Sebrose takes on a nice KSC field over 1800 in race 5 (Photo by Singapore Turf Club)
While the Group 1 Patron’s Bowl on Sunday afternoon headlines the weekends racing, Friday sees a very good nine race card with plenty of options for canny punters. And it will pay to get there early with some handy 2YO’s going around in race 2 – an Initiation over 1200m on the turf – with value the key on the juvenile runners.
In fact five 2YO’s look well-placed at the weights to win and given most eye’s will be on TERMS OF REFERENCE and MISS STREISAND who come off solid last start efforts, SCIMITAR on debut, the improving ASTROSPEED and DAYUAN could all provide excellent value. DAYUAN in particular should go around at long odds and after excuses on debut and he could show up after a subsequent very nice trial.
The racing heats up later in the card with SEBROSE taking on a nice KSC field over 1800m in race 5 on the card. The Derby-bound 4YO is in red-hot form but meets some more than handy middle-distance types in KATE’S KEEPER, the 3YO TITANIUM, last start winner LAUGHING GRAVY and the stayer SUNNY (value), just to name another four.
A very strong Class 3 Poly sprint (race 7) is another race not to missed with OLYMPIC ANTHEM hoping to back-up his good first-up effort with a win although the likes of AMI, AERO WINGS JUNIOR and SECRET MISSION all there to keep him honest.
In the lucky last we will be hoping THE GENERAL appreciates blinkers being back on and he can make quick amends for followers who took the even money quote when beaten at his last start. Go you good thing!
Friday 19 June
Best Bets; (THE GENERAL race 9, win), (LIM’S MIRAGE race 6, each-way) and (DAYUAN race 2, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 11 and 13), race 7 (1, 2, 8, 9 and 10), race 8 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 7), race 9 (4, 10, 11 and 12).
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 HARDEN UP – 1 HAPPY SAGA – 10 BINGO – 9 SUPER BONUS
Super tough race to open the card with many Class droppers ready to improve back in the right company and a few others in form and ready to win. In fact you could make a winning case for eight or so in this capacity field but as it stands HARDEN UP was stiff not to win last start and he gets his chance here. Rehaizat stays on-board and he will be hoping for more luck than he had last time in the straight. Three Class droppers that appeal are HAPPY SAGA, ROMA and RORY. HAPPY SAGA has drawn to advantage and should be running on strongly at the business end. ROMA should go forward form the wide gate and could easily pinch this while RORY is some hope although better suited over 1000m. Of the rest with winning hopes, BINGO looks due and will be the one coming over the top of them late and SUPER BONUS has excuses last start and has to be respected on trial and winning form prior to that run. Go very wide in exotics.
1 HAPPY SAGA *** Drops to winning grade and will be running on strongly. 5.00
2 HARDEN UP *** Looked a good thing beaten with support last start and can make quick amends here. 3.00
3 ROMA *** Ignore recent form as he drops to winning grade with cheeky run expected. 12
4 RORY ** Better suited over 1000m but always some show on the Poly in this company. 12
5 BEAT TO QUARTERS ** Should appreciate Aslam and can follow at each-way odds. 20
6 FEI YUE ** Drawn wide and back in trip but gets blinkers so expect forward showing. 10
7 FLYING MISSION ** Not far away when supported last start similar affair and will be thereabouts again. 10
8 LADY SHARK ** Not a mile away last start this company and pay to keep safe at odds. 12
9 SUPER BONUS *** Excuses when doing it tough last start and recent trial suggests he is worth a look. 8.00
10 BINGO *** Going to swoop and win one of these sooner than later and hopefully at odds. 12
11 GOLDEN RABBIT ** Winkers off. Has pace but often found out late. 20
12 SEASONS WONDER * Not a mile away when resuming but like to see more before considering. 100
13 SACRED CROWN * Placed last start but wide draw makes this tough. 33
14 OUR RIVER DANCER ** Maiden but form better than it reads and will add value to exotics. 33
Race 2
Selections; 13 TERMS OF REFERENCE – 12 SCIMITAR – 14 MISS STREISAND – 11 DAYUAN
It’s the time of the year when 2YO’s seem to get the best out of their WFA claim and while there are a few 3YO’s in this field that can win, we have concentrated on the juveniles. Unfortunately finding the winner doesn’t get much easier with at least five 2YO’s that look likely types including SCIMITAR on debut. The Australian-bred gelding looked very comfortable at a recent trial and worth a look with Harry Kassim on-board. But TERMS OF REFERENCE for Pat Shaw comes off a very good run and more importantly trialed very well since so a win would not surprise. Likewise the filly, MISS STREISAND, showed plenty at her debut in 2YO company so can improve with ASTROSPEED and DAYUAN two to watch at odds. Of the 3YO’s, NEWLANDS, PICASSO and TENMA can win without surprising with former Kiwi placed ESSENTIALLY some hope at his Singapore debut on solid trial form.
