Exceed Express (Manoel Nunes) keeps Lady Roulette (Leong Yoon Fei) at bay to score on debut.Picture Singapore Turf Club 23/05/14
A mixed turf and poly programme with plenty of traps for the unwary; sidestepping the Class 5’s and a very weak Maiden may be the smartest moves.
Early in the night is a nice Graduation (race 3) where Laurie Laxon sends out the exciting EXCEED EXPRESS who resumed with a strong win in Novice company and followed up with an impressive recent trial.
Blessed with plenty of speed, this 3YO son of Exceed and Excel is well treated with only 51.5kg and should be very hard to run down.
ROOM FOR EXCUSE – who performed with distinction in last year’s 3YO series chasing home WAR AFFAIR on several occasions – could be the one to keep him honest with the mare ORCHARD ROAD, who meets EXCEED EXPRESS 3.5 kg better for the Novice defeat, making up the tierce.
The other highlight race is the Class 3 which sees the reappearance of the Mark Walker trained MIA who has won three straight and is unbeaten on the turf. His recent trial was ordinary but he has won first-up before and if supported, should be the one to beat.
However, there are plenty of chances in what is a very good race with seven last start winners engaged. EAGLE STORM won a BM67 last start and doesn’t know how to run a bad race with the often wayward WONDERFUL PRINCE’s recent trial indicating a bold showing first-up with winkers added.
MARSEILLE ROULETTE is not the easiest to follow but he ran good races in Group company in Australia and last start, when wearing the pacifiers, rocketed home to win in Class 4 and could be well be up to the mark in higher Grade. With DARCI CHARMER, FLYING MISSION, FAITHFULLY and BOARD WALK also in the field, an intense contest can be expected
There are some interesting runners in some of the other races with PERKINS – from the Cliff Brown stable – placing twice at Listed level in NZ from five starts. Still a Maiden, he has been trialling well enough to merit a close watch in Race 4 which also sees some well bred debutants in the Michael Freedman AD VALORE and Mark Walker’s filly, FUN HOUSE, which may well be Harry Kasim’s best chance on the night to bring up his 100th winner at Kranji.
The other rider nearing a milestone is Manoel Nunes who needs two for his 200th Kranji winner – he has a good book with strong chances in the above mentioned EXCEED EXPRESS , AL VALORE and WONDERFUL PRINCE as well as RAVOUX (Race 1), SACRED SPIN (race 5), PEREGRINE FALCON (Race 8) and ALPHA CENTAURI (Race 9).
Given that some of the races are decidedly ordinary, following the leading rider may be the safest option.
Best Bets; (EXCEED EXPRESS race 3, win), (MARSEILLE ROULETTE race 7, value) and (RAVOUX race 1, each-way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10), race 7 (2, 3, 8 and 9), race 8 (2, 3, 5, 8 and 11), race 9 (2, 3, 4, and 12).
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; 3 RAVOUX – 10 SUGARTIME JAZZ – 1 ARATIATIA – 4 WINNING STAR
A Class 5 over 1400m on turf kicks things off without a great deal of depth. RAVOUX gets into Class 5 for the first time in his career, he has won twice in higher grade at this trip and with Manoel Nunes to ride should be on the pace all the way. SUGARTIME JAZZ is not the easiest horse to follow but his only win was over this trip and his last start third on the poly
over a mile was a sound effort; if given a positive ride from the nice alley by Oscar Chavez he should be hard to hold out. WINNING STAR has been racing well on the poly but did place on the turf over 1400m three starts back; with Juglall staying aboard he should go forward and give a sight. ARATIATIA is having his fourth run up from a let-up and was not far away in a similar race last start, his only win was at this trip in Class 5 and will appreciate senior rider. IMPERIOUS is a maiden mare by Lonhro who put in a better effort when having her first start in a KSD over 1400m since changing stables, she could benefit from a positive ride from the inside alley.
