Cheetah can go forward and if he does, watch out (Picture by Singapore Turf Club)
Most race-goers will be counting the sleeps until the International races next weekend but for those who can’t wait, the stand-alone Friday card looks an interesting one.
One race that may tell us a thing or two about the upcoming Group 2YO races is the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale Open Stakes over 1000m (race 3). With the winners of the previous legs being rested for the “big dance” next week, the race looks open with only FINE CHOICE coming into the race with any race form. He placed at his debut and while he does look the type that will appreciate 1200m and beyond, he looks the benchmark with Manny Nunes from gate 3.
A horse that bombed on debut but not without a chance to make amends is NOVA EAGLE. The Aussie-bred was heavily supported at his only race start where he faded badly after racing keenly throughout. The blinkers go on and given the money that was on him at debut, he might be better than a few of these and could sneak out to value on that one poor run.
As you would expect there are a number of newcomers that will be hoping to win this with the possibility of backing up in the Golden Horseshoe next Friday. ALOHA has trailed well enough to give
this a shake with Froggy Newitt and gate 1 a good combination with DRAGON RUGY, EAGLE SOAR and ONE MORE ACHIEVER all showing enough at the jump-outs to win on debut.
Seven more sleeps.
Friday 8 May
Best Bets; (JUBILATION race 1, win), (NOVA EAGLE race 3, value) and (CHEETAH race 6, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 4, 7 and 9), race 7 (1, 2, 6, 7 and 8), race 8 (1, 3, 5, 8 and 9), race 9 (1, 2 and 3).
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 JUBILATION – 2 FAST RICH – 4 DELUGE – 5 SUPER JOY
Can narrow this race down to four – perhaps five at a pinch – so hopefully a good race for exotic punters. Of the quartet that should fight out the finish, JUBILATION looks the most obvious and should be hard to hold out after drawing gate 1. In saying that John Powell will need to be on his toes early as the 4YO can be slowly away but all things considered, he is the one to beat. FAST RICH resumed with a solid if unspectacular placing but he will improve for the outing and has also drawn favourably in gate 3 so should have every chance. DELUGE just missed last start and while back from 1400m (turf) has to be respected as does SUPER JOY who showed last start his recent good trial form was no fluke. SUN EMPIRE and YOUNG LADY (at odds) the only other two to keep safe.
1 SUN EMPIRE ** Not a mile away at Singapore debut and should improve from gate 2. 12
2 FAST RICH *** Beaten a long way into second last start when resuming but wins one of these soon. 5.00
3 JUBILATION *** Overdue to win one of these and gets the ace so hard to beat. 2.00
4 DELUGE *** Back in trip after just missing over 1400m on turf and have to respect. 4.00
5 SUPER JOY *** Backed up nice trial with a good run and have to follow. 10
6 FRENCH VINTAGE * Struggles. 50
7 JOHN DUKE * Resuming and hard to have. 50
8 BRAVE TIGER * Also resuming and also no. 100
9 DR N WING FIGHTERS * Needs to lift. 50
10 STING * Well named if he wins this. 200
11 YOUNG LADY ** Form terrible but had excuses last start and worth a look at odd on a recent good trial. 33
12 LADY POWER * Not the worst but easier to ignore back in trip. 20
13 SMOOTHLY * Not a mile away last start but needs to show more. 33
14 REAL HERO * Also thereabouts last start without threatening but exotics look very best. 33
Race 2
Selections; 10 NOVA WARRIOR – 9 FANTASTIC MAN – 5 THE JEUNEYMAN – 4 KATAGAS
Very rarely you get so many newcomers with winning hopes in an Initiation but all four debutantes – KATAGAS, THE JEUNEYMAN, FANTASTIC MAN and NOVA WARRIOR – have shown enough at the trials to win. Of the quartet, it will be hard to go past NOVA WARRIOR on his slick recent trial with blinkers. The 3YO looks ready and Nunes from gate 4 looks a winning combination. FANTASTIC MAN also put in some eye-catching trials and should be fighting fit for his debut. The Choisir gelding gets to jump from gate 3 and Michael Rodd looks a good booking. THE JEUNEYMAN and KATAGAS have both trialed like they will win early in their respective careers and of the raced brigade, MAGIC TO WIN, KAISO and DRAGON BOBO all have to be respected and might even offer value given the depth of the race.
