It’s a close go, but Devil’s Cut gets the verdict by a nose from Hot Gold. Photo by Singapore Turf Club
With the exception of a nice Novice event early in the card (race 3) that features three last start winners and an interesting newcomer in DEVIL’S CUT, the meeting doesn’t really get going until some nice races late including race 8; a cracking BM 83 sprint.
Like the Novice, this field features three last start winners including GREAT SUN who is going for an amazing five straight victories.
The 4YO has hit a purple patch of Poly form of late and while he faces another test in this strong field, his last start win looks good enough to continue his winning run.
BEST TOTHELIGN and the exciting BATTLE HORSE are the other two sprinters that come into this with good wins under their belts with the latter up in Class after demolishing his rivals in Class 4.
But the biggest danger to GREAT SUN may be RAISE NO DOUBT who has returned to racing in fine style winning at his first run back before just missing on the Poly last time out.
The 5YO has drawn wide in gate 8, but his last start effort suggests he plays a big part here for Michael Rodd.
It doesn’t stop there with GOOD NEWS likely to be doing best work late with ITALIAN JOB find
ing himself in the right company to turn some good form into an overdue win.
Elsewhere on the card, TROPICAL FOREST looks well placed in Class 5 to knock in a win in race 1 while CLIP THE TICKET looks a very solid option to send punters home happy in the lucky last.
Friday 2 October
Best Bets: (PEER GYNT race 2, win), (CLERMONT CLUB race 5, each-way) and (TROPICAL FOREST race 1, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (3, 5 and 8), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8), race 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7), race 9 (2, 3, 7 and 8).
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; 6 TROPICAL FOREST – 7 WARSPIRIT – 2 LUCKY SIX – 5 TIM
A very strong Class 5 to open the card and with so many Class droppers, expect improvement from a few with the market a good guide. TROPICAL FOREST is one such horse and a couple of nice recent trials suggests he is ready to show his best dropping to Class 5. Gate 1 and Oscar Chavez is an interesting combination but at their respective best, a win would not surprise. His stablemate, WARSPIRIT, also looks a big improver back in Class 5. The 8YO has been thereabouts of late without a result in some better company and again, at his best he would win a race like this. Staying with the horses dropping in Class, LUCKY SIX has to be a big show in his recent winning company with being back on the Poly also in his favour. Include STOCK BROKER in that group of improvers as well. But the benchmark is TIM. The 6YO might not have won since December 2013 but his recent form – albeit without a result – is very good and she has to win one sooner than later. FRANCES the roughie with blinkers added.
1 ANAK PENANG ** Improves lengths at long odds with blinkers added. 33
2 LUCKY SIX *** Appreciates being back on the Poly and could be hard to beat dropping to Class 5. 12
3 STEED EXPEDITE ** Maiden who resumed with a solid effort and pay to keep safe. 8.00
4 STOCK BROKER *** Ignore last couple as won this Class three starts back with C Brown on-board. 8.00
5 TIM *** A long time between drinks but hard to fault recent form and must win soon. 3.00
6 TROPICAL FOREST *** Sneaks into Class 5 with some strong recent trials under his belt. Can win. 6.00
7 WARSPIRIT *** Another HW Tan runner who finds himself down in grade and can win on best form. 6.00
8 WINDSOR KNOT ** Long-term maiden status some concern but always in the exotic mix. 12
9 THE MIGHTY THOR ** Disappointing with support last start but another that should be in the mix. 12
10 FRANCES *** Form reads badly but gets blinkers and recent trial suggest she could go well. 20
11 GYPSY MAGIC ** Remarkably cannot be discounted at start 103. 20
Race 2
Selections; 8 PEER GYNT – 1 LUMINIFF LAD – 5 CONDADO – 7 MY REACH
While we have given a few horses’ second looks and suggested they can win, this race does look a battle between two handy debutantes in LUMINIFF LAD and PEER GYNT. You would expect punters to think much the same and the two will go off short with perhaps PEER GYNT with 53kg and Manny Nunes up starting favourite. The NZ-bred 3YO has looked slick at two recent blinker trials and he will be extremely hard to beat if he can bring that trial form to the track. However, LUMINIFF LAD has also trialed well and certainly good enough to carry an extra 4kg than PEER GYNT given the gelding is a NH-bred 3YO. The others that deserve a mention are CONDADO on debut who has trialed well and has a handy 4kg claim, while of the raced brigade, MY REACH looks the best given he improves for his race experience with a nice recent trial a pointer.
