Affleck (Danny Beasley) strides away to an impressive win on Sunday. (Picture Singapore Turf Club)
The final leg of the More Magic Three-Year-Old Championships headlines what is a solid eight-race card from Singapore and all eyes will be on one horse – AFFLECK – as he tries to clean-sweep the series.
The Group 3 mile (race 6) has a small field and truth be told, while a few horses keep the Laurie Laxon-trained AFFLECK honest, he should just win. Laxon gave him a trial on Tuesday just to make sure he was “not short of a run” going into Friday and given the relative ease of the workout, he should be cherry ripe come race day.
Those looking at an exotic bet or two with AFFLECK might consider SMART IDEA who comes into this with a nice win over the mile under his belt and obviously SNITZEL SPIRIT knows a bit about this racing caper with three wins from just four career starts to his name.
Elsewhere on the card a horse with “once-removed” form around AFFLECK might be one of the better bets on the night. WIMBLEDON ran the smart SUPER WINNER to the wire last start and given that horse ran second to AFFLECK in the first leg of the 3YO Championship over 1200m, WIMBLEDON might just be too good in race 3.
The Novice conditions are also in his favour and while the field looks strong – MASTERMIND bolted in last start in KSD company and the likes of GOLDEN TOMAHAWK will have supporters – WIMBLEDON can win and hopefully, win well.
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Best Bets; (WIMBLEDON race 3, win), (SHIPPING FORECAST race 7, each-way) and (WELL DONE race 2, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 5 (2, 3, 4 and 5), race 6 (1), race 7 (1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10), race 8 (1, 2, 6 and 7).
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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.
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Race 1
Selections; 3 VICTORY ACHIEVER – 5 BIG HEART – 1 IKING – 2 GRAND SEVEN SEAS
It might be easier to say STAR ACADEMY is the only horse that can’t win the opener. Which makes it very difficult for punters but there should be plenty of value on offer if we can find one we like. As it stands, VICTORY ACHIEVER had support last start and narrowly missed for connections in a similar race to this. Zawari replaces Noh and from gate 2 you would expect the 2kg claimer to race handy throughout and he should figure late. BIG HEART gets Oscar Chavez and looks every chance on what he showed last time-out which was his turf debut. He had support that day and excuses not to finish closer and improves with race experience. As mentioned, the field has enormous depth but IKING showed last start he wins soon this company and GRAND SEVEN SEAS is worth a look at odds dropping from Class 4. Go wide in exotics!
1 IKING *** Blinkers to visor. Showed last start he wins soon this company and looks well placed over 1400m with a 3kg claimer. 6.00
2 GRAND SEVEN SEAS *** Recent form only fair but this is easier and plays a part throughout. 20
3 VICTORY ACHIEVER *** Almost got the chocolates last start similar affair and a leading hope from gate 2. 3.00
4 HIGHLIGHT *** In-form and will closing late in what is a very suitable race. 6.00
5 BIG HEART *** Showed last start with support he handles the turf and right in this. 4.00
6 CHEETAH *** Will most likely lead from gate 1 and can be hard to run down on his day. 12
7 FLYING WILD ** Well and truly in the mix of late at odds but need to take on trust from wide gate. 20
8 STAR ACADEMY * No. 200
9 ZAC SEDUCTION *** Honest and another in the mix in a race with depth. 12
10 GRAND VITESS ** Wide gate a concern but gets blinkers back on and form good enough to follow. 20
11 SWIFT ** Not a million miles away last start and certainly one to keep safe in exotics at long odds. 33
12 CHEETAH KING ** Form reads badly but appreciates being back on the turf and could improve lengths. 33
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Race 2
Selections; 9 WELL DONE – 7 MY LUCKY STRIKE – 10 BAUMKUCHEN – 8 THUNDER CAT
With weights playing a part in the final picks, the 3YO’s should dominate this race. WELL DONE is the interesting runner given he went extremely wide after being checked on the turn at debut. He had some support and looked to be traveling OK on that occasion and with blinkers added for this from the coveted gate 1, he could be hard to beat. MY LUCKY STRIKE had blinkers added for a recent trial and showed more than enough to think he plays a big part at his race debut. He has drawn wide in 10 but Lisa Allpress should have no hesitation in riding him positively given the lack of depth in the field. BAUMKUCHEN gets an addition weight pull being a filly and obviously comes into this with a solid placing at her race debut. She was five or so lengths away from the good winner on that occasion but with that run under her belt and from a favourable draw, she should race very well. THUNDER CAT has also trialed well enough to keep safe on debut and of the 4YO’s, keep LIM’S MIRAGE, CITY OF SAILS and PUBLIC FIGURE safe at value.
