Blue Swede looks a horse to follow (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
After a big weekend of racing that saw Spalato return to what looks close to best form, the great racing continues with a terrific Friday night card headlined by the Racing Guide Classic over 1400m (race 7).
The enigma that is BLUE SWEDE heads the ratings in the set-weight feature and while he looks well placed to show his best, the race has plenty of depth and it should be a very busy finish.
In fact less than two lengths separated the likes of HUGHSY, DARCI CHARMER and DRAGON FURY behind A LA VICTORY over this trip in February and all four can win this without surprising.
The good racing doesn’t stop there and in race 6 on the card, it will be interesting to see how a change of stables effects the chances of an in-form RIDE OF THE VALKYRIES over 2200m.
Pat Shaw takes over from Mike Clements and with IMPERIAL MARCH (race 7) and ODE TO JOY (race 8) joining the Jubilant stable exodus, all three runners are worth a look at value with slight gear changes under new management.
Best Bets: (WONDERFUL race 9, win), (BLUE SWEDE race 7, each-way) and (RIKIOH race 3, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (2, 4 and 6), race 7 (1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13), race 8 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10), race 9 (4).
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 FAST EDITION – 4 WE ARE GENIUS – 2 LINCOLN’S EXCUSE – 8 COOL
CAT
The tote may be a good guide in this opener with one of the fancies in LINCOLN’S EXCUSE resuming and a veteran in COOL CAT thrown into the winning mix. But as it stands, FAST EDITION gets his chance to turn some good form into a win. The 4YO is honest without being a star so this is the type of race he will win. Vlad Duric keeps the ride and the Aussie will be hoping to continue his good form this stint. We are not sure what the plural for genius is (who does?) but with three in the race, perhaps the caller should do some googling. WE ARE GENIUS (see what we mean) is the best of the trio and his effort when pulling up lame when resuming easily good enough to win this if right on the day. As mentioned, the 10YO COOL CAT looks well placed to win again and has to be considered and LINCOLN’S EXCUSE first up from a spell should be in the mix.
1 BRIEFNESS ** Only placed once in four starts in Singapore but very much appreciates this company. 8.00
2 LINCOLN’S EXCUSE *** Resuming in very suitable affair and certainly showed enough first campaign to win a race like this. 6.00
3 STARSKY ** Just thereabouts since debut win and exotics best option. 12
4 WE ARE GENIUS *** Pulled up lame when putting in good effort when resuming and hard to beat if right. 3.00
5 FAST EDITION *** Two runs this campaign have been good and right in this finish. 3.00
6 GENIUS * Could improve this company but prefer others. 50
7 SATELLITE GENIUS * Maiden who will benefit form Singapore debut but might need easier. 33
8 COOL CAT *** Veteran who looks well placed in this race to knock in another win. 12
9 LUCKY COMMAND ** Maiden who placed this distance three starts back. Can find easier. 16
10 PETITE VICTOIRE * Resuming with OK trial under his belt but does disappoint. 33
11 HANDSOME BAB * Long-term maiden and should need easier and perhaps longer. 33
Race 2
Selections; 9 SILK ROUTE – 6 KNIGHT HARLOOK – 7 MR CROWE – 8 SATELLITE LEGEND
An intriguing maiden with numerous hopes and with two debutantes in MR CROWE and SILK ROUTE coming off good trials, the betting could be very interesting. Of the two on debut, SILK ROUTE looked to be doing it pretty easy at his Official Trial and could show up. MR CROWE did look very green at his first trial but did enough at his subsequent hit out to think he has something to offer as well. Of those with race experience, not much separates the likes of FLYING SHADOW and BULLISH LUCK who both placed at their respective last starts while KNIGHT HARLOW looks the improver with blinkers added and could be the testing material. For value keep SATELLITE LEGEND safe as he gets blinkers after a shocking debut and his trials with headgear were good.
