Singapore Racing – Friday

Jockey Manoel Nunes drives Snitzel Spirit to the line in Race 2, picture Singapore Turf Club – 04/07/14

Less tricks and more treats would be the order of the day with some good bets to be had on what is an interesting mixed-surface meeting from Singapore.

Hopefully the good things start early with INVINCIBLE MAN looking hard to beat in race 2 on the card. The 3YO resumes after an inglorious 10th placing in the Juvenile Championship but given his excellent debut second behind the smart SNITZEL SPIRIT and a strong recent trial under his belt, he is the one to beat back in Restricted Maiden company.

He should get support so could be very short but all things going well, a roll-over into HERMANO MENOR in race 3 could be a good punting option. A 3YO gelding by Duporth, HERMANO MENOR is in extremely well at the Novice race conditions and given he comes off a placing behind the juvenile Group winning AFLECK, he should be too good for these.

He will have to be on his game though given the Pat Shaw-trained BARNATO also has form around AFLECK and the pair could be fighting out the finish in a race with no depth.

Elsewhere in the card there looks to be a few horses who have finally found themselves in suitable races who may provide value. PINT SIZED PRINCE is one such example in the lucky last and the five-time winner has shown more than enough at a recent trial to win first-up in what looks a perfect race.

Best Bets; (INVINCIBLE MAN race 2, win), (PINT SIZED PRINCE race 9, each-way) and (BLUE LAGOON race 8, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 8), race 7 (1, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 10), race 8 (3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 13), race 9 (1, 3, 4, 5 and 7).

Race 1

Selections; 6 D’DON – 1 BLACK FURY – 9 ZAC COMMAND – 8 POWER ANGEL
While these races are historically tough on punters and the early market is a good guide, D’DON won too well last start not to be the one to beat. Obviously that was his first career victory but given the fact the strong win was this grade and he had trailed well prior, his form should hold up. BLACK FURY looks the biggest danger after coming off a good second when dropping to Class 5. He had excuses that day not to win and worth noting his maiden win was this trip/surface. ZAC COMMAND comes into this with good hit out at a recent trial under his belt and with a 4kg claim from gate 1, he could easily show up on best form. POWER ANGEL resumes with Juglall and again, on best form can win so pay to watch the market.

1 BLACK FURY *** Improved lengths dropping to Class 5 and excuses not to win. Big show. 3.00
2 FLAMING FIREHEART ** Will find this company to his liking but wide gate makes winning tough. 8.00
3 POWER TO SURPRISE * No. 50
4 RICHEAST ** Form reads badly but back to winning Class/trip suggests we keep safe. 16
5 GOOD SCORE ** Showed last start he will be competitive this Class and can include in exotics. 12
6 D’DON *** Backed up a good trial with a strong win and have to follow on that effort. 3.00
7 LUCKY COME ** Did nothing last start similar affair but certainly up to this on his day so watch market. 20
8 POWER ANGEL *** Resuming and certainly goes good enough to follow. 12
9 ZAC COMMAND *** Freshened with nice recent trial and gets the ace so pay to keep safe. 12
10 READY FORTUNE ** Resuming after dead-heating over a mile and could show up. 10
11 VIRGIN GALACTIC * Hard to have on form shown after maiden win four starts back. 33

Race 2

Selections; 4 INVINCIBLE MAN – 1 I’M KOOL – 2 BRAHMA CIRCUS – 6 MAJOR GREEN
This Restricted Maiden has no depth so while it always pays to keep an eye on the tote for the newcomers, it really looks a race in three with I’M KOOL, BRAHMA CIRCUS and INVINCIBLE MAN the one’s to watch. Of the trio, INVINCIBLE MAN resumes after a 2YO campaign that suggests he has a bright future. On debut he ran a close second to the smart SNITZEL SPIRIT and while that form didn’t quite hold up in the Group 3 Juvenile Championship, it more than holds up here with a very strong recent trial a factor. However, I’M KOOL has his hoof right on the till and with Jackson Low from gate 2, he gets his chance and might even push for favouritism in what will be a top-heavy tote. BRAHMA CIRCUS was well beaten on debut but did place third and a subsequent very good trial suggests he has trained on and right in this for the in-form Dan Beasley. Forget the rest but MAJOR GREEN should improve at odds for the exotics.

