WELL DONE won well enough to follow (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
The turf is back for 2016 but while it’s fair to say while there could be some horses that may appeal early in the card, the good races don’t start until the middle of the meeting so it will pay to keep your powder dry until race 5.
The race in question is an excellent BM74 over 1400m and with some progressive types testing themselves in good company, the betting should be furious.
Two last start winners in WINNING CAUSE and WELL DONE look more than handy types and both won well enough last start to think they can go through the grades.
Throw in a 3YO in CASING ROYAL who also looks a horse that will be more than competitive in better company than this and you would think the form from this race should hold up in the future.
But the one they all have to beat is LIM’S RALLY.
The 4YO loves this trip and track and you would think connections had penciled in this race as one he can win and hopefully at each-way odds with a 4kg claimer in Firdaus aboard.
The meeting finishes on a high with a strong Class 1 sprint over 1200m (race 8) and an excellent Class 4 over 1400m (race 9).
And while KIWI KARMA looks hard to beat in the Class 1 sprint and will be supported, INTENSE GOLD could be a nice each-way chance be to finish the evening in what is a race with tremendous depth.
Friday 15 January
Best Bets: (KIWI KARMA race 8, win), (ADRENALINE race 6, win) and (LIM’S RALLY race 5, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2 and 15), race 7 (1, 2, 6 and 8), race 8 (4 and 6), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7).
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; 3 LIM’S RESPOND – 1 HUSSONATOR – 5 EASY DRAGON – 6 TEMBUSU ESTRELA
The opener looks one to miss for punters with the top few in our selections the type that disappoint more often than not and most others with terrible overall form. But while LIM’S RESPOND is coming off an absolute shocker, his previous solid form looks more than up to this field. He has drawn gate 1 with C Brown to ride and that looks a handy combination in a race like this. HUSSONATOR is the interesting runner. The 3YO is resuming after a disappointing campaign where he failed to place in four starts with some heavy support on occasions and his recent trials – sans leg irons in parts – have been odd to say the least. Super risky though so play with care. EASY DRAGON gets blinkers and KB Soo and he comes into calculations after having excuses last start. Market only guide on the rest.
1 HUSSONATOR *** Resuming with blinkers off and tongue-tie on after disappointing campaign. Recent trials have been odd. Market only guide. 3.50
2 KING OF THIEVES ** Gets senior hoop and should continue gradual improvement with blinkers off today. 7.00
3 LIM’S RESPOND *** Disappointing last start but previous form has him winning a race like this. 3.00
4 DASHING * Continues to trial well but race form ordinary. 20
5 EASY DRAGON *** Last start better than the result and gets blinkers so worth thought. 10
6 TEMBUSU ESTRELA ** Shown glimpses and would give this a shake if having a good day. 5.50
7 ZAHIR * No. 200
8 VOLCANO ** Improved last start when blinkers added and pay to include in exotics in this weak field. 12
9 SHUYING XIAOXIAO * Best run was this trip but easier to ignore. 33
10 ABOVE REACH * Appreciates first up run but another that struggles as a rule. 33
11 KNIGHT’S CHARISMA * No. 200
12 BIG BANG KING ** Only career placing was this trip so could sneak into exotic calculations at odds. 20
Race 2
Selections; 9 URASHIMA TARO – 5 NINEPINS – 8 SUPERTEN – 6 PUSONG PINOY
Three newcomers – PUSONG PINOY, SUPER TEN and URASHIMA TARO – will head to the start in this Restricted Maiden and with only one of the raced brigade looking some hope of winning, connections would be bullish of an early cheque. Of the trio, URASHIMA TARO is the standout from the trials and there was enough to like about his practice efforts to think he starts favourite in this field and could be hard to beat. He has drawn to advantage as well with Harry Kassim to jump from gate 6. PUSONG PINOY and SUPER TEN both have bad gates to overcome but worth keeping an eye on the tote for any stable support on solid trial form. NINEPINS is the only horse with any sort of decent race form to his name after finishing fourth on debut and subsequently trialling well. He has drawn wide but expect heavy support and he is the benchmark.
