Chase (Shafiq Rizuan) comes with a strong finish to claim Race 6 (Pic: Singapore Turf Club)
Quality might not be the order of the day in Friday’s nine race card but some good punting races early and a solid finish to the night should keep most entertained. Race 2 in particular looks an interesting affair with seven or so horses likely to get some support on race or trial form.
And while a couple of 2YO’s in TERMS OF REFERENCE and CAPTAIN CLASSIQUE try to make the most of the last meeting where they get a 7kg pull at the weights (as will FINE CHOICE in race 4), it might be HUMMINGBIRD who gets the chocolates. The 3YO was solid on debut but a subsequent very good trial with blinkers added suggests he could be better than a few of these with headgear the difference.
As mentioned, there is not a lot to get excited about class-wise on the night but race 7 and 9 do look the exceptions to that rule in terms of depth and quality. A good Class 4 field over 1800m (race 7) has three last start winners including MR TRY who bolted in when breaking his maiden status.
In the lucky last you would think RED DAWN might start favourite with THE GENERAL and BRAHMA CIRCUS also likely to get support but the progressive CHASE might be the bolter in what is definitely a race not to missed.
Friday 31 July
Best Bets: (FINE CHOICE race 4, win), (CHASE race 9, win) and (HUMMINGBIRD race 2, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 4, 5, 7 and 10), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 10), race 8 (1, 3, 5, 6 and 7), race 9 (1, 4, 8 and 10).
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 KING SAVINSKY – 1 LIM’S MIRAGE – 5 VICTORY – 8 HENRY THE EIGHTH
Sometimes you can overthink the form so when a horse is knocking on the door with Nunes riding for Walker, he picks himself. KING SAVINSKY is the animal in question and while he has been disappointing not to win in 14 Singapore starts, he has shown Class 5 is his caper so hard to hold out. In saying that, another maiden in LIM’S MIRAGE should get heavy support and will win if right. Corey Brown goes on, as does winkers and earmuffs for good measure, and given he had excuses last start (not striding) he goes very close here. One at value we will be taking an interest in is VICTORY. The 3YO hasn’t placed in seven career starts but some good turf runs suggest we can follow in Class 5. A blanket for the skinny end of exotics.
1 LIM’S MIRAGE *** Issues last start but very hard to beat on previous form with winkers and earmuffs added for this. 2.50
2 PINYIN ** Improves lengths dropping to Class 5 but may want longer to show his best. 20
3 KING SAVINSKY *** In form and wins one of these sooner than later. 2.80
4 TONGARIRO ** Form reads badly but appreciates being back on the turf and mile suits. 12
5 VICTORY *** Ignore last start (saddle slipped) and looks a serious value chance on some good turf runs. 12
6 ZIPANGU ** Around the places of late but might need longer again. 10
7 HAKAMGONG ** Can disappoint but the race does look suitable so keep safe at odds. 20
8 HENRY THE EIGHTH ** Maiden who wasn’t a mile away last start in this company so can include in exotics. 20
9 STREET CHAMP * Turf form only fair but should be running on late. 50
10 HARDEN UP * Query at the trip. 33
11 I-SCREAM NOW * Long-term maiden and have to take on trust. 50
12 GOOD BUDDY ** Running some good races of late and mile may suit. 20
Race 2
Selections; 8 HUMMING BIRD – 13 TERMS OF REFERENCE – 11 QUICKSILVER – 1 MR JACKSON
Very tough race for punters with at least seven horses with either race or trial form that suggests they can win this and the market may be a very good guide. From the trials, HUMMINGBIRD may be the one to beat with blinkers added. Yes, his debut was solid at best but his trial with headgear was impressive and he might just go “whoosh”. If he doesn’t, a 2YO in TERMS OF REFERENCE might be a good option. He also gets blinkers for the first time and a 7kg pull in the weights at this time of the season looks a bonus. His stablemate QUICKSILVER also looks a winning shot on good recent trial form while CAPTAIN CLASSIQUE is another 2YO that keeps them honest. Hard to leave out MR JACKSON with blinkers added – he may even start favourite – with WINNING GOOD and LUCKY LINCOLN two others that go close.
