SPALATO – Singapore’s top sprinter and the one they have to beat (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
With two features on a very good 11 race card, this meeting was always going to be a beauty.
But thanks to the connections of SPALATO – who had a slight change of mind and decided to run their champ at the handicap conditions in the Group 3 Kranji Sprint – it now has real significance.
Originally – perhaps with one eye on the easier pickings of the WFA Lion City Cup later this month or even Dubai – this race was not on his agenda but for whatever reason his presence in this race makes it a much-watch affair.
Yes, he gives weight to all and sundry but 59kg certainly looks a winnable weight after demolishing his rivals in the first leg of the Singapore Sprint series – The Merlion Trophy – in early March.
That was on the Poly so his effort to beat the all-weather champ in EL PADRINO with a leg in the air was outstanding and it was daylight third (KIWI KARMA).
In saying that, there are a couple of relative unknowns in this race as two of Singapore’s best sprinters in 2015 – ZAC SPIRIT and EMPEROR MAX – both resume after long spells.
Of the two, EMPEROR MAX did little wrong last campaign and even held his own at Royal Ascot – which is no mean feat for a Singapore sprinter.
However, he is first up against a good one in SPALATO who is the only one to be on.
Best Bets: (SPALATO race 6, win), (ELITE STAR race 8, win) and (SPLENDOR race 7, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1 and 4), race 9 (1, 2, 5, 7, 8 and 9), race 10 (1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9), race 11 (1, 2, 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 5
Selections; 1 BAHANA – 4 SUN EMPIRE – 5 GROENEWEGEN – 8 SPECIAL FORCE
Some solid class 4 journeymen compete over the 1400m. The winkers go on BAHANA who was solid when resuming in this Class and distance; Vlad Duric helps and he should be improved. SUN EMPIRE is racing well and should be prominent throughout; he rarely runs poorly and is suited by this class and distance. GROENEWEGEN battled on well last start, Alan Munro will help and he should be handy throughout. They look the main chances though SECRET SPICE rocketed home last start and could show up with no weight. GOLD CROWN will battle away and KARIGARA could show improvement, as could HUMDINGER. Keep SPECIAL FORCE safe as the form from his maiden win could hold up.
1 BAHANA *** Winkers on. Solid when resuming in this Class and distance. Senior rider helps and should be improved 4.00
2 FAITHFULLY ** Hard to catch and best efforts have been on poly but last win was over this trip. 12
3 KARIGARA * Did nothing at Singapore debut but should improve over more ground. 14
4 SUN EMPIRE *** Racing well and should be prominent throughout. Suited this class and distance. 4.00
5 GROENEWEGEN *** In the mix but desperate for a result for the support. Gets senior rider and should be handy throughout. 4.00
6 HUMDINGER ** Did nothing when resuming in Graduation but could make excuses and has trialled well since. Could show up from the good gate. 10
7 GOLD CROWN *** In good form in weaker company and placed this class and distance last outing. Should get a nice run throughout. 10
8 SPECIAL FORCE *** Won Maiden narrowly last start and form from that race could hold up. Keep safe. 20
9 SECRET SPICE ** Should need easier but ran on strongly despite being held up last start. Has no weight and could be closing late. 7.00
Race 6
Selections; 1 SPALATO – 5 KIWI KARMA – 3 EMPEROR MAX – 4 EL PADRINO
The 2nd leg of the sprint series and while the five best sprinters available in Singapore goes around, SPALATO looks head and shoulders above them. The new champ of Singapore racing was dominant in the first leg and even with weight swings against him; he is the one to beat. Who runs second? KIWI KARMA trialled well and meets Spalato 6.5 kg better for a nine-length defeat; she will run her usual honest race and give a bold sight. The other two top players are resuming. EMPEROR MAX is a top sprinter who was not disgraced at Royal Ascot though his recent trials have been moderate; at his best he could issue a challenge. ZAC SPIRIT has had a year off and connections may be just happy to see him get around safely. EL PADRINO is a much-travelled sprinter who is up to international class but better on synthetic surfaces, he will be running on.
