Flash Gift and Greg Cheyne combine for their third straight win on Sunday, 5 August 2012
A very tough night for punters with plenty of depth in most races making finding the winners even tougher than usual. Those who enjoy an exotic bet or two will certainly be going “wide” and you would want to have a fair budget if having a crack at the jackpot/quaddie as the last four races look particularly tough.
A “banker” is very hard to find although two of the top weights in FLASH GIFT (race 7) and GODS SPEED (race 8) look well-placed in Kranji Stakes C and Class 5 respectively and should race well. Hopefully a couple of races earlier in the night are easier to find the winner and a horse like GOOD NEWS looks a good option back in Class 4 company (race 3).
A winner of three from just 11 career starts, GOOD NEWS also gets back on the Poly and given his win four starts back was on this surface and in this Class, he should be hard to beat in a race with no real depth. In race 5 on the card, GEESON MASTER also looks extremely well-placed back in a maiden race after two big runs in good Novice company.
In fact that form more than stacks up in this field and with a handy 2kg MM Firdaus claim, he looks one of the better winning options on the card. Another maiden in NINETYSIX POWER (Initiation, Race 2) also looks a stand-out on paper but will be extremely short in the betting so it may be a case of “odds-on-look-on” or look for value with FULL MEANING first-up after a spell some hope sans blinkers for a new trainer.
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Best Bets; (GOOD NEWS race 3, win), (GEESON MASTER race5, win) and (FULL
MEANING race 2, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (3, 5, 6, 9, 10 and 11), race 7 (1 and 2), race 8 (1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 10), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 and 11).
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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; 7 HOST THE NATION – 1 MYSTIQUE – 2 OH MONEY COME – 9 SPARKLING STAR
Tough opener for punters with the obvious choice a “dead-set” non-winner in HOST THE NATION. The 26 start maiden has placed at his last five starts and was desperately unlucky not to salute for patient connections at his most recent run over the mile. Dropping back to 1200m is no problem in this field and Oscar Chavez should give him every chance from gate 3. An interesting runner is the top-weight, MYSTIQUE, who comes into this after showing little at two starts in Singapore. However, the blinkers are off and a recent trial sans head-gear good enough to follow with Barend Vorster and gate 1 also in his favour. Of the rest, OH MONEY COME had the form on the board at his last campaign and has to be respected first-up after a spell with SPARKLING STAR – who has issues at the starts – the one to watch late. GRAVLAX and TRECRATIC for exotics.
1 MYSTIQUE *** Race form just fair but recent trial sans blinkers good enough to play a part in this with gate 1 a bonus. 6.00
2 OH MONEY COME *** Resuming with a tongue-tie after a very good run of form. Goes close. 6.00
3 TRECRATIC ** Form average but very much appreciates maiden company so look for improvement. 20
4 BM POWER * Needs to show more. 33
5 KNIGHT’S CHARISMA * Showed improvement last start but still need show more. 50
6 CONFIDENCE * No. 50
7 HOST THE NATION *** Beaten a whisker last start over the mile and can make amends back in trip. 2.30
8 GLOBAL FOCUS * Resuming sans blinkers and easier to ignore. 33
9 SPARKLING STAR *** Will get back but should be flying late and can win with luck in running. 6.00
10 PESCATORE * Recent form shocking but best run was this trip and track so could improve at long odds. 50
11 GRAVLAX ** Long-term maiden status a concern but always looks an each-way show. 6.00
12 CHINESE TYCOON * Tongue-tie off but needs more than that. 33
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Race 2
Selections; 4 NINETYSIX POWER – 2 FULL MEANING – 3 CITY OF SAILS – 1 LIGN EM UP
While the race will not be as cut and dried as it first looks on paper, NINETYSIX POWER is the horse to beat and it would be irresponsible to pick anything else on top. The 4YO was probably stiff not to win on debut and certainly lost no friends when finishing second at start two behind BLACK MAGIC. Beasley goes back on board and while the horse still has a bit to learn about the racing game, he should win. In saying that, FULL MEANING has ability and well worth a look first-up after a spell. The 4YO has also changed stables in that time and a recent trial sans head-gear good enough to think he can win with Rueven and a 2kg claim a smart move. Two others that could win without surprising are LIGN EM UP on debut after his comfortable showing at two local trials and CITY OF SAILS who had excuses when supported on his debut so the type to keep safe. MUKUKA and SCOUT DONE both have poor form but get blinkers first-time so look for marked improvement.