1 I’M KOOL *** Foot on the till and goes mighty close with Jackson Low from gate 2. 3.00
2 BRAHMA CIRCUS *** Backed up solid debut placing with a good trial and right in this. 3.50
3 FAST JET * Nothing at local trials and market only guide. 33
4 INVINCIBLE MAN *** Resuming after finding Juvenile Championship too tough but recent trial coupled with debut run has him hard to beat in this. 2.00
5 LIM’S ELUSIVE * Another who hasn’t done enough at local trials to consider. 33
6 MAJOR GREEN ** Disappointing on debut but should appreciate the outing and has trialed OK. 20
7 MIRACLE MAN * Prefer to watch on debut. 50
8 SECRET ARROW * Resuming after poor debut. 100
9 SOUTHERN ADMIRAL * Hard to have on trial form. 50
10 FUN HOUSE * Needs longer. 50

Race 3

Selections; 5 HERMANO MENOR – 6 BARNATO – 9 TEMBUSU ESTRELA – 3 AL VALORE
HERMANO MENOR looks extremely well-placed at Novice conditions to knock in another early win in what should be a very good racing career. The Spanish-named Australian-bred 3YO had excuses not to win on debut three starts back and more than made up for that with a strong win over 1200m on the turf at start two. A placing behind the very smart AFFLECK in strong 3YO company sets him up nicely for this and with just 51.5kg to carry at the conditions with a Harry claim, he could be very hard to beat. Of the raced-brigade, BARNATO – who also has form around AFFLECK – looks his main danger. The Pat Shawtrained 3YO would win a race like this on his day and certainly keeps HERMANO MENOR honest and might even push him for favouritism. AL VALORE comes off a disappointing run but worth another look and of the newcomers, TEMBUSU ESTRELA has looked very comfortably at the trials and pay to keep safe with one eye on the market.

1 CONFIDENCE * Needs easier. 33
2 FIRST OPTION * In badly at the conditions. 33
3 AL VALORE *** Disappointing but not a mile away when supported last start and worth another look in what is a suitable race. 5.00
4 FELAROF ** Former Australian whose recent trial was good albeit with headgear so market only guide. 12
5 HERMANO MENOR *** Placed behind AFFLECK in an Open 3YO race last start and hard to beat in this field. 2.00
6 BARNATO *** Freshened after being beaten as the odds-on pop last start but trials like he can make amends with tongue-tie added. 3.00
7 YOUNG LADY * Excuses last start but impossible on form. 100
8 LUCKY SIX ** Resuming after having no chance when blinkers added last start and happy to include in exotics at long odds. 50
9 TEMBUSU ESTRELA *** Makes debut after looking very comfortable at two local trials and pay to keep safe. 11

Race 4

Selections; 9 SUPER JOE – 10 AGELESS – 6 RISING TIDE – 11 MATADOR
Four or five horses look ready to win and given a couple more improve over the mile, this should be a keen punting affair. Of those coming off good placings, SUPER JOE and AGELESS should get plenty of support and both should figure heavily throughout. SUPER JOE had excuses last start (saddle slipped) and given he just missed after an unsuccessful protest at his previous run and gets Juglall back, he could be the testing material. AGELESS got the upgrade to blinkers two starts back and two second placings later, he also gets his chance and no doubt Lisa Allpress will have him on the pace from the get-go. RISING TIDE and BECOME RICH also come into this with runs that have them in with a huge show over the mile as does MATADOR for Barend Vorster.

1 BECOME RICH *** Showed more than enough late over 1400m to think he goes mighty close over the mile. 8.00
2 EN LAUDER ** Battles away and mile will suit. 33
3 ESCALATION * Blinkers on but might need more than that. 100
4 TURQUOISE SON * No. 200
5 FLYING SOLO * Log who will need a lot longer than this. 200
6 RISING TIDE *** Just missed last start this trip and looks a big show. 5.00
7 CELESTINA ** Disappointing not to run on last start but pay to watch for support. 20
8 GOLDEN PASTURE ** Will be battling away late and add value to skinny end of exotics. 50
9 SUPER JOE *** Excuses last start (saddle) so effort to place was very good and hard to beat in this. 3.00
10 AGELESS *** Led and just pipped last start similar affair and expect much the same. 3.00
11 MATADOR *** Ran on well last start and will be in the mix over the mile. 8.00
12 ANOTHER SON ** Put in his his best effort last start and pay to keep safe in exotics. 33
13 SECRET SPICE ** Runs on and worth following over longer with blinkers off and visor on. 33

Race 5

Selections; 2 BLUE LION – 9 KAI POWER – 4 MY DANCING DUEL – 7 DRAGON G
A very open race but connections of a horse like BLUE LION would be thinking they can win this and sneak into the Gold Cup field in a couple of weeks time. Sure, he would need to win well and get a fair whack from the handicapper but his effort in Group company two starts back has him under notice at handicap conditions and looks well-placed in this to show his best. As mentioned it is wide open and as such a horse like KAI POWER could show up at each-way odds. The one-time winner from Australia has shown more than enough – albeit without winning – at five starts in Singapore and his run behind top Gold Cup hope, QUECHA, has him having a say in this. Throw in the likes of MY DANCING DUEL over a suitable trip, last start winner DRAGON G and BILLY BRITAIN who looks well-placed with a Rueven 2kg claim. A blanket over the rest of the field.

