FITZROY could be backed off the boards(Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
It’s fair to say that FITZROY made a strong impression at his first campaign, which included two 3YO Group races in his five starts in Singapore.
Arriving a maiden, the former Australian had excuses at his first two starts when supported before winning very well at his third outing.
That maiden win suggested he was good enough for a crack at the Three-Year-Old Classic over 1400m and his effort from a wide gate on that occasion had connections pushing onto the Guineas.
He finished fourth after excuses in running in that Group 1 event and his recent good trials suggests he has enjoyed the short spell and is ready to win first-up over 1200m in very suitable Class 4 company.
Another horse that will find a drop in Class to his liking is ROCKFAST.
However, the Derby place-getter also drops back in distance and while he is a horse to follow in better races than this later on in this season, both POSEIDON and FLAK JACKET will give him something to catch over the 1400m journey.
Friday 19 August
Best Bets: (FITZROY race 3 win), (LIM’S CRUISER race 8, win) and (LUCKY GIANT race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 5 and 9), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 9), race 8 (2, 3, 4, 5 and 8), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 9).
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; 1 MISS BLANCHETT – 7 ARLO – 10 LEADERSHIP – 2 THE WINGED DRAGON
MISS BLANCHETT just missed last start and punters will be hoping the mare can make quick amends by winning the opening race tonight. The 4YO’s only win was in a similar affair to this and with some queries over the others with winning hopes, she is the obvious choice with gate 1 a bonus. She will be short though and it will pay to look for some improvers and ARLO should fit that bill. The 5YO looks in ordinary form but gets blinkers and a senior hoop and that should make a difference over his only winning track and trip. Of the rest, LEADERSHIP is in solid form and should figure heavily in this finish while THE WINGED DRAGON and THUNDER CAT could pay a part. Market a good guide on the others.
1 MISS BLANCHETT *** Just missed last start and hard to beat over 1200m from the ace. 3.00
2 THE WINGED DRAGON ** Maiden who very much appreciates Class 5 and can figure. 10
3 THUNDER CAT ** Only career win was on the Poly but in form and should be thereabouts. 5.00
4 WINNING STAR * Right company but better suited over longer. 20
5 DESTINY KNIGHT * Another that looks like he will need further to be a threat. 33
6 PINT SIZED PRINCE ** Form reads badly but gets a new trainer and drops to Class 5 so keep safe with blinkers off and tongue-tie on. 20
7 ARLO *** Blinkers on. Recent form poor but gets senior hoop and that will make a difference. 8.00
8 EDEN GARDEN ** Thereabouts at his last couple and worth a look in exotics. 8.00
9 SACRED CROWN ** Always some hope but usually seen on the Poly. 12
10 LEADERSHIP *** Not a mile away last start and looks ready to show his best. 6.00
11 GEARIGURU * No. 100
12 VOLCANO * Easier to ignore. 50
13 HEAR ME * Back in trip and not for me. 200
Race 2
Selections; 6 LIGHTNING FAST – 1 LIM’S ADMIRAL – 12 DRAGON MASTER – 7 WINNING EXPRESS
Not a lot of depth to this maiden and while the likes of LIM’S ADMIRAL and DRAGON MASTER certainly look due, LIGHTNING FAST sans blinkers could be ready to show his best. The 4YO was heavily supported on debut when placing but his subsequent run was disappointing. His recent trials suggest he will enjoy racing without headgear and he will give a sight with a 2kg claimer on board. Not much separates LIM’S ADMIRAL and DRAGON MASTER and either wins without surprising on what they showed last start and in the case of DRAGON MASTER, his efforts with support prior to that. WINNING EXPRESS might be a fair value option given what he showed on debut and expect him to be running on with a 4kg claimer up. The second emergency, SMIDDY BYRNE, is worth a long look with a tongue-tie added if he gets a start.
