Keen Dragon looks well placed in Class 4 Company
Valentines Day and what better way to spend it than having a punt on the races – although we will try to avoid the obvious omen bets in Salut Amour and Faithful. It’s a mixed meeting and two Poly sprints later in the card look like good betting races.
In the Kranji Stakes C 1100m dash (race 9), SEBAS looks extremely well placed in this company to win. Yes, his five career wins have all been over 1000m but given he was thereabouts in Open Company last start over this trip and he gets to jump from gate 1 with a 3kg Kif Toh claim, he is hard to beat. KEEN DRAGON also looks well placed in Class 4 Company over 1200m (race 10) to win again.
The 5YO has won three times – all on the Poly – and given two were over this trip, he gets his chance with Corey Brown to ride. Elsewhere on the card there are plenty of last start winners who it will pay to follow including the likes of SUPERSONIC SURPRISE (race 6) and MAGSTOCK (race 7) to name just two.
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Sunday 14 February
Best Bets: (MAGSTOCK race 7, win), (KEEN DRAGON race 10, win) and (GREENSTONE race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (4, 5 and 6), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 5 and 9), race 10 (1, 2, 5, 7 and 8), race 11 (1, 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8).
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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 5
Selections; 1 BILLY BRITAIN – 2 SINGSURAT – 4 SALUT AMOUR – 6 OVER EASY
Another small but competitive field, this time a KSD over 2200m on turf and with OVER EASY in the field, the tempo should be genuine. SALUT AMOUR won in this class and distance last start; he rises 2kg but should race well again. BILLY BRITAIN has placed at three of four outings on the turf; he is being tried at this distance but should race well for Alan Munro. SINGSURAT is yet to win on turf but stays well and Michael Rodd has won twice on him; if he gets a solid tempo he will be hard to hold out. HIPPO PROSPERO is suited at this distance and won over 2100m in NZ, he has struggled in Singapore but can improve on recent efforts. On his best form TANGIBLE ASSETS could show up but recent efforts have been disappointing.
1 BILLY BRITAIN *** Has placed at three of four outings on turf. Runs on well and is being tried at this distance. Will race well for Munro. 3.00
2 SINGSURAT *** Yet to win on turf but stays well and should be running on late. Needs a solid tempo. 3.00
3 HIPPO PROSPERO ** Suited this distance and won over 2100m in NZ. Has struggled in Singapore but can improve on recent efforts. 10
4 SALUT AMOUR *** Won in this class and distance last start. Rises 2kg but should race well again. 3.00
5 TANGIBLE ASSETS ** Has been disappointing but stays well and on his best form would be in the finish. 12
6 OVER EASY ** Iron horse who will lead but is more comfortable in class 5. 20
7 ZAC BENEVOLENT ** Battled away at first attempt at 2200m last start. Has struggled to win in Singapore but could show up. 14
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Race 6
Selections; 2 SUPERSONICSURPRISE – 7 EFFORTLESS – 3 BELLUS WONDER – 4 HELEN
A KSD over 1100m with numerous chances two of whom are last start winners. SUPERSONICSURPRISE is in form and should be handy throughout. He rises 1.5kg on his win in this grade last start but Alan Munro stays aboard and he should race well again. EFFORTLESS broke through in this grade last start for his maiden win when blinkers went on; he also rises 1.5 kg and is awkwardly drawn but could show up. Of the rest, DREAMCATCHER is honest in this grade and was checked last start; with a better run he should be in the finish. BELLUS WONDER has benefited from recent outings and has won at this trip; he is well drawn and should get a good run throughout. Both HELEN’s wins have been at 1000m though she has placed at 1100m; from her good gate she will be on the speed throughout. Most of the others are battlers though MACHFIVE resuming after a year off has trialled well and is worth watching for any support.
1 NOMERCY * Blinkers off. Has shown little so far in Singapore. Won over 1150m in NZ. 33
2 SUPERSONICSURPRISE *** In form and should be handy throughout. Rises 1.5kg on win in this grade last start. 3.50
3 BELLUS WONDER *** Has benefited from recent outings and has won at this trip. Should get a good run throughout. 5.00
4 HELEN *** Both wins have been at 1000m though she has placed at 1100m. Will be on the speed throughout. 5.00
5 FANTASTIC MAN ** Rarely far away though only win was at 1200m and may find some of these hard to run down. 10
6 DREAMCATCHER *** Honest in this grade but rarely wins. 5.00
7 EFFORTLESS *** Broke through in this grade last start when blinkers went on. Follow. 8.00
8 GOLD LINE * Needs to improve on recent efforts. 33
9 COOL CAT * 10YO whose recent efforts are poor but drops in Grade and could show up. 50
10 MACHFIVE * Resuming after a year off with tongue-tie on. Trials have been fair but last win was in Class 5. Watch market. 20
11 ANGRY CAT * Blinkers to winkers. Hasn’t won for a while and has been battling in this grade. May want easier. 33
12 EXCITING PROSPECT * Won Class 5 last start but might find these too sharp. 33
13 ROCK OF AGES ** Trialled well and could show up if he gets a start. 12
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Race 7
Selections; 4 MAGSTOCK – 3 KIRKS RYKER – 5 TARAMEA – 7 ACROSS THE SEA
A small but competitive Class 4 field over a mile with two last start maiden winners likely to figure in the finish. MAGSTOCK raced greenly but was too good in a Maiden over 1400m last start, he shows promise, drops 1kg, Michael Rodd stays on and the mile should suit. KIRKS RYKER won his Maiden last start and has trialled well since; he goes up to a mile but drops 3kg and should be handy throughout. ACROSS THE SEA ran on nicely when resuming in this grade after being caught wide; he should get a better run here and won his Maiden at this trip. The other best chances are coming from wins in lower grades last start including TARAMEA who won a KSD over 1400m last start; the mile suits, the 3kg claim for Amirul helps and he should be handy throughout.