1 ARATIATIA *** Fourth run up from a let-up and not far away last start when saddle slipped. Only win was at this trip in Class 5 and will appreciate senior rider. 5.00
2 CLEVER BRIGHT ** Blinkers on. Has been freshened but well back in slow time in recent trial. Maiden who will appreciate Class 5. 12
3 RAVOUX *** Drops in grade and gets top rider. Has won twice in higher grade at this trip and could be hard to hold off. 4.00
4 WINNING STAR *** Racing well on poly and was placed over 1400m in Cl5 four starts back. Juglall stays on and should give a sight. 5.00
5 ENCOSTA ZONE * Well-bred mare who has been disappointing so far. Needs to improve. 33
6 BIG BANG KING * Hasn’t done enough. 50
7 BROWNE’S ANATOMY * Changed stables after winning over 1200m on poly at long odds first-up. Ran on well over 1100m on poly last start and may be better suited on that surface. 16
8 IMPERIOUS *** Maiden mare by Lonhro who put in better effort when having first start in KSD over 1400m since changing stables. Of limited ability but could benefit from a positive ride from the inside alley in this company. 14
9 MISCHEF LOVE US * Maiden who may be better suited on poly. 33
10 SUGARTIME JAZZ *** Not easy to follow but only win was at this trip. Will benefit from a positive ride from the gate. 3.70
11 SACRED PRINCE ** Tough 8YO who best efforts have been at 1200m. Could go forward and give a sight. 12
Race 2
Selections; 3 ICONNIC – 7 PICASSO – 8 SUPERSONICSURPRISE – 1 BLACK LABEL
An interesting Restricted Maiden over 1000m with some smart recent trialers involved. ICONNIC has had the benefit of a couple of starts, he won his most recent trial and has sufficient speed to be the one they have to run down. Theo Keiser’s SUPERSONICSURPRISE came from a wide barrier and showed plenty of speed over 1100m on debut; with KB Soo up and a good gate, he could run a cheeky race. Of the newcomers, PICASSO trialed well enough to show up on debut with a market watch in order and BLACK LABEL looks a likely type by Denman who has changed stables from ZL Mok to Desmond Koh; he has looked likely at the trials and from the ace with Oscar Chavez up, should race well. XZUBERANCE has had support at both outings but failed, he may appreciate being on poly over 1000m. GRAND TIMES has done nothing at two starts but his recent trial was a significant improvement and this half-brother to TRUDEAU could show up.
1 BLACK LABEL *** Blinkers on. Smart type by Denman whose mother won six races. Changed stables from ZL Mok but has looked likely at trials and from the ace should race well. Watch for support. 3.00
2 GRANDS TIME ** Half-brother to TRUDEAU who showed significant improvement in recent trial. Watch for support. 14
3 ICONNIC *** Blinkers on. Looked good in recent trial and has enough speed to give a bold sight. 3.50
4 IRREPRESSIBLE * Resuming but hasn’t shown enough. 20
5 XZUBERANCE *** Blinkers off. Has had support at both outings but failed. May appreciate being on poly over 1000m. 7.00
6 ONE UNITED * By US Ranger. Held together but raced greenly in trial. Half brother to multiple winners including BUCKINGHAM, CAFE STRIP and RED COUPE. Watch market. 14
7 PICASSO *** By Ifraaj. Trialed nicely and can win on debut. Watch market. 10
8 SUPERSONICSURPRISE *** Came from a wide barrier and showed plenty of speed over 1100m on debut. Could run a cheeky race. 4.00
Race 3
Selections; 7 EXCEED EXPRESS – 2 ROOM FOR EXCUSE – 5 ORCHARD ROAD – 1 FOREVER LUCKY
A Graduation over 1200m and under the conditions with only 51.5kg EXCEED EXPRESS is the one to beat. The 3YO is very fast, his recent trial was excellent and with Manoel Nunes up from barrier two, he will be hard to run down. ORCHARD ROAD tried hard but found EXCEED EXPRESS too good last start in Novice company, she meets that horse 3.5kg better and should race well. ROOM FOR EXCUSE’s only win was at this trip but he has been placed seven times from nine starts including good quality 3YO races behind WAR AFFAIR – he should be in the finish. Of the rest FOREVER LUCKY is a useful mare who failed in a Class 4 poly event over 1200m last start, she has to give them all weight but could make her presence felt and NORTH ATLANTIC ICE’s last run was a significant improvement.
