NOVA STRIKE could be hard to beat
With Chinese New Year just around the corner and trainers and owners keeping their powder dry, there looks to be a few weak fields on the eight race card tonight but plenty of good bets for the punters.
The best race on the night is easily the Class 3 sprint (race 6) and while he probably starts favourite, NOVA STRIKE could be hard to beat with blinkers added and Manny Nunes up.
The 3YO is obviously smart – three wins and four places from just seven career starts attests to that – but a recent trial with head-gear suggests he has an upside and while this field has depth, he could be hard to beat.
THE GENERAL is going for a hat trick of wins though so he has to be respected with REACH FOR THE SUN and STRUBELI both serious winning hopes.
Elsewhere on the card there should be plenty of value about with horses like REAL HERO (race 5) a likely improver back on the Polytrack and LIM’S BATTLE also looking well placed to show his best in what is a very suitable KSD mile (race 7).
As usual Manny Nunes has a strong book of rides including a newcomer in CHANGBAI MOUNTAIN who can win on debut in what looks a nice Initiation sprint (race 2).
Friday 29 January
Best Bets: (DRAGON G race 3, win), (LIM’S BATTLE race 7, win) and (REAL HERO race 5, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 5 (3, 4 and 6), race 6 (1, 2, 3, 5 and 7), race 7 (1, 5 and 7), race 8 (1, 2, 3, 4 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; 5 SWINGLOWSWEETJACKY – 3 ARLO – 11 TOOBIGTOFAIL – 1 PERKINS
Hard to be confident in the opener but SWINGLOWSWEETJACKY gets his chance in this very weak field. The 4YO had been thereabouts at three starts over this trip before trying his hand sans blinkers over the mile at start number four. And while that was a flop, he gets blinkers back on and his form over 1200m is better than most (if not all) here. Throw in gate 1 and J Powell and he looks the safest bet. ARLO looks an improving type and should figure in the betting and the finish. Nunes stays on and the pair weren’t far away in a similar affair at his last start. Of the rest, TOOBIGTOFAIL is having start 21 as a maiden but has looked due and is the benchmark while the lightly raced PERKINS could come in for support with M Rodd onboard and has to be considered first up.
1 PERKINS *** Races sparingly but appreciates this weak maiden field and a market watch in order. 6.00
2 HIPPO VENTURA * Struggles as a rule. 33
3 ARLO *** Improving with each run and should figure in this finish. 3.00
4 MARGAUX * No. 33
5 SWINGLOWSWEETJACKY *** Blinkers back on after finding the mile not to his liking and will go close. 4.00
6 BONJOUR BOB ** Form looks hopeless but is in the right company so look for improved run. 20
7 BIG BANKER * Drops back from the mile but easier to ignore. 20
8 MAJOR GREEN * Tongue-tie removed but has been disappointing. 33
9 VOLCANO ** Excuses last start and did look like improving on his previous effort. 20
10 SOUTHERN ADMIRAL * No. 33
11 TOOBIGTOFAIL *** Long-term maiden but this field is weak and had looked due. 4.00
12 BIG BANG KING * Not for me. 33
Race 2
Selections; 11 CHANGBAI MOUNTAIN – 9 FULL BET – 10 SUPER BRILLIANT – 4 GOOD BET
CHANGBAI MOUNTAIN can continue on from the 2015 juggernaut of the Walker/Nunes combination by winning on debut. The 3YO has had numerous trials with varying gear – all good – and makes his debut with just a tongue-tie. His most recent trial was probably his best and you would expect support on that effort and he should run accordingly. Plenty will keep him honest though including the two “bets” – FULL BET and GOOD BET – who both showed more than enough at their respective debuts to win while SUPER BRILLIANT ran on very well when resuming and should figure in this finish. The field has depth with MAGNETISE for Bruce Marsh also a show while fellow Kiwi Laurie Laxon will also have a strong hand with MR JACKSON resuming and PALTROW likely to win sooner than later.
1 MR JACKSON *** Resuming and has shown his best form first up in similar affairs to this. 8.00
2 FOREST KING * Blinkers on and tongue-tie off but would need to improve lengths. 100
3 GOLDEN DIAMOND ** Excuses last start and worth thought on solid debut run. 20
4 GOOD BET *** Ran a very bold race on debut at long odds and a big show on that effort. 10
5 MAGNETISE *** Excuses when supported on debut and pay to keep very safe. 10
6 SOUTHERN CHIEF ** Will improve with race experience and can include in exotics. 12
7 SPEEDY MOMENT * No. 100
8 PALTROW *** Thereabouts at all three runs and will win one sooner than later. 8.00
9 FULL BET *** Backed up good trial form with a nice debut and looks one of the main hopes here. 5.00
10 SUPER BRILLIANT *** Excellent work late when resuming and has to be a big show on that effort. 6.00
11 CHANGBAI MOUNTAIN *** Has had numerous good trials and looks the testing material on debut. 3.00
Race 3
Selections; 2 DRAGON G – 1 HEE’S A MAVERICK – 3 BAAB AL NASR – 6 KNOW EACH OTHER
A race with many chances but a couple of horses that are in form and should very much appreciate KSD company in DRAGON G and HEE’S A MAVERICK appeal. DRAGON G has looked in good order in some nice Class 4 fields over this trip and his effort to place last start after having all sorts of issues early was very encouraging. He can race handy from the good gate and looks the testing material. HEE’S A MAVERICK hasn’t drawn as well but again, he is in form and KSD company will see a result sooner than later. Others to watch have queries over their winning credentials including KNOW EACH OTHER who does everything bar win and SPIRIT SEVEN who looks due but is a maiden. The value runner is BAAB AL NASR whose form is better than it reads and should improve again with race fitness stepping up to the mile.
