Singapore Racing – Today

El Dorado (Ronnie Stewart) makes history at Kranji by winning
his third. Singapore Gold Cup. Picture Singapore Turf Club.13/11/11

It might not stop a nation but the Longines Singapore Gold Cup certainly slows down a republic. And just like the Melbourne Cup, the time-honored Gold Cup creates history every time it’s run and the winners – both equine and the men and women involved – are forever etched in the annuls of Singapore racing.

In recent years, Hideyuki Takaoka has made the race his own saddling the incomparable EL DORADO to three victories and the mighty mare, BETTER LIFE, in the 2012 edition of the Cup. The Japanese handler could only manage the second emergency in this years field so a fifth Gold Cup will have to wait but for Alan Munro – who partnered BETTER LIFE two years ago – another win is not out of the question on the honest WILD GEESE.

Of course any feature in Singapore would not be the same without a Laxon runner or two and the man that saddled RAUL and RECAST to wins in this classic has not let the race down with an amazing six entries. Of his sextet, GOODMAN looked to have found form in the Raffles Cup and could run a big race with Craig “Froggy” Newitt on-board and you can never discount the little bulldog that is STEPITUP.

Trainer Pat Shaw also has a Gold Cup in his trophy cabinet thanks to MR LINE back in 2006 and while he might not say it in public, the camp would be quietly confident he can add another with two light-weight bang-in-form hopes in QUECHUA and EMPEROR’S BANQUET.

The only other trainer looking for a bookend of Gold Cups is Michael Freedman who won this race last year with TROPAIOS. The good news for Freedman is that the same horse goes round this year with just 50kg and the Australian expatriate will be hoping head-gear added will see a timely return to form just at the right time of year.

In more good news for connections, winning hoop Tommy Berry is back to ride the 5YO and back-to back Cups would certainly give the media pack something to write home about. Another visiting hoop, Mark Duplessis, rides the highly-rated FLAX in this years race and the Zimbabwean-bred-New Zealand-based jockey is chasing what would be his third Gold Cup after winning the race on ZIRNA is 2003 and Raul for Laurie Laxon in 2004. But they all have to beat arguably the best horse in Singapore – WAR AFFAIR – to add to their respective Gold Cup tallies and that my friends, is no easy task.

Sure, WAR AFFAIR has the top-weight to carry (58kg) and is trying to make history of his own by becoming the first-horse to win the Singapore Triple Crown but his victories in the Kranji Mile and Raffles Cup were so strong that he could very well be a monty. He has drawn wide too and that is obviously a concern (think BETTER THAN EVER circa 2010) but Dan Beasley may just ride him like a very good thing and don’t be surprised if defies the weight and the gate and is going away from the pack when things get serious at the 200m mark.

It might not be that easy – racing at this level rarely is – but I for one won’t be backing against the champ.

Best Bets; (WAR AFFAIR race 10, win), (DEAUVILLE race 11, each-way) and (TROPAIOS race 10, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2 and 6), race 9 (3, 5, 7 and 8), race 10 (1, 5, 7, 10, 11 and 12), race 11 (3, 5, 7 and 8).

Race 7

Selections; 5 HOLY WARRIOR – 6 THUMPING – 3 BALE STAR – 4 BOURBON GOLDMAN
A BM83 over 1400m with many chances though a number are suspect either on the surface or at the trip. HOLY WARRIOR goes well fresh, his recent trials have been good and gets Tommy Berry over a suitable trip – he will be hard to beat. CORDOBA is a four time winner at the trip and flew home in a BM83 last start; with only 51.5kg he will be hard to hold out. BOURBON GOLDMAN was placed three starts back in this company but is yet to win beyond 1200m. THUMPING is an honest mare who likes the1400m and there is little between her and BOURBON GOLDMAN on past performances. BALE STAR is resuming and trialling well, he has yet to win first up but the distance suits and he will finish off better than most. EXCEED EXPRESS has a ton of speed but is trying 1400m for the first time and has a horror gate. POWER LION is also not helped by the draw. For value, the top-weight VALEVOLE trailed well recently and that has him under notice although he is a noted Polytracker.