1 LIGN EM UP *** Makes debut after two solid trials and should be prominent throughout. 10
2 FULL MEANING *** Resuming sans blinkers after showing plenty last campaign and recent trial suggests he can win first-up. 3.00
3 CITY OF SAILS *** Had support when having issues (roarer) on debut so worth another look. 6.00
4 NINETYSIX POWER *** The obvious choice on race form and hard to beat with Dan Beasley up. 1.75
5 WONDERFUL TIMES * Appreciates debut run but needs to improve. 50
6 HANDSOME BAB * No. 50
7 MUVUKA ** Blinkers off. Put in a shocker on debut but recent trial suggests improvement. 33
8 SCOUT DONE ** Resuming after a couple of poor runs but gets Oscar and blinkers. 33
9 THINK PRETTY * Hard to consider on exposed trial form. 50
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Race 3
Selections; 1 GOOD NEWS – 8 SAVAGE STORM – 7 FUKU ICHIBAN – 4 HOW HUGE
There doesn’t look many genuine winning chances in this Class 4 sprint and as such, a Class dropper in GOOD NEWS gets his chance. You can make excuses for a couple of average recent outings and given he gets back into his recent winning company and just as importantly back on his favourite surface, he could be hard to beat. A Rueven 2kg claim won’t hurt and given the lack of depth, expect him to start short. SAVAGE STORM had support last start in a similar affair to this and no reason to think he won’t be in the mix again. He got back on that occasion so his effort to the line was good to place and if Oscar can have him handier in running from gate 5, he can win. Not many others to get excited about but FUKU ICHIBAN won well enough last start on the turf to follow (although he has never won on the Poly) and a few others in SOUL COMMANDER, DRAGON SPIRIT, ABASTOR and CAIYAYA would all give this a shake on best form. The improver at odds could be HOW HUGE given he has had excuses at two Singapore starts.
1 GOOD NEWS *** Last start better than the result looks a huge winning show back on the Poly in Class 4. 2.50
2 SOUL COMMANDER ** Appreciates first-up run and one to keep safe in what is a suitable race. 8.00
3 DRAGON SPIRIT ** Turned around some shocking form with a bold run and have to consider seriously. 9.00
4 HOW HUGE ** Had issues at both starts and could surprise at long odds if right. 33
5 ABASTOR ** Appreciates first-up run and another that would give this a shake at odds at best. 20
6 CAIYAYA ** Disappointing last start but better than that and appreciates gate 1. 12
7 FUKU ICHIBAN ** Never won this surface but last start win was strong and have to respect. 6.00
8 SAVAGE STORM *** Supported when placing similar affair last start and looks a chance again. 3.50
9 ACOUSTIC * Might need longer and easier. 50
10 STAR ACADEMY * Blinkers go back on but form too poor to consider. 50
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Race 4
Selections; 6 GENERAL CONATUS – 8 TORRECAMPO – 1 BAY OF ISLAND – 10 TIME AFTER TIME
Some good form in this Class 5 mile and it will pay to go wide in exotics and good luck if you are confident of finding the winner. But as it stands, a maiden in GENERAL CONATUS looks well-placed to finish in the mix. Lisa Allpress takes the ride from an indisposed Santana and given his recent form with support in KSD company over this trip, the 4YO can win. TORRECAMPO was in the mix last start and also gets his chance here. Dan Beasley on-board looks a good move by canny connections and he will be prominent throughout so a good betting option. Given the form of some of veterans of late, BAY OF ISLAND might think he can win this and is always a chance although a wide gate with an inexperienced hoop on-board is a concern. Obviously two last start winners in TIME AFTER TIME and AUREUS have to be considered as serious chances while the other horse with winning form, EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE, will find this tougher than last start.
1 BAY OF ISLAND *** Due and can overcome bad gate back on his preferred surface. 6.00
2 STANZOUT ** Form reads badly but excuses last start and fins himself in Class 5. Keep safe. 20
3 AUREUS *** Won well in maiden company this trip last start and pay to follow. 6.00
4 CONFALCON ** Nothing last start but should improve over the mile at odds. 20
5 POWERFUL FIGHTER * Hard to have on recent runs but win five starts back was in similar affair to this. 50
6 GENERAL CONATUS *** Maiden who has shown more than enough in KSD company to think he can win this. 3.50
7 NOVEMBER STAR * Not a million miles away last start and should appreciate the mile. 50
8 TORRECAMPO *** In the mix last start similar affair and every chance here with Beasley up. 5.00
9 SILENT ARROW * No. 100
10 TIME AFTER TIME *** Backed up a good trial with a nice win and pay to follow stepping up to the mile with gate 1 a bonus. 6.00
11 EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE ** Broke through in a weak maiden last start and should be competitive. 8.00
12 DOS EQUIS * Disappointing last start and wide gate suggest we look elsewhere. 33
13 BRILLIANT POWER ** Competitive on his day and could be value. 20
14 SUPER VELOX * Long-term maiden status a concern but always some hope. 20
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Race 5
Selections; 1 GEESON MASTER – 7 PURE WHITE – 6 MALA MALA – 5 LEADERSHIP
This race is a cracker for a maiden which is odd given it’s division 2 and division 1 (race 1) looks hopeless. Where to start? GEESON MASTER has good form in Novice company and that form has to hold up here. Sure, this maiden has depth but his recent efforts have been excellent and from a fair gate (7) with a 2kg claimer, he gets his chance. He will have to be at his best though with PURE WHITE, MALA MALA and LEADERSHIP all in great form. In fact all three have their feet well and truly on the till and all should figure very heavily in the finish. Not much separates the trio and they have all drawn to advantage but PURE WHITE didn’t miss by much last start and has to go close. A few others like THANKFULNESS have to be included somewhere and HAPPY SAGA could show up in exotics at long odds.
