MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS could be the one to beat (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
The first night meeting of the new year and while the card is littered with average Class 5 and Kranji Stakes D fields, a couple of nice races late will keep us interested.
Case in point is race 7 on the card – an OB83 sprint over 1100m – which looks a beauty on paper with most horse’s involved having winning hopes on recent very good Poly form.
The likes of PIONEER SEVEN, MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS and GREAT SUN have five wins each on the all-weather track while SEBAS and DESERT FOX are close behind on four.
Of those Poly specialists mentioned, MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS has form in and around Kam’s Comet and that form has more than held up with punters likely to send the 6YO off favourite and rightly so in our humble opinion.
Elsewhere on the card, LIM’S ACTION can continue the good form of the Lim’s stable in race 8.
The 5YO had a solid first campaign that included his maiden win but it was his first run back in a Graduation event over 1200m that has him the one to beat in what is more suitable Kranji Stakes D Company over the same trip.
Best Bets: (LIM’S ACTION race 8, win), (EFFORTLESS race 1, value) and (EAGLE STORM race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (3, 4, 7, 10, 11 and 13), race 7 (1, 2, 4 and 8), race 8 (2, 4 and 5), race 9 (1, 4, 8, 9 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; 8 EFFORTLESS – 4 SOON YI – 2 GOLDEN MILE – 1 BAAB AL NASR
A small but interesting field to open the night meeting – the first for 2016 – and while the likes of SOON YI will get support and run accordingly, it might be a maiden in EFFORTLESS that steals this at each-way odds. The 3YO is eligible for Class 5 but looks well placed in this small field with blinkers added with a strong recent trial the key. Gate 1 won’t hurt his chances with Matt Kellady to ride. As mentioned though, SOON YI does look the benchmark in this type of race. The 6YO just missed last start in a very similar affair and could be hard to beat on a repeat. Elsewhere, BAAB AL NASR showed enough improvement at his second start in Singapore to follow in a race like this and GOLDEN MILE’s only win was over this trip on the Poly so he has to be some hope dropping to KSD Company.
1 BAAB AL NASR *** Not a mile away in good Novice race at second Singapore start and this looks suitable. 12
2 GOLDEN MILE *** Enjoys the Poly and will find this company to his liking. 4.00
3 EXQUISITELY SWEET * Improved this company last start and gets blinkers so pay to keep an eye on market. 20
4 SOON YI *** Just missed last start and has subsequently trialled well. Big show. 3.00
5 HIKO YUNIKON ** Always an each-way show on the Poly. 12
6 MOLLY BROWNE ** Always some show in this company but like to see on turf over a tad longer. 6.00
7 TIM ** Took Class 5 to break a long winning rough last start but always worth a look. 6.00
8 EFFORTLESS *** Maiden who goes has looked due and recent trial with blinkers good enough to win this. 6.00
Race 2
Selections; 11 FAT FARRAND – 9 SO SIMPLE – 1 SUGARTIME JAZZ – 8 BEAT TO QUARTERS
While we like to think form holds up in races like this, the tote may be the best guide and it will pay to hold off until race-day before making any bold predictions. But as it stands we have to pick someone and we have settled on the 9YO FAT FARRAND as the most solid early option. He does get to jump from gate 4 in a field that he would handle if near his best and his is coming off a solid placing. SO SIMPLE is a maiden but capable of a very cheeky run in Class 5 company. The 4YO should have enough pace to overcome the wide gate and will give you a run for your money. Of the others that are worth looking at, SUGARTIME JAZZ is back in trip but gets blinkers and should be thereabouts while BEAT TO QUARTERS is honest and usually starts at a fair each-way quote. Tote best guide on others including STOCKBROKER with Corey Brown up from gate 3.
