Divided House (Corey Brown, on the outside) edges past Solaris Spectrum (Matthew Kellady) to claim Race. (picture by Singapore Turf Club)
A very interesting nights racing with plenty of raced newcomers and horses resuming to keep punters well and truly on their toes.
Case in point is the former Australian galloper, VANDERBILT, who looks extremely well placed in Class 4 to show his best in race 3 on the card.
A last start winner over 1000m when racing as Bugatty at Moonee Valley (Melbourne, Victoria), VANDERBILT has looked very good at the trials and a strong debut in a race with little depth in expected.
Another good bet on the card – DIVIDED HOUSE – has the local form on the board but is resuming from a spell.
However, the form from her first campaign in Singapore – including a great first-up run when narrowly beaten – was excellent and her recent trial suggests she has lost nothing for the short 
spell.
There is some value about elsewhere on the card and BLACK MAGIC looks a solid option in suitable company in race 1 on the card while VON KRUMM could show them a clean set of heels in the lucky last from gate 1 at each-way value.
Friday 11 September
Best Bets: (VANDERBILT race 3, win), (DIVIDED HOUSE race 5, win) and (BLACK MAGIC race 1, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 4 and 5), race 7 (1 and 2), race 8 (1, 4, 5 and 6), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 5 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; 1 BLACK MAGIC – 7 ALAN – 5 LOUEY VELOCE – 6 HOST THE NATION
BLACK MAGIC resumes today after having respiratory issues back in February and all things considered, he can make a winning return to the track. His first campaign netted one win and one place from four starts but given the support and results, he does look a progressive type and one to follow. His recent trials suggest he is over any issues he may have had at his last start but in saying that, you would want to see some stable support with Troy See (2kg) to take the ride. ALAN probably looks the safer bet in what is a suitable race for the 5YO. He showed last start – albeit in Class 5 – that the Poly is his caper and he does again look the benchmark with Michael Rodd staying in the saddle. Of the rest with winning hopes, LOUEY VELOCE gets blinkers after being disappointing of late so look for a cheeky run from him and HOST THE NATION finds himself in a winnable race and is in form so has to be respected. WARSPIRIT some hope in exotics at value.
1 BLACK MAGIC *** Progressive type resuming in what looks a very suitable race and recent trials suggests he goes very close. 5.00
2 HOME RUN HERO ** Will win in this company but might need longer to show his best. 5.00
3 SCIENCE FICTION * Better than what he showed last start but another who may need longer. 20
4 GOLD LINE ** Drawn awkwardly but thereabouts as a rule and most recent win was in this company. 10
5 LOUEY VELOCE *** Form better than it reads and could run a very cheeky race with blinkers added from gate 2. 6.00
6 HOST THE NATION *** Won two starts back in similar affair and could be value. 20
7 ALAN *** Last start win was in Class 5 but Poly record suggests he is up to this. 5.00
8 ROMA ** Probably needs easier to win but will be in the exotic mix. 20
9 XIN TREASURE * Mixes his form but one to keep safe at odds. 33
10 OCEAN WORLD ** Late Neutrinos. Form reads badly but recent good trial for new trainer has him under notice. 12
11 WARSPIRIT ** Work late last start suggest he is worth look in this field. 12
12 I’M KOOL ** Maiden who has shown enough to include in exotics but may need easier. 12
13 CLERMONT CLUB * Reassess easy and longer. 50
14 FLYING WINNER * Placed over the mile last start and recent trial OK but should need easier. 33
Race 2
Selections; 4 NOVA STRIKE – 1 CAIRO – 5 SUPER WARRIOR – 3 LLYNA
While it may only be a small field heading to the starter in this Restricted Maiden and NOVA STRIKE is the obvious pick, a debutante and an improver makes this more than interesting. But NOVA STRIKE is the one to beat and after narrowly missing (half a length) on his race debut behind Magnum, he can make quick amends. He was supported that day and with Nunes replacing Shafiq, he will be short again and probably start in the red. The debutante that keeps him honest is SUPER WARRIOR from the Freedman stable. The 3YO looked good enough at the trials to think he gives this a shake and it will be interesting to see how much support he gets with Corey Brown a good booking. LLYNA is the other debutante who showed enough at the trails to keep safe in exotics. CAIRO resuming could be the smokey. The 3YO placed behind Super One on debut before finding it too tough at 2YO Group level in the Golden Horseshoe. He will find this field more to his liking and recent trial with blinkers suggests he improves length with headgear added.
