Wonderful Prince (right) and Golden Mission fight it out in Singapore
He might be the tallest handler in Singapore, but it’s fair to say Michael Clements is an unassuming character in the Singapore training ranks.
The likable expatriate Zimbabwean rarely threatens the top ten on the premiership table with a strike rate around the eight mark, but has a loyal group of followers and often a horse or two that are better than most.
However, it’s worth noting Clements hovers around the top ten as we speak with 18 wins at a healthy strike rate of 12.24. And on Friday the stable looks to have a handy trio in the last three races with CAPTIVATE, ORIENTAL PEARL and GOLDEN MISSION all strong winning hopes.
CAPTIVATE (race 7) had excuses at his last run and although he meets some nice types in this BM 74 mile, he gets Nunes from gate 4, so should get every chance.
Likewise, GOLDEN MISSION had excuses not to win at his last start and should make amends for followers in the lucky last – a Class 4 over 1200m – with Ivaldo Santana onboard. ORIENTAL PEARL might not have the form of his two stablemates but his last run was OK and a drop in Class gives him a chance in race 8 with Nunes again riding for Clements.
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Best Bets; (GOLDEN MISSION race 9, win), (SING A SONG race 6, each-way) and (CONVICT race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (2, 5, 6, 9 and 11), race 7 (1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 10), race 8 (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8), race 9 (1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 11).
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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; 1 WINBELL – 6 THAT’STHEONE – 7 CHILLI – 3 WASSAIC
A KSD over 1100m in which there are no standouts commences the mixed polytrack and turf programme. The conditions could suit the journeyman, THAT’STHEONE. He is an honest battler suited at this level, has won four times at 1100m and with Aslam up from a good gate, will be thereabouts again. CHILLI is another journeyman who put in a solid effort when resuming in Class 4, he has trialed since and with a strong rider in John Powell up should be in the finish. However, WINBELL is the interesting runner. He was narrowly beaten at his only Australian start over 1000m in a Pakenham Maiden; he trials nicely and despite the wide gate is worthy of a market watch. WASSAIC has never won on the poly but did place three starts back in this Grade, he has since changed stables and whilst his best form is on turf over longer, could surprise. Of the others, GILT LAD is dropping in grade and would be highly competitive on his best form, SPEEDY DWARF is resuming and could race well fresh, HAPPY FOREVER possesses pace and could get a untroubled lead and STATE TROOPER has been racing well in Class 5.
1 WINBELL *** Pacifiers and tongue-tie on. Narrowly beaten at only Australia start in 1000m Pakenham Maiden. Trials nicely and despite gate should debut well. Watch market. 6.00
2 GILT LAD ** Unsighted last start. This is much easier and if he could reproduce his form of a year ago, would be hard to beat. 10
3 WASSAIC ** Has changed stables. Yet to win on this surface and best form is over longer though did place on this surface in similar 1000m race three starts back. Could surprise. 8.00
4 SPEEDY DWARF ** Resuming. Suited this grade and distance. Could show up fresh. Watch for support. 10
5 FLY FREELY * Recent form poor. Needs to improve. 33
6 THAT’STHEONE *** Honest battler suited this level. Has won four times at 1100m and will be thereabouts again. 4.50
7 CHILLI *** Solid effort when resuming in Class 4. Has trialed since and will find this easier. Gets strong rider and should be in the finish. 5.50
8 PURE WHITE ** Improving maiden who has not been far away at all four starts. Could show up. 12
9 HAPPY FOREVER ** Only battled on turf last start. Won Class 5 over this distance three starts back. Has speed and the claim will help. If he can cross will give a sight. 8.00
10 JUST DUIT * Form poor and badly drawn. 33
11 MOOVA BULLET * Often thereabouts but must be taken on trust. 25
12 STATE TROOPER ** Not far away at recent starts but they were in Class 5. Claim and good draw help. 10
13 THE MIGHTY THOR ** Still a maiden. Can make a mess of the start but if he gets away should be handy all the way. 14
14 FANTASTIC WARRIOR * Neither fantastic nor a warrior. 100
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Race 2
Selections; 6 RUAPEHU – 1 POWER LIN – 12 WIMBLEDON – 5 IKTO
A Restricted Maiden over 1100m and RUAPEHU, who had support on debut but ran into a very a smart one in GOLDEN BRILLIANT, should be hard to beat. He has trialed well since and reverts to poly and a shorter trip. He is drawn poorly but has John Powell to get him across. Of those we have seen on the surface, POWER LIN looks right in this. He just missed when pacifiers were applied at his first start for new trainer Brian Dean, he is also poorly drawn but nobody gets them away better from wide gates tan Dan Beasley and he gets his chance to make amends. SHABBAT, EXCITING PROSPECT and SPEEDY KID’s recent trials are indicative of improvement. Of the debutants IKTO looks a likely sort but may want longer and the 2YO WIMBLEDON has had one quiet trial, by Snitzel out of a handy race mare Ditas, a market watch is warranted.
