TERMS OF REFERENCE finds himself in the right race (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
An all Polytrack meeting on Friday from Kranji and there looks plenty of interesting Class droppers and a couple of Pat Shaw Poly specials for punters to follow.
Too many Class droppers to mention but horse’s like D’DON (race 4) and CLERMONT CLUB (race 6) certainly find themselves not only in the right grade but over the right trip suggesting they can turn around some dreadful form on paper and win.
Pat Shaw also has a couple of horses that find themselves in the right Company with TERMS OF REFERENCE (race 3) in particular a huge winning show back in Class 4.
Also in his favour is a switch back to the Polytrack where he has an extremely good record and he does look one of the better bets on the card.
Pat’s other all-weather track specialist, ROYAL RULER, is also very hard to beat given his exceptional Poly form and the pair could be the cornerstone of a good night for the affable South African trainer.
Best Bets: (TERMS OF REFERENCE race 3 win), (ROYAL RULER race 8, win) and (CLERMONT CLUB race 6, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 3, 4, 6 and 11), race 7 (1, 2, 3 and 4), race 8 (2, 3, 4 and 10), race 9 (1, 2, 4, 5 and 8).
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; 3 JOE – 1 DOUBLE CASH – 6 RORY – 2 HAPPY SAGA
Too many horses who have found themselves in the right company over the right trip to be confident here but JOE with blinkers added does appeal. The 5YO is honest but has lacked a winning edge so blinkers should do the trick given a very good recent trial with headgear. The race is strong though with DOUBLE CASH, RORY and GOLD STOCK all dropping to company they are more than familiar with. DOUBLE CASH did race in Class 5 last start but returned not striding but wins if right while RORY finds himself back in a race he wins more times than not. GOLD STOCK comes through a BM83 race so enjoys his only winning company but worth noting his win was with blinkers so keep an eye on the market sans headgear. HAPPY SAGA, MISS ELYSIUM and SECRET MAN all win without surprising.
1 DOUBLE CASH *** Returned not striding last start and wins a race like this if right. 5.00
2 HAPPY SAGA *** Wins this grade sooner than later with best work expected late. 3.50
3 JOE *** In form and recent good trial with blinkers suggests he can win this. 5.00
4 MISS ELYSIUM *** Showed last start that Class 5 is her caper an day to follow. 12
5 NOVA VICTORY * Winkers back to blinkers but needs more than that. 50
6 RORY *** Right trip and company and always a winning show. 4.00
7 GOLD STOCK *** Significant drop in Class but only win was with blinkers so market watch in order. 9.00
8 GOOD LUCKY * Form reads badly but should appreciate Class 5. 100
9 SECRET MAN *** Wide draw a concern but looks due and pay to keep safe. 12
10 HAPPY CAT * Needs longer. 100
11 KAISER BRIGHT ** Improved effort last two runs and will be value. 33
12 WHISPERINTHEWIND * Resuming with tongue-tie on but no. 100
Race 2
Selections; 8 BLACK DIAMOND – 6 KLEVER WARRIOR – 3 DOUBLE JEOPARDY – 12 NOVEMBER SUCCESS
Plenty on non-winners in this race, which makes it tough for punters given two long-term maidens in DOUBLE JEOPARDY and NOVEMBER SUCCESS look right in contention. Fifty race starts between them without a win is an issue but both are in form and get their chance in a race with no standout. The only horse with recent winning form is BLACK DIAMOND and he must go close. That win was three starts ago and the 4YO appreciates a senior hoop in Barend Vorster and a fair gate so must go close. One to watch at value is KLEVER WARRIOR. The 6YO looks right out of form but should really be doing better in this company and from gate 2 with blinkers removed could see a big run. Of the rest, BIGCAT RHAPSODY should run a very forward race with URBAN LEGEND likely to be doing best work late in a race that suits.
