Zac Spirit (John Powell) is airborne as he cruises home for an impressive debut win – Singapore Racing 11-02-13
It looks a terrific meeting from Singapore on Friday night and with the first leg of the exciting FourYear-Old Challenge – The Stewards’ Cup – to be run on Sunday, a cracking weekend. On Friday, most – if not all – fields look competitive but more importantly some excellent betting races and some smart types that should win. Case in point is ZAC SPIRIT in the Novice event over 1400m (race 5), who looks to have found a very suitable affair to get back into the winners circle. The promising 3YO burst onto the racing scene with an emphatic win on debut, before more than holding his own in elite 3YO company; placing in the Classic over 1400m before finishing a credible fourth in the Group 1 Guineas over a mile. Given he is in best at the Novice race conditions – 56.5kg looks a winning weight – and the quality of the opposition, the Flying Spur gelding should win and perhaps handsomely. Later in the card, some of Singapore’s best Poly sprinters head to the starter in the Open dash over 1100m. Like ZAC SPIRIT, GOAL KEEPER will find this company a lot easier than what he encountered at his last start – an international field in the KrisFlyer no less – and should be too good for them. The six-time Polytrack winner has 58kg to carry but given he jumps from a good gate (two), he should get every opportunity to show how good he is on the all-weather surface and anything but a win would be a disappointment. His big weight will give hope to connections of a few of the others – MAKKURA and TEXAN TAKEOVER will get support and run well – but GOAL KEEPER has the score on the board at a very good level and that will count for plenty come the business end of this race.
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Best Bets; ZAC SPIRIT (race 5, win), GOAL KEEPER (race 7, win) and U GOT IT (race 6, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9), race 7 (2), race 8 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9), race 9 (1, 2, 5, 6, 9 and 13).
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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; 1 SILVER DOLLAR – 3 DR OCTOPUS – 6 FAITHFULLY – 5 EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE
A 1000m sprint for the 2YOs on the polytrack starts the programme. The Sam Chua-trained SILVER DOLLAR has put in top efforts at his only two starts with a win and a second in the Aushorse Golden Horseshoe. Whilst there are no claims, Harry Kassim stays on; with a change from winkers to blinkers, he will be very hard to beat . DR OCTOPUS gets Manoel Nunes to ride, he ran on from a long way back last outing; if he gets away and races more tractably he should be right in the finish. FAITHFULLY with Alan Munro up has won all his three trials; he looks a speedy customer and should figure well on debut. EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE with Ivaldo Santana to steer looks a nice type and was placed behind FAITHFULLY at the trials; he is well drawn and could show up on debut. DESERT FOX is a well-bred Michael Freedman runner, he too trialed well behind FAITHFULLY and with Corey Brown to steer should be kept safe.
1 SILVER DOLLAR *** Winkers to blinkers; top efforts at only two starts and hard to beat here. 2.00
2 DESERT FOX ** First start; from top stable with top rider; trialed well; keep safe. 16
3 DR OCTOPUS *** Ran on from a long way back last outing; if he gets away and races more tractably should be right in the finish. 3.50
4 DRAGON FORCE ** Blinkers on; trialed well; watch for support. 16
5 EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE ** Nice type who has looked handy at the trials; well drawn and could show up on debut. 12
6 FAITHFULLY *** Has won all three trials; looks a speedy customer and should figure well on debut. 4.00
7 HOME DADDY HOME * Not yet. 50
8 RUNFORIT * First start; later. 50
9 TIGER BEE * Well back only outing. 50
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Race 2
Selections; 10 JAPPANELLA – 6 HASTA LA VISTA – 5 BILLY BRITAIN – 7 JIM
A Restricted Maiden over 1400 metres on turf. The Laurie Laxon-trained JAPPANELLA attracted plenty of support at her last outing. She has plenty of speed and did not miss by much; with the light weight and Barend Vorster steering should race well again. HASTA LA VISTA raced handy and ran on well at his only outing; with Corey Brown on-top he is well drawn and should be right in the finish. JIM lost his first race in the steward’s room before disappointing last time after being squeezed out at start; he has trialed well subsequently, gets blinkers instead of winkers and with Alan Munro from the ace gets chance to make amends. Manoel Nunes gets the mount on BILLY BRITAIN who put in a good effort at his first start and should be further improved. HOST THE NATION and INVINCIBLE DRAGON have also shown enough to be considered realistic chances.