1 MAGIC TO WIN *** Tongue-tie on after disappointing run with support last start and that could make a difference. 20
2 ARCHAEOLOGY * No. 200
3 KAISO *** Put in a shocker on debut but subsequent trial was strong so pay to keep very safe. 33
4 KATAGAS *** Trials very nicely and can win on debut. 8.00
5 THE JEUNEYMAN *** Backed up a good trial with a nice hit-out and another that can win on debut. 7.00
6 SUN PIONEER *** No luck at the gates but showed more than enough at debut to give this a shake. 10
7 DRAGON BOBO *** Drawn badly but always thereabouts and have to respect. 12
8 LIM’S BATTLE ** Continues to impress late in races but like to see over longer. 20
9 FANTASTIC MAN *** Yet another newcomer who has trialed like a winner. Big show. 3.00
10 NOVA WARRIOR *** Won recent trial in slick time and that could be good enough. 3.00
11 PRESENT ARMS * No. 100
12 SO THE THING ** Debut ordinary but trials well and could show up at long odds. 33
13 SIR REGINALD * Will improve with racing but this race has depth. 20
14 RED ANT * Excuses last start but reassess over longer. 100
Race 3
Selections; 8 NOVA EAGLE – 6 FINE CHOICE – 1 ALOHA – 9 ONE MORE ACHIEVER
The obvious choice in this 2YO race is FINE CHOICE. Not only did the NZ-bred gelding have excuses when running on late to finish behind Kubera Warrior on debut but he gets to jump from gate 3 with Nunes so expect heavy support and he should be thereabouts at the business end. If there was a concern is it that he will be better over 1200m and further when he matures and will be a horse to follow. The not so obvious choice is NOVA EAGLE. Nunes jumps off after the Australian-bred flopped on debut as the odds on pop but blinkers go on and hopefully he settles in running and could be hard to beat if he does (settle) with Munro up. Debutantes that will run very forward races on debut include ALOHA, ONE MORE ACHIEVER, DRAGON RUBY and EAGLE SOAR and obviously the market will be a good guide.
1 ALOHA *** Hard to fault winning trial form and a big show on debut from the ace. 3.50
2 DASH OF CLASS ** Will improve for solid debut run. 20
3 DRAGON GOLD ** Had issues on debut so have to ignore and take on solid trial form. 20
4 DRAGON RUBY *** Trials good enough to think he plays a part at odds on debut. 10
5 EAGLE SOAR *** Another with solid trials under his belt and pay to respect with value in mind. 10
6 FINE CHOICE *** Ran on well to place on debut and can win this. 3.00
7 JET STRIKER ** Trials OK but this 2YO field has depth so exotics looks best. 20
8 NOVA EAGLE *** Blinkers on after racing keen and capitulating on debut when supported. Keep safe. 12
9 ONE MORE ACHIEVER *** Yet another who has trialed well enough to win on debut and have to repeat stable. 7.50
10 SACRED ARMY ** Improved at recent trial with blinkers and will add value to exotics. 20
11 SATELLITE STAR ** Looked comfortable at recent trial but like to see support. 33
12 TRUE IDENTITY * Prefer to just watch on trial form. 50
Race 4
Selections; 4 SUPER JOE – 2 IKING – 3 BLOSSOMS SEQUEL – 1 ALASAMO
This race looks a dead-set raffle with luck in running a big factor and value may be a good option for punters. And while we don’t know what the tote will tell us on Friday, you would imagine last start winner ALASAMO and PUSAKA with Nunes up are two winning hopes that will get support. Both can win with probably ALASAMO the one to follow given his strong last start win albeit in slightly easier company. SUPER JOE was value last start and his effort to place after the saddle slipped in running was good. Hopefully he remains at each-way odds and he can win with gate 2 a bonus. IKING is usually value and he gets gate 1 so has to be respected and it will pay to include BLOSSOMS SEQUEL who races sans blinkers at his second run for Laurie Laxon.
