BLUE DIAMOND – Can be hard to catch but right company and trip suggest he can win (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
A very solid Friday nights racing – in fact probably better than solid – and there looks to be something for everyone on the punting front.
From race 1 on the card, the reigning champion hoop – Manny Nunes – will get support and hopefully CHANGBAI MOUTAIN can repay the masses who have been on him at his three career starts thus far.
The 3YO has looked a likely type and can get the night off to a winning start for Nunes and with the likes of GET GOING (race 3), APPELATION (race 4), TITANIUM (race 7) and LITTLE BIG MAN (race 8), the Brazilian hoop could have a big night out.
But riding honours on the night will be a hard fought affair, with the red-hot Vlad Duric having a big say on who walks out of the jockeys room with bragging rights.
The affable Aussie has just had his riding stint extended and will be looking at NEWLANDS (race 3), KATAGAS (race 5), SQUIRE OSBALDESTON (race 7), SAND BANK (race 8) and PRATT STREET (race 9) to continue his great run of winning form.
Best Bets: (KATAGAS race 5, win), (WAIPAKIHI race 2, each-way) and (BLUE DIAMOND race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 11), race 7 (1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11), race 8 (1 and 4), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8 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; 2 CHANGBAI MOUNTAIN – 9 SUPERB SEVEN – 7 FLYING WINNER – 8 SO SIMPLE
With a few of the main hopes having had plenty of chances previously to break their maiden status’, CHANGBAI MOUNTAIN get this chance to knock in an early win. The 3YO has had support at all three career starts off some good trial form and while he has probably been a tad disappointing to only place once at the races, he should have enough upside to win this. Those that are in good enough form to win but have had numerous chances include FLYING WINNER at start 16, SO SIMPLE at start 15 and SUPERB SEVEN who will be having his ninth career start. All three should give good accounts of themselves but SUPERB SEVEN has looked in the most solid form and should figure in the first couple. Of the rest, UNTAPPED is having his first start in Singapore so a market watch is in order but does give weight to all and sundry.
1 UNTAPPED ** Former Kiwi who trialled OK but gives weight to all at Singapore debut. 20
2 CHANGBAI MOUNTAIN *** In the mix with support at all three starts but needs a result. 5.00
3 PISTA * Blinkers on first time may help but like see support before considering. 50
4 ROYAL CHOICE ** Coming off a shocker on the turf but previous Poly efforts good enough to keep safe. 20
5 SECRET MAN ** Race form only fair but freshened with good trial so look for improvement. 12
6 THUNDER CAT ** Resuming after a couple of poor runs but has shown glimpses on the Poly previously. 20
7 FLYING WINNER *** Just missed last start and has to be a winning hope in this weak field. 3.00
8 SO SIMPLE *** Blinkers straight off after showing little last start but a big hope on form prior. 6.00
9 SUPERB SEVEN *** Foot on the till and should figure in this finish. 4.00
10 ROYAL FLUSH * No. 100
11 CHINESE TYCOON ** Sixty seven starts without winning a concern but over $100k in prize money suggests he will competitive. 20
12 RAINBOW STAR ** Form hopeless but expect forward showing at long odds if he gets away cleanly. 33
13 JOHN DUKE ** Improved effort at last couple and can include in exotics. 20
14 MR BLOSSOM * Freshened after poor run over the mile but easier to ignore. 33
Race 2
Selections; 6 WAIPAKIHI – 1 AMAZING MAN – 10 STAR INVINCIBLE – 2 GABBAR
This race is notable for the fact we get to see the first 2YO’s of the season with STAR INVINCIBLE and the filly ATHENA having been allocated the luxury weight of 48kg and 46.5kg respectively. And it always pays to follow the early 2YO’s although truth be told they get the same relief closer to when they are about to turn 3YO’s so later in the season may be better. So while STAR INVINCIBLE trialled well, a couple of horses that will improve on debut runs in AMAZING MAN and WAIPAKIHI appeal. Both have showed enough at the trials to think they win sooner than later and AMAZING MAN did it tough enough on debut to follow while WAIPAKIHI certainly improves with race experience. Of the rest. GABBAR picks himself on what he showed placing on debut at long odds while MOON CHARM looked a likely enough type at the trials so worth thought.
