STIRLING wins soon in this company (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
A big weekend of racing from Singapore highlighted by the Group 2 Stewards’ Cup over 1400m on Sunday.
And while it’s an all-Polytrack meeting on Friday, it looks a good one for punters with plenty of solid each-way options and a few standouts as well.
It starts early with SILVER TYCOON ready to break his maiden status in the opener on the card and the 4YO should give a terrific sight from gate two in suitable company.
MISS WAIMATAITAI also looks ready to break her maiden status in race 3 on the card and while it’s always risky making maidens “good things”, she should be hard to beat with Manny Nunes to steer.
Elsewhere on the card we again look to Pat Shaw for some good hopes on the Polytrack and while the South African handler only has two runners – THE GENERAL (race 5) and TERMS OF REFERENCE (race 9) – both look some hope.
The good news is that both could be value given recent form and happy to follow the pair each-way in what look like suitable affairs.
Best Bets: (MISS WAIMATAITAI race 3 win), (STIRLING race 8, win) and (THE GENERAL race 5, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 10 and 12), race 7 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9), race 8 (1, 2 and 3), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7).
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; 6 SILVER TYCOON – 11 ASTRO MAN – 13 CONFACET – 3 SWAN SONG
A moderate maiden to start Friday night racing in Singapore but SILVER TYCOON may make the early trip to Kranji worthwhile. The 4YO has looked due and given what he showed last start in KSD Company, he can win in this field with Munro up and gate 2 a bonus. One horse that may be value is ASTRO MAN. The 4YO showed enough last start after a solid trial to think he is going along OK and his recent good hit out at the trials suggests he could show up here. The next two obvious picks are SWAN SONG who will be working into this late with Manny Nunes up and AUSONE who gets blinkers and G Boss so expect him to be prominent throughout. Keep the emergency, CONFACET, very safe as the step up to the mile looks ideal and his form is better than most.
1 ACIPENSER ** Has shown nothing at two starts in Singapore but gets blinkers and recent trial suggests he can improve. 12
2 THE RAID * Just battles. 33
3 SWAN SONG *** Worked home well last start and worth serious thought over the mile. 4.00
4 AUSONE *** Blinkers on and should be prominent throughout. 5.00
5 BALBOA ** Battled away last start and can include in skinny end of exotics. 20
6 SILVER TYCOON *** Inform and appreciates maiden company so looks the one to beat with gate 2 a bonus. 3.00
7 TRIGGER MAN * Needs to improve. 50
8 EURO HEIGHTS * Battled on after doing it tough last start but still has a bit to learn. 33
9 RISING STAR ** Form reads badly but recent trial OK and could improve from gate 1. 20
10 DASHING ** Shown improvement last couple and can include in exotics. 20
11 ASTRO MAN *** Last start good and recent trials suggest he can win a race like this. 6.50
12 CLEVER BRIGHT * Goes OK on his day but better on the grass. 20
13 CONFACET *** Better than most here and step up to the mile could do the trick. 8.00
Race 2
Selections; 10 STAY WITH ME – 9 DRAGON MASTER – 1 AMAZING MAN – 3 DOMINATE
At the Restricted maiden WFA conditions, 2YO’s always get a look in and given some handy trial form you would think DRAGON MASTER and STAY WITH ME could win this. STAY WITH ME is making his debut with connections opting for the 49kg option in this race. His trials have been very good and with popular lightweight hoop Barend Vorster from gate 1, he must go close. DRAGON MASTER has race experience under his belt – a solid outing behind Jupiter Gold – and his subsequent trial suggests he gives this a shake. Of the 3YO raced brigade, both AMAZING MAN and DOMINATE have shown speed so they get their chance over 1000m which should be ideal. Market guide on the rest.