1 MR JACKSON *** Blinkers on after no early pace looking costly last start. Hard to beat. 3.50
2 I’M KOOL * Blinkers to winkers but trip can test. 33
3 WINNING GOOD *** Excuses last start (saddle slipped) and does look like winning one early. 8.00
4 HEE’S EGO ** Resuming and will be running on late. 20
5 BULLET * Freshened after a couple of poor runs but has shown glimpses. 100
6 WHISPERINTHEWIND * Winkers off (ear muffs on) but yet to live up to early potential. 33
7 BLACK LABEL * Only form has been on the Poly. 100
8 HUMMING BIRD *** Blinkers on. Debut just OK but subsequent trial with headgear very impressive and can win. 7.00
9 LUCKY LINCOLN *** Did it tough on debut so effort to place suggests he can win this with luck from wide gate. 6.00
10 NOVA STAR * Resuming with blinkers on and tongue-tie off after just fair debut. Market best guide. 33
11 QUICKSILVER *** Freshened after two solid runs and recent good trials has him under notice. 12
12 CAPTAIN CLASSIQUE *** Will find this easier than the Golden Horseshoe and should figure prominently with blinkers off and no weight. 14
13 TERMS OF REFERENCE *** Gets blinkers after a few solid runs and recent trial has him right in this finish. 4.00
14 PERFECTLY ECLIPSE * From astute stable but would need market support on exposed trial form. 100
15 GOLD STOCK * Needs to improve. 50
16 MISS ELYSIUM * Has to show more. 50
Race 3
Selections; 1 MIGHTY GLORY – 3 MIGHTY MAN – 2 THANKFULNESS – 9 GRAND VITESS
A “mighty” forecast or quinella may be on the cards in this KSD Poly sprint with MIGHTY GLORY and MIGHTY MAN the two main hopes. Given his consistent very good form, MIGHTY GLORY took an age to break through for his maiden win but he can go on with the job in this. The win was good enough to follow with a nice recent trial a factor. MIGHTY MAN gets a tongue-tie and after a solid run in Novice company last start, he goes very close to winning this. Two others that win without surprising are THANKFULNESS who looks a solid each-way hope and the versatile GRAND VITESS if young Ruzaili can make use of his 4kg claim and gate 1.
1 MIGHTY GLORY *** Broke through for deserved maiden win last start and recent trial suggests he is up to this. 2.50
2 THANKFULNESS *** Showed last start this type of race is his caper. Each-way. 6.00
3 MIGHTY MAN *** Tongue-tie on and switch back to winning surface could see a result. 3.00
4 WE ARE GENIUS ** Can be hard to follow but should be competitive this company. 8.00
5 D’DON * Prefer over 1000m. 33
6 WARSPIRIT ** Disappointing last couple but goes good enough on his day to include somewhere. 20
7 DRAPPIER * Back in trip and hard to have. 100
8 EXCITING PROSPECT ** Enjoys the company and the surface so well worth a look at value. 33
9 GRAND VITESS *** Form better than it reads and looks a live hope if he can make use of the ace. 12
10 BARNBURGH LAD * Recent form ordinary but as won in this grade, surface and distance. 50
11 PROSPERITY STAR * Needs easier. 33
12 BOURNE ACADEMY * No. 100
Race 4
Selections; 10 FINE CHOICE – 9 HERECOMESMYMONEY – 3 BATTLE HORSE – 1 INCANDESCENT
On what is the last meeting for 2YO’s to claim a big pull in the weights, FINE CHOICE can win this with just 50kg. The NZ-bred gelding was close-up at his two Poly starts so happy to forgive his poor turf run and take on those efforts and a good recent trial. On debut, HERECOMESMYMONEY could make an impression. The NZ-bred filly put in a very good effort late in her recent trial and with Azhar onboard from gate 1, she is worth a punt. Of the others, BATTLE HORSE looks a handy type who will show plenty first up after bleeding last start with INCANDESCENT and CONFACET both winning hopes.