1 AMAZING MAN *** Very much appreciates debut run where he did it tough and pay to keep safe. 6.00
2 GABBAR *** Ran on very well on debut at any old odds to place and has to be a show on that effort. 3.00
3 GOOD LUCKY ** Nothing last start on the Poly but worth a look on good debut on the turf. 20
4 MONGOLIAN CHIEF ** Had a nice hit-out at a recent trial and well worth market watch. 12
5 REDDOT RISING * Like to see support on exposed trial form. 20
6 WAIPAKIHI *** Has a bit to learn about the racing caper but showed enough on debut to follow with tongue-tie added. 5.00
7 FIGHTING QUEEN ** Looked comfortable at trial back in February and worth thought on that effort. 12
8 MOON CHARM *** Drawn awkwardly but enough to like about recent trial with blinkers to keep safe on debut. 7.00
9 PIECE OF CAKE * Gets blinkers after poor debut but easier to ignore. 100
10 STAR INVINCIBLE *** Two-year-old who has looked solid at the trials and could show up with no weight. 7.00
11 ATHENA ** Two-year-old filly who was solid at the trials and could add value to exotics. 33
Race 3
Selections; 1 NEWLANDS – 6 SPLENDOR – 8 GET GOING – 2 NORTH ATLANTIC ICE
A relatively small field but an interesting one with a smart type NEWLANDS resuming and very strong last start Class 5 winner in GET GOING likely to come in for support. In fact while it is often a big jump stepping up in Class, GET GOING won too well not to think he is in super form and given he has been competitive previously in Class 4, he must go close. NEWLANDS has a few runs on the board though and while resuming, will find the drop to Class 4 to his liking. His record of two wins and three placings from just seven career starts suggests he is a horse to follow with support likely. Others that play a part include the improving SPLENDOUR who had excuses last start as did NORTH ATLANTIC ICE in the same race while SUN EMPIRE should run a very forward race and will look the winner at some stage.
1 NEWLANDS *** Progressive type resuming in right company and should give a sight. 4.00
2 NORTH ATLANTIC ICE *** Excuses not to go closer when resuming in similar affair and pay to follow. 5.00
3 SOCOTRA * Gets tongue-tie but yet to show anything. 100
4 SUN EMPIRE *** Battled on well after leading last start similar affair with support and in this a long way. 5.00
5 WARPATH ** Hit some good form in slightly easier company but will be very competitive. 7.00
6 SPLENDOR *** Another that had excuses not to finish closer last start and right in this from gate 2. 5.00
7 MOON RIVER ** Former Irish galloper who has trialled locally OK but market looks best guide. 20
8 GET GOING *** May have taken a drop to Class 5 to win but that strong effort combined with previous form in this company has him under notice. 5.00
9 ACROSS THE SEA * Solid on his day but back in trip and may be looking for easier company. 33
Race 4
Selections; 4 REMEMBER ME – 10 GEARIGURU – 11 SUPERMART – 5 SWIFT
The usual suspects in this Class 5 event over 1400m and it does look a raffle between six or so horses in solid form. But they don’t win out of turn in this grade and hopefully a maiden in REMEMBER ME uses the lack of winning form of others to to his advantage. The 4YO is honest enough – he has placed some eight times from 14 starts – and it does look a matter of time before he breaks through. Of the rest, we can throw a blanket over APPELLATION, HAPPY CAT, GEARIGURU and SUPERMARKET who all come off good runs while SWIFT is the improver on recent form dropping to this company. Watch for support on a few other Class droppers.
1 DUAL IMPACT * Maiden who will appreciate Class 5 but does look a battler. 100
2 HIPPO VENTURA * See above. No. 50
3 KAISER BRIGHT ** Recent form woeful but race and Class suggests improvement. 33
4 REMEMBER ME *** Maiden who is knocking on the door. Big show. 5.00
5 SWIFT *** Disappointing with some support last start in KSD company but gives this shake on best form. 12
6 ZENZERO ** Beaten a long way into fifth last start but form prior has him having a say. 8.00
7 APPELLATION *** Needs a result for the support while in form but has to be respected. 5.00
8 GUILTLESS ** Could make excuses last start similar affair and pay to keep safe. 12
9 HAPPY CAT *** Won well at odds last start over the mile and pay to follow. 10
10 GEARIGURU *** In form and in this a very long way from the good gate. 5.00
11 SUPERMART *** Drawn badly but looks due and happy to think he goes close. 12
12 HORAZ SAMOSIR ** In the mix of late and looks a solid each-way hope. 20
13 GYPSY STAR ** Ran on well last start and expect much the same again. 12
14 STANZOUT ** Veteran who always looks a hope for skinny end of exotics but a win would surprise. 33
Race 5
Selections; 1 KATAGAS – 8 NOVA SPIRIT – 3 GUILTY PLEASURES – 2 STAR STRIKE
Firstly, apologies to KNOW EACH OTHER who just continues to run good honest races and although dropping back in trip, looks the benchmark again in this company. However, he doesn’t win out of turn and a few horses look better placed over 1200m on the Poly including the top weight, KATAGAS. The 5YO broke his maiden status in Class 4 and will knock in another win sooner than later in this company. NOVA SPIRIT also looks the testing material. The 3YO’s only win was this trip and track and if he gets any luck from the wide gate, he wins without surprising. Of the rest, GUILTY PLEASURES, FAST EDITION and HAPPY SAGA should go very well on current form while STAR STRIKE looks the improver at odds as his trial form suggests he might enjoy the surface.