1 BILLY BRITAIN *** Gives every indication this type of race suits and looks well-placed with handy 2kg claim. 8.00
2 BLUE LION *** Placed four starts back with 55kg in a Group 3 this trip so hard to beat in this company. 3.00
3 HIPPO PROSPERO ** Appreciates solid debut and improves over this trip. Value. 20
4 MY DANCING DUEL *** Ignore last start over 1400m and every chance this trip and company. 10
5 MR MAGNUS ** Just battling of late but most recent win was this trip and with this hoop so keep safe. 12
6 BEE AHEAD ** Battled on OK last start and in the exotic mix. 20
7 DRAGON G *** This is tougher than last start but won too well not to follow. 6.00
8 NATION THEATRE * Battled on OK last start on the Poly but need to be at his best in this company. 33
9 KAI POWER *** In very solid form and run two starts back behind QUECHUA has him right in this. 8.00
10 PINYIN ** Hard to fault recent form and drawn well but this looks a tough ask. 12
11 DARK PULSE ** Form looks just fair but could run a very cheeky race from the ace. Exotics. 20
12 MAREA NEGRO ** Another who will race on the pace and could be hard to run down with just 50kg. 10

Race 6

Selections; 3 GANBATTE GANBATTE – 1 STAR RAINBOW – 2 ENZO – 8 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ
Even with two last start winners in the field, this race is a raffle. Obviously GANBATTE GANBATTE picks himself on what he showed breaking his maiden status last start. The win was good enough to think he can be followed on what is his preferred surface and gate 3 can’t hurt. JOHNNY HATES JAZZ is the other last start winner and given that was coming off a second placing behind ZENA, he is a solid option with Zaki on-board from gate 6. Horses that improves lengths over this trip in this grade are STAR RAINBOW and ENZO. Both have drawn wide but both go close over what is a suitable distance and value may be on offer. TORRECAMPO the only other to watch on form at his first race start on the Polytrack.

1 STAR RAINBOW *** Ignore recent form as gets over suitable trip and track in suitable grade. Big show. 5.50
2 ENZO *** Another who gets back into suitable race in suitable grade. Big show. 5.00
3 GANBATTE GANBATTE *** Improved to win in KSD over this trip last start and have to respect although 58kg to carry. 5.00
4 TORRECAMPO *** Going OK and have to respect having first start on the Poly. 5.00
5 ENTIRELY POSSIBLE * Impossible on form but gets the ace and Oscar. 33
6 FOREIGN EXCHANGE * Would win this on his day but very hard to consider on last few runs. 33
7 FAITHFUL WARRIOR ** Form reads badly but appreciates first-up run, good gate and step up to suitable trip. Value. 33
8 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ *** Showed last start why he is always some hope with best work expected late. 5.00
9 BRILLIANT POWER * Hard to follow but can surprise in what is a suitable race. 12
10 EXCUSEZ MOI ** Maiden but better suited back on the Poly and could surprise at long odds. 20
11 RADIANT ROI * Suited this surface but no form. 100
12 SUPER VELOX ** Long-term maiden status a concern but always in the mix. 12

Race 7

Selections; 5 POWER LION – 8 LIM’S HARVEST – 10 MARSEILLE ROULETTE – 4 GOLD RUN
FLAK JACKET and ACCOMPLISHED both come into this with impressive wins and both are horses to follow. Both gets claims and both could go lickety-split which could be the issue in this cracking race. Add COOL CUSTOMER as a pace influence and this race could be set up for some tales of woe from those jumping on the FLAK JACKET bandwagon (of which we have been on with gusto at his last few runs!). So with the race set up for swoopers and perhaps a cool head in the saddle, Dan Beasley on POWER LION first-up gets the nod. Obviously he was in cracking winning form last campaign and some recent trials suggest he returns full of running and he should get a beautiful run even though drawn awkwardly in 9. LIM’S HARVEST could also swoop and showed more than enough with support at his Singapore debut to follow and MARSEILLE ROULETTE might be on his best behaviour and if so, will have last crack at them. GOLD RUN always a show in what is a terrific field.