1 AMAZING MAN *** Has speed and race experience on his side with 1000m looking ideal. 5.00
2 ASHQAR * Needs to find a length or two and wide gate again an issue. 20
3 DOMINATE *** Another of the raced brigade that has speed and will give a sight over 1000m. 8.00
4 LIGHTNING FAST ** Trial with blinkers OK with market watch in order. 10
5 LONGHU ** Solid at the trials and should be thereabouts from the nice alley. 8.00
6 BAYMAX ** Improving with each trial but like to see support before considering. 20
7 CRESCENDO * Trials only fair and like to see something before considering. 26
8 D’GREAT VULTURE * Trial only fair and wide gate doesn’t help. 33
9 DRAGON MASTER *** Trialed well after a very solid debut and can win with no weight. 4.00
10 STAY WITH ME *** Two-year-old who is trialling well enough to win on debut with gate 1 a bonus. 3.00
Race 3
Selections; 2 MISS WAIMATAITAI – 5 SMART INVESTMENT – 4 NATURAL NICE – 3 BANKERS CALL
Some interest in this Class 5 Poly sprint with a couple of maidens looking to break their ducks. In particular MISS WAIMATAITAI has her foot on the till and looks very well placed here to win. Nunes jumps on and from the fair gate she gets her chance. SMART INVESTMENT broke his maiden status last start over 1000m (at odds) and given he finished that race off well, he should be well suited with M Rodd up over 1200m and winning form is good form. Of the rest, BANKERS CALL is always a chance in races like this while NATURAL NICE and APPELLATION both are in form over 1400m on the turf and win soon so worth a look with WHITE COFFEE also a solid each-way option.
1 BORN A FIGHTER ** Drawn wide but will find Class 5 to his liking and has to be respected. 12
2 MISS WAIMATAITAI *** Shown last two start she wins soon in this company and gets her chance with Nunes on the Poly. 2.70
3 BANKERS CALL *** Always a show in races like this and gate 2 helps. 4.00
4 NATURAL NICE *** Not often seen on the Poly over 1200m but in form and could be OK each-way value. 8.00
5 SMART INVESTMENT *** Broke maiden status last start at odds and happy to follow over an extra 200m. 8.00
6 TENMA ** Thereabouts without a result of late but can include in exotics. 20
7 APPELLATION *** Recent good form over 1400m but looks due and pay to follow. 8.00
8 NUMERO UNO * Maiden who is easier to ignore from the widest gate. 500
9 WHITE COFFEE *** Showing enough of late to think he can win a race like this at odds. 12
10 KING OF THIEVES * Not a mile away last start and could be the value. 50
11 EVERTRUST * Gets blinkers and OK two starts back but wide gate makes this tough. 33
12 JOE SWIPER ** Not a mile away last start and gets Boss from the ace so pay to keep safe with winkers off. 33
13 GANNA * Not for me. 100
14 BONJOUR BOB * No. 100
Race 4
Selections; 1 CLERMONT CLUB – 9 SUPER VELOX – 2 EASTERN TOWKAY – 7 PINYIN
The usual suspects over two turns of the Poly and CLERMONT CLUB looks hardest to beat after drawing gate 1. The 6YO had been biding his time over shorter distances before having a decent crack last week over 1700m and wins sooner than later with Nunes up today. SUPER VELOX could be the big danger. The only jockey that has found the winning formula on SUPER VELOX was Glen Boss and the Aussie champ is back on-board today which all bodes well for another result. The maiden EASTERN TOWKAY also looks due to knock in a win and the 3YO has certainly shown Class 5 is his caper. PINYIN is always a chance in races like this and is often the value runner so pay to follow each-way.
1 CLERMONT CLUB *** Showed last start why this type of race is his caper and hard to beat with gate 1 a bonus. 3.00
2 EASTERN TOWKAY *** Maiden who has shown more than enough at his last couple to think he wins soon. 4.00
3 SCIMITAR ** Blinkers off and tongue-tie on and showed enough last start this company to keep safe. 12
4 HIPPO PROSPERO * Needs to show more. 50
5 MR DE NIRO * Trying his luck over 1900m but wide gate and race form against him, 33
6 ZAHIR ** Usually in the mix for skinny end of exotics. 20
7 PINYIN *** Always a show in races like this an usually value. Follow. 6.00
8 MEGABUCKS * Gets upgrade to blinkers but may need more than that. 50
9 SUPER VELOX *** Broke long overdue maiden status two starts back with G Boss up and can win this. 5.50
10 TOOBIGTOFAIL ** Goes OK when having a good day and one to keep safe with blinkers off and Munro up. 12
11 GRAND PARIS ** OK two starts back but needs to show his best. 20
12 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ * Blinkers off but no. 33
Race 5
Selections; 3 THE GENERAL – 4 RICH FORTUNE – 1 REACH FOR THE SUN – 6 ROYAL FORTUNE
Tough race with too many horses with solid Poly form under their belt to be confident. However, THE GENERAL does look well placed back on the Poly and looks a good option. The 4YO also gets blinkers back on and given all three wins in Singapore have been on the Poly, he could be hard to beat with a nice recent trial also a pointer. But you can make a case for most others including RICH FORTUNE who struggled at 3YO Group Company last start but looks a lively chance on his good Poly form prior and REACH FOR THE SUN is always a good option on the Poly. Add SECRET MISSION, ROYAL FORTUNE and ROSELLI as winning hopes and do your best in any exotic combinations.
