FINE CHOICE looks good enough to win this (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
We suggested trainer Pat Shaw may increase his amazing winning strike rate last weekend and the affable South African didn’t let us down.
He also closed the gap in the premiership to just four behind Alwin Tan and extended his buffer over 2015 Champion trainer, Mark Walker, in third place to seven.
But Mark Walker won’t take that lying down.
The Kiwi’s modus operandi is throwing everything bar the kitchen sink from his stable to the racetrack and while he will never win the season strike rate, he gets results.
And this Friday is no different with 11 runners in six of the nine races on the card.
In races 7 and 9, Walker has single entries with FINE CHOICE and THE COSMOS respectively but multiple runners in races 2, 4, 5 and 6 should see a winner or two.
In particular, BEST JADE resuming in race 4 looks a big show for Walker to narrow the gap to Shaw as is READY FORTUNE (race 5) and VRADD in race 6.
Let the chase begin.
Friday 12 August
Best Bets: (WINTERFELL race 2 win), (RUN IT TWICE race 8, win) and (HIGH TROJA race 3, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 9), race 7 (1 and 4), race 8 (1, 3, 5 and 9), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 8, 10, 11 and 12).
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; 2 RON – 3 WARSHIP – 7 BIG GUARDIAN – 5 DRAGON G
Plenty of maidens that look due in this race makes it very interesting. But as it stands a five-time winner in RON looks the obvious choice. The 7YO has won twice in 2016 in similar races to this and with Da Silva from gate 5 you would expect a very forward showing. Two maidens to watch are WARSHIP and BIG GUARDIAN. WARSHIP In particular gets his chance having his first crack in Class 5 and he has shown enough to think the company suits. BIG GUARDIAN showed Class 5 is his caper and G Boss will be hoping he can make quick amends for a narrow loss at his last start. Of the rest, HAKAMGONG will improve with a run under his belt stepping up to his recent winning distance while DRAGON G should be doing better in races like this and SILVER TYCOON could be excused for his poor last start.
1 HAKAMGONG *** Appreciates first up run and expect support stepping up to recent winning distance. 6.00
2 RON *** Will go forward and give them something to pass back in the right company. 5.00
3 WARSHIP *** Maiden who was thereabouts last start and should appreciate Class 5. 5.00
4 SILVER TYCOON ** Disappointing last start but did look due to break maiden status prior to that. 8.00
5 DRAGON G ** Just battled last start but this is the type of race he should go well in. 10
6 GREAT NINTH * Easier to ignore. 100
7 BIG GUARDIAN *** Maiden who has shown more than enough of late to think he wins soon with gate 2 a factor. 4.00
8 EASTERN TOWKAY ** Another maiden who has looked due and gets the favours from the ace. 8.00
9 HAN SOLO * Pushed at recent trial and hard to have on recent form. 50
10 AUREUS * Most recent win was on the Poly but recent form a big concern. 33
11 SUN DANCE * Long-term maiden who has struggled at his last couple. 20
12 SGFIFTY * Right time of year but does struggle. 100
13 PURE WHITE ** Another long-term maiden but form OK and may appreciate step up in trip. 20
Race 2
Selections; 14 WINTERFELL – 12 ONE DEGREE NORTH – 10 AWATERE – 5 NOBLE LIAISON
While a few horses – WINTERFELL, AWATERE and GREAT WARRIOR – come into this after placing at their respective last starts, all three did get well beaten and the form line does look tricky. However, WINTERFELL did finish just over three lengths off Queen Roulette and that form has more than held up with that filly winning in good Novice Company at her next start. And she did beat Super Hero by some three lengths in that race which is significant given that gelding beat AWATERE and GREAT WARRIOR by five and seven and a quarter lengths respectively at their encounter. No other raced horses appeal but two newcomers in NOBLE LIASON and MIGHTY CONQUEROR both have trialled well enough to go well on debut with market best guide.