1 INVINCIBLE DRAGON *** Resuming with blinkers from winkers; suited at 1400m; has had several trials and should race well fresh. 10
2 CARRY ON FAMOUS * Blinkers on; well back at only three starts and would need to improve. 33
3 HOST THE NATION ** Solid effort on resumption; was big and burly and should be further improved. 14
4 CERIUM ** Tongue tie on; has been thereabouts but needs to show more. 25
5 BILLY BRITAIN *** Good effort at first start and should be further improved goes close. 5.00
6 HASTA LA VISTA *** Raced handy and ran on well at only outing; well drawn and should be right in the finish. 5.00
7 JIM *** Winkers to blinkers. Disappointed last time after being squeezed out at start; Trialed well subsequently and with Corey Brown from the ace gets chance to make amends. 3.50
8 QUIET ACHIEVER * OK last start but still needs to improve. 33
9 HONEST WIND * Tongue-tie off but yet to do anything. 50
10 JAPPANELLA *** Well supported last outing and did not miss by much; should race well again. 3.50
11 HOME MONEY HOME * 2YO who has looked like he wants ground; could improve. 25
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Race 3
Selections; 4 BERT – 2 REDDY TO ROCK – 5 BIG MONEY – 11 REDPACKETDAY
A shocker of a race for Claiming riders only; a Class 5 over 1000m on the polytrack. BERT is resuming after a bleeding attack; he has gone well fresh in the past and this could be weak enough for him. The booking of Harry Kassim looks a good move by trainer Michael Clements. REDDY TO ROCK is drawn out a bit; he has been knocking on the door lately and whilst better over longer should be handy all the way. BIG MONEY is a maiden trained by Leslie Khoo, he has speed and has been close enough in recent starts to warrant a chance here; Freddie Firdaus knows how to ride a front-runner so watch for support. Amongst the numerous geriatrics in the field is REDPACKETDAY, a 9YO veteran who put in a good effort on resuming and subsequently won a trial; he is well drawn and with the experienced Alan Ng on top should show up in this ordinary field. Amongst the usual suspects WONDER GENERAL, PRUSSIAN JACK, HILARY, KNIGHT KINGDOM and SAMURAI KID could get into the exotics. The second emergency SILVER STRIKE is resuming after a bleeding attack, he is one of three runners for David Kok and a strong chance if he gets a start.
1 ANCHIETA * Yet to get close in 10 outings. 33
2 REDDY TO ROCK *** Been knocking on the door; better over longer but should be handy all the way. 5.50
3 BUNKER TROUBLE * Well named, 8YO who has had 20 lifetime starts for one placing. 50
4 BERT *** Resuming after bleeding attack; has gone well fresh in the past and could show up in this weak field. 6.00
5 BIG MONEY *** Maiden but has speed; has been close enough in recent starts to warrant a chance here. 4.50
6 HILARY ** Unreliable mare; last two starts have been good and if in the mood could be handy all the way. 10
7 PRUSSIAN JACK *** Day-by-day proposition but last run was best for some time; well drawn and should get a nice run on the speed. 12
8 SAMURAI KID ** Has not won for a long time but never that far away; well drawn and could threaten. 12
9 LUCKY BANKER * Ran last on resuming; 6 time winning 8YO who is a light of other days. 50
10 KNIGHT KINGDOM ** Resumed with solid effort last start; has won at this trip and could surprise. 12
11 REDPACKETDAY *** 9YO veteran who put in a good effort on resuming; won a trial recently; well drawn and should show up in this ordinary field. 4.50
12 WONDER GENERAL ** Has been freshened and usually around the mark in these; will give a sight. 12
13 WIN THE DAY * 17 start maiden; passing 50
14 SUPER STRIKE *** Resuming after bleeding attack, one of three runners for David Kok and a strong chance if he gets a start. 4.50
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Race 4
Selections; 2 YASTRZEMSKI – 1 THE GREAT GREY – 5 DRAGON – 4 MURALI
A nice Class 4 over 2000m on turf with plenty of the better hopes on trial at the trip with possible Derby aspirations in mind. With no natural leader, tactics could play a major part and a muddling affair could result. YASTRZEMSKI has gone close without winning at four of his past five starts and beat THE GREAT GREY home last time over 1600m; he has not been tried beyond a mile but with Alan Munro should race midfield and run on strongly.THE GREAT GREY is racing well, he ran on strongly last start over 1600m; he is on trial at the trip but has won over 1800m; with the good draw he should get a nice run with Manoel Nunes just back of the speed. The visor comes off MURALI who is a useful type, well drawn, also on trial at the 2000m but Bruce Marsh knows a lot about middle distance horses and he could race well; Corey Brown could possibly lead and stack them up. DRAGON is also on trial at the trip, he will welcome being back on turf and is a two-time winner at the mile. THUNDER GOLD won a maiden over 1700m last start; he is stepping up in trip and class; he is a nice type with Pat Shaw polish and has Barend Vorster to ride, he is another that could go forward under his light weight. Down at the bottom of the weights are the proven stayers CARTAGO and the gnarled veteran ALVITO; they could bother the exotics particularly if they get a solid pace.
