been running on over shorter distances on the poly. Much better suited here and should be closing late. 5.00
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Race 3
Selections; 3 DANGER ZONE – 1 CANNON HILL – 5 MY DANCING DUEL – 6 PURE RABID
A rare 2400m KSC on turf has attracted a small field with Hideyuki Takaoka and Cliff Brown providing six of the seven runners. Tactics will play a major part and without a likely pacesetter, it could turn into a sprint home. The winkers go on DANGER ZONE; he has been placed at his past six starts up to 2000m; with Alan Munro up he should be in the finish but overdue for a win. The sole Pat Shaw entry, CANNON HILL, is the one that has run in better quality races and has twice won at 2200m; he failed last start but was revved up in a recent trial and with Noh Senari’s claim he may be hard to hold out. PURE RABID beat DANGER ZONE last start, he is a tough stayer and should put in a strong performance once again. DRAGON G’s only wins have been on the poly at 1700m and 1900m; he is on trial at 2400m but being a dour sort by Pentire he will keep plugging away. MY DANCING DUEL is on the quick back-up after a tough 1800m KSD win and TANGIBLE ASSETS won in Class 4 over 1800m two starts back.
1 CANNON HILL *** Just battled last start. Was revved up in a recent trial and is a winner at 2200m. Has run in much better races than this, the claim helps and should give a sight. 4.50
2 TANGIBLE ASSETS * Won a Class 4 over 1800m two starts back. Trained by the master but failed at only attempt at 2400m. 14
3 DANGER ZONE *** Winkers on. Has been placed at past six starts up to 2000m. Unknown at 2400m but with Munro up should be in the finish. 3.00
4 DRAGON G ** Only wins have been on the poly at 1700m and 1900m. On trial at 2400m. Dour sort by Pentire who will keep plugging away. 6.00
5 MY DANCING DUEL *** On quick back-up. Won well over 1800m in KSD last start and has a 2000m win to his credit. Will keep plugging away. 8.00
6 PURE RABID *** Stayed on well to win over 2000m in Class 4 over DANGER ZONE last outing. Sticks on strongly and will race well again. 3.00
7 SAINT VALLEY * Only wins have been on poly in weaker company. Stays well but tested at this level. 20
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Race 4
Selections; 4 SURE WIN – 1 MAKAWAO – 2 CALIFORNIAN GIRL – 10 JET MAN
An interesting sprint over 1000m on the poly for the Class 4 flyers. SURE WIN has won Maiden and Novice over 1000m and 1100m respectively in convincing style at his past two starts; well drawn and with Manoel Nunes on top, he will be hard to beat again. MAKAWAO failed last start so the blinkers go on but he got the head up and pulled hard in his recent trial win; if he settles he could be hard to run down. CALIFORNIAN GIRL resumed and showed her customary speed on turf before weakening over 1200m; she is much better suited here and Corey Brown will have her up the front for a long way. The blinkers also go on BLACK SNOW having his first Singapore start, he has been trialing well and won a maiden at Riccarton (NZ) over 1200m- watch for support. Others that could show up include JET MAN (value), DON INAKI and INDULGE.
1 MAKAWAO *** Blinkers on. Got the head up and pulled hard in recent trial win. If he settles will be hard to run down. 4.00
2 CALIFORNIAN GIRL *** Resumed and showed her customary speed on turf before weakening over 1200m. Much better suited here and will be up the front for a long way. 4.00
3 DON INAKI * Speedy but poorly drawn and may like it a bit easier. 16
4 SURE WIN *** Has won Maiden and Novice in convincing style at past two starts. Well drawn and will be hard to beat again. 3.00
5 BLACK SNOW ** Blinkers on. First Singapore start. Has been trialing well and won a maiden at Riccarton (NZ) over 1200m. Watch for support. 14
6 SHIN GOONG * Resuming after a long break. Trialing fairly. Smart when right and could give a sight from the ace. 20
7 THEOLOGY * Resuming. Won a KSD two starts back over 1000m but this looks too hard first-up. 33
8 BEAT TO QUARTERS * Wants easier and longer than this. 25
9 INDULGE ** Blinkers off. Saddle slipped last start. Has pace and won trial recently but would prefer easier. 14
10 JET MAN ** Has speed and will be near the lead much of the way. Value. 14
11 MIGHTY CREATION * Runs on but wants easier. 25
12 FAT KIDDY * Maiden resuming. Runs on and will find this too short. 33
13 DYNASTY KNIGHT * Has been freshened. Only wins have been on turf over longer. 33
14 WAIRAKEI ** Usually around the mark and appreciates light-weight but better in easier grade. 16
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Race 5
Selections; 1 SAND LANE – 3 HONEST TRUTH – 6 HYPERNOVA – 5 DUTY FREE
Another one for the flyers, a Class 3 over 1000m on the poly. SAND LANE’s only wins have been at this trip. He goes fast and Corey Brown will ensure he is hard to run down. HONEST TRUTH is up in grade on recent runs but has won at this level in the past – he smashed them last start and loves 1000m; he will be on the speed all the way. HYPERNOVA is a smart sprinter resuming. He failed at only Class 3 run on turf but 1000m on poly suits – with Zuriman’s claim and the ace watch for support. The hot speed will suit DUTY FREE who has been racing in great form in similar events and will be the one closing late. SOUTHERN BOSS put in an improved run last start and SHIPPING FORECAST fresh could show up.