1 ARIEL ** Aussie maiden who has one placing from three starts. Needs support on just fair local trial form. 20
2 MR NO PROBLEM ** Race form ordinary but recent trials suggests he improves. 20
3 NINEPINS ** Never involved last start from wide gate and gets no favours again. 20
4 MIGHTY CONQUEROR *** Has been solid at the trials and should figure throughout in this maiden field. 10
5 NOBLE LIAISON *** Shown enough at the trials to think he shows something on debut with Beasley up. 8.00
6 TYPHON ** Disappointing on debut but could improve with blinkers off on solid trial form prior. 20
7 GREAT WARRIOR ** Battled away to place in a weak one last start but well beaten and exotics looks best. 12
8 SKYHAWK * No. 50
9 ANGEL OF MINE * No. 50
10 AWATERE *** Beaten a long way into second at his last start but that form may be better than most in this weak field. 6.00
11 LIM’S SPARKLE ** Another who races sans blinkers after a poor debut and could improve. 20
12 ONE DEGREE NORTH *** Solid trial under his belt and that has him under notice in this weak field. 12
13 STAR INVINCIBLE ** Blinkers off and may appreciate being back on the turf. 20
14 WINTERFELL *** Showed more than enough when placing on debut to win this. 2.50
Race 3
Selections; 1 HIGH TROJA – 5 SIAMESE CAT – 2 KINGS RYKER – 4 SAVAGE STORM
A small field but finding the winner looks tough with a couple of horses ready to improve in what is a suitable race including the top-weight, HIGH TROJA. His form this campaign has been just fair on paper but the fact he got home well last start over 1200m suggests he is ready to show his best over his recent winning trip. Gate 1 helps and he should get a good run behind SIAMESE CAT who showed last start he is comfortable leading in a race like this and did well enough to the wire to follow. SAVAGE STORM was also in that race and he showed enough at his first attempt at the mile to keep safe. KINGS RYKER looks the benchmark on form and his only win in Singapore was this trip and track. MR MOSA and ROBIN HOOD two others to include.
1 HIGH TROJA *** Has had a few issues this campaign but ran on well last start and can win stepping up to only winning trip. 4.00
2 KINGS RYKER *** In form and recent win was this track and trip. 3.00
3 ROBIN HOOD ** Good form including last start win on the turf and have to take on trust on the Polytrack. 6.00
4 SAVAGE STORM ** Showed enough last start stepping up to the mile that he handles the trip and worth another look. 8.00
5 SIAMESE CAT *** Led them up last start this trip and ran on well enough to follow. 6.00
6 MR MOSA ** Should have won one by now in Singapore but switch to the Poly might see a result. 5.00
7 DANNY * Reassess in Class 5. 50
8 LUCKY STRATEGY * Needs easier but will work into exotic calculations late at odds with downgrade to winkers. 33
Race 4
Selections; 1 BEST JADE – 4 UNSURPASSED – 2 MR WHITAKER – 6 NATURAL IMPULSE
Trainer Mark Walker holds the key to this race with BEST JADE resuming and UNSURPASSED both winning shows. BEST JADE in particular looks well placed in KSD company first up after a spell to win with M Nunes a pointer to his chances. But while Nunes jumps off UNSURPASSED, the 4YO had excuses last start and happy to think he gives this a shake under A Da Silva on his best Poly form. The field lacks depth but MR WHITAKER is super honest and has to win one of these races sooner than later. His winning drought is obviously a concern but he is the benchmark from gate 4. NATURAL IMPULSE, SCOUT DONE and SMART SUPREME all a show on best form.
1 BEST JADE *** Resuming and has a very good poly record so can win this. 2.40
2 MR WHITAKER *** Hasn’t won for over a year but honest and should figure in this finish. 3.00
3 SCOUT DONE *** Found some form and very much appreciates KSD Poly company. 8.00
4 UNSURPASSED *** Excuses last start and always looks a show on best form on the Poly. 8.00
5 SMART SUPREME ** Resuming in what looks a suitable race and recent trial good enough to keep safe. 12
6 NATURAL IMPULSE *** Two runs under Dan Meagher have been good including last start maiden win. Follow. 6.00
7 GOOD BET * Issues last start but have to take on trust. 50
8 ROSEGOLD * Blinkers off and prefer over longer. 33
Race 5
Selections; 5 READY FORTUNE – 13 GODS SPEED – 1 CLERMONT CLUB – 2 DAAD’S THE WAY
Very tempting to go straight to the emergency in this weak Class 5 field and GODS SPEED can win if he gets a run. And given a couple of these runners are of an age where they should be in bed with a warm glass of milk, there could be a scratching or two and if so GODS SPEED has the form on the board to start favourite back over a suitable trip. But he has drawn wide and as such READY FORTUNE gets his chance from gate 1. The 7YO was never in the hunt last start from a wide gate and should be handy throughout in this and hard to beat. Not many others to get excited about but CLERMONT CLUB appreciates the company and has Nunes while DAAD’S THE WAY (at 11 years young) is always a show in fields like this with blinkers added.