1 THE GREAT GREY *** Racing well, ran on strongly last start over 1600m and has won over 1800m; well drawn and should get a good run. 3.50
2 YASTRZEMSKI *** Has gone close without winning at four of his past five starts and beat THE GREAT GREY home last time over 1600m ; has not been tried beyond a mile; should race midfield and run on strongly. 3.50
3 JOYFUL HEART MAN * Blinkers off but has not shown any real form for a long time. 20
4 MURALI ** Visor off, useful type, well drawn, on trial 2000m and this is a tough field. 6.00
5 DRAGON *** Will relish being back on turf has won twice at the mile; on trial at 2000m but has ability on his day. 6.00
6 LUCKY RISE ** Useful performer having 2nd run back from a spell; improves. 20
7 CARTAGO ** Enjoyed being back on turf and over a suitable trip last start; knows how to stay and could surprise; rain would help. 12
8 TRADING GOLD ** Won maiden over 1700m last start; stepping up in trip and class; nice type but will be tested. 6.50
9 ALVITO ** Old-timer who will get miles out of his ground and run on late; better in Class 5. 16
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Race 5
Selections; 4 ZAC SPIRIT – 7 COOL CUSTOMER – 12 DANGER ZONE – 10 THEBUZZDOWNUNDER
A Novice over 1400m on turf with some promising horses engaged. ZAC SPIRIT gets Corey Brown, he is poorly drawn but has been racing well in Group company against his own age group; he is better than most of these and should be hard to beat. COOL CUSTOMER won well at his only start over this trip; with Danny Beasley retaining the mount he should race prominently again. THEBUZZDOWNUNDER is racing well, he is poorly drawn but will get back midfield and run on late; he put in good effort in Class 4 last start after winning his maiden and if Ivaldo Santana can get him cover he should be powering home. BOURBON GOLDMAN put in a strong effort to win on the polytrack last start; he failed dismally at his only turf outing but had excuses and is worth another chance. DANGER ZONE is of the Munro-Takaoka persuasion, he just got there last start but shows promise and from the nice alley could get in the finish again. IRISH REBEL put in a reasonable effort first up in Singapore; his only win was at 1100m at Awapuni; he is nicely drawn with Manoel Nunes riding and could make his presence felt. BIG READY is a consistent type but 1400m tested him last time; the nice draw and the claim for Noh Senari will help, he should be on the speed all the way. CHEETAH ON FIRE’s polytrack form is very good but must be taken on trust at 1400m on turf.
