Imperial March looks good in Race 3
With one eye on Sunday and the iconic running of the 2016 Queen Elizabeth Cup, a mixed track meeting is on offer to race-goers on Friday.
And with four maidens on the card, I think it would be fair to say the meeting will meet no great heights but there is some very interesting punting affairs with the big Kiwi trainer, Stephen Gray, holding the key to a couple of races on the turf.
In fact Gray has two runners in the first and given one will race handy – TEMBUSU ESTRELA – and one will race back – HOLDING FAST – it will be interesting to see how the Long Course (E) is playing.
Both are in good enough form to break their respective maiden statuses – as is FRENCH VINTAGE from the Shane Baertschiger stable – but more importantly the result will give us a guide to latter races on the turf including race 7 where again Gray has two runners in the winning mix.
And again, one of his charges – TARAMEA – will race on the pace while BAHANA will be the one doing the best work late if the race pace and track suits swoopers. Coincidently, Vlad Duric is onboard the two Gray backmarkers and the 3kg stable claimer, I Amirul, is riding the two on-pace runners which just makes it all the more interesting for punters.
Friday 3 June
Best Bets: (MILLENNIUM’S RULE race 2 win), (LIM’S ACTION race 9, win) and (IMPERIAL MARCH race 3, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10), race 8 (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 10), race 9 (4).
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; 2 FRENCH VINTAGE – 1 HOLDING FAST – 3 TEMBUSU ESTRELA – 7 GOOD DEAL
While we are hoping Shane Baertschiger will be leading in the winner, it is Stephan Gray who probably holds the aces in the opener. The Kiwi handler has two horses in TEMBUSU ESTRELA and HOLDING FAST in what looks a field with little depth and both horses can win. In Gray’s favour is the fact TEMBUSU ESTRELA will be handy throughout and looks the benchmark from gate 3 with a 3kg claimer on-board while HOLDING FAST will be the horse flying late (his starts are an issue) and is due to win a race like this. But FRENCH VINTAGE from the Shane Baertschiger stable is due and from gate 2 should race on the pace and be hard to pass late. Of the rest, GOOD DEAL has all sorts of excuses at his debut so look for step improvement for trainer Dan Meagher and PRESENT ARMS could run a very cheeky run at odds with blinkers on.
1 HOLDING FAST *** Will miss the start and fly home. Wins soon. 3.00
2 FRENCH VINTAGE *** Needs result for the support this campaign but looks the benchmark. 2.50
3 TEMBUSU ESTRELA *** Honest and in this a long way with a claim from gate 3. 5.00
4 ELEGENT ** Blinkers off after just a fair effort but some hope on good run two back. 20
5 ALWAYS AHEAD * Having rare turf run and needs to lift. 20
6 PRESENT ARMS * Form hopeless but could run a cheeky race at odds from gate 1 with upgrade to blinkers and tongue-tie off. 33
7 GOOD DEAL *** Excuses not to finish closer on debut and pay to follow. 10
8 AURA D’ORO ** Will battle away and can include in exotics at odds. 20
9 SHAQRAA * Will improve with racing and recent trial OK but have to take on trust. 20
10 WALTERS BAY * No. 100
11 SUN HANCOCK * Skinny end of exotics at very best. 50
Race 2
Selections; 7 MILLENNIUM’S RULE – 11 NEO’S CLASSIC – 2 RACING TALENT – 12 ONE KINABALU
Good luck if you think you will get anything over even money on MILLENNIUM’S RULE in this weak Restricted Maiden field. The 3YO by Lonhro ran second on debut after jumping from a wide gate and while drawn badly again, he looks the one to beat with Vlad Duric retaining the ride. Who beats him? A couple of 2YO’s in NEO’S CLASSIC and ONE KINABALU get the weight pull and both improve on their respective last start efforts. NEO’S CLASSIC was disappointing on debut given exposed trial form but blinkers off over 1400m looks a good move. ONE KINABALU worked home well at his second start and you would expect much the same thing in a race with no depth. The big improver at odds could be RACING TALENT with blinkers on given his recent trial with headgear.