1 KATAGAS *** Plenty of issues last start (including respiratory) and wins on best form. 7.00
2 STAR STRIKE *** Form reads badly but excuses last start and trials like switch to Poly could see massive improvement in this company. 33
3 GUILTY PLEASURES *** Foot on the till but will need some luck from widest gate. 5.00
4 COTE DE NUITS ** Only battled away when supported over 1000m last start and have to take on trust. 12
5 BANNISTER ** Appreciates company but better winning option over longer. 20
6 FAST EDITION *** In solid form and switch to the Poly could see a result. 12
7 KNOW EACH OTHER ** Back in trip and wont win out of turn but honest and have to respect. 8.00
8 NOVA SPIRIT *** Drawn wide but has a good Poly record and goes close in this company. 5.00
9 SOON YI ** Racing well without a result but a must for exotics. 12
10 FANTASTIC MAN ** Another in solid form without a result but only win was this trip/track. 12
11 HAPPY SAGA *** Foot on the till and hopefully can make use of gate 1. 6.00
12 BEAT TO QUARTERS ** Broke through in Class 5 last start and better suited there. 20
13 MOTHER NATURE ** Backed up a maiden win with a solid run and pay to follow. 20
Race 6
Selections; 9 AFTERNOON DELIGHT – 1 BREAKING VAULTS – 11 SUVARNABHUMI – 7 JIMTOWN
While tempting to go with the last start winner in BREAKING VAULTS, AFTERNOON DELIGHT looks due, is in the right race and could be hard to beat with a 4kg claimer. The 7YO is in very solid form and given she has won three times over this trip, she is the testing material. But BREAKING VAULTS won at his first start over 1200m after changing stables and given his better form prior to that was over 1400m and 1600m, he is one to follow. A few of the others are less reliable – you get that in Class 5 – but ZAC COMMAND gets Nunes and will be thereabouts, ADRENALINE had excuses last start and goes good when right, JIM TOWN showed last start he will work into this late and SUVARNABHUMI gets Brown from gate 1 so he must be respected.
1 BREAKING VAULTS *** Drawn wide but won for new stable over 1200m last start and extra 200m suits. 6.00
2 MASURAO ** Can run a very cheeky race at odds but should be found out late. 20
3 SUN DANCE ** Maiden back in trip but usually thereabouts. 12
4 ZAC COMMAND *** Never involved from wide gate last start and should be thereabouts with Nunes up. 8.00
5 ADRENALINE *** Returned not striding last start and happy to follow if right in a race that suits. 8.00
6 FUKU ICHIBAN ** Nothing late last start when supported but another that can run a cheeky race. 20
7 JIMTOWN *** Not a mile away last start in similar affairs and will be doing best work late. 8.00
8 SHUYING XIAOXIAO ** Best runs have been this trip and track so can include in exotics with blinkers to winkers. 13
9 AFTERNOON DELIGHT *** In very solid form and could be hardest to beat with 4kg claim. 4.00
10 ROAN RANGER ** Excuses last start not to finish closer in similar affair last start and should be thereabouts. 20
11 SUVARNABHUMI *** Can disappoint but goes OK on his day and might give a sight from gate 1 with C Brown up. 7.00
12 REYSHA * No. 200
13 SILENT POWER * Resuming and easier to ignore. 50
14 BERNARD’S FIGHTER * Very hard to catch so only include in the budget permits. 33
15 GODS SPEED * Needs to show more before we consider. 50
Race 7
Selections; 1 TIME ODYSSEY – 6 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON – 5 TITANIUM – 4 MIGHTY WARRIOR
Cracking race and with so many horses in winning or very good form, the finish could be very busy. Starting at the top, TIME ODYSSEY just missed last start with heavy support and while carrying 59kg, can make amends. On that form line, SQUIRE OSBALDESTON picks himself after finishing just behind TIME ODYSSEY at his last start and from gate 1 with an in-form Vlad Duric up, he goes close again. But you can make a case for most others including FELAROF and ARES who are both gunning for hat-tricks of wins while TITANIUM, MIGHTY WARRIOR, WINNING CAUSE and BRING MONEY HOME (to name just another four) win without surprising.