1 VALEVOLE *** Yet to win beyond 1200m but recent strong trial has him under notice. 25
2 BAHEN ** Has been racing well on poly. Two time winner on turf who has yet to win beyond 1200m. 20
3 BALE STAR *** Resuming and trialling well. Yet to win first-up but suited this trip. Watch for support. 6.50
4 BOURBON GOLDMAN *** Placed this journey three starts back in BM89 but yet to win beyond 1200m. 6.00
5 HOLY WARRIOR *** Resuming and goes well fresh. Likes the trip and could be hard to beat. 6.00
6 THUMPING *** Honest mare who has won three times at 1400m and finished just behind BOURBON GOLDMAN in a BM89 recently. 12
7 TOM * Pulled up scratchily last start and is poorly drawn in this. Hard to have. 33
8 VERGLATICA * Stayer resuming. Wants longer. 50
9 EXCEED EXPRESS *** Bolted in last start over 1200m on poly. First try at 1400m but have to respect. 10
10 POWER LION *** Solid effort when resuming over this trip and hard to fault form form last campaign. 12
11 CORDOBA *** Ran on strongly in BM83 last start over 1400m. Four-time winner this trip and will be hard to hold out. 6.00
12 GOLD RUN *** Will find this easier than last couple of outings. Five-time winner at trip, well drawn and should be on the speed throughout. 7.00
13 TAFFETAS *** Just missed over 1400m in Class 3 two starts back. Has no weight and will be running on late. 20
14 LUCKY MISSION ** Only wins are at 1200m but showed enough last start this trip to follow. 20
15 REACH FOR THE SUN ** Excuses last start not to win and well worth a look if he gets a start. 20
16 CHINESE CULTURE * Honest and can include in exotics at odds. 33

Race 8

Selections; 1 JOHNNY GUITAR – 2 BORN TO FLY – 6 ALEXANDRA PALACE – 4 DUJARDIN
An Open Mile and JOHNNY GUITAR will appreciate getting back to the trip after the Raffles Cup. He placed in the Kranji Mile and with a 2kg claim for little Firdaus looks well placed in this. His main challenger will be the ever-honest BORN TO FLY backing up after his great win in the EW Barker. Hard to fault his form or endeavour and h ewill be the benchmark. ALEXANDRA PALACE has been disappointing but comes back to a mile and has had gear changes getting blinkers and tongue tie which may improve his performance. DUJARDIN drops back in trip but has won twice at a mile and Craig Newitt should give him every chance. Old NANDOWRA gets a 3kg claim and with no weight he could lead and be hard to run down. ABSOLUTELY shows promise but is eligible for much easier. The others look outclassed though if the Cup emergencies MAGICAL TALENT and BRILLIANT DEAL get a start they could give some cheek.

1 JOHNNY GUITAR *** Found Raffles Cup too hot after good placing in Kranji Mile. Suited here and will appreciate the claim. Hard to beat. 3.50
2 BORN TO FLY *** EW Barker winner backing up. Always runs a good race and will be in the finish once again. 3.50
3 DAVIDE ** Blinkers off. Yet to win beyond 1200m and having first try at a mile. Take on trust. 20
4 DUJARDIN ** Back in trip. Has won twice at a mile and could show up. 10
5 NANDOWRA ** Will lead and with the light weight may be hard to run down. 12
6 ALEXANDRA PALACE *** Blinkers and tongue tie on. Has been disappointing but may be better suited at this trip. 5.00
7 MAGICAL TALENT ** Emergency for Cup. If he runs in this will be a chance. 10
8 MR ARMSTRONG * Up in grade and will be tested in this. 20
9 BRILLIANT DEAL ** Emergency for Cup. If he runs in this will bowl along and be hard to run down. 14
10 MESHMAKER * Has not shown up at two runs since resuming. Prefer others. 50
11 ABSOLUTELY ** Promising, back in trip suits but eligible for easier. 20

Race 9

Selections; 5 FRAAJILISTIC – 3 OM – 7 BELIEVE YOURSELF – 8 CRAZY TIMES
A good Class 3 over 1200m and the interesting ones are those resuming and the first starters. FRAAJILISTIC won four races in NZ including two at Ellerslie. He has had two quiet trails in classic Michael Freedman style and from the good gate with Tommy Berry up, should debut well. OM has looked good in recent trials, he may prefer 1400m but could sprint well fresh. BELIEVE YOURSELF is a very high quality Australian sprinter who won the Group 2 Sweet Embrace and ran 4th in the Golden Slipper. She has had two average trials but if right would run a bold race in this – watch for support. Of those we have seen recently CRAZY TIMES has had two runs since a let-up on the poly, he has won on turf and whilst up from Class 4 could make his presence felt. SICHUAN RULER is slipping down in grade and is a six-time winner at the trip while STRAIGHTTOTHEPOINT and LUCKY DAPPER are honest.

