Best Tothelign (John Powell) puts his foot on the till before the fast-charging Angry Cat (A’Isisuhairi Bin Kasim), (Photo: Singapore Turf Club)
A mixed surface meeting and while there are some nice turf races on offer, the Class 3 poly sprint (race 7) is a cracker and certainly the highlight of the nine-race card.
EXCEED AND EXPRESS probably starts favourite and gives Froggy Newitt a chance to knock in a win for Champion trainer, Laurie Laxon. Corey Brown rides for Michael Freedman on last start winner, BELLWETHER and given how well he won over 1000m with support, he can go one with the job.
Throw in BEST TOTHELIGN who is undefeated at three runs on the all-weather track and MY LUCKY STRIKE who is also undefeated on the surface after winning at all three career starts. Most others in the 11 horse field have a show on best form but HAMMER DOWN could provide the knock-out blow at odds given he is first-up after a bleeding attack with a good recent trial under his belt.
Elsewhere on the card there looks plenty of value with the likes of GET GOING (race 1), U GOT IT (race 3), BREAKING VAULTS (race 4) and PACINO and ACOUSTIC (race 5) all likely to go well at each-way odds and for those looking for a banker, KEEN DRAGON might be hard to beat in race 2.
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Best Bets; (KEEN DRAGON race 2, win), (U GOT IT race 3, value) and (ACOUSTIC race 5, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (2, 3, 4 and 6), race 7 (2, 3, 4, 7 and 9), race 8 (1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10), race 9 (2, 3, 7 and 10).
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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 1
Selections; 3 FAST EDITION – 2 SACRED SPIN – 1 GET GOING – 5 SPLICE
Looks like three or four with genuine winning hopes in the opener and while tempted to have GET GOING on-top with value in mind, FAST EDITION could be the one to beat. GET GOING has had two runs in Singapore and gives every indication the 1400m – his winning trip back in Australia – is his caper. Blinkers go on and after a good hit-out at a recent trial, he should be in this a very long way. But as mentioned, FAST EDITION looks the one they all have to beat after breaking his maiden status last start. That effort suggests the step-up to 1400m is no worries and a good recent trial suggests he has trained-on well. SACRED SPIN appreciates what was a good first-up run and will get support to knock in a win while SPLICE comes under notices sans blinkers with Michael Rodd up in what is a suitable race. GRAND VITESS the value and the rest have to improve.
1 GET GOING *** Gets blinkers over suitable trip after two solid runs in Singapore. Big show. 4.00
2 SACRED SPIN *** Very much appreciates good first-up run and step up to winning trip. 3.00
3 FAST EDITION *** Broke through for nice maiden win last start and pay to follow. 3.00
4 GUILTLESS * Didn’t run on after winning a weak one two back. Prefer others. 20
5 SPLICE *** Blinkers removed as he tries to turn some solid form into a win. Each-way. 6.00
6 DRAGON KNIGHT * Gets claim and should appreciate the company. 33
7 GRAND VITESS ** Excuses last start so pay to ignore and take on good efforts this trip previously. Value. 20
8 MAREA NEGRO ** Back in trip after disappointing last start but can run a very cheeky race. 20
9 POWERFUL FIGHTER * Impossible on recent form. 100
10 A’S VICTORIOUS * Needs to show more this campaign. 100
11 EIGHTH WONDER * Resuming and while recent trial was OK, form from last campaign was woeful. 50
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Race 2
Selections; 1 KEEN DRAGON – 8 VIST AN AU – 6 INCANDESCENT – 9 PERFECT CURIOSITY
This could be an interesting race for the commentator as there could be two distinct groups with KEEN DRAGON, INCANDESCENT, VIST AN AU and perhaps PERFECT CURIOSITY out front and the rest struggling to keep up. Of those who are in with a chance, KEEN DRAGON looks the benchmark. The 4YO had excuses at his last start when beaten a half length by HADES and given that form looks to have held up, he is the one to beat with Froggy Newitt up. Interestingly, Nunes was on-board KEEN DRAGON last start and jumps on board the strong recent trial winner, VIST AN AU. The 4YO mare resumes after being very green on debut but some very good trials suggests she is ready to show her best firstup. INCANDESCENT gets winkers and picks himself as a winning hope and PERFECT CURIOSITY has some nice trials under his belt and will be value. RUSSEL THE CROWE the only other that could bother the minors.
