Kubera Warrior (Alan Munro) stamps his class
While a couple of solid Class 4’s keep the Friday evening meeting respectable, it may be the 2YO’s that keep the meeting interesting.
The Open 2YO event (race 6) has the consistent KUBERA WARRIOR looking to add another win to his early tally and he may be hard to beat in a field that (thankfully) doesn’t include the seemingly unbeatable, Super One.
KUBERA WARRIOR has run into the boom 2YO Super One on two occasions at the races and certainly hasn’t disgraced himself finishing in the places on both occasions. He – like the other 2YO winner in the race, DASH OF CASH – has to carry an extra 2kg at the race conditions but given what he has showed at four career starts thus far, the race does look his for the taking.
DASH OF CASH will keep him honest though but given nothing else jumps off the page, KUBERA WARRIOR is the one to be on. Obviously there are a few newcomers in the field and on exposed trial form, CHAMPION TEAM looks the most likely to cause an upset and worth keeping an eye on the market for any serious Pat Shaw stable support.
Elsewhere on the card, another 2YO in MADOFF looks well placed in Restricted Maiden company (race 2) to win on debut. With an age allowance at the conditions, MADOFF gets a massive 8kg off the 3YO geldings and with a nice recent trail under his belt, he could be very hard to pass.
The 3YO WINNING GOOD probably trialed better than MADOFF on paper but the weight pull is too hard to ignore.
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Friday 29 May
Best Bets; (KUBERA WARRIOR race 6, win), (JIM race 8, each-way) and (D’DON race 1, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 5 and 10), race 7 (1, 2, 4, 6 and 8), race 8 (1 and 2), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 7 and 8).
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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; 10 D’DON – 6 THE MIGHTY THOR – 1 FLAMING FIREHEART – 3 MR PATRON
Truth be told, we at kranjiracing have been pulling the wrong rein a few times of late but while a couple of last start winners look the obvious choice here, a seemingly out of form D’DON can win this. The 4YO has been racing in unsuitable company at his last two starts – BM83 is well out of his range – so with blinkers on back in Class 5, he improves lengths and can win. A recent good trial with head-gear is also a pointer. FLAMING FIREHEART is another who drops to Class 5 – albeit through a more traditional Class 4 route – so look for a big run with TH Koh claiming 2kg from gate 4. Of the rest, THE MIGHTY THOR is due and can win this with JP up from a inside alley and obviously SUPER BONUS and MR PATRON are in winning form and have to be respected.
1 FLAMING FIREHEART *** Drops back to winning Class and the odd good run of late suggests he goes close here. 12
2 JOHN DUKE * Appreciates first-up run and company but may be better suited over longer. 33
3 MR PATRON *** Knocked in overdue maiden win this company last start and happy to follow. 3.00
4 PROBO CHANDROSO ** Recent form ordinary but another that should grow a leg dropping back to Class 5. 33
5 SOUTHERN ADMIRAL * Struggling. 50
6 THE MIGHTY THOR *** Showed last start he wins a race like this sooner than later with gate 2 a bonus. 3.00
7 SUPER BONUS *** Hard to fault recent winning form and right in this. 5.00
8 LUCKY COME ** Had issues of late (not striding) but goes close if right. 12
9 DRAGON NINETYNINE ** Cheeky run at odds last start and pay to keep safe. 20
10 D’DON *** Form reads very badly but has been running in unsuitable company and can win with blinkers added with good recent trial. 8.00
11 FINAL COUNTDOWN * Struggling. 100
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Race 2
Selections; 10 MADOOF – 7 WINNING GOOD – 5 CUARON – 11 TERMS OF REFERENCE
With no raced horses showing enough to consider on exposed form, a few newcomers – WINNING GOOD, the 2YO MADOFF and CUARAN – get their chance to knock in a win on debut. The best of the debutantes on trial form looks to be WINNING GOOD who has put in a few eye-catching efforts at the jump-outs. He has drawn well in gate 3 and Oscar Chavez should give him every chance. However, MADOFF’s most recent trial was also good enough to win on debut and worth keeping an eye on D’DON (race 1) who comes out of the same heat. In his favour is a weight-pull courtesy of his age so expect support and a big run. CUARON won his trial in a very slow time but have to respect the Laxon/Rodd combination in a race with little depth. The best of the raced brigade looks to be TERMS OF REFERENCE who had some support on debut and had enough excuses to have another look.