1 CLERMONT CLUB *** Recent form is ordinary but company and distance suits so watch for support. 3.50
2 DAAD’S THE WAY *** Veteran who appreciates being back on the Poly with blinkers added. 5.00
3 RISING STAR * Jockey reported issues last start and have to take on trust. 33
4 HAPPY JOY * Didn’t back up improved effort from two starts back and have to take on trust. 20
5 READY FORTUNE *** Given no chance last start from wide gate and can make quick amends from the ace. 3.00
6 TONGARIRO ** Can be tough to follow but last start better than the result and could be value. 20
7 SHABBAT * Long-term maiden who may appreciate the Poly but easier to ignore. 33
8 DOUBLE JEOPARDY * Another long-term maiden who could run into exotic calculations. 20
9 STREET CHAMP * Goes OK on his day but issues last couple and have to take on trust. 20
10 HEAR ME * Veteran who will battle away. 50
11 SUPER VELOX ** Did it tough last start and should figure at the business end in this field. 6.00
12 NORTH STAR * Just battling. 50
13 GODS SPEED *** In form and gets back over best trip and could be hard to beat in this field. 3.00
Race 6
Selections; 6 MILLENNIUM’S RULE – 1 SUN EMPIRE – 2 LUCKY JUSTICE – 9 VRAAD
An extremely open race with most having a winning chance on recent form and a newcomer in LUCKY JUSTICE also in the mix. In fact the former Australian brings some good winning form from down under and a recent trial suggests he gives this a shake with one eye on the market. Of those we have seen, MILLENNIUM’S RULE had enough excuses last start to think he can make quick amends. On that occasion he got too far back after a slow start from a wide gate and expect a more forward outing here from gate 4. Too many others win without surprising but SUN EMPIRE just missed last start and very much appreciates this company while VRAAD looks overdue with DAVINCI and NORTH ATLANTIC ICE also in the mix. Good luck.
1 SUN EMPIRE *** Just missed last start in better company and hard to beat back in recent winning Class. 6.00
2 LUCKY JUSTICE *** Two-time winner from Australia who hit the line well at recent trial so expect solid debut. 5.00
3 NAZIR ** Ran on OK last start over this trip and gets blinkers so market watch in order. 20
4 NORTH ATLANTIC ICE *** Hasn’t won since this time last year but in form and freshened by recent trial so could show up. 8.00
5 DAVINCI *** Traffic issues in straight last start and does look suited this company. 12
6 MILLENNIUM’S RULE *** Also had excuses last start and can go forward and give a sight. 4.00
7 NORTHERN KNIGHT ** Singapore debut was solid and appreciates extra 200m so keep safe. 12
8 HORSE WARRIOR ** Been showing glimpses of late and could show up and value. 12
9 VRAAD *** Drawn widest but foot on the till and wins without surprising. 6.00
10 MAREA NEGRO ** Refuses to win but also refuses to run a bad race. Each-way. 12
Race 7
Selections; 1 FINE CHOICE – 4 STOCK BROKER – 6 DOUBLE CASH – 2 WINNER’S SMILE
Not an overly strong field but it will be interesting to see which way punters go given STOCK BROKER comes into this after winning by six lengths in Class 5 and FINE CHOICE resumes after a very good run of Poly form. But given FINE CHOICE looks a very honest type and has a nice trial under his belt, he might be hard to beat in KSD company with Nunes to ride from gate 2. However, STOCK BROKER smashed them last start and was competitive in this company prior to that win so he has to be respected. He also gets to jump form gate 1 and it could really be a race between these two. Of the rest, DOUBLE CASH keeps the pair honest over his pet trip of 1000m and blanket over the rest for skinny end of exotics.