1 FLYING SHADOW *** Foot on the till and has to be a winning show with gate 2 in his favour. 3.00
2 SUPER BALL ** Resuming with numerous OK trials under his belt and showed enough first campaign to keep safe. 10
3 BULLISH LUCK *** Placed over 1000m when blinkers went on last start and pay to follow. 5.00
4 NOVA LEGEND ** Resumed with just fair effort and like to see support before considering. 20
5 HACKER * No. 50
6 KNIGHT HARLOOK *** Blinkers go on after two good runs and can improve and win this. 4.00
7 MR CROWE *** Improved with trial experience and could be ready to show up on debut. 5.00
8 SATELLITE LEGEND *** Debut a shocker but gets blinkers and better trials were with headgear so keep safe at odds. 33
9 SILK ROUTE *** Looked to be doing it easy at Official Trial and well worth a market watch on debut. 9.00
10 TRIGGER MAN * No. 100
Race 3
Selections; 1 ROYAL RULER – 5 ELITE STAR – 4 RIKIOH – 9 EFFORTLESS
Once again the tote may be a very good guide in this with ELITE STAR likely to come in for heavy support after breaking his maiden status last start. He was overdue to win a race but given the way he smashed his rivals, he can go on with the job with Manny Nunes up. But ROYAL RULER has the Class 4 form to his name and given his excellent Poly record – three wins and a place from four starts – he could be the one to beat with Barend Vorster up. Of the rest, RIKIOH had excuses when resuming and has drawn to advantage in this so pay to keep safe with EFFORTLESS also in the winning mix on what he has shown in albeit slightly easier company of late. KAZOU is a very good each-way option and is often great value given his solid form.
1 ROYAL RULER *** Showed last start why the poly is his caper and can win again. 4.00
2 ELISE ** Should work into this late but might be a better option on the turf. 20
3 FAITHFULLY ** Hard to catch but showed last start why it pays to keep him safe in this type of race. 12
4 RIKIOH *** Blew the start and his chance when resuming and pay to keep safe as should go close. 8.00
5 ELITE STAR *** Broke maiden status in devastating fashion last start and looks up to this. 2.70
6 KAZUO *** Looks due to win this campaign and can be value. Follow. 8.00
7 BELLUS WONDER ** Has pace and may give a sight but should need easier to win. 20
8 LIM’S CHARGE ** Maiden but will enjoy being back on the Poly. Value. 20
9 EFFORTLESS *** Had excuses in KSD Company last start and looks up to this if he can make use of the ace. 7.00
10 SECRET SPICE * Blinkers off and needs longer and easier. 100
11 EXCITING PROSPECT * Blinkers off and should need easier. 33
Race 4
Selections; 6 TEMBUSU ESTRELA – 3 KING SAVINSKY – 4 MOLLY BROWNE – 1 DAAD’S THE WAY
A dead-set raffle with most having a winning chance and you would think there would be plenty of value on offer. Starting at the top, DAAD’S THE WAY at start 112 could show the youngsters a thing or two. Yes, he is better option on the Poly but always has to be respected in Class 5. Stephen Gray has two runners with winning hopes in TEMBUSU ESTRELA and PERCIUS. And while TEMBUSU ESTRELA is a maiden, he is in form, will enjoy Class 5 and more importantly, gets blinkers. Gray will have competition from fellow Kiwi trainers with Mark Walker and Bruce Marsh having three runners apiece (including DAAD’S THE WAY for Marsh). All three of Walkers look well placed to win and take your pick from HARDCORE ROCK, KING SAVINSKY and MOLLY BROWNE. Include most others in exotics.
1 DAAD’S THE WAY *** Eligible for the pension and perhaps better on the Poly but always a winning show in Class 5. 12
2 HARDCORE ROCK *** Coming off a shocker but senior hoop helps and pay to keep safe. 8.00
3 KING SAVINSKY *** Wins in Class 5 sooner than later and this loos suitable with best work expected late. 5.00
4 MOLLY BROWNE *** Placed last start over 1400m and pay to follow with Nunes up. 5.00
5 SCENE OF THE CRIME * Blinkers off after a run of poor form and easier to ignore. 100
6 TEMBUSU ESTRELA *** Maiden who should be suited this company and can win with blinkers added. 4.00
7 FORTUNE SPIRIT *** Drawn badly but showed enough at a couple of turf runs to follow. 12
8 WONDERFUL ERA *** Showed last start this surface, trip and company is his caper. Each-way. 12
9 KLEVER WARRIOR ** Battled on OK last start and could include in skinny end of exotics at odds. 33
10 PERCIUS *** Nothing last start but gets senior hoop and big show on previous form this trip. 7.000
11 GALAXY EXPRESS ** Will be running on late and yet another that wins without surprising. 12
12 PRESENT ARMS * No. 100
13 ZAHIR * No. 100
14 MASURAO ** Can run a very cheeky race at odds but should be found out late. 33
Race 5
Selections; 3 RAZZOSTELLA – 6 PERFECT CURIOSITY – 2 MIGHTY MAN – 8 MORALES
Another tricky affair with too many winning hopes to be confident but we were keen on an improved effort by RAZZOSTELLA last start back on the turf in Class 4 and that good run coupled with a drop to KSD company suggests he is hard to beat. The 4kg claim for Syafiq also looks in his favour. There was also a lot to like about PERFECT CURIOSTY’s first-up run. The 4YO’s maiden win was on this surface and he should be very prominent throughout. Plenty of others that can win including MIGHTY MAN who looks to be a more honest proposition on the turf, MORALES who improved lengths last start dropping to this company with SATELLITE SPEED, ALOHA and HOME RUN HERO also having strong winning claims.
