Coronet Peak finds himself in Class 4 for the first time since September 2013
Only eight races on the menu at Kranji today but there looks something for everyone with value early and some good things late.
Early in the card a Class dropper or two could provide the value starting with CAIYAYA in race 1. A nine-time winner, CAIYAYA has only had the one start in Class 5 in some 67 career starts and given he won on that occasion – albeit a couple of years back – he will improve lengths in this company and a win would not surprise. In race 3 on the card, CORONET PEAK finds himself in Class 4 for the first time since September 2013 and his recent form suggests he will more than enjoy the company.
He just missed last start behind Golden Tomahawk in a BM67 Poly sprint last start and that form has to hold up here. Later in the card there looks to be a couple of strong winning hopes in RAISE NO DOUBT and SEBAS is races six and seven respectively. RAISE NO DOUBT resumed with a terrific win for his new stable in a similar race to this (BM 83 1200m) and no reason to think he doesn’t go on with the job.
OLYMPIC ANTHEM will keep him honest though given good form plus a very good recent trial and he may be a better value option given RAISE NO DOUBT will start short. SEBAS would be more than competitive against that pair and the fact he finds himself in a Class 3 over 1000m; he looks a very good thing. Obviously GREAT SUN gunning for a hat trick of wins makes it interesting but all things considered, SEBAS should win.
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Friday 21 August
Best Bets: (SEBAS race 7, win), (D’BUFFALO MAN race 2, each-way) and (BLACK FRIDAY race 4, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 5 (1, 2, 4 and 5), race 6 (1, 3, 4 and 5), race 7 (2), race 8 (1, 3, 4 and 5).
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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 CAIYAYA – 3 SUPER EIGHT – 5 HAPPY SAGA – 4 ZAC COMMAND
An extremely tough race to open a rare eight-race card with too many horses likely to improve dramatically back in Class 5. Heading that list is a nine-time winner in CAIYAYA. The veteran has never scaled great heights in his 67 start career, however, it’s hard to argue with his winning strike rate which includes one win from one run in Class 5. Likewise, SUPER EIGHT finds himself in Class 5 after finding it tough after his maiden win back in January. He also gets the experienced Harry Kassim and expect improvement in what should be a suitable race. Of the rest, HAPPY SAGA dropped to Class 5 a couple of starts back and showed he wins soon with best work expected late and ZAC COMMAND must go close although his starts can be an issue. SAFFIR and LADY SHARK both win without surprising is what is a strong field.
1 CAIYAYA *** Significant drop in Class and wins if close to his best. 8.00
2 SAFFIR *** Only career win was over the mile but has speed and will find Class 5 to his liking. 5.00
3 SUPER EIGHT *** Another whose recent form reads badly but will improve lengths in this company. 16
4 ZAC COMMAND *** Showed last start this company is his caper and looks the benchmark. 6.00
5 HAPPY SAGA *** Will be motoring late and wins soon in this type of race. 4.00
6 LADY SHARK *** Yet another with her foot on the till and goes close if they can make use of the good gate. 5.00
7 ALL MY WAY ** Not at his best of late but capable on a good day. 20
8 FARRAND * Impossible on form but gets blinkers/pacifiers so could improve. 50
9 FLAMING FIREHEART ** Disappointing with support last start but previous form has him having some say. 12
10 RAINBOW WARRIOR * Back in trip but gets blinkers and could improve. 33
11 SIMPANG ** Won a weak one last start but winning form has to be respected. 12
12 LIVE WELL * Solid but tested in this top-heavy field. 33
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Race 2
Selections; 6 D’BUFFALO MAN – 2 TERMS OF REFERENCE – 1 ALOHA – 4 GREY GATSBY
Three standouts in this Restricted Maiden with ALOHA, TERMS OF REFERENCE and D’BUFFALO MAN all ready to win. ALAHO looked to have every chance last start but certainly would have lost few friends with his effort suggesting he wins sooner than later with a switch to leading apprentice, R Shafiq, in his favour. Likewise, TERMS OF REFERENCE is also well and truly due and a recent good trial suggests he has trained on well since his close-up placing when blinkers where added last start. D’BUFFALO MAN might have more upside though given connections thought enough of his debut placing to have a crack in the Group 3 Juvenile Championship. We can put a line through that run and he could be too good for these with Michael Rodd booked. The market might be a good guide on the rest but there was a bit to like about the recent trial of GREY GATSBY so it will pay to keep him safe at odds.
