Spalato, ridden by Manoel Nunes, stormed to victory in the Emirates Singapore Derby on Sunday, July 13. Picture Singapore Turf Club
It’s a funny game racing. Just five days after the John O’Hara-trained SPALATO won the Group 1 Singapore Derby at just his fourth career start, the quietly spoken handler backs-up to saddle the likely two favourites in a humble Class 5 on Friday (race 1).
But O’Hara is a realist and he would be just as happy to see a couple of battlers in PEGASUS VICTORY and SPECTA DILEMMA add another win to his season tally.
Of the two, PEGASUS VICTORY has the services of the leading jockey, Manoel Nunes, and it’s no surprise that the affable Brazilian was on-board the 7YO the last time he saluted earlier this year.
And like last week, it’s worth getting to the track early as a promising 2YO in SUVARNABHUMI looks extremely well-placed at the Initiation conditions (race 2) to win on debut.
Coincidently, the Australian-bred gelding trialed very well with MEXICAN GAL earlier this month and she certainly franked that form by winning a similar affair last Friday.
Shane Baertschiger trains the 2YO and could be looking for a race-to-race double with the former Australian galloper, WARPATH, looking a leading hope at his Singapore debut.
The 5YO won five races from 25 starts in Australia and given he has a couple of nice trials under his belt, a forward showing is expected by the General Nediym gelding.
He probably offers value as well as the field boasts the likes of EAGLE STORM and REACH FOR THE SUN who both comes into this with winning form and plenty of punter support is likely.
Best Bets; (SUVARNABHUMI race 2, win), (WARPATH race 3, each-way) and (JAPPANELLA race 6, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9), race 7 (1, 2 and 4), race 8 (1, 4, 5, 9, 11 and 13), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 12 and 13).
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 PEGASUS VICTORY – 12 SPECTA DILEMMA – 6 STREET RUFFIAN – 8 STATE TROOPER
A number of Class 5 speedsters start things off in a 1100m race on the poly and John O’Hara – fresh from his Derby win – has the strongest hand with three runners. PEGASUS VICTORY has been ridden off the pace at his past two outings and closed off strongly and with horses such as the class-droppers GOOD SCORE and RAPID REWARDS in the field, the speed should be genuine and he will be closing strongly. The stablemate SPECTA DILEMMA reared at the start over 1000m last outing and the rider was questioned over her lack of vigor late; he still managed third and over 1100m and gets his chance to make amends. The class droppers also have good chances as well as STATE TROOPER who scored in KSD company last start and despite rising 4.5kg, should be in the finish once again. In what is a very strong Class 5 field, SHEN KIM, HAPPY FOREVER, SPANISH TRAIN and VOLKOV should all be going hard early and this could set it up for Oscar Chavez on STREET RUFFIAN, who will be charging late.
1 GOOD SCORE ** Speedy but knocks up. Down in grade and should give a sight with claim for Dellorto. 25
2 PEGASUS VICTORY *** Just beaten with excuses last start over 1000m and can make amends. 2.50
3 RAPID REWARDS *** Speedy, will appreciate being back in Class 5 and will give a sight with John Powell up. 5.00
4 RICHEAST ** Disappointed last outing but suited this grade and could race well from the ace. 20
5 SPANISH TRAIN ** Unreliable but has raced well at this distance and level in the past. Resuming and trials have been fair. Watch for support. 33
6 STREET RUFFIAN ** Never in it last start but recent trial was good and knows how to win. Gets Oscar Chavez and should be closing late. Watch market. 8.00
7 HAPPY FOREVER ** Blinkers off. Was ridden closer last start and fought on. Well drawn and if ridden handy should race well. 12
8 STATE TROOPER *** Coming off last start win in KSD at this distance with 49.5kg. Up 4kg but has had recent quiet trial and should race well again. 5.00
9 VOLKOV ** Battles away and often thereabouts. Will race handy for a long way. 33
10 LAM EDITION * Form poor. 100
11 SHEN KIM ** Unsighted and reported not striding last start. Previous form sound and gets top rider with good gate. Keep safe. 12
12 SPECTA DILEMMA *** Cost himself rearing at start last outing. Rider questioned re vigor in finish. Gets chance to make amends. 20
13 GANGNAM STYLE * Maiden who has some speed but only battles. 33
Race 2
Selections; 10 SUVARNABHUMI – 6 POWER LIN – 9 ORCHARD ROAD – 5 THANKFULNESS
An Initiation over 1000m with several first starters who trial well likely to play a part in the finish – a market watch is strongly recommended. Of those we have seen POWER LIN has been his own worst enemy when racing greenly and refusing to settle but has been getting closer and with Shafiq taking a 1kg claim from a good gate, gets his chance. ORCHARD ROAD has been close up at his two starts, his recent trial was good and with Ivaldo Santana to ride from the ace should get every chance. Several of the newcomers have looked likely at the trials, the best being the only 2YO in the race, Shane Baertschiger’s 2YO SUVARNABHUMI. The gelding trailed very well when holding his own with subsequent winner MEXICAN GAL and he could be hard to beat on the minimum. THANKFULNESS placed 2nd at his only start in NZ and being trained by Laurie Laxon with Dan Beasley to ride from a good gate with a nice trail under his belt, he is bound to debut well. The Leslie Khoo trained EASY EASY looked OK at his trial and BRIGHT GENERAL ran 3rd and 4th at his only two starts in NZ so he too could show up.
