Joao Moreira and War Affair on their way to victory from Bringithome (Tengku Rehaizat) in the Inglis Sydney Juvenile Stakes – Singapore Racing 13-05-03
The biggest weekend of racing in Singapore kicks off on Friday with a bumper nine race card that includes the best two and three-year-olds chasing Group glory.
The two-year-olds do battle in the Aushorse Golden Horseshoe – a Group 2 over 1200m – and remarkably the five individual winners of the series thus far take part. Of those, WAR AFFAIR will have admirers on his excellent last start win. The O’Reilly gelding looked to need the experience when beaten into fourth on debut and again looked green when winning at start two. With more improvement likely, he must be hard to beat with champion hoop, Joao Moreira, onboard. PEACE NO WAR won on debut (beating WAR AFFAIR into fourth) and looks a very solid option given he will race on the pace for Manoel Nunes and it may be a case of whoever passes him late wins. In the $500,000 Singapore Guineas it may also be a battle between two Brazilian hoops. Moreira rides SUPER NINETYSEVEN and the man the call ‘Magic’ will be hoping for better luck than he had in the Three-Year-Old Classic over 1400m at his last start. On that occasion trouble gave STEPITUP a two length start when they made their respective runs and that proved the difference at the business end. But to be fair to STEPITUP – winner of the first two legs of the series – he did look to have some in hand on the line and should be able to hold of what will be a Moreira challenge late. Two great races and it only gets better on Sunday.
.
Best Bets; STEPITUP (race 7, win), MAKKURA (race 6, each-way) and LUWAK COFFEE (race 8, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 3, 6, 8 and 9), race 7 (1 and 2), race 8 (5, 6, 8 and 10), race 9 (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 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; 1 SUPERNOVA – 4 CHEETAH ON FIRE – 2 DON INAKI – 8 MAGICAL SUNSET
A Class 4 over 1200 metres on the Polytrack kicks off the International Weekend. SUPERNOVA is returning after a let-up, he did nothing wrong in his first preparation having 2 wins and 2 placings from four starts, all over 1200 metres on the Polytrack. On those occasions he was ridden by Zuriman, but Bruce Marsh has opted for Cory Brown and if the 58.5kg is not too big an impost he should be able to sit on the speed and go close to winning. CHEETAH ON FIRE is a consistent type and resumed with a strong second in a similar affair; he gets back but Tengku Rehaizat has ridden him his past two starts and knows how to time his run, he will be running over the top of them at the end. Harry Kassim is on DON INAKI who has had a 2nd and a win since resuming, he trialed well recently and has sufficient speed to be able to get across and should race well. MAGICAL SUNSET can get back, but ran on well last start and Ivaldo Santana retains the mount. JET MAN was not far away at his first start in Class 4 after winning a Maiden, he is well drawn and should be on the speed all the way. MEAISIN showed a lot of promise when he first arrived in Singapore but has somewhat lost his way, he will find this easier than his last outing and with Zuriman’s claim could show up. If HILLBILLY BEAR gets a start, Moreira has been booked to ride, it was reported lame after its last outing but has subsequently trialed and if fully fit could race well.
1 SUPERNOVA *** Resuming, showed plenty of promise in first preparation and despite the weight should be hard to beat. 4.00
2 DON INAKI *** Speedy and racing in fine fettle this prepartion; will be hard to run down. 3.80
3 MEAISIN ** Recent efforts disappointing, this is easier and blinkers added but must be taken on trust from wide draw. 12
4 CHEETAH ON FIRE *** Nice effort on resuming and had a soft trial since; gets back but will run on strongly. 4.50
5 THE BIG GREY * Placed in Maiden class at Echuca and on the synthetic at Geelong but this is much harder. 20
6 JET MAN *** Good effort last start after solid Maiden win; should be on the speed for a long way. 6.00
7 HEAR ME ** Resuming after bleeding attack; handy on his day and could surprise. 14
8 MAGICAL SUNSET *** Gets back and runs on; should be thereabouts again given what he showed late last start. 14
9 DRAGON COMMANDER ** Back on his preferred and have to keep safe on what he showed two back similar affair. 33
10 BAY OF ISLAND * Would prefer longer but should get a nice run from the inside gate. 33
11 STRIDE METEOR * Loves Class 5 and would probably like to get back there. 33
12 BEAT TO QUARTERS * Wants it easier. 33
13 HILLBILLY BEAR ** Resuming after pulling up lame last start; showed promise last preparation and could show up if he gets a run. 14
14 ASCLEPIUS *** Good run on resuming; poorly drawn but a chance if he gets a start. 14
.