1 TANGIBLE ASSETS * Blinkers off after two just fair runs in similar affairs so take on trust. 33
2 TONGARIRO ** Lost jockey last start and form prior has him involved in the finish. 12
3 DOUBLE JEOPARDY *** Long-term maiden status a concern but will be working into this late and can win. 3.00
4 RAAJPOOT * No. 100
5 BIGCAT RHAPSODY *** Can go forward form the wide gate and in this a long way. 7.00
6 KLEVER WARRIOR *** Form reads badly but blinkers off from a nice gate suggests he can show his best. 12
7 SHUYING XIAOXIAO * Going along OK but query this surface. 12
8 BLACK DIAMOND *** Won similar affair three start back and form since suggests he gives this a shake. 5.00
9 CAPTAIN CLASSIQUE ** Form ordinary but may appreciate step up in trip. 20
10 REYSHA ** Showed a return to form last start and pay to keep safe. 33
11 URBAN LEGEND *** May pay to ignore last start as race suits and can figure late. 12
12 NOVEMBER SUCCESS *** Another long-term maiden who looks due and gets his chance. 6.00
13 HIPPO PROSPERO * No. 50
14 HEAR ME * Veteran who can bob up on occasion. 50
Race 3
Selections; 2 TERMS OF REFERENCE – 4 KEEN DRAGON – 5 KISS ME – 1 RUSTY BROWN
At first glance TERMS OF REFERENCE jumps off the page given the 3YO finds himself back in Class 4 on the Poly, which looks a winning combination. In fact his Polytrack record of three wins and two close up runs from five starts has him stamped as a very progressive sprinter on the all-weather and he really should win races like this. But the race has depth – most give this a shake on best form – and it will pay to keep an eye on the tote for any stable support. KEEN DRAGON has looked due and gets blinkers back on so well worth a look. Nunes probably ensures support and he should run accordingly. RUSTY BROWN and KISS ME are both in form and are often value while LIM’S ELUSIVE will appreciate his first up run and should be flying late.
1 RUSTY BROWN *** Hit a good patch of form and pay to follow with blinkers (left side) back on. 6.00
2 TERMS OF REFERENCE *** Finds himself in the right race very strong Poly form has him the one to beat. 2.50
3 LIM’S ELUSIVE *** Appreciates first-up run and will be storming home late. 6.00
4 KEEN DRAGON *** Gets blinker back after just missing last start and is overdue for a result. 3.00
5 KISS ME *** Always a show in races like this and often great value. Follow. 12
6 ELISE * Form better than it reads but might be a better option on the turf. 50
7 WINNER’S SMILE ** Appreciates first-up run and another worth a look at value in exotics. 33
8 AMAZEALOT ** Not a mile away last start and solid run expected. 20
9 KAZUO ** Continues to race well without a result but a must for exotics. 20
Race 4
Selections; 1 D’DON – 10 ZAC GALLANT – 7 ROMA – 2 MAJOR GREEN
An odd race where D’DON is the only one to be on but given the duck eggs in his recent form, you always have to take on trust. In saying that, he comes off a good trial and given he has won four of his last six starts when he finds himself in Class 5 over 1000m, it’s hard to pick against him. No one jumps off the page to beat him but ZAC GALLANT is honest and will figure in the finish with Nunes up from gate 3 in his favour. Throw in ROMA, MAJOR GREEN and FLYING NEKO and perhaps BLACK BEAN as winning hopes if the real D’DON doesn’t show up.
1 D’DON *** Ignore recent poor from as finds himself in the right race and can win. 3.00
2 MAJOR GREEN *** Maiden who has found some form and has to be considered with a tongue-tie off. 8.00
3 PUBLIC GUARDIAN * Tongue-tie off but no. 100
4 FOREST KING * Back in trip and no. 50
5 BARNBURGH LAD * Resuming and shows enough on occasion to keep safe although wide gate a concern. 12
6 MAGIC PAINT * Back in trip and easier to ignore. 33
7 ROMA *** Form reads badly but always some hope in races like this so keep very safe. 20
8 BLACK BEAN ** Showed enough last start to follow in this weak field. 12
9 FLYING NEKO *** Long-term maiden who is usually thereabouts and has to be respected. 6.00
10 ZAC GALLANT *** Very honest and should figure heavily in this finish. 4.00
11 SPECTA DILEMMA ** Has plenty of speed and will give a sight. 8.00
12 STATE TROOPER * Easier to ignore. 50
Race 5
Selections; 2 EN CIVIL – 6 VERTICAL START – 7 SUCCESSION – 5 SMART VINTAGE
A very competitive Class 4 Poly mile with three last start winners tested up in grade against some handy types who look due. Of the last start winners, BATTLE KING will probably be the most competitive but a wide gate will make winning tough. EN CIVIL has hit the ground running in Singapore and given he was always going to be better over this the of trip, he may be hard to hold out. VERTICAL START can be hard to catch but this race looks ideal and with a nice recent trial under his belt, he is worth a look. SUCCESSION also deserves a mention given his honest form and he should progress through the grades. SMART VINTAGE with Nunes up and ANY RUMOUR – both of whom come off eye-catching placings – are also in the mix.
