Oscar Chavez shows his winning style aboard Perfect Charger – Singapore Racing 13-05-05
Oscar Chavez might not be the “pin-up” boy of Singapore racing but some recent winning form has him marked as a jockey to follow. The expatriate Panamanian hoop has made Malaysia/Singapore his home for longer than most of us can remember and often his skill in the saddle goes unnoticed as he hovers just outside the top ten in the premiership tables. His twelve wins in 2013 come at a strike rate of just 10% but worth noting his recent good form has that strike rate doubled and probably only bettered by Joao Moreira in the month of May. On a rare Friday day meeting, Chavez has three mounts in the final five races on the card and all three look genuine winning hopes. TROPICAL FOREST (race 8), SPEED DEMON (race 10) and PERFECT CHARGER (race 12) all look well placed by their respective trainers and more importantly, are regular mounts for Chavez. Of the three, PERFECT CHARGER is the most interesting runner given how well he won as the odds-on pop on debut. The length margin on that occasion doesn’t look that impressive but given he did it tough throughout and looked to have some in hand on the line, he can go on with the job. TROPICAL FOREST might be the value runner of the three given his seemingly poor run of form but the grey will grow a proverbial leg in a BM53 and a win would not surprise.
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Best Bets; PERFECT CHARGER (race 12, win), TROPICAL FOREST (race 8, each-way) and SAVANNAH DANCER (race 10, each-way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 9 (1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 12), race 10 (1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 12), race 11 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 11), race 12 (7).
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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.
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Race 8
Selections; 2 TROPICAL FOREST – 1 VON SNITZEL – 8 CAUTION – 4 REVERSE TAKEOVER
TROPICAL FOREST would win this in a canter if ‘right’. The 6YO hasn’t won since November 2011 – that is a concern – but given that was in Class 3 when he was mixing with some quality types, he must return to form in this field. The head-gear went on last start and the fact he was wide throughout suggests the run better than the result and hopefully makes better use of gate 4. VON SNITZEL looks a more solid betting option with good form in similar races. His last two races this company saw two good places and from gate one he will be in the mix late. Others that can win include CAUTION (who backed up his overdue maiden win with a great run), Joao Moreira’s mount, REVERSE TAKEOVER, ABYSS and BUZET. There might also be a couple of lively longshots so include PERFECT TIME and VANQUISH in the exotics if the budget permits.
1 VON SNITZEL *** Looks a very suitable race and a big winning show from the ace draw. 3.50
2 TROPICAL FOREST *** Form reads badly but wins this on his ear if on-song; market watch in order. 6.00
3 QUITE A MAN * Not suited surface or trip; later. 50
4 REVERSE TAKEOVER *** Strong CLass 5 win has him under notice as does engagement of top hoop. 3.50
5 CARNIVAL STAR ** Showed more than enough last start at odds to consider; exotics. 20
6 ABYSS *** Racing in very consistent form and worth a look at likely each-way value. 12
7 MOVIE GOER ** Needs to find a yard or two on recent form but last win was over this trip. 33
8 CAUTION *** Backed-up maiden win with a good run with excuses (saddle slipped) and right in this. 4.50
9 BARGAIN BID ** Tongue-tie off after poor run but shown glimpses previously and pay to keep safe at odds. 33
10 PERFECT TIME ** Excuses last start (roarer) and previous run OK; long-shot. 50
11 BUZET *** Versatile and in-form and plays a part somewhere late. 12
12 VANQUISH ** Back in trip a good move and another who may add value to exotics. 50
13 BABY FACE *** Form better than it reads and bob up and win sooner than later. 20
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Race 9
Selections; 2 CHINA EAGLE – 1 BY LAW – 8 THINK AHEAD – 4 INCREDIBLE HULK
This could get interesting with claimers only in what looks a competitive Class 5 event. A couple of the fancies have drawn badly and the run into the tight first bend will be crucial. Case in point is CHINA EAGLE who barring a scratching or two, jumps from the widest gate. But the 5YO has been in good form and his racing style suggests he can get back and will be passing plenty late. He will need luck to win but dropping to Class 5 is definitely a factor. Another Class dropper is BY LAW who also has blinkers added to help his chances. The form reads badly and his wide gate is also a concern but the race suits and he improves lengths. THINK AHEAD also has blinkers added and given he is an out-and-out stayer, that looks a good move and he could run a cheeky race. Conversely, INCREDIBLE HULK has blinkers off and he will be flying late over a suitable trip with BUKIT ROSE WOOD and TRIPLE GOALS also in the mix. WO AI NINN one to watch at value given his good work late last start.