1 CAPTIVATE ** Has won on turf at 1400m but mile tests and has to give them all weight. 10
2 XZUBERANCE ** Likes to lead. Has won on turf but best form is on poly. Can give a sight. 10
3 KIRKS RYKER *** Won Maiden last start and has trialled well since. Goes up to a mile but drops 3kg. Should be handy throughout. 3.00
4 MAGSTOCK *** Raced greenly but was too good in Maiden over 1400m last start. Shows promise and the mile should suit. 3.00
5 TARAMEA *** Won KSD over 1400m last start but mile suits. Claim helps and should be handy throughout. 5.00
6 GRAVITY * Needs to improve. 33
7 ACROSS THE SEA *** Ran on nicely when resuming after being caught wide. Should get a better run here and won maiden at this trip. 5.50
8 DAAD’S THE WAY * Veteran having start 110 and has only won once on turf. Tested. 50
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Race 8
Selections; 6 HARDCORE ROCK – 5 BIMALA – 4 FUKU ICHIBAN – 3 VICTORY COMMANDS
An ugly Class 5 over 1400m and while it’s hard to be confident, we were on HARDCORE ROCK last start at nice odds and we may as well follow. The 5YO very much enjoys the turf and the stable has opted for a senior hoop suggesting they think he can win this. Nothing else jumps off the page to beat him although BIMALA resuming should run a good race after trialling well. He is honest as well and with an upgrade to blinkers and with a CC Wong 2kg claim, he could break his maiden status. FUKU ICHIBAN is another to watch back on the turf as he will likely go forward and he will look the winner late. Not many others appeal, however, VICTORY COMMANDS should run a big race at long odds off a good recent trial while HORAZ SAMOSIR, DR WING FIGHTERS and BREAKING VAULTS are must for exotics.
1 HORAZ SAMOSIR ** Solid without threatening last couple but maiden win was this trip so keep safe. 5.50
2 RAAJPOOT * Excuses when blinkers added last start but struggles as a rule. 33
3 VICTORY COMMANDS ** Resuming after a shocking run of form but recent trial was good and could improve with upgrade to blinkers. 33
4 FUKU ICHIBAN *** Ignore last start as will go forward back on the turf and very cheeky run expected. 5.00
5 BIMALA *** Resuming. Honest maiden and could show up with blinkers added after nice recent trial. 4.00
6 HARDCORE ROCK *** Showed last start why he is always some hope on the turf and senior hoop helps. 3.00
7 AMI ELEVEN * Running out of chances. 33
8 DR N WING FIGHTERS ** Maiden win this trip and will be thereabouts but prefer senior hoop. 20
9 JACK OF HEARTS * Needs to finds a few lengths. 20
10 BREAKING VAULTS ** Last start was OK and will enjoy the turf so keep safe. 12
11 REYSHA * Easier to ignore. 33
12 LOYALTY’S ANGEL * Not a mile away when resuming but struggles as a rule. 33
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Race 9
Selections; 1 SEBAS – 2 SPEEDY DRAGON – 9 GREENSTONE – 3 BRAHMA CIRCUS
An excellent KSC Poly sprint where the usual suspects at this level are up against plenty that have winning form from Class 4 to their name. And while we will stick to the horses that have shown they can win at this level, the likes of ROSELLI and CLIP THE TICKET just go too well not to follow in any race they contend in. But SEBAS will find this a lot easier than Open Company and with a Kif Toh 3kg claim, expect him to lead and be very hard to run over late. In saying that, SPEEDY DRAGON was first past the post last start and while he can make a mess of the starts, he has speed and could also give a sight. Of the rest, BRAHMA CIRCUS and FAMOUS ARTIST pick themselves but one that may be value is GREENSTONE who is usually seen over longer but gets blinkers and always trials well so he could show up at odds.