1 ANY RUMOUR *** Showed last start he wins soon in this company and Poly mile looks ideal. 7.00
2 EN CIVIL *** In form and mile suits so gets his chance. 3.00
3 SPRING THUNDER ** Form reads badly but appreciates Class 4 and has won on the Poly so keep safe. 20
4 BATTLE KING ** Broke through in KSD company last start but wide gate always an issue over the Poly mile. 6.00
5 SMART VINTAGE *** Flew home last start to just miss over 1200m and step up to mile suits. 6.00
6 VERTICAL START *** Back on the Poly over a suitable trip suggest he improves on recent efforts and can win. 12
7 SUCCESSION *** Honest type who will win in this grade sooner than later. 10
8 MAZANDARAN ** Blinkers back off after just fair effort but another to keep safe on form prior. 20
9 PRATT STREET * Has struggled since maiden win and have to take on trust stepping up in distance. 50
10 GREAT BALLS OFFIRE ** Resuming after a good run of form and have to respect. 20
11 GIORGIO ** Recent good form in Class 5 and may be better suited there. 20
12 INSOFAR ** Coming off maiden win in Class 5 and should be competitive with no weight. 12
13 ROSEGOLD ** Nothing last start but solid on his day so worth a look in exotics at value. 33
Race 6
Selections; 1 CLERMONT CLUB – 3 SECRET SPICE – 4 AUREUS – 11 AMISTAD
We love a good Class dropper and CLERMONT CLUB certainly ticks that box. In fact he has won at his last two starts in Class 5 and obviously the last drop saw an instant result. Also in his favour is the fact that he has been racing over unsuitable shorter distances of late so the step up to 1700m suggests he is ready to win. SECRET SPICE looks the obvious danger. The 4YO mare has drawn wide here but usually gets back and runs on so has to be a big show on recent form with upgrade to blinkers for this. Others with form to win this include AUREUS who will appreciate being back on the Poly, HAN SOLO who gets blinkers and last start winner AMISTAD. Keep the emergency ADRENALINE safe is he gets a start.
1 CLERMONT CLUB *** Ignore recent poor form as drops to winning grade and trip suits. 4.00
2 DANNY ** Longtime between drinks but a drop to Class 5 could see marked improvement. 20
3 SECRET SPICE *** Blinkers on and is due with wide gate not a concern as will be running on very late. 4.00
4 AUREUS *** In form and recent win was on the Poly. Big show. 6.00
5 DUAL IMPACT ** Improved lengths to just miss last start and has drawn the ace but query this surface. 12
6 HAN SOLO *** Nothing last start but pay to give another chance back on the Poly with blinkers back on. 20
7 BEST LIFE ** Form reads very badly but step up to right trip in this company could see improvement. 33
8 DRAGON STEED * Only good run of late on the turf and easier to ignore. 33
9 JET STRIKER * Gets blinkers but shown nothing. 100
10 SUN DANCE ** Long term maiden status a concern but keeps a few honest. 8.00
11 AMISTAD *** Broke through for maiden win in this Company last start and pay to follow. 5.00
12 MASURAO ** Appreciates the good gate and cheeky run at odds expected. 20
13 ADRENALINE *** Found some form and had support last start so worth thought. 8.00
14 GODS SPEED ** Been thereabouts of late and a must for exotics. 20
Race 7
Selections; 3 FELAROF – 4 CLUTHA LAD – 1 WELL DONE – 2 ZEUS
While the field is small for this Class 3 event, we think there could be value about for two of our top picks in FELAROF and CLUTHA LAD. FELAROF has had excuses of late – including last start where he never really got involved – and he could easily win a race like this with each-way value a bonus. Likewise, CLUTHA LAD should be at each-way odds and given he finds himself back on the Poly over a suitable trip, a big run would not surprise. The two obvious choices are at the top often weights in WELL DONE and ZUES with the latter chasing a hat trick of wins. Blanket over the other four runners who could all show up in exotics if having a good day.