1 ARCHAEOLOGY * Would need market support on trial form. 33
2 CITY OF SAILS ** Trials good enough to consider on debut with handy 3kg claim. 12
3 LIM’S MIRAGE ** Makes debut with a very solid trial under his belt and worth thought. 7.00
4 WONDERFUL TIMES * Exposed trial form only fair. 33
5 PUBLIC FIGURE ** Appreciates first-up run and could be a nice value option in this field. 20
6 AWINISAWIN * Andalastisalast. 200
7 MY LUCKY STRIKE *** Recent trial look good enough to win on debut. 4.00
8 THUNDER CAT *** Had several trials and comfortable enough to follow on debut in a race with no depth. 6.00
9 WELL DONE *** Blinkers on after getting into all sort of issues on debut and could be hard to beat from gate 1. 4.00
10 BAUMKUCHEN *** Well beaten into third on debut but improves for the outing and right in this. 3.50
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Race 3
Selections; 6 WIMBLEDON – 1 MASTERMIND – 7 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK – 4 ORCHARD ROAD
Great little race with four horses coming into this with winning form and one – WIMBLEDON – coming off a sensational placing. He was runner-up to the smart SUPER WINNER on that occasion and given it was daylight third, that form holds up and he is the one to beat. Also in his favour is the Novice race conditions and 52.5kg from gate 2 looks a winning combination. The weight pull is a big factor given his main rival – MASTERMIND – has to carry 58kg. But the 5YO placed in novice company two starts back before absolutely smashing them in a KSD Poly sprint last time out and he could easily win on a repeat of that effort. Oddly – given LIM’S RALLY, BEST NINE and THE MIGHTY THOR all come into this with winning form – GOLDEN TOMAHAWK and ORCARD ROAD look the value as the both appreciate being back over their winning trip/surface.
1 MASTERMIND *** Won like a good thing – albeit in KSD company – last start and hard to pass from the ace. 3.00
2 EASTERN BOSS * Will find these too slick. 100
3 THE MIGHTY THOR ** Broke maiden status in fine style last start but will need every bit of his 2kg claim in this field. 20
4 ORCHARD ROAD *** More than up to a race like this and switch back to winning surface wont hurt. 10
5 ENGLISH DREAM * Maiden and not suited at the conditions. 50
6 WIMBLEDON *** Ran the smart SUPER WINNER to the wire last start with daylight third and extremely hard to beat at the weights. 2.50
7 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK *** Beaten as the odds-on pop last start but have to seriously consider on debut win this trip. 5.50
8 LIM’S RALLY ** Backed-up solid debut with a good win and have to respect. 10
9 BEST NINE ** Hard to fault winning form from debut and will keep a few honest. 10
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Race 4
Selections; 8 PICASSO – 2 STOCK BROKER – 6 HEE’S FORTE – 12 FORTUNE WINNER
Three horses – STOCK BROKER, HEE’S FORTE and PICASSO – come into this Restricted Maiden with solid placings under their respective belts and should dominate the betting and the race. Of the trio, PICASSO was beaten as the odds-on pop at his last start but certainly wasn’t disgraced and gets a tongue-tie added to his gear to help knock in a well-deserved win. From gate 6, Santana will have him prominent throughout and he is the one to beat. STOCK BROKER certainly showed enough first-up to be the danger with Barend Vorster up. But the diminutive South African hoop will have to do some work after drawing the widest gate which is an obvious concern given the form of PICASSO. HEE’S FORTE has also drawn wide in 10 but his debut at long odds was good and Dan Beasley is certainly riding in a rich vein of form. Hard to make a strong case for the others but THE SHIELD and the emergency SUN DAYTON get blinkers as does FORTUNE WINNER on debut and all three will be value.