1 MISCHEF LOVE US * Shown nothing so far. 100
2 BRANKSOME * By Henny Hughes. Did not show up at trials and has inexperienced rider. Half brother to good horses ART OF SPEED and ON STRIKE. 100
3 UNLIMITED POWER * Did not show up at only start. By Snitzel out of four-time winning Zabeel mare No Penalty. Won two trials in Australia before coming to Singapore but has shown nothing here. Watch market. 50
4 BRIGHT GENERAL ** Blinkers on. By Sahkee’s Secret. Had two starts in NZ for 4th and 3rd in a race in which FRANCES ran 2nd. Trial with head-gear his best. Watch market. 20
5 THANKFULNESS *** By Patapan. Placed 2nd at only NZ start and half-brother to HK winner EJIMERIC TE SPESO. Trials nicely and should race well from the nice gate. 5.00
6 POWER LIN *** Has been his own worst enemy but getting closer. Should race well in this field. 3.00
7 GOLDEN STAR * Done nothing in four starts. 100
8 EASY EASY *** Half brother by Any Suggestion to MR BEAN. Trials nicely and should debut well. Watch market. 12
9 ORCHARD ROAD *** Solid efforts at only two starts. Recent trial was good. Has the ace and should race well. 5.50
10 SUVARNABHUMI *** By Myboycharlie. Trialed very nicely with subsequent winner Mexican and has top rider. Hard to beat. 2.50
Race 3
Selections; 1 WARPATH – 7 REACH FOR THE SUN – 5 EAGLE STORM – 2 MEXBOROUGH BOY
A good quality BM67 over 1200m with some promising performers engaged. In saying that it might be a newcomer in the five-time Australian winner WARPATH that is hardest to beat. The 5YO brings a very solid record from down-under and given a very good recent trial, he can win. REACH FOR THE SUN has had two starts for two wins in Singapore – the most recent in Class 4; this is tougher but he should acquit himself well and winning form is hard to fault. EAGLE STORM shows some promise and won a BM74 over a mile on turf at his last outing after previously having placed behind the talented TWICKENHAM, he drops back to 1200m on the poly but been freshened by a barrier trial and has enough toe to be handy throughout. ACCOMPLISHED is another one who has demonstrated above average talent; the blinkers come off after he raced greenly but still managed 2nd to LUCKY MISSION in a Progress last start. PURE TACTICS resumed with a good win over 1200m in Class 4, he drops 4.5kg on that and with Oscar Chavez steering should be in the finish once again. In what is a very strong field, horses such as the speedy MEXBOROUGH BOY, WORK AHEAD and the class dropper SOUL COMMANDER cannot be ignored.