1 TIME ODYSSEY *** Lost no friends when just being beaten as odds on pop last start and can make amends. 4.00
2 BRILLIANT DEAL * Coming off two shockers and have to take on trust. 100
3 IN FACT ** Resuming sans blinkers after long 2015 campaign and should be competitive. 33
4 MIGHTY WARRIOR *** Extremely honest and talented with switch to turf after first Poly win in his favour. 5.00
5 TITANIUM *** Talented 4YO who resumed with close up placing over 1400m and can win this. 6.00
6 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON *** Right in the mix in Time Odyssey company last start and has to be respected. 6.00
7 WINNING CAUSE *** Wide gate a concern but very progressive and looks well placed in this field. 7.00
8 WAR TIME ** Wont win out of turn but will be in this a very long time. 20
9 BRING MONEY HOME *** Long time since he has put in a bad run and ready to win again with light weight a factor. 12
10 FELAROF *** Tested again in this company but hard to fault winning form. 12
11 ARES *** Took a handful of sighters to find form in Singapore but flying now and have to follow. 12
12 ROCKFAST ** Ran on well over 1400 last start behind Felarof and will be value. 33
13 IKING * Honest but has to be tested this level. 200
Race 8
Selections; 1 SAND BANK – 4 LITTLE BIG MAN – 7 BIG MAN – 2 RED ANT
Another race with many winning hopes but again the top weight appeals. The horse in question is SAND BANK who resumed after a year off racing with two very good runs and looks ready to win in what looks a suitable race. His jockey, Vlad Duric, is flying and he should go very close. Standing in his way are two men who are babies; LITTLE BIG MAN and BIG MAN, two 3YO’s with a future. Of the two, LITTLE BIG MAN looks a very progressive type who looks extremely well placed in this race and with Nunes back onboard – his only winning rider – he will be supported. BIG MAN probably isn’t travelling as well as LITTLE BIG MAN but gets blinkers and could be the value. RED ANT the smokey back on the turf over 1400m.
1 SAND BANK *** Foot on the till this campaign and hard to beat here. 2.50
2 RED ANT *** Just fair last start but has won on the turf this trip previously so keep safe. 8.00
3 PERKINS ** Not a mile away last start and should figure in the exotic mix. 12
4 LITTLE BIG MAN *** Not a mile away last start in Novice company this trip and get this chance here. 4.00
5 MAZANDARAN ** Singapore debut was good but may be a better winning option over longer again. 8.00
6 WAKINO NEXUS ** Nothing last start but has turf form to her name so may appreciate being back on the grass. 20
7 BIG MAN *** Form better than it reads and gets blinkers so could show up. 6.00
8 LIM’S BATTLE ** Will work into this late if race run to suit. 20
9 KING OF THIEVES ** Improves lengths back on the turf and will be value. 20
Race 9
Selections; 2 THE COSMOS – 5 MR LUCK – 1 BLUE DIAMOND – 6 PRATT STREET
A very tricky race to finish what has been a good night of racing and while THE COSMOS is certainly one not to win out of turn, he must go close in this. But to be fair, the 4YO has done everything bar win since a nice victory at his Singapore debut and looks well placed in this field with a visor added to his gear. In saying that, MR LUCK was super when winning at his race debut and a subsequent nice trial suggest he can be followed. The wide draw is a concern but he might be better than Class 4. The race has depth and SUPERSONICSURPRISE is gunning for a hat trick of wins so picks himself while BLUE DIAMOND finds himself in the right race and company so has to be respected. Throw in PRATT STREET, YOU DA ONE and SUPER BRILLIANT and go wider again in exotics.
1 BLUE DIAMOND *** Can be hard to catch but right company and trip suggest he can win. 8.00
2 THE COSMOS *** Has done everything bar win after saluting at Singapore debut and get this chance again with visor on. 3.00
3 SUPERSONICSURPRISE *** In spanking form and has shown previously he is up to this company. Big show. 5.00
4 SUPER JOY ** Been in very good form of late but wide gate may make winning tough. 12
5 MR LUCK *** Backed up very good maiden win with a nice trial. Follow. 5.00
6 PRATT STREET *** Resuming with nice trial under his belt and can show best form. Value. 20
7 DREAMWEAVER ** Former Irish galloper who may be better suited over longer. Watch market. 33
8 SUPER BRILLIANT *** Plenty of excuses this company last start and another to give another chance at odds. 20
9 YOU DA ONE *** Hard to fault form and gets the favours from gate 1. 10
10 BATTLE KING * Blinkers tongue-tie off but better option on the turf. 33
11 DEAUVILLE ** Solid but well beaten when resuming and also might be better on the turf. 20
12 EXQUISITELY SWEET ** Form better than it reads and might be a good value option. 20
13 LUCKY SIX ** Always a hope in this type of race and might get out to each-way odds. 20
14 HAMMER DOWN * Not a million miles away last start but easier to ignore. 100