1 BROTHER BAY ** Freshened after not a lot last start but have to respect on previous form. 8.00
2 STOCK BROKER *** Excuses so effort to place first-up after spell was very good and hard to beat on that effort. 3.00
3 BLACK LABEL * Will improve with racing but might need longer. 50
4 ZENZERO * Resuming with visor added but would need support to consider on form. 33
5 GOLD STRIKER * Needs to show a tad more than what we have seen at the trials but market a fair guide. 20
6 HEE’S FORTE *** Placed at long odds on debut and happy to follow with Dan Beasley up. 7.00
7 PERCIUS ** Excuses but didn’t run on at debut although should improve for the experience. 33
8 PICASSO *** Gets a tongue-tie after running second as the odds-on elect last start but can make amends. 2.50
9 RED ANT * Prefer others on exposed trial form. 50
10 ROSEGOLD * Another Gray runner with quiet trial form and market only guide. 20
11 THE SHIELD ** Gets blinkers after solid debut and worth thought in exotics. 20
12 FORTUNE WINNER ** Recent trial OK and could be value with no weight from gate 1. 20
13 SUN DAYTON ** Blinkers on. Race form hopeless but recent trial with head-gear suggests immediate improvement. 20
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Race 5
Selections; 2 HOLDING FAST – 4 LEADERSHIP – 3 RED SAPPHIRE – 5 BECOME RICH
On paper there looks two horses with their foot well and truly on the till with HOLDING FAST and LEADERSHIP both ready to win. The barrier Gods suggest HOLDING FAST gets the nod after drawing perfectly in gate 1. Rueven and his 2kg claim stay on after another close-up finish and the apprentice would be trying to use his good gate to advantage. LEADERSHIP has gate 11 to contend but showed last start from a wide gate that he can go forward early and is right in calculations with Santana retaining the ride. Of the rest, RED SAPPHIRE and JUSTICE RIGHT both come into this with solid runs under their belts but both will need some luck in running from wide gates. For value, BECOME RICH looks a good option as we can put a line through his last start debacle and he is one to keep safe with a tongue-tie added for good measure.
1 JUSTICE RIGHT ** Singapore debut was solid and step up to 1400m looks a good move. 9.00
2 HOLDING FAST *** Excuses not to finish closer last start and obviously due to win. 2.40
3 RED SAPPHIRE *** Raced wide and not far away this trip last start and right in this. 5.00
4 LEADERSHIP *** In form and went close last start with support this trip. Big show. 3.00
5 BECOME RICH *** Tongue-tie added after excuses for poor run last start and worth a look at value on previous run. 20
6 GRANDS TIME * Form poor but could improve over 1400m. 33
7 ONE DOLLAR BETTER * No. 100
8 CLASSIC EFFECT ** Battled away last start this trip and could give a sight at long odds with no weight. 33
9 VOY ** Form reads badly but appreciates maiden company and gets a tongue-tie. 20
10 MIGHTY ASTROBOY * No. 100
11 HORAZ SAMOSIR * Puts in the odd good run but tough from wide gate. 20
12 PESCATORE * No. 100
13 RAPTURE * Not the worst but skinny end of exotics looks best. 50
14 CHINESE TYCOON * 56 starts and counting. 50
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Race 6
Selections; 1 AFFLECK – 3 SMART LAD – 2 SNITZEL SPIRIT – 4 KNOW EACH OTHER
Who runs second? That should be the only question on punters lips given the dominance of AFFLECK in both this series and his Juvenile campaign. Yes, the 3YO was beaten the once by his speedy stable-mate Kiwi Karma but his wins since that anomaly have been very strong and the mile in this field should offer no major problems for the rising star. So who does quinella the race? The obvious pick would be SNITZEL SPIRIT who comes into this with three straight wins under his belt after looking a good thing beaten as his only other start. Obviously this is his toughest assignment but he goes better than most and should handle the step up to the mile. SMART LAD showed last start he handles the 1600m with ease and his win strong enough to run second in this field with a claimless Harry Kassim to steer. Of the rest, KNOW EACH OTHER will be doing best work late and SEBAS looks a handy type so keep safe.