1 BY LAW *** Form reads badly but drops significantly in Class and blinkers on a positive move; improves lengths. 20
2 CHINA EAGLE *** Drawn badly but has been getting home OK last couple and this grade suits; can win. 6.00
3 IDEALISTIC MOMENT ** Form reads badly but not a million miles away last start and recent trial OK; keep one eye on the market. 50
4 INCREDIBLE HULK *** Forget last start over unsuitable trip; big show and will be flying late with blinkers removed. 5.00
5 BUKIT ROSE WOOD *** Drawn awkwardly but showed more than enough last start with some support to follow. 5.00
6 MAX VELOCITY * Disappointing dropping to this grade last start and have to take on trust. 33
7 SUPER ZUCCA * Battles away on a good day but exotics look best. 50
8 THINK AHEAD *** Very one-paced so blinkers go on; in the mix. 5.00
9 WO AI NINN *** Never involved until good work late last start and pay to follow on that effort. 8.00
10 FOREIGN EXCHANGE * Gate one helps but has been disappointing of late. 33
11 TOP HAPPINESS * Struggling. 100
12 TRIPLE GOALS *** Last start good enough to play a big part in this; can win. 4.00
13 SUDDEN INTEREST * No interest. 200
14 INIESTA * No. 200
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Race 10
Selections; 4 SAVANNAH DANCER – 8 SPEED DEMON – 12 MEDIA CAPTAIN – 7 COUNTRY CLUB
This race is a beauty and while keen on a few, SAVANNAH DANCER gets the nod on top after an unlucky run as favourite last start. The mare had no chance when blocked for a run at crucial times in the straight and given she handles this surface and company, a win is on the cards. But she will have to be on her game with SPEED DEMON ready to win again. The 4YO is in form but more importantly switches back to the Poly which is his three-time winning surface. MEDIA CAPTAIN is probably better suited by Class 4 company but gets the services of Joao Moreira from gate one so looks a solid option on his honest form. The race has depth so throw a blanket over BAZINGA, TERMINATOR, IMACRUISER AND TENUPONTEN. COUNTRY CLUB will offer good eachway value and worth a look with winkers added.
1 BAZINGA *** Won two back over 1000m and happy to follow up in trip with tongue-tie removed. 20
2 FIGHTER JET ** Form hard to follow but better recent form has been on this surface. 50
3 HONEST TRUTH * Struggles. 200
4 SAVANNAH DANCER *** Plenty of excuses last start and happy to think she can show her best in what is a suitable race. 5.00
5 TERMINATOR *** Resuming after a good run of form without a result; goes close. 5.00
6 IMACRUISER *** In-form and no reason to think he doesn’t show up late in this. 12
7 COUNTRY CLUB *** Always thereabouts in a race like this and pay to follow each-way with winkers added today. 12
8 SPEED DEMON *** Last start was good and switch back to Poly in his favour; hard to beat. 3.50
9 TENUPONTEN *** First-up run good and most recent run on this surface; goes close. 8.00
10 BLACK RAIN * Competitive at best but like to see in something easier. 200
11 DRAGON ** Has ability but Poly form a serious concern so take on trust. 14
12 MEDIA CAPTAIN *** Form good, no weight, gate one and Moreira; goes close. 6.00
13 THE SITUATION ** Appreciates first run in Singapore and a couple of subsequent trials; improves. 20
14 DANZIG ROCKET ** Loves the Poly but like to see in easier company. 20
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Race 11
Selections; 7 CALIFORNIA KID – 9 SAMURAI KID – 3 BOLD BID – 5 SPICY CAT
No stars in this race and it looks tough for pundits with no stand-out and Moreira muddying the punting waters by riding a seemingly out-of-form horse. Leaving his mount – SS THE SPRINTER – out, the proverbial blanket is thrown over most of the others. CALIFORNIA KID is coming off a shocker but his previous form probably sees him start favourite. Obviously you have to put a line through that run – he did do it tough but no real excuse – and will not get a better chance after drawing gate one. SAMURAI KID has also drawn well (4) and his last run was solid at odds. He might provide some value in this field which will be handy given the depth. Still with value, BOLD BID had plenty of excuses last start and that tough run will do him good with gate three a factor on Friday. SPICY CAT and SPEEDY PHIL both can win but have both drawn wide as has ZAC STAR DESTROYER. ALWAYS A WINNER a solid option with Munro up.
