Jockey Nathan Berry shows his delight as he drives Indian Jade to a winning debut. Picture Singapore Turf Club.
In this game, strike-rates count for plenty. So while Shane Baertschiger only has three runners engaged on Friday, the man they call “Stretch” could be a trainer to follow.
Baertschiger currently sits 11th on the trainers log but given the log-jam between 5th and 15th, one or two winners could see him sitting in 7th by Saturday morning and it is worth noting his strike-rate of 12.67 is only bettered by three trainers who have more winners. It’s also worth noting that he has aligned himself to two jockeys on Friday night – John Powell and Kif Toh – who top the strike rates in the jockey and apprentice ranks respectively.
Kif Toh – whose 4kg claim looks somewhat of a luxury after nine winners in 2014 – rides the long-term maiden ROCKETY CAT in race 4 but given what he showed last start under the the gun apprentice and the weak field he meets today, a win would not surprise at start 29. Toh also rides KLEVER WARRIOR for Baertschiger in race 6 and his 4kg claim and a Class drop for the 4YO gelding looks a winning combination.
The experienced John Powell gets the nod on Baertschiger’s third runner – CASH ADVANCE – in this lucky last and the red-hot Aussie hoop will be hoping to continue his unbeaten association on the smart 3YO. Powell was a late withdrawal due to a race day injury when CASH ADVANCE was beaten as the odds-on pop last start but all concerned will be confident the partnership can make quick amends in what looks a solid Class 4 sprint.
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Best Bets; (DANNY race 1, win), (INDIAN JADE race 7, win) and (KLEVER WARRIOR race 6, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 7, 9 and 10), race 7 (4, 5, 6 and 8), race 8 (1, 4, 7 and 10), race 9 (1, 3, 5 and 7).
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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; 6 DANNY – 7 GRAND VITESS – 13 SUGARTIME JAZZ – 2 DANGER MONEY
A Class 5 over 1400m on turf starts the programme with a few looking like they may have been set for this race only to be stymied by the barrier draw. DANNY has only appeared once in Class 5 in his 44 start career when he ran 5th over this journey last start with the apprentice Rueven up. He is no world-beater but is a three-time winner and from barrier 2 with Manoel Nunes up has better credentials than most of these and his recent trial was good. GRAND VITESS ran on stoutly at his last outing over 1200m when on turf with blinkers re-applied, he won at this trip five starts back and despite the gate should race well for Corey Brown who replaces the in-experienced Ruzali. DANGER MONEY is another drawn wide but getting back into a suitable grade, distance and surface, he also last won at this trip five starts back when ridden by Corey Brown. This time Zuriman takes the claim and he should race well. SUGARTIME JAZZ has only won once but it was at 1400m, he
fought on well last outing and with Oscar Chavez retaining the mount should be in the finish
once again. Most of the rest are maidens , non-winners or polytrackers.