Race 2
Selections; 8 HYPERNOVA – 9 JIM – 7 GREENBACK – 1 TOMORROWS DREAMS
A restricted Maiden over 1200 metres on the turf brings together the usual difficult collection of the tried, the lightly tried and the untried. There have been several good trialers amongst the untried brigade and a “follow the market” approach may be the wisest advice that can be given. HYPERNOVA has been trialing well, Bruce Marsh has again gone for Corey Brown and he should give a good account of himself on debut. GREENBACK has also been trialing nicely for Moreira, but Jose Verenzuela has taken the mount with Moreira opting to ride JIM for Cliff Brown on whom he lost on protest last start. Both horses should race well. CAPTAIN KIRK also looks a promising type and Manoel Nunes mount the 2YO BOGART , despite drawing wide, has shown enough at the trials to warrant serious consideration. Of those that have been seen, TOMORROWS DREAMS has been trying for some time, he is never far away and Brian Dean has opted for a senior rider in Alan Munro instead of the apprentice he used last time, from his good draw he should be handy all the way. In what is an extremely open race, ZAC GALLANT with top Kiwi rider Matt Cameron up, MAL’S DAD for Danny Beasley and Steven Gray, the consistent REAL STEEL and Theo Keiser’s 2YO NEUTRINOS cannot be left out.
1 TOMORROWS DREAMS *** Has been trying for a while but never far away; nicely drawn and has senior rider which could help. 7.00
2 ZAC GALLANT ** Pacifiers off; gets top kiwi rider; has had lameness issues but if right could show up. 14
3 REAL STEEL ** Poorly drawn but tries hard never far away. 14
4 NOT FREE NOW * Form not good enough. 50
5 SPEEDY BOLT * Blinkers back on; poorly drawn and not racing well. 50
6 CAPTAIN KIRK *** Has looked useful at tthe trials; from strong punting stable, watch market. 14
7 GREENBACK *** Trialing very well and perfectly drawn for strong debut. 5.00
8 HYPERNOVA *** Drawn well, has shown enough at the trials to suggest a strong first-up showing; can win. 5.00
9 JIM *** Winkers on, raced greenly on debut and lost race in the stewards room; should make a bold bid. 4.00
10 MAL’S DAD *** Solid debut effort – excuses (and protested unsuccessfully) not to finish closer and should be further improved. 11
11 BOGART ** 2YO poorly drawn but trials nicely; look for a bold first up showing with to rider aboard. 14
12 NEUTRINOS *** 2YO placed at only two starts; will find this tougher but has some speed and could give a sight. 25
13 POWERFUL FIGHTER ** Won trial, no weights but prefer to see on debut. 33
14 SPIN FIRE * Tongue-tie on, well back at only start. 50
15 LION BAROWS * Poorly drawn and may want longer. 25
16 BALLET DANCER * Not far away at only start but may want longer. 25
.
Race 3
Selections; 2 PROFOUND – 9 GOLIATH – 1 LONESOME ME – 4 IRISH FLASH
A Class 4 over 1700 metres on the Polytrack and with SUPER JETSET, FLANEUR and possibly GLIMMERING there should be no shortage of early speed. Apprentice S Noh gets a chance to ride his first winner since returning on LONESOME ME who is racing in great heart and should be able to bowl along near the front and kick strongly at the end. Joao Moreira could well be the spoiler, he gets back on PROFOUND who was disappointing on the turf last start, but on the Polytrack he is a different horse and from his good gate should get the perfect run. GOLIATH did not miss by a lot last start and from the ace with Corey Brown steering he should be well placed all the way. Harry Kassim is on IRISH FLASH who found the BM74 too hot last start but given the likely pace in this he could be running on strongly at the end. CHRISTMAS has struggled at his last two outings but a senior rider Alan Munro gets aboard replacing Harry Kassim and that and an even tempo may be just what he needs. The solid speed should also help the stayer’s APRIL’S KNIGHT and ARABIAN NIGHT and they could well contribute to the exotics.