1 CHEETAH ON FIRE ** Recent Polytrack form is very good but must be taken on trust at 1400m on turf. 14
2 BIGCAT RHAPSODY * Won at 1200m and placed up to 1800m in Australia; well back at only Singapore start and whilst improvement is expected may need more time. 33
3 EPIC ENCOUNTER * Only win was on the synthetic over a mile at Dundalk; trials OK but prefer to see. 33
4 ZAC SPIRIT *** Poorly drawn but has been racing well in Group company against own age group; better than most of these and should win. 3.50
5 IRISH REBEL ** Reasonable effort first up in Singapore; only win was at 1100m at Awapuni; nicely drawn and could show up with top rider aboard. 12
6 BIG READY ** Consistent type but 1400m tested him last time; nice draw and claim will help; should race near the lead for a long way. 12
7 COOL CUSTOMER ** Good win on debut over 1400m and Danny Beasley retains the mount; should be right in the finish. 4.50
8 BOURBON GOLDMAN ** Strong win on polytrack last start; failed at only turf outing but worth another chance. 6.00
9 DRAGON NINETYNINE ** Led and just missed last start at long odds; with 4kg claim could give a bold sight. 14
10 THEBUZZDOWNUNDER ** Poorly drawn but will get back and run on late; good effort in Class 4 last start after winning maiden. 6.50
11 DAWN PROSPECT * Blinkers off, won maiden three starts back but struggled subsequently; passing. 33
12 DANGER ZONE ** In well at the weights, well drawn and could figure again in handier. 14
13 MAGNIFICENT KID * Has speed but has been weakening. 33
14 APPROVAL GIVEN ** Find this easier than the Guineas; some hope on OK Singapore debut run. 50
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Race 6
Selections; 1 U GOT IT – 3 FIRST SCOOP – 8 PROFOUND – 6 SUPERCZAR
Races don’t get much tougher than this for punters with most horses having serious winning hopes on form. Value might be the order of the day and U GOT IT looks a strong hope in what is suitable company. The 7YO has been more than competitive in Open Class and given he has had the one run back and steps up to what looks his best trip, a bold run and win would not surprise. FIRST SCOOP is coming off a poor run on International weekend but it is very hard to fault his form prior. The fact he switches back to the Poly is a positive and a big run late is expected. PROFOUND is another coming off a shocker on the turf and should show his best back on the Polytrack although he obviously had issues the last time at the races when declared a non-runner. SUPERCZAR is a 9YO and while a tad disappointing last start, could grow a leg from gate one with Barend Vorster to steer and will be the value runner. Hard to leave out last start winner, ENCOSTA DIABLO, the super consistent ITISWHATITIS, SUPER JUNIOR and GOLD RUTILE. Tough race; do your very best.
1 U GOT IT *** Appreciates first up run and step up to suitable trip; big show. 12
2 ENCOSTA DIABLO *** Got his act together last start to win and pay to follow with best work expected late. 6.00
3 FIRST SCOOP *** Flopped with support on the turf last start but pay to forgive as previous poly form very good. 4.00
4 ITISWHATITIS *** Continued his consistent run of good form last start and no reason to jump off. 4.00
5 MY FRIEND JO ** Thereabouts on a good day and might be value given bad gate. 33
6 SUPERCZAR *** Just battled away last start but has looked due and Vorster from gate one a great combination, 20
7 SUPER JUNIOR *** Drawn awkwardly but showed last start he handles the company and switch to Poly a good move. 12
8 PROFOUND *** Declared a non-runner last time at the races and pay to ignore previous poor turf run; can win. 5.00
9 GOLD RUTILE *** Backed up good debut win with two solid efforts; each way. 8.00
10 IRISH FLASH ** Showed plenty late last start and must be respected although this is a strong field. 20
11 DO ME A FAVOUR * Backing up from OK effort last sunday; this looks tough. 100
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Race 7
Selections; 2 GOAL KEEPER – 6 TEXAN TAKEOVER – 3 MAKKURA – 4 FINDERSKEEPERS
After leading them up and battling on OK in the KrisFlyer Sprint, GOAL KEEPER will very much appreciate the local opposition and can cary 58kg to win. The 4YO has an impeccable record on the Poly – six wins and a gusty second placing from seven Poly starts – and looks extremely hard to beat after drawing favourably in gate two. Trainer Theo Kaiser has shown confidence in the horses ability to carry the weight by opting for a senior hoop in Danny Beasley and every post should be a winner. But while looking a good thing on paper, GOAL KEEPER will have to be at his best given he is up against some in-form and smart Poly horses on light weights including TEXAN TAKEOVER with just 50kg and last start winner, MAKKURA on 53kg. They look the obvious dangers with FINDERSKEEPERS the value with a big run expected late.
