COURT CASE gets blinkers in easier company and trials suggest he improves for the addition(Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
With the big races, included the must watch Lion City Cup on Sunday, this meeting is an entrée to the main dish at best but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some good bets to be had.
But in good news for those that like to get in early, there looks some value in the first three races on the card.
The opener hopefully has some of that value on offer with SECRET MAN the pick.
The 3YO maiden gets blinkers added after a poor run but his trial form with head gear suggests he gives this a shake in a grade that suits.
Race 2 on the all Polytrack card has GOLDEN DIAMOND in the field who also has blinkers added.
The 3YO is resuming after a solid first preparation but his recent trials with blinkers have been eye 
catching and he might be a solid betting option in a maiden with depth.
Likewise, COURT CASE can improve with blinkers added in race 3 on the card – his trial with head-gear was very good – and hopefully the gear changes on trial form on all three can get us off to a flyer on what is a very good weekends racing.
Best Bets: (COURT CASE race 3, win), (SECRET MAN race 1, each-way) and (GOLDEN DIAMOND race 2, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (2, 3, 6, 7 and 10), race 7 (1, 6 and 7), race 8 (1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 10), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 11).
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; 10 SECRET MAN – 7 GIORGIO – 8 HEE’S EGO – 1 DREAMCATCHER
We like a gear change or two and a maiden in SECRET MAN should benefit from blinkers added to his gear in the opener from Kranji. The 3YO had support and was only fair in a similar affair last start but his subsequent trial with headgear was easily good enough to win a race like this with Vlad Duric staying on-board and gate 2 factors. Another maiden in GIORGIO also looks ready to break his duck and like SECRET MAN, he had support last start and gets another chance from gate 5. Two horses that win sooner than later in Class 5 in HEE’S EGO and DREAMCATCHER pick themselves with C Brown and M Nunes respectively giving the stable mates every chance. GOLD LINE with blinkers added and BANKERS CALL round out the winning hopes.
1 DREAMCATCHER *** Showed last start he will win in this company sooner than later. 7.00
2 GOLD LINE *** Will not win out of turn and back in trip but appreciates the company and goes close with blinkers added. 14
3 KING OF THIEVES * Suited in Class 5 but better option over longer on the turf. 20
4 ONE MORE ACHIEVER *** Form looks patchy at best but only win was in similar race to this so must be considered. 12
5 TENMA ** Appreciates first up run but place looks best from wide gate. 20
6 BULLISH LUCK ** Maiden who is usually thereabouts and get the favours from gate 1. 12
7 GIORGIO *** Ready to break maiden status and gets his chance from nice enough gate with claim. 6.00
8 HEE’S EGO *** Had support and ran well last start and gets another chance from the ace. 3.50
9 MR TRY ** Gets blinkers but may want longer to be a winning threat. 20
10 SECRET MAN *** Gets blinkers after poor effort with support last start and recent trials suggests he can win. 5.00
11 BANKERS CALL *** Excuses last start and always a show with handy 3kg claim. 12
12 EASY MONEY * Issues last start (roarer) and have to take on trust. 33
13 ALWAYS AHEAD ** Battles away but recent nice trial has this maiden under notice. 20
14 KAISER BRIGHT * Ran on OK late last start but easier to ignore. 50
Race 2
Selections; 2 GOLDEN DIAMOND – 1 CONILAD – 7 SUPER BALL – 6 TIZALOOCHEE
A very good maiden affair with three newcomers with strong trial form suggesting they can win on debut and another five or so of the raced brigade in good enough form to win. Of the debutantes with winning hopes, CONILAD has probably looked best at the trials but does have an awkward gate to overcome. THE WINGED DRAGON also has a wide gate which could make winning tough on debut while TIZALOOCHEE should get the favours from gate 2. Of the raced brigade, GOLDEN DIAMOND resumes with an important gear change – blinkers and tongue tie go on – and his trials suggests he will improve with the head-gear on. Plenty of others on raced form can win including SUPER BALL who placed last start with support, TRETCHIKOFF who improves on a “daylight second” on debut with ALPHANOVA and PENTAGON also hopes.