1 LONESOME ME *** Solid efforts at last two outings; likes to be on the speed and will be helped by the claim. 5.50
2 PROFOUND *** Poor turf effort last start; much prefers polytrack and look for a strong effort with good gate and top rider 4.00
3 CHRISTMAS ** Has only battled at last two outings, senior rider replaces apprentice and may improve. 14
4 IRISH FLASH *** Honest one-pacer who will appreciate solid speeed, should get a nice run from his inside draw. 6.50
5 JETSET MAN ** On trial at the trip but two Singapore efforts have been sound and has top rider. 10
6 POSITIVE THINKING * Very one-paced but has a chance if the speed is solid. 20
7 TOUCH THE LINE ** Up to a suitable journey and should be running on late. 14
8 FLANEUR ** Likes to lead and should be on the speed for a long way 16
9 GOLIATH *** Nice effort last start, suited by the trip and should get a gun run from the inside draw. 6.00
10 APRIL’S KNIGHT ** Dour stayer who will be running on late. 16
11 SUPER JETSET ** Likes to lead and if allowed to dictate can be hard to run down. 14
12 ARABIAN NIGHT ** Stays all day and if the speed is on with his light weight could surprise. 16
13 GLIMMERING ** If he gets a run will be up the front and hard to run down. 16
14 WINNING SUCCESS * Useful type but might like something a bit weaker. 25
.
Race 4
Selections; 1 QUANTUM LEAP – 7 DOMENICO – 2 SEASONS ECHO – 11 HERBS N SPICES
An Initiation over 1700 metres on the Polytrack and most of these have been trying for some time. QUANTUM LEAP’s two runs back from a let-up have been sound, he should be suited by the rise in distance and with Alan Munro retaining the mount; from the good draw he should get a nice run all the way. The stablemate HERBS N SPICES is no champion but he has been showing improvement and he battled on well over 1400 metres in Class 5 last start; the extra distance should be in his favour and with the blinkers applied and the claim for Harry Kassim he should be in the mix for a long way. DOMENICO raced up on the speed last start and boxed on well for second, if the same positive approach is adopted he could well be in this for a long way. Moreira gets on the stablemate TRADING GOLD he ran 2nd on the turf two starts back but failed at his only Polytrack start, his recent trial was encouraging. SEASON’S ECHO has had two runs back from a spell, Ivaldo Santana takes over from the apprentice Jimmy Kek, he likes to go forward and if he is allowed to dictate could be hard to run down. DREAMMAKER put in a shocker last start, but his previous Class 5 form was sound and with Matt Cameron on top he could rapidly improve. CHAPTER AND VERSE put in a sound effort last start and if ridden more positively from his good gate could show up. MY DANCING DUEL was placed at Sale in Victoria over 1700 metres and from the ace with Corey Brown to steer , could surprise.
1 QUANTUM LEAP *** Two efforts since resuming have been sound, Munro retains mount, well drawn and distance should suit. 4.50
2 SEASONS ECHO *** Not far away at two runs since resuming, senior rider takes over, distance suits and should race well. 4.50
3 NORTH STAR * Form average but last startw as better, is well drawn and should appreciate the 1700 metres. 20
4 CHAPTER AND VERSE ** Decent effort last start, has nice alley and top rider, improving type. 14
5 HEART AND SOUL * Battles away but prefer others. 33
6 MY DANCING DUEL * Was placed at Wangarata over 2100 and Sale at a mile; ran on late last start and from the good draw with a top rider could surprise. 20
7 DOMENICO *** Goes best when ridden positively; should be handy all the way and suited at the journey. 5.00
8 TAKEAIM ** Pacifiers on; not that far away at all three starts, polytrack should suit and with Verenzuela up could make a bid. 12
9 TRADING GOLD ** Best run was on turf but trial form good and has top rider; take on trust. 10|
10 DREAMMAKER *** Ordinary effort last start but previous form was sound and surface and distance suit. 6.50
11 HERBS N SPICES *** Improving type suited by the distance; claim for Harry Kassim helps. 8.50
.