1 YIN XIN ** Resuming; may look the winner at some stage but might run out of condition late. 20
2 GOAL KEEPER *** Out-classed in the international sprint but previous form – especially on this surface – has him winning this. 2.40
3 MAKKURA ** Coming off a very strong Poly win and pay to follow with 53kg and Vorster onboard. 5.00
4 FINDERSKEEPERS ** First-up run a beauty and will be flying late again. 20
5 RAPIDO STAR ** Beaten as odds-on pop last start but pay to keep safe with just 50kg. 4.00
6 TEXAN TAKEOVER ** Beaten a whisker two starts back over 1000m; goes close. 3.50
7 FIGHTER JET * Unreliable and should find most too slick. 33
8 SILVERON WINGS * Longer. 200
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Race 8
Selections; 8 SUPER SHADOW – 7 KLEVER MAN – 4 TOM – 9 DIVINE HERO
On what should have been a very good days racing, this race could be the best of them all. Some inform, progressive types meet in a race with quality and depth. Given it will be a leaders track, a couple of on-pace runners in SUPER SHADOW and KLEVER MAN – both 3YO’s – look as good as place to start as any. SUPER SHADOW in particular will find this a lot easier than Group 1 company in the Guineas. His form prior in a similar race to this was excellent and he should get all the favours in running from gate five with Manoel Nunes to steer. KLEVER MAN is coming off a very impressive Class 4 win and given he lead them a merry dance on that occasion, he will be well suited by the short Course E. TOM might not be suited by a leaders track but he is flying and if he is handy enough when it gets serious, can win. He probably wins last start bar traffic issues the whole straight and have to respect. Throw a blanket over DIVINE HERO (his first up run a beauty), MAGICAL TALENT, NATURAL NICE (each-way all the way) and INDICIO, who will be on the pace and in this a very long way.
1 SUPER GURU ** Appreciates first up run and extra 200m; improves at odds. 200
2 STEADFAST WARRIOR ** Handy stayer resuming and will make his presence felt late. 50
3 MAGICAL TALENT *** Last run better than the result given tough run and worth another look. 8.00
4 TOM *** Looked a very good thing beaten last start and wins if luck and handy in running. 3.50
5 INDICIO *** Went very close to back-to-back wins last start and in this a long way. 6.00
6 NATURAL NICE *** In the mix again last start and always an each-way chance. 16
7 KLEVER MAN *** Up in Class after bolting in last start and can lead and win this. 5.00
8 SUPER SHADOW *** Found it all too tough in the Guineas but previous run in a similar race to this has him the one to beat. 3.50
9 DIVINE HERO *** Super first up run over 1200m has him cherry ripe for this; goes close. 9.00
10 MULAN ** Last start better than the result and worth an each-way look at value. 33
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Race 9
Selections; 2 SHINING GLORY – 5 CAPTAIN MCCAW – 6 DRAGON KING – 9 KALLISAN
The emergency, FAST FAST BOY, gets an early mention in the lucky last as he will play a major role if he gets a start. He has pace and from an outside gate will effect the race early and probably late, so keep very safe. But of those guaranteed a start, SHINING GLORY should very much enjoy the Short E Course and a race with no stand-out so expect a very bold showing. Matt Kellady takes the mount and from gate four the 1kg claimer should try to make every post a winner. CAPTAIN MCCAW will also be handy throughout and appreciates Class 4 company; the 3YO can win with support likely. Another 3YO to watch is DRAGON KING who is thereabouts as a rule with the mare KALLISAN also in the mix.
1 CONVICT *** Resuming after good run of form; goes close with luck from draw. 7.00
2 SHINING GLORY *** Will lead and that might be a good thing on this track; goes very close. 6.00
3 FAT BOBO ** Form just fair of late but blinkers added and turf may see an improvement. 33
4 BRILLIANT BEAUTY ** Still has plenty to learn but will be competitive this company. 33
5 CAPTAIN MCCAW *** Backed up good win at Singapore debut with a solid outing; will find Class 4 to his liking. 3.40
6 DRAGON KING *** Wide draw an issue but has ability and pay to follow. 4.00
7 HUMOR TOWN ** Recent wins in easier company. 33
8 HEAR ME ** Appreciates first-up run after bleeding attack and competitive on his day. 20
9 KALLISAN *** First-up run good and looks a solid each-way option. 10
10 SPEEDY DWARF ** In solid form and looks a must for exotics. 8.00
11 FANTASTIC BOY ** Freshened after just fair last start; cheeky run expected. 20
12 PEGASUS VICTORY * Blinkers off and might be looking for Class 5. 50
13 FAST FAST BOY *** Resuming. Can lead and a cheeky run expected; keep safe. 5.00
14 WORLD WAR *** Blinkers off after a poor one but better than that and pay to follow. 12
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