1 GEESON MASTER *** Been in super form in good company and the one to beat in this. 4.00
2 SUPER JOY ** Goes OK on his day but mixes his form and have to take on trust. 12
3 THANKFULNESS ** No luck again with the barrier but right in this with any luck in running. 8.00
4 IRREPRESSIBLE ** Always a show in races like this and should figure somewhere in the finish. 12
5 LEADERSHIP *** Slight query on the Poly but form this campaign has him winning races sooner than later. 5.00
6 MALA MALA *** Due and will get every chance from gate 4 with Brown on-board. 5.00
7 PURE WHITE *** Another due to win and drawn to advantage. 4.00
8 BEST LIFE * No. 100
9 HAPPY SAGA ** Form reads badly but this trip/track is his caper and can include in exotics with tongue-tie added. 33
10 GOLFER * Out of bounds. 100
11 DESTINY GENERAL ** Gets blinkers back on and also appreciates being back on the Poly. 33
12 UNIVERSAL STARLITE * Placed last start in a weak one and might find this tough. 33
13 SUI GENERIS * Issues last start and easier to ignore. 100
14 SOARING WIN * OK last start but place very best in this field. 33
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Race 6
Selections; 3 DEMON KING – 5 SUPER VICTORY – 9 ZIPANGU – 6 DANNY
Another race with depth and plenty of options for value but the likely favourite in DEMON KING could be hard to beat on what he showed winning last start. Yes, that was in KSD company but his previous Class 4 form suggests he is more than up to this with gate 4 in his favour. Of the others with winning hopes, DANNY is in form and will keep them all honest late and if he makes use of gate 2, could be handier than normal when the things get serious on straightening. Likewise, SUPER VICTORY is always a chance in races like this and can be value so well worth a look at each-way odds. ZIPANGU has his first start on the Poly but goes mighty close on best form while last start winner BLACK BEAN and the emergency, ULTIMATE WARRIOR also feature heavily. Keep ROSADO safe at long odds as he should improve over this trip.
1 HARDCORE ROCK ** Not a lot last start this company and query this surface but might appreciate step up in trip. 20
2 ZAC BENEVOLENT ** Improves with blinkers added with a run under his belt. Keep safe. 20
3 DEMON KING *** Won well in KSD company this surface last start and happy to follow. 3.00
4 HIPPO PROSPERO * Easier to ignore. 50
5 SUPER VICTORY *** Always an each-way hope in this type of race and often value. 5.00
6 DANNY *** Another who is always a show and will make his presence felt late. 5.50
7 MASURAO * Nothing last start in tough company and might appreciate handicap conditions. 33
8 STAGE BRIGHT * Impossible on recent form. 33
9 ZIPANGU *** First time on the Poly at the races but stays like the mother-in-law and right in this late. 12
10 BLACK BEAN *** Up in grade but will go forward and hard to pass if left alone out front. 5.00
11 ROSADO *** Form OK but step up to what looks a suitable trip has him under notice with no weight. 12
12 EXCAVATOR ** Battling on OK late at recent starts suggests 1700m is a good move. 33
13 ULTIMATE WARRIOR *** Has looked due of late and pay to include if he gets a start. 12
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Race 7
Selections; 1 FLASH GIFT – 2 GATO NEGRO – 4 LIVELY DRAGON – 5 MAKAWAO
One thing is for sure, there will be a mad dash into the first bend. MAKAWAO and LIVELY DRAGON both have early pace and given they have drawn two and three respectively, it will be a battle early. As such, J See on FLASH GIFT from gate 1 has a few options up his sleeve. The 3kg claimer could hold the pair out or take a sit and both scenarios look winning ones. GATO NEGRO has drawn wide but will also appreciate the cracking early pace and expect him to be value and the one that is flying late with Oscar Chavez up. Oddly, none of the runners bar Class 5 bound LADY SHARK have a decent run under their belt leading into this so you will have to take them all on trust.