1 POWER LIN *** Just missed when pacifiers were applied at first start for new trainer. Poorly drawn but gets chance to make amends. 3.00
2 SALUTE * Tongue tie off. Has not done enough in 12 starts. 50
3 ACE RICH * Done nothing in eight runs. 50
4 EXCITING PROSPECT ** Solid efforts at two starts before let-up. Trials well enough to warrant a market watch. 12
5 IKTO ** Blinkers on. By Stravinsky out of NZ Derby placed mare Uberalles. Second dam is Melbourne Cup winner ETHEREAL. Half brother to useful performer BIDDABLE. Had several trials in NZ and Singapore trials have been sound. Watch for support. 10
6 RUAPEHU *** Blinkers on. Had support on debut but raced greenly and was beaten by a very smart one in GOLDEN BRILLIANT. Drops back from 1200m on turf to 1100m on poly with wide alley no help. 4.00
7 SHABBAT ** Had some support but needs to improve on two efforts to date. Recent trial encouraging. 10
8 SPEEDY KID ** Winkers to blinkers. Not done enough yet though recent trial was an improvement. Watch market. 10
9 WINFREY * Needs to lift. 50
10 ART OF WAR * 2YO. Pacifiers on. First two starts fair but put in a very poor effort last outing. 33
11 WONDERFUL ERA * 2YO. Put in good effort on debut but beaten a long way. Well drawn and could show up. 25
12 WIMBLEDON *** 2YO by Snitzel out of useful race-mare Ditas. Has had one quiet race trial. Watch for support. 5.00
13 LITTLE LION ** Battles away and should be thereabouts. 14
14 HENRIETTA * Fair effort at only start and could improve. 33
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Race 3
Selections; 7 VERGLATICA – 1 DAAD’S THE WAY – 4 BEAUTIFUL WORLD – 10 LION BAROWS
A Class 4 over 1700m with a few of the usual suspects involved. BEAUTIFUL WORLD and PRECIOUS GEM are likely to lead them along at a reasonable bat and that will set it up for the closers; the veteran DAAD’s THE WAY and the younger VERGLATICA may well be the best suited. DAAD’S THE WAY has been racing very consistently with a win and two placings in similar events at his past three runs; Zuriman will claim 2kg and he should race well again. VERGLATICA was outclassed last outing in a strong KSC but his last win was in KSD company at this trip and he is well suited here. BEAUTIFUL WORLD will be hard to pass if right so keep the big horse safe. INSPIRE has been disappointing this time in but he gets Manoel Nunes who guided him to his last win and he could sharply improve. LION BAROWS was never likely last start but just missed in KSD company over the poly mile three starts back; he should be closing late. Of the others SILVER AND GOLD and the hitherto disappointing SINGLE ACT, are capable of surprising.