1 SEBAS *** Found Open Company too tough last start and suited here with 3kg claim. 4.00
2 SPEEDY DRAGON *** First past the post last start similar affair and hard to beat if he gets away cleanly. 3.00
3 BRAHMA CIRCUS *** Has some work to do after drawing wide but honest and right in this finish. 6.00
4 CLUTHA LAD * Possibly entered for the wrong race and will need longer. 50
5 FAMOUS ARTIST *** Freshened after returning not striding last start and will win races like this. 6.00
6 NOVA WARRIOR ** Not a mile away last start and has trialled well since but should find a few of these too slick. 20
7 BLUE DIAMOND ** Knows how to win but up in Class and could be found wanting. 20
8 CLIP THE TICKET ** Super competitive and will keep a few honest at each-way odds. 13
9 GREENSTONE *** Another who looks like he is entered in wrong race but gets blinkers and trials like 1000m could suit. Keep safe. 12
10 ROSELLI ** Got a result for followers last start and pay to follow. 12
11 FRAGRANCE EMPIRE * Placed at long odds last start but needs easier. 50
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Race 10
Selections; 1 KEEN DRAGON – 2 SCOUT DONE – 5 BLACK MAMBA – 7 YOU DA ONE
Another race with plenty of solid recent winning form to go on which should make for a very competitive race and betting affair. But while KEEN DRAGON hasn’t won since August 2015, he showed last start when dropping back into Class 4 that he wins again sooner than later. Staying at the top end of the ratings, SCOUT DONE was going through the grades at his previous campaign and after two runs this preparation, he looks well placed to show his best back on the Poly. NOVA SPIRIT is another that will improve again back on his winning surface while BLACK MAMBA and YOU DA ONE pick themselves as last start winners.
1 KEEN DRAGON *** Showed last start he wins in this company sooner than later and will go close. 3.00
2 SCOUT DONE *** Appreciate being back on the Poly and wins without surprising. 5.00
3 LIM’S GREETING ** Appreciates first-up run and the ace but might be better suited over a tad longer and turf. 12
4 RAPIDO STAR * Winkers off but struggling. 33
5 BLACK MAMBA *** Can be a handful at the start but two recent wins suggest he is one to follow. 4.00
6 FAITHFULLY ** Not a mile away last start in this Company and could be a value option for exotics. 33
7 YOU DA ONE *** Broke through for an overdue win in Singapore in similar affair to this at his last start and can go on with it. 5.00
8 NOVA SPIRIT *** Backed up good maiden Poly win with solid turf effort and will improve again back on the all-weather. 12
9 SUGARTIME JAZZ ** Blinkers off and best work expected late although Class 5 looks his caper. 33
10 SATELLITE PRINCE * Competitive on his day but should need easier and longer. 33
11 DRAGON RUBY ** Excuses last start (returned not striding) and an exotic option at odds on previous two runs. 33
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Race 11
Selections; 4 WONDERFUL – 7 STAR STRIKE – 8 RAZZOSTELLA – 1 RISKY ROCKEFELLER
Another tough race for form analysts given two last start winners from the red-hot Burridge stable are resuming and a nice enough newcomer in STAR STRIKE also looks a show. Of the Burridge runners – RISKY ROCKEFELLER and SAND BANK – you would think the tote will be our best guide although RISKY ROCKEFELLER did win at his Singapore debut back in August and gets blinkers added for this. But 2016 Champion Trainer, Mark Walker, also has a say with WONDERFUL and the above-mentioned STAR STRIKE. WONDERFUL looks due with a switch to the turf in his favour but STAR STRIKE has trialled well and gets to jump from gate 1. Of the rest, RAZZOSTELLA gets back on the grass and should be a solid each-way option and DUTY FIRST should improve on what was just a fair Singapore debut.
1 RISKY ROCKEFELLER *** Resuming with blinkers after winning similar affair at Singapore debut in August. Respect. 6.00
2 SAND BANK *** Another Burridge runner resuming after winning last year. Market best guide. 6.00
3 VERTICAL START * Suited this company but query on the turf. 12
4 WONDERFUL *** Gets his chance on the turf after two solid Poly runs in Singapore. Big show. 6.00
5 DUKE OF AZMAAN *** Backed up two good runs with a nice enough maiden win and can go on with the job. 3.50
6 DUTY FIRST ** Had excuses and improves on what was just a fair Singapore debut. Keep safe. 20
7 STAR STRIKE *** Former Kiwi who has won this trip and trials like he has a say at his Singapore debut. 7.00
8 RAZZOSTELLA *** Very much appreciates switch back to the turf and might sneak out to each-way value. 8.00
9 GENIUS * Like to see something before considering this campaign. 50
10 BEST LIFE * Appreciates turf but should need longer. 33
11 CHEETAH KING * Up in grade and back in trip so happy to ignore. 33
12 FOREST KING * Maiden and that won’t change today. 50
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