1 FRENCH VINTAGE * Just battles. 50
2 A LOT IN HAND ** Showed improvement last start and can include in exotics. 20
3 BLACK DIAMOND * Blinkers off and gets Munro but hard to have. 33
4 CHIPS ** Plenty of excuses last start and will improve with race experience (and sauce). 8.00
5 CUARON *** Won Official trial in very slow time but has found a weak maiden and pay to respect. 6.00
6 DAZZLING SUN ** Had excuses on debut and subsequent trial OK so pay to include win exotics. 12
7 WINNING GOOD *** Trials have been good enough to win on debut. 3.00
8 IN BOCCA AL LUPO * Will battle away but will need longer. 50
9 GREY GATSBY ** Pushed out in recent trial but showed enough to include win exotics. 20
10 MADOFF *** Looked good at recent trial and should get support and go very close on debut. 3.00
11 TERMS OF REFERENCE *** Plenty of excuses on debut and worth another serious look on trial form. 12
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Race 3
Selections; 1 SCIENCE FICTION – 2 LAUGHING GRAVY – 4 FLAWLESSLY – 7 SECRET SPICE
SCIENCE FICTION is not far away from having a a career record that will suggests he will be a horse to watch and a win here would not surprise. The 4YO doesn’t run too many bad races but probably needs to knock in a win over this trip and class to have a crack at some decent staying races in the near future (Derby smokey?). We like the fact he has been trialing very well of late as well and a repeat of his last start effort over the mile should see him go close here. LAUGHING GRAVY looks the benchmark though. The 4YO has shown more than enough at three Singapore starts to think he wins sooner than later and gets his chance here. Of the rest, FLAWLESSLY is in form and has to be respected and the blanket goes per the rest with SECRET SPICE the value pick after doing it tough last start.
1 SCIENCE FICTION *** Backed up top effort over the mile with another strong trial and can win this. 4.00
2 LAUGHING GRAVY *** Three runs in Singapore have been sound and 1800m might see a result. 3.00
3 DRAGON ** Showed plenty last start and goes close with luck in running from wide gate. 10
4 FLAWLESSLY *** Won in KSD company two back this trip and pay to respect although this is tougher. 4.00
5 PUSAKA ** Been thereabouts in three runs since maiden win and should figure late. 10
6 GREAT LIGHT * Can surprise but easier to ignore on what we saw last start. 33
7 SECRET SPICE ** Battled on OK last start after tough run so worth a look at value. 20
8 MAL’S DAD ** Tested at the trip but worked home late last start so another that could add value to exotics. 20
9 PRINCE MAG ** Out-and-out stayer who keeps them all honest. 10
10 PINYIN * Impossible on recent form. 33
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Race 4
Selections; 2 SUN PIONEER – 5 SUPER JOY – 7 OCEAN POWER – 8 EXCITING PROSPECT
No depth to this maiden and as such SUN PIONEER should see this an opportunity to knock in an early win. The 3YO went round at ridiculous odds on some good trial form on debut and almost pinched it from a wide gate. He gets to jump from gate 2 and a repeat of his debut run has him hardest to beat. SUPER JOY has also hit form and a win here would not surprise. The 4YO was just battling before a nice trial had him under notice and his two subsequent runs have him well in contention here. Nothing else jumps of the page formwise but two horses down in the weights – OCEAN POWER and EXCITING PROSPECT – look likely improvers back in maiden company; especially OCEAN POWER given he drops from Class 4 company and gets a 3kg claim as well.
1 JOY AND HAPPY * Resuming after showing little at two runs in Singapore. Later. 20
2 SUN PIONEER *** Showed plenty on debut and hard to beat from good draw. 2.80
3 FALCON ** Back in trip looks a good move and should run an honest race. 12
4 MAGIC TO WIN ** Did it tough last start but needs to show more. 12
5 SUPER JOY *** Close up at last two starts and looks ready to break through. 3.00
6 PUBLIC FIGURE ** Resuming sans tongue-tie and recent trial suggests he could run well at long odds. 20
7 OCEAN POWER *** Form reads terribly but very much appreciates drop to back to maiden company. Keep safe. 8.00
8 EXCITING PROSPECT *** Another who finds himself back in the right company and could show up from gate 1. 8.00
9 GRAVLAX * Had his chances. 33
10 LADY POWER * Better suited over longer. 20
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Race 5
Selections; 8 PEGASUS VICTORY – 2 PETITE VICTOIRE – 11 HAPPY FOREVER – 5 DRAGON WALK
A bit of a raffle is this Class 5 but PEGASUS VICTORY goes better than most when right and happy to follow while he is in form. The 8YO has only won over this trip so even the drop back from 1100m is in his favour as is Foggy Newitt who will be looking at knocking in a few winners before he heads home. But no confidence and one that could upset the applecart is PETITE VICTOIRE at odds. The 5YO has been showing a bit at the trials and should improve on his first-up run with value the key. The regular suspects in HAPPY FOREVER, DRAGON WALK, ZAC GALLANT and perhaps GENUINE BARGAIN have to be respected while BRILLIANT BEAUTY did enough on this surface last start to consider.