1 CONILAD *** Drawn wide but trials like he knows a bit about this caper and can win on debut. 6.00
2 GOLDEN DIAMOND *** Resuming with blinkers and tongue-tie after solid first campaign and recent trials suggests he can win. 5.00
3 ALPHANOVA *** Resumed with solid placing and pay to follow with gate 1 a bonus. 8.00
4 THE WINGED DRAGON *** Drawn badly but trials have been solid and gets Nunes so keep safe on debut. 10
5 TRETCHIKOFF *** Beaten a long way into second on debut but improves on the run with winkers added. 4.00
6 TIZALOOCHEE *** Another newcomer who trials like he can win on debut. 10
7 SUPER BALL *** Had support and ran well when resuming and must go close. 4.00
8 PENTAGON *** Placed at long odds on debut and pay to keep safe. 20
9 RACING TALENT * Needs to show more. 100
10 SHAQRAA * Will improve with racing but this maiden field is strong. 50
11 SKYHAWK * Prefer others on exposed trial form. 100
12 DREAMPITCHER * Not on trial form. 100
13 MISS WAIMATAITAI * Solid without being a threat and might need easier than this. 33
Race 3
Selections; 2 COURT CASE – 1 IMPERIAL BOY – 4 SUN MIRACLE – 10 DRAGON KING
A weak KSD poly sprint and it might be a matter of how short COURT CASE starts in the betting. The 3YO obviously has ability but has raced greenly which has seen some fluctuating race form. But a trial with blinkers was good enough to suggest he improves with headgear added and happy to think he wins in this company. IMPERIAL BOY looks the obvious danger. The 4YO had issues last start (heart) and his previous form is easily good enough to win a race like this and must be respected. The race lacks depth but SUN MIRACLE has pace to burn and may look the winner late while TIME AFTER TIME will improve back on the Poly. DRAGON KING is the only last start winner in the race – in fact none of the other runners finished better than fifth – and has to be respected.
1 IMPERIAL BOY *** Heart issues last start and can win on best form in this type of race. 5.00
2 COURT CASE *** Just fair last start but gets blinkers in easier company and trials suggest he improves for the addition. 2.10
3 MINGS MAN ** Form looks hopeless but gets senior hoop and that count for plenty in this company. 12
4 SUN MIRACLE ** Has pace to burn and could run a very cheeky race at odds. 8.00
5 OUR TOUCHE ** Fluctuating form a concern but goes good enough on his day to win. 8.00
6 HELEN ** Very disappointing last start but goes well in this type of race on her day. 20
7 ARROWHEAD * Recent form hopeless but did win last time in KSD company. 100
8 NOMERCY * Had his chances. 100
9 GOOD BET * Coming off a shocker but could run a cheeky race if right. 33
10 DRAGON KING ** Won in Class 5 last start and can follow from gate 1. 8.00
11 MIGHTY CREATION * Form reads badly but should appreciate slightly easier company. 50
12 TIME AFTER TIME ** Might need easier but always a show on the Poly. 20
Race 4
Selections; 4 PRETTY ELUSIVE – 1 PREFERRED – 7 CONFACET – 5 CONFEIGN
A couple of horses that had excuses with bumping duels at the start and their most recent runs in PRETTY ELUSIVE and PREFERRED appeal in this maiden and not much separates the two on form. PRETTY ELUSIVE loses blinkers – that won’t hurt – but more importantly gets Nunes and from gate 4 the pair should get all the favours. PREFERRED ran on well last start to place and you can expect much the same again with Vorster up with support likely. Of the rest that win without surprising, CONFACET has been very costly for followers but has to win one of these soon and CONFEIGN showed last start why he is always a show on the Poly while HEAVENLY GIFT and the emergency JOYOUS have to be considered.
1 PREFERRED *** Had excuses before running on well last start and can make amends here. 4.00
2 ASHQAR * Drawn wide and needs to find a length or two. 12
3 SWAN SONG ** Better than most of these but might need longer to show his best. 8.00
4 PRETTY ELUSIVE *** All sorts of excuses last start and can win this with blinkers off and senior hoop a factor. 5.00
5 CONFEIGN *** Showed last start why the Poly is his caper and pay to follow. 8.00
6 ROYAL CHOICE ** Another that showed a liking for the Poly last start and a must for exotics. 12
7 CONFACET *** Often has excuses but costly for punters. 5.00
8 LUCKY COMMAND ** Has plenty of early pace and cheeky run expected. 20
9 VINTAGE VERDOT * Impossible on form but did have plenty of excuses last start so could improve. 100
10 PUBLIC GUARDIAN * Gets tongue-tie but easier to ignore. 100
11 HEAVENLY GIFT *** Drawn awkwardly but gets upgrade to blinkers and form good enough to consider. 8.00
12 PURE WHITE * Long-term maiden and not for me. 33
13 SPACE ODDITY * No. 100
14 JOYOUS *** Coming off a shocker with support but has speed and previous form and trial has him under notice. 8.00
Race 5
Selections; 3 VERGLATICA – 5 BIG BANKER – 9 RAINBOW WARRIOR – 7 KING SAVINSKY
VERGLATICA was racing in Group Company this time last year and I dare say you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that this Class 5 field has no champions involved. In saying that connections of VERGLATICA were probably being a tad ambitious and given he has only won twice in the last two years, he deserves to be in this grade. But he looks to have found some form and can win this. Who beats him? BIG BANKER broke his maiden status last start and gets to jump from gate 2 so has to be a show while another maiden in RAINBOW WARRIOR looks due although he has to jump from a very awkward gate. KING SAVINSKY with headgear added and HORAZ SAMOSIR the two others that win without surprising.
