IMPERIAL BOY looks good to win (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
A new month and the racing has certainly gone up a notch with some cracking fields this weekend including the best sprinters that Kranji has to offer going round in the Group 2 Merlion Trophy on Sunday.
And given the Dester Three-Year-Old Sprint is scheduled for the last weekend in March, we do get to see some serious horses competing in some very good races.
Friday is a an odd night though, given the best races are later on the card but the depth of those fields suggest some of the easier punting might be in the earlier maidens.
Case in point is race 1 and race 5 – both maidens over 1400m – where Pat Shaw and Barend Vorster look to have a big say with WARSHIP and ROYAL EXPLORER respectively.
Both are in form and look to have found very winnable races and the pair can add to Shaw’s impressive 2016 win tally.
Elsewhere on the card, IMPERIAL BOY drops back to his recent winning distance in race 6 and could be one of the better bets on the card and while it will be tough to find winners late, the depth of races 7, 8 and 9 suggest there has to be value about so well worth a look.
Best Bets: (IMPERIAL BOY race 6, win), (LUCKY COIN race 8, each-way) and (AMISTAD race 5, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1), race 7 (3, 9 and 14), race 8 (1, 2, 4, 10, 11 and 14), race 9 (1, 3, 4, 9 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 WARSHIP – 5 CHIPS – 10 TOOBIGTOFAIL – 2 PANACHE
Only a few horses that look like winning the opener and WARSHIP for Pat Shaw could be hard to beat. The 3YO has had five runs over this trip on the turf and has shown more than enough on each occasion to think he wins a race like this sooner than later. The field has no depth and you would expect Barend Vorster to give him every possible chance from gate 3. But like WARSHIP, CHIPS is due to win and this trip and track also looks his caper. He has drawn wide but the experienced Vlad Duric will be hoping to continue his good start to his latest stint in Singapore. Nothing else jumps off the page but you have to respect TOOBIGTOFAIL on what he showed last start with gate 1 in his favour while PANACHE, CONFEIGN, VICTORY COMMANDS and the lowly rated VOY, can raffle the skinny end of exotics.
1 WARSHIP *** Ready to win and this trip looks his caper. 2.50
2 PANACHE ** Last start better than the result in the book and cheeky run expected. 12
3 CIRRUS * No. 50
4 CONFEIGN ** Excuses not to finish closer last start and can include in exotics. 33
5 CHIPS *** Foot in the till and right in this finish. 3.00
6 VICTORY COMMANDS ** Should strip fitter after first-up run and pay to keep an eye on the market with blinkers off. 12
7 WHITE SHADOW * Disappointing with support last start and have to take on trust. 12
8 GANNA * No. 50
9 MY TOUCH * Struggles. 50
10 TOOBIGTOFAIL ** Returned to form last start and this type of race has looked his caper. 6.00
11 VOY ** Not a mile away last start and worth a look in exotics on that effort. 20
Race 2
Selections; 8 SUPER HERO – 3 ARION – 6 HOFFMAN – 7 MURDOCH
Now, the obvious pick in this race is ARION who has the advantage over most of his rivals with a race under his belt. He was supported at his debut on the back of some good trial form and his effort to place suggests he improves for the effort and should be hard to beat. However, there looks a couple of handy newcomers in SUPER HERO and HOFFMAN who could test him and the pair should come in for support. HOFFMAN comes into this after a solid hit-out at his most recent trial and with Nunes up, he picks himself in the top three. However, there was plenty to like about SUPER HERO’s trial where he looked to be doing it easy and hit the line under a tight hold. He has drawn wide but could be the testing material. Market best guide on the other newcomers including MURDOCH with CELERITAS and ASHQAR a couple with race experience that can be included in exotics.
1 CELERITAS ** Drops back in trip after not running on and should be prominent throughout. 12
2 DRAGON STEED * Gets blinkers dropping back from the mile but does struggle. 50
3 ARION *** Supported when placing on debut and looks the benchmark in this field. 2.50
4 ASHQAR ** Has plenty to learn but appreciates debut run and should improve. 20
5 BALBOA ** Solid at the trials and should hold his own on debut. 8.00
6 HOFFMAN *** Trials like he has plenty to offer on debut with support likely. 3.00
7 MURDOCH ** Improved with each trial and can include in exotics at race debut. 20
8 SUPER HERO *** Drawn badly but looked very comfortable at Official Trial and pay to keep safe. 6.00
9 VOLKS TREASURE * Just fair at local trials and would need support before considering. 33
10 CARNELIAN * Prefer to just watch on exposed trial form. 33
11 NOVA ANGEL * Gets blinkers after poor debut but easier to ignore. 100
Race 3
Selections; 2 DEVIL’S PASS – 4 MASTERMIND – 1 COTE DE NUITS – 5 LUCKY SIX
Nothing jumps off the page in this KSD Poly sprint and to make it tougher still for punters, a few of the main hopes on paper do struggle to win. Case in point is DEVIL’S PASS who is yet to win in five starts in Singapore. The former Aussie has gone very close though and a change in stables – Laxon to Burridge – coupled with the company, could see him breakthrough. MASTERMIND resuming is also hard to line up but given his recent trials have been good and he has previously shown winning form in this type of race, he could give a sight. COTE DE NUITS finds himself back in his recent winning company and has to be respected while LUCKY SIX is in very solid form and will be in the mix. Throw a blanket over the rest although YIN JIE could give them something to catch at long odds.
