Stepitup holds off Super Ninetyseven to claim the third Leg of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Series, the Group 1 Singapore Guineas. 17-05-2013
Derby Day. Around the world, those two words are enough to make even the casual race-goer stand up and take notice and this years Emirates Singapore Derby Day will be a beauty.
Obviously the race itself demands respect with the winner joining the likes BOCELLI, SMART BET, JOLIE’S SHINJU and BETTER LIFE in Singapore racing history but the undercard deserves more than a cursory glance from the first to the last. And a man that has two Singapore Derby trophies in his cabinet – Laurie Laxon – might even book-end the meeting with the topically named (given the sponsor) NEW YORK CITY (race 1) and EURO ZONE (race 12) both strong winning hopes.
Compatriot James McDonald – who rides VALBUENA for Laxon in the Derby – is onboard both NEW YORK CITY and EURO ZONE and the globetrotting hoop could be in for a big day.
NEW YORK CITY looked unlucky not to turn some good form into a win at his last start and with any luck in running should get the day off to a flyer for the Kiwi combination. In the lucky last, EUROZONE looks extremely well-placed back in Class 4 company and given he was running at Group level only two starts back, he should find this field to his liking. To the Derby.
SPALATO is a marvel given he knocked in a Group 1 win at his third career start and while an obvious query over 2000m given it’s only start number four, he could be one out-of-thebox. He beat the top-rated horse – STEPITUP – fair and square (just) over the mile in the Patron’s Bowl and it could be a battle between the two again.
STEPITUP is small in stature but has a heart the size of a well-known NZ-bred Australian horse that went OK in the 1930’s, so he could make quick amends over 2000m. He has drawn wide but doesn’t know how to run a bad race and he will in the thick of this finish. JOHNNY GUITAR is another that looks well placed at WFA conditions and worth noting the Argentinean-bred 4YO was the only horse in this field that raced in the $3 million Singapore Airlines International Cup and certainly up to this.
The mare, BENDICION, goes better than most and gets a handy 1.5kg pull in the weights and obviously her trainer, Hideyuki Takaoka, has an excellent record in this race with the fairer sex (see Jolie Shinju and Better Life). WALL STREET BOY, VALBUENA and FLIGHT OFTHE SAKER will figure when it counts and MR ARMSTRONG could offer value in what looks a terrific race.
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Best Bets; (GOODMAN race 8, win), (EURO ZONE race 12, win) and (MR ARMSTRONG race 11, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 9 (1, 4, 5 and 8), race 10 (6, 7, 8, 9 and 11), race 11 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12 and 15), race 12 (1, 2, 4, 5 and 6).
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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 8
Selections; 2 GOODMAN – 8 INDIAN JADE – 4 BOURBON GOLDMAN – 6 ONE SMART CAT
A small field of Class 2 horses compete over 1400m and GOODMAN may be the one they have to beat. He was placed in several of the 3YO Group races behind WAR AFFAIR and was able to beat Open Class horses over a mile at his last outing; with James McDonald ontop, he will be hard to get past late. INDIAN JADE has been racing consistently in easier company but with no weight and Manoel Nunes steering he should make his presence felt. In fact he meets GOOMAN some 7.5kg better off for a 2.5 length deficit so must go close. ONE SMART CAT ran a brave race over 1400m last start leading most of the way; with Barend Vorster up and only 51kg he could do so again. BOURBON GOLDMAN is a smart sprinter whose recent trial was sound, he ran 3rd first-up to KLEVER MAN over 1200m and should be improved though he did fail at his only attempt beyond 1200m. FLASH GIFT is also smart but the 1400m may find him out.
