THE NUTCRACKER trialed well and has the speed to be prominent throughout (Photo by Singapore Turf Club)
Some very interesting races for punters on Sunday including a very open Kranji Stakes A event over 1400 (race 9).
Most in the nine-horse field look to have some show on recent form including the Laurie Laxon-trained DANIEL who is ready to get back into the winners circle.
The 5YO has a Group victory to his name and his two runs since resuming after a bleeding attack suggests he can find his best form, which is good enough to win this.
In saying that he has some very good horses to contend with including last start 1400m winner GOOD 
NEWS and BEST TOTHELIGN and SLEW OF LODE who couldn’t be separated in second place in the same race.
Add the honest GOLD RUTILE while SPANISH BAY and STORM TROOPS will very much appreciate a nice weight after just fair efforts in the Stewards’ Cup.
Plenty of other good races on the card and as usual Pat Shaw will have a big say with THE NUTCRACKER looking hard to beat in race 6.
Best Bets: (THE NUTCRACKER race 6, win), (TERMS OF REFERENCE race 11, each-way) and (KNIGHT SPIRIT race 8, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 13), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 5 and 6), race 10 (1, 2, 4 and 10) and race 11 (2 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; 12 POMP – 5 DISTINCTIVE DARCI – 8 I’VE GOT A FEELING – 7 HATTA
The fifth leg of the Golden Horseshoe Series over 1200m with only four runners having faced the starters and none having had more than one outing, clearly the market will be the best guide. Of those we have seen, I’VE GOT A FEELING debuted best and should be improved. Of the unraced POMP trialled nicely and is well related – his brothers Dinner Date and Oh So Simple being good winners – so watch for support. DISTINCTIVE DARCI is well related, a half-brother to good horse Kuro and he has been trialling well. The stablemate HATTA is by the speed sire Charge Forward; his trials have been good and he gets Manoel Nunes. CAI POH WANG is by the promising sire Helmet, his trials have been good and he gets Glen Boss from a good gate and FUNKADELIC has had enough good trials to keep safe on debut.
1 ANGEL OF MINE * Distanced at debut and has shown nothing at trials. 33
2 BUCKS OH SEVEN * Well back at debut. Needs to improve. 50
3 CAI POH WANG ** By Helmet. Dam won over a mile. Recent trial was an improvement and well drawn with top rider. Watch market. 6.00
4 CAPTAIN ROYAL * By Benfica. Dam won over 1000m. Trials have been moderate. Watch market. 25
5 DISTINCTIVE DARCI *** Trialled well in NZ and trials in Singapore have been sound. Half-brother to multiple Listed winner Kuro and winner Special Gemstone. Watch for support. 3.50
6 FUNKADELIC *** By Hussonet. Dam won over 1900m. Plenty of trials under his belt and some good enough to follow on debut. 12
7 HATTA *** By Charge Forward. Dam won over 1200m. Trialling solidly and gets Nunes. 6.00
8 I’VE GOT A FEELING *** Debuted well and should be improved. 5.00
9 LAND BELOW D WIND * Had some support at debut and could be improved with blinkers added. 16
10 MR EXCHEQUER * By Savabeel. Half-brother to winner Hidden Treasure. Trials have been moderate but bred for longer. 33
11 MUSCULAR CAPTAIN * By Mastercraftsman. Half-brother to 2-time winner Hover. Trialled solidly. Watch market. 20
12 POMP *** By Mossman. Brother to 3-time winner Oh So Simple and Listed winner Dinner Date. Trialled nicely. Watch market. 6.00
Race 6
Selections; 1 THE NUTCRACKER – 2 FAMOUS ARTIST – 4 EATONS GOLD – 5 SECRET MISSION
A KSC where those at the top and bottom of the weights are of most interest. Blinkers come off THE NUTCRACKER and he will find this easier than recent outings. The Argentinean trialled well recently and has the speed to be prominent throughout on what should be his preferred surface. FAMOUS ARTIST is in good form in this company and will be handy throughout. JUSTICE DAY has yet to produce in Singapore but won in Listed company in the UK and will find this easier and should be handy throughout. EATON’S GOLD placed last start in Class 3 over this trip; he may be looking for easier but has a good poly record and should be running on. Of the rest, SUPERSONICSURPRISE has placed at two of last three outings in this grade, DESERT FOX is resuming with blinkers back on and he can show up in this company while SECRET MISSION, BLUE DIAMOND and horses more comfortable in Class 4 like HOST THE NATION and KATAGAS, can be included in exotics.