1 REACH FOR THE SUN *** Just fair with support last start but worth another look. 6.00
2 RED DAWN ** Having a rare Poly run but form solid and should figure somewhere late. 10
3 THE GENERAL *** Ignore last couple as will grow a leg back on the Poly with blinkers on. 6.00
4 RICH FORTUNE *** Ignore last start in 3YO group company as will go very close in this company back on the Poly. 3.00
5 SECRET MISSION *** Always a chance in races like this and often value. Each-way. 10
6 ROYAL FORTUNE *** Can make it tough for himself but always a hope in what is a very even race. 8.00
7 ROSELLI *** Honest and will figure somewhere in this finish. 5.00
8 DESERT FOX * Needs easier than this. 100
9 RED ANT ** Always some show but recent wins have been in Class 4. 20
10 LIVELY DRAGON ** Super honest but another that might need it easier than this. 20
Race 6
Selections; 2 GADAWON – 1 FLAMING FIREHEART – 10 SACRED CROWN – 12 LAM EDITION
As you would expect in any Class 5 division 2 race, the field lacks depth. This is no exception and as such a horse that did promise to show much more than he has in GADAWON gets his chance. The 5YO has won only once from some 26 career starts but has placed nine times suggesting he has more to offer than Class 5. But Class 5 it is and with blinkers on and John Powell up, he can win. We hope he can win anyway. FLAMING FIREHEART is another that doesn’t win out of turn but finds himself in the right race and could even go off favourite in this field given what he showed last start. SACRED CROWN, LAM EDITION and AMI ELEVEN also placed last start in races with varying degrees of quality but all can win with the market a good guide.
1 FLAMING FIREHEART *** Not far away last start and has to be a show in this weak field. 4.00
2 GADAWON *** Has been disappointing not have won one of these of late but gets his chance on the back of a good trial with blinkers added. 6.00
3 GOLDEN PASTURE * Pulled up lame last stat but easier to ignore. 50
4 PETITE VICTOIRE ** Form reads very badly switch back to the Poly back in trip could see a return to some form at odds. 33
5 SPUR ME ON ** Back in trip and could figure in exotics on OK recent trial. 20
6 TOP OF THE TOWN ** Excuses last start and worth another look at odds in Company that suits. 33
7 ALWAYS AHEAD ** Maiden who is solid enough to include in exotics. 20
8 SPACE ODDITY ** Another maiden who shows enough to include in exotics but a win would surprise. 33
9 AMI ELEVEN *** Placed last start on the turf and that form should hold up here. 10
10 SACRED CROWN *** Always a show in races like this and will be thereabouts at the business end. 4.00
11 SUPER SPUR * Back in trip but easier to ignore. 50
12 LAM EDITION *** Wide draw ways a concern but in good form and goes close with luck in running. 8.00
13 HACKER * No. 200
14 READY FORTUNE * In form but needs longer. 33
Race 7
Selections; 7 SPEEDY DRAGON – 4 NOVA WARRIOR – 9 SOUTHERN BOSS – 6 GREAT SUN
At a quick glance there are some 38 1000m Poly wins between eight or so of runners in the 11 horse field which suggests a few of the connections will be confident of a win. And none more confident than the SPEEDY DRAGON connections after the 4Y0 American-bred gelding smashed them at his last start. That was his fifth win from some 11 starts and given that strong display, he could be hard to beat in this. NOVA WARRIOR will keep him super honest though. The 4YO has six wins from 13 starts suggesting he is no slouch and from gate 2 he will get the favours. And one favour should be a sit behind SOUTHERN BOSS who jumps from gate 1. And while we often leave SOUTHERN BOSS out of calculations, they would not want to give him any leeway out front as he is going pretty good at the minute. GREAT SUN, SEBAS and BELLWETHER all winning shows in a race that suits.