1 LUMINIFF LAD *** Trials like a winner and has to be a huge show in this weak field. 2.50
2 DRAGON GOLD ** Has speed and can include in exotics over this trip. 12
3 SHARP KNIGHT * No. 100
4 BAIL OUT ** Excuses last start and worth some though as was supported two back. 20
5 CONDADO *** Showed enough at Official Trial to think he could have a say on debut. 12
6 CONFLIGHT ** Another debutante who has looked OK at the trials with market watch in order. 12
7 MY REACH *** Will improve with debut run under his belt with nice recent trial a pointer. 33
8 PEER GYNT *** Some slick trials with blinkers on has him the one to beat. 2.00
9 RISING STAR * Improves with racing but might need longer. 33
10 MOTHER NATURE * Needs to lift. 50
Race 3
Selections; 1 DEVIL’S PASS – 10 NOVA STRIKE – 9 FINE CHOICE – 2 LAKE HUKA
Not often we get involved in choices jockeys make when given the pick of mounts but when you consider Michael Rodd jumps off LAKE HUKA for a country Victorian winner making his Singapore debut, you take notice. The horse in question is DEVIL’S PASS who won at his only career start in Tatura and showed enough at a recent trial to suggest he has settled in well enough to give this a shake. And if the stable does rate him a better chance than LAKE HUKA, then he might also be a better chance than FINE CHOICE who looks on a par with LAKE HUKA on their previous meeting. In fact nothing separates the pair on weights and form and both should figure prominently throughout. NOVA STRIKE is the other last start winner who looks a likely type and he should get support to run a big race with a lightweight. No other horses appeal.
1 DEVIL’S PASS *** Former Australian who won at only start in Tatura (Victoria, Aus). Local trial suggests he goes OK at Singapore debut. 5.00
2 LAKE HUKA *** Excuses on debut before winning well last start and has to be a big show. 3.00
3 SPIRIT OF SPEED * Blinkers off but hard to have. 100
4 APPELLATION * Has been going along OK but in badly at the race conditions. 33
5 ROSEGOLD * Going along OK but not suited here. 100
6 SUPER JOY * Reassess Class 5. 100
7 STAR BEAUTY * Maiden and not suited here. 100
8 DASHING * Taken an age to make debut but recent trial OK and could place at long odds. 33
9 FINE CHOICE *** Beat LAKE HUKA when breaking maiden status last start at similar weights and must go close. 3.00
10 NOVA STRIKE *** Backed up nice debut with a good win with heavy support and weighted to give this a shake. 3.00
Race 4
Selections; 1 SING EXPRESS – 3 Q NINE MAXIM – 2 SPEED MACHINE – 4 WINNING GOOD
There is a bit to like about the lightly raced maidens in these races and SING EXPRESS having start number four certainly fits that category. The 3YO has improved at his three starts thus far and with Michael Freedman opting for a 2kg claimer in CC Wong, he looks well placed to win this. Likewise, Q NINE MAGIC has only had three starts and also looks due. He does not have great early speed but Manny Nunes goes back on and if the Brazilian Ace can make use or gets luck from gate 1, he can win this. SPEED MACHINE has had some seven starts but given his run in maiden company two back and a subsequent solid effort in KSD, he is certainly in the winning mix with WINNING GOOD also a hope although he can be a handful to ride. Of the others, ZENZERO looms a lightweight hope and we always keep HUMMINGBIRD safe.
1 SING EXPRESS *** Went close last start and can win at first Poly start. 3.00
2 SPEED MACHINE *** Last start better than the result in KSD company and right in this. 4.50
3 Q NINE MAXIM *** Will win soon and gets his chance if Nunes can make use of get 1. 5.00
4 WINNING GOOD *** Has a bit to learn but always a show with a senior hoop. 5.00
5 SUN DANCE ** Slightly disappointing last start but subsequent trial good and worth another look. 12
6 CARO INA ** Blinkers off after being disappointing last start with support and have to take on trust. 12
7 MY TOUCH * No. 200
8 VOLCANO * No. 200
9 DRAGON ROYAL * Not a mile away last start but disappoints as a rule. 200
10 HUMMING BIRD ** Gets winkers and mile could suit but have to take on trust. 20
11 ILUVYOU * No. 200
12 ZENZERO ** Long term maiden but in form and must be considered with no weight. 10
13 RAINBOW WARRIOR * Improved last start but wide gate makes this tough. 33
Race 5
Selections; 2 CLERMONT CLUB – 3 MIGHTY EMPEROR – 4 RON – 8 REYSHA
A very tricky Class 5 mile and Nunes on a Class dropper in CLERMONT CLUB looks a solid enough choice. The 5YO hasn’t been in Class 5 company since he won in January this year with Nunes on and his only win since was when the Brazilian was on him again. So no rocket science needed to think the horse goes well for Nunes and the stable thinks he has found the right race. MIGHTY EMPEROR will keep him honest though. The maiden has drawn perfectly in gate 3 and showed last start this type of race is his caper. In fact his gate is a huge factor given a few of the other fancies including RON (12), FOREVER BEST (14) and REYSHA (9) will all need an ounce of luck. But the three all can win without surprising and it will also pay to keep both emergencies – DOWN TO EARTH (Formerly Cheetah) and TONGARIRO safe as they both come off good placings.