1 ARCHAEOLOGY * No. 100
2 STEED EXPEDITE ** Usually thereabouts and can include in skinny end of exotics for value. 33
3 DOMINY ** Back in trip after showing little last start over 1400m and can include on debut effort. 20
4 ESSENTIALLY *** Former Kiwi who looked very comfortably at most recent trial and can win at Singapore debut. 10
5 PICASSO *** Resuming sans blinkers/tongue-tie after bleeding attack and goes close on best form with nice trial a pointer. 9.00
6 ANAK PENANG * Drawn badly and like to see some support on OK trial form. 50
7 EAGLESHAM * Not on exposed trial form. 50
8 NEWLANDS *** Supported and went very close on debut. Big show. 3.50
9 TENMA *** Two runs sans head-gear very good and wins one soon. 4.00
10 ASTROSPEED *** Ran on very well last start after excuses on debut so pay to keep very safe at odds. 33
11 DAYUAN *** Ignore debut where he had excuses and take on excellent recent trial with pacifiers added. 33
12 SCIMITAR *** Trials like he knows a bit about the caper and goes close with no weight on debut. 8.00
13 TERMS OF REFERENCE *** Backed up solid placing with a very good trial and can win. 6.00
14 MISS STREISAND *** Filly who debuted well in 2YO company and pay to keep very safe. 15
15 DRIVE * Needs to show something. 100
16 SUPER BIG * Winkers off but this looks too tough. 200
Race 3
Selections; 1 FISCAL WINGS – 2 GYPSY MAGIC – 8 LUCKY STRATEGY – 3 PROSPERITY STAR
Not much to get excited about in this average field but FISCAL WINGS looks a good option back on the Poly in Class 5. The four-time winner gets a visor and a 3kg claim for Zawari looks a good move by trainer Mark Walker. GYPSY MAGIC form is better than it reads on paper and will also win in this grade sooner than later. From gate 2 he might be handy enough in running to show his best late under WS Chan. Of the rest that can win without surprising, LUCKY STRATEGY and PROSPERITY STAR both look due and suited in this division 2 field. Market best guide on the rest.
1 FISCAL WINGS *** Visor on. Will win sooner than later in this company with switch to Poly in his favour. 3.00
2 GYPSY MAGIC *** Form better than it reads and should figure late. 6.00
3 PROSPERITY STAR *** Always some hope in weak Class 5 races. 4.50
4 GOOD BUDDY ** Thereabouts last couple and worthy an each-way loo at value. 12
5 SUVARNABHUMI * Not a mile away last start but struggles as a rule. 20
6 ANGSANA * Battled on OK last couple but skinny end of exotics looks best. 33
7 DRAGON NINETYNINE * OK when ridden aggressively early two back but have to take on trust. 50
8 LUCKY STRATEGY *** Not far away of late and does look due. 6.00
9 BLUE LAGOON ** Drawn awkwardly but has enough speed to run a cheeky race. 12
10 ZAC GALLANT ** Long-term maiden status a concern but in the mix as a rule. 12
11 PRINCETON * Gets winkers but needs more than that. 100
12 FOUNTAIN ** Better than his low rating suggests and could sneak a place at odds. 20
13 STING * Blinkers to winkers but very hard to have. 100
14 BUZET ** Ran on well when resuming and should strip fitter. 20
Race 4
Selections; 3 RIO DE JANEIRO – 4 PERFECT CURIOSITY – 11 BIG BANG KING – 5 OCEAN POWER
If you decided to head to the bar or grab a snack during race 3, you may want to take your time as this race looks no better. But as they say, there is a winner in every race and hopefully the Stephen Gray/Corey Brown combination gets the job done here with RIO DE JANERIO. He also gets a visor added to his gear and given he should have very much appreciated his first run after a break, he can win. On recent form the only horse that looks a danger is PERFECT CURIOSITY. The NZ-bred 3YO was ridden on the pace last start and that effort easily good enough for this. It gets messy after these two but with value in mind BIG BANG KING is worth following on a nice recent trial, OCEAN POWER gets winkers on back on the turf, BROTHER BAY gets blinkers for the first time and FLYING NEKO is due (ish).
