Sebrose – The one to beat (Photo by Singapore Turf Club)
While a few horses on what looks a solid Friday night card will be justifiably short on race and/or trial form, it might be some of the value options that keep us entertained.
In saying that, THE NUTCRACKER looks an excellent chance in race 8 on the card and will certainly garner plenty of public interest given his race form from Argentina coupled with some very strong trials.
But value beckons elsewhere starting in race 1 with a Laurie Laxon runner in ALLEZ.
The 4YO has yet to place in seven career starts but his work late with excuses last start suggests he could sneak under a guard or two and he should make his presence felt late.
The value continues in race 4 with the maiden I’M KOOL who looks suited in Class 5 and could give a sight at odds while SUNNY could very well show his best over 2000m in race 5 given the tempo and
track could suit his swooping style.
SPIRIT SEVEN gets the Nunes treatment in race 6 and while the jockey might trim the odds, he might remain at an each-way price on exposed form in what looks an open race but he will be the big improver over 1400m.
Friday 9 October
Best Bets: (SEBROSE race 7, win), (I’M KOOL race 4, each-way) and (SUNNY race 5, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (3, 4, 6, 8 and 10), race 7 (1, 2, 4, 5 and 9), race 8 (2 and 3), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 6, 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; 2 DRAGON HIGHNESS – 1 SWAN SONG – 9 ALLEZ – 3 GEESON MASTER
Great maiden to start the card with at least half the field having legitimate winning hopes. And given a few of them were supported at their respective last starts, the stables will be keen for a result. DRAGON HIGHNESS is one such horse that went down by a bee’s appendage last start at 2-1. Manny Nunes goes on and given a repeat of that effort, he could be hard to beat. SWAN SONG had support at his Singapore debut and after a few issues early from the wide gate, he never really got to show his best. R Shafiq replaces Nunes and the 4YO should appreciate the debut run, better gate and the 1kg claim. For value we may take a long look at ALLEZ. The Laurie Laxon trained 4YO always seems to be doing best work late and this race could be suitable. Others with winning hopes include GEESON MASTER, GO LANCE and CHIPS and you can go even wider in exotics.
1 SWAN SONG *** Supported and never really got a look in at local debut and well worth another look on trial form. 8.00
2 DRAGON HIGHNESS *** Just missed last start and could be hard to beat here on a repeat of that effort. 3.00
3 GEESON MASTER *** Disappointing when returning not striding last start but shown more than enough to win if right. 12
4 GO LANCE *** Foot on the till and right in this finish. 4.00
5 THE BLACK KNIGHT ** Appreciates first-up run and improves enough to keep safe. 12
6 AMI ELEVEN ** Last start better than the result and could surprise at odds. 12
7 PERFECT PRIZE * No. 100
8 CHIPS *** Drawn awkwardly but just missed last start and gives this a shake. 6.00
9 ALLEZ *** Not a mile away last start after excuses and could be sailing past a few late. 12
10 WHISPERINTHEWIND ** Form a lot better than it reads and another to keep safe at odds. 20
11 PIONEER LIU * No. 100
12 VOY * No. 100
Race 2
Selections; 2 CAIRO – 11 MURRAYFIELD – 12 PANACHE – 5 BANDIDO
Another great maiden race but this one with a few debutantes that look to have ability, which will make betting very interesting. But as it stands CAIRO just missed with support last start and given the form from that race has been franked with Nova Strike winning at his next start in Novice Company, he looks hard to beat. Regular hoop Joseph See stays on board and from gate 3, he should get very chance. Laurie Laxon has two runners with winning hopes – PANACHE and MISS BLANCHETT – and both were supported heavily at their respective debuts. PANACHE in particular started odds-on after a great trial and just missed so he picks himself with Nunes staying on. The best of the newcomers looks to be MURRAYFIELD who has trailed like a horse that knows what he is doing and has to be a big show. BANDIDO, LIM’S RESPOND, MAGIC PAINT and SMART INVESTMENT at long odds the others that can win.