1 DRAGON STEED ** Tested trip and track but showed enough two back to keep safe with 4kg claimer. 12
2 HUMOR TOWN *** Will grow a leg back in Class 5 over suitable trip on the Poly. 12
3 VERGLATICA *** Drops in Class after finding some form and hard to beat if near his best. 4.00
4 TANGIBLE ASSETS * Just battled dropping to Class 5 last start and wide gate makes this tough. 33
5 BIG BANKER *** Broke maiden status over the mile last start and happy to follow from gate 2. 5.00
6 HIPPO PROSPERO * Drops to Class 5 sans blinkers but race form is ordinary. 50
7 KING SAVINSKY *** Always a show in races like this with blinkers back on. 4.00
8 HORAZ SAMOSIR *** Can go forward from the wide gate and worth some thought on solid form of late. 12
9 RAINBOW WARRIOR *** Maiden with hoof on the till and can win with luck in running. 5.00
10 ASTRO MAN ** Just been battling of late at eh races but recent trial good and gets the ace. 33
11 GANNA * No. 200
12 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ ** Battles away but can include in exotics at value. 16
13 KENNEDY * No. 200
14 READY FORTUNE ** Just battling of late but can work home when right. 20
Race 6
Selections; 10 SO PERFECT – 7 SUPER EIGHT – 3 FLYING WINNER – 2 EVERTRUST
While a few horses come into this with improved runs under their respective belts, two horses in solid form and ready to win in SUPER EIGHT and SO PERFECT look the two to be on. Not much separates the two on paper but we like the fact that SO PERFECT gets a senior hoop in Manny Nunes and that always makes a difference. A strong recent trial is also a good indication he is ready to wins again. SUPER EIGHT has only one win to his name – and that was on the turf – but his recent form has him winning soon on any surface with regular hoop Oscar Chavez up. FLYING WINNER is a maiden but is due and has to be a show while EVERTRUST and OCEAN STORY improved last start and are both worth following.
1 TOP OF THE TOWN * Blinkers off but s struggling and wide gate no help. 33
2 EVERTRUST *** Put in his best effort in Singapore at his last start in a similar affair to this and pay to follow from gate 3. 8.00
3 FLYING WINNER *** Maiden drawn wide but is due and should figure in the finish. 4.00
4 GUILTLESS ** Puts in the odd good one and can include in exotics from gate 4. 12
5 MING’S BOY * No. 200
6 OCEAN STORY *** Not far away at long odds last start and can follow. 8.00
7 SUPER EIGHT *** Doesn’t win out of turn but is due and gets his chance here. 3.50
8 DASHING ** Improved lengths last start and another to include at odds in exotics. 20
9 BLACK BEAN ** Back in trip and hard to follow but won over 1200m four starts back and could surprise. 12
10 SO PERFECT *** Overdue to knock in another win and recent trial was good. 5.00
11 STATE TROOPER * Easier to ignore. 100
12 CASSIS OOLONG ** Always pay to keep safe in this type of race. 20
13 GOLDEN PASTURE ** Form reads badly but not a mile away last start and can win in this grade. 20
14 ANAK PENANG ** Back in trip but versatile and should figure in the finish. 12
Race 7
Selections; 7 BATTLE HORSE – 1 CASTOR – 6 SPEEDY DRAGON – 11 PROFESSOR X
There are horses that just do too well over this trip not to be a winning hope in any race similar to this that they compete in. In fact CASTOR, HONEST TRUTH and DRAGON SPIRIT have some 17 wins over 1000m between them, which is a telling statistic. Of those three, CASTOR looks the best option – not by much though – but he does look due with Troy See up. However, BATTLE HORSE is a progressive type and might beat them all. The lightly raced 5YO had excuses last start (roarer) and should really wins races like this. Plenty of others that go close with SPEEDY DRAGON right in the mix, PROFESSOR X a good value option and like HONEST TRUTH, EATONS GOLD is in terrific winning form.
