Singapore Racing – Friday

Huka Falls (Joao Moreira) makes it two-from-two in brilliant fashion on Sunday, picture Singapore Turf Club.

Another all Polytrack meeting in August as the Singapore season gears up for the Group 1 features in October and November.

But that’s not to say there isn’t some great racing on offer including the Group 3 Woodlands Handicap over 1200m.

HUKA FALLS – who almost single-handedly gave Laurie Laxon his 2012 Trainers Premiership – heads the weights and while he will give it his all out front, the 58.5kg just might be too much in this crack Poly field.

In saying that, while there is a plethora of up-and-coming stars on the minimum, EL PADRINO looks well placed on 56.5kg with blinkers back on.

In his favour is the fact his dominate win at Group level on the poly in the Merlion Trophy was at WFA conditions and Davey Flores – who rode him on that occasion – is back onboard.

Of those on 50kg, RAISE NO DOUBT can make amends for his last start (and only) defeat in albeit easier company and EASY MAN is undefeated at five starts on this surface so he is sure to get support and race well.

Throw in PIONEER SEVEN and the bang-in-form HYPERNOVA and you have a cracking race which is a must see event.

Best Bets; (EDEN PARK race 4, win), (EL PADRINO race 6, win) and (FLAK JACKET race 8, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 5 (1, 2, 4, 5 and 7), race 6 (1, 2, 5, 6, 8 and 11), race 7 (1, 2, 3 and 5), race 8 (1, 2 and 7).

Race 1

Selections; 4 CONFIERO – 3 BLACK SNOW – 5 FARRAND – 6 CHILLI
A small field contests a KSD over 1200m to start the all-polytrack programme. CONFIERO was squeezed out at the start last outing but finished on strongly for 4th; his previous run was good and from the ace he should be hardest to beat. BLACK SNOW has been racing consistently in Class 4 without winning, this is easier and he should be handy all the way. FARRAND ran 4th in a BM89 two starts back and his last Class 4 effort was solid; he should get a gun run from the good alley. MACHFIVE can disappoint but he has plenty of speed and has won better races than this. Old CHILLI still knows how to win and was close up last start, he will make his presence felt. COUP DA VINCI has not won for well over a year but this is easier and his last win was at BM53 level – watch for support.

1 COUP DA VINCI ** Last win was well over a year ago in BM53 over 1100m. Down in grade but needs to improve. Draw and claim help. 8.00
2 MACHFIVE ** Battling in Class 4. Last win was in this grade at 1100m. Has speed and could run a cheeky race. 6.00
3 BLACK SNOW *** Tongue tie on. Has been thereabouts in Class 4 and this is easier. Should race handy and be in the finish. 3.50
4 CONFIERO *** Pacifier on. Was squeezed out and lost all chance at the start last outing yet charged home. Hard to beat if given a gun run from the ace. 3.00
5 FARRAND *** Will find this much easier than recent encounters. Has won six races and has a good alley. Watch for support. 5.00
6 CHILLI ** Veteran who only battled last start. May want Class 5 but knows how to win and with John Powell up cannot be discounted. 10
7 HIGHLIGHT * Has been disappointing and coming back from 2200m. 33
8 BARNBURGH LAD * Eligible for much easier but put in a good run behind GOLDEN BRILLIANT in Graduation company last outing. Could surprise. 16

Race 2

Selections; 10 TOUCH ME NOT – 9 SUPERSONICSURPRISE – 4 ROCK OF AGES – 8 IMPERIAL BOY
A Restricted Maiden over 1100m with most having little or no revealed form and of those we have seen, none is over-impressive. Pat Shaw has a strong hand with ROCK OF AGES who ran a nice race last start and TRINITY who showed dramatic improvement from his initial dismal effort. IMPERIAL BOY also did enough on debut to attract attention and significantly, Lisa Allpress takes over from BN Shahrul. Of the newcomers, watch the market is the obvious mantra. TOUCH ME NOT is by the noted polytrack sire Elusive City and a full brother to high-class performer Adamantium. He has performed well in his trials, with the blinkers on and a good gate, he should give a bold sight. The Falvelon gelding SUPERSONIC SURPRISE won a trial though his draw is no help while HAN SOLO is nicely bred but did not show up at the trials.