1 SUGARTIME JAZZ *** Back in trip but versatile and worth thought with blinkers back on. 8.00
2 LUCKY EIGHTY EIGHT * May appreciates gate 1 but form this campaign is not good. 50
3 CLERMONT CLUB ** Better over longer but showed last start he is competitive this trip so keep safe in exotics. 20
4 GREAT LIGHT ** Recent run a shocker but recent trial was solid and should go OK in Class 5 this trip. 12
5 HARDCORE ROCK * Competitive on his day but Poly record just fair and gate doesn’t help. 12
6 STOCK BROKER ** Supported and went OK last start but exotics looks a better option. 7.00
7 SUPERB SEVEN ** Not a mile away in maiden company last start and gets Nunes but needs to show more. 12
8 BEAT TO QUARTERS *** Will not win out of turn but always a very solid each-way option in fields like this. 8.00
9 SO SIMPLE *** Only placed once in ten career starts but has pace and cheeky run expected. 6.00
10 ANAK PENANG * Easier to ignore after drawing wide. 12
11 FAT FARRAND *** Better than most here on his day and showed enough last start to win this. 4.00
12 TROPICAL FOREST ** Form reads badly but the type who could easily win a race like this. 12
13 GIORGIO ** Just missed last start over 1700m when blinkers added and pay to keep safe. 12
14 RAAJPOOT * No. 200
Race 3
Selections; 3 BILLY BRITAIN – 2 DANNY – 1 SING EXPRESS – 9 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ
Another relatively small KSD field this time over 1900m so things could get tricky for punters. In saying that BILLY BRITAIN might be all the rage given good form in better company plus a handy 2kg claim for CC Wong. The 6YO is yet to win on the Poly but has showed at his last two starts that he is due on the all-weather and looks a big show. DANNY on the other hand has won on the Polytrack on two occasions and has also won under apprentice R Rueven. The small field and company suits and he could also win without surprising. SING EXPRESS looks the only other that will get support to win given he broke his maiden status two starts back over the mile on this surface with a blanket over the rest.
1 SING EXPRESS *** Will battle away to the wire so trip suits and should figure somewhere. 5.00
2 DANNY *** Form reads badly but appreciates company and has won for Rueven. 4.00
3 BILLY BRITAIN *** In very solid form and could be hard to beat with claim in KSD company. 3.00
4 SCHILTRON ** Coming off a shocker but blinkers off and only win was with Nunes so keep safe. 5.50
5 BLACK FRIDAY ** Another coming off a shocker but did win in Class 5 two starts back so could show up. 20
6 CHEETAH KING * Reassess suitable turf race. 50
7 FOREVER BEST ** Always competitive and keeps them all honest. 8.00
8 NOVEMBER SUCCESS * Long-term maiden who could sneak a place at best. 20
9 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ ** Low in the ratings but will run on late and cannot dismiss in exotics. 12
Race 4
Selections; 2 THE COSMOS – 1 SMART PEOPLE – 5 Q NINE MAC – 6 MIGHTY CREATION
While we were very tempted to have SMART PEOPLE as our on-top selection, THE COSMOS has done nothing wrong at four starts in Singapore and must win another race like this sooner then later. And while the ex-Kiwi 4YO might have won a soft Class 4 at his Singapore debut, his subsequent three close-up second placings have been full of merit and he deserves to win another while in form. However, watch for heavy support for SMART PEOPLE given he gets blinkers coming off a very strong trial. His last run showed he handles the Poly and the extra headgear might be what he has been after. These two look the only two to watch although the newcomer Q NINE MAC has pace to burn which could make things interesting and which could also suit MIGHTY CREATION who will be doing best work late.
1 SMART PEOPLE *** Yet to win on the Poly but placed last start and subsequent trial with blinkers added was very good 2.60
2 THE COSMOS *** Has been narrowly beaten at last three outings and gets his chance to make amends here. 2.00
3 SING ROULETTE ** Starts of late costly but can run a cheeky race. 20
4 FAITHFULLY ** Improves dropping to Class 4 and market watch in order. 12
5 Q NINE MAC ** Former Australian who looks to have speed to burn. Keep safe. 8.00
6 MIGHTY CREATION ** Will work into exotic calculations late. 33
7 SATELLITE PRINCE * Reassess over longer. 50
8 RUM N RAISINS * Back in trip and prefer others. 50
9 KENNEDY * Maiden, no. 200
10 LUCKY SIX ** Competitive this company but should need easier to win. 12
Race 5
Selections; 6 YOU DA ONE – 7 LIKA TIGER – 3 BLACK MAMBA – 4 RACER KING
A few non-winners in this particular affair and as such a horse like YOU DA ONE coming off a strong trial appeals. The 6YO has yet to win in some 20 starts in Singapore but gets his chance here after placing last start in Class 4 over this trip before putting in a good trial. A gear change is also a good pointer in races like this and LIKA TIGER with blinkers could show up. The 5YO will also find KSD Company to his liking with M Rodd from gate 5 in his favour. BLACK MAMBA, RACER KING and SAVAGE STORM could all show up on recent form but it really does look a raffle.