1 ALOHA *** Gets tongue-tie after just missing last start and has to win one of the soon. 3.00
2 TERMS OF REFERENCE *** Due and recent nice trial suggests he goes mighty close again. 3.00
3 GOLD STOCK * No. 100
4 GREY GATSBY ** Shown glimpses but recent trial looked good enough to keep safe each way. 10
5 RED JEWEL ** Best run was on the Poly and could run a cheeky race. 12
6 D’BUFFALO MAN *** Showed plenty on debut and will find this easier than the Juvenile Championship. Can win. 4.00
7 ELISE * Appreciates debut run but may need further. 33
8 FLYING SHADOW ** Gets blinkers and improves lengths on debut run. 20
9 GOLD PIN ** Won most recent trial but in extremely slow time so would need support to consider. 20
10 GOLDEN MILE * Not on exposed trial form. 33
11 GURU-GURU * Gets winkers after being green at two race starts. Later. 33
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Race 3
Selections; 1 CORONET PEAK – 4 KISS ME – 6 BENJI’S RULE – 8 HOST THE NATION
Another Class dropper in CORONET PEAK looks very well placed to win this Class 4 Poly sprint. The 8YO hasn’t been in this company since knocking in his third win on the trot back in November 2013 and given his form of late has been better than solid in some nice races, he should win. There are a few horses with recent winning form to their name but while the likes of BENJI’S RULE, HOST THE NATION and even ROMA won in easier company, KISS ME showed a Class 4 field a clean set of heels late and looks the obvious danger. In fact the win good enough to think the 5YO could start favourite and pay to follow. Of the others with winning form, BENJI’S RULE gets Nunes who has an excellent record on the gelding while S John replaces HK Cheng on HOST THE NATION and he must be respected. RACER KING another to keep very safe back on the Poly after a rare good turf run.
1 CORONET PEAK *** In good form in better company than this and should be very hard to beat. 3.00
2 GOLDEN MISSION ** Form just fair but appreciates drop back to winning Class. 20
3 GOLD LINE ** Been thereabouts of late and has won on the Poly previously so keep safe. 7.00
4 KISS ME *** Bolted in last start in similar affair and looks the benchmark. 3.00
5 RACER KING *** Just missed last start on the turf and better suited back on the Poly. Big show. 7.00
6 BENJI’S RULE *** Win two starts back was in KSD company but will enjoy having Nunes back on-board. 8.00
7 ENLIGHTEN KNIGHT * Should need further. 100
8 HOST THE NATION *** Won in KSD company last start and this doesn’t look much tougher. 10
9 ROMA ** Showed last start in Class 4 why she has to be respected. 20
10 JIM * Reassess easier and longer. 100
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Race 4
Selections; 1 BLACK FRIDAY – 2 KING SAVINSKY – 8 GODS SPEED – 3 TIGER BAY
While it might be a Class 5, three maidens play a part in this race with KING STRAVINSKY the pick of that bunch. The 5YO has been all over them of late – obviously without winning – and his close-up effort behind Singsurat in a similar affair last start suggests he starts short and is the one to beat. The two other maidens that have to be mentioned are TIGER BAY who appreciates the company after six starts in winless company and the cult hero SUPER VELOX who could show up at start 69 (yes, start 69!). But we were keen on BLACK FRIDAY dropping to this company last start and given his saddle slipped badly on that occasion, we will stick with him. His only win in Singapore was in KSD over 1900m so the race is very suitable. GODS SPEED another to watch – hopefully at odds – given he has been in unsuitable races of late and he is the improver.