1 WELL DONE *** In form and has won on the Poly so looks a leading hope. 2.60
2 ZEUS *** Hard to fault winning form and pay to follow. 3.00
3 FELAROF *** Excuses last start and well worth another look in a race that suits. 5.00
4 CLUTHA LAD *** Ignore last two turf runs as the Poly is his caper. Value. 8.00
5 GANADOR ** Form reads badly but should improve on the Poly given his South American breeding. 20
6 HIGH BLADE ** Another whose form reads badly but improves length back on his preferred surface. 20
7 IKING ** Backing up after Class 4 win last Sunday and versatile enough to include in exotics. 20
8 SUPER JOE ** Will enjoy the Poly and recent trial suggests he gives this a shout. 10
Race 8
Selections; 2 ROYAL RULER – 10 SUN PIONEER – 4 KATAGAS – 3 HOST THE NATION
Like his stablemate Terms Of Reference earlier in the night, ROYAL RULER looks one of the better bets on the night given his outstanding Polytrack form. The 4YO has had some seven career starts on the Poly for four wins and three second placings and his recent good trial suggests he is up to this Company and can make it back-to-back wins. HOST THE NATION also comes off a last start Class 4 win and has to be respected with Oscar Chavez retaining the ride and in his favour is that he often starts at generous odds. KATAGAS showed last start he is up to winning at this level and also looks a solid each-way option. However, ROYAL RULER’s biggest danger may be the bottom weight, SUN PIONEER. The 4YO is yet to win over this trip but gets to jump from gate 1 and might give them all something to catch.
1 STAR GENERAL ** Nothing last start but won this surface and Company two starts back and pay to keep safe. 12
2 ROYAL RULER *** Goes super on the Poly and more than up to this Company. 2.00
3 HOST THE NATION *** Knocked in well-deserved Class 4 win last start and always each-way value. 6.50
4 KATAGAS *** Showed enough last start this Company to think he can win one soon. 5.00
5 HIMALAYA DRAGON * Resuming after a poor run of form and have to take on trust. 50
6 CASH BOX * Mixes his form and happy to ignore. 33
7 GOBI RANGER * Hopeless on form but may grow a leg in this company. 50
8 BOARD WALK ** Should be running on late and can include in exotics. 12
9 LEE BANK * No. 100
10 SUN PIONEER *** Yet to win over 1200m but better than most of these on the Poly and will give them something to pass. 5.00
Race 9
Selections; 5 CHOPIN’S NOCTURNE – 2 THE COSMOS – 1 PROFESSOR X – 4 BIG BROTHER
You can look at this race from a few different angles and probably come up with five or so different winners. The obvious choice is THE COSMOS who is overdue for another win. The 4YO has the unenviable record of some seven second placings from his nine runs since winning at his Singapore debut. So who beats him today? CHOPIN’S NOCTURNE could if he shows his best. The 3YO was disappointing first up after winning back in August last year but that winning effort suggests he can win in this grade and perhaps go on with the job. The Pat Shaw pair of PROFESSOR X down in grade and BIG BROTHER on debut off some good trial form can also win without surprising while YOU DA ONE could be the each-way option in an open race.
1 PROFESSOR X *** Form reads badly but comes under notice back in winning Class with blinkers on after nice trial. 12
2 THE COSMOS *** Hard to fault form but more likely to run second. 3.00
3 SOLITAIRE ** Resuming and goes good enough first up to consider. 9.00
4 BIG BROTHER *** Former Argentinean who has shown enough at the trials to think he goes very well at Singapore debut. 6.00
5 CHOPIN’S NOCTURNE *** Never really looked likely when resuming but appreciates the run and is a horse to follow. 6.00
6 SAVAGE STORM ** Drawn awkwardly but always some show on the Poly at value. 12
7 MINGS MAN ** Showed improvement with senior hoop last start and pay to follow with Duric retaining the ride. 12
8 YOU DA ONE *** Freshened after a good run of form and recent trial suggests he can be followed each-way. 8.00
9 IN BOCCA AL LUPO ** In solid form of late and this trip and track is his caper. 9.00
10 Q NINE MAC * Not hopeless last start but should need easier than this. 50
11 JOY AND HAPPY * Maiden who is probably looking for Class 5. 100