1 BRILLIANT BEAUTY *** Showed enough last start on this surface to think he could win. 8.00
2 PETITE VICTOIRE *** Appreciates first-up run and continues to trial well so pay to watch. 8.00
3 SEASONS WONDER * Resuming after a year off racing and hard to consider. 33
4 EASY EASY ** In the right company and gets winkers so include somewhere on good effort two back. 12
5 DRAGON WALK *** Drawn wide but recent form has him winning a race like this. 5.00
6 ROOMIE PIM * Struggles as a rule. 50
7 ZAC GALLANT *** Long-term maiden but thereabouts as a rule and gets blinkers. 8.00
8 PEGASUS VICTORY *** Won two starts back and not far away last tim out. The one to beat. 4.00
9 MAGIC DIVA * Struggling of late. 50
10 GENUINE BARGAIN *** Can be hard to follow but showed last start he can win a race like this. 6.00
11 HAPPY FOREVER *** Put a line through his last start and take on previous good form. 8.00
12 SARAWI * Not a mile away last start and saddle did slip so can include in exotics at long odds. 33
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Race 6
Selections; 2 KUBERA WARRIOR – 1 DASH OF CLASS – 5 CHAMPION TEAM – 10 ONE MORE ACHIEVER
Winning form is usually good form in the 2YO series and happy to follow KUBERA WARRIOR and DASH OF CLASS. Yes, both have to carry an extra 2kg at the race conditions but given nothing else looks lengths better on race or trial form, they should figure in the finish. KUBERA WARRIOR has done little wrong at four career starts and given two of his defeats have been behind the impressive SUPER ONE, he looks the one to beat. DASH OF CLASS stormed home to win over 1000m on the Poly last start but no reason to think that form won’t hold up over 1200m on the turf. The best of the newcomers looks to be CHAMPION TEAM and you would expect support on trial form while the only filly in the field, MISS STREISAND, should be kept safe. ONE MORE ACHIEVER was only fair on debut when supported but he will improve and could win without surprising.
1 DASH OF CLASS *** Backed up solid debut with a barn-storming win at odds and have to follow. 8.00
2 KUBERA WARRIOR *** Yet to run a bad race and looks the benchmark. 4.00
3 LEE MAN ** Placing two starts back behind Super One has him under notice. 8.00
4 ASTROSPEED * Excuses on debut so pay to ignore but like to see something before we consider. 50
5 CHAMPION TEAM *** Trial good enough to think he can win on debut with support likely. 5.00
6 EAGLE SOAR ** Excuses not to finish closer on debut and should improve at odds. 20
7 ELITE STAR * Hasn’t shown much at Official trials and wide gate no help. 20
8 MANHATTAN DREAM * Hard to have on exposed trial form. 50
9 NOVA ACE * Some OK trials and drawn well with market a good guide. 20
10 ONE MORE ACHIEVER *** Will improve on debut run where supported and previous trial form has him under notice. 4.00
11 WINGED FOOT * Green on debut and will improve with experience. 50
12 MISS STREISAND ** Filly who has trialed well enough to consider on debut with gate 1 a bonus. 8.00
13 DAYUAN * Excuses and green on debut so will need time. 100
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Race 7
Selections; 2 THE GENERAL – 4 NOVA WARRIOR – 6 SING ROULETTE – 8 SWIFT
THE GENERAL arrived in Singapore from Argentina with a solid record of one win and two places from three career starts and quickly added another place to that at his Kranji debut. That suggests he is more honest than most and can knock in an early win in Singapore with Pat Shaw electing to take blinkers off for this. NOVA WARRIOR looks the danger after winning at his race debut. The fact the form from that maiden race looks to have held up is a good sign although he will need to be on his game from gate 11. Plenty of each-way hopes though so with value in mind it will pay to keep SING ROULETTE, SWIFT and EXQUISITELY SWEET safe and go even wider in exotics.