1 SUN EMPIRE ** Will improve with racing and 1400m looks suitable. 20
2 FALCON ** Shown ability but very disappointing with support last start so take on trust. 4.00
3 RIO DE JANEIRO *** Appreciates first-up run and should go very close in this field with visor on. 3.00
4 PERFECT CURIOSITY *** Showed more than enough when ridden forward last start to win this. 5.00
5 OCEAN POWER *** Appreciates being back on the turf and could be the value runner with winkers added. 12
6 VIVA RAAJ * Needs to lift. 33
7 BROTHER BAY *** Always looks some show over this trip and blinkers on first-time could see a result. 20
8 CLASSIC EFFECT * Appreciates being back on the turf and could include in skinny end of exotics at odds. 33
9 FLYING NEKO *** Looks due and can win with luck from wide gate. 6.00
10 KNIGHT’S CHARISMA * Easier to ignore. 50
11 BIG BANG KING *** Form looks hopeless but last start better than the result and previous trial suggests he is one to watch. 33
12 LADY POWER ** Another whose form reads badly but not far away on a good day at odds. 20
Race 5
Selections; 1 SEBROSE – 2 KATE’S KEEPER – 4 TITANIUM – 5 LAUGHING GRAVY
A terrific race and don’t be surprised if a few of these are using this race as a tune up for a crack at the Derby in July including likely favourite and top-weight, SEBROSE. The Australian-bred gelding has been in red-hot form of late winning three of his last four and his latest winning effort stepping up to this trip good enough to win again. In saying that, although he beat KATE’S KEEPER comfortably, the Stephen Gray-trained 5YO was supported and had excuses so can make amends from gate 3. The field has depth and LAUGHING GRAVY – also Derby bound- won too well in Class 4 not to be a big show and hard to leave the 3YO TITANIUM out of winning thoughts on his Guineas effort. If the race is run at a pace to suit swoopers it may pay to keep SUNNY safe at odds as he will be the one working into this very late.
1 SEBROSE *** In red-hot form and extremely hard to beat on strong last start win this trip. 3.00
2 KATE’S KEEPER *** Excuses not to finish right with Sebrose when supported last start and must go close. 6.00
3 DRAGON G * Honest but better on the Poly. 20
4 TITANIUM *** Tongue-tie on. Very progressive 3YO who wasn’t disgraced in the Guineas. can win. 5.00
5 LAUGHING GRAVY *** Bolted in over this trip in Class 4 last start for first Singapore win and has to be respected. 5.00
6 BRAVO CHARLIE ** Another 3YO who comes through the Guineas and could surprise at odds. 20
7 WELL DONE ** Found winning form and could play a part although this is obviously tougher. 12
8 ANY RUMOUR ** Took an age to knock in second career win at his last start but always
a show and another to include somewhere. 12
9 SUNNY *** Promising stayer who will be working into this late at value. 12
10 BRAD ** Has looked due in Class 4 company but need to be at his best in this field. 20
Race 6
Selections; 5 LIM’S MIRAGE – 2 AMAZING – 13 PHARMA BROWNE – 1 GEESON MASTER
A solid maiden mile with six or so horses ready to break their maiden status. AMAZING does look the obvious choice on form but he has again drawn wide so will have to work early to lead. If he does get a soft lead or gets a handy position early he will be hard to beat. But we like the fact LIM’S MIRAGE sneaks back into maiden company after two or three seemingly poor efforts in unsuitable races. The mile in maiden company looks ideal as does gate 3 so look for a very big run. Elsewhere, PHARMA BROWNE had plenty of excuses last start and happy to follow with head-gear added while GEESON MASTER will enjoy being back in maiden company, HANDSOME BAB will be prominent throughout and ORION is well worth a look after excuses last start.