1 WARPATH *** Won five races in Australia the most recent being over 1400m at Warwick Farm (NSW) in Jan 2013. Recent trial was was very good and could show up fresh. Watch for support. 10
2 MEXBOROUGH BOY *** Speedster who found 1400m on turf in KSC company too strong last start. Had won previous two in Class 4 and gets chance to make amends. 12
3 ACCOMPLISHED *** Blinkers off. Raced greenly but still ran 2nd in Progress after strong win in this grade, surface and distance. 5.00
4 SOUL COMMANDER ** Third run back from spell. Will find this easier than recent KSC efforts though 1200m may test. 14
5 EAGLE STORM *** Broke through in BM74 over 1600m on turf last start after run of minor placings in strong company. Shows some promise and whilst coming back in trip has been freshened by recent trial. 4.00
6 PURE TACTICS *** Resumed with strong win over 1200m in Cl 4 last start. This is harder but drops 2.5kg and should make his presence felt again. 5.00
7 REACH FOR THE SUN *** Scored impressively at both Singapore starts the most recent in Class 4. This is harder but should race well again. 4.00
8 MIGHTY CREATION * Has found KSC class too tough since winning Cl 4 three starts back. May want easier. 33
9 YOURSTOKEEP * Having fourth run back from spell since changing stables and is three time winner at 1200m. Well drawn and could show up. 20
10 WORK AHEAD * Smart when right but has leg and wind issues. Last two efforts give him a chance in this. 16
Race 4
Selections; 1 READY FORTUNE – 3 FOREIGN EXCHANGE – 7 REAL GOODMAN – 4 EXCUSEZ MOI
A dreadful Class 5 over 1600m full of non-winners and unreliables. READY FORTUNE is a one-paced maiden but at least he has some consistency about his form and may be hard to hold out in this. FOREIGN EXCHANGE does not win often but was placed over this trip three starts back, he goes well for Rueven and should be closing late. Most of the others are extremely unreliable. REAL GOODMAN is a three time winner at the mile as is RICH BORN; both horses go best if ridden along near the lead. ROCKETY CAT is a long term maiden and the stable “pet” of Shane Baertschiger so whilst they would love to see him win, his best form is over shorter distances. EISHIN BRIGHT, SING A SONG, SUPER ZUCCA and EXCUSEZ MOI have shown at least once in their career that if things go right they are capable of getting in the finish.
1 READY FORTUNE *** Maiden who lacks a turn of foot but is usually thereabouts. Was checked in running last start and Manoel Nunes should give him every chance. 3.50
2 FAITHFUL WARRIOR * Highly unreliable. Has ability on his day but take on trust. 20
3 FOREIGN EXCHANGE *** Placed three starts back over this distance and grade then ran in unsuitable races. Well placed with Rueven and the ace. 4.00
4 EXCUSEZ MOI ** Blinkers on. Maiden who plods away and has been close up at recent outings over 1900m and 1700m. Should be thereabouts again. 10
5 SING A SONG ** Blinkers off, tongue tie on after respiratory distress last start. Maiden whose only career placing was at this trip in Class 5 four starts back. Could show up. 16
6 RADIANT ROI * Not far away over 1800m on turf last start. Previous poly form poor but only win was at 1700m on synthetic surface. 20
7 REAL GOODMAN *** Highly unreliable but has won three times at this trip and will be handy for a long way. 8.00
8 SUPER ZUCCA * Blinker pacifiers off. Disappointing horse who goes best when ridden forward. Could give some cheek at this distance. 12
9 EISHIN BRIGHT * Maiden who placed three starts back at 16000m on poly. Subsequent efforts poor but this may be more suitable. 20
10 FEED ME MORE * 15 start maiden well beaten at recent outings. 50
11 ROCKETY CAT * Having 30th start as a maiden. Best form has been over shorter journeys. 20
12 RICH BORN * Recent form poor but has won three times at the mile and goes best if allowed to roll along. 10
13 TRIPLE GOALS ** Veteran who does not win often but OK last start and is always a chance in these weak races. 14
Race 5
Selections; 3 TANGIBLE ASSETS – 2 MY FRIEND JO – 1 FUJIN BRIGHT – 4 U GOT IT
A small field contest a BM74 over 1700m. Hopefully U GOT IT will set a speed and whilst he won his first race for three years last outing, he may well be hard to run down again. Hideyuki Takaoka has the strongest hand with TANGIBLE ASSETS and FUJIN BRIGHT; both of whom have been running in stronger races of late. Neither will like a muddling speed but will appreciate the drop in Class. Of the two, TANGIBLE ASSETS ran a battling fourth in the Yew Tee Classic last start and whilst yet to win on the surface, has been placed twice from three starts on the polytrack. MY FRIEND JO is never far away and hit the line hard over 1200m last start. He will appreciate getting up to 1700m and whilst his best form is on turf, he is a consistent type and will be hard to hold out. Old DAAD’S THE WAY and the consistent SPLICE cannot be ignored in a race that any of the six could win.