1 FLAK JACKET *** In spanking form and will be hard to run down with handy 2kg claim. 3.00
2 TOM * No where near his best of late and have to take on trust. 33
3 ACCOMPLISHED *** Turned some good form into a strong win over the mile last start and in this a very long way. 3.50
4 GOLD RUN *** Going to win a race like this sooner than later and should get a sweet run in transit. 11
5 POWER LION *** Resuming after three straight wins this trip and trials suggests he gives this a shake. 4.00
6 ALFONSO ** Will be more than competitive but wide gate makes wining tough. 20
7 COOL CUSTOMER ** Always a show this type of race and will be value. 33
8 LIM’S HARVEST *** Showed more than enough at Singapore debut and subsequent good trial to follow. 6.00
9 NATURAL NICE ** Can never discount but this field has depth and is coming off a poor run. 33
10 MARSEILLE ROULETTE *** Moody and form just fair but will be suited by expected early pace on the race and will be flying late. 33

Race 8

Selections; 8 BLUE LAGOON – 6 SACRED PRINCE – 4 VOLKOV – 13 ZAC WARRIOR
Again, the Singapore Turf Club has thrown up a doozy for those playing the jackpot (or quaddie) and good luck if you think you can find a banker (or even two) here. And to make it worse, the first emergency – ZAC WARRIOR – has every chance if he gets a start on what he showed at a recent trial. Of those with a guaranteed start, BLUE LAGOON might run well back in a suitable race. The one-time winner gets Zaki so will go forward from gate 6 and should be in the mix. Likewise, VOLKOV will race on the pace and his form of late suggests he is a solid each-way option with regular hoop, YF Leong, on-board. SACRED PRINCE might also be a good option at likely value back on the Poly and keep SPECTA DILEMMA, GANGNAM STYLE and GRAVLAX safe in what is a tough race for punters.

1 ZAC APPEAL * Nuisance value only. 200
2 SOLID WOOD ** Supported and flopped last start but worth another look after drawing a better gate. 20
3 SPECTA DILEMMA *** Freshened after a not running on last start but did look due prior in what is a suitable race. 10
4 VOLKOV *** Veteran who is due and might not find one easier than this. 3.00
5 MIDNIGHT * Will finish close to midnight. 50
6 SACRED PRINCE *** Pay to ignore last two as recent Poly form has him right in this. 5.00
7 GANGNAM STYLE *** Won a weak one at long odds last start but winning form has to be respected in this company. 8.00
8 BLUE LAGOON *** Form reads badly but gets back into a winnable race and will be hard to pass with Zaki up. 4.00
9 SHEN KIM * Struggling of late but goes OK on his day this type of race. 33
10 GRAVLAX *** Placed similar trip last start and looks a solid each-way option. 8.00
11 SPICY CAT ** Not a mile away with Nunes last start but exotics look best. 20
12 LUCKY BANKER * No form. 100
13 ZAC WARRIOR *** Back in trip but recent trial was good enough to give this a shake. Keep safe. 6.00

Race 9

Selections; 3 PINT SIZED PRINCE – 4 AMI – 1 MAC VOLKS – 5 BARNBURGH LAD
Another tough race to finish the card and made even tougher when three of the fancies have blinkers on at the races for the first time and two of those are first-up after spells. Of the two that are resuming with head-gear, AMI has looked more than useful at three career starts and given the support he has received, highly thought of by the stable. Blinkers on with John Powell suggests the punters stay on-board and he goes close. TRUST ME is the other resuming with blinkers on first-time and while his form doesn’t read as well as a few of the others, he is worth a look at possible value. MAC VOLKS also gets blinkers and is down in grade after a solid first-up run and is right in this. But the one they all have to beat is PINT SIZED PRINCE who finally gets into a suitable race and grade. The five-time winner (three over this trip) is resuming but given a strong recent trial, he is primed for a big run. Of the rest, it’s hard to fault BARNBURGH LAD’s form and most others have some say in exotics at odds in what is a solid field.

1 MAC VOLKS *** Drawn awkwardly but gets blinkers first time in suitable company so can win. 5.50
2 SUPERB SUCCESS * Impossible on recent form but does drop significantly in Class so watch for any support. 50
3 PINT SIZED PRINCE *** Resuming and pay to ignore recent form in unsuitable races as recent trial suggests he is hard to beat in this. 4.00
4 AMI *** Resuming with blinkers after very good first campaign and must go close. 3.00
5 BARNBURGH LAD *** Hard to fault recent winning form and have to respect although this is obviously tougher. 5.00
6 DREAMCATCHER ** Form starting to taper and drawn wide but always some hope in these. 20
7 TRUST ME *** Resuming with blinkers after doing it tough last start when supported and worth a look fresh. 10
8 NEUTRINOS ** Recent form just fair but up to this on his day with Vorster from gate 3 a good combination. 33
9 TROPICAL FOREST ** Veteran who has been running well in weaker races and could show up. 20
10 KISS ME ** Another who has been showing plenty in weaker fields than this but could show something with no weight. 20
11 RORY ** Always competitive on the Poly but should need easier to win. 3

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