1 BLACK FRIDAY *** Saddle slipped similar affair last start and pay to give another chance. 6.00
2 KING SAVINSKY *** Just missed last start and looks the one to beat with tongue-tie removed. 2.30
3 TIGER BAY *** Maiden having first start on the Poly but trip and company will suit. 5.00
4 GRAND PARIS * Struggling. 33
5 GOLDEN JADE * Nothing last start similar affair. 33
6 RIGHT IS RIGHT ** In the mix with King Stravinsky last start and will be thereabouts. 5.00
7 SILVER FLY * No. 50
8 GODS SPEED *** Form reads badly but race is very suitable so look for improvement. 20
9 SUPER VELOX ** Sixty-eight start maiden who can place in a field with no depth. 6.00
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Race 5
Selections; 5 CASSIS OOLONG – 14 FANTASTIC BOY – 4 LUCKY COME – 2 DRAGON NINETYNINE
Unless you are having a good day it may pay to steer well clear of this race as there looks to be too many unknowns to have a punt with any confidence. Which makes CASSIS OOLONG the safest option. The 6YO has won three from some 33 starts and while he hasn’t won for over a year, he is in very honest form and looks the benchmark. In the less certain category is DELUGE. The 4YO maiden was disappointing again with support last start but he should enjoy Class 5 company (division 2) and worth keeping safe with the tongue-tie removed. DRAGON NINETYNINE is also a risk given he will give this a shake if it can race handy early (but struggles to do so) but another to keep safe. LUCKY COME probably comes under the “safe” category, as he will work into this late. Of the rest, keep SACRED CROWN safe back on his preferred surface but hard to make a case for others.
1 DELUGE *** Tongue-tie off after being disappointing last start with support but Class 5 suits. 12
2 DRAGON NINETYNINE *** Gives this a shake if forward early. 12
3 TONGARIRO * Needs longer. 20
4 LUCKY COME *** Drawn awkwardly but is due and will be closing late with tongue-tie added. 3.00
5 CASSIS OOLONG *** Also has his foot on the till and looks a very solid winning option. 3.00
6 HANDSOME BAB ** Versatile and in OK form but query trip this surface. 6.00
7 SOUTH GATE * Resumed over 1800m last Friday so not sure this is ideal. 20
8 LOYALTY’S ANGEL * No. 100
9 BUZET ** Dawn badly but always an each-way show at value. 20
10 SACRED CROWN ** Ignore last two as improves at odds back on the Poly. 12
11 TOOBIGTOFAIL * Battles away but should need longer. 20
12 BLACK DIAMOND * Yet to place in some 12 starts. 100
13 GREENBACK * Not a mile away last start but usually disappoints. 33
14 FANTASTIC BOY * No. 100
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Race 6
Selections; 4 RAISE NO DOUBT – 3 OLYMPIC ANTHEM – 5 GOOD NEWS – 1 INDIAN JADE
The highlight of the night and with two last start winners and two others in form, it should be a very busy finish. RAISE NO DOUBT was very impressive winning when resuming in a similar race to this and hardest to beat on that effort. That was also his first run for Stephen Gray and given that was the 5YO’s fourth win from nine starts, he can go on with the job with Corey Brown retaining the winning ride. GOOD NEWS is the other last start winner when he swooped in a race that was run to suit his style so expect him o keep them honest late. The biggest danger to RAISE NO DOUNT though could be OLYMPIC ANTHEM. The 5YO had excuses in good Poly company last start and given a very smart recent trial, he could be ready to win again. Plenty of others to watch with INDIAN JADE looking in good form and EXCEED AND EXPRESS will keep them all honest with a lightweight.