1 HOME RUN HERO *** Resuming and will be more than competitive late but might want longer. 8.00
2 MIGHTY MAN *** Can mix his form but is steady on the turf and can win this. 8.00
3 RAZZOSTELLA *** Will find this company to his liking and could be hard to hold out on recent turf form. 4.00
4 SATELLITE SPEED *** Coming off a shocker but has trialled well since and should run well at first turf run in Singapore. 5.00
5 ALOHA *** Not a mile away last start and this is the type of race he will win. 12
6 PERFECT CURIOSITY *** Very much appreciates very good first-up run and in this a very long way. 5.00
7 MAPLE STAR ** Improved effort last start and pay to keep safe with Vlad Duric up. 20
8 MORALES *** Improved lengths with some support in this grade last start and pay to follow. 6.00
9 MY REACH * No. 100
10 GOLD STOCK ** Love to see in Class 5 but close enough in good company last start to keep safe. 20
11 TIM * Reassess Class 5 on the Poly. 33
12 LEE MAN * No. 100
Race 6
Selections; 2 RIDE OF VALKYRIES – 6 AIR FORCE ONE – 4 SING EXPRESS – 5 SUNNY
Always tough to do the form on these benchmark staying races with some quality horses at the top of the ratings up against some very solid stayers who won’t ever get to great heights. With this in mind, RIDE OF VALKYRIES might better than this company if he goes anywhere near to his Group 1 winning Argentinean form. Obviously he hasn’t hit any great heights yet in Singapore and flopped in the Derby, but some recent eye-catching runs suggest he can show his best here for his new trainer, Pat Shaw. AIR FORCE ONE could be one to watch. The former Aussie is a dead-set stayer and has improved with each run as he gets over more ground. He has the Derby in his sights and should show his best here. The 3YO SING EXPRESS will give them all a sight and pay to him keep safe with SUNNY in terrific form of late and keeps the top three picks honest.
1 DUJARDIN ** Battling away late and suited this company and trip. 9.00
2 RIDE OF VALKYRIES *** Changed stables after a good run of form and hard to beat. 3.00
3 KAI POWER ** Just fair last start but appreciates extra distance with winkers removed. 12
4 SING EXPRESS *** Progressive 3YO who will give them something to pass late. 6.00
5 SUNNY *** Found winning form and this trip and track looks his caper. 6.00
6 AIR FORCE ONE *** Derby prospect who improves with each run and step up in trip Big show. 6.00
7 BILLY BRITAIN ** This is obviously harder but hard to fault turf form and plays a part late. 6.00
8 DANGER ZONE ** Will be value and keep a few honest in exotics. 20
9 SALUT AMOUR ** No trouble the trip but another tested in this company. 20
Race 7
Selections; 1 BLUE SWEDE – 7 DARCI CHARMER – 8 HUGHSY – 5 MAJESTIC MOMENTS
The feature looks an absolute beauty with most having serious winning claims including the emergencies, so good luck if you are looking at any exotic bets. What is handy is six of the runners come through the same race – a BM97 over 1400m – that was won by A LA VICTORY. Obviously he is a chance again but what makes it tough is the other five have claims on their respective efforts including DRAGON FURY who just missed, HUGHSY who has subsequently trialled very well and DARCI CHARMER who did it tough on that occasion and didn’t finish far away. So the blanket goes over that lot and it will pay to keep an eye on value. But BLUE SWEDE looks a horse to follow in some nice races this preparation and while he didn’t flatter last start, this track and trip suits and a recent trial suggests he is cherry ripe. Respect the others including the first emergency, GOOD NEWS.