1 NOBLE CRAFTSMAN * Resuming with tongue-tie but hard to have on race form. 50
2 RACING TALENT *** Gets blinkers back in maiden company and recent trial with headgear good enough to give this a shake. 12
3 SPUR ME ON * Needs to find a length or two before considering. 33
4 CARISBROOK * Improves for debut run but maybe later. 33
5 GOLD POWER ** Had some support when just battling when wide throughout on debut and pay to keep safe. 8.00
6 GOLDEN PENINSULA ** Another that improves on a solid debut run when supported on good trial form. 8.00
7 MILLENNIUM’S RULE *** No luck at the barriers but showed more than enough on debut to win in this weak field. 2.00
8 THANATOS * Just battled at the trials. 100
9 MISS STREISAND ** Just fair last two runs but previous form has her in the winning mix in this field. 6.00
10 SLAVONIC DANCE * Yet to place in seven career starts but could figure in the skinny end of exotic mix with winkers added. 33
11 NEO’S CLASSIC *** Blinkers off after disappointing debut but gets nice pull in the weights and could surprise. 12
12 ONE KINABALU ** Ran on OK last start over 1200m and expect much the same again. 12
Race 3
Selections; 5 NOVA STRIKE – 2 IMPERIAL MARCH – 4 SHANGHAI BUND – 3 BRAHMA CIRCUS
As is often the case, this small field is extremely tricky and most can win. In fact we can make a strong winning case for all bar HIGH BLADE, one of three runners for Stephen Burridge. His others runners are the constant FELAROF who keep all and sundry honest while JUSTICE DAY could improve lengths at odds as the Irish-bred 5YO steps up to the mile. Of the rest with winning hopes, nothing separates SHANGHAI BUND and BRAHMA CIRCUS as the two are honest as the day is long and have to be respected while IMPERIAL MARCH very much appreciates a rare Poly run (which is odd given the Argentinean-bred has one run for one win on the all-weather track). But it may be a 3YO in NOVA STRIKE who beats them all. The NZ-bred gelding has an excellent Polytrack record and had excuses in the Guineas so could very well show up here.
1 JUSTICE DAY ** Finding his feet in Singapore but mile could suit and pay to keep safe. 20
2 IMPERIAL MARCH *** Ignore recent form as switch to Poly could see a result with good trial a pointer. 8.00
3 BRAHMA CIRCUS *** Blinkers off as he steps up in trip but going too well not to a be a big hope. 5.00
4 SHANGHAI BUND *** Having a very rare Poly run but another who just goes too well too often not to be a winning hope. 5.00
5 NOVA STRIKE *** Excuses in the Guineas and more than handles the Poly so can win this. 3.00
6 FELAROF *** Always a show in races like this and may even get out to value. 8.00
7 HIGH BLADE * Nuisance value only on recent form. 100
Race 4
Selections; 8 SUPER LINE – 2 UNCLE LUCKY – 11 LUCKY SUGAR – 3 ECLAIR MOMENT
Plenty of winning hopes in this maiden and while there are plenty of horses with their foot on the till, a newcomer in SUPER LINE could be hardest to beat. The 3YO is drawn wide but showed plenty when winning his Official Trial by a considerable margin and he should give a sight on debut. A not so obvious improver in UNCLE LUCKY could be a good punting option. The former Kiwi has raced in Class 4 at his two starts in Singapore so improves lengths in maiden company with one eye on the tote. A blanket goes over the likes of ECLAIR MOMENT, LIM’S CHARGE, GOLDEN BOBO, HERECOMESMYMONEY, PRECHAGORDA and LUCKY SUGAR who have all shown enough to think they win a race sooner than later while the only other newcomer in the field, DEE MAJULAH, should show something on debut with Nunes up.
1 DEE MAJULAH ** Solid at the trials and gets Nunes so market watch in order. 20
2 UNCLE LUCKY *** Very much appreciates Maiden company after two Class 4 sighters and can win. 12
3 ECLAIR MOMENT *** Shown more than enough at four career starts to think he wins one soon. 4.00
4 LIM’S CHARGE *** Gets blinkers back and best runs have been this trip with head-gear so goes close with gate 1 a bonus. 8.00
5 SATELLITE LEGEND * Blinkers off but hard to have on race form. 100
6 D’GREAT WORLD * Needs to show more. 100
7 GOLDEN BOBO *** Resuming after having all sort of excuses last start and has to be some hope on good debut run. 12
8 SUPER LINE *** Drawn wide but Official Trial was impressive enough to win on debut. 3.70
9 HERECOMESMYMONEY *** Excuses last start and should figure in this finish on previous form. 12
10 PRECHAGORDA *** Very green in races but trials super and will win when he gets his act together with tongue-tie on today. 12
11 LUCKY SUGAR *** Showed plenty on debut and has to be respected on that effort. 5.00
12 I’M ON FIRE ** Gets blinkers after being very green on debut and could be the improver with no weight. 20
13 FULL BET * No. 100
14 KEEPIT KARMA ** Resuming after having issues on debut and will improve with solid trials under her belt. 33
Race 5
Selections; 8 BLACK DIAMOND – 2 READY FORTUNE – 6 STREET CHAMP – 9 GYPSY STAR
A raffle of the highest order made especially tough when five of the winning hopes have drawn wide. And given its two tight turns the jockeys have to contend with, luck will play a part so play with care if having a punt. BLACK DIAMOND is due for a change of luck after he got into traffic trouble last start. That run was good and he can win this with Munro to steer from gate 10 (at worst). READY FORTUNE has a fair gate (5) and he is a serious hope with Nunes on board after placing at his last start. STREET CHAMP had issues last start but gets the ace today and that might count for plenty in this race. Of the rest, GYPSY STAR won last start and this is no tougher, REAL GOODMAN and ADRENALINE are both in form and can overcome their wide gates while DAWN OF THE WORLD can show he handles the Poly.