1 ALASAMO *** This is harder than KSD company but last start win was strong and has to go close. 4.00
2 IKING *** Foot on the till and should get every chance from the ace. 6.00
3 BLOSSOMS SEQUEL *** Blinkers off after having excuses not to finish closer last start and pay to respect. 5.00
4 SUPER JOE *** Saddle slipped last start when close-up behind Christmas and goes close. 5.00
5 PUSAKA *** Looks up to winning a race like this and in the mix. 4.00
6 KLEVER WARRIOR * Excuses last start but would need to turn around recent form. 33
7 KING SAVINSKY ** Not far away last start at odds and looks well-placed with senior hoop. Value. 20
8 HAKAMGONG ** Usually thereabouts but might need it a tad easier to win. 20
9 BOURNE ACADEMY * Maiden and needs easier than this. 100
10 JIM ** Will keep then honest late but like to see in Class 5. 12
Race 5
Selections; 6 DOUBLE CASH – 2 DRAGON KING – 8 WOW – 1 XIN TREASURE
Plenty of winning hopes in this KSD Poly sprint including the two emergencies – GRAND VITESS and ROUGH DANCE – who both have to be considered if they get a start. Of those guaranteed a run, DOUBLE CASH might be one to watch with value a bonus. A winner of four from 31, DOUBLE CASH has been showing more than enough in Class 4 to think this race and company suits with a WS Chan 3kg claim a good move. DRAGON KING also gets a 3kg claim courtesy of Troy See and given what he showed at a recent trial it may pay to ignore his last start failure and have an look each-way. WOW shouldn’t need a claim and can turn some solid form into a result with his only winner rider, John Powell, up. XIN TREASURE picks himself back on the Poly after a great run on the turf last start while DREAMCATCHER could also win with luck in running from a wide gate.
1 XIN TREASURE *** Close-up last start and get snack on his preferred surface in easier company. Big show. 4.00
2 DRAGON KING *** Could make excuses for just fair effort last start and recent trial has him under notice. 5.00
3 DREAMCATCHER *** Ignore last start on turf in better company and always a show in this type of race. 4.00
4 WARSPIRIT * Goes OK on his day but hard to have on recent poor form. 50
5 BIG CITY ** Just battled away last start but better than that and can play a part with luck in running. 12
6 DOUBLE CASH *** Has been running well at value of late and this race look ideal. 10
7 ZAC COMMAND ** Honest and last win – albeit in Class 5 – was on this surface. 10
8 WOW *** Form better than it reads and will win a race like this. 12
9 KINGSLEY ** Will find this tougher than Class 5 but winning form is good form. 10
10 SILVER AND GOLD ** Ran on well last start but a better winning hope over longer. 20
11 GEARIGURU * Coming off two bad runs but Poly effort prior was good so take on trust. 33
12 PRINCETON * Didn’t back up good run but can put in a cheeky effort. 33
13 GRAND VITESS *** Showed last start he is versatile and more than up to this company so keep safe. 12
14 ROUGH DANCE *** Gets blinkers and back in trip so has to be seriously considered. 12
Race 6
Selections; 4 READY FORTUNE – 2 CHEETAH – 1 WONDERFUL ERA – 9 POWERFUL FIGHTER
While you can have a second or third look for something to beat him, READY FORTUNE is the benchmark in this Class 5 slog-fest. A two-time winner on the Poly, the 5YO returned to form last start and given he gets Nunes (who won on him the last time they paired up), he is the one to beat. Those that put up their hands to challenge him are CHEETAH who looks hopeless on form but can go forward and if he does, watch out. WONDERFUL ERA is a maiden who should have won one by now considering the support he gets and GRAND PARIS is usually thereabouts so has to be respected. One at value may be POWERFUL FIGHTER who resumed with a solid run and his subsequent trial was good so keep safe.