1 COGITO ERGO SUM ** Has been battling on in maidens. This distance should suit. Well drawn with top rider. 14
2 DANGER MONEY *** This is much more suitable than recent outings. Scored this class and distance five starts back. Draw no help but claim does. 4.00
3 GOLDEN DOMINATOR * Distanced last start on poly. Last win was at this trip 18 months ago in Class 4 but recent efforts poor. 33
4 LUCKY EIGHTY EIGHT ** Racing well over shorter trips on poly. Unknown at distance and unplaced at four turf starts. Take on trust. 12
5 TIME AFTER TIME ** Maiden who has been freshened by recent trials. Has ability. Watch for support. 10
6 DANNY *** Does not win often but recent trial was good. Has spent most of his career in higher grade and with Nunes replacing Rueven this distance suits. Should be closing late. 6.50
7 GRAND VITESS *** Poorly drawn but well suited in this grade and distance. Blinkers stay on and engagement of senior rider significant. Watch for support. 4.50
8 VON SNITZEL ** Not the strongest but recent form sound. Yet to be tried beyond 1200m and barrier does not help. 14
9 GENERAL CONATUS ** Raced greenly at past two outings and managed to place at this trip two starts back. If he settles, could surprise. 14
10 SIMPANG * Yet to place in 13 turf starts. Only win was at 1200m on poly. 50
11 SMART MOVE * Gets up to a suitable distance but yet to show anything. 50
12 JUSEAGLEYE * Needs to improve on six starts to date though this distance more suitable. 50
13 SUGARTIME JAZZ *** Blinkers to winkers. Only win was at 1400m and should be running on late. 6.50
14 WINNING STAR * Blinkers off. Trialed fairly recently but needs to improve. 33
15 KING OF KOON * Has been disappointing. Led and tired last start over shorter on poly. Only win was in NZ over 1200m on turf. 25
16 SPARKLING STAR ** Has been placed at past two outings over 1400m on turf. Chance if he gets a start. 12
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Race 2
Selections; 11 MISTER CANDY – 9 SEBROSE – 1 DANE’S ANATOMY – 12 HIGHER SOUL
A Restricted Maiden over 1400m on turf where again, most of the better chances drawn wide. MISTER CANDY has had nine starts for eight placings and finished 5th at his only other run. He was beaten less than a length at his only try over 1400m, the blinkers stay on, Davey Flores takes over from Barend Vorster and despite the alley, he should be able to cross and be in the finish once again. SEBROSE finished just in front of MISTER CANDY over 1400m at his last outing, he too is drawn wide but is likely to go back; Manoel Nunes should give him every chance. The stablemate DANE’S ANATOMY raced greenly but showed improvement last outing; the 1400m will suit and from the decent alley he should be well-placed all the way. The Japanese filly from the Takaoka stable, HIGHER SOUL, has shown plenty of promise at her three starts and steps up to 1400m for he first time; Alan Munro should give her every chance and she could be value in an open race. VOY has been racing well since blinkers were applied, he too should get a gun run from Ivaldo Santana and has been placed at his past two outings over 1400m. There are plenty of other chances with MOON OF NEPTUNE, BRAD and POWERFUL FIGHTER having hopes.
1 DANE’S ANATOMY *** Raced greenly, led and battled on well over a mile last start. Should give a sight. 7.00
2 GLOBAL FOCUS ** Has been running on at past two outings over 1200m. Better suited here. Watch market. 16
3 VOY *** Has been improved by blinkers. Placed at past two outings over 1400m (excuses not to finish closer last start) and should be in the finish once again. 5.50
4 BENGLIAM * Won trial in slow time recently but needs to improve on race efforts. 33
5 POWERFUL FIGHTER ** Usually runs on but only placings have been on polytrack. 25
6 BIG BANG KING * Needs to improve on two starts to date. Draw no help. 50
7 BRAD *** Decent efforts at only two poly outings. This looks more suitable. Watch for support. 14
8 MOON OF NEPTUNE * Distanced by SPALATO last start but battled away. Could improve. 20
9 SEBROSE *** Charged late last outing to just miss. Barrier no help but should be finishing off strongly. 4.50
10 HATHAWAY * Knows how to find trouble but battles away and could show up. 20
11 MISTER CANDY *** Has been placed eight out of nine starts. Looked a good thing beaten last start and despite alley gets his chance again. 5.00
12 HIGHER SOUL *** Japanese filly who has been running on over shorter journeys. 1400m will suit and should be closing late. 5.50
13 ONE FINE DAME * Well beaten at all four starts. 50
14 SINGSURAT * 2YO with no weight. Well back at only two starts but will appreciate 1400m. 33
15 CITY OF KIRKWALL * Shown nothing so far. 50
16 SHABBAT *** Had support at both outings but just battled. Recent trial sound and will improve. 20
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Race 3
Selections; 3 SAVAGE STORM – 12 WAR LORD – 4 COOL CAT – 5 HEAR ME
A Class 4 over 1200m on the polytrack with a few proven performers up against a couple of newcomers and a bunch of the usual suspects. SAVAGE STORM has never finished further back than 5th on the poly winning three, his latest at this trip three starts back in KSD company with Noh Senari aboard; with the same combination again and a relatively weak field, he should race very well. HEAR ME is a 9YO but he knows how to win and scored in much higher grade than this last outing when fresh. He has shown in the past he can go back-to-back and with S John up, has an undeniable chance particularly if there is a strong speed. COOL CAT is also no youngster but is consistent at this level; he won on turf last start and won in KSD company over 1200m on the poly three starts back. Another veteran HOPKINS is chasing his 10th career win, he ran on well last start over 1100m and is always a chance in this grade. WAR LORD copped a buffeting when supported last start and with Barend Vorster up, he should be running on late. Amongst the rest, the newcomer NAAZ is worth watching. He is an English miler who has won twice on turf and placed on the allweather, fresh with Corey Brown up, blinkers on and a recent trial under his belt he could show up. The other newcomer SUNNY is a dead-set stayer with wins at 1900m and 2100m in Ireland. LUCKY COME is third run back from a spell and drops 5kg, BLACK SNOW could be an improver on the poly, and TROPICAL FOREST if ridden patiently could show up.