1 MY REACH ** Wide draw makes winning tough but could show up if handy enough in running. 12
2 KING OPERA * Needs to show something. 200
3 BLACK MAMBA *** Jockey reported not striding last start and big show if right in this field. 6.00
4 RACER KING *** Only one career win to his name but is in form and should win races like this. 4.50
5 SAVAGE STORM *** Always an each-way show and will be thereabouts. 6.00
6 YOU DA ONE *** Not far away last start in similar affair and subsequent trial very good. Big show. 4.00
7 LIKA TIGER *** Recent form just fair but gets blinkers and appreciates Company so keep safe. 6.00
8 READY FORTUNE * Should need longer and easier. 20
9 GET GOING ** Yet to place on the Poly but usually thereabouts. Exotics. 12
10 GOLDEN PASTURE ** Last two just ordinary but should appreciate 1200m. 20
11 ROMA * Loves the Poly but better suited in Class 5. 20
Race 6
Selections; 13 TIME AFTER TIME – 7 ALWAYS A WINNER – 10 PURE WHITE – 11 SPECTA DILEMMA
Another dead-set raffle and to make matter worse, the only horse coming off a last start win only gets a start if there is a scratching. The horse in question is TIME AFTER TIME and no reason not to put him on top as he must go very close to winning if he gets a start. He was also supported last start, which is a good sign, and Munro stays on-board. If he doesn’t get a start, ALWAYS A WINNER is due and he should play a significant role in this finish while the maiden PURE WHITE is also due and should figure throughout. Of the rest, SPECTA DILEMMA, EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE and BARNBURGH LAD all have some show on best form.
1 ROAN RANGER * Only good run was on the turf. 20
2 CAPTAIN CLASSIQUE ** Yet to place in 10 outings but could run a cheeky race with Nunes in what is a weak field. 20
3 EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE *** Has been in solid form of late and looks well placed here to get a result with upgrade to blinkers. 6.00
4 BARNBURGH LAD *** Excuses last start and worth serious thought on good effort two starts back. 8.00
5 JACKPOT ** Nothing when resuming but should improve with market a good guide. 20
6 OASIS SPUR * Struggling of late. 50
7 ALWAYS A WINNER *** Foot well and truly on the till and another who gets his chance in this weak field. 4.00
8 ON TWISTTER * Resuming and hard to have. 200
9 PROSPERITY STAR ** Form reads badly but enjoys the Poly as a rule so worth keeping safe. 33
10 PURE WHITE *** Maiden who has been in good enough for m to have a say in this race. 5.000
11 SPECTA DILEMMA *** Drawn wide but can lead and should look the winner at some stage. 4.00
12 CASSIS OOLONG ** Disappointing of late but another who could easily show up in what looks a suitable race. 10
13 TIME AFTER TIME *** Supported to win similar affair last start and hard to beat again if he gets a start. 3.00
14 LION WAVE * No. 100
Race 7
Selections; 2 MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS – 4 GREAT SUN – 8 STRUBELI – 1 PIONEER SEVEN
With the exception of NANDOWRA and to a lesser extent, DESERT FOX, most of these horses look in form in what looks a suitable race. So finding the winner will be tough and we can probably expect a very busy finish. And while you would think the winner will need some luck in running, MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS from gate 9 could be the one to beat. John Powell stays on-board and with form around the smart Kam’s Comet, you would think punters will follow him and he should start favourite. His stablemate PIONEER SEVEN has drawn just inside him in and could give a sight with blinkers back on so expect a rush to the first corner. GREAT SUN just goes too well on the poly not to be a winning show and you can’t mention him without SEBAS close behind. Throw in the S Gray pair of STRUBELI and GOLDEN CURL while FRAAJILISTIC could improve back on the poly.
