TITANIUM attempts to make a clean sweep of the Four Year Old Challenge (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
The feature on the card is the $500,000 Patron’s Bowl and the Group 1 status ensures a very competitive race.
Most punters will also have one eye on the winner and one eye on who took your fancy heading to the Derby in July and hopefully it’s the same horse as TITANIUM attempts to make a clean sweep of the Four Year Old Challenge after winning the Steward’s Cup.
The New Zealand-bred gelding grew wings as expected in the first leg of the challenge over 1400m but his win did surprise some punters given he was always going to be more of a threat over the mile and further.
Manny Nunes missed the ride in Steward’s Cup with illness and while Harry Kassim did a wonderful 
job on a swoopers track on that occasion, the Brazilian is back in the saddle and TITANIUM does look the horse to beat.
Also from the Steward’s Cup, the only mare in the field -BELIEVE YOURSELF – showed she is more than up to the challenge at Group level and MAJESTIC MOMENTS also did enough to think he is the mix over the mile with blinkers removed.
A race not to be missed and don’t forget to book the Derby tickets early!
Best Bets: (INFANTRY race 7, win), (TITANIUM race 9, each-way) and (BIG BROTHER race 8, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2, 3, 7 and 12), race 9 (1, 2 and 14), race 10 (2, 3, 5, 7 and 9) and race 11 (1 and 5).
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; 4 LIM’S CRUISER – 5 STARSHINE – 7 WAR CITI – 10 HELLO MICHELLE
A highly competitive Novice over 1200m with three last start winners and numerous other chances. LIM’S CRUISER won a Maiden easily on the poly over 1100m after previously placing in NZ over this trip; he should race well from the good gate. STARSHINE won nicely over this trip last start and should be prominent throughout. WAR CITI just missed in Graduation over this distance last start and has trialled well since. WAIPAKIHI is racing soundly over this distance and should make his presence felt. LIM’S BESTOW, CONILAD and MR LUCK all won their Maidens on the poly and the latter pair have raced well since. The 2YO HELLO MICHELLE could show up with her lightweight.
1 CONILAD *** Won maiden well and then fought hard over 1000m both on poly. Has trialled well since and with winkers upgraded to blinkers should race well. 8.00
2 MR LUCK ** Won well on debut and placed at two subsequent outings all on poly. Trialing moderately and could show up. 10
3 LIM’S BESTOW *** Won Maiden on poly easily on debut despite returning not striding out freely. Should be in the finish. 8.00
4 LIM’S CRUISER *** Won Maiden easily on poly over 1100m after previous placing in NZ over this trip. Should race well from the good gate. 5.00
5 STARSHINE *** Won nicely over this trip last start. Should be prominent throughout. 4.00
6 WAIPAKIHI *** Racing soundly over this distance. Should make his presence felt. 6.00
7 WAR CITI *** Just missed in Graduation last start and has trialled well since. Should get a good run throughout. 6.00
8 MISS BLANCHETT * Placed twice in Novice company before failing in Class 4 last start. Could show up. 25
9 MOTHER NATURE * Has been battling in KSD company. Tested. 33
10 HELLO MICHELLE *** Racing well in 2YO company. Can show up from the good gate with no weight. 10
Race 6
Selections; 1 APPELLATION – 2 FUKU ICHIBAN – 3 SECRET SPICE – 7 GEARIGURU
A Class 5 over 1400m with plenty of the usual suspects. APPELATION’s only win was over this trip and he usually races well in this class and distance, the claim helps and he should be in the finish. The veteran FUKU ICHIBAN has won seven times at this trip; he has plenty of weight but can never be ignored in this company. SECRET SPICE disappointed on poly last start and prefers a mile but gets a visor and should get every chance with Manoel Nunes to ride. TEMBUSU ESTRELA is still a Maiden but has put in solid efforts over this trip at his past two outings; he should get a good run throughout. GEARIGURU disappointed last start over 1200m but has won at this trip, he gets Glen Boss and can show up. SUVANABHUMI won over this trip last start, has had a quiet trial since and he should be running on.