1 SPALATO *** Singapore’s top sprinter and the one they have to beat. Toyed with them in the first leg and looks the benchmark. 1.20
2 ZAC SPIRIT * Resuming after KrisFlyer failure nearly a year ago. Trials are improving but should need the run. 16
3 EMPEROR MAX ** Top sprinter who was not disgraced at Royal Ascot. Trials have been moderate. At his best could issue a challenge. 8.00
4 EL PADRINO ** Much travelled sprinter who is up to international class but better on synthetic surfaces. Will be running on. 16
5 KIWI KARMA ** Trialled well. Meets Spalato 6.5 kg better for a 9l defeat. Will run her usual honest race and give a bold sight. 8.00
6 GOAL KEEPER * Trialling nicely but better on poly and tested here. 50
7 HAPPY MONEY * Blinkers to winkers. Trialling well but tested against these. 25
8 WIMBLEDON * Rarely runs a bad race but this class tests. 33
Race 7
Selections; 4 SPLENDOR – 7 ABOVE THE HORIZON – 8 PERFECT CURIOSITY – 2 BOB
An ordinary lot of KSD horses battle over the mile with plenty of chances. An interesting runner is SPLENDOR. The former Argentinean has not been far away at recent outings in Class 4 and from the good gate he can go forward and be handy throughout. The blinkers go on ABOVE THE HORIZON and he trialled nicely. He is racing consistently at this level and should be thereabouts. The pacifiers come off PERFECT CURIOSITY who is also racing consistently in similar company since his Maiden win and should get a good run throughout. SKY ELEVEN has won at this trip and will find this more suitable than recent outings; he will benefit from a positive ride and could be value as might BOB who will also improve lengths in this company. Amongst the numerous other chances, ROSEGOLD is racing well but poorly drawn and likes to go forward; he will need to lead or find cover but the distance suits. AMAZING battles away in this grade and this distance suits.
1 SKY ELEVEN ** Form reads badly but has won at this trip and will find this more suitable than recent outings. Watch for support. 6.00
2 BOB *** Battling of late but appreciates this company and should be prominent throughout. 12
3 ROYAL EASTER ** Disappointed last start after Initiation win. Drops in grade and can improve. 12
4 SPLENDOR *** Not far away at four outings in Class 4. Can go forward and be handy throughout. 10
5 AMAZING ** Battles away in this grade and this distance suits. 12
6 ROSEGOLD *** Racing well but poorly drawn and likes to go forward. Will need to lead or find cover. Distance suits. 12
7 ABOVE THE HORIZON *** Blinkers on and trialled nicely. Racing consistently at this level and should be thereabouts. 4.00
8 PERFECT CURIOSITY *** Racing consistently in similar company since Maiden win. Should get a good run throughout. 6.00
9 MOLLY BROWNE ** Won Class 5 over this trip last start. This is harder but can run on. 14
10 PATERSON ROAD * Resuming. Might find these too sharp first-up. 33
11 HONGCHEN ** Doesn’t win often but has a good record at this distance with a win and two placings from five outings. Could show up. 16
12 GRAVITY * Needs to show improvement. 33
13 THANKFULNESS ** Will run a forward race but only wins are on poly. 25
14 GOLD RESERVE * Maiden suited this distance but can find easier. 20
15 PETITE VICTOIRE * Wants easier. 50
Race 8
Selections; 1 ELITE STAR – 4 BE BOLD – 3 BLUE DIAMOND – 10 RORY
This race does look ELITE STAR’s to lose. The 3YO took a few runs to get his act together but his form of late that includes a strong win in this company last start has him as the one to beat. He also still looks to have a bit to learn about the caper but from gate 3 with Manny Nunes retaining the ride, he should win against a field that lacks Class 4 depth. His biggest danger on recent form looks BE BOLD. The former Aussie has shown more than enough at three runs in Singapore to think he wins one sooner than later and gets his chance here to pick up another cheque although he will need a tad of luck from the wide gate. Nothing else jumps off the page but BLUE DIAMOND goes good enough when right (picking when he is right is the trick) and RORY keeps them honest. SOON YI and HOST THE NATION will work into this late.
1 ELITE STAR *** Hit his straps with two strong wins on the trot and hard to beat again. 2.00
2 HOST THE NATION ** This may be too short but will be working home late. 12
3 BLUE DIAMOND ** Very hard horse to follow and coming off a disappointing run but wins a race like this on his day. 8.00
4 BE BOLD *** Drawn awkwardly again but looks due and should figure in this finish. 4.50
5 YANGON * Struggling this prep and have to take on trust. 33
6 CLERMONT CLUB * Reassess over longer. 50
7 SOON YI ** In solid form but struggles to win. 8.00
8 FANTASTIC MAN ** Another that was in solid form without a result and a must for exotics in this field. 12
9 MAN OF POWER * Needs to show more before considering. 33
10 RORY ** Better in Class 5 but this race is not strong and can figure in the placings. 12
Race 9
Selections; 7 HUGHSY – 1 BLUE DANUBE – 5 MAJESTIC MOMENTS – 2 ORDER OF THE SUN
At first glance you could be forgiven to think this JBBA Moonbeam Vase lacked some class but what it lacks in star quality it makes up for in depth with most horses having a decent winning chance. It will be an honest run race as well with plenty of early speed coming from last start winner ORDER OF THE SUN who also gets in best at the race conditions. Another last start winner in BLUE DANUBE will also figure very heavily in punters minds as his strong win in a BM 97 certainly has him as a horse to follow to July. Oddly, given their recent winning form, it may be a horse that hasn’t tasted success for near on a year in HUGHSY that is hardest to beat. The experienced Alan Munro looks a good fit for the 5YO and they can win. Most others can win although MAJESTIC MOMENTS looks well in at the race conditions.