1 LIM’S ADMIRAL *** Showed more than enough on debut to win this with winkers added. 3.00
2 GOOD BET * Has shown glimpses but recent form only fair. 33
3 MR JACKSON ** Not a mile away last start and appreciates better gate. 12
4 GOLDEN BOBO * Needs to lift on recent outings. 50
5 DREAMER LEGEND * Needs to show more. 50
6 LIGHTNING FAST *** Has ability and recent trials sans blinkers suggests he can win this. 8.00
7 WINNING EXPRESS *** Had support when running on OK on debut and pay to follow with handy 4kg claim. 8.50
8 LIM’S RANGER ** Well beaten into fourth when blinkers added last start but has place claims in this field. 12
9 GOLDEN PASSION ** Had plenty of trials and most solid enough to consider on debut with one eye on the market. 12
10 TING A LING * Prefer others on exposed trial form. 50
11 GOLDEN KINGDOM ** Solid at the trials but exotics look best option on debut. 20
12 DRAGON MASTER *** Needs a result for the support but gets his chance in this field with no weight. 3.00
13 NOVA MASTER * Struggled of late. 50
14 SMIDDY BYRNE *** Gets tongue-tie after having issues when supported last start but well worth another look. 8.00
Race 3
Selections; 1 FITZROY – 4 ELUSIVE EMPEROR – 3 PALTROW – 5 ARION
FITZROY could be backed off the boards in what looks a weak Class 4 field but he does look extremely hard to beat. Yes, he is resuming but when you consider his efforts in the 3YO Group races including the Guineas at his most recent run, he is a horse with a future. He has looked good at his recent trials and the one to be on with winkers added for good measure. One that might give him a scare on best form though is ELUSIVE EMPEROR. The 5YO has raced in some good company in his career and very much appreciates what looked a good first-up run this campaign and gives this shake with luck from the wide gate. Last start KSD winner PALTROW keeps the pair honest and she is a must for exotic combinations. ARION the value from gate 1.
1 FITZROY *** Very progressive type resuming after good Guineas run and trials like he can win this with winkers added. 2.00
2 ROC THAT ** Appreciates debut run and tongue-tie added but might need longer to show his best. 20
3 PALTROW *** More than honest mare who keep the favourite honest. 5.50
4 ELUSIVE EMPEROR *** Appreciates good first-up run and will win in this company sooner than later. 4.00
5 ARION ** Never in the hunt when resuming but appreciates the outing and being back on the turf. Value. 20
6 KISS ME ** Always an each-way hope and won the last time seen on the turf. 20
7 MONGOLIAN CHIEF ** Coming off a shocker get blinkers back on and can figure in exotics. 20
8 MACHFIVE * Blinkers, tongue-tie off. In form but better on the Poly. 20
9 PRATT STREET ** Placed last start but another who looks a better winning option on the Poly. 12
10 MEAISIN * Blinkers off but reassess in Class 5. 33
Race 4
Selections; 2 FUKU ICHIBAN – 9 FLAMING FIREHEART – 6 SATELLITE STAR – 3 MARGAUX
Nothing jumps off the page in this weak Class 5 turf sprint and as such, the market will be a terrific guide. And while that does look the easy way out, the form from most of these runners is patchy at best and it will be a matter of seeing which horse shows his best on the day. And FUKU ICHIBAN is one of the higher rated horses in this field so his best should be enough. He is also versatile enough to go back or forward from the wide gate with Oscar Chavez to steer. A horse that should go forward and be hard to run down is FLAMING FIREHEART and he could be a good option from gate 2 with Zaki up. Of the rest, SATELLITE STAR is in solid Poly form and worth following while MARGUAX has a fair recent trial under his belt and could be the improver. The emergency ROMA goes well enough to win and again, market a great guide.
1 SUPERTEN ** Has done little since placing on debut but appreciates Class 5 and could run a forward race. 10
2 FUKU ICHIBAN *** Always a show and gets his chance in this field. 6.00
3 MARGAUX *** Only placing was on the turf and recent trial was strong so could show up with tongue-tie removed. Watch market. 12
4 BORN A FIGHTER ** Needs to find a length or two but appreciates gate 1 and Nunes. 8.00
5 BREAKING VAULTS ** Nothing of late but did win four starts back on the turf so keep safe. 20
6 SATELLITE STAR *** Looks ready to win a race like this and pay to keep following. 5.00
7 SUVARNABHUMI ** Drawn wide and nothing last start but form prior has him under notice. 20
8 LION WAVE ** Showed improvement with Duric on board at last couple and can include in exotics. 10
9 FLAMING FIREHEART *** Will give a sight from gate two and in this a very long way. 5.00
10 HIGHLIGHT ** Thereabouts without being a threat of late but another to include in exotics. 8.00
11 HORAZ SAMOSIR ** Disappointing last start but did place three runs back. 20
12 PRINCETON ** Drawn badly but showed enough last start to include in skinny end of exotics. 20
13 ROMA *** Looks ready to win and this race is extremely weak. 4.00
14 MAGIC PAINT * Can run a cheeky race but yet to place in twelve starts. 50
Race 5
Selections; 1 SUPERSONICSURPRISE – 2 OCEAN GENERAL – 6 BLACK MAGIC – 10 PUBLIC FIGURE
A very nice Class 4 sprint with two at the top of the ratings in SUPERSONIC SURPRISE and OCEAN GENERAL the one’s to beat. Both have shown in better races than this – and on recent strong form in this company – that they win soon and both look evenly matched over 1100m on the Poly. If we have to pick one (and yes, we do), Barend Vorster’s experience on SUPERSONIC SURPRISE could be the difference. However, the field has depth and BLACK MAGIC resuming could easily win. The 5YO is trialling well and has a good first-up record with gate 1 and Dan Beasley a factor. HOSHIKO and PUBLIC FIGURE two others that look suited in this race and both have the form on the board to show up.