1 STREET LEGAL ** Stayer resuming. Trialing nicely and will be working into this late if race run to suit. 25
2 GOODMAN *** Placed in 3YO Classics behind WAR AFFAIR and beat the Open grade horses over a mile last start. Class galloper, hard to beat. 2.50
3 SHUTTLE MAN * Scratched. 100
4 BOURBON GOLDMAN *** Very good sprinter whose recent trial was sound. Ran 3rd first-up to KLEVER MAN over 1200m. Failed at only attempt beyond 1200m. 4.00
5 FLASH GIFT ** Fair effort when fresh in BM83 over 1200m last start. 1400m may test. 8.50
6 ONE SMART CAT *** Led and was just run down over 1400m in KSB last start. Could run a cheeky race. 5.00
7 GREENSTONE ** Winkers off and excuses last start but place best this field. 33
8 INDIAN JADE *** Racing consistently and meets GOODMAN some 7.5kg better off for being beaten less than 3 lengths at their last start. 4.00
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Race 9
Selections; 1 WILD GEESE – 5 BORN TO FLY – 8 GOLD RUTILE – 4 SUPERNOVA
A very good KSA over a mile on turf with some high quality gallopers engaged. WILD GEESE is a class performer who resumed with a reasonable effort over 1400m coming from a long way back; this is far more suitable and he should strip fitter and be hard to hold out late. BORN TO FLY is a very honest performer who will run the trip right out. He is better drawn than last start and with Rueven’s claim, is well in at the weights. SUPERNOVA is another consistent one who chased gamely over 1400m last start and won a BM83 three starts back over 1400m; he is on trial at 1600m but well drawn and with a claim, Zuriman should have him on the speed all the way. And then there is the Takaoka mare GOLD RUTILE who scored well in KSA company over 1400m last start. She has won four times, never finished further back than 5th in her 15 start career and once again, she will be in the finish. Of the others NANDOWRA put in his best effort for a while last start and could give plenty of cheek whilst TROPAIOS resuming could sprint well fresh.
1 WILD GEESE *** Class galloper who ran on strongly from well back when resuming over 1400m last start. Has plenty of weight but should be in the finish. 3.50
2 GOLIATH * Well back when resuming in similar grade over 1400m. Better on polytrack. 20
3 TROPAIOS * Resuming after being outclassed in SIA cup. Singapore Gold Cup winner who previously disappointed in QEII Cup. May need the run. 14
4 SUPERNOVA *** Consistent horse who chased gamely over 1400m last start. Won BM83 three starts back over 1400m. On trial at 1600m but well drawn and will make a bid. 5.50
5 BORN TO FLY *** Very honest performer who will run the trip right out. Better drawn than last start and well in at the weights. 4.00
6 DUJARDIN ** Well back when resuming. Has won twice at 1600m and from the alley with top rider could improve sharply. Watch for support. 14
7 NANDOWRA ** Boxed on well last outing in his best performance for some time. Could run a cheeky race with no weight. 16
8 GOLD RUTILE *** Smart mare who scored well in KSA company over 1400m last start. Has won four and never finished further back than 5th in her 15 start career. Will be in the finish once again. 4.00
9 TENZING * Winkers to blinkers. Only chance is if it rains. 25
10 CANNON HILL * Blinkers on. Tongue tie off. Will struggle against these and may want longer. 25
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Race 10
Selections; 7 OM – 6 BOGART – 8 STILETTO – 9 SWEET LODGE
A good quality Class 3 over 1400m and the speedy mare STILETTO will give them something to chase with Corey Brown on-top from the ace. She is on trial at 1400m and the ones she will have to hold off include BOGART, OM, CONVICT and possibly SWEET LODGE. Of those, OM knows how to find trouble but is usually thereabouts. The 1400m suits and Manoel Nunes steering, will be closing late. BOGART was close up in a strong KSC last start after a good Class 4 win over 1400m three starts back; he has a top rider in James McDonald and should make a bid. CONVICT is usually around the mark and scored a well deserved win in Class 4 over 1400m last start; with Rueven’s claim he has no weight and could show up again. SWEET LODGE rocketed home last start, she often does that but rarely wins; if the very experienced Malaysian rider Azhar can keep her in touch, she could come right over the top. There are plenty of other chances with horses such SUPER JUNIOR, NATURE IS NATURE and AWAKENED all capable in this Class and distance when right.