1 DAWN OF THE WORLD *** Drawn wide and Poly form a query but going well with blinkers and pay to follow. 7.00
2 READY FORTUNE *** Placed last start and should be in the winning mix late with Nunes onboard. 8.00
3 ALADDIN * Having first go on the Poly but easier to ignore. 100
4 JIMTOWN ** Goes OK on his day and Class 5 mile should suit. 33
5 HEAR ME * Veteran who can bob up on occasion. 33
6 STREET CHAMP *** Just missed two starts back before jockey reporting issues last start so keep safe. 12
7 ADRENALINE *** Drawn wide but found some form and had support last start so worth thought. 6.00
8 BLACK DIAMOND *** All sorts of excuses before running on well last start and gives this a shake with some better luck. 5.00
9 GYPSY STAR *** In winning form and looks well placed in this to go close again. 4.00
10 REAL GOODMAN *** Ignore last start with excuses on the turf as can win on his preferred surface. 8.00
11 GODS SPEED ** Usually in the mix and a must for exotics. 8.00
12 NORTH STAR * Resuming and hard to have. 100
13 DASHING JACK * Placed three starts back but nothing since. 33
14 MAGIC PAINT * Maiden who just battles. 50
Race 6
Selections; 3 FLYING WINNER – 4 RAINBOW WARRIOR – 7 ASHQAR – 2 GO LANCE
While we think there is plenty of value about in this weak maiden, it might be the obvious pick in FLYING WINNER who wins. The 4YO has had 19 starts so his lack of wining form is a concern but while his recent good run of form is on the Polytrack, he will be in this for a very long time and should win. Plenty more can win though including RAINBOW WARRIOR who just missed over this trip last start, SECRET MAN who is in very solid form and ASHQAR who looks suited stepping up in trip and could be value. Two others to watch are JOY AND HAPPY and GO LANCE who find themselves in the right company so both improve on recent form with value likely.
1 JOY AND HAPPY *** Ignore last start in Class 4 and not far away two back in similar affair to this. Value. 20
2 GO LANCE *** Another who finds himself in the right company and 1400m is his caper. Can win. 8.00
3 FLYING WINNER *** Desperate for a result but hard to fault form and handles the turf. 3.00
4 RAINBOW WARRIOR *** Just missed this trip in Class 5 last start and must go close in this field. 5.00
5 FOREST KING * No. 50
6 BERNARD’S FIGHTER ** Mixes his form but one to keep safe. 12
7 ASHQAR *** Ran on well last start at odds and step to 1400m looks ideal. 8.00
8 PUSONG PINOY ** Solid without being a threat but a must for exotics. 20
9 SECRET MAN *** In form and looks due to win with a tongue-tie added for this. 5.00
10 SGFIFTY * Headgear off and easier to ignore. 100
Race 7
Selections; 1 BAHANA – 2 TARAMEA – 4 AMAZING – 9 INSOFAR
While we will be keeping an eye on the earlier races to see if the back markers are getting a fair go on the Long Course (E), there looks enough early pace in this race to think BAHANA could be very hard to hold out. The 4YO looks a very progressive type and Vlad Duric should be confident off a nice trial that he can turn some solid form into another win. If the track is favouring on pace runners, his stablemate TARAMEA could be the one to be on. The 4YO enjoys the company of 3kg claimer Amirul and also gets blinkers back, which should ensure a very forward showing. AMAZING and RUM AND RAISINS will also ensure a solid clip and be thereabouts at the business end while SIR REGINALD, BLACK THUNDER, INSOFAR and SILENT ARROW all win without surprising.