1 GEESON MASTER *** Freshened after solid effort in Class 4 and this race looks suitable for a big run. 7.00
2 AMAZING *** Foot on the till and in this a very long way. 3.00
3 ORION *** Excuses not to finish closer last start when blinkers went on so worth another looks each-way. 8.00
4 GENERAL ZOD ** Form reads badly but should work into this late at odds. 25
5 LIM’S MIRAGE *** Ignore last two in unsuitable company as a big show in this on previous form. 8.00
6 LORD DARLINGTON * Gets winkers but might need more. 33
7 PUERTO COLONIA * No. 50
8 VICTORY COMMANDS * Struggles. 50
9 MIAGRACE * Needs to show more but the mile may suit. 33
10 SHABBAT * Needs to lift. 33
11 HANDSOME BAB *** Small horse who should be prominent throughout with gate one a bonus. 10
12 IKTO * Very hard to recommend. 50
13 PHARMA BROWNE *** Gets blinkers/pacifiers after having excuses not to go very close last start. Can win with luck. 5.00
14 CLEVER BRIGHT ** Beaten a long way into third last start but a must for exotics. 12
15 BECOME RICH * No. 100
Race 7
Selections; 2 OLYMPIC ANTHEM – 10 AMI – 9 AERO WINGS JUNIOR – 8 SECRET MISSION
An intriguing Poly sprint with many not so obvious chances but OLYMPIC ANTHEM does look hardest to beat on what he showed first-up after a bleeding attack. The former Aussie burst onto the Singapore racing scene with a strong poly win before bleeding at start two. His first-up run suggests he is back in very good form and should go very close to winning this if right. Coincidentally, AMI returns after a bleeding attack he suffered in OLYMPIC ANTHEM’S debut win. Prior to that the 5YO was in super form and a recent strong trial suggests he can show up with a tongue-tie added from gate 1. A few horses getting back on the Poly also appeal with AERO WINGS JUNIOR the pick of that bunch while hard to fault BLACK FURY’s recent form and SECRET MISSION is always value.
1 BLACK FIERY *** Went down in a blanket go last start and right in this. 4.50
2 OLYMPIC ANTHEM *** First-up run after bleeding attack a beauty and goes very close here. 3.50
3 SMART PEOPLE ** Coming off a very strong win but query on the Poly so take on trust. 8.00
4 GOLDEN CURL ** Racing in terrific form and will be the one flying late. 12
5 PURE TACTICS ** Returned a roarer last start so ignore and worth a look on best Poly form with tongue-tie removed. 20
6 HONEST TRUTH ** Disappointing similar affair last start but goes quick on his day so keep safe. 33
7 MEDIA CAPTAIN ** Will appreciate being back on the Poly and could surprise at odds. 20
8 SECRET MISSION *** Will not win out of turn but always in the mix and usually value so happy to follow each-way. 10
9 AERO WINGS JUNIOR *** Might pay to ignore last few on turf as won well last two times on the Poly. Goes very close. 8.00
10 AMI *** Progressive type resuming with tongue-tie added and recent strong trial has him under notice. 7.00
11 BLACK FURY ** Another that appreciates being back on the Poly and will be value. 20
12 VERTICAL START ** Blinkers to winkers. Form reads badly and may want longer but trialing well. 33
Race 8
Selections; 1 IMPERIAL FIGHTER – 3 FLAWLESSLY – 7 SECRET SPICE – 2 SUPER JOE
Most have some chance in this KSD over 1800m but hard to go pass IMPERIAL FIGHTER and FLAWLESSLY on recent form. And given the pair have gone head-to-head of late and both ran into pretty good opposition at their respective last starts, this looks another dingdong battle. Of the two, IMPERIAL FIGHTER had excuses last start behind VALBUENA and hard to fault that form. From gate 1 Alan Munro should have no excuses and he will be hard to hold out. Nothing wrong with FLAWLESSLY though and John Powell will be confident of a strong showing. Of the rest, SECRET SPICE has been going better than his form reads and happy to think he is value while SUPER JOE and JIM keep them all honest.