1 ARCHER COMPANY * Freshened with blinkers off but would like to see support on race form. 20
2 WHITE SHADOW * Disappointing at the races but may appreciate the turf. 33
3 GOLD PIN * Struggles as a rule. 33
4 EASTERN TOWKAY * Shown nothing. 100
5 NINEPINS *** Not far away on debut and has subsequently trialled well. Big show. 2.50
6 PUSONG PINOY ** Recent trial OK but wide gate will make winning a tougher ask on debut. 10
7 RAINBOW FISH ** Will improve with racing and cheeky run expected from nice gate. 20
8 SUPERTEN ** Another newcomer who has trialled OK but wide gate always a concern on debut. 10
9 URASHIMA TARO *** Looks the best of the newcomers on trial form and this race is weak. 2.20
10 WESTERN TOWKAY * Blinkers off after poor debut and prefer most others. 50
11 BRAVE BLOSSOM * Hard to have after poor debut. 50
12 TRUMPS UP * Improves with race experience but maybe later. 33
Race 3
Selections; 5 HEE’S EGO – 6 RAVOUX – 4 GOLD CROWN – 3 GIORGIO
Unlike the first two races, most here have form that suggest they can win which it will make it interesting for punters. HEE’S EGO ticks a few boxes so looks the one that the money will come for. Obviously the drop to Class 5 is in his favour and with Nunes jumping from gate 1, he should have no excuses. RAVOUX with a 3kg claimer might be the value option though. The veteran finds himself in the right race and also gets blinkers back on so expect a very forward race. Others to mention include GIORGIO who improved lengths last start when blinkers went on, GOLD CROWN whose only win was this trip and will appreciate Class 5, the consistent pair of ZAC COMMAD and REAL HERO while FUKU ICHIBAN could be the bolter in what is a suitable race. Tough race.
1 DRAGON STEED * Struggling. 50
2 ENLIGHTEN KNIGHT ** Yet to place in Singapore but very much appreciates Class 5 and trip suits. 20
3 GIORGIO *** Improved lengths when blinkers were added last start and has raced well this trip previously. Big show. 6.00
4 GOLD CROWN *** Maiden win this trip and finds himself in Class 5. Can win. 6.00
5 HEE’S EGO *** Only win was on the Poly but more than competitive in Class 4 and hard to beat in this company. 4.00
6 RAVOUX *** Ignore recent poor run of form and finds himself in the right race with blinkers. 8.00
7 ZAC COMMAND *** Drawn wide but super consistent and does look due to knock in another win. 11
8 FUKU ICHIBAN *** Will go forward and could try to pinch was is a suitable race. 20
9 GOLD CUSTOMER ** Battles away but could appreciate blinkers first time. 20
10 JIMTOWN ** Appreciates the turf in this company so could include in exotics at odds. 20
11 LION WAVE * No. 100
12 REAL HERO *** Looks due and should get every chance from gate 2. 6.00
13 CONGO ZANDOR ** Might have forgotten how to win but thereabouts as a rule. 20
14 WARSPIRIT ** Long time between drinks and drawn badly but always looks some hope for exotics. 20
15 HEAVENLY GIFT ** Maiden who gets support and needs a result. Turf a query. 10
16 AFTERNOON DELIGHT ** Not the most reliable but has won three times at this trip so keep safe. 20
Race 4
Selections; 3 DUKE OF AZMAAN – 7 LIM’S CHARGE – 6 FULL BET – 8 PANACHE
An interesting maiden with four main hopes – two who have race experience but are coming off poor runs and two newcomers who are trialling well. But to be fair to one of the raced brigade – DUKE OF AZMAN – his recent run was only disappointing in the fact he was the even money favourite and ran out of the places. The 4YO did race a bit keenly on the pace on that occasion but was beaten fair and square so Nunes will need to get more out him on this occasion to make quick amends. PANACHE is the other horse with race experience that has a winning show as he had excuses last start and should race well on the Poly. LIM’S CHARGE and FULL BET are the two newcomers that have trialled well enough to win on debut and of the two, LIM’S CHARGE could get the support and run accordingly.
1 PRESSING ON * Will improve with racing but should need longer. 50
2 AMISTAD ** Has shown glimpses and could run a cheeky race in this weak field. 20
3 DUKE OF AZMAAN *** Costly for favourite punters last start gets a chance to atone against an average bunch. 2.00
4 GOLDEN FORTUNE ** Solid enough at trials to keep include in exotics on debut. 20
5 GOOD BET * Not a lot at trial and drawn badly. 33
6 FULL BET *** Looked comfortable enough at Official Trial to think he has plenty to offer on debut in this field. 6.00
7 LIM’S CHARGE *** Has had enough trials to think he is ready for his race debut and the most recent good enough to win. 4.00
8 PANACHE *** Had all sorts of excuses last start so worth another look on good debut in the Poly with blinker to visor for this. 12
9 BALKAN CHALLENGER * Well back at debut and needs to improve. 50
10 HACKER * Prefer others on exposed trial form. 33
11 KNIGHT HARLOOK ** Looked solid at Official Trial and gets to jump from the ace so keep safe. 10
Race 5
Selections; 1 LIM’S RALLY – 5 WINNING CAUSE – 6 WELL DONE – 8 CASING ROYAL
While there hasn’t been much to get excited about early, this race is a beauty and looks the start of what will be a good run of turf races early in the 2016 season. LIM’S RALLY looks the form horse over 1400m and well placed by trainer Steve Burridge with a handy 3kg claimer. He also had excuses last start on the Poly and will be hard to beat on the turf over this trip. In saying that there looks to be three very progressive types in WINNING CAUSE, WELL DONE and CASING ROYAL he has to contend with. WINNING CAUSE in particular looks destined for better races than this after winning very well last start – his third from his last four starts. WELL DONE also won well in Graduation Company and has to be respected on that effort while CASING ROYAL had excuses in the same race and looks a very handy type.