1 AWAKENED ** Has not won for a long time but trialed well recently and 1400m suits. Watch for support. 14
2 HAMMER DOWN * Disappointing horse who on his best form would be right in this. Take on trust. 20
3 NATURE IS NATURE * Resumed with a poor effort but trialed well subsequently. Three time winner at trip. Good on his day but needs to lift on recent efforts. 20
4 SUPER JUNIOR ** Freshened and trialed well recently. Well drawn but best efforts have been on polytrack. Not the most reliable but could show up. 10
5 BOARD WALK ** Not far away last start and usually runs an honest race. Will be handy all the way but has never won beyond 1200m.. 14
6 BOGART *** Close up in strong KSC last start after good Class 4 win over 1400m three starts back. Has top rider and should make a bid. 5.00
7 OM *** Knows how to find trouble but usually thereabouts and will be closing late. Distance and surface suit. 5.00
8 STILETTO *** Speedy mare who will give a bold sight from the ace. On trial at 1400m. 5.00
9 SWEET LODGE *** Gets back and runs on strongly. Class may test but should be closing late 7.00
10 YES BABA * Tongue tie off. Honest but better in Class 4 and on poly. 20
11 CONVICT *** Usually around the mark and scored a well deserved win in Class 4 over 1400m last start. Has no weight and could show up again. 6.00
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Race 11
Selections; 1 STEPITUP – 15 BENDICION – 2 JOHNNY GUITAR – 3 SPALATO
The Derby is upon us and the wild card is SPALATO. The John O’Hara trained boom galloper has gone from Maiden to Group 1 winner in three starts and copped an amazing 27 points in the ratings after his win in the Patron’s Bowl. He is on trial at 2000m but has carried all before him so far and there are plenty of horses by his sire – Elusive City – that can get a middle distance. The horse he beat last start, the little bulldog STEPITUP, has drawn poorly but he is the highest rated horse, never runs a bad race and has won at the trip; he will need luck in running but will give it all he has got. The great trainer of stayers and mares, Hideyuki Takaoka, has got the mare BENDICION in the race who has been racing at the highest level, will be trained to the minute and has Alan Munro on top; whilst she may not be up to JOLIE’S SHINJU and BETTER LIFE, she will give a bold sight and could be value. As always, Laurie Laxon has a good hand with Avondale Guineas winner VALBUENA who has drawn well and ALFONSO who scored narrowly over 1800m in a race that included other hopefuls in IZNATE, FLIGHT OFTHE SAKER and MR ARMSTRONG. WALL STREET BOY ran 5th in a higher class race on the same day and should be finishing strongly late with plenty of support. JOHNNY GUITAR is another who was prominent in early Derby discussions but his past two runs have been a bit disappointing; he does however have Pat Shaw polish as does the consistent EMPEROR’S BANQUET who on breeding should run the trip strongly.