1 CAIRO *** Resuming after chasing home Super One at two starts as a juvenile and recent trials suggests he goes close with blinkers added. 5.00
2 CAMERA STELLATA * Failed to flatter on debut and needs to show more. 20
3 LLYNA ** Has looked comfortable at the odd trial and well worth a market watch on debut. 8.00
4 NOVA STRIKE *** Just missed with support on debut and can make quick amends in this field with Nunes up. 1.80
5 SUPER WARRIOR *** Trials like he knows a bit about the caper and expect very forward debut. 3.50
6 VOYAGER * Blinkers off but needs to show more. 33
7 MOTHER NATURE ** Will show early dash with blinkers added but may be found wanting late. 20
Race 3
Selections; 2 VANDERBILT – 5 LADY ROULETTE – 3 OUR TOUCHE – 6 MASTERMIND
An interesting race with two newcomers in VANDERBILT and CAPTAIN BLONDIE likely to have a big say in this Class 4 event. Both are ex-Australians and both have shown enough at the trials to think they have settled in nicely to their new surroundings. But of the two, VANDERBILT has the best recent form from Australia (when racing as Bugatty) and his last start win over 1000m will hold up in this field. The 4YO was racing in some good company prior to that and with Corey Brown riding for Steve Burridge; he can win at his Singapore debut. Of the others, OUR TOUCHE has looked very solid at two runs in Singapore since arriving from NZ and will win a race like this sooner than later while LADY ROULETTE and MASTERMIND both come into this with last start wins under their belts. LADY ROULETTE’s win in particular was very strong and her recent form suggests she is one to follow.
1 HONEST TRUTH ** Form reads terribly but has speed and drops significantly in Class so keep safe. 20
2 VANDERBILT *** Former Australian who won at his last start in Australia and recent trial suggests he can win this. 3.00
3 OUR TOUCHE *** Looked to have every chance last start over 1200m but will win one sooner than later. 4.50
4 CAPTAIN BLONDIE ** Another former Australian who trials OK and can include in exotics on debut. 20
5 LADY ROULETTE *** Hit some form and last start win strong enough to give this a shake. 4.00
6 MASTERMIND *** Not the type to win out of turn and drawn wide but last start win has to be respected. 6.00
7 SUGAR MAN ** Better in Class 5 but gets senior hoop and honest enough to include in exotics. 12
8 SUPER JOY ** Beaten a long way into second last start and another who may need Class 5 to win. 20
9 DELFYNE * Maiden who should need easier. 50
10 DRAGON INFINITY * Maiden win was this trip but like to see in Class 5. 50
11 STOCK BROKER * Enjoys gate 1 but another who needs Class 5. 20
Race 4
Selections; 3 CARO INA – 8 SING EXPRESS – 1 TARAMEA – 2 WINNING GOOD
The market will be a terrific guide in this race given most of the field doesn’t look like winning a race anytime soon. So while a couple will improve with significant jockey changes, CARO INA looks the benchmark. The 4YO Argentinian has put in two solid efforts over 1200m but gave every indication that the mile will suit. A recent trial where he showed nothing early but plenty late looks an ideal hit-out and if he is close enough when things get serious, he will be hard to hold out. SING ROULETTE could be the main danger on what he showed at his second career start. That effort was after a inauspicious debut and with a lightweight and Harry Kassim up, he could win this. The two horses that come under notice with senior hoops booked are TARAMEA and WINNING GOOD with Rodd and Nunes respectively. Both obviously need to improve on recent efforts but the top jockeys will make a difference.
1 TARAMEA *** Just fair last start when blinkers added but senior hoop in this weak field suggests he goes close. 5.00
2 WINNING GOOD *** Another who improves on recent just fair form with senior hoop and can win on early career form. 5.00
3 CARO INA *** Form solid and work late at recent trial suggests he is right in this. 2.50
4 QUEEN’S ABEJA * No. 100
5 MEGABUCKS ** Freshened after working home well last start over 1400m so pay to keep safe. 8.00
6 DRIVE ** Nothing last start but showed enough two starts back to include in exotics. 12
7 ROYAL EXPLORER * Will improve with racing but like to see something before considering. 20
8 SING EXPRESS *** Improved at second career start and subsequent trial suggests he can win this with no weight. 5.00
9 SLAVONIC DANCE * No. 100
Race 5
Selections; 1 DIVIDED HOUSE – 7 STIRLING – 4 RED DAWN – 2 OCEAN GENERAL
An odd race where there only looks a couple serious winning hopes with most others either looking out of form or over the wrong trip. DIVIDED HOUSE is certainly one in the winning mix and probably starts odds-on. The filly is first up after a spell but given what she showed at her first campaign, she is definitely going places. Three wins on the trot after a narrow defeat at her Kranji debut suggests she has enjoyed the expat lifestyle in Singapore and a recent trial has her ready to continue her winning ways. STIRLING looks her biggest danger. The 5YO has had excuses at a couple of recent unplaced runs and at his best he is easily up to winning a race like this with Barend Vorster on-board. The only other that looks in good enough form and is in the right type of race to win is RED DAWN. The 4YO is extremely honest and will race handy which suggests he is right in this finish. Forget the rest.