1 HEE’S A MAVERICK *** Beaten a long way into second at his last start but will find this company to his liking. 3.50
2 DRAGON G *** Excuses last start so effort to place was excellent and hard to beat in this. 3.00
3 BAAB AL NASR *** Form a lot better than it reads and should be suited stepping up to the mile. Value. 12
4 CHRISTMAS ** Not a lot when resuming but would have benefitted from the outing. 20
5 DUAL IMPACT * No. 100
6 KNOW EACH OTHER *** Back on the Poly a good move but again, desperate for a result for followers. 6.00
7 ROSEGOLD ** Solid similar affair last start but may need turf to win. 12
8 SPIRIT SEVEN *** Maiden and drawn badly but in form and wins one soon. 6.00
9 FORTUNE SPIRIT ** Not far away last start similar affair and a must for exotics. 20
10 BLACK FRIDAY * Can run a cheeky race but better suited in Class 5. 20
11 SUPER SPUR * Not a lot when resuming and should need easier. 50
Race 4
Selections; 5 HEE’S EGO – 4 JOE – 3 GOLDEN RABBIT – 6 EXCITING PROSPECT
Again, not a lot jumps off the page but HEE’S EGO looks to tick a few boxes here and should be hard to hold out. Nunes says onboard and while disappointing last start on the turf, the Poly does look his caper and it’s worth noting his maiden win was on the all-weather over this trip. JOE is the only legitimate Class dropper in the field and he should be the improver with a nice trial late last year a pointer to his chances. GOLDEN RABBIT lacks fight at the business end of races but was showing form before lameness issues last start so he is certainly worth a look while EXCITING PROSPECT will win a race like this when he shows his best form.
1 ALWAYS AHEAD * Form hopeless but could improve in Class 5. 33
2 BLOOD ROYAL * See above. 100
3 GOLDEN RABBIT *** Resuming. Was showing some form at this level before pulling up lame and spelling. Can win. 5.00
4 JOE *** Disappointed last start but will grow a leg dropping to Class 5 with nice recent trial a pointer. 4.00
5 HEE’S EGO *** Appreciates Poly and looks the testing material. 3.00
6 EXCITING PROSPECT *** Disappointing last start but this is the type of race he will win. 8.00
7 ASTRO MAN ** Showed speed last start and will appreciate Class 5. 20
8 GALLANT HEIGHTS ** Prefer over longer but solid and can include in exotics. 20
9 FLYING WINNER ** Showed improvement last start with blinkers removed and pay to follow. 12
10 HOW HUGE * Better prospect on the turf. 33
11 STOCK BROKER ** Gets blinkers and thereabouts as a rule but exotics best option. 10
12 AMI ELEVEN * Struggles as a rule. 33
Race 5
Selections; 3 REAL HERO – 4 I-SCREAM NOW – 6 FAT FARRAND – 9 TROPICAL FOREST
It’s safe to say that most of this lot won’t be getting out of Class 5 anytime soon but good luck to all connections as a nice cheque awaits the winner. REAL HERO has paid his way winning twice and placing once from some 22 career starts and looks to have found a very winnable race here. Not only is the company and lack of depth in his favour but getting back onto his winning surface after two unplaced turf runs looks a smart move. I-SCREAM NOW looks the only other obvious pick on paper. Although only breaking his maiden status three starts back, the 6YO has placed at his next two and gets another chance to pick up a cheque in this. Keep FAT FARRAND with blinkers back on safe, as well as TROPICAL FOREST who goes better than most on a good day.
1 GANNA * May appreciate Class 5 but struggles as a rule. 50
2 INFERMO ** Can mix his form but showed enough last start to follow. 10
3 REAL HERO *** Drawn wide but very much appreciates being back on the Poly and can win. 3.00
4 I-SCREAM NOW *** In form and must go very close to winning in this field. 2.70
5 JACK OF HEARTS * Fold. 50
6 FAT FARRAND *** Gets blinkers back and always a winning show in races like this. 5.00
7 BAIL OUT * Blinkers off after showing little at the races and easier to ignore. 33
8 OASIS SPUR * Impossible on current form. 50
9 TROPICAL FOREST ** Not at his best of late but the type to keep safe if having a good day. 12
10 THINK PRETTY * Shown glimpses but like to see support before considering. 33
11 KTRONIC * Needs longer but this field is weak enough to include in exotics. 20
12 MATOAKA * Issues last start but easier to ignore. 33
Race 6
Selections; 5 NOVA STRIKE – 1 REACH FOR THE SUN – 2 THE GENERAL – 3 STRUBELI
As you would expect some very handy Poly sprinters go round in this Class 3 event and it does look the highlight of the day. You can make a winning case for more than half the field, which suggests there should be value about, however, NOVA STRIKE probably starts favourite and looks the one to be on. Yes, he has to improve on a couple of efforts in similar affairs to this but he gets blinkers and his recent trial with headgear was very good and punters won’t miss that. Elsewhere REACH FOR THE SUN and THE GENERAL pick themselves on form with the former getting a slight weight pull for a head defeat. STRUBELI also looks well placed to show his best late and GOLDEN TOMAHAWK could be value and is always an each-way hope.