1 FINE CHOICE *** Resuming after a good run of form with support and trials good enough to win this. 2.50
2 WINNER’S SMILE ** Blinkers off after excuses last start and could improve at odds. 20
3 SPLENDOR ** Resuming after solid Poly effort last start and can include in exotics. 12
4 STOCK BROKER *** Bolted in last start in Class 5 and pay to follow with gate 1 a bonus. 2.00
5 COOL CAT ** Competitive but should need easier to win. 33
6 DOUBLE CASH *** Recent win in Class 5 but looks suited in this field over 1000m. 8.00
7 FANTASTIC MAN * Another that should need Class 5 to show his best but will be running on late. 33
8 FRAGRANCE EMPIRE * Did it tough from wide gate last start and can include in exotics. 33
9 MR PATRON ** Usually competitive and might add some good value to exotics. 33
10 GREAT BALLS OFFIRE * Reassess easier and longer. 100
Race 8
Selections; 3 RUN IT TWICE – 1 MEGUSTO – 5 CONVICT – 9 GADAWON
With five horses resuming from spells (some long), the tote will be an excellent guide in this race. But as it stands RUN IT TWICE looks well placed in KSD Company and could be hard to beat. The 6YO hasn’t won since winning at his Singapore debut back in August last year but some recent good form coupled with the drop in Class has him under notice. Of those resuming, MEGUSTO looks to have a bit to offer and trials good enough to win first-up, although he does have a wide gate to contend with. CONVICT has also trialled well enough to consider first up but again, the market will be a great guide. Keep the two last start Class 5 winners in GADAWON and LIM’S CASINO safe.
1 MEGUSTO *** Resuming from a long spell but trials well and race suits. 8.00
2 IMPERIAL FIGHTER * Resuming hard to have on form. 20
3 RUN IT TWICE *** Can be hard to follow but goes very well when having a good day and should win in this company. 5.00
4 TASSAJARA ** Worked home well last start and pay to keep safe. 12
5 CONVICT *** Resuming with nice trial under his belt and goes well enough fresh to consider. 12
6 LESOTHO PROMISE ** Resuming sans blinkers after a long break but recent trials have been solid so keep an eye on market. 20
7 ALAN * Recent form good but query on the turf. 20
8 GOLDEN MILE * Resuming and also has turf queries. 50
9 GADAWON *** Finally got back into the winners circuit last start in Class 5 and pay to follow. 6.00
10 MILITARY ALLIANCE * Blinkers off and may be looking or easier and longer. 100
11 LIM’S CASINO ** Tough to follow and back in trip but going along OK and pay to keep safe. 12
12 WHITE COFFEE ** Won in Class 5 last start and should be competitive in this field. 12
13 TIME AFTER TIME * Eligible for easier and better suited on the Poly. 50
Race 9
Selections; 1 ELITE STAR – 2 LIVELY DRAGON – 12 A LOT IN HAND – 10 KAZUO
Once again the Turf Club has thrown in a tough Class 4 race to finish the night and you could make a winning case for at least eight of the runners. Starting the top, ELITE STAR resumes after a strong run of form and while he still looks to have a bit to learn about the racing caper, his recent trial good enough to win first-up. Staying at the top of the ratings, LIVELY DRAGON had excuses last start and can make amends with the in-form N Juglall steering from gate 1. There is only one last start winner in the field – A LOT IN HAND – and while that win was at odds, there is no reason he doesn’t run another forward race from gate 4. The consistent STRILING, RIKIOH with blinkers added, COURT CASE and KAZUO others that win without surprising.
1 ELITE STAR *** Resuming after a very good run of form and recent trial good enough to win this. 3.00
2 LIVELY DRAGON *** Excuses last start and happy to follow on strong form prior with gate 1 a bonus. 10
3 STIRLING *** Draw a concern but in very solid form and pay to follow each-way. 6.00
4 THE COSMOS ** Frustrating horse who gets blinkers to help get a result. 8.00
5 CLIP THE TICKET * Struggling of late. 100
6 BE BOLD ** Another fancy drawn wide but appreciates solid first up run and should b thereabouts. 8.00
7 COUNTRY WARRIOR ** Never in the hunt at Singapore debut but had support and can improve with a tongue-tie added. 12
8 COURT CASE *** Always a show in races like this and makes his presence felt late. 12
9 MASTER DRAGON * No. 200
10 KAZUO *** Long-time since maiden win but is due and has to be respected. 8.00
11 RIKIOH *** Another that doesn’t win out of turn but in form and gets blinkers and tongue-tie to get a result. 12
12 A LOT IN HAND *** Won at long odds in similar affair to this and have to follow as still could provide value. 20
13 PERKINS * Blinkers off but struggling. 100
14 HOSHIKO *** Did it tough last start when placing and pay to follow each-way. 12