1 SICHUAN RULER ** Getting down in Grade. Six-time winner at the trip who can get in the finish. 10
2 BULLET FLY * Blinkers and Tongue tie on. Has been off the scene since July 2013 but has had numerous trials. Talented horse but prefer to see. Watch market. 20
3 OM *** Resuming. Better over 1400m but recent trial was good and can sprint well fresh. 5.00
4 SECRET MISSION * Blinkers on. Ran on without threatening last start. Yet to win in Singapore but often places. Query on turf. 16
5 FRAAJILISTIC *** Four time winner in NZ including twice at Ellerslie. Has had quiet trials and should race well fresh. Watch for support. 4.00
6 NATURAL NICE * Recent form ordinary and preferred journey is 1400m. 20
7 BELIEVE YOURSELF *** Won Gp2 Sweet Embrace and ran 4th in Golden Slipper. Talented filly who has had two quiet trials. If ready, will give this a shake. Watch for support. 5.00
8 CRAZY TIMES *** Has put in two good efforts on the poly and has won over this trip on turf. Should give a sight. 7.00
9 STRAIGHTTOTHEPOINT ** Consistent and should be handy throughout. 10
10 GOOD NEWS ** Yet to win on turf but has been going well since blinkers added. 25
11 CHEYENNE WARRIOR * Didn’t flatter when resuming and tested here. 33
12 LUCKY DAPPER ** Very honest but has struck a strong field. Rarely wins but rarely misses a place. 14

Race 10

Selections; 1 WAR AFFAIR – 12 QUECHUA – 10 TROPAIOS – 7 KNIGHT’S COMMAND
The Gold Cup and it is WAR AFFAIR’s chance to make history. The 5YO is a class above these and does not look badly treated with 58kg; if he gets a good run and can stay the 2200m, the Triple Crown should be his. Pat Shaw has three runners and the El Dorado winner QUECHUA looks to be his best hope though EMPEROR’S BANQUET is also well weighted and will get a lovely run throughout. Laurie Laxon has six runners (if MAGICAL TALENT gains a start) and his best chances look to be GOODMAN with Froggy Newitt up, the ever-game STEPITUP and VALBUENA on 50kg is the one that will run the 2200m right out. KNIGHT’S COMMAND has been set for this and Bruce Marsh will have him cherry ripe to run the race of his life. Very bravely, the trainer has stuck with Zuriman in whom he has shown faith before. Amazingly, of those great trainers of stayers, Hideyuki Takaoka has only the second emergency BRILLIANT DEAL and Cliff Brown does not have a runner. For the exotics do not be surprised if last year’s winner TROPAIOS improves dramatically on recent form with blinkers/pacifiers added and both MARTIN and WILD GEESE will run the trip right out.