1 DIVIDED HOUSE *** Talented mare resuming with nice trial and hard to beat. 1.80
2 OCEAN GENERAL ** Rarely seen on the turf but in form and has speed to burn so keep safe. 5.00
3 ASPEN * Significantly back in trip and might find a few of these too slick. 16
4 RED DAWN *** Honest and will be prominent throughout. 4.50
5 AMAZEALOT * Struggling. 50
6 GRAVITY * May appreciate turf but hard to have on exposed form. 50
7 STIRLING *** Could make excuses for recent just fair runs as this looks suitable. 6.00
8 INVICTUS * Reassess over longer. 50
9 HUMOR TOWN * Struggling. 100
10 IKING * Excuses last start but good recent form over longer. 50
Race 6
Selections; 2 MUSCLE BEACH – 4 ACROSS THE SEA – 1 ALFONSO – 3 INVINCIBLE GOLD
The first leg of the “quaddie” or “jackpot” and unfortunately for the budget, the field looks a very good option. Absolutely nothing jumps off the page to win and worse still, nothing looks hopeless so it may be a case of finding each-way value if we can find it. MUSCLE BEACH will appreciate being back in trip and back on the turf. In fact his form of late over 1400m on the turf is easily good enough to win this with Corey Brown riding for Michael Freedman – a good combination. ACROSS THE SEA is in very solid form and probably looks the benchmark. The 3YO has only one win to his name from eight career starts but should add to that tally in suitable races and company like this. For value, ALFONSO could be the one to be on. The 6YO gets a tongue-tie after something went amiss last Friday and from gate 1, he might just give a sight over what is a suitable trip. Throw a blanket over the rest including last start winner LUCKY COIN and good luck.
1 ALFONSO *** Backing up from last Friday with tongue-tie added and will be in this a very long way with company and gate in his favour. 12
2 MUSCLE BEACH *** In form and appreciates being back on the turf over the mile. 4.50
3 INVINCIBLE GOLD ** Most recent win over 1400m so will appreciate dropping back from 1800m. 8.00
4 ACROSS THE SEA *** Been in solid form of late and appreciates KSD company. 5.00
5 LUCKY COIN ** Broke maiden status in fine style when blinkers added last start and will be involved late if race run to suit. 8.00
6 SPEED MACHINE ** Maiden who didn’t miss by much last start and could surprise if handy early. 10
7 WONDERFUL ERA ** Form better than it reads and will find this company to his liking. Value. 20
8 KNOW EACH OTHER ** Disappointing not to have won for the support of late but usually thereabouts. 12
9 ABOVE THE SKYLINE ** Maiden who placed with support last start and should be competitive. 7.00
10 DR N WING FIGHTERS ** Form better than it reads and appreciates the turf so keep safe in exotics at long odds. 50
11 RON ** Solid as a rule but may be looking for easier. 12
12 SWIFT ** Ignore last start on the Poly as previous turf form has him involved somewhere at odds. 20
13 HAN SOLO * Has pace but not much more. 100
14 EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE ** Recent form OK and maiden win was on the turf so should be competitive. 20
Race 7
Selections; 1 SEBAS – 2 GREAT SUN – 6 CORONET PEAK – 7 BIGDINERO
A race in two with punters likely to take sides and back either SEBAS or GREAT SUN. And truth be told it was a toss-up when they met a few weeks back where GREAT SUN got the chocolates and it’s a toss up again as they meet closer at the weights. The swing is 2kg and that obviously goes in SEBAS’ favour for being beaten half a length. That’s good enough for me coupled with a slight advantage at the barriers (six to Great Sun’s seven) and while that seems a small matter, it may make the difference with both likely to go forward early in this small field. But hard to fault GREAT SUN’s winning form – three straight – and if you were on him last start, you would be staying on. Nothing else wins on paper but MAC VOLKS looks the next best with CORONET PEAK and BIGDENIRO likely to keep things interesting late if race run to suit.