1 BLACK BEAN ** Has looked dreadful of late but can go forward and appreciates drop to Class 5. 50
2 CLERMONT CLUB *** Ignore recent form in unsuitable races and look for a big run with significant jockey change. 4.00
3 MIGHTY EMPEROR *** Didn’t miss by much in a similar affair last start and pay to follow. 5.00
4 RON *** Drawn awkwardly but drop to winning grade in his favour and should be thereabouts. 4.00
5 STREET CHAMP ** Disappointing last start but obviously goes OK on his day and have to keep safe. 20
6 EASY EASY ** Query the trip and drawn wide but worth keeping safe in exotics. 20
7 FOREVER BEST *** Bad gate an issue but foot in the till and have to respect. 6.00
8 REYSHA *** Won similar affair last start at odds and another to follow. 12
9 GOLDEN JADE ** Not far away last start but best form is over a tad longer. 12
10 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ ** Not the type to win out of turn but grew wings late last start and can do the same again. 12
11 STANZOUT * Thereabouts on a good day but skinny end of exotics look best. 33
12 NORTH STAR * Struggling. 100
13 DOWN TO EARTH *** Late Cheetah. Tried to pinch it last start and expect something similar. 10
14 TONGARIRO *** Showed last start the mile is his caper and goes close if he gets a start. 8.00
Race 6
Selections; 5 PURE WHITE – 3 GOOD SCORE – 8 EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE – 4 SUPER SPUR
What a terrible race. Nothing remotely jumps off the page to the extent that a 20 starts maiden in PURE WHITE could be a good thing! The 5YO Japanese-bred gelding has been going only in good order of late and given the competition he meets in this race, he might even get backed off the boards and start a short priced favourite. Would you back him though? GOOD SCORE is an option. The three-time winner has speed to burn and might just show this lot a clean pair of heels. Or quartet of hoofs. EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE will be the closer if having a good day and to be honest, looks the only other horse with a winning hope on paper. In saying that, ALWAYS A WINNER would go close if he can find a length on recent form and SUPER SPUR is better than what he showed last start.
1 JUST DUIT * Hard to have. 50
2 BREAKING VAULTS * Resuming sans blinkers and should need further. 20
3 GOOD SCORE *** Will lead and look the winner very late in this weak field. 4.00
4 SUPER SPUR ** Disappointing last start but will be running on in this company if having a good day. 6.00
5 PURE WHITE *** Twenty start maiden but is due and might not get a better chance than this. 3.00
6 HEAVENLY GIFT * No. 50
7 ALWAYS A WINNER ** Form tapered off a little but usually in the mix. 5.00
8 EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE *** Blinkers to winkers. Will be running on and could be the testing material late. 5.00
9 THINK PRETTY * No. 100
10 GOLDEN ROSEWOOD * Long-term maiden resuming and like to see some support. 33
Race 7
Selections; 6 MR CONNERY – 3 AMAZING – 7 NINETYSEVENEMPEROR – 1 VERGLATICA
The barriers play a big part in this race with the top there rated horses – VERGLATICA, BRAHMS AND LISZT and AMAZING – drawing gates 13, 11 and 14 respectively. All three look to have winning claims but while AMAZING will make his own luck out front, VERGLATICA (who gets blinkers down in grade) and BRAHMS AND LISZT will need things to go their way. As mentioned, John Powell will likely press forward on AMAZING and it wouldn’t surprise if he tries to make every post a winner. His stablemate MR CONNERY fared better with gate 1 and that could be a telling factor. He had excuses last start not to go very close and he looks a leading hope with M Rodd onboard. The race should throw up a surprise or two but NINETYSEVENEMPEROR might enjoy having a Poly run and is certainly due as will INVINCIBLE GOLD who placed at his only Poly start and is in form.