1 INDIAN JADE *** Almost got the chocolates last start and gets his chance in this with tongue-tie added. 5.00
2 ASTROSTAR ** Disappointing with support last start so have to take on trust. 10
3 OLYMPIC ANTHEM *** Excuses last start but form prior and strong recent trial suggests he can win this. 4.00
4 RAISE NO DOUBT *** Resumed with very good win and looks the one to beat on that effort. 2.50
5 GOOD NEWS *** Race run to suit when swooping to win similar affair last start but have to respect. 6.00
6 PETRENUI * Needs to improve on some recent efforts. 33
7 WAR TIME * Resuming sans blinkers after bleeding attack and should need longer. 50
8 EXCEED EXPRESS ** Will race handy and keep a few honest throughout. 12
9 MEXBOROUGH BOY * Knows how to win but tested this level. 20
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Race 7
Selections; 2 SEBAS – 4 GREAT SUN – 6 LIVELY DRAGON – 3 SMART PEOPLE
SEBAS could be a very good thing in what looks a very weak Class 3 Poly sprint field. The 4YO has won four (all this trip) and placed another four times from just 11 career starts and given his last start effort to keep the smart Raise No Doubt honest (who can frank that form in race 6), he gets his chance here. In fact bar a nuisance runner or two, he should make every post a winner for Alan Munro. Also in his favour is that his biggest danger – GREAT SUN – is up in Class and that is always tough. True, the 4YO has hit a rich vein of form that has him on a hat trick of wins but SEBAS does have the runs on the board in this company. Nothing else jumps off the page although LIVELY DRAGON is expected to run a cheeky race for Nunes back on the Poly while SMART PEOPLE is better than he has showed at his last two and given he returned not striding last start, could improve lengths if right. LUCKY MISSION, MEDIA CAPTAIN and INTENSE GOLD for the novelties in a race with no
depth.
1 RAPIDO STAR * Struggling. 100
2 SEBAS *** In very good form and hard to pass in this. 1.80
3 SMART PEOPLE ** Excuses last couple and would give this a shake if right. 20
4 GREAT SUN ** Up in Class but in spanking form and have to respect. 4.00
5 GRAVITY * Didn’t show enough at Singapore debut. 50
6 LIVELY DRAGON ** Very much appreciates being back on the Poly cheeky run expected. 6.00
7 LUCKY MISSION ** Resuming and could show up on best form. 20
8 BLUE DIAMOND * Struggled since winning similar race to this back in May but last start was an improvement. 33
9 INTENSE GOLD ** Back in trip a concern but in good enough form to include in exotics. 12
10 MEDIA CAPTAIN ** Should need easier to win but this race has no depth so another to include in exotics. 12
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Race 8
Selections; 1 KEEN DRAGON – 4 KIRKUS – 3 LIKA TIGER – 5 DRAGON BOBO
A solid race to finish the card and KEEN DRAGON gets a chance to make quick amends for being a good thing beaten last start. He had excuses from the wide gate on that occasion before storming home to just miss behind the consistent KAISER. In his way could be the last start maiden winner, KIRKUS. The 4YO had excuses when making an eye-catching debut and given he beat GROENEWEGEN at start two – and that form has been franked – he could be the testing material. LIKA TIGER is also in the mix after showing enough last start in nice company to think Class 4 is winnable. DRAGON BOBO also looks a good show with blinkers removed on form plus a nice recent trial the rest of the field could be included in exotics.
1 KEEN DRAGON *** Looked a good thing beaten last start and can make quick amends. 3.00
2 AL VALORE ** Health issues last couple and win four starts back was on the Poly so look for improvement. 12
3 LIKA TIGER *** Ran on well last start in good company and will make his presence felt in this. 8.00
4 KIRKUS *** Backed up good debut with a nice win and more than up to this company. 3.00
5 DRAGON BOBO *** Blinkers off after solid run of form and recent trial suggest he goes close. 6.00
6 XIN TREASURE * Disappointing as a rule but did go close on Poly two starts back. 33
7 SING ROULETTE ** Coming off a shocker but subsequent trial suggests he can included at value. 20
8 LUCKY SIX ** Ignore last start as recent good form has all been on the Poly. 12
9 REAL HERO ** Coming off back-to-back wins but this is much tougher. 12
10 PROBO CHANDROSO * Not a mile away last stat but better suited Class 5. 33
11 BRINGITHOME ** Honest but exotics look best. 20
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