1 FOREVER LUCKY ** Useful mare who failed in Class 4 poly over 1200m last start. Better on turf but has to give them all weight. Could be in the finish. 7.00
2 ROOM FOR EXCUSE *** Only win was at this trip but has been placed seven times from nine starts including in good quality 3YO races behind WAR AFFAIR. Excuses last start not to win similar affair and hard to beat the conditions. 3.60
3 NORTH ATLANTIC ICE ** Put in his best run since arriving in Singapore with 5th in Class 4 last outing. Only win was on the synthetic at Geelong (Vic). 10
4 ACOUSTIC * Has been disappointing and may want easier. 33
5 ORCHARD ROAD *** Tried hard but found EXCEED EXPRESS too good last start in Novice company. Meets that horse 3.5kg better and should race well. 3.00
6 UNLIMITED POWER * Maiden. Outclassed in this. 50
7 EXCEED EXPRESS *** Speedster who beat ORCHARD ROAD in Novice company over this trip last outing. Trialed well since and will be hard to beat. 2.50
Race 4
Selections; 1 THANKFULNESS – 5 TOMORROW’S GOLD – 7 CELESTINA – 10 FUN HOUSE
An Initiation over 1200m with a number of contenders in form as well as several unknowns. THANKFULNESS was well supported and had every chance finishing runner-up last outing; Corey Brown goes on and he gets a chance to get the 4YO over the line. TOMORROWS GOLD gets a gear change of pacifiers to blinkers, he has run on well despite racing greenly at both outings and should be in the picture once again. The stablemate CELESTINA failed last outing but subsequently trialled well and she should get a gun run from the ace. BECOME RICH ran on nicely on debut and should be further improved. There are a trio of interesting debutants worthy of a market watch. The blinkers and tongue tie go on PERKINS who was placed twice at 2YO listed level from five starts at two in NZ; held together in his most recent trial with only 51kg he could show up. AL VALORE is by Medaglia D’Oro out of a quality race mare Jumlah, he looked good in a quiet trial and could debut well for Nunes. The filly FUN HOUSE sat wide and was given a push but won her trial well with only 49.5 kg and she too could race well.
1 THANKFULNESS *** Well supported and looked to have every chance last start. Well drawn and gets chance to make amends. 3.50
2 HOLDING FAST * Has been disappointing and needs to improve. Rider change to Juglall who was placed on him three starts back may help. 20
3 ALL WEALTH * Blinkers and tongue tie on. Ran last on debut, albeit in a tough race, and needs to improve. 33
4 BECOME RICH ** Ran on nicely on debut and should be further improved. 10
5 TOMORROW’S GOLD *** Pacifiers to blinkers. Has run on well despite racing greenly at both outings. Should be in the picture once again. 4.00
6 TURQUOISE SON * By Strada. Originally trained by Mark Walker and now with Sam Chua. Has had multiple trials without showing a lot. Watch for support. 33
7 CELESTINA *** Tongue-tie on. Failed last outing but subsequently trialled well and should get a gun run from the ace. 6.00
8 PERKINS *** Blinkers and Tongue tie on. By Sir Percy. Half brother to good gallopers MANTEN and BELLAPIN. Placed twice at listed level from five starts at two in NZ. Held together in most recent trial and could show up. Watch for support. 10
9 AL VALORE *** By Medaglia D’Oro out of quality race mare Jumlah. Looked good in a quiet trial and could debut well for Nunes. 8.00
10 FUN HOUSE *** By King’s Chapel. Sister to minor winner RIVERENZA. Sat wide and was given a push but won recent trial well. 6.00
Race 5
Selections; 4 TOP OF THE TOWN – 2 SACRED SPIN – 5 KATONG PARK – 9 TAKEAIM
A very ordinary Maiden over 1200m on turf and blinkers go on TOP OF THE TOWN who was placed at his past three outings in similar maiden company and drops 3kg; with Corey Brown staying on he should be hard to beat. The stablemate SACRED SPIN is by Hard Spun out of six time winning mare Destina. He he placed twice from four starts in NZ up to 1400m, his recent trial was solid and with Manoel Nunes to ride this race may be weak enough – watch for support. KATONG PARK has been placed twice from eight starts once on turf over this trip; the poor draw is no help but with Davey Flores up he should get every chance. Very few of the others have any form of note and what they do have is generally on the polytrack. The blinkers seem to have improved TAKE AIM and whilst he has no turf form, he is trialling well as are OCEAN DREAM and NOBLEMAN STAR. The emergency SOARING WIN will be a chance if he gets a run, the saddle slipped last start and he boxed on well for fifth, he has been placed on turf and that is better than most in this field.