1 COTE DE NUITS *** Solid last start but comes under notice back in recent winning company. 4.00
2 DEVIL’S PASS *** Shown more than enough to think he wins in this company with winkers off and changing stables. 3.00
3 DUTY FIRST * Trying the Poly after two poor turf runs and have to take on trust with tongue-tie off. 33
4 MASTERMIND *** Resuming in very suitable race and trialling like a winner. 6.00
5 LUCKY SIX *** In solid form and always an each-way hope. 6.00
6 YIN JIE ** Might use some petrol early but form better than it reads and in this a long way at odds. 20
7 DREAMCATCHER ** Rarely wins but always a show back on his preferred surface. 12
8 SUGARTIME JAZZ ** Might need easier again to win but can work into this late at odds. 20
9 TIM ** Another thereabouts as a rule but might need Class 5 to win. 20
10 RUN CHEETAH RUN * Hard to follow but worth keeping an eye on the market. 50
11 METAPHOR ** Long term maiden who has shown glimpse so keep safe in exotics. 20
12 I-SCREAM NOW ** Gets tongue-tie after excuses (Roarer) last start but good Class 5 form prior should see him competitive in this. 20
Race 4
Selections; 4 D’BUFFALO MAN – 3 LADY LIBERTY – 12 BLACK THUNDER – 5 BLACK SWAN
A strong crop of maidens in this Initiation over 1400m and as such it will be tough to find the winner. In saying that you could have some confidence that D’BUFFALO MAN with blinkers added could be the testing material. The 3YO has his foot on the till and given a strong recent trial with headgear, he hopefully gets a result. LADY LIBERTY also looks well placed to win this back in maiden company. The 4YO mare was more than competitive late in Class 4 company last start over 1200m and her maiden form over the same trip suggests she gives this a shake with the extra 200m in her favour. As mentioned the race has plenty of depth and you can make a winning case for BLACK SWAN, AURORA AUSTRALIS and the Japanese-bred filly, BLACK THUNDER.
1 AQUALAD * Impossible on race form but could improve with blinkers added. 33
2 COMMODORE LINCOLN ** Solid at recent trial suggesting 1400m might be a good option on debut. Watch market. 12
3 LADY LIBERTY *** Has been showing more than enough late to win over 1400m back in Maiden company. 4.00
4 D’BUFFALO MAN *** Due to win a race a race like this and recent strong trials suggests the addition of blinkers will do the trick. 4.00
5 BLACK SWAN *** Had excuses with support when blinkers went on last start and worth another look. 6.00
6 AURORA AUSTRALIS *** Had all sorts of issues in running last start and a big show on that and previous efforts. 8.00
7 RED JEWEL ** Another with excuses last start and look for improvement with blinkers on first time. 20
8 ASTROCANDY * Will improve with racing but this looks a strong maiden field. 50
9 CHARLIE CAME ALONG * Plenty of trials under his belt but prefer to watch in this field. 20
10 CLAIR DE LUNE ** Has a bit to learn but 1400m looks a good move with tongue-tie removed for this. 20
11 LIM’S RANGER * Saddle slipped on debut but still prefer most others. 50
12 BLACK THUNDER *** Works home very well suggesting 1400m is a good move. Follow. 5.00
Race 5
Selections; 6 ROYAL EXPLORER – 10 AMISTAD – 2 ARLO – 9 MAGIC PAINT
Like race 1 on the card, this maiden over 1400m has no depth whatsoever and it does look a race in two, or at a pinch, three. ROYAL EXPLORER looks the obvious choice. The 3YO was heavily supported when just missing last start on the back of a strong trial and although drawn wide for this, he could be very hard to beat. But from that same race, AMISTAD also looks a good winning show. The 4YO had excuses not to finish with ROYAL EXPLORER behind ARCHER COMPANY on that occasion and from gate 1 with Alan Munro retaining the ride, he must go close. Of the rest, ARLO is consistent and has to be respected with Vlad Duric up with MAGIC PAINT and THE JUENYMAN the only other two that play any part in this finish on exposed form.