1 FLASH GIFT *** Did it tough last start so gets his chance from gate 1 with winkers added and a 3kg claim. 4.00
2 GATO NEGRO *** Disappointing last start but did it tough from wide gate last start and pay to keep safe at value. 12
3 SURE WIN *** Coming off a shocker but yet another who did it tough and worth a look on best form. 6.00
4 LIVELY DRAGON *** Has plenty of pace and in this a long way with Zaki from gate 3. 6.00
5 MAKAWAO *** Appreciates first-up run and another who has the pace to be in this a long way. 6.00
6 APPRECIATION ** Very disappointing last couple but recent trial suggests he can improve. 20
7 SPRING THUNDER ** Ran on well last start and will do the same as this race tempo should suit. 20
8 LADY SHARK * Goes OK on her day but needs easier than this. 33
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Race 8
Selections; 1 GODS SPEED – 5 CARNIVAL STAR – 10 SINGLE STAR – 9 GYPSY STAR
An odd race with seven or so horses that can win on recent form and four with buckleys. Of those that can win, GODS SPEED gets back on the Poly – his only winning surface – and that coupled with some nice recent turf form has him in the mix. Corey stays on and gate 4 suggests he gives it every chance. CARNIVAL STAR also come under notice after almost breaking his Poly duck at his last start. That was in a very similar race to this and from gate 2, Zuriman will be whacking away throughout and he should figure when it counts. SINGLE STAR is the interesting runner. His form is good and he did finish off well over 1400m last start but the mile is a query. Of the rest, GYPSY STAR will be finishing on late, MAX RESOURCE is always a show, SILENT POWER loves Munro and the emergency, JOHNNY HATES JAZZ, is some hope if he gets a start.
1 GODS SPEED *** In-form and worth thought back on winning surface with tongue-tie off. 3.00
2 SHENZHOU ONE * Issues last start but Poly form could be a worry. 20
3 SILENT POWER *** Ignore last start as goes very well for Munro and will be closing late. 6.00
4 WEOWNA FLYER * Appreciates being back on the Poly but wide gate makes this tough. 20
5 CARNIVAL STAR *** Yet to win on the Poly but effort last start when blinkers added has him hard to beat in this. 6.00
6 FOREIGN EXCHANGE ** Would win a race like this on his day so keep safe. 12
7 MAX RESOURCE *** Doesn’t win out of turn but always a show in races like this. 10
8 BROWNE’S ANATOMY ** Draw a concern but last run better than the result and usually thereabouts 33
9 GYPSY STAR *** In solid form and will be motoring late. 8.00
10 SINGLE STAR *** Query at the trip but in fine form and pay to keep safe. 8.00
11 REAL GOODMAN * Unreliable and gate suggests we looks elsewhere. 33
12 CONQUEST * Nuisance value only. 33
13 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ *** Will make his presence felt late. 6.00
14 CHENGDU WARRIOR ** Doesn’t win out if turn but in the mix if he gets a start. 12
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Race 9
Selections; 9 JUST THE TIP – 2 KAISER – 8 DYLAN – 10 THE MIGHTY THOR
Tough race to finish the night with a couple of horses dropping back to their recent winning Class and a couple of recent maiden winners looking well placed to follow. The best of the maiden winners looks to be JUST THE TIP who also has some recent good form in this company. With a TR Barnabas claim he will only carry 50kg and he might prove hard to run down with gate 2 in his favour. At the other end of the scale, KAISER is one of the Class droppers who looks well-placed in Class 4 to knock in another win. The 6YO had turned around some poor form of late and connections will be hoping he continues his good run in what should be a suitable race. Of the rest, DYLAN has his first look at the Polytrack at the races and is right in this on good trial form with THE MIGHTY THOR, STORMY ALONG, ANGRY CAT and BAZINGA all in with winning chances.
1 BAZINGA *** Wide gate an issue but comes under serious notice dropping to recent winning Class and trip. 12
2 KAISER *** Found some form of late and another that can win dropping to Class 4. 6.00
3 ANGRY CAT *** Found form and will be motoring late if any luck from inside draw. 6.00
4 PURE TACTICS ** Did well doing it tough to place last start and pay to follow. 12
5 PINT SIZED PRINCE ** Never looked likely first-up after spell but goes OK when right this type of race. 12
6 STAR BEAUTY ** Former Aussie who showed enough at recent trial to think she goes OK at Singapore debut. 12
7 SATELLITE KING ** OK late last start and goes OK in this type of race. 50
8 DYLAN *** First start on the Poly but form solid and could easily show up. 6.00
9 JUST THE TIP *** Coming off a maiden win but previous form this company suggests he goes mighty close. 6.00
10 THE MIGHTY THOR *** Broke maiden status in KSD company last start and another to follow. 6.00
11 STORMY ALONG *** Maiden who is trialing well of late so one to watch at value. 12
12 GYPSY MAGIC * Will go OK late but might be looking at easier than this. 33
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