1 HIPPO VENTURA * Pacifiers on. By Ifraaj, Half brother to stayer DARRING DO. Has not shown up at trials. 20
2 SACRED SPIN *** By Hard Spun out of 6 time winning mare Destina. Placed twice from four starts in NZ up to 1400m. Recent trial was solid and gets Nunes. Watch for support. 5.00
3 NOBLEMAN STAR ** Blinkers off. Resuming. Narrowly beaten this trip three starts back. Unsound but but recent trial good enough to get in the finish of this. 10
4 TOP OF THE TOWN *** Blinkers on. Placed at past three outings in maiden company and drops 3kg. Will be hard to beat in this field. 3.00
5 KATONG PARK *** Has been placed twice from eight starts once on turf over this trip. Poor draw no help but with Flores up should get every chance. 5.00
6 IKTO * Has done little in four starts the last with Moreira. John Powell gets to try and improve him. 20
7 OCEAN DREAM * Recent trial an improvement but race form poor. 20
8 PURE WHITE ** Pacifiers and blinkers off. Has speed but knocks up. May be hard to run down in this ordinary affair. 14
9 TAKEAIM ** Placed last outing on polytrack and recent trials an improvement. Yet to place in six turf outings. 10
10 SHENZHOU ONE * Form poor. 33
11 PESCATORE * Yet to place in eight starts. 33
12 ZAC SUPREME * Placed four from 11 on poly but yet to place in 6 outings on turf. Resumed from long spell when well back on poly last outing. 25
13 SECONDWAVE * Placed once in 17 starts and that was on poly. 50
14 GANGNAM STYLE * Having rare outing on turf. Has speed and could show up from the ace. 50
15 SOARING WIN ** Saddle shifted last start and put in good effort for fifth. Has placed once in five starts on turf and could show up. 10
16 CHINESE TYCOON * Having 54th start as a maiden. 16
Race 6
Selections; 1 NINTH AVENUE – 7 ATIAMURI – 3 NORTH STAR – 5 ROYAL BRAT
A Class 5 over 1900m on the poly and whilst NINTH AVENUE gets back in his races he knows how to win and in this grade will be closing late. The veteran carried 59kg to just miss in a similar event two starts back and was placed 4th in KSD company last start. ATIAMURI won in this grade over 1800m two starts back and fought well when 5th in similar affair at last outing, he is well drawn and should get a gun run. CLASSIC THUNDER just missed to ATIAMURI over 1800m two starts back and whilst he is a long term maiden, will be closing late. NORTH STAR is one-paced but consistent at this level and battles away, he should be in the finish once again. His stablemate EISHIN BRIGHT is likely to go forward and on recent efforts could be hard to catch. ROYAL BRAT was caught wide last start and whilst distanced fought on well, he has a good record at this distance and if allowed to roll along will be hard to pass.