1 HAPPY MONEY ** Hard to have on recent form but this type of race should be his caper so keep safe. 20
2 INDIAN JADE ** Three runs this campaign have been solid and looks a solid each-way hope. 12
3 BELLWETHER *** Gets tongue-tie after fair effort last start and always a winning hope in this type of race. 8.00
4 NOVA WARRIOR *** Hard to fault form and in this a very long way from gate 2. 4.00
5 SEBAS *** Another 1000m specialist who was in the mix with Nova Warrior last start and expect much the same. 5.00
6 GREAT SUN *** Resuming after bleeding attack and recent nice trial suggests he is worth some thought first up. 13
7 SPEEDY DRAGON *** Very progressive Poly sprinter coming off a strong win and could be hard to beat. 3.00
8 JUSTICE DAY ** Form from two Singapore starts better than it reads and pay to keep safe at odds. 20
9 SOUTHERN BOSS *** Has pace to burn so could pinch this form gate 1 with expected value a bonus. 20
10 EATONS GOLD * Should need easier than this. 33
11 HONEST TRUTH ** Too honest to leave out but place does look best in this field. 20
Race 8
Selections; 1 STIRLING – 3 INVINCIBLE MAN – 2 IMPERIAL BOY – 4 SUPER JOY
A few horses that are “hard to catch” in this race but STIRLING is honest enough to think he wins in this company sooner than later. He has drawn gate 10 but given he just missed last start there is no reason to think he can’t follow the speedy IMPERIAL BOY over from gate 9 and win this for G Boss. As mentioned, IMPERIAL BOY has the pace to lead from the wide alley and he will enjoy being back on the Poly and can also win. INVINCIBLE MAN is the big danger though. The 4YO’s form looks ordinary but he had issues last start (roarer) and finds himself in a suitable race to show his best. Not many others jump off the page but SUPER JOY goes OK on his day while ALOHA, BELLUS WONDER, JOHN DUKE, DRAGON KING and MOTHER NATURE all play a part if having a good day.
1 STIRLING *** Wins soon in this company and must go close with any luck from wide gate. 2.50
2 IMPERIAL BOY *** Has pace to burn and appreciates being back on the Poly. 5.00
3 INVINCIBLE MAN *** For reads badly but returned a roarer last start when supported and well worth another chance in a race that suits. 8.00
4 SUPER JOY ** Always a show in this company and trip so pay to keep safe. 6.00
5 ALOHA ** Freshened after poor run but most has won on the Poly and could show up at odds. 20
6 BELLUS WONDER ** Showed last start why he is always some hope in this type of race and worth an each-way look. 12
7 JOHN DUKE ** Recent back-to-back wins in Class 5 but will be competitive from a fair gate. 8.00
8 MOLLY BROWNE * Back in trip with blinkers off and may be looking for easier company. 50
9 MOTHER NATURE ** Another whose recent win was in Class 5 but will be competitive from gate 2. 20
10 DRAGON KING ** Been in the exotic mix at two starts this Company since Class 5 win and can follow. 20
11 BEAT TO QUARTERS * Reassess in easier Company. 33
Race 9
Selections; 3 TERMS OF REFERENCE – 5 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK – 1 SATELLITE BOY – 6 NOVA SPIRIT
As usual a very competitive Class 4 sprint to finish the night and while it may be good money after bad, we think TERMS OF REFERENCE can show his best and win. The 3YO has a very good Poly record winning three times over 1200m and given he was never in the hunt last start, he can bounce back and win this. He also has form around Nova Warrior as does the seemingly out of form GOLDEN TOMAHAWK who may be the forgotten horse in this field. The 4YO also has a very good Poly record and given his last three average starts were on the turf, he improves lengths back on the Poly with gate 1 a factor. Obviously the two last start winners in SATELLITE BOY and DUTY FIRST are in form and win again without surprising while NOVA SPIRIT and LADY IFFRAAJ are also in the mix.
1 SATELLITE BOY *** Backed up solid Singapore debut with a strong win and hard to beat again. 4.00
2 DUTY FIRST *** Improved at every run before winning last start and looks up to Class 4. 4.00
3 TERMS OF REFERENCE *** Never in the hunt with support last start but better than that and happy to follow. 6.00
4 BAAB AL NASR ** Back in trip but can race handy and add value to exotics. 20
5 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK *** Ignore recent efforts as will grow a leg back on the Poly and can win. 8.00
6 NOVA SPIRIT *** In form and enjoys the Poly so right in this. 5.00
7 LADY IFFRAAJ *** Excuses last start over 1200m on the turf and well worth a look back on his only winning surface. 10
8 POWER LIN ** Always a show in races like this and will be value. 20
9 LUCKY BOY ** Badly named as usually finds trouble but goes goo enough to include in exotics. 20
10 YANGON ** Plenty of excuses since debut win but might be better suited over longer. 33
11 GOLDEN MISSION * Appreciates first up run but need sot show more. 100
12 PINT SIZED PRINCE * Might be looking for something easier. 100
13 SEASONS ECHO * Reassess in easier company on turf. 50