1 AFFLECK *** Going for clean sweep of the series and extremely hard to beat. 1.40
2 SNITZEL SPIRIT ** Very hard to fault winning form but this is his biggest test to date. 5.00
3 SMART LAD ** Broke maiden status in fine style with support this trip last start but huge step up in Class. 10
4 KNOW EACH OTHER ** Honest and keeps AFFLECK honest late over the mile. 10
5 SEBAS ** Backed-up maiden win with a strong trial and could easily figure in the mix. 8.00
6 GREAT BALLS OFFIRE * Backing-up after placing in easier company last Sunday but previous run this company OK. 20
7 HAPPY SAGA * Will battle away late but should find this company too strong. 200
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Race 7
Selections; 3 SHIPPING FORECAST – 10 GOLDEN CURL – 6 CONFIERO – 4 TO BE REMEMBERED
This race looks too tough for this late hour but with so much depth there could be some excellent value on offer if we can find the winner and at this stage, SHIPPING FORECAST could be the bet. The 5YO got pole-axed over this trip in similar company last start and his placing behind RUAPEHU good enough to win this. GOLDEN CURL could offer value and he also looks due with just 52kg to carry a factor. Throw in CONFIERO back on his winning surface as his recent form is very good and TOO BE REMEMBERED is always an each-way show and he might just sneak out to very back-able odds. Obviously it was hard to leave out the two last-start winners in IDEAL GUIDE and RUSTY BROWN but they might be “unders” so not the best option in this tough race. XAVIO the other to keep safe.
1 IDEAL GUIDE *** Hard to fault winning form but will need to show his best from wide gate in this company. 4.00
2 KNIGHT SPIRIT ** Will be working into this late and does pop up in races like this. 33
3 SHIPPING FORECAST *** Got pole-axed last start so effort t place was excellent and wins on a repeat of that run. 4.00
4 TO BE REMEMBERED *** In solid form and usually provides each-way value. Follow. 12
5 WARPATH ** Excuses last start and worth keeping safe at odds in exotics. 33
6 CONFIERO *** In spanking form and back on winning surface in his favour. 6.00
7 EXQUISITELY SWEET ** Showed last start at odds he handles this company and another to keep safe in exotics. 20
8 XAVIO *** Appreciates first-up run and gets blinkers back on so worth thought. 12
9 RUSTY BROWN *** Took a drop to KSD company to win but that effort impressive and pay to follow. 8.00
10 GOLDEN CURL *** Ready to win a race like this and very well-placed with 52kg to carry. 8.00
11 ZAC BENEVOLENT ** Former Euro-based 3YO who won recent trial in slow time but could show up this trip at Singapore debut. 16
12 SEBROSE ** Goes OK but this is a tough ask after winning maiden two starts back. 25
13 UNIQUE ONE * Issues last start but might need easier than this. 50
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Race 8
Selections; 6 LION MASTER – 2 MY SAPPHIRE – 1 BOB – 7 FUKU ICHIBAN
Solid race to close proceedings with improvers in the mix back in what will be a suitable race with some in-form horses obviously the benchmark. The two horses in good form are the last start winner BOB and the honest LION MASTER. Of the two, BOB might get the most support after winning well in maiden company last start and showed two starts back he handles KSD company. But LION MASTER was also impressive with excuses not to finish closer last start and he might be the testing material stepping up to 1400m for the first time. I also like the fact he gets to jump from gate 3 with a 2kg claimer a smart move. Of the rest, FUKU ICHIBAN gets back onto the turf over a suitable trip and might provide value with MY SAPPHIRE also worth a serious look given he had excuses at his second start in Singapore and he could win without surprising.
1 BOB *** Broke maiden status in fine form last start and shown previously he is more than up to this company. 3.50
2 MY SAPPHIRE *** Excuses last start not to finish closer and step up to 1400m looks ideal. 6.00
3 TWIST OLIVER ** Just battled last couple but appreciates 1400m. 20
4 RUBY DANE * Disappointing last start but should improve with racing. 50
5 SLAYER ** Resuming with OK trial in what is a suitable race so keep safe. 20
6 LION MASTER *** In-form and showed last start he more than handles the turf. Big show. 3.00
7 FUKU ICHIBAN *** Form solid and gets back onto his preferred surface and trip. Eachway. 9.00
8 HAKAMGONG ** In the mix last two and gets the ace so keep safe. 8.00
9 RETROSPECT ** Tongue-tie on and always a show in races like this. 12
10 DRAGON NINETYNINE * Hard to have. 100
11 STANZOUT * Fresh but needs easier. 100
12 SUPERMART ** Appreciates being back on the turf and gets tongue-tie so pay to include in exotics at value. 20
13 RAVOUX * Good recent form in Class 5 company and prefer there. 33
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