1 NINTH AVENUE *** Gets back but runs on strongly and always a chance in these. Carried 59kg to just miss in a similar event two starts back and was placed 4th in KSD company last start. 5.00
2 ABOVE REACH * Well back when resuming. Only placing in eight starts was on turf. 20
3 NORTH STAR *** One-paced but consistent at this level and battles away. Should be in the finish once again. 5.50
4 UNIVERSAL STARLITE ** Yet to run a place in 10 starts but gets Oscar Chavez and the ace. Should get a nice run just off the speed. 20
5 ROYAL BRAT ** Was caught wide last start and whilst distanced fought on well. Has a good record at this distance and if allowed to roll along will be hard to pass. 5.50
6 SUPER LUCKY ** Tongue tie off. Battled away over 1200m last start at 2nd run after long spell. Stepping up in distance a good move. 20
7 ATIAMURI *** Won in this grade over 1800m two starts back and fought well when 5th in similar affair at last outing. Well drawn and should get a gun run. 5.50
8 BRILLIANT POWER * Hard to follow and only win was on turf at a mile. May improve with senior rider. 20
9 CLASSIC THUNDER ** 33 start maiden who gets out of his ground and runs on. Just missed two starts back over 1800m and should be closing late again. 8.00
10 EISHIN BRIGHT ** Well drawn and likely to go forward. Placed over 1700m last outing and could be hard to pass late. 10
11 KTRONIC * Tongue tie off. Recent efforts ordinary but last placing was four starts back in KSD company over 1900m. 16
12 SUPER VELOX ** Having 51st start as a maiden but has placed 16 times and can give a bold sight. Placed at last two outings and will be at the forefront once again. 14
Race 7
Selections; 2 MIA – 8 WONDERFUL PRINCE – 3 EAGLE STORM – 9 MARSEILLE ROULETTE
An excellent Class 3 over 1200m on turf with seven last start winners involved. MIA is an extremely smart galloper resuming and whilst his recent trial was unspectacular, he is unbeaten on turf and going for four in a row; if supported he will be hard to beat. EAGLE STORM is a very consistent galloper who despite the wide draw will put in his usual honest effort and does drops 2kg on his recent BM67 win. WONDERFUL PRINCE is resuming, he has plenty of speed but was wayward last outing in a BM67; this is tougher but his trials indicate he will sprint well fresh for Nunes. MARSEILLE ROULETTE rocketed home in pacifiers last outing, he is not easy to follow but could be in the finish once again. BOARD WALK won for Moreira last start at 1200m, he has won in Class 3 before and will appreciate the claim for Firdaus. DARCI CHARMER bolted in on the poly last start, this is harder but he should give a sight in a race in which there will be plenty of speed likely to be set by BELLWETHER who goes very fast but has yet to win beyond 1000m.
1 GOLD RUN * Resuming and should find these too sharp first-up. 25
2 MIA *** Extremely smart galloper resuming. Going for four in a row and will appreciate the claim. Did not show up in recent trial but has won first up and unbeaten in three turf outings the most recent in Class 3. 5.00
3 EAGLE STORM *** Extremely consistent galloper who despite the wide draw will put in his usual honest effort. Drops 2kg on recent BM67 win. 8.00
4 BELLWETHER ** Tongue tie on. Speedy galloper who trialled well recently and will take some running down. 1200m on turf could test. 12
5 BOARD WALK ** Charged home to win KSC over 1200m with Moreira up last start. This is harder but gets a claim for Firdaus. 8.00
6 DARCI CHARMER ** Led all the way and bolted in over 1200m in Class 4 on the poly last outing. This is harder but could give a sight. 10
7 GOLDEN MISSION ** Won very well in Class 4 last start. Consistent but not helped by wide gate. 20
8 WONDERFUL PRINCE *** Winkers on. Smart sprinter resuming and trialing well. Was wayward at last start in BM67 – if he runs truly will be in the finish. 5.00
9 MARSEILLE ROULETTE *** Rocketed home last outing to show what he can do when on-song and could be in the finish once again. 6.00
10 SEASONS ECHO * Will find these too smart. 50
11 FAITHFULLY ** Broke through last start but not easy to follow. Class may test. 16
12 PURE TACTICS * Put in a shocker last start and better on poly. 50
13 GOLDEN CURL * Very honest and whilst class may test and back in trip, will be thereabouts once again. 16
14 KAISER ** Led and was run down in BM67 last start. Can run a cheeky race. 25
Race 8
Selections; 2 GYPSY STAR – 3 BANKERS CALL – 5 SPARKLING STAR – 8 PEREGRINE FALCON
Another dreadful race, this time a Class 5 over 1400m on the turf. BANKER’S CALL has had support and been close up at recent outings, the 1400m suits and he should get every chance with Corey Brown. SPARKLING STAR is a maiden who gets back but has placed four from nine on turf including over 1400m at most recent outing; if he gets away he should be right in the finish. GYPSY STAR is another who gets out of her ground and runs on late; with Oscar Chavez to ride he should get a good run from the nice gate and may well be able to finish over the top. The rest of the field are maidens or very ordinary performers. PEREGRINE FALCON is yet to place in 14 starts but gets Manoel Nunes and is often thereabouts; he should get a good run from the inside draw and be on the speed all the way. SPICY CAT has poor recent form but he has won and placed once from five turf outings and could make his presence felt. STRIDE METEOR, ZAC STAR DESTROYER and CELESTIAL STAR could figure in a race anything could win.