Race 5
Selections; 2 WAR AFFAIR – 1 PEACE NO WAR – 3 SILVER DOLLAR – 12 RIKIOH
The final of the Aushorse Golden Horseshoe for the 2YOS and to date there have been five heats with five different winners all of whom are entered with none a standout; so the exotic punters will be advised to “go wide”. The Mark Walker trained WAR AFFAIR looked handy in winning at his last start over the 1200m in 1.10.23 and with Joao Moreira to steer he could be hardest to beat. Michael Freedman has PEACE NO WAR and he also won well at his only start over 1200m but in much slower time; the other Brazilian Michael Nunes gets the gig and drawn next to each other these two could the “omen” quinella. SILVER DOLLAR is trained by Sam Chua and he bolted in at his first start, however that was on the Polytrack over 1100 metres and the turf will be a question mark. Theo Keiser has been a top trainer of two years olds in Singapore in recent years and has no less than 4 runners the best of whom may be RIKIOH who at least drew a good alley, his remaining contenders BRINGITHOME, RAPPORT and MEXBOROUGH BOY drawing tough gates. Of the others TASHI and DRAGON WALK could run cheeky races from their good barrier draws.
1 PEACE NO WAR *** Showed speed and won well on debut; will be prominent all the way. 3.50
2 WAR AFFAIR *** Big, strong horse who won in fast time over this trip last start; strong chance wth Moreira to ride. 3.00
3 SILVER DOLLAR *** Winkers on; outsped them on polytrack over 1100 at only start; could take some catching. 7.00
4 TASHI ** Scored narrowly on debut but well held by PEACE NO WAR at last start. Pacy and nicely drawn. 20
5 RAPPOR * Wide draw against him but trialing well and two race efforts have been sound. 20
6 BRINGITHOME *** Showed plenty of speed and fought hard on debut, improver. 14
7 DRAGON WALK ** Winkers on; well beaten by WAR AFFAIR on debut but showed speed and has good alley once again. 16
8 EASY MONEY * Winkers and tongue tie on; has speed but well beaten at only two starts and wide alley is against him. 33
9 FLYING NEKO * Got in the mix last time but would have to improve to trouble these. 33
10 HOME DADDY HOME * No. 50
11 MEXBOROUGH BOY * Poorly drawn and should find these too smart. 33
12 RIKIOH *** Ran on well at only two starts and could keep the speedsters honest. 10
13 SPEED MISSION * Fair efforts at only two starts but unlikely. 50
14 SUPER BONUS * Put in solid debut and has trialed well subsequently; wide draw a handicap. 33
15 SUPER SIX * Sound effort last start but would prefer something easier. 50
16 TIGER BEE * Nice type, but taking on a tough assignment on debut. 50
17 CALLIDE RIVER * No. 50
.
Race 6
Selections; 1 MAKKURA – 8 EXCEL N STRIKE – 3 RONNIE BROWN – 6 LAGO BAY
Expect a blistering early speed in this race and given the quality of the field, it might not let up. MAKKURA is in fine form in some very good races and given she reverts to his favourite surface, a win here would not surprise. Of her five wins, three have been over this trip and while she won’t get it all her own way, she does look well placed by Laurie Laxon with a 2kg claim a factor. EXCEL AND STRIKE has drawn awkwardly but showed at his first run after a spell that his twofrom-two start to his Singapore career was no fluke. Likewise, RONNIE BROWN has drawn wide but showed last start that 1000m looks his caper and probably starts favourite on that run with Moreira on-board. Throw in LAGO BAY – he loves the 1000m – and expect a very exciting race.