1 HUSSAR * Did nothing on debut and may want longer. 100
2 BB SAKURA * Has been disappointing so far. 100
3 FATKID WONDERER * Showed speed but faded at only start. Could improve. Watch market. 100
4 ROCK OF AGES *** Led and fought strongly last well. Well drawn and gets his chance with Juglall up. 2.70
5 SO SIMPLE ** Raced wide and greenly at first outing. Should improve for the run on trial form. 50
6 TRINITY *** Improved dramatically at second outing. May want longer but should be running on late. 5.00
7 HAN SOLO * By Shamardal out of a good winning mare who has thrown three winners including HK horse SUNSEEKER. Did not show up at trials. 100
8 IMPERIAL BOY *** Solid effort on debut with support and gets significant riding change. Watch market. 4.50
9 SUPERSONICSURPRISE *** By Falvelon. Full brother to minor winner MY LETHAL PONY. Won trial and could make a good debut. 10
10 TOUCH ME NOT *** Blinkers on. By noted polytrack sire Elusive City. Full brother to top galloper ADAMANTIUM. Has been trialing well. Watch for support. 3.00

Race 3

Selections; 6 AZURE – 5 CODIGO – 1 FAITHFULLY – 8 GOOD BUDDY
One of the night’s better races, a Class 4 over 1100m in which there should be plenty of speed. The interesting runner is AZURE who is resuming after winning on debut in a 1200m Initiation on turf in April. Owner Graham Mackie has been having considerable success lately and if supported, the 5YO son of Ishiguru should be hard to beat. FAITHFULLY had support when resuming but was never sighted; he is much better than that and from the good draw Oscar Chavez should give him every chance. Steven Burridge has been trying to win one with CODIGO for a while; the blinker/pacifiers seem to have worked and he has been close up at his last two outings; Corey Brown stays on and he should race well again. DOUBLE CASH is very consistent, he placed on turf last start but is suited on the poly and
will be on the speed for a long way, LIVELY DRAGON goes very fast and has had a change of stable, he could show up from the good gate. TOAST’S ANGEL failed in Class 4 last outing but ran on strongly to win in KSD company over 1000m the start prior; she could be closing late. The professional place-getter GOOD BUDDY won a trial recently and as always is a podium chance.

1 FAITHFULLY *** Disappointed last start. Better than that and suited on surface and distance. Can make amends. 4.50
2 DOUBLE CASH *** Led and fought on last start. Racing consistently and has top rider. 4.50
3 LIVELY DRAGON *** Tongue tie on. Speedy customer who will give a sight from the good gate. 5.00
4 TOAST’S ANGEL ** Failed last start but ran on strongly to win KSD at start prior over 1000m. Should be closing late. 12
5 CODIGO *** Has been close up at recent outings. Should be in the finish once again. 5.00
6 AZURE *** 5YO Resuming. Led and won well at only outing. Not seen at trials but has ability. Watch market. 4.00
7 AERO WINGS JUNIOR * Maiden outclassed in this. 50
8 GOOD BUDDY *** Looked good winning trial recently. Professional place-getter who will be thereabouts again. 14
9 STAR RAINBOW * Won over 1700m in Class 5 two starts back and looking to return there. 33

Race 4

Selections; 3 EDEN PARK – 7 SUPER JOE – 6 INTENSE GOLD – 5 RIGHT IS RIGHT
Only seven compete in an Initiation over a mile and the Bruce Marsh trained 4YO EDEN PARK made a good Singapore debut over 1400m on turf and if he handles the polytrack (and why not given a good trial), the claim for Zuriman and the mile should suit. The Northern Hemisphere bred INTENSE GOLD has been around the mark at recent runs, his breeding suggests he will like the poly mile and with John Powell up, he should be handy all the way. SUPER JOE was not far away last start, he has trialed well since and gets Nooresh Juglall – he should race well. The American-bred RIGHT IS RIGHT led and put in her best effort to date in Class 5 company last outing over a mile – she could be hard to pass late. GOOD COMMANDER was well beaten over 1700m last start by DANCING TSURU but this may be easier.