1 KEEN DRAGON *** Excuses not to win last start and very hard to beat in this. 2.00
2 RUSSELL THE CROWE ** Excuses not to finish closer at Singapore debut and worth some thought. 12
3 FOREVER BEST * Blinkers off but hard to have. 100
4 SUPER ENOUGH * Excuses last start but impossible on form. 100
5 ARCHAEOLOGY * Will improve for race experience but maybe later. 100
6 INCANDESCENT *** Gets winkers and looks ready to win. 3.50
7 STEED EXPEDITE * No. 100
8 VIST AN AU *** Resuming with some strong trials under his belt and looks a leading hope. 3.50
9 PERFECT CURIOSITY *** Trials well and pay to keep safe on debut. 15
10 STAR GENERAL ** Recent trial was an improvement. Watch for support. 25
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Race 3
Selections; 3 RIEDEL – 6 U GOT IT – 2 CONGO ZANDOR – 1 DAAD’S THE WAY
When DAAD’S THE WAY heads the ratings over 1700m in Class 4 you know you are going to get an honest race. The veteran has been in unsuitable races at his last three but loves this trip and Class and while not in our top three, he looks the benchmark. REIDEL is the one to beat though. We were on the 5YO last start when he also got to a suitable trip with Nunes up. The Poly won’t hurt so no reason to jump off his band-wagon now although he should get plenty of support. With value and a cheeky run in mind, U GOT IT might be the bolter. The 9YO gets blinkers back and also gets on to the Poly where he last won so look for dramatic improvement with a 2kg claimer on. CONGO ZANDER showed last start at odds he has to be included somewhere and SERPICO also has winning hopes in a race with depth.
1 DAAD’S THE WAY *** Veteran who finds himself in the right grade over the right trip and goes very close. 5.00
2 CONGO ZANDOR *** Ran on well at odds in similar affair last start and pay to follow. 12
3 RIEDEL *** Showed last start he is ready to win over this trip and hard to hold out late. 3.00
4 IKING ** Battled on OK last start after winning in easier company two back. Exotics. 12
5 SERPICO *** In form and enjoys this surface so well worth a look at each-way value. 6.00
6 U GOT IT *** Gets blinkers and back onto recent winning surface so looks for very forward run. 10
7 TANGIBLE ASSETS * Not at his best of late. 50
8 DANCING TSURU ** Form reads badly but race and surface suits so look for improvement. 20
9 VITALLY SECRET ** Beaten a long way into third last start and can mix his form so take on trust. 12
10 BRING MONEY HOME ** Maiden who looks due and not without a chance on 50kg. 6.00
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Race 4
Selections; 3 TAKEOVER – 7 MALA MALA – 2 SWIFT – 11 BREAKING VAULTS
While it will pay to respect the two last start winners in the race – MALA MALA and SWIFT – the race looks suitable for TAKEOVER to show his best. The 5YO has probably been disappointing not to have won more than one race from some 15 career starts but with another nine places to his name, he is due. The wide gate won’t be a concern given the very long run in and it’s worth noting his only win was this trip and grade. Obviously MALA MALA comes into this with a strong maiden win under his belt and should go very close stepping up to the mile and if we include SWIFT in winning calculations (which we are), it will pay to include BREAKING VAULTS at possible long odds given his good run with excuses in the same race. FLYING AHEAD with blinkers and senior hoop also comes under notice as does JIMTOWN.
1 PINT SIZED PRINCE * Has changed stables again. Appreciates company but prefer on Poly and shorter. 20
2 SWIFT *** Backed-up a nice trial with a strong win and pay to follow. 6.00
3 TAKEOVER *** Plenty of excuses last start and this looks very suitable to show his best. 3.50
4 FLYING AHEAD *** Form reads badly but gets blinkers and senior hoop so keep safe at value. 20
5 JIMTOWN *** Form better than it reads and another to watch at value with gate 1 a bonus. 20
6 HIPPO PROSPERO * No. 50
7 MALA MALA *** Knocked in well-deserved maiden win over 1400m last start and pay to follow. 3.50
8 SATELLITE PRINCE ** Could make excuses last couple and maiden win four back was this trip. 50
9 JIM * Not a mile away last start but needs to improve. 33
10 LET’S TALK NOW ** Battles away and a must for exotics in this company. 12
11 BREAKING VAULTS *** Plenty of excuses behind SWIFT last start and happy to give another chance on that effort. 12
12 RON ** Not far away last start and well worth a look at each-way value. 10
13 CHEETAH KING * Goes OK but should need easier. 20
14 SUPERMART * Not far away last start but in easier company. 50
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Race 5
Selections; 3 PACINO – 6 VASSILAKOS – 2 ACOUSTIC – 10 PROSPERITY STAR
It’s safe to say most of these horses don’t win out of turn (or at all) but obviously the likes of EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE and PROSPERITY STAR pick themselves on some solid recent form. But we love a record at kranjiracing.com and PACINO must break something if he can win at career start 122. The 10YO has eight wins to his name in Singapore and his trainer, Laurie Laxon, has finally got him into a suitable race in the right company so why not! A gear change has VASSILAKOS under notice and while drawn wide, you would expect a very positive ride from Zuriman with blinkers on. ACOUSTIC gets an upgrade to blinkers and should be value dropping back to 1200m so keep very safe.