1 SAND LANE *** Only wins have been at this trip. Goes fast and will be hard to run down. 3.50
2 TIM * Three-time winner at 1000m and appreciates claim but might be happier in Class 4. 20
3 HONEST TRUTH *** Up in Grade but has won at this level. Belted them last start and loves 1000m. Will be on the speed all the way. 4.50
4 SOUTHERN BOSS ** Speedy and put in a better effort last start. Claim helps and should give a sight. 10
5 DUTY FREE *** Ran on strongly last start. Will appreciate a hot speed and will be closing late. 5.00
6 HYPERNOVA *** Smart sprinter resuming. Failed at only Class 3 run on turf but 1000m on poly suits. Has a claim and the ace. Watch for support. 4.00
7 SHIPPING FORECAST ** Resuming. Was racing in good form before break. Trialed quietly. Watch for support. 10
8 EATONS GOLD * Ordinary efforts at past two outings. Gets Nunes and could improve. 16
9 EXCAVATOR * Long time since he has shown useful form. 33
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Race 6
Selections; 3 LIVE WELL – 2 JUST A MAN – 6 VON SNITZEL – 8 ZAC COMMAND
LIVE WELL might be a maiden backing-up after a shocker but given he gets back on the turf and finds himself in Class 5, he could show-up. Obviously it’s hard to be confident given he is yet to place from seven career starts but his effort two starts back on this surface when blinkers went on was good enough with gate one a factor today. Also in his favour is that nothing else jumps off the page and the likely favourite – last start winner, GYPSY MAGIC – doesn’t have a great record on the turf so looks a risk. Those horses that have the recent form to win a race like this include VON SNITZEL, ZAC COMMAND and perhaps the emergency, FABERGE, with one eye on JUST A MAN who finds himself in Class 5 and could be the knock-out hope fresh with a nice recent trial under his belt.
1 GYPSY MAGIC *** Lack of turf form a concern but strong last start Poly win too good not to follow. 3.00
2 JUST A MAN *** Resuming and while a long-time between wins, looks well placed firstup in Class 5 and worth a look. 12
3 LIVE WELL *** Disappointing with support last start but might find Class 5 to his liking. 5.00
4 READY FORTUNE ** Back in trip but fresh enough to keep safe with best work expected late. 10
5 HIDDEN VENTURE ** Has speed but weakens however, recent trial looked OK. 20
6 VON SNITZEL *** Poorly drawn but looks ready to win again. 5.00
7 CLARITY * No. 33
8 ZAC COMMAND *** Pay to ignore last start with excuses as previous form has him right in this. 6.00
9 FOUNTAIN * Going along OK but prefer on the Poly. 12
10 RISING SHADOW * No. 100
11 FRENCHMAN * Has been disappointing. 50
12 THE STALLONE * Improved last start but easier to ignore. 100
13 FABERGE ** Nothing last start but good run two back with support on turf has him under notice. 10
14 CASSIS OOLONG * Blinkers go on but hard to have on form. 33
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Race 7
Selections; 2 GOLD RUN – 4 TERMINATOR – 11 CORDOBA – 5 INDICIO
This race has tremendous depth with at least seven serious winning hopes including two horses – GOLD RUN and CORDOBA – looking for hat-tricks. GOLD RUN has race fitness on his side and his last start win in similar company has him stamped as a horse with a big future. This trip obviously suits and a handy 2kg claim courtesy of J Kah could see another win for the Hussonet 5YO. CORDOBA resumes after an excellent first campaign that saw two wins – albeit one dead-heat – from two career starts. The 4YO trailed very nicely recently so looks on-track for a big return and a win would not surprise with regular hoop, Alan Munro, on-board. As mentioned, there is plenty of depth and it will pay to keep an eye on the value runners with TERMINATOR, INDICIO, ENCOSTA DIABLO, SPEED DEMON and CAPTIVATE all looking ready to win. Great race.