1 SINGING DUNE * Well back at Singapore debut. Placed once in NZ from 7 starts at 2200m. This distance more suitable but may need time. 50
2 SHABBAT ** Has had support at each of five outings but yet to impress. Take on trust. 12
3 EDEN PARK *** Made an excellent debut when 3rd over 1400m. This distance should suit, recent trial good and hard to beat. 2.00
4 GOOD COMMANDER ** Excuses early before battling away when well beaten behind DANCING TSURU over 1700m last start. Will be thereabouts again. 12
5 RIGHT IS RIGHT *** Put in best effort last start when she led and was second in Class 5 over this trip. Should give a sight. 5.00
6 INTENSE GOLD *** Pacifiers to winkers. Has been battling away well on turf over 1400m. Mile and surface could suit. 5.00
7 SUPER JOE *** Not far away over 1400m last start. Trialed well since and gets Juglall. 5.00

Race 5

Selections; 1 DOMENICO – 2 MONEY KING – 7 BIG HARVEST – 4 WEOWNA FLYER
A capacity field of Class 5 horses do battle over 1700m. Most of these do not win out of turn but DOMENICO ran home strongly to just miss last start; with Nooresh Juglall to provide a more positive ride he could be hard to hold out with blinkers back on. The 3YO MONEY KING was placed over 1900m in KSD company last start; he may have more upside than some of these and KB Soo should be able to cross from the wide gate and have him handy all the way. BIG HARVEST is a honest, dour type who finished stoutly to win over a mile on turf last outing. He is equally adept on the polytrack and should race well again; the only warning sign is that in his three wins Manoel Nunes has been the pilot, he is currently suspended and Davey Flores takes the mount. WEOWNA FLYER was deeply disappointing last start but is far better than that and can be expected to improve with Saifudin getting another chance. PICTURE broke through last start, his only wins have been with Moreira and Nunes but Leslie Khoo has gone for the apprentice Desmond Chan; the claim will help but strength in the finish may be an issue. The maiden GREYSTOKE was also not far away in that race and John Powell rides from the ace. WINNING SUCCESS has not shown form for a long time but back in Class 5 with Zaki up could go forward and be hard to run down.

1 DOMENICO *** Charged home to just miss behind PICTURE last outing over 1800m. Gets blinkers and Juglall. Not over-reliable but only win came with blinkers and should be in the finish. 4.50
2 MONEY KING *** Battled on strongly last start in KSD over 1900m. 3YO who shows some middle distance promise. Poorly drawn but should be able to get across and race well in this Class. . 4.50
3 JAPPANELLA ** Battled away behind ENZO over a mile last start. Not reliable but could show up. 16
4 WEOWNA FLYER *** Disappointed last start. Previous form at this level was very good and gets chance to make amends. 6.00
5 PICTURE *** Broke through last start. Only wins have been with senior jockeys Moreira and Nunes. Will be on the pace all the way. 7.00
6 WINNING SUCCESS ** Form poor but last win was in similar company and distance when he led all the way. Gets Zaki and from the alley should go forward. 14
7 BIG HARVEST *** Very honest at this level. Won well on turf over a mile last start. Handles poly and should race well again. 4.00
8 SILENT POWER * Form poor. 50
9 VICTORIOUS STREAK * No. 50
10 GREYSTOKE ** Close up 4th behind PICTURE last start. Maiden who will battle away from the good alley with top rider. 14
11 RECIPROCATE * Well back when resuming over 1800m. 9YO who has won at the trip but not for a long time. 50
12 ROCKETY CAT * Long term maiden who is always a chance for exotics. 33
13 BRILLIANT POWER * Not far away at past three outings. Gets back but runs on. 16
14 EISHIN BRIGHT * Been a maiden for a long time. 33

Race 6

Selections; 2 EL PADRINO – 11 RAISE NO DOUBT – 6 EASY MAN – 5 PIONEER SEVEN
The Woodlands Handicap looks a terrific Poly contest on paper and with HUKA FALLA looking tested with 58.5kg, some in-form horses on the minimum can easily win. Case in point is the lowest-rated horse in the field, RAISE NO DOUBT. The 4YO arrived in Singapore as a promising juvenile but surprised most by winning his first three in fine style. A narrow defeat at his last start put a slight damper on proceedings but with blinkers added first-time and no weight on his back, he can show his best under Alan Munro. Another who knows how to win and win well is EASY MAN who resumes on the minimum with Lisa Allpress up. The 5YO returned from a long-layoff with four wins form four starts last campaign and will obviously get support to continue his winning run here. PIONEER SEVEN and HYPERNOVA the other two with light-weights that are right in this. But the wildcard is EL PADRINO with Davey Flores on-board. The 6YO was disappointing last start but given his last win was with the affable American hoop at WFA conditions in the Merlion Trophy, he could bolt this in. Good race and go wide in exotics.