1 NAAZ ** Blinkers on. English miler who has won twice on turf and placed on the allweather. Could show up fresh. Trial OK. Watch for support. 14
2 SUNNY * Pacifiers on. Irish winner at 1900m and 2100m. Likely to find this too short. 33
3 SAVAGE STORM *** Racing well. Has an excellent poly record and from the good gate with the claim will be hard to beat. 3.50
4 COOL CAT *** Consistent veteran who won one of these in KSD company three starts back. Best form is on turf but should race well again. 5.50
5 HEAR ME *** 9YO who won in much higher grade last start when resuming. Knows how to win and has gone back-to-back before. Cannot be discounted. 4.50
6 BLACK SNOW ** Blinkers to Pacifiers. Failed on turf last outing but raced well at only two poly outings. Nicely drawn and should race handy. 14
7 LUCKY COME *** Has battled away at two runs since resuming. Smart on his day and drops 5kg on last outing. Each-way. 14
8 TROPICAL FOREST *** Not reliable and can find trouble but goes close if at his best with tongue-tie added. 20
9 HOPKINS ** Journeyman who ran on well last start and is always a chance in these. 14
10 THEOLOGY * Well beaten last few and needs to improve. 33
11 RORY * Good effort on turf last start but better in Class 5 over shorter. 33
12 WAR LORD *** Copped a buffeting when supported last start over 1200m on turf. Should be running on late. 5.50
13 RAPID REWARDS * Speedy but will get caught in this grade. 33
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Race 4
Selections; 13 ROCKETY CAT – 8 FLAMING FIREHEART – 3 LUCKY LION – 5 ROCK SHOW
A dreadful Maiden for the long-term battlers over 1200m on turf. So dreadful that a longterm maiden might get the chocolates. ROCKETY CAT is having his 28th start and while his recent form has been good on the polytrack, in the dim distant past he was placed on turf and with Kif Toh retaining the mount, Shane Baertschiger will be hoping this is his day at last. LUCKY LION resumed with a fair effort last start after showing considerable promise in his earlier preparation placing several times; with Manoel Nunes up from a good gate should get every chance. FLAMING FIREHEART has shown improvement on the poly at his past two outing; with Zaki up he has enough speed to cross from his wide gate and whilst 1200m may test at his only turf start was able to run 4th. PEREGRINE FALCON is another showing some improvement, he has yet to place in 10 outings but has run some respectable races on turf in the past. Others that could figure in a very weak race are the hitherto disappointing Pat Shaw pair ROCK SHOW and ACORDO DE PAZ, both of whom have some form on turf.