1 THE NUTCRACKER *** Blinkers off and will find this easier than recent outings. Trialled well and has the speed to be prominent throughout. 4.00
2 FAMOUS ARTIST *** In good form in this company and will be handy throughout. 4.00
3 JUSTICE DAY ** Won in Listed company in UK up to 1200m but was put over an unsuitable 1600m last start. Will find this easier and should be handy throughout. 6.00
4 EATONS GOLD ** Placed last start in Class 3 over this trip. May be looking for easier but has a good poly record and should be running on. 8.00
5 SECRET MISSION ** Doesn’t win often but recent form is consistent and can be handy throughout. 10
6 NANDOWRA * Tongue-tie on but best form has been over longer. 33
7 HOST THE NATION ** Racing soundly but better in Class 4. 20
8 KATAGAS ** Returned lame last start. Consistent but better in Class 4. 20
9 WINNING MAN * Fair when resuming for new trainer and could be improved. Showed early promise before developing respiratory issues. 33
10 BLUE DIAMOND * Has won eight times on poly but only once at Class 3 so should need easier. 16
11 SUPERSONICSURPRISE ** Placed at two of last three outings in this Grade. Was held up and ran on well last start. Could show up. 10
12 DESERT FOX ** Resuming with blinkers back on. Most recent trial was solid and can show up in this grade. 12
Race 7
Selections; 1 TENMA – 2 MILLION ROUND – 3 SACRED CROWN – 4 ALWAYS A WINNER
A Class 5 for a bunch of battlers over the 1200m. TENMA might find this field to his liking and if he shows his best he might be better than most. ALWAYS A WINNER is a Class 5 professional who usually gives a sight in this company; the claim helps and will be handy throughout. SACRED CROWN fits the same bill. He has won five times in this grade and whilst not the most reliable is always a threat in this company. SUPER STAR ran on well last start and will go better with a more positive ride. RIO DE JANIERO is still a Maiden but has placed four times from nine starts on poly and with no weight could make his presence felt. MILLION ROUND placed last start and is often thereabouts.
1 TENMA *** Only win was on turf but has been thereabouts on the Poly of late and this race has no depth. 20
2 MILLION ROUND *** Just missed last start and gets his chance in this field. 10
3 SACRED CROWN *** Not the most reliable but showed last start why he is always a threat in this company. 4.00
4 ALWAYS A WINNER *** Another Class 5 professional who usually gives a sight in this company. Claim helps and will be handy throughout. 4.00
5 GREAT LIGHT * Battling in this Grade and hasn’t won for nearly two years. 25
6 AMI ELEVEN * Has two placings in 16 starts and they were both on turf. 33
7 RIO DE JANEIRO *** Still a Maiden but has placed four times from nine starts on poly and with no weight could make his presence felt. 5.00
8 FLYING MISSION * Not the most reliable but could show up. 14
9 PURE WHITE * Still a Maiden after 27 starts but occasionally shows up over this distance. 33
10 SUPER SPUR *** Ran on well last start and will go better with a more positive ride. 5.00
11 JACKPOT * Could be running on with blinkers to winkers. 20
12 RAINBOW STAR * Form poor and has placed only twice in 24 starts. 33
13 ONE MORE ACHIEVER * Only win has been this Class and distance. Recent form ordinary. 25
14 SPACE ODDITY ** Racing solidly since resuming and could make his presence felt if he gets a start. 12
Race 8
Selections; 1 BROTHER WIND – 10 KNIGHT SPIRIT – 8 ABOVE THE HORIZON – 4 STAR CHOICE
A tough race for punters but two last start winners in BROTHER WIND and FRENCH VINTAGE look like safe options. Both broke their respective maiden status’ on that occasion with BROTHER WIND probably more impressive given it was in this company. One to watch at odds could be the veteran KNIGHT SPIRIT. With THANKFULNESS and perhaps the first emergency XZUBERANCE both pace influences, KNIGHT SPIRIT could be suited on a track that should help swoopers so worth a look. Other improvers include STAR CHOICE with blinkers added and GOLD RESERVE could be forgiven for one bad run. ABOVE THE HORIZON probably has the most solid form of any of the runners and looks the best each-way option.
1 BROTHER WIND *** Heavily supported when breaking maiden status last start and step up to the mile looks ideal. 3.00
2 SIAMESE CAT ** Shown nothing at three Singapore starts but trialled well recently and could show up with blinkers off. 20
3 MR CONNERY * Recent trial OK but a better option on the Poly. 20
4 STAR CHOICE *** Form better than it reads and will appreciate this company with blinkers added. 12
5 WATER PARK * Blinkers on. Continues to trial well but race form is terrible. 33
6 WINNING GOOD ** Battled on OK last start and mile suits so should improve. 33
7 THANKFULNESS ** Will race in a forward position and in this a long way. 10
8 ABOVE THE HORIZON *** Excuses for only bad run of late and recent good trial has him under notice. 5.00
9 GOLD RESERVE *** Coming off a shocker but win similar affair two starts back so has to be some show. 10
10 KNIGHT SPIRIT *** Veteran who will be running on strongly in a race that looks suitable. 20
11 ALFONSO ** Not far away last start and pay to keep safe. 20
12 DRAGON ** Unreliable but the mile is his caper so could so up. 33
13 FRENCH VINTAGE *** Broke through for overdue maiden win last start and this is not a strong field so must go close. 7.00
14 AMISTAD ** Recent good form in Class 5 and may need that company. 20
15 XZUBERANCE *** Will win in this company sooner than later and very forward run expected. 8.00
16 SUN FORCE * Needs to show more. 100
Race 9
Selections; 1 DANIEL – 2 BEST TOTHELIGN – 6 SPANISH BAY – 5 GOOD NEWS
An excellent race and you could do the form numerous times and find different winners on each occasion. Hopefully class prevails and DANIEL shows his best. He has weight to carry but it looks fair with two runs under his belt this campaign. In no particular order, BEST TOTHELIGN looks the benchmark on recent form and SLEW OF LODE dead-heated with him for second last start so he has to also be considered. SPANISH BAY will find this easier than the Stewards’ Cup and looks well weighted and GOOD NEWS showed last start what he can do if the race is run to suit swoopers – which this should. Keep an eye on most others and enjoy what should be a beauty.