1 DAAD’S THE WAY *** Consistent at this level with a win and two placings in similar events at past three starts. Always a threat in these. 4.00
2 INSPIRE ** Past three starts since resuming from a spell have been ordinary. Was pushed in recent trial but gets Nunes back and that may help. 7.00
3 SILVER AND GOLD ** Just battled over a mile last start but has the weights in his favour. 1700m may test. 12
4 BEAUTIFUL WORLD *** Pulled up lame last start. Bold front-runner who usually gives a sight. 4.50
5 PRECIOUS GEM * Won maiden on turf over 1600m two starts back but failed in Class 4 subsequently. Take on trust on polytrack. 20
6 SINGLE ACT ** Was held up last start and fought on. Not the most reliable but could make his presence felt. 14
7 VERGLATICA *** Outclassed last outing. Last win was in KSD company at this trip and well suited here. 5.50
8 CLAIM * Singapore form poor and needs to improve. 25
9 PATERSON ROAD * Not far away at past two turf outings over shorter distances. Trialing well and could surprise. 14
10 LION BAROWS ** Never likely last start but just missed in KSD company over poly mile three starts back. Should be closing late. 7.50
11 BLACK FRIDAY * Fair effort two starts back over a mile on poly but needs to improve. 20
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Race 4
Selections; 3 NEW YORK CITY – 1 INVICTUS – 5 TONGARIRO – 9 BLOSSOMS SEQUEL
A KSD over 1600m is the first of the turf races for the evening and Laurie Laxon has a strong hand with NEW YORK CITY and TONGARIRO. NEW YORK CITY’s two runs since resuming have been very good charging home on each occasion; he drops in grade and with Alan Munro to steer, should be closing late. TONGARIRO was never likely last start in Class 4 when caught wide, he too is much better suited here and with claim for Kif Toh and the nice alley, should get a gun run. INVICTUS put in a shocker last start but previously scored over this distance in this grade. He has plenty of weight but trialed nicely recently and with Manoel Nunes up, should race well again. The depth falls away after this though BLOSSOMS SEQUEL battled on well last outing in similar grade and whist LONESOME ME’s best form is on the poly, he is well drawn and if ridden forward could give some cheek. If the emergencies PHANTOM KNIGHT and MILITARY TACTIC get a run they will be amongst the genuine contenders.
1 INVICTUS *** Put in a shocker last start but previously scored over this distance in this grade. Has plenty of weight but trialed nicely recently and should race well again. 4.00
2 LONESOME ME ** Winkers on. Has put in solid efforts at two runs over shorter distances since resuming. Steps up to suitable trip but best form is on poly when allowed to bowl along. 10
3 NEW YORK CITY *** Two runs since resuming have been very good charging home on each occasion. Drops in grade and suited here. 3.50
4 ATELIER LIBRE * Struggling. Only win was in France over 1400m. Needs to lift. 20
5 TONGARIRO *** Never likely last start in Class 4 when caught wide. Much better suited here and with claim and alley should get a gun run. 3.50
6 DRAGON G * Blinkers to winkers. One-pacer whose only wins have been on poly over longer. Draw no help. 14
7 SOLID WOOD * Well beaten at past few outings and may want easier and possibly shorter. 25
8 HIGHLIGHT * Has been disappointing since maiden win. 20
9 BLOSSOMS SEQUEL ** Won maiden over 1700m on poly and fought on well over a mile on turf in KSD company last start. Goes best if ridden forward. 8.00
10 ZAC VELOCITY * Wants Class 5. 50
11 WARISAN * No. 100
12 PRINCIPAL * Hopeless. 100
13 PHANTOM KNIGHT *** Veteran who is always a chance in these. Will be closing late. 6.50
14 MILITARY TACTIC ** Has been disappointing. Failed to run on last start over 1600m and faded over 1800m at previous start. Has ability but take on trust. 12
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Race 5
Selections; 1 HAPPY MONEY – 3 CRAZY TIMES – 8 APPRECIATION – 2 SELIGI
A BM67 over 1100m on the polytrack. After winning three straight, HAPPY MONEY disappointed last start in Class 3 as the odds-on elect; down in grade he has been freshened and gets a chance to make amends though Dan Beasley will have to manage him from the wide gate. CRAZY TIMES also has speed, he was freshened, led and fought on in Graduation company last start; with Zuriman to claim and a good alley, he should give a sight. APPRECIATION has been racing well, he won a Class 4 two starts back over this trip and should make his presence felt again. SELIGI usually runs an honest race and will be thereabouts, the draw and claim help. If they get tired late, XIN TREASURE will be the one
running over the top.