1 FUJIN BRIGHT *** Will find this easier than recent encounters. Claim helps but has to give them all weight. 4.00
2 MY FRIEND JO *** Never far away in this grade. Steps up from 1200m and much better suited over 1700m. Will be closing hard late. 3.50
3 TANGIBLE ASSETS *** Racing in much better company running fourth at Group 3 level last outing. Placed twice from three poly starts. Will enjoy an even tempo and be hard to hold out late. 4.00
4 U GOT IT *** Broke through last start for first win in nearly three years. Small field suits and he could lead all the way. 5.00
5 DAAD’S THE WAY ** Veteran who will appreciate a solid speed. Suited at the trip and has no weight. 6.00
6 SPLICE ** Blinkers off. Only wins have been on turf but gets Nunes. Consistent and will race handy all the way. 7.00
Race 6
Selections; 5 WEOWNA FLYER – 4 VITALICO – 2 JAPPANELLA – 9 SILVER FLY
An interesting Class 5 Poly mile in the fact that there a few horses that have no recent form that could improve in Class 5 and/or stepping up to what should be a suitable trip. GRAND PARIS, SALUTE and RIGHT IS RIGHT are three that are impossible on form but could improve at long odds over the mile and will certainly add value to exotics. But the horse that is due and the one to be on is WEOWNA FLYER. The two-time winner has looked over due of late and given he drops back from Class 4 and gets to jump from a nice gate, he gets his chance. VITALICO knows how to win races like this and very much appreciates being back over a suitable trip in Class 5. He has drawn wide but with pace drawn just inside him, he should get a nice enough position into the first bend and with any luck in running be hard to hold out. JAPPANELLA is another who will grow a leg back in Class 5 and look for support with a handy 2kg claim for Rueven. SILVER FLY, MORE THAN WORTHY and ENZO three others that can win without surprising.
1 GRAND PARIS ** Form obviously reads badly but trip will suit as will grade. Improves. 50
2 JAPPANELLA *** Significant drop in Class and goes close on best ability. 12
3 RIGHT IS RIGHT * Another that might appreciate trip and company but hard to have on form. 50
4 VITALICO *** Drawn awkwardly but will grow a leg back in right race. 5.00
5 WEOWNA FLYER *** Overdue on recent Poly form and could be hard to beat in this. 3.00
6 ENZO *** Pay to ignore last start and worth another look back on recent winning surface. 6.00
7 MORE THAN WORTHY *** Nothing last start but previous form has him right in the winning mix. 6.00
8 ROYAL BRAT ** Form reads only fair of late but cheeky run expected. 10
9 SILVER FLY *** Ran on well at last two starts and have to respect. 8.00
10 SALUTE ** Form looks hopeless but ran on OK late last start suggesting this trip will suit. 50
11 CONQUEST * Can lead but should fade. 20
Race 7
Selections; 4 CASH ADVANCE – 1 PEACEFUL WARRIOR – 2 PERFECT CHARGER – 7 DUTY FREE
This really does look a race in three – PEACEFUL WARRIOR, PERFECT CHARGER AND CASH ADVANCE – but with such a blistering pace expected from the get-go, beware a swooper or two with one eye on the likes of DUTY FREE. But on paper it will pay to concentrate on the three mentioned and while PERFECT CHARGER probably starts favourite, CASH ADVANCE might be the one they all have to pass late. The 3YO has won three races from just six career starts and while this is tougher than Class 4 company, he won too well not to think he handles the rise in Class over what looks his perfect trip. Of the three winning hopes, PEACEFUL WARRIOR with blinkers back on might be the value. His last start effort over 1000m sans head-gear was very good and his most recent win was in a similar affair to this so he must go close. PERFECT CHARGER picks himself as he heads towards a hat-trick of wins with regular hoop, Oscar Chavez, back on-board.