1 WONDERFUL ERA *** Maiden who is often supported but this looks the type of race he will win. 4.00
2 CHEETAH *** Form reads badly but can lead this trip and appreciates company. 5.00
3 PURE RABID ** Disappointing last start but gets winkers and brown so look for improvement. 20
4 READY FORTUNE *** Returned to form last start and has to a big show with Nunes from gate 3. 2.70
5 MOON OF NEPTUNE ** Improving maiden who gets blinkers so keep safe. 10
6 VIVA RAAJ * Resuming and may need the run. 33
7 GRAND PARIS *** Thereabouts as a rule and pay to follow each-way. 12
8 POWER KING * Lead last start before fading badly and expect much the same. 50
9 POWERFUL FIGHTER *** Very solid when resuming and subsequent trial was good. Value. 12
10 GREENBACK * Struggling. 100
11 TOOBIGTOFAIL ** Maiden who has been OK of late an this trip looks his caper. 20
12 NINTH AVENUE * Struggling of late but the type that pops up when right. 20
13 YUGIOH * Trip should suit but hard to have on form. 33
14 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ *** Would come under consideration this type of race if he gets a start. 10
Race 7
Selections; 2 MAC VOLKS – 1 BLACK FIERY – 6 EATONS GOLD – 7 CORONET PEAK
A good Class 3 over 1000m with plenty of flyers involved. MAC VOLKS is very consistent and will be on the speed throughout. The 4YO won at a rare turf appearance last start and is better suited back on the Poly. BLACK FIERY rarely runs a bad race and from the ace will be hard to run down. EATONS GOLD was strong when resuming and will be finishing better than most. HONEST TRUTH has been weakening on stronger company but on his day ran run a bold race. DESERT FOX is an interesting runner, he has changed stables after disappointing performances last preparation and goes well on the poly. Of the other chances BLUE DIAMOND is up in grade but has the speed to show up and the mare SCRAT resumed with a good effort so she could run on late. CORONET PEAK and LIVELY DRAGON could also show up.
1 BLACK FIERY *** Rarely runs a bad race and from the ace will be hard to run down. 4.50
2 MAC VOLKS *** Won on the turf last start and will be better suited in this. Big show. 4.50
3 DESERT FOX ** Has changed stables after disappointing performances last preparation. Has ability and goes well on the poly. Watch for support. 10
4 HONEST TRUTH ** Has been running in higher grade and weakening. Has speed and can give a sight. 14
5 GUARICANA * Needs to improve. 33
6 EATONS GOLD *** Strong when resuming and will be finishing better than most. 4.00
7 CORONET PEAK *** Showed last start he goes close if race run to suit swoopers. 12
8 LIVELY DRAGON *** Beaten by the gate last start in this a long way if he gets favours out front. 12
9 RED RIVER ROCK * Resuming after racing well but up in grade and may find these a bit sharp. 20
10 SCRAT ** Speedy mare who ran on well when resuming. Can be in the finish. 12
11 BLUE DIAMOND ** Up in grade but has the speed to be prominent for a long way. 14
12 EXQUISITELY SWEET * Tested against these. 33
13 GATO NEGRO ** Never likely last start but better suited here and could show up. 14
14 DRAGON SPIRIT ** Consistent and will be handy throughout. 12
Race 8
Selections; 1 OCEAN GENERAL – 3 TIP OF BORNEO – 5 SAFFIR – 8 GOLDEN DRAGON
An open KSD over 1200m on the poly. OCEAN GENERAL was once RAPPOR. He has changed stables and his recent trials have been good. She is suited this grade, gets a 2kg claim for TH Koh and should be prominent throughout. TIP OF BORNEO fought on well in Novice company when resuming; he should race well with the benefit of the 2kg claim for Rueven and the inside alley. SAFFIR will have to carry the full 58kg for Barend Vorster but he has speed and can give a sight. GOLDEN DRAGON is racing well and with Matt Kellady up he too should be on the speed for a long way. Of the numerous other chances JUST DUIT, VON SNITZEL and SUPERSONICSURPRISE could show up.