1 MARGAUX * Improves for debut run but like to see support from wide gate. 50
2 CAIRO *** Showed more than enough last start to think he is hard to beat here and is worth following. 4.00
3 LIM’S RESPOND *** Resuming after a couple of solid efforts behind Super One. Market watch in order. 12
4 FORTUNE SPIRIT ** Runs on so pay to keep safe although better suited over longer. 33
5 BANDIDO *** Excuses not to finish closer on debut and will be the improver. 20
6 DE WANTED * Like to see support on exposed trial form. 50
7 EFFORTLESS ** Improves for debut run and subsequent trial was solid. 20
8 GOLD PIN * No. 100
9 MAGIC PAINT *** Looked solid when winning Official Trial and pay to keep safe. 12
10 MARK ECLIPSE * Like to see support on exposed trial form. 50
11 MURRAYFIELD *** Plenty of nice trials under his belt suggests he gives this a shake on debut. 6.00
12 PANACHE *** Just missed on debut with very heavy support and can make quick amends. 2.50
13 SMART INVESTMENT *** All sorts of excuses on debut and might be a big improver at long odds. 50
14 MISS BLANCHETT *** Disappointing with support on debut bit will improve for the run. 10
15 ELISE ** Gets blinkers after two poor runs but trials like an improver. 50
16 DAYUAN * No. 200
Race 3
Selections; 1 STIRLING – 5 RAFAELLO – 2 PHILANTHROPIST – 8 BONTEMPELLI
This Class 4 looks a dead-set race in two between STIRLING and RAFAELLO. Obviously not much separates the pair and it might come down to making a decision on that day, However, STIRLING will definitely benefit dropping to Class 4 and might just be the better value. The 5YO has been more than competitive in some nice company of late and with Laxon opting for a 2kg Rueven claim, he looks ready to get back in the winners circle. RAFAELLO on the other hand is on the way up with two wins from four career starts and had excuses at his only run in Class 4. He was supported that day and given the lack of depth in this race, he could be hard to beat but may start very short. Those to include in exotics that could run a race at odds include PHILANTHROPIST as he showed enough last start dropping to Class 4 to follow and BONTEMPELLI looks a smart enough type but may want longer.
1 STIRLING *** Excuses last start and will find Class 4 to his liking. 2.40
2 PHILANTHROPIST ** Excuses last start and worth keeping very safe at odds in this company. 8.00
3 BELLUS WONDER ** Returned not striding last start and the type to include somewhere on best form. 12
4 EXQUISITELY SWEET * Gets blinkers after an ordinary run of form. 33
5 RAFAELLO *** Could make excuses for just fair effort last start and worth another look. 2.00
6 HUMOR TOWN * Hard to have. 100
7 PURMAMARCA * Former Japanese entire who would need support to consider on debut. 100
8 BONTEMPELLI ** Resuming sans blinkers after winning over 1400m and may need that extra trip. 20
9 JOE ** Only win was on the Poly and could add value to exotics. 33
10 ROMA * Reassess in Class 5. 50
11 METAPHOR * Needs easier. 50
Race 4
Selections; 3 I’M KOOL – 6 DR OCTOPUS – 4 OCEAN WORLD – 2 DRAGON INFINITY
It starts to get ugly for punters in this Class 5 with DR OCTOPUS likely to get plenty of support (again!) and likely to be doing best work when it’s all over. The 5YO hasn’t won since breaking his maiden status just over two years ago and given the support he has received in five recent starts since dropping to Class 5, he is a risk. But the race is an odd one and it might be a maiden in I’M KOOL that beats him. The 4YO has been trying for some time now but given what he occasionally shows including some solid recent form, you would think he very much appreciates Class 5 company and can win. Of the others, DRAGON INFINITY also appreciates Class 5 and his only win was over this trip while OCEAN WORLD should be the improver at odds in what should be a very suitable race. RORY is always a show over this trip and can include ZAC GALLANT and STREET RUFFIAN down in the weights.
1 CANNON KING * Blinkers off but no. 100
2 DRAGON INFINITY *** Form reads badly but drops to Class 5 and only win was this trip. 12
3 I’M KOOL *** Maiden who can win in Class 5 after cheeky run last start. 3.00
4 OCEAN WORLD *** Form reads badly but this trip and grade looks his caper so watch for support. 12
5 RORY *** Misses his form but always a show in races like this. 6.00
6 DR OCTOPUS *** Very costly for followers but will win sooner than later. 6.00
7 SIMPANG ** Versatile and pay to keep safe at odds. 20
8 BARNBURGH LAD * No. 50
9 SOUTHERN ADMIRAL * No. 50
10 BANK ON ME * No. 50
11 STREET RUFFIAN ** Veteran who has been in the mix of late and a must for exotics. 8.00
12 ZAC GALLANT *** Not the type to win out of turn but is due and have to consider in the winning mix. 5.00
13 MATOAKA * No. 100
14 FOUNTAIN * Goes OK on his day but easier to ignore. 33
Race 5
Selections; 4 SUNNY – 1 PUSAKA – 8 GALAXY EXPRESS – 3 TARAMEA
These staying races always look somewhat of a raffle or a case of whose turn is it to win but with Stephen Gray having two last start winners – PUSAKA and TARAMEA – in the eleven horse field, you would imagine he has a fair say in the result. Of the two, PUSAKA looks the more progressive stayer having knocked in his second career win at his last start over 1800m. The extra 200m is right up his alley and given he finds himself in similar company, he can go on with the job. TARAMEA steps up from his maiden win but his two runs with blinkers suggest he can improve again. But SUNNY might be the one that beats them both. The 6YO certainly won’t win out of turn and his recent for doesn’t read that well but this race looks extremely suitable and he could be ready to show his best. GALAXY EXPRESS looks the benchmark in these lower rated staying event and must be respected while SINGSURAT is honest and will be working into this late.