1 LAM EDITION * Yet to run a place in nine outings. 33
2 GYPSY STAR *** Gets a mile back and runs on late. Should get a good run from the nice gate, 4.00
3 BANKERS CALL *** Has had support and been close up at recent outings. Should get every chance with Corey Brown. 4.00
4 JUSEAGLEYE * Yet to place in 11 starts and best efforts have been over longer. 33
5 SPARKLING STAR *** Maiden who gets back but placed four from nine on turf including over 1400m at most recent outing. 4.00
6 GENUINE BARGAIN * In form but yet to place on turf and only win was at 1100m. 20
7 FAHLA FAHLA * 15 start maiden whose only placing was on the poly. 33
8 PEREGRINE FALCON ** Yet to place in 14 stats but gets Nunes and is often thereabouts. Should get a good run from the inside draw. 10
9 RAPTURE * Yet to place in 11 starts. 33
10 CELESTIAL STAR ** Has Juglall and the ace and can include in exotics on some OK turf form. 14
11 SPICY CAT ** Winkers to blinkers. Could enjoy being on turf where has won once and placed from five starts. Watch for support. 12
12 STRIDE METEOR * Recent form poor but has won twice on turf , once at 1400m. Poorly drawn but could show up. 20
13 ZAC STAR DESTROYER ** Goes best when ridden forward, Has won on turf over this distance and could give a sight with no weight. 14
Race 9
Selections; 2 BORDEAUX – 4 SPYDER – 1 ALPHA CENTAURI – 3 MILITARY ALLIANCE
A Class 4 over 1200m on the polytrack closes the programme. SPYDER followed up a good first-up win with a close second in this company when ridden by Moreira; from the good draw with Juglall riding he should race well again. BORDEAUX was also ridden by Moreira and did not miss by much when he resumed with a second to BAZINGA over
1100m, he should get a gun run with Corey Brown to steer. MILITARY ATTACK is better over longer, he has been freshened since his solid first-up run over 1200m and trialled well recently; whilst better over longer should appreciate claim for Noh Senari. ALPHA CENTAURI was well beaten when resuming over 1200m, he is useful when right and should have been improved by the run – despite the poor draw with Nunes up he could get in the finish. WORK AHEAD is hard to follow and has issues with wind and leg, he ran on strongly in this grade last outing and could do so again. Others such as the unreliable ROYAL STYLE and the last start winner LITTLE JUMBO could get in the picture.
1 ALPHA CENTAURI *** Well beaten when resuming over 1200m. Poorly drawn but useful when right and should be improved by the run. 6.00
2 BORDEAUX *** Resumed and did not miss by much when second to BAZINGA over 1100m. Should get a gun run with Corey Brown. 3.50
3 MILITARY ALLIANCE *** Has been freshened since solid first-up run over 1200m. Trialled well recently and could appreciate claim. Better over longer but watch market. 6.00
4 SPYDER *** Followed up good first-up win with close second in this company when ridden by Moreira. Well drawn and should race well again. 3.50
5 GREAT LIGHT * Resuming but has not won for a long time. Excuses last start but take on trust. 33
6 MY FRIEND JO * Long time since he has won and this looks too hard and short. 50
7 ABOVE THE RAINBOW * Blinkers off. Well beaten at past three starts and only wins are on turf over longer. 33
8 ROYAL STYLE ** Never sighted last start but could show up if supported. 16
9 TOAST’S ANGEL * Tongue tie off. Last couple of efforts have been ordinary and may want easier. 33
10 LITTLE JUMBO ** Former Malaysian who showed good speed to win in KSD company last outing. This is harder but could show up. 14
11 SUPER SPUR * Does not win often but usually thereabouts and always a chance in these. 20
12 WORK AHEAD ** Hard to follow but capable when right. Ran on strongly in this grade last outing and could do so again. 10
13 THEBUZZDOWNUNDER * Recent trial looked good but only wins have been on turf and over longer. 33
14 PRIMITIVE INSTINCT *** Resuming. Trialled very well recently and could show up if he gets a start. 14