1 OCEAN GENERAL *** Formerly RAPPOR. Has changed stables and is trialling nicely. Can give a sight in this grade and 2kg claim helps. 5.00
2 ROYAL STYLE ** Hard to follow but can bob up in this grade with best work expected late. 20
3 TIP OF BORNEO *** Fought on well in Novice company when resuming. Should race well with the benefit of the 2kg claim and the inside alley. 4.00
4 ONE UNITED ** Blinker pacifiers on and should improve with head-gear. 25
5 SAFFIR *** Has speed and can be prominent throughout. Suited this grade. 5.00
6 SUPERSONICSURPRISE ** Disappointed last start. Has speed and could improve. 14
7 NEUTRINOS * Has speed but recent form is poor. Needs to improve. 33
8 GOLDEN DRAGON *** Up in grade but racing well and should be prominent throughout. 5.00
9 JUST DUIT *** Has had a break after notching up a rare hat-trick of wins in Class 5. Trialling solidly and can give a sight. 12
10 VON SNITZEL ** Broke through in an ordinary Class 5 last start and has since changed stables. Can be on the speed for a long way. 12
11 MAREA NEGRO * Has been racing on turf over longer. Might find these too sharp. 20
12 GOOD CHILD * Scored two starts back in Class 5 and may be happier there. 25
13 BARNBURGH LAD * Recent efforts ordinary but drops in grade and can be running on late. 25
14 FISCAL WINGS ** Outclassed last outing. Has won this class and distance. Could show up with 4kg claim. 12
Race 9
Selections; 2 SEBAS – 1 INVINCIBLE MAN – 3 CLIP THE TICKET – 8 DUTY FREE
A Class 4 over 1000m on the poly closes off the programme. Three progressive types inform appeal and leading the charge over 1000m is SEBAS. The speedster was outclassed in the Dester 3YO Sprint last start but goes well on the poly and should be hard to pass in this company. INVINCIBLE MAN is in form and with Manoel Nunes up will be prominent throughout – he picks himself. CLIP THE TICKET scored well in this company last start, he rises 3kg but should get a good run throughout and plays a part in the finish. Of the rest, GOLDEN TOMAHAWK lost 3rd on protest last start in Novice company; he has trialled well since and is nicely drawn. DUTY FREE is dropping down in the ratings, he trialled well recently and could be the one closing late. After these the depth drops away though LIM’S AFFECTION who won and was placed at his only two NZ starts bears watching and if the emergency POWER LIN gets a start, he is a consistent fellow.
1 INVINCIBLE MAN *** In form and with Nunes up will be prominent throughout. 4.50
2 SEBAS *** Outclassed last start in good company but goes well on the poly and should be in the finish. 4.50
3 CLIP THE TICKET *** Scored well in this company last start, Rises 3kg but should get a good run throughout. 4.50
4 AGENAIS ** Resuming after a long break. Trialing OK and will be working into this late at odds. 33
5 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK ** Resuming. Lost 3rd on protest last start in Novice company. Trialled well and can be in the finish. 8.00
6 LIM’S AFFECTION ** Won at Wanganui over 1200m and placed over 1400m at only two Kiwi starts. Trialling fairly. Watch for support. 12
7 FAT KIDDY * Resuming. Runs on but may find these too sharp. 25
8 DUTY FREE ** Slipping down in the ratings and could be closing late. Trialled well recently. 8.00
9 DR OCTOPUS * Resuming. Another who runs on well but might want easier. 20
10 TIM ** Enjoys the poly but may want easier. 14
11 MOONBEAM DAZZLER ** Has speed and can give a sight. Only win was on turf. 14
12 RORY ** Always a show on the Poly but better in Class 5. 25
13 POWER LIN *** Honest and will be handy throughout. Trialled well recently. 6.00
14 PRIMERA ESPADA ** Tongue tie on. Resuming and not far away last time he was firstup. 33