1 HAPPY MONEY *** Disappointed last start when he knocked up after leading in Class 3 company. This is easier and despite the wide draw should give a bold sight. 3.40
2 SELIGI *** Usually runs an honest race and will be thereabouts again. Draw and claim help. 6.50
3 CRAZY TIMES *** Was freshened, led and fought on in Graduation company last start. Has speed and should give a sight. 3.50
4 DRAGON SPIRIT * Form this preparation ordinary. Needs to improve. 25
5 XIN TREASURE *** Ran on well to win over 1100m in Class 4 last start. Will keep them all honest late. 6.50
6 CODIGO ** Winkers on. Never far away but finds it difficult to win. Will be thereabouts again. 14
7 GREAT LIGHT * Has been sliding in the ratings and has not won for well over a year. Take on trust. 20
8 APPRECIATION *** Racing well. Won Class 4 two starts back over this trip. Strong chance again. 6.50
9 IMACRUISER * Never a threat in KSC last start. This is easier but they may be too nippy. 20
10 WORK AHEAD * Resuming. Smart when right but has not won for over a year. Watch for support. 20
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Race 6
Selections; 9 SING A SONG – 2 STAR RAINBOW – 5 MYSTICAL DIAMOND – 11 NEWFOUNDFAME
Not a very strong field and given most of the main hopes are unreliable, it looks tough to find the winner. SING A SONG had excuses last start when his saddle slipped so that effort to be battling away late could be good enough to follow. He has some upside as a 3YO and will go forward for Santana so certainly will give a sight. STAR RAINBOW has been in solid form and looks an good each-way option. Shafiq goes back on and from gate 2 you would imagine he gets every chance to knock in career win number 2. Most others have to really improve to play a part although MYSTICAL DIAMOND has the benefit of stepping up to a suitable trip after one run back so he could show something with NEWFOUNDFAME some hope after a good second behind SUPER STAR at his last start with the latter also a show. Keep both emergencies safe with BIG HARVEST the pick of the two.
1 ON TWISTTER ** Battled on OK last start and might improve in Class 5. 33
2 STAR RAINBOW *** Excuses not to finish closer last start and looks a big show from gate 2. 4.00
3 THREE WHIP * No. 50
4 GREYSTOKE ** Blinkers to winkers. Hard to have on recent form but has shown glimpses. 12
5 MYSTICAL DIAMOND *** Appreciates first-up run and subsequent trial OK so improves lengths over suitable trip. 8.00
6 SUPER STAR *** Lead from wide gate last start to win similar affair and have to respect. 6.00
7 STING ** Winkers off. Form reads badly but goes well for Allpress and gets gate 1. 20
8 BARGAIN BID ** Form reads badly and drawn awkwardly but should appreciate step up in trip. 20
9 SING A SONG *** Saddle slipped last start so effort was good and may be hard to pass in this. 4.00
10 SUI GENERIS ** Hard to have on form but could improve on the Poly and will be value. 33
11 NEWFOUNDFAME *** Excuses not to finish closer to Super Star last start and looks well placed here. 5.00
12 TRIPLE GOALS * Needs to show his best. 33
13 REAL GOODMAN ** Hard to follow but worth a look if he gets some support. 20
14 BIG HARVEST *** Drawn wide but dour so will be battling away at the business end. 8.00
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Race 7
Selections; 3 CAPTIVATE – 8 EAGLE STORM – 5 SWEET LODGE – 1 MAGICAL TALENT
Nice race with tactics and how the track in playing on the day likely to play a big part in who wins. As it stands, CAPTIVATE is due and given he had excuses last start with an apprentice on board, Nunes looks a good booking. The leading rider has a good association with the 5YO and he certainly gets his chance again. EAGLE STORM looked stiff last start when taken on early and he also gets a chance to show his best and win. Obviously the fact he has found one better at his last five starts is a concern but it’s hard to fault his consistent form. You can make a case for plenty of others but if there is a pace set early – and no reason to think there won’t be – then SWEET LODGE should be the one finishing all over them and worth serious thought with Oscar Chavez on-board. THEBUZZDOWNUNDER won too well last start not to be included with the two Laxon runners – MAGICAL TALENT and ALFONSO – also under consideration so go very wide in exotics.
1 MAGICAL TALENT *** Two runs this campaign have been good late so mile looks ideal. Goes close. 6.00
2 NATURE IS NATURE ** Blinkers on after poor run of form and should improve with head-gear. 20
3 CAPTIVATE *** Excuses last start not to finish closer and does look due. Can win. 5.00
4 YES BABA ** Always a show over the mile but recent strong form on the Poly. 8.00
5 SWEET LODGE *** Plenty of excuses last start and will be flying late in this. 4.00
6 IZNATE * Could find excuses last start and will improve with racing in Singapore. 33
7 ALFONSO *** Battled on OK in Class 4 last start but worth another look with no weight on previous good form. 12
8 EAGLE STORM *** Was taken on out front last start and effort to place good enough to win this. 5.00
9 GOLD HILL ** In the exotic mix but would need to lift to win. 33
10 THEBUZZDOWNUNDER *** Turned some good form into a very strong win and pay to follow. 6.00
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Race 8
Selections; 1 ORIENTAL PEARL – 5 TOMORROWS DREAMS – 7 INTENTION – 8 SUGAR MAN
A wide open race and with the exception of the battling WHO ELS resuming, you could make a case for the field. And with no stand-out it might be a good opportunity for ORIENTAL PEARL to win again in suitable company. He can be an in-and-out runner but he does enjoy KSD’s and his last run in Class 4 was good. From gate 3, Manoel Nunes could make every post a winner. TOMORROWS DREAMS could be the value runner after coming off a seemingly poor run. But he had excuses on that occasion (checked start) and was due so worth a serious look. INTENTION is a maiden but always show enough to think he wins sooner than later in this company and better so he is one to follow with SUGAR MAN also worth a look with winkers upgraded to blinkers. Plenty more can win with HIDDEN VENTURE, ARROW TO POST and PROBO CHANDROSO in the mix.