1 BLUE SWEDE *** Might pay to ignore his last start as has subsequently trailed strongly and this race suits. 5.00
2 KAM’S COMET *** In spanking form on the Poly and has won the turf so pay to follow with blinkers off visor on. 12
3 BENDICION ** Smart mare resuming and just might need the run. 33
4 GOODMAN ** Led them up last start and not far away at the finish so keep safe with tongue-tie added. 33
5 MAJESTIC MOMENTS *** Back in trip but won over 1400m two starts back and recent trials suggests he is right in this. 6.00
6 ONE RAR ** Resumed with solid effort in similar affair at odds and expect much the same. 20
7 DARCI CHARMER *** Did it tough last start so effort better than it looks in the book and can win. 8.00
8 HUGHSY *** Another right in the mix in similar affair last start and recent strong trial suggests he gives this a shake. 6.00
9 A LA VICTORY *** Resumed with good win in similar affair and looks the benchmark. 6.00
10 DRAGON FURY *** Just missed last start behind A La Victory and can make amends. 6.00
11 IMPERIAL MARCH ** Resuming sand blinkers and tongue-tie for new stable and may want longer. 50
12 POSEIDON *** Hard to fault winning form but carries same weight in tougher company so will be tested. 12
13 GOOD NEWS *** Always a serious chance in races like this and might sneak out to value. 12
14 TWICKENHAM ** Resuming after Gold Cup campaign and recent trial suggests he will go well first up. 20
Race 8
Selections; 7 RISKY ROCKEFELLER – 4 RED DAWN – 2 NOVA STRIKE – 10 ODE TO JOY
The depth of Singapore racing is certainly on show tonight and this race is another example of just how tough it is to win good races. But with $80,000 up for grabs in Class 3 you should really have to earn it and the form from this race will hold up in months to come. We will start though with the obvious choice, RISKY ROCKEFELLER. The unfashionably bred and lightly raced ex-Aussie has a very good career record of three wins and a close up placing from four starts and has to give this a shake. The other last start winner in the race – RED DAWN – is also worth a long look and his resent trial suggests he can win again. Too many others to mention but NOVA STRIKE is smart and will win on the turf sooner than later and ODE TO JOY could appreciate a gear and stable change and will be value.
1 ALPHA CENTAURI ** Resuming in right company but better over longer. 20
2 NOVA STRIKE *** Excuses last start so happy to think he is capable of winning at this level on the turf. 5.00
3 REACH FOR THE SUN *** Drawn awkwardly but always gives an honest account of himself and right in this. 8.00
4 RED DAWN *** Won very well at odds first up and recent trial suggests he is hardtop catch again. 5.00
5 GOBI RANGER *** Not a mile away when resuming and could be the value from gate 1. 12
6 BRAHMA CIRCUS *** Very rarely runs a bad race and a 3kg claimer could be a winning move. 10
7 RISKY ROCKEFELLER *** Up in Class but hard to fault flawless start to Singapore career. Follow. 6.00
8 VANDERBILT *** Shown more than enough with support at three Poly starts in Singapore to be a winning hope on the turf. 6.00
9 DIVIDED HOUSE ** Always gives a good account of herself but needs a result. 12
10 ODE TO JOY *** Has been better over longer but a recent trial sans winkers and tongue-tie suggests he could surprise for new stable. 20
11 TOU SHOU BRIGHT ** Resuming and should be commutative on form he showed last campaign. 20
12 TAFFETAS * No. 100
13 RAFAELLO ** Progressive 3YO resuming and pay to keep safe. 12
Race 9
Selections; 4 WONDERFUL – 1 ANONYMOUS – 9 ZIPPY GENERAL – 6 BEST JADE
We are guessing that if RISKY ROCKEFELLER wins the previous then WONDERFUL could start odds-on to knock in his first win in Singapore in the lucky last. The 4YO was supported when running second on that occasion and while beaten by some two lengths, the effort good enough to win what is a Class 4 without depth. In fact even if RISKY ROCKEFELLER doesn’t win WONDERFUL does look extremely hard to beat and should be a fair banker for any exotic bets. Who beats him? ANONYMOUS is usually seen on the Poly but has some turf form to his name so keeps him more than honest. The fact he has won in Class 4 is in his favour and S John should ride him positively from the awkward draw. Nothing else jumps the page but ZIPPY GEERAL is worth another look at odds as he has been doing it tough of late and market best guide on the rest.
1 ANONYMOUS *** In great form on the Poly and handles the turf so has to be a show. 3.50
2 BRAHMS AND LISZT ** Versatile and can include exotics at value. 20
3 FLYING TEMPO * Reassess over longer. 100
4 WONDERFUL *** Needs a result for the support but wins sooner than later on what he has shown. 2.20
5 ARCHEW ** Former Aussie who had one start for one win back home and the odd local trial good enough to watch market. 12
6 BEST JADE ** Excuses last start (including lame) and pay to keep safe on previous good maiden win. 12
7 ECLAIR FIESTA * Former French galloper who may be better suited over longer. 20
8 FIERY SHINZO ** Excuses on debut before running on OK so look form improvement. 12
9 ZIPPY GENERAL *** Did it tough last start and excuses previous run so pay to keep safe at odds on win three back in similar affair. 20
10 DOHATSUTEN * Resuming and needs to show more. 50
11 JOBODWANA ** Will improve with racing and turf could be his caper. 12
12 MR TRY ** In solid form but may be looking for easier company with blinkers removed for this. 33
13 CHEETAH KING * Reassess easier over longer. 50