1 APPELLATION *** Only win was over this trip and usually races well in this class and distance. Claim helps and should be in the finish. 5.00
2 FUKU ICHIBAN *** Veteran who has won seven times at this trip. Has plenty of weight but can show up. 5.00
3 SECRET SPICE *** Disappointed on poly last start but should get every chance with Nunes to ride back on turf with blinkers to visor. 5.00
4 LION WAVE * Only wins were at 800m in NZ and has struggled since arrival in Singapore. Improvement needed. 33
5 KING OF THIEVES ** Only win was at this trip and was fair over the distance two starts back. Not the most reliable but could show up. 33
6 TEMBUSU ESTRELA ** Still a Maiden but has put in solid efforts over this trip at past two outings. Should get a good run throughout. 7.00
7 GEARIGURU ** Disappointed last start over 1200m but has won at this trip. Gets Glen Boss and can show up. 7.00
8 HANDSOME RABID * Resuming. Trialling nicely but best efforts have been over longer. 33
9 HAPPY CAT * Won over a mile five starts back but has struggled since. Improvement needed. 33
10 SECRET MAN ** Still a Maiden after nine starts but shown enough to consider in this company. 16
11 SUVARNABHUMI ** Won over this trip last start and has had a quiet trial since. Should be running on. 7.00
12 TOP OF THE TOWN * Only win was at this trip nearly two years ago. Recent form ordinary and needs to improve. 33
13 MASURAO * Nuisance value only. 33
14 PRINCETON * Resuming and needs to improve. 33
15 DAWN OF THE WORLD * Best effort was two starts back over a mile but improvement needed. 33
16 ALADDIN * Hasn’t won for a long time but only wins were at this trip. Improvement needed. 33
Race 7
Selections; 6 INFANTRY – 9 CYBORG – 13 CHOPIN’S NOCTURNE – 2 SHANGHAI BUND
A good competitive Class 3 over 1400m with several chances including a trio of promising 3YO’s to make things interesting. INFANTRY gets a visor and ran a strong race in Singapore Guineas; his recent trial was sound and should get a good run throughout. CYBORG won a Graduation last start after his Guineas failure; he has ability and knows how to win. CHOPIN’S NOCTURNE ran second to CYBORB last start and looks a promising type so another to follow. It is a tough race though and SHANGHAI BUND rarely runs a bad race and is suited at this distance, the claim helps and he will be handy throughout. GOLDEN CURL drops in grade, he is consistent at this level and the claim helps. KIRKS RYKER is in form and won in this Class last start, he has trialled solidly since and will run on strongly. Amongst the others, GOLD PEREGRINE, TURQUOISE KING and LIM’S AFFECTION all have solid form and can make their presence felt.
1 GOLDEN CURL *** Drops in grade. Consistent at this level and claim helps. Should be in the finish. 5.00
2 SHANGHAI BUND *** Rarely runs a bad race and suited this distance. Claim helps and will be handy throughout. 4.00
3 KIRKS RYKER *** In form and won in this Class last start. Has trialled solidly since and will run on strongly. 6.00
4 TURQUOISE KING ** Improved last start and gets Nunes. Should be running on late. 10
5 IKING * In form but up in class and may be tested in this strong field. Distance suits. 20
6 INFANTRY *** Blinkers to visor. Ran a strong race in Singapore Guineas and recent trial good enough to follow here. 10
7 RED DAWN * Blinkers off. Distanced on poly last start. Better suited here but has found a strong Class 3. 25
8 BLOSSOMS SEQUEL * Did not show up when resuming and best form is on poly. 33
9 CYBORG *** Very promising type who bookended a poor Guineas run with wins. Follow. 12
10 GOLD PEREGRINE ** Racing consistently in this class and should be handy throughout. 12
11 INTENSE GOLD ** Always an each-way show at value over 1400m. 25
12 LIM’S AFFECTION ** Ran on solidly when resuming after bleeding attack. Has had quiet trial since and could be improved. 12
13 CHOPIN’S NOCTURNE *** Ran on nicely in Graduation last start behind Cyborg and looks a horse to follow. 25
14 SUN EMPIRE * Up in Grade after Class 4 win. This looks too hard. 33
Race 8
Selections; 2 HORSE WARRIOR – 1 BIG BROTHER – 7 ROSEGOLD – 12 LET’S TALK NOW
Nothing jumps of the page in this KSD mile so an honest type in HORSE WARRIOR gets his chance. The 5YO certainly looks ready to knock in his second win in Singapore and should figure prominently throughout in this race. One interesting runner who may get punters attention is the Pat Shaw-trained BIG BROTHER. The 3YO has had two sighters since arriving from Argentina and with blinkers going on he could be ready to show his best. Shaw’s other runner, MIGHTY GLORY, also looks a serious winning hope and may even start favourite on recent form. Of the rest, ROSEGOLD has been in good form in similar affairs of late and gets G Boss while Manny Nunes jumps onboard LET’S TALK NOW who will appreciate the step back up to the mile.