1 SS THE SPRINTER ** Moreira on suggests he gets some support but a maiden and hard to have on form. 12
2 STATE TROOPER * Fresh but last few terrible and needs to lift. 50
3 BOLD BID *** Form reads badly but home OK after doing it tough last start and goes close from gate three. 20
4 SPEEDY PHIL *** Would win a race like this on his day and pay to keep safe with upgrade to blinkers. 12
5 SPICY CAT *** Wide gate a concern but looks due and this race suitable. 6.00
6 ALWAYS A WINNER *** Maiden but placed in a Poly sprint two starts back and in this a long way. 6.00
7 CALIFORNIA KID *** Coming off a shocker but previous form has him winning a race like this; gate one helps. 3.00
8 REAL GOODMAN ** Back in trip but versatile so pay to include in exotics. 12
9 SAMURAI KID *** Last start good at odds and more than happy to follow in a what looks a race with no stand-out. 12
10 SMART CHOICE * Resuming; no. 200
11 ZAC STAR DESTROYER *** Drawn awkwardly but solid and figures late with the experienced B Vorster on-board. 6.00
12 MAHA VEERAN ** Fresh, drawn well and has pace so cheeky run expected. 20
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Race 12
Selections; 7 PERFECT CHARGER – 1 DREAMCATCHER – 6 JET ACE – 5 CHILLI
PERFECT CHARGER made a prefect start to his racing career by winning on debut. But is was not plain sailing for the odds-on pop given he was caught handy but wide throughout and had to dig deep to eventually win going away. He has drawn gate eight today but with that race experience under his belt expect a more calculated ride and he could be too good when it counts. But the race has depth and if you don’t like the nominal favourite, there looks plenty of each-way options. Starting at the top, DREAMCATCHER looks ready to win again and any luck in running from the wide gate will see him on the podium. JET ACE has drawn beautifully in gate three and given what he showed doing it tough last start, he must also be a solid each-way hope. CHILLI, SHIN GOONG, DYNAMIC VENTURE and MY SHINE at value the others that can win.
1 DREAMCATCHER *** Last two better then the result and right in this. 6.00
2 HILLBILLY BEAR ** Resuming after pulling up lame; showed promise last preparation and could show up. 10
3 RISING EXPECTATION ** Just fair two starts sans blinkers and have to take on trust. 20
4 CATCH ME NOW ** Showed a return to form at his last two and pay to follow each way on those efforts. 20
5 CHILLI *** Foot on the till and looks a genuine winning hope in this. 6.00
6 JET ACE *** Battled on well after doing it tough on pace last start; in this a long way from gate three. 12
7 PERFECT CHARGER *** Had to work to win after tough debut win but the effort full of merit and can win again. 3.50
8 ROBERT E ** Does not win out of turn but usually in the mix and a must for exotics. 33
9 SHIN GOONG *** Wide gate a concern but was supported and went close last start similar affair; keep safe. 6.00
10 DYNAMIC VENTURE *** Hard to fault winning form and gate one suggests he goes mightyclose. 8.00
11 MY SHINE *** Last start better than the result and should appreciate the handicap conditions. 20
12 ZAC HEAVEN ** In solid form and enjoys no weight but gate a concern. 33
13 ANAVILA ** Just OK last start in easier race than this; exotics. 20
14 PROBO CHANDROSO ** Battled away last start but previous good form has him involved somewhere. 20
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