1 VIVA RAAJ ** Resuming and best form is over longer. Has run some decent races in the past and this field is weak. Watch for support. 14
2 DAZZLE * Distanced when resuming. Failed to dazzle so far. 50
3 LUCKY LION *** Resumed with fair effort on poly. Placed four from eight on turf and with Nunes up should race well from good gate. 3.50
4 NICE HAT TRICK * Yet to take a wicket. 33
5 ROCK SHOW ** Well bred Fastnet Rock horse who has been disappointing to date. Fair effort two starts back and should appreciate the claim. 7.00
6 TAKEAIM * Tongue tie on and recent trial showed improvement. Still has a long way to go. 33
7 VICTORIOUS STREAK * Resuming. Distanced at all three starts. Recent trial better but barrier draw no help. 50
8 FLAMING FIREHEART *** Has fought well at past two poly outings . Ran 4th at only turf start. Has speed and could make a bid. 7.00
9 MOOVA CASH ** Recent form very poor but has placed six times from 18 starts and could show up. 12
10 VIRGIN GALACTIC * Done nothing in six starts. 50
11 PEREGRINE FALCON ** Battled home well last start. Yet to place in 10 starts but could show up in this weak field. 10
12 ACORDO DE PAZ ** Not that far away at recent poly outings and has been placed twice on turf from six attempts. Draw no help. 10
13 ROCKETY CAT *** Third run back from spell and racing well on poly. Has only one placing from nine attempts on turf. Having 28th start but won’t find one weaker than this. 5.50
14 SOARING WIN ** Well beaten last start but previous two poly efforts sound. Was placed at this trip on turf in January. 14
15 HORAZ SAMOSIR * Hasn’t threatened in five starts. 50
16 WARISAN * Has not shown up in five outings. 50
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Race 5
Selections; 1 EMPRESS WU – 2 TIGER MASTER – 4 ILUMINADO – 3 CANNON HILL
A small BM83 field over 1700m on the poly with some handy performers engaged. TIGER MASTER resumed with a good third to EMPEROR’S BANQUET in this company over a mile on turf, his last win was at 1700m on the poly and he can go forward and make his own luck. EMPRESS WU ran second in that 1600m race, with the claim for Noh Senari she meets TIGER MASTER 4.5kg better at the weights for beating him and whilst this is an extra 100m, she won at her only poly start and will be hard to beat. ILUMINADO is backing up from last week where he ran 3rd to RIEDEL, he is a tough fellow who will be in the finish once again. CANNON HILL is not the most reliable but he has won at Group 3 level on the poly and ran a decent second on turf last outing. The Takaoka pair BOWIE KNIFE and MITRE PEAK are also hardened warriors and they will make their presence felt.
1 EMPRESS WU *** Ran on well for 2nd in similar affair on turf over a mile last start. Won at only polytrack start. Smart mare who will appreciate claim meeting TIGER MASTER 4.5kg better and should race well. 3.00
2 TIGER MASTER *** Resumed with good third just behind EMPRESS WU last start. Suited this journey and surface. Will make his own luck out in front. 3.50
3 CANNON HILL *** Solid effort on turf last start. Has won in Group 3 company over 1800m on poly. Not the most reliable but well up to this. 4.00
4 ILUMINADO *** Tough horse backing up from minor placing to RIEDEL last week. Will be in the finish once again. 5.00
5 MITRE PEAK ** Solid effort last start and drops 5kg in weight. Knockout hope. 7.00
6 BOWIE KNIFE * Won Class 4 over 1700m three starts back but failed to beat a runner home at two subsequent outings. May find this too hard. 20
7 YOU DA ONE * Was placed at listed level in UK and won on all-weather at Lingfield. Has been disappointing so far in Singapore. Watch. 25
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Race 6
Selections; 1 KLEVER WARRIOR – 3 INCREDIBLE HULK – 2 BLAZING SPUR – 10 SEA OF LOVE
Plenty of chances here and a few at the top of the weights – KLEVER WARRIOR, BLAZING SPUR and INCREDIBLE HULK – all should figure late. The trio all come into this Class 5 staying affair with good runs in better company and given it’s KLEVER WARRIOR’s first start in this grade, he could be the testing material. Kif Toh – who continues to knock in winners with his 4kg claim – take the ride and expect a quiet ride with a storming finish likely. BLAZING SPUR will race handier and is in the mix with a handy TH Koh 2kg claim with the veteran, INCREDIBLE HULK, also one to watch closely and probably makes his run late with KLEVER WARRIOR. Others in the equation include FOREIGN EXCHANGE and a couple of maidens in READY FORTUNE and SEA OF LOVE. The tote may be a good guide as a few others may improve trying 2000m for the first time and it will pay to go wide in exotics.