1 BIG BROTHER *** Improves with two runs under his belt and has trialled well with blinkers. 12
2 HORSE WARRIOR *** Foot on the till and will be in this a long way. 4.00
3 MIGHTY GLORY *** In form and will be in the thick of this finish. 6.00
4 HONGCHEN ** Heavily supported when winning last start but this looks a tougher ask from the wide gate. 6.00
5 ZHUHAI * No. 100
6 MAZANDARAN ** Just fair last couple but should appreciate claim and company. 20
7 ROSEGOLD *** Recent form in this type of race has been good and can win this. 8.00
8 DANNY ** Knocked in an overdue win in Class 5 last start and can include in exotics. 20
9 FLYING WINNER ** Took an age to break maiden given good form and happy to think he can go on with it. 12
10 LUCKY STRATEGY ** Slow starts can be a concern but will work into this late if race run to suit swoopers. 12
11 PERCIUS ** Turned some solid form into a Class 5 win and worth following. 12
12 LET’S TALK NOW *** Found some form and step up to the mile looks ideal. 12
13 ACROSS THE SEA ** Shouldered easier to win but solid enough to include in exotics at value. 33
14 GALAXY EXPRESS ** Another eligible for easier company but will work into this late. 33
15 THE DODGER * Just fair last couple and have to take on trust. 50
16 WINNING GOOD * Battled on OK late last start and mile does suit. 50
Race 9
Selections; 1 TITANIUM – 14 BELIEVE YOURSELF – 2 MAJESTIC MOMENTS – 10 BRING MONEY HOME
Prior to the Steward’s Cup (1400m) we thought TITANIUM might be better suited in this race and the Derby and that line of thinking hasn’t changed after winning the first leg. Yes, the race looked to suit swoopers but his emphatic win at odds was too good not to think he is the one they have to hold out again over the mile. Who beats him? From the same race BELIEVE YOURSELF will be prominent throughout with her handy mares allowance while MAJESTIC MOMENTS should be in the mix over his recent winning trip. Most others are very honest but obviously tested at this level but there could be value about on the like of BRING MONEY HOME, MIGHTY WARRIOR and WELL DONE.
1 TITANIUM *** Won the Steward’s Cup in fine fashion and hard to beat stepping up to the mile. 3.00
2 MAJESTIC MOMENTS *** Blinkers off stepping up to mile and recent win was this trip. Big show. 6.00
3 AFFLECK ** Not at his best of late but was pushed out in recent trial so look for improvement. 33
4 BLUE DANUBE * Freshened after two poor runs and have to take on trust with blinkers back off. 20
5 TIME ODYSSEY ** Last couple just fair but has looked good at a few recent trials so can bounce back. 20
6 MIGHTY WARRIOR ** Rarely runs a bad race and keeps a few honest. 12
7 WELL DONE ** Tested at set weight conditions but too honest not to be in the mix. 12
8 ARES ** Found wanting in the first leg but ran on well enough to consider over the mile. 20
9 NEWLANDS ** Big jump in Class but knows how to win and worth thought. 12
10 BRING MONEY HOME ** Not a mile away in the Steward’s Cup and a must for exotics. 20
11 HERO I AM ** Blinkers off after running on OK in the Steward’s Cup and another to include in exotics. 33
12 ZIP A DEE DOO DAH ** Promising stayer who may need a tad longer to show his very best. 12
13 FIGHTING WARRIOR * Won in Class 4 company last start and this looks a tough ask. 33
14 BELIEVE YOURSELF *** Talented mare who knows how to win and will be prominent throughout. 6.00
Race 10
Selections; 2 DAMON – 3 GILT COMPLEX – 9 MURRAYFIELD – 7 EN CIVIL
An open race so finding the winner will be tough but DAMON back to his recent winning trip could see a return to form. The 4YO knocked in back-to-back wins over the mile before trying his hand over 2000m and 1200m respectively at his last two starts. He did enough last time out to follow here. Likewise, GILT COMLEX gets back over his most recent trip and his honest form has him pegged as one of the leading hopes. Of the rest, MURRAYFIELD won last start with a big run late and he should do something similar here while EN CIVIL is in very solid form and while awkwardly drawn does look the benchmark. Keep WONDERFUL PRINCE safe as he is better than he showed last start and go even wider again in exotics.