1 SUPERSONICSURPRISE *** Just missed last start similar affair and can make quick amends. 3.00
2 OCEAN GENERAL *** Foot on the till and this trip and track is his caper. 4.00
3 JOBODWANA ** Ran on very well at odds over 1000m last start and expect much the same here. 10
4 HONGCHEN ** In form and will be running on but a better winning option on the grass over longer. 12
5 RUM N RAISINS ** Dropping back in trip with tongue-tie after returning a roarer last start. Keep safe at odds. 20
6 BLACK MAGIC *** Resuming with some good trials under his belt and does have a nice first-up record. Can win. 8.00
7 CASH BOX * Struggling. 100
8 HOSHIKO *** Did it tough last start when placing and pay to follow each-way. 9.00
9 LADY IFFRAAJ ** Always a show in races like this but really needs a result. 12
10 PUBLIC FIGURE *** Resuming after a good run of form and pay to keep very safe with quiet trial under his belt. 8.00
11 DOMINY * Maiden resuming and should need easier. 50
Race 6
Selections; 1 OVER EASY – 5 GALAXY EXPRESS – 9 URBAN LEGEND – 3 VERGLATICA
These races are often a raffle but OVER EASY looks due and will give a sight over 2000m. Apprentice R Firdhaus stays on with his 4kg claim and no secret they will go forward and be hard to pass in a race that suits. His stablemate VERGLATICA wasn’t far away in the same race as OVER EASY last start and that promising effort on the turf suggests he can knock in what would be a very long overdue win. GALAXY EXPRESS won on the Poly two back which was a bit of a surprise and he very much appreciates being back on the turf and can win while URBAN LEGEND will be running on late and has won this trip and track previously.
1 OVER EASY *** Will lead them up and hard to run down on recent form. 3.00
2 FRENCH VINTAGE ** Didn’t run on last start over the mile so query stepping up to 2000m. 12
3 VERGLATICA *** Showed enough on the turf last start to think he wins one of these soon. 5.00
4 DUAL IMPACT ** Ran on well last start and pay to follow each way. 10
5 GALAXY EXPRESS *** Mixing his form but enjoys being back on the turf and wins this without surprising. 6.00
6 CIRRUS ** Maiden who should appreciate 2000m and could run on late. 15
7 RED JEWEL ** Form better than it reads and gets blinkers but is yet to place in some 13 career starts. 12
8 NOVA POWER * No. 100
9 URBAN LEGEND *** In form, gets blinkers and has won this trip and track. Big show. 5.00
10 NOVEMBER SUCCESS * Easier to ignore. 20
Race 7
Selections; 3 POSEIDON – 2 FLAK JACKET – 1 ROCKFAST – 9 ODE TO JOY
An odd race with the top weight ROCKFAST obviously looking for bigger and better things over longer but with plenty of pace in this race, he will be the class factor storming home late. He can win but FLAK JACKET and POSEIDON will likely be the two setting the pace and given both are in form, they could be hard to catch. FLAK JACKET is in terrific form but refuses to win which is a concern but POSEIDON gets blinkers over a suitable trip and that combination appeals. The race has depth and VIVIANO and HERMANO MENOR both win without surprising with two the Pat Shaw runners in WINNING CAUSE and ODE TO JOY both in the mix, the latter a solid each-way show.