1 ORIENTAL PEARL *** Back in suitable company and showed enough last start to follow. 5.50
2 SIR FLEETWOOD ** Never involved last start so ignore and include on more honest form. 33
3 HIDDEN VENTURE *** Won similar affair last start and 3kg claim suggests this is no harder. 6.00
4 ARROW TO POST *** Backed up good run with solid trial and goes close. 6.00
5 TOMORROWS DREAMS *** Last run better than the result after trouble at start and was due prior. Keep safe. 8.00
6 PROBO CHANDROSO *** Hasn’t won for a long time but back in form and goes close. 6.00
7 INTENTION *** Maiden who has been freshened and should go close on what he has shown previously. 5.00
8 SUGAR MAN *** Disappointing last start but recent trial with blinkers good enough to follow. 8.00
9 BEAT TO QUARTERS ** Prefer over longer but will be closing late and can include in skinny end of exotics at value. 33
10 MACAU ROULETTE ** Disappointing last start but good enough on his day to go close with gate 2 a bonus. 20
11 BALLY BOY ** Always in the mix and an each-way hope with no weight. 20
12 WHO ELS * Resuming. No. 200
13 BIG HEART ** Maiden resuming with blinkers added and certainly showed enough lats start to follow. 20
14 SACRED CROWN *** In-form and right in this if he gets a start. 12
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Race 9
Selections; 2 GOLDEN MISSION – 5 CONVICT – 7 GOLDEN RABBIT – 9 ASSERTIVE LAD
The usual tough Class 4 finish to what has been a solid Friday card and hopefully GOLDEN MISSION can knock in his second win in Singapore. The 4YO looked the proverbial “good thing beaten” last start when he had issues both mid-race and late so with an ounce of luck, he can win this. And while there might be some more obvious choices to have as his main danger, CONVICT might be a strong each-way hope at value. The 6YO looked well and truly due before finding trouble at his last two starts and with the red-hot John Powell booked, expect a big run. GOLDEN RABBIT also looks due and trainer Brian Dean showed his hand with a nice trial and the booking of gun apprentice Kif Toh, so he goes close. Hard to leave out RISING EMPIRE, last start winner ASSERTIVE LAD, KISS ME, the emergency AMAZEALOT and FLAG OF COMMAND the smokey first-up at odds.
1 RISING EMPIRE *** Not far away last start and looks ready to win again. 4.00
2 GOLDEN MISSION *** Looked a good thing beaten similar affair last start and goes very close in this. 3.50
3 YOURSTOKEEP ** Appreciates solid first-up run and can include in exotics. 33
4 BENJI’S RULE ** Last start better than the result and could be the value runner from gate one with claim. 33
5 CONVICT *** Another whose recent form is better than it reads and goes very close here with JP riding. 10
6 FLAG OF COMMAND *** Smart enough type resuming with some nice trial sunder his belt. Keep safe. 12
7 GOLDEN RABBIT *** Looks due to win and nice recent trial coupled with in-form claimer has him under notice. 6.00
8 HIDDEN ART ** Newcomer from Australia who looks honest with the tote a good guide. 20
9 ASSERTIVE LAD *** Backed-up some good runs with a nice maiden win and looks a horse to follow. 4.50
10 BELLUS WONDER * Upgrade to blinkers but no. 200
11 KISS ME *** In-form and racing well at odds so looks a smokey with 52.kg. 14
12 BRAVE SISTER * No. 200
13 AMAZEALOT *** Maiden who has shown more than enough to think he goes close with no weight. 10
14 ARATIATIA * Resuming and might need longer before we consider. 50
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