1 BLUE DANUBE *** Won well last start and should handle the extra weight impost. 4.0
2 ORDER OF THE SUN *** Bold front-runner who settled well last start to win and in best at the race conditions here. 8.00
3 ONE RAR ** Coming off two solid runs this preparation and step up to 1800m looks ideal. 20
4 MARTIN ** Has been running on well at last couple of starts and pay to keep safe. 12
5 MAJESTIC MOMENTS *** Very honest and should figure in this finish with blinkers removed. 8.00
6 SEBROSE ** Just battled away when resuming but can fly late when right and another to keep safe with blinkers back on. 33
7 HUGHSY *** Hasn’t won for near on a year but in form and should be hard to hold out. 3.00
8 TIME ODYSSEY *** Facing a big test at this level but in form and have to respect with 53kg. 10
9 TITANIUM *** Derby hopeful who looks more than up to winning a race like this. 6.00
10 VALBUENA ** Form better than it reads and could offer value in exotics with blinkers removed. 33
11 IN FACT ** First up run better than the result and another light-weight that could add big value to exotics. 100
Race 10
Selections; 1 RED DAWN – 4 DIVIDED HOUSE – 7 HERO I AM – 3 FAMOUS ARTIST
A race with enough depth to think there will be value about although RED DAWN might be hard to beat and punters won’t miss him. The 4YO resumed with a nice win and had enough excuses last start to think he goes very close here with Dan Beasley up from gate 2. Interestingly, his stablemate, HERO I AM, has drawn inside him and he is certainly progressive enough to think he plays a big part in this race with Matt Kellady up. As mentioned, plenty of other chances including good last start winner MANGATOETOENUI, FAMOUS ARTIST sans blinkers off a good trial, THE GENERAL also sans head-gear and don’t forget the honest DIVIDED HOUSE who deserves a win more than most others. Great race.
1 RED DAWN *** Last run better than the result and can win this with gate 2 a bonus. 5.00
2 THE GENERAL *** Blinkers off after a shocker with excuses last start and race does look suitable so keep safe. 12
3 FAMOUS ARTIST *** Also loses blinkers and trial sans headgear good enough to win this. 5.00
4 DIVIDED HOUSE *** Doing everything bar win but has to be a leading hope. 5.00
5 SPLICE ** Resuming after issues last start and have to take on trust. 20
6 GATO NEGRO ** Took a drop to Class 4 to win but always competitive in races like this. 10
7 HERO I AM *** More than handy type who resumed with very good effort. Can win. 5.00
8 LIM’S SHOWCASE * Headgear removed but a better winning option on the Poly. 20
9 MANGATOETOENUI *** Won well enough in Class 4 to follow with no weight in this company. 7.00
10 TOU SHOU BRIGHT ** Last start in similar affair better than the result and can include in exotics at odds. 20
11 BIGDINERO * Reassess in easier company. 100
Race 11
Selections; 1 EN CIVIL – 8 DEBT COLLECTOR – 9 MIGHTY KENNY – 2 HORSE WARRIOR
While it’s hard to go past the top weight – EN CIVIL – in the lucky last, the race looks a tricky one with some nice types in form and a progressive horse in DEBT COLLECTOR resuming. But EN CIVIL is the one to be on after the journeyman backed up a very good Singapore debut with a very strong win in a similar race to this. He will start favourite and pending how short he is it may be a better value option to have a long look at DEBT COLLECTOR first up after his maiden win. That effort was good and his recent trial suggests he is ready to show up fresh. MIGHTY KENNY and HORSE WARRIOR are both in form and pick themselves while LIM’S BATTLE won at odds last start and can be followed with best work expected late.
1 EN CIVIL *** Backed up good Singapore debut with a strong win in similar affair to this. Hard to beat with tongue-tie added. 2.50
2 HORSE WARRIOR *** Kept En Civil honest last start and expect much the same again. 5.00
3 ECLAIR FIESTA ** Singapore debut only fair but improves with blinkers added over extra 200m. Value. 20
4 MR MOSA ** Former Kiwi who makes Singapore debut with blinkers and market best guide. 20
5 SUN FORCE * Appreciates Singapore debut but may need longer before we consider. 33
6 FIERY SHINZO ** Should improve with racing and extra trip in his favour. 20
7 LIM’S BATTLE *** Improved to win at nice odds similar affair last start and will work into this late again. 8.00
8 DEBT COLLECTOR *** Resuming after good maiden win and recent trial good enough to follow. 8.00
9 MIGHTY KENNY *** Recent win in easier company but in form and more than up to this with lightweight. 6.00
10 MONT BLEU * Resuming sans blinkers but hard to have. 200
11 SATELLITE SPEED ** Coming off a shocker but has trialled well since and should run well at first turf run in Singapore. 20
12 STARPERFECT ** Back in trip a concern but honest and will be working into this late. 20