1 STEPITUP *** Little bulldog who resumed and just missed in Patron’s Bowl last start. Has won at the trip and despite the draw will give it everything he has. 8.00
2 JOHNNY GUITAR *** Outclassed in SIA Cup and disappointed slightly at last two outings. Placed in Stewards Cup and won Polytrack Mile. Should get a gun run from the draw. 10
3 SPALATO *** Boom galloper who has gone from Maiden to Group 1 winner in three starts. On trial at 2000m but has carried all before him so far. 5.50
4 EMPEROR’S BANQUET ** Solid effort in Open company last start behind GOODMAN. On trial at 2000m but consistent and bred to get the journey. Should race well from the good gate. 12
5 WALL STREET BOY *** Has been aimed at this race and if right should be charging home late. 8.00
6 MR ARMSTRONG ** Had to give ALFONSO, IZNATE and FLIGHT OFTHE SAKER all weight last start and run was better than it looked. Previous form sound. Poorly drawn but will run 2000m right out at value. 16
7 VALBUENA *** Avondale (NZ) Guineas winner stepping up to the right journey. Has the ace, a top rider and trained by the master. Keep very safe. 8.00
8 CORDOBA ** Has been disappointing at past three outings. Well drawn, aimed at this race and should get a gun run. 16
9 ALFONSO ** Scrambled home with light-weight in BM83 over 1800 last start. Well drawn and should be handy all the way. 14
10 IZNATE ** Improving type whose past two runs have been encouraging. Poorly drawn but if he gets across with cover could make his presence felt. 16
11 MAGICAL TALENT * Handy horse but will be tested in this. 100
12 FLIGHT OFTHE SAKER *** Very dour fellow who will be keeping them all honest late. Poorly drawn but has top Queensland rider. Will stay all day but may not have the brilliance required. 14
13 PANAMA CITY * Improving type working through the classes but taking on a tall order in this. 50
14 VERGLATICA * Honest, nice owners, runs the journey and has a top rider. Class may test. 25
15 BENDICION *** High quality mare trained by a master who has a superb record in staying races. Will be trained to the minute and give a great sight. 6.50
16 EMPRESS WU * Nice mare but with the draw this is too hard. 100
17 FLYING TEMPO * If he gets a start may well bowl along in front but will be run down. 33
18 GOLD HILL * This is too hard. 100
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Race 12
Selections; 1 EURO ZONE – 4 VECTIS – 2 POWER LION – 5 ARROWHEAD
A highly competitive Class 4 over 1400m closes off an excellent day’s racing. EURO ZONE hasn’t quite finished off the job at some recent runs this trip but given one of those was at Group level and the rest in Class 3 or thereabouts, he will find this field to his liking. James McDonald rides and he looks a very solid option. POWER LION got home in a good Class 4 last start over 1400m; he is up 2.5kg but is genuine and with Dan Beasley staying on from the good gate he should race well again. ARROWHEAD led and was run down over 1200m last start; he will appreciate claim for Noh Senari and should give a bold sight. VECTIS is consistent and put in a reasonable effort last start after being narrowly beaten at the start prior in this grade and distance, he should appreciate the gate and a change to the senior rider may help. There are plenty of other chances, the Bruce Marsh pair ADRENALINE and POWERNOVA are both promising types as is the very honest MISTER CANDY.
1 EURO ZONE *** Has been struggling late at recent outings so will appreciate Class 4. Gets top rider and should be handy for a long way. 12
2 POWER LION *** Got home in a good Class 4 last start over 1400m. Up 2.5kg but is genuine and from the good gate should race well again. 4.00
3 RISING EMPIRE ** Close up at recent starts but not the horse he once was. Should be thereabouts. 14
4 VECTIS *** Fair effort last start and narrowly beaten start prior in this grade and distance. Should appreciate gate and change to senior rider. 5.00
5 ARROWHEAD *** Led and was run down over 1200m last start. Will appreciate claim and should give a bold sight. 4.50
6 BENJI’S EMPIRE *** Drawn out but will bounce out, cross and lead. Can be hard to run down on this course. Chances improve if wet. 12
7 GOOD LOOUKEN * Fair run last start but yet to place on turf and is hard to follow. Top rider helps. Take on trust 33
8 DAHLHAUS * Tongue tie on. Well back when resuming after long break. Best form is over longer. 50
9 SPYDER * Resuming. Often competitive in this grade but draw no help. 33
10 ADRENALINE ** Promising type resuming. Not helped by draw but has some speed and should be handy all the way. 16
11 POWERNOVA ** Fought well to win Maiden last start. Steps up to 1400m. Promising type but has hit a strong field. 16
12 LESOTHO PROMISE * Improved effort with blinkers last start but this is a tough field and has drawn wide. 20
13 MISTER CANDY ** Broke through two starts back. Always runs a good race but taking on some smart ones in this. 14
14 MILITARY TACTIC ** Tongue tie off. Narrowly beaten in similar race to this four starts back and has been in unsuitable affairs since. Not the most reliable but watch for support. 16
15 YOU DA ONE ** Backing up after a good effort last week. Has struck a good field but could give a sight. 20
16 SOLID WOOD * Wants easier. 50
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