1 EXQUISITELY SWEET *** Drawn wide but drop to winning grade has him under notice. 12
2 THE GENERAL *** Blinkers off after very good showing at Singapore debut and can win. 3.00
3 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK ** Gets winkers and yet to run a bad race but 1200m could test. 4.50
4 NOVA WARRIOR *** Supported when beating what looked a good maiden field on debut. Follow. 4.00
5 BORDEAUX ** Always an each-way show and often value. Keep safe. 12
6 SING ROULETTE *** Goes quick and 3kg claim could see him pinch this. 8.00
7 CAIYAYA ** Can never discount and will add value to exotics. 20
8 SWIFT *** Stiff not to win at long odds last start and worth considering. 12
9 BARNBURGH LAD * Not a mile away two back similar affair but should need easier. 50
10 FISCAL WINGS * Reassess easier company. 50
11 YOURSTOKEEP * Easier. 50
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Race 8
Selections; 1 JIM – 2 GOLDEN JADE – 4 YELLOW BIRD – 3 BIGCAT RHAPSODY
While only winning one race apiece in what can only described as less than illustrious careers, JIM and GOLEN JADE get their chances today to double their individual tallies. JIM actually broke his maiden status in Class 4 and this will be his first run in Class 5 company, he will grow a leg and connections will be hoping of a win. GOLDEN JADE won three starts back in this company and will obviously enjoy being back in Class 5 so look for improvement with gate 2 a factor. You can throw a blanket over most of the others and good luck if you can find any exotic combinations with the maiden YELLOW BIRD an improving type who should figure somewhere.
1 JIM *** Honest and will find Class 5 to his liking so can win. 3.00
2 GOLDEN JADE *** Won three starts back in this company and has to be respected back in Class 5. 3.00
3 BIGCAT RHAPSODY ** Placed two starts back in similar affair and can follow. 8.00
4 YELLOW BIRD ** Continues to improve with racing and will work into this late. 4.00
5 POWER KING * Winkers off but nuisance value only. 100
6 WORLD OF FAME ** Nothing last start but race/company suits so keep safe at odds. 20
7 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ ** Another that always has to be respected in this type of race. 20
8 ANY CHOICE ** Falls in same category of just fair recent form but goes OK when right. 20
9 BECOME RICH * Easier to ignore. 100
10 KTRONIC ** Inconsistent but gets gate 1 so might pay to include in exotics. 20
11 JUSEAGLEYE * Easier to ignore. 100
12 REAL GOODMAN ** Might pay to ignore last two as this trip/track looks his caper. 50
13 CHENGDU WARRIOR * Placed last start but mile does look his maximum trip. 50
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Race 9
Selections; 8 MR WHITAKER – 1 CASH BOX – 7 LIM’S AFFECTION – 3 KAISER
A solid without being spectacular Class 4 field and MR WHITAKER looks progressive enough to win this. The 3YO made a very good Poly debut before flopping on the turf over 1400m but his last start strong poly win suggests the all-weather and 1200m could be his caper. Michael Rodd stays on and from gate 6, he should get every chance. CASH BOX showed at his Singapore debut that he wins in this company sooner than later. The former Australian didn’t miss by much in a similar race to this back in March and a repeat of that effort fresh could be enough. Of the rest, KAISER and ECLAIR SENSATION pick themselves on recent form and LIM’S AFFECTION – who flopped at his Singapore debut – might be the bolter after an excellent recent trial.
1 CASH BOX *** Freshened after very good Singapore debut and should go close. 3.50
2 ECLAIR SENSATION *** Will get back and fly home but desperate for a result for the support. 5.00
3 KAISER *** Continues to run well at value and happy to follow. 5.00
4 BEST NINE ** Drawn awkwardly but worked home good enough last start to include in exotics. 20
5 ART OF WAR ** Has pace and could run a very cheeky race at odds. 20
6 HE’S A STRIKER * Appreciates first-up run but better form is over longer. 33
7 LIM’S AFFECTION *** Never involved so pay to ignore Singapore debut and follow on excellent recent trial form. 20
8 MR WHITAKER *** Seems to enjoy the Poly and maiden win strong enough to win this. 3.00
9 LADY ROULETTE * Blinkers off but usually found out late. 100
10 HIGHLIGHT ** Last start better than it reads and can include in exotics at value. 20
11 AUREUS * Needs longer and easier. 50
12 LET’S SCREAM NOW * Maiden and needs easier. 100
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