1 PIONEER SEVEN *** Not far away last start over 1000m and recent trial suggests he can make amends here. 4.00
2 MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS *** Beaten by a very nice type in Kam’s Comet last start and could be hard to hold out in this company. 3.00
3 FRAAJILISTIC ** Just fair last two but back in trip on the Poly could see improvement. 12
4 GREAT SUN *** Has an excellent Poly record and looks a big show from the ace. 3.50
5 SEBAS ** Found out in good company last start but will give them something to chase. 9.00
6 GOLDEN CURL ** Has won this trip and will be motoring late so keep very safe. 12
7 NANDOWRA * Not suited. 100
8 STRUBELI *** In good form and must be some hope with no weight in a very even field. 8.00
9 DESERT FOX * Blinkers off and may be looking for easier. 50
Race 8
Selections; 4 LIM’S ACTION – 2 ABOVE THE SKYLINE – 5 SCIENCE FICTION – 1 MAPLE STAR
Another tough race for punters but hopefully LIM”S ACTION can continue the good run of form from that stable to knock what would be his second career win. The Dester-coloured silks have been prominent in the last month or two and LIM’S ACTION certainly showed enough first up in a Graduation event over 1200m to think he is hard to beat in what is suitable company. In saying that, ABOVE THE SKYLINE had excuses not to finish closer to the winner last start in Class 4 and gets his chance here. R Woodworth stays on-board and from gate 4 you would expect they get very chance. SCIENCE FICTION looks the other that is ready to win and you expect him to be the one flying late while MAPLE STAR and perhaps JUBILATION first-up after a short spell could be considered on best form.
1 MAPLE STAR ** Has shown glimpses of late and should find this company to his liking with the tongue-tie removed. 6.00
2 ABOVE THE SKYLINE *** In form and excuses last start not to go very close to winning. Big show. 3.00
3 ROYAL STYLE ** Improved enough last start to think he is ready to show his best in a suitable race. 10
4 LIM’S ACTION *** First-up run looked good enough in nice Company to think he goes very close in this. 5.00
5 SCIENCE FICTION *** Foot on the till and will be doing best work late. 8.00
6 JUBILATION ** Handy type resuming and only win was on this surface. 6.00
7 EASY MONEY * Easier to ignore. 50
8 PERFECT CHALLENGER ** Gets blinkers back in trip but can disappoint. 12
9 DYNASTY KNIGHT ** Will find this tougher than Class 5 but in winning form so pay to include in exotics. 12
10 TOP OF THE TOWN * Struggling. 200
11 JOE SWIPER * Goes OK on his day but probably needs Class 5 to show his best. 50
Race 9
Selections; 4 NOVA STRIKE – 8 EAGLE STORM – 12 SCOUT DONE – 1 MAC VOLKS
While the card could only be described as fair at best, a couple of races late in the meeting including this on are well worth the wait. And while a smart one in NOVA STRIKE will be all the rage with punters and may even nudge odds-on with Nunes from the ace, the race has depth so it will pay to keep an eye on value. Yes, we have NOVA STRIKE as our on-top selection and why not when you consider the 3YO has knocked in three wins and three places from just six career starts. This company looks to his liking but again, he will be short so a good punting option may be EAGLE STORM who gets blinkers added. The 6YO has been tried over longer of late but has three wins over 1200m to his name and his recent trial with blinkers was very good. Plenty of others keep the favourite honest with SCOUT DONE, MAC VOLKS and EATONS GOLD just to name three.
1 MAC VOLKS *** Has to again overcome a wide gate but showed enough last start to keep following. 12
2 BLACK FURY ** Also dealt a bad hand with a wide gate again but goes good enough on his day to keep safe. 16
3 KAI POWER * Not a mile away last start and gets blinkers but like to see over longer. 20
4 NOVA STRIKE *** Hard to fault form and looks the one to beat from gate 1. 2.50
5 RIDE OF VALKYRIES ** Would have benefitted from first-up run and the type to keep safe. 20
6 TAFFETAS * Nothing last start similar affair and have to tae on trust. 33
7 CORONET PEAK ** Wide gate an issue but one to include in exotics at odds. 20
8 EAGLE STORM *** Back in trip but recent trial with blinkers suggests he improves lengths with the headgear and can win. 5.00
9 EATONS GOLD *** Desperate for a result for followers but in honest form and has to be considered. 8.00
10 POSEIDON ** Yet to win on the Poly but in form so pay to respect. 12
11 SECRET MISSION ** Never looked comfortable last start but some hope at odds on best form. 33
12 SCOUT DONE *** Very progressive type who could make it four straight with no weight. 8.00
13 KEEN DRAGON *** Placed last start with support in similar affair and must go close. 6.00
14 MEDIA CAPTAIN ** Always an each-way show in races like this. 20