1 SEBAS *** Beaten fair and square by Great Sun last start but does get 2kg pull in the weights. 2.00
2 GREAT SUN *** In spanking form winning his last three and will figure heavily again. 2.40
3 MAC VOLKS ** Always a show on the poly in this company and has won twice this trip. 6.00
4 RAPIDO STAR * Struggling. 200
5 BLACK FIERY ** Jockey reported issues last start (respiratory) and would give this a shake on best form. 20
6 CORONET PEAK ** In form and will be the one keeping them all honest late. 12
7 BIGDINERO ** Tongue-tie off, blinkers on. First up run good and will work into this late. 13
Race 8
Selections; 5 BATTLE HORSE – 6 POWER LIN – 1 AMI – 4 MAKAWAO
A lot of question marks over the leading contenders here but as it stands a last start winner in BATTLE HORSE looks a good option. The 5YO won after resuming sans blinkers after a bleeding attack and certainly showed his debut placing was no fluke and is a horse to follow. Horses do seem to go well first up after a bleeding attack though so POWER LIN must be seriously considered. The 5YO was in good form prior to his enforced layoff and should give a sight if he can overcome the wide gate and get some luck in running. Another with a question mark over his form is AMI. A two-time winner, AMI has been seemingly out of form since changing stables but he finds himself back on the Polytrack with blinkers and the tongue-tie removed, so look for sharp improvement. MAKAWAO showed last start he is back in some form and has to be included in winning calculations with tongue-tie off and blinkers on.
1 AMI *** Blinkers/tongue tie off. Recent form looks hopeless but back on the poly in suitable race could see a result. 5.00
2 DOHATSUTEN * Should need longer. 50
3 DREAMCATCHER ** Always an each-way show in races like this. 12
4 MAKAWAO *** Tongue-tie off and blinkers on. Has speed and showed last start he is ready to win again. 5.00
5 BATTLE HORSE *** Progressive type who had excuses for only bad run. Big show. 3.00
6 POWER LIN *** Resuming after bleeding attack and trails suggests he runs a big race. 6.00
7 FRAGRANCE EMPIRE ** Appreciates first-up run and would give this a shake on best form. 20
8 SOON YI ** Resuming and the type that will be flying late if on song. 20
9 CITY OF SAILS * Struggling. 50
10 JET MAN ** Up in grade after nice enough win and has the pace to be competitive in this. 9.00
11 BRANKSOME * Not far away two back but should need easier. 33
12 SCARLET STAR * Not a mile away last start and maiden win was this trip but should need easier. 33
Race 9
Selections; 3 VON KRUMM – 2 SMART PEOPLE – 10 HERO I AM – 1 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK
GOLDEN TOMAHAWK probably starts favourite in the lucky last and justifiably so after three wins and six places from just 10 career starts. However, he is having his first start on the turf and has drawn wide on the tricky E Course, so there may be those willing to back against the promising 4YO. So who beats him? VON KRUMM (with the very low tum) will give a sight from the ace. The 5YO’s form is better than it reads and given he will race on the pace, Michael Rodd will ensure whoever passes him late will earn their cheque. SMART PEOPLE also appeals. The former Malaysian looks a better option on the turf and with grass form around the likes of Jimmy Rea, he can win this without surprising. Down in the weights, HERO I AM was tried over the mile last start and could be terrific value fresh back over 1200m and keep LUCKY MISSION safe at odds.
1 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK *** Having first start on the turf but hard to fault honest form and in this a very long way. 3.00
2 SMART PEOPLE *** Switch to turf looks a good option and expect very forward showing. 5.00
3 VON KRUMM *** This race looks very suitable and could be hard to run down from the ace. 6.00
4 BACH’S AIR ** Off tune on debut when supported but has trialed well since. 11
5 LUCKY MISSION *** Appreciates first-up run and could give this a shout at value. 12
6 MY BROTHERS KEEPER ** Resuming. Progressive type who probably need longer but have to respect. 12
7 STRAIGHTTOTHEPOINT * Had issues of late and have to take on trust. 100
8 VERGLATICA * Needs longer. 50
9 KAISER ** Wont win out of turn but honest and figures somewhere at the business end. 8.00
10 HERO I AM *** Smart type back in trip after showing little over the mile and could easily show up fresh. 8.00
11 SACRED SPIN ** In form but back in trip some concern. 15