1 MAKKURA *** recent turf form very good and a big show back on the Poly with handy 2kg claim. 5.00
2 FINDERSKEEPERS * Fresh but should find most too slick although should work into this late. 33
3 RONNIE BROWN *** Won well this trip last start and should prove hard to beat again. 2.20
4 DRAGON SPIRIT ** Hit the wall late after tough run first up but appreciates the outing and expect a cheeky effort here. 12
5 HONEST TRUTH * Usually found out late. 100
6 LAGO BAY *** Loves this trip and hoop so well worth a look each-way. 8.00
7 BIONIC BOY ** Found some consistent form of late and keeps a few honest at odds. 20
8 EXCEL N STRIKE *** Super first up run considering tough run and can win this. 4.00
9 SOUL COMMANDER *** Looked to have every chance when well beaten last start but previous form keeps him under notice with light-weight. 12
10 SEIZE THE DAY ** Last couple better than teh result and can include in exotics at long odds. 100
11 FARRAND * OK late last start but should find this too tough. 200
.
Race 7
Selections; 1 STEPITUP – 2 SUPER NINETYSEVEN – 5 ZAC SPIRIT – 14 BENDICION
SUPER EASY with a Brazlian hoop on-board clean-sweeped the 3YO series in 2012 and there looks no reason why STEPITUP can’t do the same this year. Of course the Brazilian jockey this year will be Ivaldo Santana and hopefully he has a easier time than Moreira did when he got SUPER EASY off the canvas for a stirring Guineas win. But STEPITUP has drawn well in gate 5, has proven he can race handy or back and given the relative ease in which he won the Classic, he will be hard to hold out here. His race record of six wins and an unlucky second also speaks volumes of the horses’ ability. But oddly, he might not even start favourite. SUPER NINETYSEVEN got into all sorts of trouble in the Classic and his barnstorming finish to place second – beaten less than a length – suggests punters will flock to him (and Moreira). Gate two is interesting given he can find trouble but certainly goes mighty close if on his best behaviour. From the same race, ZAC SPIRIT showed he is up to this company with a very solid on-pace run and BENDICION also did enough to the wire in that race to follow each-way with just 51.5kg. Of the rest, BALE STAR, MR MAGNUS and ALPHA CENTAURI all figure somewhere late but all eye’s on STEPITUP and the bonus cheque!
1 STEPITUP *** Rising star of Singapore racing and mile no problem; can clean-sweep series. 3.00
2 SUPER NINETYSEVEN *** Excuses in the Classic over 1400m and work to the wire has him the one to beat here. 2.50
3 SUPER SHADOW ** Progressive type facing biggest test to date; exotic mix. 20
4 PHILANTHROPIST ** Has won three straight since dislodging hoop in the Juvenile Championship; blinkers off as he steps up to the mile. 12
5 ZAC SPIRIT ** Has looked smart at three career starts and placing in the Classic has him under notice in this. 12
6 BALE STAR ** Battled away manfully over 1400m in the Classic and keeps then honest over the mile. 12
7 ALPHA CENTAURI ** This is a test but hasn’t done much wrong at six career starts and pay to respect. 20
8 MR MAGNUS ** Strong win when blinkers added over 1400m last start suggests he is in the mix late here. 12
9 SILVER AND GOLD * Excuses last start but tested this company. 200
10 WAR LORD * Found out this company last start and have to ignore. 200
11 BREAKING VAULTS * Looked every chance last start in Class 4; no. 200
12 GOLDEN MISSION * Run in the Classic was not his worst but still prefer most others. 100
13 APPROVAL GIVEN ** Big leap of faith but showed enough at Singapore debut to include in exotics for value. 50
14 BENDICION ** Hit the line well enough in the Classic to follow over the mile with 51.5kg in her favour. 12
.