1 IRISH COFFEE * Impossible on recent form. 100
2 GOLD RUN *** In terrific form and showed last start the company not an issue. Big show. 3.75
3 SPEED DEMON *** Enjoys this type of race and very forward showing expected. 12
4 TERMINATOR *** Placed at very long odds last start similar affair and looks due. 8.00
5 INDICIO *** Excuses not to be in the mix last start and ready to win again. 6.00
6 ENCOSTA DIABLO *** Doesn’t win out of turn but always an each-way hope in what is a suitable race. 20
7 IKING ** Did it tough last start but needs to show he is up to this Class. 33
8 CAPTIVATE *** In form and has won this trip/surface. Goes close. 5.00
9 SOUTHERN LORD * Needs to find a few lengths. 33
10 WHITE COFFEE * Goes OK on his day but like to see in easier company. 20
11 CORDOBA *** Resuming and recent trial suggests he will go very well first-up. 3.50
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Race 8
Selections; 1 BOGART – 12 TIGER BEE – 6 PERFECT CHALLENGER – 10 SACRED CITY
BOGART looks better than Class 4 and the Darci Brahma 3YO should win races like this. True, he has found one or two better at his last four starts but those efforts were good enough for a race like this first-up after a spell. TIGER BEE is also a 3YO with plenty of upside given he smashed them when breaking his maiden status last start. The Danroad gelding was green (and rider queried) when placed two starts back and certainly showed that was no fluke when winning by over four lengths last time out. They might back both these 3YO’s and it will certainly make for an interesting punting affair. Of the rest with winning hopes, PERFECT CHALLENGER – another 3YO – was never on the track at his last start in KSD company so his win easily good enough for this with 5YO SACRED CITY also in the mix if on best behaviour.
1 BOGART *** Resuming with nice trial under his belt after what was a good first campaign. Can win with winkers added. 3.00
2 POTLUCK * Blinkers off and have to take on trust. 33
3 BRAVE SISTER ** Former Malaysian who looks a useful enough type with market best guide. 20
4 EXQUISITELY SWEET ** Back in trip but in-form and should race well. 10
5 PACINO * Excuses last start but not at his oscar best of late. 33
6 PERFECT CHALLENGER *** Up in grade but super effort to win last start given wide run and must be considered on that effort. 6.00
7 TO BE REMEMBERED ** Has been running OK of late for little reward and exotics look best. 20
8 PRIMERA ESPADA ** Long time between drinks but showed enough two back to include in exotics at value. 33
9 PURE TACTICS ** Resuming and very much enjoys this trip and surface. Market watch. 12
10 SACRED CITY *** Can be a handful but goes OK and this race looks very suitable. 12
11 DAAD’S THE WAY * Needs longer. 200
12 TIGER BEE *** Broke maiden status in fine style last start and looks a big show from the ace. 3.00
13 FUNCA ** Resuming and while always a big show and looking good at recent trial, his Singapore maiden status a concern. 8.00
14 MR MANI * Not traveling well. 33
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Race 9
Selections; 1 IRISH REBEL – 8 BRILLIANT DEAL – 7 FAST FAST BOY – 2 SMILESWITHHISEYES
IRISH REBEL might be better than Class 4 company. The former Kiwi was racing in good company back in NZ before arriving in Singapore and while not setting the racing world on fire, his form in good company suggests he can win this. A 3kg S Noh claim helps and the Danehill Dancer gelding goes close to knocking in his second win in Singapore. BRILLIANT DEAL could also win this without surprising given his recent form. The Japanese-bred gelding looked a good thing beaten last start and wins this with any luck in running. FAST FAST BOY is overdue and has to be a major player with punters and in a race with depth, you have to also consider THE OMEGA MAN and CHEETAH with SMILESWITHHISEYES the improver second up after what was a solid Singapore debut.
1 IRISH REBEL *** Appreciates company and claim. Big show. 6.00
2 SMILESWITHHISEYES *** Excuses not to be right in the mix on Singapore debut and can win this with luck from wide gate. 10
3 PROFOUND * In good form and looks due but big query on this surface. 12
4 THE OMEGA MAN *** Not far away over 1400m last start and that form should hold up here. 6.00
5 IRISH FLASH * Showed something last start but turf form an issue. 12
6 CHEETAH *** Won one of these three starts back and cheeky run expected. 8.00
7 FAST FAST BOY *** Foot remains on the till but must win sooner than later. 3.50
8 BRILLIANT DEAL *** Looked a good thing beaten last start and has to be one of the leading hopes. 6.00
9 MR IKHLAS * Last start OK but prefer to watch stepping up to the mile. 100
10 SIMPANG ** Tested this company but could work into this late with no weight. 20
11 SWEET BEAUTY * Better than what he showed last start but might need Class 5 to win. 33
12 SILENT POWER * Another last start Class 5 winner who may find this company too tough. 33
13 OVER EASY * Excuses last start but prefer in easier company. 50
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