1 PUSAKA *** Progressive stayer who won well enough last start over 1800m to follow. 3.30
2 SLAYER ** Better form has been on the Poly but trip not an issue and is in form. 12
3 TARAMEA *** Has improved with blinkers added and will be prominent throughout in this field. 5.00
4 SUNNY *** Recent form looks hopeless but company, trip and track suits so look for big run late. 12
5 MONEY KING ** Will find this slighter harder than Class 5 but should be competitive. 8.00
6 SINGSURAT *** Both career wins in Class 5 but always competitive and worth an each way look. 10
7 CARO INA * Blinkers back on but looks a risk on recent form. 33
8 GALAXY EXPRESS *** Out and out stayer who will be the one keeping all and sundry honest late. 4.00
9 ZAC BENEVOLENT ** More than competitive on his day but might want easier to win. 20
10 OVER EASY ** Will run a cheeky race and has to be respected in this company. 20
11 HAPPY JOY * Form reads badly but recent trial with blinkers suggests he could improve at long odds. 100
Race 6
Selections; 8 SPIRIT SEVEN – 2 ONE MORE ACHIEVER – 4 ABOVE THE SKYLINE – 6 SIR REGINALD
Two horses dropping from KSD company in ABOVE THE SKYLINE and ONE MORE ACHIEVER – look likely winning hopes in this. ONE MORE ACHIEVER was supported on that occasion and while he didn’t fire, he had excuses at the start and the jockey thought there was nothing amiss so it will pay to ignore that run. ABOVE THE SKYLINE comes into this with a more solid run under his belt and while that was over the mile, he should find the drop to 1400m no issue and will be thereabouts. However, SPIRIT SEVEN could upstage them both stepping to 1400m. The 3YO has given every indication at four career starts that he will improve over more ground and he also gets the Nunes treatment. The improving SIR REGINALD with Michael Rodd up can also win as can TOOBIGTOFAIL on just 50kg.
1 ZARULES ** Improves for Singapore debut run and might find this easier. 33
2 ONE MORE ACHIEVER *** Looked to have issues in better company than this last start when supported and looks the one to beat if right. 4.00
3 VOYAGER ** Improving with racing and extra 1400m looks suitable. 12
4 ABOVE THE SKYLINE *** Not far away last start in better company and should figure prominently in this finish. 3.50
5 EAGLESHAM * Easier to ignore on race form. 33
6 SIR REGINALD *** Supported and not far away last start and worth a look over 1400m. 5.00
7 NOVA LEGEND ** Battles away and a must for exotics. 8.00
8 SPIRIT SEVEN *** Gives very indication 1400m is ideal and looks ready to win. 6.00
9 GANNA * Gunna. 100
10 TOOBIGTOFAIL *** Seventeen start maiden but recent form has been good. 10
11 CLEVER BRIGHT ** Recent 1400m efforts solid and will add value to skinny end of exotics. 50
Race 7
Selections; 2 SEBROSE – 1 ALPHA CENTAURI – 4 DAVINCI – 9 KEEP SPINNING
The form looks relatively easy for this race with three of the main hopes – BRAD, DAVINCI and KEEP SPINNING – all coming through the same race. Not much separated them on that occasion but with DAVINCI getting a handy pull in the weights from the other two, he could be the one to watch. In saying that BRAD is super honest and KEEP SPINNING had excuses not to win on that occasion so the proverbial blanket might go over the trio. But the one they all have to beat is SEBROSE. The 5YO wasn’t disgraced in the Derby and given his form since, he gets his chance here to knock in a win over 2000m as he heads towards a start in the Gold Cup in November. ALPHA CENTAURI also looks well placed back in KSC company and he might find 2000m is what he has been after to turn some good form into a win.