1 TALES OF SUMMER ** Will improve with race fitness but like to see some support before considering. 20
2 DAMON *** Recent back-to-back wins over the mile so looks a big show. 6.00
3 GILT COMPLEX *** Excuses last start and happy to think he goes close over recent winning trip. 5.00
4 CHASE ** Lack of recent winning form a concern but will be closing late with tongue-tie added. 12
5 WONDERFUL PRINCE *** Never in the mix last start and happy to consider on best form. 12
6 DAVINCI ** Nothing last start over 2000m but comes under notice back to the mile. 12
7 EN CIVIL *** Drawn awkwardly but looks due and pay to keep very safe. 6.00
8 KINGS RYKER ** Got his act together to win in KSD company last start but this is tougher. 8.00
9 MURRAYFIELD *** Progressive type who won last start and should be more than competitive at this level. 6.00
10 PROFESSOR X * Blinkers off and trialling well but recent race form is poor. 20
11 SING EXPRESS * Might need longer again and Poly. 33
12 HIGHER SOUL ** Honest and always an each-way show. 12
13 NO SMOKING JEFF * Reassess in something easier and perhaps the Poly. 100
Race 11
Selections; 1 LIM’S SHOWCASE – 5 LIM’S ACTION – 3 SOLITAIRE – 10 DEVIL’S PASS
The Lim Stable is going along in very good order and once again they have two runners with different trainers in the same race with winning hopes. Last start winner LIM’S ACTION – who gave young Dan Meagher his first winner as a trainer – can win again. The 5YO was resuming with heavy support in KSD company on that occasion but the win easily good enough to follow. However, LIM’S SHOWCASE is in form and more importantly will find Class 4 to his liking. Add a 2kg Amirul claim and he wins without surprising. Of the rest, DEVIL’S PASS resumes after a bleeding attack and he should race well fresh, SOLITAIRE is always a hope in races like this and NOVA SPIRIT can bounce straight back to his best form. Keep THE WIND safe as he showed last start he is back in form.
1 LIM’S SHOWCASE *** Right in the finish last start and looks well placed in Class 4 with 2kg claim. 4.00
2 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK * Three career wins on the Poly so take on trust. 12
3 SOLITAIRE *** Resumed with good run and will again be doing best work late. 10
4 CASING ROYAL ** Nothing last start but form in similar races prior suggests he can be included in exotics. 12
5 LIM’S ACTION *** Resumed with strong win in KSD company with heavy support and looks up to this. 4.00
6 IRISH CONNECTION * Nothing at Singapore debut but gets senior hoop and could improve. 20
7 NOVA SPIRIT *** Nothing last start and drawn wide but has to be considered on form prior with blinkers off for this. 8.00
8 RAMZES * Former Kiwi who has not shown up at the trials so would need support to consider. 33
9 THE WIND *** Bounced back to form last start and pay to follow as will win in this grade. 12
10 DEVIL’S PASS *** Resuming after bleeding attack and did look due so goes close here. 7.00
11 HIGH COUNCIL * Had issues last start but might need a tad longer than this. 20
12 SCOUT DONE * No. 100
13 MINGS MAN * Reassess in something easier. 50
14 MORALES * Won well last start in KSD company but may be a better option on the Poly. 50