1 WAR AFFAIR *** Champion Singapore galloper who can make history by winning. Dan Beasley will give him every chance and if he can run 2200m, he should be too good. 3.00
2 FLAX * Grand little horse who has never won beyond 1800m and failed at his only Cup attempt. Prefer others, 33
3 LIZARRE * Veteran lining up for his third Cup who probably had his chance in 2011 when 2nd. Has battled form and injury since and probably not going well enough. 33
4 STEPITUP ** Blinkers on. There are none more game and he has won at 2000m. Will give it his best shot but will need luck in running – something that often seems to desert him. 14
5 GOODMAN *** Quality galloper who has spent a lot of his career chasing WAR AFFAIR home. Unknown at the trip but if he stays, will be in the finish. 7.00
6 WILD GEESE ** Bred as a sprinter but ran 5th in the race last year. Can often surprise in big races and Alan Munro will give him every chance. 14
7 KNIGHT’S COMMAND *** Has been set for this race though has never raced beyond 1800m or won beyond a mile. Should be challenging late. 14
8 MARTIN * Form poor but stays the trip and is trained by a master. Could surprise. 25
9 GOLIATH * Outclassed on turf. 100
10 TROPAIOS *** Won this race last year and has the same weight and jockey. Recent form poor but gets blinkers and can get in the finish. 14
11 EMPEROR’S BANQUET *** Racing very consistently and will get a lovely run throughout. Could be the first to be called the winner. 8.00
12 QUECHUA *** Won the El Dorado and is in peak condition. Awkwardly drawn and will need to get cover but has class and is the logical danger to the favourite. 7.00
13 CHEETAH ON FIRE ** Extremely honest horse who rarely misses a place and has won at 2200m. Will be running on late. 20
14 CITY LAD * Winkers off. Ran 4th in QEII Cup over 2000m but has always struggled beyond 1800m. Will probably cross and lead. 50
15 IDEAL GUIDE ** Racing well in weaker grade but looks outclassed in this. Was placed in Australia as a 2YO over 1800m but failed at Kembla Grange at his only attempt in restricted grade at 2000m. 33
16 VALBUENA ** Ran on strongly for fourth in the El Dorado. Won the Avondale Guineas over 2100m and could be the lightweight knockout hope. 16
17 MAGICAL TALENT * Surprised when placed in the Derby and subsequently placed over 2200m. Could show up if he gets a start. 33
18 BRILLIANT DEAL * Class tests but if he gets a start will lead and make it a true staying test. 50

Race 11

Selections; 1 BARNATO – 14 AL VALORE – 3 DEAUVILLE – 7 ASPEN
A very open Class 4 to close things off over 1400m. BARNATO is still quite green and a bit of a thinker, he put it all together last start over 1200m and won well. He steps up to 1400m and if he can get a soft run will be very hard to run down. AL VALORE chased him home last start, he gets a 3kg weight swing and the extra 200m and Tommy Berry should be in his favour. BEAUTY SUPREME ran well when resuming and is a two time winner at the trip. KEVIN ELEVEN is honest and will be on the speed throughout. ABOVE DE PINNACLE broke through last start but will require a positive ride from Oscar Chavez. DEAUVILLE, HARDCORE ROCK, ASPEN and the resuming SWEET LODGE could all disturb the exotics in a race of many chances.

1 BARNATO *** Gave plenty to win last start after a couple of slightly disappointing efforts. Has plenty of ability but still green. First time at 1400m and poorly drawn. 6.50
2 BEAUTY SUPREME ** Battled on well when resuming. Has won twice at the trip and should be handy throughout. 8.00
3 DEAUVILLE *** Never got involved last start after failing in Progress. Won one of these three starts back and should figure here. 14
4 HARDCORE ROCK ** Resumed with good effort in KSD company. Suited this trip and could be up to the Class. 8.00
5 DASHFUL * Form poor and badly drawn. 50
6 SWEET LODGE *** Resuming and down in grade. Runs on and could make presence felt. 12
7 ASPEN *** Ruakaka (NZ) Maiden winner resuming. Has had two trials – the most recent looked good – after reasonable Singapore debut. Can make his presence felt. 12
8 INVICTUS ** Resuming after ambitious Group run and best form is over longer. 33
9 AMAZON GOLD ** Tongue tie on. Ran on when resuming. Usually puts in an honest effort. 16
10 FLAWLESSLY * Well back at Singapore debut. Only win was at 2200m. 50
11 JUSTICE WORLD *** Seymour maiden winner who has arrived in Singapore via Hong Kong. Has been trialling well and should show up from the good gate. 10
12 KEVIN ELEVEN ** Will sit on the speed and be handy throughout. 10
13 ABOVE DE PINNACLE ** Led throughout to break through last start. If ridden positively can be in the finish. 8.00
14 AL VALORE *** Winkers on. Chased BARNATO home last start and meets him 3kg better for three lengths. Suited by 1400m and will be in the finish. 5.00
15 PURE RABID * Winkers off. Coming back in trip. This looks too hard. 50
16 WILKINSON * Has not shown worthwhile form for a long time. 50

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