1 EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE *** Won similar weak affair last start and have to follow. 4.00
2 ACOUSTIC *** Form reads badly but get blinkers added and 1200m suits. Keep safe. 6.00
3 PACINO *** Veteran who looks to have found a very suitable race for one last hurrah. 8.00
4 ENCOSTA ZONE * Better suited over longer. 33
5 SINGLE ACT ** Form reads badly but had support last start and best recent run was over this trip. 20
6 VASSILAKOS *** Blinkers go on and right in this with any luck from wide gate. 6.00
7 YOUNG LADY * Appreciates inside gate but needs to improve. 33
8 GOLDEN DRAGON ** Not a mile away last start and can include in exotics. 20
9 GREENBACK ** Freshened and back in trip looks a smart move. 33
10 PROSPERITY STAR *** Also freshened and looks a huge show in what is a suitable Poly affair. 5.00
11 PEREGRINE FALCON ** Gets upgrade to blinkers and going along OK but Poly form an issue. 6.00
12 FOUNTAIN ** Not a mile away last start and pay to include somewhere. 33
13 HANDSOME BAB * Prefer over longer. 50
14 JACKPOT * Blinkers off but struggling. 50
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Race 6
Selections; 3 HERMANO MENOR – 4 MR FANTASTIC – 2 CLIP THE TICKET – 6 MIGHTY MAN
A solid Novice event with four serious winning hopes who should all come in for good support. HERMANO MENOR looked like he ran into a good one in JIMMY REA last start and given that was off the back of a very good trial, he gets his chance. In saying that, MR FANTASTIC backed up his solid debut with a very good win and he might even go off favourite in this given the strength of that winning effort. MIGHTY MAN won on debut and had support suggesting he is a horse to follow through the grades and it might also pay to forgive what was just a fair run by CLIP THE TICKET when supported last start as he is better than that and gets his chance to make amends. Forget the rest.
1 LOVE EXCEL * Needs every bit of his 4kg claim at the race conditions. 33
2 CLIP THE TICKET *** Disappointing to be well beaten into third as favourite last start but worth another look on trial form. 4.50
3 HERMANO MENOR *** Beaten by a nice type in Jimmy Rea last start and can make amends in a race that suits. 2.50
4 MR FANTASTIC *** Backed up solid debut with a strong win and looks a huge hope on that effort. 3.00
5 MASURAO * Back in trip after two poor efforts and have to take on trust. 33
6 MIGHTY MAN *** Won well on debut with support and can go on with the job. 4.00
7 BOURNE ACADEMY * Five-year-old maiden and needs easier. 50
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Race 7
Selections; 4 BEST TOTHELIGN – 3 EXCEED EXPRESS – 2 BELLWETHER – 7 HAMMER DOWN
As you would expect with a Class 3 Poly sprint, the winner will earn his pay. Four of the 11 horse field look like they can win and go on with the job in open company and the betting should be furious. Two horses – BEST TOTHELIGN and MY LUCKY STRIKE are undefeated in three starts on the Poly and both camps will be confident to continue on with that tag. Of the two, BEST TOTHELIGN has also won on the turf and given he has four placings to go with his four wins from just nine starts, he goes better than most. MY LUCKY STRIKE is up in Class but is career three-from-three so he get support with Nunes up. EXCEED EXPRESS picks himself on form and is the one they have to pass late to win while BELLWETHER showed his best last start when winning over 1000m and he must be respected. HAMMER DOWN the value first-up after a bleeding attack.