1 CASTOR *** In form and hard to beat in a race that is his caper. 4.00
2 FLASH GIFT ** Resuming and always a hope but will need luck from wide gate. 10
3 TURQUOISE KING * Resuming after tough Singapore debut and wide gate again an issue. 33
4 EATONS GOLD *** In winning form and will be more than competitive in this company. 10
5 HONEST TRUTH *** Continues to show up at odds and always an each way chance. 12
6 SPEEDY DRAGON *** Did it tough last start and subsequently trialled very well. Big show. 4.00
7 BATTLE HORSE *** Issues last start (roarer) when supported and goes very close if right. 8.00
8 WONDERFUL KNIGHT * Recent good form in Class 4 and wide gate an issue here. 20
9 NINETYSEVEN GOLD ** Back in trip after a poor run but form prior has him involved somewhere. 12
10 DRAGON SPIRIT *** Loves this trip and in winning form so has to be respected from gate 1. 8.00
11 PROFESSOR X *** Excuses of late and some recent good trials has him under notice. 12
12 TASSAJARA * Singapore debut poor but should improve for the effort. 50
13 LEE BANK * Might find a few of these too slick. 100
14 LIM’S GREETING ** Will find this company more to his liking and could include in exotics at odds. 33
Race 8
Selections; 1 BLUE MOON – 4 SUPER BRILLIANT – 10 STOCK BROKER – 7 BELLUS WONDER
Hard to get enthused about this race but given it’s a leg of the jackpot (or quaddie), we would really need to narrow the field down to one, two, three or four chances. Hopefully the ratings give us a guide as most the winning picks look at the top of the weights with BLUE MOON, HAPPY HAPPY, STORM TROOPER, SUPER BRILLIANT and SUPER JOY all in with a show. Of those, BLUE MOON broke through last start for his maiden win and he can go on with the job with gate 1 and a 4kg claim in his favour. SUPER BRILLIANT also looks well placed in KSD company and he should get support and run accordingly. But the race runs deeper than that and BELLUS WONDER and STOCK BROKER can both play a part in this finish.
1 BLUE MOON *** Broke though for nice maiden win last start and can follow with handy claim from gate 1. 4.00
2 HAPPY HAPPY ** Showed more than enough first-up at odds to follow this campaign. 12
3 STORM TROOPER *** Shown a liking for the Poly of late and will win one in this company soon with best work expected late. 3.50
4 SUPER BRILLIANT *** Not a mile away last start and will find KSD company to his liking. 8.00
5 SUPER JOY *** Went close in similar affair three back and could be in this a long way. 8.00
6 Q NINE MAC * Needs to show more before considering. 33
7 BELLUS WONDER *** Recent form only reads fairly but trialling well and could show up. 12
8 BEAT TO QUARTERS * Better suited in Class 5 over 1200m. 20
9 COOL CAT ** Veteran who is must for exotics but might be looking or something easier to win. 20
10 STOCK BROKER *** In very honest form and in this along way from gate 3. 6.00
11 SUGARTIME JAZZ ** Another that should need easier to win but will work into exotic calculations late. 33
12 CHEETAH KING * Needs longer, easier and turf. 100
Race 9
Selections; 1 KATAGAS – 2 KEEN DRAGON – 3 LIM’S SINCERE – 4 SAVAGE STORM
We are on KATAGAS last start and given he had excuses not to finish closer to the winner, we will stick with the Laurie Laxon-trained 5YO. He is honest – that’s always handy in the lucky last – and Vlad Duric is in fine form so he must go close. KEEN DRAGON is also honest and looks due. The blinkers go off and that could be just the change of scenery he needs to win again. LIM’S SINCERE has had a short spell after a bad run and this race looks his caper so must be a winning hope while SAVAGE STORM is always a hope on the Poly. To make things tricky, IN BOCCA AL LUPA and the other emergency, SOON YI can win if they get a start while SPLENDOUR is versatile and goes close back in trip.
1 KATAGAS *** Excuses not to finish closer last start in similar affair and right in this. 3.00
2 KEEN DRAGON *** Blinkers off to turn some very solid form into a win. Each-way all the way. 5.00
3 LIM’S SINCERE *** Resuming after poor run and is more than up to winning a race like this. 5.50
4 SAVAGE STORM *** Form better than it reads and enjoys the Poly. Value. 20
5 SERPICO * Resuming and no. 50
6 CORDOBA ** Wide draw a concern but solid on his day and can include in exotics. 20
7 ROCK ESPRIT * Resuming and have to take on trust. 20
8 SING ROULETTE * Recent form poor but Poly form OK so pay to keep safe. 33
9 AMAZEALOT * Not a mile away last start and gets gate 1 but easier to ignore. 33
10 SMART VINTAGE ** Resuming with good trial under his belt and might be a value option. 6.00
11 SPLENDOR *** Back in trip but form is solid and should enjoy the Poly. Keep safe. 6.00
12 CLERMONT CLUB * Reassess over longer. 100
13 IN BOCCA AL LUPO *** Not a mile away last start at long odds and back on his only winning trip has him under notice. 20
14 SOON YI *** Refuses to win but in form and has to be included somewhere. 12