1 DANIEL *** Two runs this campaign have been solid and right in this. 6.00
2 BEST TOTHELIGN *** In cracking form and looks the benchmark. 3.00
3 SLEW OF LODE *** Dead-heated with Best Tothelign last start at odds and that form holds up. 6.00
4 GOLD RUTILE ** Form better than it reads and too honest to leave out of calculations. 12
5 GOOD NEWS *** Showed last start why he is always a winning show hen race run to suit swoopers. 5.00
6 SPANISH BAY *** Will find this easier than the Stewards’ Cup and could be hard to hold out with 53.5kg. 4.00
7 TRUDEAU * Veteran who hasn’t shown form for a while but recent trial was an improvement. 33
8 STORM TROOPS ** Another progressive type who will find this easier than the set weights of the Stewards’ Cup. 20
9 MARTIN * Needs longer. 100
Race 10
Selections; 2 SPEEDY DRAGON – 1 GREAT SUN – 10 HADES – 4 CASTOR
Another good Poly sprint and while there could be some that are in the mix at odds, the two top-rated horses in GREAT SUN and SPEEDY DRAGON look the one’s to beat. Both come into this with good runs in KSB company under their respective belts and both win without surprising. The pair also have 4kg claimers onboard to help their cause and SPEEDY DRAGON might just have the advantage jumping from a better gate. The biggest danger may be HADES with blinkers added. The 5YO comes off a nice turf run but has won on the Poly and a recent trial good enough to follow. CASTOR another that wins on strong poly form and throw a blanket over most others for exotics including NORTHERN BOSS at 100-1.
1 GREAT SUN *** Showed more than enough first up in good company to win this. 3.50
2 SPEEDY DRAGON *** Very progressive Poly sprinter who looks well placed to knock in another win. 3.00
3 SOUTHERN BOSS ** Speed to burn but obviously need to show more late. 20
4 CASTOR *** Did it tough last start so forgive and take on good form prior. 8.00
5 REACH FOR THE SUN ** Long time between wins but always looks a chance. 12
6 HONEST TRUTH * Hit a form slump and have to take on trust. 33
7 GATO NEGRO ** Another that is always a show on the Poly and should be value in this field. 12
8 HIMALAYA DRAGON ** Bounced back to form first up after a spell and pay to follow. 12
9 STAR GENERAL ** Has had excuses of late and could surprise at odds with gate 1 a factor. 33
10 HADES *** Showed plenty last start on the turf and can go on with the job after nice trial with blinkers added. 8.00
11 BARNATO ** Also gets blinkers and can include in exotics at value. 20
12 NORTHERN BOSS ** Form looks hopeless but will enjoy being back on the Poly and will be long odds. 100
Race 11
Selections; 2 TERMS OF REFERENCE – 5 EFFORTLESS – 6 BLUE MOON – 4 ARC CARA
The usual Class 4 sprint to finish the evening and hopefully we can narrow this down to two main hopes with a market guide on the rest. The two horses in question are TERMS OF REFERENCE and EFFORTLESS who both come into this with last start second placings under their belts. EFFORTLESS just missed behind Blue Diamond over 1000m but has won this trip and looks the one the punters will jump on. But TERMS OF REFERENCE has shown a liking to this company and a recent strong trial suggests he is hard to beat. Nothing else jumps off the page but BLUE MOON is due and the tote will be an excellent guide to the newcomer ARC CARA’s chances.
1 CLUTHA LAD ** Will enjoy the Poly and drop in Class and should be motoring late. 20
2 TERMS OF REFERENCE *** Due and recent trial suggests he can win this. 6.00
3 ROBIN HOOD ** Not far away last start over 1400m but back in trip a concern. 12
4 ARC CARA ** Former UK galloper who has looked solid at the trials with market watch in order. 12
5 EFFORTLESS *** Very hard to fault form and in this a very long way. 4.00
6 BLUE MOON ** Wide gate a concern but has been in very solid form in KSD Company and pay to keep safe with winkers off. 6.00
7 MR WHITAKER ** Hard to fault form but a year between wins is a concern given support. 8.00
8 PREFERRED ** Solid last couple and will appreciate being back on the Poly. 12
9 FAST JET ** Resuming after a good run in this company and worth a market watch. 12
10 IN BOCCA AL LUPO ** In solid form of late and this trip and track is his caper. 8.00
11 DRAGON KINGDOM ** Maiden who gets blinkers first time and could add value to exotics. 20
12 LIM’S CASINO * Some recent Poly form OK but should need easier. 33