1 THE JEUNEYMAN ** Hard to have on recent form but 1400m with blinkers and tongue-tie removed could see improvement. 20
2 ARLO *** Drawn wide but consistent and gets senior hoop. 3.00
3 PISTA * No. 50
4 FOREST KING * No. 50
5 MARGAUX * Excuses last start (saddle) and could run a cheeky race at long odds. 33
6 ROYAL EXPLORER *** Just missed last start with support over the mile and hardest to beat in this. 2.00
7 NOVA POWER * Gets upgrade to blinkers but battles as a rule. 33
8 SUN HANCOCK * No. 100
9 MAGIC PAINT ** Led them last start before fading over the mile and should be thereabouts again. 12
10 AMISTAD *** Excuses not to go very close in last start in similar company and pay to follow. 8.00
11 ASTRO MAN * Needs to lift. 33
12 AMI ELEVEN * Last start OK but disappoints as a rule. 20
13 PIONEER LIU * Needs more than blinkers. 100
Race 6
Selections; 1 IMPERIAL BOY – 2 MARINE TREASURE – 3 SUPER JOY – 11 DR OCTOPUS
Plenty of these poly sprinters are in form but with a few better suited in Class 5 company it may be the higher rated horses that are worth concentrating on. In fact the top three horses are all rated 55 and all looked well placed over 1000m in KSD company to win. IMPERIAL BOY won this trip and track two starts back so will enjoy the drop from 1100m with gate 1 and a CC Wong 2kg claim in his favour. MARINE TREASURE resumes after knocking in a well-deserved Restricted Maiden win over 1200m back in September and a recent trial suggests he can win at his first attempt on the Poly at the races. SUPER JOY also gets back into his recent winning company and should run a big race with Oscar Chavez up. Of the rest, DR OCTOPUS won’t win out of turn but will work into this late while KAISER could be the value runner in what looks a suitable race.
1 IMPERIAL BOY *** In very good form, get state 1 and the 1000m is definitely his caper. 3.00
2 MARINE TREASURE *** Resuming and having first start on the Poly but trials like he gives this a shake. 3.50
3 SUPER JOY *** Just fair last start but back to recent winning company has him under notice. 5.00
4 HELEN ** Very disappointing last start but goes well in this type of race on her day. 20
5 NOMERCY * Blinkers back on but has not produced good trial form on the track. 50
6 KAISER ** Suited this company and drawn well so looks an each-way hope. 12
7 KING OF THIEVES * Might be a better option on the turf. 33
8 EXCITING PROSPECT ** Can include in exotics but might need Class 5 to win. 20
9 STOCK BROKER ** Honest enough but another who looks better suited in Class 5. 12
10 SATELLITE PRINCE * Reassess over longer. 33
11 DR OCTOPUS ** Struggles to win and eligible for easier but consistent and will be running on late. 12
12 GADAWON ** Another who struggles to win but competitive and should race handy throughout. 20
Race 7
Selections; 9 GILT COMPLEX – 14 SHANGHAI BUND – 3 GOLD PEREGRINE – 2 IDEAL GUIDE
You know the season is starting to hit it’s straps when races like this come along on a Friday night and you would imagine whatever the result, the form from this will hold up for many weeks to come. And given a few of the leading hopes are relatively lightly raced, better races – including features – will be on the horizon. Case in point is GILT COMPLEX who looks talented and honest – a great combination for punters. His first-up run in a similar affair to this was excellent and given he had excuses on that occasion, he could be hard to hold out. SHANGHAI BUND is also as honest as the day is long and given it is down in the ratings, often gets out to value. GOLD PEREGRINE also deserves a mention on what he showed first up and looks another destined for better races than this. Blanket over ROOM FOR EXCUSE, IDEAL GUIDE, LAUGHING GRAVY and VIVIANO.