1 INCANDESCENT *** Resuming and certainly showed enough last campaign to win first-up. 4.00
2 ASTAIRE * Like to see some support on exposed trial form. 33
3 BATTLE HORSE *** Resuming sans blinkers with tongue-tie added after bleeding attack and has enough pace to win this. 6.00
4 THUNDER CAT ** Excuses last start and will work into exotic calculations late. 20
5 JOE SWIPER ** Nothing last two but back on Poly over 1000m may see improvement. 33
6 CONFACET *** Battled on well after doing it tough on debut. Goes close. 6.00
7 ELEGENT * Not on exposed trial form. 33
8 NOBLE SUN * Market only guide on what we saw at trials. 50
9 HERECOMESMYMONEY *** Put in eye-catching late effort at recent trial and worth a look at odds. 12
10 FINE CHOICE *** Freshened after poor turf run but recent good trial plus previous form suggests he can win this with 50kg. 3.00
Race 5
Selections; 1 ART OF WAR – 4 CAPTAIN MCCAW – 7 GOLDEN PASTURE – 10 SUN EMPIRE
Very hard to line up the form in this KSD Poly sprint with some winning form in easier company up against some horses dropping from Class 4. ART OF WAR is one horse that will find this company more to his liking and given what he showed with blinkers added last start; he could be in this for a very long way. GOLDEN PASTURE is the horse in form though, winning his last two. He broke his maiden status two back in Class 5 and obviously stamped that form with another victory; he should be up to this company. Not many other appeal but CAPTAIN MCCAW from gate 1 with Corey Brown up looks a solid option and SUN EMPIRE placed at long-odds last start and that obviously puts him on notice.
1 ART OF WAR *** Battled on well last start and will find this company easier. 3.00
2 WILKINSON * Back to recent winning company but recent form hopeless. 20
3 EASY MONEY ** Form reads very badly but another who could improve at odds in this company. 20
4 CAPTAIN MCCAW *** Usually thereabouts and should appreciate gate 1. 3.50
5 HOST THE NATION ** Rarely wins but will be running on late and a must for exotics. 7.00
6 JOE ** Enjoys the Poly and expect him to be in the mix with winkers off. 20
7 GOLDEN PASTURE *** Hard to fault back-to-back albeit Class 5 wins and pay to follow. 5.00
8 HOW HUGE * Struggles on the Poly. 50
9 VITALLY SECRET ** Appreciates Poly and company but better winning hope over longer. 20
10 SUN EMPIRE ** Surprised everyone when placing at long odds last start and must be respected. 10
11 LIVE IN HOPE * No. 100
12 I’M A RICH MAN * No. 100
Race 6
Selections; 5 PEREGRINE FALCON – 1 READY FORTUNE – 10 SUPER VELOX – 7 NOVEMBER SUCCESS
While we won’t be putting him on top, SUPER VELOX is the one the crowd will be willing to win this race. The 66-start maiden went awfully close (again) last start to breaking the longest duck in living memory and he should be in the thick of this finish. But PEREGRINE FALCON the one to beat. Sure, his last two runs looks poor, but his previous good form with Nunes and a tongue-tie suggests he is hard to beat. The field is weak so READY FORTUNE might be one to watch and will be running on late with NOVEMBER SUCCESS and SUN PIONEER both big improvers back in more suitable races.
1 READY FORTUNE *** Ran on good enough last start similar affair to have a say in this weak field. 12
2 PIONEER LIU * Struggles. 100
3 REYSHA ** Form reads badly but has been running on late in races so mile should suit. 12
4 SILENT POWER *** Appreciates first up run and step up to suitable trip Can win. 12
5 PEREGRINE FALCON *** Disappointing with support last start but gets tongue-tie added and Nunes. Hard to beat. 2.00
6 POWERFUL FIGHTER * Excuses last start but has been struggling. 33
7 NOVEMBER SUCCESS *** Turf and Class 5 in his favour and well worth a look on recent form. 5.00
8 CLEVER BRIGHT ** Disappointing last start but should appreciate company and a must for exotics. 12
9 DOS EQUIS ** Going along OK but best recent form has been on the Poly. 12
10 SUPER VELOX *** Cult 66 start maiden who will give this a shake on recent form. 7.00
Race 7
Selections; 10 MR TRY – 2 FORTUNE WINNER – 5 AMAZING – 3 KAI POWER
Great race considering the depth of this meeting as a whole and something punters can really sink their teeth into. And while there is plenty of a value about, three last start winners in MR TRY, FORTUNE WINNER and AMAZING look a good place to start. Both FORTUNE WINNER and AMAZING are gunning for hat-tricks after backing up their respective maiden wins with good wins in Class 4 and KSD company receptively and can go on with the job. MR TRY bolted in when winning his maiden and that effort suggests he is one to follow and he might be hard to beat. Plenty of other hopes including POWER PLAY, IKING and SACRED SPRING but two to watch at odds are KAI POWER and COOL CUSTOMER and they could be good punting options in what is a very open race.