1 IMPERIAL FIGHTER *** Looked a very good thing beaten last start and the one to beat here. 3.50
2 SUPER JOE *** Only win was on the Poly but in good form and has to be respected. 5.00
3 FLAWLESSLY *** Always a show in races like this with form in and around Imperial Fighter. 3.50
4 JIM *** Took a drop to Class 5 to win but that effort strong enough to suggest he is up to this company. 8.00
5 PERCIUS ** Had excuses last start after maiden win and worth another look. 20
6 KNOW EACH OTHER ** Has been disappointing not to have won since moving stables but looks due and this is suitable. 8.00
7 SECRET SPICE *** Form starting to read badly but efforts late suggests he gives this a shake if given the opportunity. 12
8 MAL’S DAD ** Query the trip but gets blinkers and one to keep safe at value. 20
9 OVER EASY ** Company suits and will pop up an win one of these sooner than later. 20
10 ZIPANGU * Company suits but recent form poor. 33
11 CHENGDU WARRIOR * Lowly-rated but runs on. 100
Race 9
Selections; 11 THE GENERAL – 10 LIKA TIGER – 4 NORTHERN BOSS – 5 TERMINATOR
A good race to finish the card and while a few punters will still be smarting over THE GENERAL getting rolled as even money favourite last start, he does look well placed here to make quick amends. He gets blinkers back on after the loss and more importantly subsequently trialed like a winner so happy to get on. NOVA WARRIOR looks a likely type and he can also make amends for a narrow loss to GOLDEN TOMAHAWK last time out. The 3YO gets a 2.5kg pull one weights for the loss and gets a gate advantage so should be right in this. Plenty of others with hopes – some at value – so keep NORTHERN BOSS and LIKA TIGER both very safe back on their winning surface with TERMINATOR, GOLDEN TOMAHAWK, DREAMCATHER and even the second emergency, RACER KING, safe.
1 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK *** Drawn awkwardly but showed last start 1200m no issue and must go close with tongue-tie added. 4.50
2 ECLAIR SENSATION *** Slow starts always a worry but a good option if each-way odds. 10
3 DREAMCATCHER *** Took KSD company to win last start but this is not a strong Class 4 field so must be respected. 6.00
4 NORTHERN BOSS *** Drawn wide but very much appreciates first-up run and being back on winning surface. 10
5 TERMINATOR *** Not far away last couple and could be the bolter from gate 1. 20
6 ARROWHEAD ** Excuses last start and pay to keep safe on KSD win two back. 33
7 HAMMER DOWN ** Form better than it reads and gets blinkers so could surprise at odds. 33
8 XIN TREASURE ** Very hard to follow on form but wins a race like this if on-song. 20
9 CLERMONT CLUB * Fresh but this should be too short. 50
10 LIKA TIGER *** Not a mile away when blinkers added last start but more importantly gets back to winning surface. Goes close. 8.50
11 THE GENERAL *** Gets blinkers back on after excuses with heavy support last start and can make amends. 4.00
12 NOVA WARRIOR *** Just missed this Class last start and must be a huge show. 6.00
13 ART OF WAR ** Excuses last start (saddle) and subsequent trial suggests he runs a cheeky race. 33
14 RACER KING *** Always an each-way show this type of race and pay to keep safe at value. 20