1 ROOM FOR EXCUSE *** Resuming after winning similar affair last start and has to be considered. 12
2 IDEAL GUIDE *** Honest as a rule and will find this company more to his liking so can win. 8.00
3 GOLD PEREGRINE *** Progressive type who resumed with a very good effort with step up to 1400m ideal. 5.00
4 LAUGHING GRAVY *** Versatile and first-up run easily good enough to follow in what in what looks a suitable race. 8.00
5 LIM’S SHOWCASE ** Recent win on the Poly but worked home well enough last start to keep safe at long odds. 50
6 NANDOWRA * Gets winkers after doing it tough last start but would need to lift on recent form. 50
7 NINETYSEVEN GOLD *** Not at his best last start but gets to jump form gate 1 and step up to 1400m could be a smart move. 6.00
8 ABOVE THE SKYLINE ** Hard to fault recent winning form but drawn wide and this field is strong. 20
9 GILT COMPLEX *** Excuses not to finish closer to the winner last start in similar affair and could be hard to hold out. 6.00
10 ROCKFAST ** Dead-heated in easier company last start and might find this too tough. 20
11 VIVIANO *** Last run a lot better than the result and gives this a shake with luck in running. 12
12 IKING ** Drawn awkwardly but just racing too well to leave out of exotic calculations. 20
13 FELAROF ** Won on protest in Class 4 last start and another that may be tested in this company. 20
14 SHANGHAI BUND *** Super consistent and looks a solid each-way hope with gate 2 a factor. 9.00
15 TAFFETAS * Hard to have on recent form. 200
Race 8
Selections; 4 LUCKY COIN – 10 ROSEGOLD – 14 THANKFULNESS – 1 AMAZING
Truth be told this race is one of the toughest in recent memory to find the winner and you could look at it from too many different angles to be confident. One angle that is worth thought is the Laxon factor with two front-runners in THANKFULNESS and AMAZING. Both have drawn wide but both can run a very cheeky race and win. Their stablemate DANNY found some form last start and he could appreciate a solid tempo so look for him late. BEST LIFE won his maiden this trip and picks himself after a eye-catching first up run over 1200m. You can also make a case for GLORIOUS PROSPECT having his third start in Singapore with improvement likely and ROSEGOLD looks a very solid option on his good form of late and might even start favourite after drawing gate 2. But after all that, LUCKY COIN is honest enough to follow in a race like this and gets the early nod.
1 AMAZING *** Recent form looks ordinary and has to jump from the car park but appreciates company and cheeky run expected. 12
2 GLORIOUS PROSPECT *** Improving with racing and showed enough at second Singapore start to follow in KSD. 6.00
3 EXCELLENT WINNER * Maiden and prefer others. 33
4 LUCKY COIN *** Always an each-way show in races like this. 6.00
5 ABOVE THE HORIZON ** Showed improvement last start and subsequently trialled well but have to take on trust. 12
6 DRAGON G ** Not often seen on the turf but came in for heavy support last start and pay to keep safe. 6.00
7 DANNY ** Placed at very long odds last start and this type of race would be his caper. 13
8 VERGLATICA * Reassess on the Poly. 33
9 LUCKY STRATEGY ** Will get back and run on strongly and another that could surprise at odds. 12
10 ROSEGOLD *** In form and looks ready to add a mile win to his CV. 4.00
11 BEST LIFE *** Form better than it reads and step up to winning trip suggests he gives this a shake. 20
12 WEE MONSTER * Improved effort last start but still needs to show more. 50
13 HIPPO PROSPERO * No. 100
14 THANKFULNESS *** Another Laxon runner drawn wide that can go forward. Goes close. 20
15 GALAXY EXPRESS ** Will be running on late and a must for exotics. 12
Race 9
Selections; 9 BLUE DIAMOND – 4 PROFESSOR X – 10 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK – 11 RICH FORTUNE
An extremely tough race to finish what has been an evening that may have started slowly but certainly finished with some very solid races. And like the previous race, this looks an intriguing affair with many scenarios including a some nice middle distance types resuming who will be swooping late. But we like horses that have showed a bit in better company than this and BLUE DIAMOND certainly did enough behind Kam’s Comet to follow here. You can also make a case for PROFESSOR X who gets back on what looks his preferred surface after excuses last start and his stablemate, BOARD WALK who won very well in Class 4 last start. Throw in CHASE, HIGH TROJA and ANY RUMOUR – the three staying types resuming – with NORTHERN BOSS, NOVA WARRIOR, ROYAL FORTUNE, GOLDEN TOMAHAWK and RICH FORTUNE all some hope. Do your best.
1 BOARD WALK *** Won well enough in Class 4 company to think he can win again. 6.00
2 CHASE *** Resuming and having first start on the Poly but trails good enough to follow in this company. 12
3 NORTHERN BOSS *** Placed at long odd last start and Poly record speaks for itself. 8.00
4 PROFESSOR X *** Issues last start (respiratory) on the turf and happy to follow back on the Poly after nice trial. 12
5 HIGH TROJA *** Resuming after cracking win over the mile in this company and pay to keep very safe. 8.00
6 NOVA WARRIOR *** In very solid form and often value. Follow. 8.00
7 ROYAL FORTUNE *** Knows how to win and appreciates being back on the Poly. 12
8 ANY RUMOUR ** Another middle distance horse resuming but will work into this late. 20
9 BLUE DIAMOND *** Can be hard to follow on occasion but nice last start effort in good company suggest we follow. 6.00
10 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK *** Honest and no reason he doesn’t win races like this. 12
11 RICH FORTUNE *** Disappointing as the even money fave last start this company but worth another look on previous winning form. 6.00
12 EAGLE STORM ** Disappointing since blinkers added but worth another look on good trial back in December. 33
13 SCOUT DONE ** Had a few excuses of late and some hope on best Poly form. 33
14 BALESTRA * Resuming and needs a lot easier than this. 100