1 KLEVER WARRIOR *** Significant drop in Class and should figure late. 6.00
2 BLAZING SPUR *** Looks due and showed more than enough last start in good company to win this. 4.00
3 INCREDIBLE HULK *** Veteran whose form is better than it reads and this race looks very suitable to knock in a win. 5.00
4 BANKERS CALL ** Blinkers off as he steps dramatically up in trip. Watch market. 20
5 GOLDEN DRAGON * Winkers off and should appreciate trip although hard to have on form. 33
6 BIG SURPRISE ** Blinkers off and worth thought at odds first try this trip. 20
7 FOREIGN EXCHANGE *** Due and right in this mix with any luck from the widest gate. 8.00
8 OVER EASY * Upgrade to blinkers but recent form ordinary. 33
9 READY FORTUNE *** Maiden but gives every indication he wins a race like this. 11
10 SEA OF LOVE *** Another maiden who looks due and very much appreciates being back on the turf. 11
11 SEASONS WONDER ** Excuses last start and previous form suggests he can be included somewhere. 16
12 URBAN LEGEND ** Backed up surprise win with a close-up placing so has to be respected. 10
13 ATIAMURI ** Tough horse to follow but the type who could show up at odds. 33
14 CONQUEST * Struggling of late. 50
15 HOME DADDY HOME * Easier to ignore. 50
16 BAT KING * Shown nothing. 50
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Race 7
Selections; 5 INDIAN JADE – 4 CHINESE CULTURE – 6 INDICIO – 8 TWO M AND M
Michael Freedman looks to have a big say in this KSB event with INDIAN JADE and CHINESE CULTURE both strong winning chances. Of the two, INDIAN JADE has been very impressive at his three starts in Singapore and the UK-bred gelding could be very hard to beat. Blinkers go on after a close-up placing when winkers were added last start and with Manoel Nunes retaining the mount, expect support and a big run. The stable-mate, CHINESE CULTURE, is honest and will probably look the winner at some stage. The 5YO drops back from 1600m but given three of his four wins have been over 1400m, he looks the obviously danger. Of the rest, INDICIO did enough at his first start for Steve Burridge to think he is well and truly in the mix with TWO M AND M the value runner with 53.5kg looking a very winnable weight.
1 PEACEFUL WARRIOR ** Blinkers off after rare poor effort and pay to keep safe. 8.00
2 NATURAL NICE * Struggling of late but the race does look suitable. 33
3 TOUCH OF GOLD ** OK work late last start suggests he improves over 1400m. Value. 12
4 CHINESE CULTURE *** In good form and in this a very long way. 4.00
5 INDIAN JADE *** Shown more than enough at three Singapore starts to win a race like this with upgrade to blinkers. 2.60
6 INDICIO *** First run for new stable better than the result and should figure prominently. 5.00
7 AROWANA DOT COM ** Hard to follow but can run a cheeky race so must be considered after drawing gate one. 10
8 TWO M AND M *** Racing in good form and looks well-placed for an each-way look with 53.5kg. 10
9 PINT SIZED PRINCE * Nuisance value only this company. 33
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Race 8
Selections; 10 GYPSY STAR – 1 WOMBAT FLYER – 4 CELESTIAL STAR – 7 SUPER ZUCCA
Not many races weaker than this division 2 Class 5 event over 1400m and as such a few maiden runners get their chance with WOMBAT FLYER heading that particular list. The gelding has some upside given he is a 3YO and showed enough last start in this company and more recently at a trail that he is ready to win. Other maidens to consider are CELESTIAL STAR who comes into this with two solid and much improved runs under his belt with SECONDWAVE and GOLDEN ROSEWOOD not the worst with no weight to carry. But the one the maidens have to beat is GYPSY STAR. The two-time winner looks due and given the work he has been doing late at recent starts, the 1400m looks ideal to knock in another win. The race lacks depth but SUPER ZUCCA must be considered secondup after a spell with one eye on the emergency, ZAC COMMAND, is he gets a start.