1 BAHEN ** Will be running on late and can include in exotics at value. 33
2 BELLWETHER *** Won well with support over 1000m last start and pay to follow. 4.50
3 EXCEED EXPRESS *** Got swamped with heavy support last start similar affair and in this a very long way. 3.00
4 BEST TOTHELIGN *** Undefeated in three runs on the Poly and looks a good chance to continue the run here. 3.50
5 GATO NEGRO ** In the mix as a rule and can get out to each-way odds. 20
6 GOLD RUN * Freshened but should need a tad longer. 50
7 HAMMER DOWN *** Resuming after bleeding attack and recent trial suggests we keep very safe at value. 33
8 CORONET PEAK ** Will work into this late if race run to suit. 33
9 MY LUCKY STRIKE *** hard to fault form winning three-from-three but this is obviously tougher. 4.00
10 LIVELY DRAGON * Nuisance value only. 100
11 ORIGIN FAST ** Goes good enough when right to include in exotics in this crack field. 33
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Race 8
Selections; 2 VICTORY ACHIEVER – 1 RED SAPPHIRE – 3 TRINITY – 10 BONTEMPELLI
If you have every wondered why professional dart players drink beer while they play, check out this race. Or better still, grab a beer and throw a dart to see who we back in this KSD 1400m event. But seriously, the likely favourite is VICTORY ACHIEVER and he is desperate for a result for the support of late. He went out as the even money favourite last start and he had excuses not to go closer, so happy to have him on top. Backing him is another matter. RED SAPPHIRE is more honest but will need luck from the wide gate with Rueven up and TRINITY is also super honest but another who needs a result. The blanket goes over AUREUS, ROUGH DANCE, RETROSPECT and keep BONTEMPELLI safe at odds at his first start out of maiden company. Include all others in exotics.
1 RED SAPPHIRE *** In very solid form and makes his presence felt late. 4.00
2 VICTORY ACHIEVER *** Foot well and truly on the till but desperate for a result for the support. 4.00
3 TRINITY *** Honest and will be thereabouts come the business end. 8.00
4 ALADDIN ** Blinkers off. Form better than it reads and will be value. 33
5 FABER HEIGHTS * Excuses last start and subsequent trial good enough to include for value. 33
6 JUST THE TIP * Coming off a shocker but maiden win was this trip. 33
7 AUREUS *** Issues last start so effort good enough to follow in this company. 9.00
8 ROUGH DANCE *** Winning form is good form and more than up to this company so pay to follow. 10
9 RETROSPECT *** Always a show in races like this but needs a result. 8.00
10 BONTEMPELLI *** Blinkers on at first start out of maiden company. Will work into this late. 20
11 LADY TRIO ** Showed last start at long odds why she prefers the turf. Keep safe. 33
12 GODS SPEED ** Tongue-tie on but two wins have been on the Poly. 12
13 LUCKY STRATEGY ** Broke maiden status last start in Class 5 and should be competitive with light weight. 16
14 STANZOUT ** Will be working into this late if on-song. 50
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Race 9
Selections; 2 ASSERTIVE LAD – 3 Q NINE MAGIC – 10 NORTH ATLANTIC ICE – 7 GREAT SCOTT
Not the best Class field ever assembled and the tote may very well be as good as guide as any given the different form lines from most of the runners. Case in point is the fact the two last start winners – WILKINSON and MOONBEAM DAZZLER resuming – could struggle in this company but obviously winning form is good form. But as it stands, ASSERTIVE LAD looks well-placed with winkers added to knock in another win. The 4YO has won two from nine and showed enough last start to think he goes very close in this. A newcomer from New Zealand in Q NINE MAGIC comes under notice with Manoel Nunes up and a good recent trial under his belt (support likely) with NORTH ATLANTIC ICE worth thought and the former Malaysian, GREAT SCOTT, worth another look with blinkers and tongue-tie added.
1 WHITE COFFEE ** Last run showed he has something to offer this company but blinkers off a concern. 20
2 ASSERTIVE LAD *** Gets winkers after a solid first-up run and should go very close. 3.00
3 Q NINE MAGIC *** Former Kiwi who has trialed well enough to follow at his Singapore debut with support likely. 3.00
4 THE OMEGA MAN ** Resuming and goes well first-up so keep safe at value. 33
5 DRAGON KING * Not at his best of late and have to take on trust. 33
6 QUEEN’S SEVEN ** Improves on Singapore debut and pay to keep safe. 20
7 GREAT SCOTT *** Appreciates Singapore debut and look for improvement with blinkers off. 6.00
8 WILKINSON * Up in grade after winning at long odds last start and have to take on trust. 33
9 ONE UNITED ** Blinkers and tongue-tie added after disappointing run last start but worth another look after good recent trial. 20
10 NORTH ATLANTIC ICE *** Freshened after a good run of form and might just show up in this field at odds. 6.00
11 MOONBEAM DAZZLER ** Resuming after breaking maiden status in Class 5 last start but should be competitive. 20
12 D’DON * Needs easier, Poly and shorter. 200
13 GOOD BUDDY * Needs easier. 200
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