1 ALPHA CENTAURI *** Wont win out of turn but company suits and 2000m might do the trick. 8.00
2 SEBROSE *** Smart type who just missed last start and can win over the Derby trip. 2.50
3 WAR TIME ** Yet to hit top form but pay to keep safe third run back this campaign. 20
4 DAVINCI *** Progressive stayer facing biggest test but should be more than competitive. 5.00
5 BRAD *** Refuses to run a bad race and right in this finish. 5.00
6 CITY OF KIRKWALL ** Gets blinkers back after a solid run of form and can include in exotics. 20
7 GOLD HILL ** Always runs on and expect much the same again in a race that suits. 12
8 DANGER ZONE * Impossible on recent form but trip suits. 50
9 KEEP SPINNING *** Like to see in something easier but excuses last start behind Brad and has to be a show on that form. 6.00
Race 8
Selections; 3 THE NUTCRACKER – 2 SEBAS – 5 KAM’S COMET – 9 VANDERBILT
Something has to give in this race given the support expected for an Argentinean newcomer in THE NUTCRACKER. A Group 2 victory was part of his six wins from nine starts in Argentina and given the company he meets here and the trial form he has shown since arriving, he could b the testing material. In saying that the “Argy Imports” from the Clements stable have been somewhat hit and miss on debut but this gelding (what else given the name?) looks spot on for a win. If you don’t want the shorts on offer, SEBAS is a very good option. The 4YO always runs a good race and given he has bumped into a smart Poly sprinter in Great Sun at his last two starts, he keeps THE NUTCRACKER more than honest. Of the rest, KAM’S COMET looks in the mould of SEBAS and will be thereabouts while most others should make it interesting for the minors including VANDERBILT who won well at his Singapore debut.
1 MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS * Resuming after just fair campaign post bleeding attack and prefer to just watch. 33
2 SEBAS *** Will be very happy to see the back of Great Sun and could be hard to beat. 4.00
3 THE NUTCRACKER *** Well named former Argentinean who has trailed the house down. Hard to beat. 2.00
4 MAC VOLKS ** Will keep them all honest in a race that suits. 20
5 KAM’S COMET *** Smart and will find this company more to his liking so can win. 8.00
6 LEE BANK * Hasn’t shown up in Singapore. 200
7 FAITHFULLY * Impossible to follow but does enjoy the Poly with best work expected late. 50
8 LIVELY DRAGON ** Hasn’t won since February but hard to fault honest form of late. 12
9 VANDERBILT ** Won well at Singapore debut and while this is tougher he has to be respected. 12
10 KEEN DRAGON ** Progressive type but wide gate in this field makes winning tough. 12
11 Q NINE MAGIC ** Won well first up after bleeding attack but has run into a few tough nuts here. 20
12 SECRET MISSION * Goes very well when leading but might not get that privilege in this field. 50
13 SECRET LIBERTY * Needs easier. 100
Race 9
Selections; 1 THE COSMOS – 8 QUICKSILVER – 7 ZIPPY GENERAL – 6 NOVA
WARRIOR
Former Aussie maiden THE COSMOS showed he had settled in well to life in the tropics by winning well with support at his Singapore debut. The 4YO had trialed well so it was no real surprise but he has looked to have found a similar Class 4 field here – not overly strong – so he can win again. QUICKSILVER may be the testing material though. The 4YO South African-bred gelding has shown glimpses winning once and placing once from five career starts (both on the turf) but a recent slick trial with head-gear suggests he could go super over this trip on the Poly. Hopefully one of these two win but horses to respect include INVINCIBLE MAN, KAISER, NOVA WARRIOR and it will pay to keep ZIPPY GENERAL safe as he was supported on debut and will improve for the run.
1 THE COSMOS *** Won well at his Singapore debut and this looks no harder. 3.00
2 INVINCIBLE MAN *** Last win was in January but always in the mix. 10
3 KAISER *** Wide gate a concern but would give this a shake if he can race on the pace. 20
4 BLUE DIAMOND ** Nothing last start this company but did show glimpses of his best two back. 33
5 DOHATSUTEN * Reassess longer. 200
6 NOVA WARRIOR *** Progressive type resuming and is more than up to this company. 3.50
7 ZIPPY GENERAL *** Excuses when supported at Singapore debut and pay to follow. 8.00
8 QUICKSILVER *** Blinkers on and recent trial with headgear suggests h gives this a shake. 5.00
9 DUTY FREE ** Excuses last start for not finishing close and will be the swooper. 33
10 HONGCHEN ** Might need easier to win but honest and will add value to exotics. 20
11 CITY OF SAILS ** Beaten a long way into third last start but that was an improvement so pay to follow. 20
12 SUGAR MAN ** In the exotic mix last couple but like to see in something easier. 33
13 RUN CHEETAH RUN * Reassess suitable Class 5 event. 33
14 KING SAVINSKY * Needs longer. 200