1 BAHANA *** In terrific form and will be hard to hold out if race run to suit swoopers. 5.00
2 TARAMEA *** Gets blinkers and Amirul 3kg claim and appreciates both. Can win. 6.00
3 SIR REGINALD *** Drawn wide but in form and recent win was this trip so have to respect. 8.00
4 AMAZING *** Won well in KSD company last start and has subsequently trialled well. Follow. 6.00
5 BIG BROTHER ** Improves with race fitness and pay to keep an eye on the tote for support. 13
6 RUM N RAISINS *** Just missed last start in similar affair and will be handy throughout. 6.00
7 STAR CHOICE ** Will appreciate the Company and can include in exotics at odds. 33
8 BLACK THUNDER *** Broke maiden status over this trip after a solid run of form and pay to keep following. 8.00
9 INSOFAR *** Backed up maiden win in Class 5 with a good win in this company and must be respected with a Kif Toh 3kg claim. 12
10 SILENT ARROW *** Drawn wide but just missed last start over 1400m and worth another each way look. 10
11 SUN FORCE * Gets blinkers but easier to ignore. 100
12 XZUBERANCE ** Can include in exotics but might need it easier to win. 20
13 ZHUHAI * No. 100
14 GIORGIO *** Showed last start he is more than competitive in Class 4 and another that wins without surprising. 12
Race 8
Selections; 6 MR TRY – 3 KING SAVINSKY – 10 AMISTAD – 5 SUGARTIME JAZZ
This looks a strong Class 5 field with plenty of horses well placed over the Poly mile to win. MR TRY in particular gets back to his only winning trip and given what he showed over 1200m last start in this company, he can win with Glen Boss an inspired choice from gate 3. He might even be value given the money should go on KING SAVINSKY who also gets back up to a suitable trip. Also in his favour is Nunes and blinkers back in his winning grade so all things point to a win. But the race has depth and no reason AMISTAD can’t continue his good form and win with SUGARTIME JAZZ also a leading contender on what he showed dropping to Class 5 last start. Throw in DUAL IMPACT and BIG BANKER to name just another two.
1 COMMODORE LINCOLN ** Form just fair but may appreciate full blinkers, Poly and Class 5 company. 20
2 DUAL IMPACT *** Drawn badly but showed last start the Poly holds no fears and can win. 6.00
3 KING SAVINSKY *** Ignore last couple as finds himself in the right race and company with blinkers back on so hard to beat. 4.00
4 SCHILTRON ** Form reads badly but should improve back in Class 5. 33
5 SUGARTIME JAZZ *** Showed last start he wins sooner than later in Class 5 and pay to follow. 5.00
6 MR TRY *** Placed last start over 1200m and better suited over the mile so can win. 6.00
7 BIG BANKER *** Hard to fault recent form in similar affairs and often value. 8.00
8 HAN SOLO ** Found wanting last start but has won this trip and cheeky run expected. 20
9 OVER EASY ** Better than what he showed last start and happy to keep safe at odds. 20
10 AMISTAD *** In form and drawn to advantage so has to be considered. 7.00
11 NOVA POWER * May appreciate Class 5 company but needs to improve. 50
12 TONGARIRO ** Not a mile away last start and another to include in exotics. 20
13 GENERAL CONATUS ** Competitive but this is a strong Class 5 field. 20
14 HAPPY JOY * Struggled since maiden win. 100
Race 9
Selections; 4 LIM’S ACTION – 2 WHITE HUNTER – 10 WAIPAKIHI – 5 SAND BANK
A good race to finish the card and two last start winners in LIM’S ACTION and WAIPAKIHI appeal. Of the two, they backed LIM’S ACTION off the charts last start when winning in KSD Company first up after a spell and given his form in Class 4 previously, he can win this. WAIPAKIHI broke his maiden status at his fourth career start and that effort suggests he can go on with the job and win in Class 4. The race has depth and WHITE HUNTER will probably race more generously with winkers and could be hard to run down late while GUILTY PLEASURES and SAND BANK could also win without surprising – the latter at value.
1 GUILTY PLEASURES *** Yet to win on the turf but plenty of excuses last start when supported and can make amends. 4.00
2 WHITE HUNTER *** Blinkers to winkers and in this a very long way. 8.00
3 LIM’S ARCHER ** Back in trip after disappointing over the mile and have to take on trust. 8.00
4 LIM’S ACTION *** Resumed with very good win with heavy support and could be hard to beat. 3.00
5 SAND BANK *** Fresh and finds himself in the right race and company. Value. 12
6 IRISH CONNECTION ** Former Kiwi who has had plenty of trials and gate 1 helps at Singapore debut. 33
7 MARK ECLIPSE ** Battled away at two starts in Novice Company after maiden win but may appreciate Class 4 company. 20
8 REDDOT RISING ** Just fair last start in this Company but worth another look. 20
9 THE WIND ** Recent poor form a concern but there was a lot to like about his maiden win. 33
10 WAIPAKIHI *** Looked good when breaking maiden status last start and more than up to Class 4. 6.00
11 SIAMESE CAT ** Shown nothing at two starts but gets blinkers and trial with headgear good enough to keep safe. 33
12 MORALES * Won well last start in KSD company but may be a better option on the Poly. 33
13 ROCK ESPRIT * Solid but might need easier and the Poly. 20
14 PATERSON ROAD * Reassess easier over longer. 100