1 HUKA FALLS *** Big ask at the weights but appreciates gate 1 and keeps them honest with visor removed. 12
2 EL PADRINO *** Blinkers back on and recent trial suggests he is right in this with winning hoop, Davey Flores, a factor. 8.00
3 DAVIDE ** Recent trial looked good and always an each-way hope in this type of race. 16
4 KNIGHT’S COMMAND ** Resuming after a purple patch of form over longer and could show up late at odds. 50
5 PIONEER SEVEN *** Did some work early when beaten as favourite last start and certainly worth another look with a winnable weight and tongue-tie on. 3.00
6 EASY MAN *** Rising star resuming after winning four-from-four last campaign. Can win. 3.00
7 PEACEFUL WARRIOR ** Honest and will work into the exotic mix late. 20
8 HYPERNOVA *** Stiff not to win the Paititi Gold last start and switch to Poly no problem. 8.00
9 BAHEN ** A win would be a huge surprise but another that works into the place mix late at odds. 50
10 INDICIO ** Racing in very good form and have to include somewhere. 20
11 RAISE NO DOUBT *** Bubble burst last start but too good not to follow with 50kg and blinkers first time. 10

Race 7

Selections; 5 STRAIGHTTOTHEPOINT – 3 SURE WIN – 1 GATO NEGRO – 2 WARPATH
A small but interesting field with most interest on STRAIGHTTOTHEPOINT and SURE WIN. The two 4YO’s have done a lot right in their respective short careers and both look very well placed over 1000m in this company. STRAIGHTTOTHEPOINT resumes after a solid if ambitious run in the 3YO Classic behind WAR AFFAIR and a recent trial suggests he goes very well first-up. He does find trouble but he has shown he improves with race experience and could be hard to beat with C Brown up. SURE WIN probably leads and will be the one to run down late. With three wins and three places from some eight careers starts, he is more than honest and certainly has the pace to win better races than this. Of the rest, GATO NEGRO went OK in Group company last start so finds this more to his liking and WARPATH appreciates a tough first-up run (when supported) and improves lengths so keep safe.

1 GATO NEGRO *** Not a mile away last start in Group company and will find this to his liking. 4.00
2 WARPATH *** Did it tough with support at Singapore debut so worth another look from better gate. 6.00
3 SURE WIN *** Has speed and could be hard to pass on recent form. 2.50
4 SOUL COMMANDER * Up to this on his day but needs to lift on recent form. 50
5 STRAIGHTTOTHEPOINT *** Resuming after fair run in the 3YO Classic. Recent trial suggests he can win with tongue-tie added. 3.00
6 TERMINATOR ** Recent form only fair but some hope if he makes use of the ace. 20
7 XIN TREASURE ** Will work into this late and a must for exotics. 12

Race 8

Selections; 1 FLAK JACKET – 2 SATELLITE KING – 7 CASSIS OOLONG – 5 HONGCHEN
A solid race to close the eight-race meeting and with no stand-out, a few that look ready to improve could show up. At the top, the former Australian FLAK JACKET has shown enough at two starts in Singapore with support to win this. His two runs were certainly better than the result given he jumped from bad gates and with blinkers back on in what is a suitable race, he will go close from the ace. SATELLITE KING is another that hasn’t won in Singapore but certainly shown more than enough to win a race like this. He does get back so needs luck but Flores may try to take advantage on gate 3 in a field with no depth. CASSIS OOLONG has been a wonder since blinkers added winning three in-a-row in Class 5 before bing more than competitive in Class 4. KSD company suits and he looks the benchmark. An improver at long odds might be HONGCHEN who had excuses at his last start after a solid Singapore debut.

1 FLAK JACKET *** Form a lot better than it reads and very much appreciates a good gate with blinkers back on. 3.00
2 SATELLITE KING *** Looks due to knock in maiden Singapore win and well-placed from gate 3. 4.00
3 WORK AHEAD ** Not the most reliable but more than up to this if on his game. 20
4 SCARLET STAR * Excuses last start and tongue-tie off but needs to show more before we consider. 33
5 HONGCHEN ** Excuses last start after solid debut and could surprise at odds. 33
6 FRAGRANCE EMPIRE ** Last start better than the result and very much appreciates KSD company. Keep safe. 12
7 CASSIS OOLONG *** Hasn’t done a lot wrong since blinkers added and will find KSD to his liking. 4.00
8 VON SNITZEL ** Issues last start and can include in exotics on previous form. 20
9 RAPID REWARDS * Has speed but has been hitting the wall badly. 50
10 SPARKLING STAR ** Maiden who works into this late and a must for exotics with tongue-tie on. 12

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