1 VERGLATICA *** Significant drop in Class and look for big run with blinkers back on. 12
2 BRAHMS AND LISZT *** Not often seen on the Poly but has handled the surface previously and goes close on recent form. 8.00
3 AMAZING *** Showed last start he more than handles the Poly and expect a forward showing. 6.00
4 HORSE WARRIOR ** Pulled up lame last start so pay to ignore as showed two back he goes OK when right. 12
5 LIKA TIGER ** Disappointing last start but effort two starts back this trip has him under notice. 12
6 MR CONNERY *** Excuses last start not to go very close to winning similar affair and gets his chance here. 5.00
7 NINETYSEVENEMPEROR *** Needs a result for the support but switch to Poly could be a good move. 5.00
8 INVINCIBLE GOLD *** Placed at only Poly start and recent form suggests he gives this a shake. 7.00
9 SUNNY * Has looked due but a query on the Poly. 20
10 LUCKY COIN ** Backed up maiden win with fair effort and can include in exotics at first Poly start. 12
11 TWODOLLARMUPPET ** Runs on and could show up at odds. 33
12 KNOW EACH OTHER ** Continues to go OK with a result so have to play with care. 20
13 PINT SIZED PRINCE * Distance may help but like to see more before considering. 50
14 LA FONTANA ** Very much appreciates being back on the Poly and not without a chance at odds. 20
Race 8
Selections; 4 RAISE NO DOUBT – 3 GREAT SUN – 7 BATTLE HORSE – 1 ITALIAN JOB
While it’s very hard to fault the winning form of GREAT SUN, we haven’t been on him for his last four straight wins and being stubborn, we won’t jump on the bandwagon just yet. And given his last start win was probably as good as any, the 4YO looks up to this company and justifiably should start favourite. It is a cracking field though and you could make a winning case for most. RAISE NO DOUBT gets the dubious honour of being the horse we pick to beat GREAT SUN. The 5YO has shown more than enough winning and placing second at two starts since resuming and this race does look suitable. BATTLE HORSE is the interesting runner. The 5YO can be forgiven for his only bad run (Bled) and his last start win impressive enough to follow in this company with no weight. Hard to leave out ITALIAN JOB who showed enough last start to think he can win this campaign while BEST TOTHELIGN must be considered and GOOD NEWS will be the one finishing over the top of them all.
1 ITALIAN JOB *** Almost got the Baci’s when resuming and must go close again. 5.00
2 GOOD NEWS *** Will be flying late and hard to hold out if race run to suit swoopers. 12
3 GREAT SUN *** Just keeps on winning and can go on with the job. 2.50
4 RAISE NO DOUBT *** Returned to racing with two excellent efforts and right in this. 3.50
5 BEST TOTHELIGN *** Very hard to fault Poly form and gets another chance from the ace. 8.00
6 BLACK FIERY * Looked to have issues last start but this field is very strong. 100
7 BATTLE HORSE *** Excuses for only bad run and last start win impressive enough to keep safe with 50kg. 7.0
8 THE GENERAL ** Progressive type who should be competitive at odds in this company. 20
Race 9
Selections; 2 CLIP THE TICKET – 7 MASTERMIND – 3 BARNATO – 8 POWER LIN
CLIP THE TICKET is going along in very good order and hard not to have him as the on top pick in the lucky last. His form obviously reads well and from gate 3 with a handy Shafiq 1kg claim, he will be hard to hold out. MASTERMIND will be in this up to his eyeballs. The 6YO has had no luck with wide gates of late but if he can get a soft lead, he will be hard to pass. The Pat Shaw-trained BARNATO is the interesting runner. The 4YO is resuming after a good spell and given his first-up form with some nice recent trials under his belt, he must be considered with MM Firdaus (and his 2kg claim) booked. POWER LIN the other to consider after what he showed first up after a bleeding attack and it might pay to keep both emergencies safe given CITY OF SAILS placed last start and DRAGON KING has been running some good races at very long odds.
1 HONEST TRUTH ** Had excuses this company last start so worth another look at odds. 33
2 CLIP THE TICKET *** Foot on the till and right in this finish. 3.00
3 BARNATO *** Resuming in what is a suitable affair and first-up form good enough to win. 6.00
4 DREAMCATCHER ** Gets Nunes from the ace and always an each-way show. 12
5 MAKAWAO ** Has plenty of speed and will pinch one soon. 6.00
6 LADY ROULETTE ** Going along in good order and has to be included somewhere. 12
7 MASTERMIND *** No luck with barriers of late but will lead and can be hard to pass. 6.00
8 POWER LIN *** Beaten a long way into second last start but effort good enough to give this a shake. 12
9 FRAGRANCE EMPIRE ** Never looked comfortable last start but some show at odds on best form. 33
10 EXCITING PROSPECT ** Needed Class 5 to win again but may pay to give another chance in this company. 12
11 JIMTOWN * Reassess easier and longer. 33
12 FUKU ICHIBAN * Reassess on the turf. 33
13 DRAGON KING ** Running some very good races at long odds and pay to keep very safe. 33
14 CITY OF SAILS ** Beaten a long way into third last start but that was an improvement so pay to follow. 20