1 PEACEFUL WARRIOR *** Blinkers on after close-up finish last start and goes very close. 5.00
2 PERFECT CHARGER *** Has plenty of weight but won too well last start not to be the one to beat here from the ace. 2.00
3 HARD STUFF ** In the mix last start and a must for exotics. 15
4 CASH ADVANCE *** Coming off a very commanding Class 4 win that suggests he is more than up to this. 3.00
5 APPRECIATION ** Hard to fault form of late but this is tougher and place looks best. 12
6 AROWANA DOT COM * Back in trip and need to be having a very good day. 50
7 DUTY FREE ** Will be running on late and could surprise if race run to suit. 12
8 HARDEN UP * Looking for easier company. 100
Race 8
Selections; 11 SPICY CAT – 4 TEOCHEW BARRISTER – 1 BLUE LAGOON – 5 CELESTIAL STAR
A fairly wide open Class 5 Poly sprint and it’s well worth keep an eye on scratchings as the emergency, GENUINE BARGAIN, has the leading hoop booked and goes close first-up on a good recent trial. With that said, it will take a scratching to get him a run so from those that are guaranteed a start, SPICY CAT might be one to watch. The one-time winner has shown plenty late at a couple of recent runs and with winkers added today we could expect a more forward run under leading apprentice, Harry Kassim. The race is a raffle so a horse like TEOCHEW BARRISTER looks well placed to break his maiden status at start 14 and a horse like BLUE LAGOON could easily lead and be hard to run down if having a good day. Throw in the two stars – CELESTIAL and SINGLE – as winning hopes and go very wide in
exotics.
1 BLUE LAGOON *** Drawn wide but has the pace to cross and showed first-up he goes very close. 3.00
2 WINNING STAR ** Shown more than enough at last couple to follow each-way. 12
3 BAT KING * Bat Ling. 100
4 TEOCHEW BARRISTER *** Saddle slipped last start and while far from reliable, will win soon. 5.00
5 CELESTIAL STAR *** Maiden who looks due and should get the gun run from the ace. 12
6 JAWARA * Struggles as a rule. 100
7 MOOVA BULLET * Recent form terrible so tongue-tie goes on. 100
8 MORRIS * Struggled last two and have to take on trust. 12
9 SINGLE STAR *** Resuming and goes close if he can make use of good gate. 4.00
10 SARAWI * No. 50
11 SPICY CAT *** Goes well on his day and expect very forward showing with winkers added. 5.50
12 VASSILAKOS ** Resuming and while form reads terribly he could show up fresh in what is a suitable race. 33
13 GENUINE BARGAIN *** Resuming with good trial under his belt and should run well with top-hoop a bonus. 5.00
Race 9
Selections; 6 ORIGIN FAST – 2 CAIYAYA – 10 DR OCTOPUS – 12 NINETYSIX CHAMP
ORIGIN FAST looks a handy 3YO filly and her trainer, Hideyuki Takaoka, looks to have found a very suitable race to continue her progression through the grades. After breaking her Maiden status only three starts back, her next two runs in Novice company showed she will be more than competitive in Class 4 and can win this. A horse that may test her in what looks a wide open race on paper is CAIYAYA. The 7YO is a nine-time winner and has shown more than enough first-up after a spell to think she can knock in win number 10 sooner than later. DR OCTOPUS gets Nunes and very much appreciates a good first-up run behind TOAST’S ANGEL (who also looks a hope here) so should go close with luck from a wide gate. What makes punting tough is the fact ROYAL STYLE is first-up after returning lame back in January and NINETYSIX CHAMP could very well show his best after a nice recent trial. SUPER SPUR is also in the mix and obviously go as wide as permissible in the exotics.
1 TOAST’S ANGEL *** Won first-up in KSD company but wide gate makes this tougher. 6.00
2 CAIYAYA *** Not far away last start in OK company and can win this. 12
3 ROYAL STYLE *** Resuming after returning lame back in January and would win this if right. Market great guide. 8.00
4 SUPER SPUR *** Excuses last start so ignore and looks a solid each-way option on previous good form. 10
5 COUP DA VINCI * Not a mile away last start but have to take on trust. 33
6 ORIGIN FAST *** Progressive filly who looks well placed in Class 4 to knock in another early win. 3.00
7 WARSPIRIT * Back in trip but struggling. 50
8 BENJI’S RULE * Wait for blinkers and easier. 50
9 HAKAMGONG * Had excuses last couple but not sure drop to 1100m is his caper. 33
10 DR OCTOPUS *** Resumed with good effort behind Toast’s Angel and goes very close. 4.00
11 ANGRY CAT ** Very unreliable and have to take on trust. 20
12 NINETYSIX CHAMP *** Coming off a shocker on International Cup day but recent trial good enough to keep safe. 12
13 GOOD NEWS *** Ignore first-up run and seriously consider at odds with blinkers on. 12