Race 8
Selections; 5 LISTEN – 8 WILD GEESE – 6 LUWAK COFFEE – 10 WINNER’S SMILE
According to Singapore race caller, Craig Evans, “LISTEN can’t win from there”. Some twenty seconds later he did just that to make it two from two and stamp himself as an exciting horse to follow. In fact the effort to pick himself up off the canvas twice in that race to win ‘going away’ should give regular hoop, Alan Munro, the confidence to ride him like a good thing and he will be the one the others have to beat to win. But he is not the only undefeated in the race and the likes of WINNER’S SMILE (two), WILD GEESE (one) and SPLICE (one) also command respect. Of the trio, WILD GEESE looks the biggest danger after an impressive debut win with the added bonus of Joao Moreira taking the mount; expect support and a big run late with 1400m ideal. The other to watch is LUWAK COFFEE given his close up effort behind MR MAGNUS and ALPHA CENTAURI and it will pay to keep an eye on the Guineas to see how that form holds up. A good race but LISTEN the one we want to win.
1 LORD ROBERTO * Last start only fair and back in trip not ideal; happy to leave out. 33
2 SILVERON PASSAT * Last run better than the result and wont mind 1400m but place looks best. 200
3 BUNGAE * Resuming after some OK form but hopeless at the race conditions. 100
4 AFTERNOON DELIGHT ** Appreciates first up run and has gone well this type of race before; improves at odds. 50
5 LISTEN *** Had no right to win last start and that mighty effort has him the one to beat here. 2.50
6 LUWAK COFFEE *** Close up third in similar affair last start suggest he is right in this mix. 6.00
7 PITSTOP ** Excuses last start and previous form suggests he is worth a look at odds. 50
8 WILD GEESE *** Won very well at Singapore debut and every indiction step up to 1400m suits. 3.20
9 VASSILAKOS ** Newcomer from NZ with some solid trials under his belt; market best guide. 50
10 WINNER’S SMILE *** Has impressed winning two-from two and looks a big show in this. 6.00
11 BIG RESPECT ** Winkers added after two good Class 4 runs; keep safe. 20
12 SPLICE ** Drawn a tad awkwardly but pay to respect after winning on debut. 12
13 EISENHEIM ** Improves for the first-up run and will appreciate extra trip; exotics for value. 50
.
Race 9
Selections; 6 TOM – 7 MAGICAL TALENT – 1 TOTALITY – 2 FIGHTER JET
You would want to be having a good night this far as the last looks a tough one to ‘get out of jail’. MAGICAL TALENT – undefeated in three starts – looks as good as place as any and another win would not surprise. But the Show A Heart 3YO has drawn wide and given this is his biggest test to date, he would need to be on his game against some very good horses. Case in point is TOM who is a five-time winner (all 1400m) and has the bonus of gate four and Joao Moreira. The Laurie Laxontrained 4YO has looked due and this race suitable to show his best. Up the top of the weights is some very handy types in TOTALITY – a group winner three starts back – and FIGHTER JET. Both very much appreciate the company and both can win. PLenty of each-way types to follow as well – STANZOUT and NATURAL NICE to name two – with the newcomer TROPAIOS also worth a look.
1 TOTALITY *** Has some weight to carry but won at Group level (with 52kg) three starts back so must appreciate the company; big show. 6.00
2 FIGHTER JET *** Can mix his form but very much appreciates this company; keep very safe. 33
3 SILVERON WINGS ** Solid form and will keep a few honest with best work expected late. 20
4 DAMO *** First up win over this trip was good and have to follow. 6.00
5 TROPAIOS ** Former French galloper who has trialed impressively but will need to be good after drawing widest. 10
6 TOM *** In solid form and looks ready to win again in what is a suitable race. 5.00
7 MAGICAL TALENT *** Drawn a tad awkwardly but improves with each win and can make it four straight. 4.00
8 NATURAL NICE *** Always an each-way chance and usually value; follow. 33
9 INDICIO *** Kept relatively fresh since winning when blinkers added last start. 12
10 MESHMAKER * Improves on Singapore debut but maybe later. 50
11 KINGRACER ** Disappointing last start and drawn wide here; some hope at best. 20
12 MULAN ** In solid form and well worth an each-way look at odds in a race with depth. 20
13 SUPER JUNIOR ** Round the mark last start similar company; a must for exotics. 20
14 STANZOUT *** Last start winner and while this race is a tougher assignment, must be respected with no weight. 20
15 MAKE A RETURN * Can run a cheeky race but needs easier than this. 100
16 JOYFUL HEART MAN * Never involved last start and will improve. 200
.