1 LIM’S RALLY *** Excuses last start on the Poly and has an excellent record this trip. Big show. 2.90
2 BOGART ** Blinkers off after two sighters this campaign and worth noting last win was this trip. 20
3 ODE TO JOY ** Two Singapore wins have been over longer but always a show with best work expected late. 12
4 TOTALITY * Struggling of late. 33
5 WINNING CAUSE *** Very progressive type and last start win good enough to give this a shake. 3.50
6 WELL DONE *** Also going through the grades and won well enough to follow with senior hoop. 4.00
7 SMART IDEA ** Recent form looks hopeless but this trip/track is suitable so look for marked improvement. 33
8 CASING ROYAL *** Had excuses when tasting defeat for the first time last start and happy to follow. 6.00
9 VERTICAL START * Recent trial good but prefer on the Poly. 20
10 BONJOUR BOB * Reassess Class 5. 200
Race 6
Selections; 2 ADRENALINE – 1 APPELLATION – 15 SUVARNABHUMI – 7 EASY EASY
From the sublime to the ridiculous but to be fair to punters we can narrow this down to two and at best three winning hopes. Unfortunately you may have to take odds-on if you want to jump on our top pick – ADRENALINE – who gets Nunes and finds himself in a very suitable race. The 5YO has had two “sighters” in Class 5 and given both have been on the Poly, he looks set to show his best back his preferred surface with some very good recent turf form this trip a pointer. APPELLATION looks the only serious danger. The 4YO just missed last start on the Poly and like ADRENALINE, he has very good form in better company this trip so has to be a big show. The first emergency, SUVARNABHUMI, the other that could win so keep him safe if he gets a start.
1 APPELLATION *** Just missed last start and only win was this trip and surface so goes close with blinkers to visor. 4.00
2 ADRENALINE *** Finds himself in very suitable turf race and hard to beat with winkers added. 1.80
3 AMI ELEVEN ** Had his chances but only placing was on the turf and gate helps. 20
4 GOOD LOOUKEN * Loouks aren’t everything. 50
5 VITALLY SECRET * Blinkers off after disappointing run of form. 33
6 HAPPY CAT * No. 100
7 EASY EASY ** In form and gets upgrade to blinkers but turf form a worry. 12
8 SIMPANG * Another who goes OK on his day but best form is on the Poly. 20
9 SACRED CROWN ** Recent good form on the Poly but going well enough to include in exotics. 12
10 SECONDWAVE ** Will improve on first-up run with turf in his favour. 12
11 ZENZERO * Blinkers off and gets gate 1 but long-term maiden status an issue. 33
12 RAINBOW STAR * No. 200
13 BERNARD’S FIGHTER * Struggles as a rule. 50
14 GREENBACK * Could sneak a place but only if budget permits. 33
15 SUVARNABHUMI *** Back on turf is in his favour and would figure prominently if he got a start. 6.00
16 SOUTHERN ADMIRAL * Tongue-Tie on but no. 50
Race 7
Selections; 2 SUNNY – 8 GALAXY EXPRESS – 6 OVER EASY – 1 MONEY KING
Everyone likes an interesting staying race and this one certainly fits that bill. And on the C Course (long) we would expect everyone to have a fair crack including SUNNY and GALAXY EXPRESS who should work into this late. SUNNY in particular looks well-placed back on the turf and his recent form suggests he is ready to win again. GALAXY EXPRESS also finds himself back on the turf over a suitable trip and he might be the one who finishes over the top of them with Joe Fuji up. If the race doesn’t suit swoopers then OVER EASY looks the bolter. In fact if he gets an easy lead he might be hard to pass back in what is more suitable company. MONEY KING also looks a winning show on recent form while TANGIBLE ASSETS could be the big improver at odds.