1 WOMBAT FLYER *** Last start better than the result and recent trial suggests he could surprise in this weak field. 12
2 BALLET DANCER * Ran a forward race last start but needs to improve before we consider. 20
3 RAPTURE * Didn’t need the wide gate. 33
4 CELESTIAL STAR *** Turned around some poor form with two good runs and pay to keep very safe. 5.00
5 ABYSS ** Form reads badly and prefers the Poly but recent good trial has him under notice. 20
6 KING CROSS ** Broke maiden status last start but best form has been on the Poly. 7.00
7 SUPER ZUCCA *** Appreciates first-up run and could run a race at value. 12
8 PRINCETON ** Showed last start he will be more than competitive in Class 5. 20
9 EISHIN BRIGHT ** Placed when blinkers added last start and pay to follow. 6.00
10 GYPSY STAR *** Big run late when all over last start has him under notice with 1400m ideal. 4.00
11 STRIDE METEOR * Head-gear added but form only fair and better on the Poly. 33
12 ANY CHOICE * Excuses last start but has been struggling. 33
13 SECONDWAVE ** Maiden resuming but a couple of OK recent trials has him under notice. 20
14 GOLDEN ROSEWOOD ** Long-term maiden but worth though on some solid form. 12
15 ZAC COMMAND *** Blinkers off and certainly shown enough to follow this trip. 10
16 FAHLA FAHLA * Not the worst but needs luck to break maiden status from wide gate. 33
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Race 9
Selections; 1 CASH ADVANCE – 7 HIMALAYA DRAGON – 3 SHIPPING FORECAST – 6 HAPPY PRINCESS
Great race to finish the night and whatever happens, the form from this Class 4 sprint will hold up in months to come. At the top of the weights CASH ADVANCE will be looking to make quick amends after being beaten as the odds-on pop at his last start. Barend Vorster replaced an injured John Powell on that occasion and you could make excuses given the start looked costly. JP goes back on and the pair are undefeated in two starts and can make it three-from-three from gate 6. Two smart fillies in HAPPY PRINCESS and HIMALAYA DRAGON will keep him honest though with the latter stiff not to win at her last start. Both look horses to follow and both suited in this with 53kg. Of the rest, the speedy SHIPPING FORECAST more than holds his own and looks the other obvious winning chance.
1 CASH ADVANCE *** Start costly when beaten as odds-on pop last start and can make amends here. 3.00
2 JIMTOWN ** Former Malaysian who trailed OK so worth a market watch. 33
3 SHIPPING FORECAST *** Back in winning Class and very forward run expected. 4.50
4 MACHFIVE ** Up in grade after nice win but more than competitive on his day. 9.00
5 FARRAND ** Hard to have on recent form but back on Poly should see improvement. 33
6 HAPPY PRINCESS *** Promising filly who looks well placed with 53kg. Follow. 11
7 HIMALAYA DRAGON *** Another very promising filly who was unlucky not to win last start. Big show. 4.00
8 MOOVA FISH * No. 100
9 TAVAN BOGD ** Coming off a shocker but first-up run a beauty and could be value. 33
10 BLACK FURY ** Backed up maiden win with a solid effort in KSD company and pay
to include in exotics. 16
11 GOOD BUDDY ** Rarely wins but always competitive and can get out to long odds. 20
12 CASSIS OOLONG ** Coming off a hat-trick of Class 5 wins and have to respect. 12
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