1 REACH FOR THE SUN *** Returned with very good effort and meets The General 2kg better off for the slim defeat. 6.00
2 THE GENERAL *** Hard to fault winning form and has trialled well recently. Follow. 3.00
3 STRUBELI *** In very good form and this race looks suitable for a result. 7.00
4 HIMALAYA DRAGON ** Disappointing last start but goes good enough on his day to keep safe. 25
5 NOVA STRIKE *** Blinkers on first time and recent trial suggests he improves and can win this. 2.50
6 ASSERTIVE LAD * Needs to show more. 50
7 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK *** Freshened and always going to be a show in races like this. 8.00
8 BIGDINERO ** Resuming with tongue-tie and will keep a few honest. 20
9 HOT GOLD * Reassess on turf over a tad longer. 50
Race 7
Selections; 1 LIM’S BATTLE – 7 THANKFULNESS – 5 MEAISIN – 8 SWIFT
While the likes of MEAISIN and FREE HAPPY are in good form and look good winning hopes on paper, they dead-set refuse to win so LIM’S BATTLE might be the best option. Yes, he looks a risk given his last run was his best since winning back in September but given a few of those runs were in unsuitable races, he gets his chance in what is winnable company. THANKFULNESS is another that won’t win out of turn but will probably lead and showed enough last start to think he is in front for a very long time with C Brown up from gate 1. As mentioned, MEAISIN is in solid form without winning but has to be included somewhere and SWIFT is another that comes off a last start placing – albeit at very long odds – so has to be respected.
1 LIM’S BATTLE *** Returned to some form last start and this is easier so must go close. 5.00
2 SPINNING SUCCESS ** Blinkers off after just battling last start when supported and have to take on trust. 12
3 FREE HAPPY ** Honest enough to include in exotics but wont win out of turn. 6.00
4 HIPPO PROSPERO * No. 50
5 MEAISIN *** Hard to fault form of late but desperate for a result for followers. 3.00
6 PERFECT CHALLENGER ** Another that is always some show in races like this but struggles to win. 10
7 THANKFULNESS *** Has been running some cheeky races of late and in this a very long way from the ace. 4.00
8 SWIFT ** Turned around some very poor form with a big run at odds but have to take on trust. 12
9 BEAUTIFUL WORLD * Looking for easier company. 50
10 TONGARIRO * Nothing last start and needs Class 5. 33
11 DRAGON GOLD * Needs easier and shorter. 100
Race 8
Selections; 2 LIVELY DRAGON – 7 WONDERFUL – 4 THE COSMOS – 1 HONEST TRUTH
When you consider the first there picks in this race all finished unplaced as short priced favourites at their respective last starts, the taxi rank might be the best place to be when they jump. But the horses in question – LIVELY DRAGON, WONDERFUL and THE COSMOS – cannot be written off on just one bad run and all win this without surprising. Of the three we were confident that LIVELY DRAGON will win in this company sooner than later and from a better gate today with a 2kg claimer, he can win. Both Walker runners – THE COSMOS and WONDERFUL – get tongue-ties added after their disappointing runs but Nunes on WONDERFUL suggests he has more upside from the stables point of view. Keep the newcomer SILVER POWER safe with one eye on the market and HONEST TRUTH is always value.
1 HONEST TRUTH *** In very good form since blinkers went on and looks a leading show again. 12
2 LIVELY DRAGON *** Disappointing with heavy support last Sunday but well worth another look as should win races like this. 4.00
3 SILVER POWER *** Former Australian sprinter who has looked comfortable at local trials so pay to keep safe. 20
4 THE COSMOS *** Gets a tongue-tie after finishing unplaced as the odds-on pop last start but can win. 3.00
5 CORDOBA ** Resuming with a nice trial (albeit with blinkers) under his belt and pay to keep safe in this company. 20
6 SUN MIRACLE ** Disappointing in Novice company after good debut win and have to take on trust. 12
7 WONDERFUL *** Disappointing not to place as even money fave at Singapore debut but pay to follow with a tongue-tie added. 3.50
8 HELEN ** This is tougher than her last start win but always competitive this trip. 12
9 KAISER * Blinkers back on but may need a tad easier to win. 33
10 RUN CHEETAH RUN * Will work into this late but should need easier. 33
11 KENNEDY * No. 100