1 MONEY KING *** Excuses last couple and always looks a winning hope. 8.00
2 SUNNY *** Very much appreciates being back on the turf and ready to show his best. 4.00
3 BLADEMEISTER ** Yet to win in Singapore but suited back in this company and pay to keep safe with headgear removed. 6.00
4 TANGIBLE ASSETS ** Sneaks into a suitable turf race and could show up at odds. 20
5 NOVA POWER * Needs to show more. 50
6 OVER EASY *** Sneaks back into KSD company and very cheeky run expected. 8.00
7 SALUT AMOUR * Struggles as a rule. 33
8 GALAXY EXPRESS *** Always a show this trip/track with best work expected late. 5.00
9 ZAC BENEVOLENT * Recent trial OK but recent race form a worry. 20
Race 8
Selections; 6 KIWI KARMA – 4 BLUE SWEDE – 1 GOAL KEEPER – 2 FAALTLESS
KIWI KARMA gets her chance back on the turf to show she is arguably the best sprinter in Singapore. And given she gets to carry 53kg, this race does look hers to lose so a lot rides on this result to see if she is up there with the best. Nunes knows her well and there should be no excuses from gate 4 in this field. If anything does beat her it may be the solid early clip expected with swoopers likely to play a part late. And the best swooper is BLUE SWEDE who looks is spanking form this campaign with a win and a place from two starts. He is up in grade but has a terrific win strike rate so if the race is run to suit, he plays a part late. Most others have a say in this race from GOAL KEEPER with 57kg to RAISE NO DOUBT with 51kg. A good race but KIWI KARMA to step up.
1 GOAL KEEPER ** In solid form and should figure prominently throughout. 8.00
2 FAALTLESS ** Has been disappointing of late but will appreciate being back on the turf with blinkers off and tongue-tie on. 12
3 MAKKURA ** Appreciates first-up run and should be competitive. 20
4 BLUE SWEDE *** Tow runs this campaign have been very good and will be motoring late. 4.00
5 GOODMAN * Not at his best of late and needs longer. 50
6 KIWI KARMA *** Two runs since resuming have been good and should be hard to beat back on the turf. 2.00
7 DARCI CHARMER ** Resuming and honest enough to think he plays a part late with winkers off. 8.00
8 SOUTHERN BOSS * Can lead but often found out late. 50
9 RAISE NO DOUBT ** Honest and could easily play a part with no weight. 8.00
Race 9
Selections; 1 INTENSE GOLD – 2 KINGS RYKER – 3 MANGATOETOENUI – 4 RUSTY BROWN
A terrific race to finish the night and if you think you can find the winner, expect value as most look a winning hope. Starting from the top, INTENSE GOLD looks as good as chance as any. In fact the 5YO finds himself in very similar situation as he was at this time 2015 when he won first up after a new year break and with a nice recent trial under his belt, no reason why he can’t do it again. KINGS RYKER can also win without surprising. The Irish-bred 5YO ran very well at his Singapore debut and this trip and the turf won’t hurt. MANGATOETOENUI looks a very progressive type and looks very well placed in Class 4 and good old RUSTY BROWN finds himself in his recent winning grade/track and trip. ASPREY, HIGH COUNCIL and HIGHER SOUL just three others that win without surprising so good luck!
1 INTENSE GOLD *** Resuming and won in similar circumstances this time last year. Tongue-tie on. 6.00
2 KINGS RYKER *** Singapore debut was good and extra 200m on the turf should suit. 5.00
3 MANGATOETOENUI *** Just missed last start behind a good one and looks well placed in Class 4. 8.00
4 RUSTY BROWN *** Back in recent winning Class and trip so right in this with blinkers left side. 5.00
5 ASPREY *** Drawn badly but often value with track and trip ideal. 8.00
6 CAPTIVATE ** Disappointing this grade last start but should improve trip and track. 20
7 HIGH COUNCIL *** Another who is going along in good order and finds himself in recent winning company/track/trip. 12
8 AIR FORCE ONE * Former Australian who looks an out-and-out stayer. Later. 200
9 CONSTANCE’S SPIRIT ** Better winning option on the Poly and drawn wide but could work into this late at odds. 12
10 SPLENDOR ** Singapore debut only fair but trials well and should improve. 33
11 LIM’S AFFECTION ** Resuming and drawn badly but best run was this trip and track so keep safe. 20
12 SPECIAL ID ** Gets blinkers after OK effort this company last start and another to include in exotics. 12
13 GRAVITY * Gets blinkers but no. 200
14 HIGHER SOUL *** Grew wings to win similar affair last start and has to be respected. 12
15 WEE MONSTER * Impossible on race form but may improve on the turf and trip. 100
16 NATURAL NICE ** Long time between drinks but been thereabouts of late and could be value. 20