1 ROCKFAST *** Drops back in trip after a cracking Derby campaign and will work into this late. 3.00
2 FLAK JACKET *** Hard to fault form but hasn’t won since 2014 which is a concern. 5.00
3 POSEIDON *** In form and 1400m with blinkers on looks ideal. 5.00
4 GOT LUCK * Needs to show a bit more before we consider. 50
5 SUPERNOVA ** Turf form of late has been solid and can include in exotics. 12
6 VIVIANO *** Hard to fault winning form and will have admirers again. 6.00
7 HERMANO MENOR *** Showed more than enough last start behind a nice type this trip to follow. 8.00
8 WINNING CAUSE ** Found the Derby too tough last start but honest and this looks suitable. 12
9 ODE TO JOY *** Good first-up run coupled with nice recent trial has him under notice at value. 12
Race 8
Selections; 5 LIM’S CRUISER – 3 REMEMBER ME – 4 SILENT ARROW – 2 MORITZ ECLIPSE
While this race should have a few twists and turns, LIM’S CRUISER had excuses last start and gets his chance to make amends. Vlad Duric stays on and from gate 2 he should get the favours and be very hard to hold out over the mile. REMEMBER ME keeps him more than honest though. The 5YO is super consistent and versatile and expect John Powell to have him handy throughout. SILENT ARROW gets blinkers back on and has to a be a big show on winning form from two starts back with headgear while MORITZ ECLIPSE showed enough late last start to follow with a handy 3kg claim. Keep SPECIAL FORCE safe as he will be all over them late if having a good day and HIGHER SOUL is always a good each-way option.
1 MARTIN ** Hopeless on form but significant drop in grade has him under notice. 120
2 MORITZ ECLIPSE *** Ran on well enough last start over 1400m to think this suits with handy 3kg claim. 10
3 REMEMBER ME *** In form and most recent win was over the mile so gets his chance. 4.00
4 SILENT ARROW *** Won with blinkers two starts back this grade so has to be a show with headgear back on. 8.00
5 LIM’S CRUISER *** Excuses not to win last start and very hard to hold out in this. 3.00
6 PEER GYNT ** Form better than it reads and appreciates the handicap conditions. 20
7 APOLLO ** Will improve with racing and stepping up in distance. 20
8 SPECIAL FORCE *** Progressive type who will come into winning calculations late. 11
9 HIGHER SOUL ** Each-way all the way. 12
10 PARKER ** Led when breaking maiden status last start and pay to follow with no weight. 8.00
11 NEO’S CLASSIC ** Maiden who will work into this late with no weight to carry. 12
Race 9
Selections; 2 LUCKY GIANT – 7 WAIPAKIHI – 9 CERTAINLY – 3 SATELLITE BOY
An extremely tricky race to finish the night but there could be value about with LUCKY GIANT likely to fit that bill. The 5YO is a tough horse to follow and his race record of four wins but no placings from 18 starts certainly attests to that. But his four wins were over this trip and he had excuses last start not to win and gets his chance here with R Woodworth up. If you want something with a little more consistency, look no further than WAIPAKIHI. The 4YO refuses to run a bad race and Vlad Duric will give him every chance in this race. Plenty of others that win without surprising including ASPREY (if he goes straight late), SATELLITE BOY with blinkers back off, CERTAINLY back over his only winning trip and the in-form NOVA SPIRIT.
1 ASPREY *** Can be wayward at the business end but due and wins soon with blinkers to visor. 4.00
2 LUCKY GIANT *** Excuses not to go very close last start and could win this with luck in running. 12
3 SATELLITE BOY *** Form starting to read badly but trialling well and worth more thought with blinkers back off. 9.00
4 LIVELY DRAGON ** Just fair last couple but may appreciate a switch to the turf. 20
5 NOVA SPIRIT *** In solid form and wins one of these without surprising. 8.00
6 TOTALITY * Needs to show more. 33
7 WAIPAKIHI *** Yet to run a bad race and in this a very long way. 3.00
8 MR CROWE ** Faded when resuming but will strip fitter and play a part late. 20
9 CERTAINLY *** Resumed with good run and only win was this trip and track. 5.00
10 SKY ELEVEN * Blinkers off and like to see over longer. 33
11 FANTASTIC MAN * Competitive on his day but should need easier. 33