1 POWER PLAY *** In form and step to 1800m sans blinkers looks a good move. 6.00
2 FORTUNE WINNER *** Extremely hard to fault form and goes close to hat trick of wins. 5.00
3 KAI POWER *** In form and no worries back on the turf. Each-way. 10
4 COOL CUSTOMER ** Very cheeky race expected at odds. 20
5 AMAZING *** Will lead and a big show if any peace out front. 5.00
6 IKING *** In ridiculously consistent form and 4kg claim might get a result. 8.00
7 SACRED SPIN *** Went close last start and best work expected late again. 6.00
8 INVINCIBLE GOLD ** Query at the trip but will be battling away. 13
9 TANGIBLE ASSETS * Easier to ignore. 100
10 MR TRY *** Bolted in when breaking maiden status last start and that effort suggests he goes close in this company. 6.00
11 U GOT IT * Winkers off, no. 100
12 GRAND SEVEN SEAS * Should need easier. 33
Race 8
Selections; 1 COTE DE NUITS – 5 HIDDEN VENTURE – 3 LIKA TIGER – 6 KNOW EACH OTHER
COTE DE NUITS has found some nice form of late and looks hard to beat in what looks a very suitable race. The 4YO has drawn wide but expect a positive ride from an in-form Manny Nunes and hopefully a result. HIDDEN VENTURE will keep him more than honest though. The 4YO has two Poly wins to his name and looked ready to knock in another before bleeding at his last start. An enforced spell should see him ready to show his best first up. LIKA TIGER might offer value given his lack of recent form but look for improvement back on the Poly and in the right company. Of the others, last start winners RUN CHEETAH RUN and BENJI’S RULE pick themselves (with a caveat on the jockey change on the latter) with KNOW EACH OTHER always a show.
1 COTE DE NUITS *** Backed up good run with solid Class 4 effort and hard to beat here. 3.00
2 BENJI’S RULE ** Won similar affair last start but will need every bit of claim. 9.00
3 LIKA TIGER *** Disappointing last two but back on Poly in this company has him under notice. 12
4 ANGRY CAT * Should be doing better in this company and have to take on trust. 20
5 HIDDEN VENTURE *** Resuming after bleeding attack and did look due prior so should go well. 4.00
6 KNOW EACH OTHER *** Back in trip but recent good trial suggests he is right in this. 8.00
7 RUN CHEETAH RUN *** Only slightly up in grade and Class 5 win good enough to follow. 5.00
8 BRINGITHOME ** Will be competitive in this type of race. 20
9 SUPER EIGHT * Only shown glimpses since maiden win and may need easier. 50
10 HIGHLIGHT ** Hard to catch but goes OK in his day so include in exotics at value. 33
11 STANZOUT * Veteran back in trip and needs easier. 50
12 GODS SPEED * Likes the Poly but needs Class 5. 50
Race 9
Selections; 4 CHASE – 1 RED DAWN – 8 THE GENERAL – 10 BRAHMA CIRCUS
A good finish to what can only be described as a battlers card with four horses in form that look very progressive types. From the top, RED DAWN is racing in terrific order and looks very well placed to win this with regular hoop, Johnny Powell, up. However, CHASE looks a very promising rising 4YO and happy to think he runs a cracker fresh after his Guineas campaign. His trial suggests he is ready to show his best fresh over 1200m and he will be flying late. THE GENERAL and BRAHMA CIRCUS pick themselves on recent form – both could win without surprising – and a blanket over the rest in what is a race with quality and depth.
1 RED DAWN *** In form and looks very well placed to knock in another win. 3.00
2 AMAZEALOT ** Disappointing last two but one to keep safe on best form with gate 1 a bonus. 33
3 BLACK FURY ** Yet to win on the turf but in form and must be considered. 12
4 CHASE *** Promising type who has been freshened by nice recent trial and gives this a shake. 4.00
5 AMI ** Changed stables after just fair first up run after changing stables so take on trust. 20
6 NORTHERN BOSS * Wins have been on the Poly and may need that surface in this company. 33
7 GOLDEN MISSION * Gets Nunes and tongue-tie but have to take on trust on recent form. 20
8 THE GENERAL *** Won well in Class 4 last start and looks more than up to this company. 5.00
9 CONVICT * Reassess easier company. 33
10 BRAHMA CIRCUS *** Rarely seen on the Poly but never runs a bad race so have to consider with blinkers off. 6.00
11 QUEEN’S SEVEN ** Always some show but need to be at his best this company. 20
12 FELAROF ** May need longer to win but usually thereabouts. 33
