SPALATO looks hard to beat (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
We put high expectations on our champions and once again SPALATO will carry our hopes in another Group race, this time the Gr3 Garden City Trophy.
There are bigger races in Singapore – in fact plenty have much more importance – but given SPALTO resumes after an unfortunate bleeding attack in the Lion City Cup, this race is a big test to see if he is back as good as ever.
And at his best he was arguably the best in Singapore and both connections and fans of the now 7YO will be holding their collective breath as he takes on a small but good field at condition weights that include a newcomer from Australia in ÉCLAIR CHOICE.
The 5YO gelding is a two-time Group 2 winner and that Australian form should more than hold up at Singapore’s elite level with a couple of nice local trials suggesting he is up to the task at his Kranji 
debut.
If either aren’t at their best, the likes of WIMBLEDON with just 50.5kg appeal with some interest also in two progressive types in RAFAELLO and LINCOLN ROAD on relatively light weights.
But all eye’s on SPALATO to see if he can win and go on to show his best both in Singapore and internationally!
Sunday 21 August
Best Bets: (SPALATO race 9, win), (EL CAMINO race 10, each-way) and (ROYAL EXPLORER race 8, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 10 and 11), race 9 (1), race 10 (1, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 9) and race 11 (1, 2, 4, 5 and 7).
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; 3 BRING MONEY HOME – 1 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON – 8 TERMS OF REFERENCE – 6 GOLD PEREGRINE
A small field in a Class 3 over 1600m on the poly. BRING MONEY HOME is suited by this class, surface and distance; with Michael Rodd up should get a good run throughout and can win. SQUIRE OSBALDESTON has a solid poly record and has won twice at a mile; he is suited this grade and should get a good run throughout. TERMS OF REFERENCE is up in Grade but is an improving 4YO and has a strong poly record; with only 52kg he should be handy throughout. GOLD PEREGRINE ran on nicely in a BM83 last start over this trip and can be in the finish in this Company. CHASE did too well in Group Company last start to leave out but is a query on this surface.
1 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON *** Yet to win on the Poly but handles the surface and in good form over this trip. 3.00
2 KIRKS RYKER * Blinker off but disappointed last start and best efforts have been on turf. 16
3 BRING MONEY HOME *** Suited this class, surface and distance. Should be hard to beat with M Rodd from gate 3. 3.50
4 CHASE *** Not far away in Group 2 company last start following a big run over a mile in KSC company. Unplaced at only poly start but could be running on. 8.00
5 BRILLIANT DEAL * Recent form ordinary but could go forward and give a sight. 20
6 GOLD PEREGRINE *** Ran on nicely in BM83 last start over this trip. Rises 3kg but can be in the finish. 8.00
7 BLOSSOMS SEQUEL * Recent form poor but has won on the poly over 1600m in this class an gets the favours from gate 1. 14
8 TERMS OF REFERENCE *** Up in Grade but is improving and has a strong poly record. With only 52kg should be handy throughout. 4.00
Race 6
Selections; 4 SWIFT – 5 GENERAL CONATUS – 9 MASURAO – 1 NOVA ACE
A battler’s Class 5 over a mile on the turf where few have had much success at the distance or surface. SWIFT has been racing well on the poly since resuming, he has won twice on turf, is suited this trip and should be handy throughout. GENERAL CONATUS scored narrowly last start over this trip; he is up 2.5kg but should be running on late. MASURAO’s only win and placings have been on turf and his recent efforts on this surface have been good and he could show up. Of the Maidens SCIMITAR was not far away on turf last start and his best efforts have been on that surface so he could show up. SILVER TYCOON has two placings on turf and placed on the poly in Maiden company over this trip; he should get a good run with Glen Boss to ride. NOVA ACE is yet to place in 10 starts but ran 4th over 1400m in this grade three starts back and could improve.
1 NOVA ACE *** Yet to place in 10 starts but ran 4th over 1400m in this grade three starts back and could improve at this trip. 12
2 SILVER TYCOON ** Maiden who has been disappointing last couple but did look due prior. 8.00
3 BIG BANKER ** Only win was at this trip on poly in this Class. Recent form has been solid but yet to place in four turf outings. 10
4 SWIFT *** Racing well on poly since resuming. Has won twice on turf and suited this trip. Should be handy throughout. 5.00
5 GENERAL CONATUS *** Scored narrowly last start over this trip. Up 2.5kg and should be running on late. 6.00
6 RACING TALENT ** Has been battling but showed some improvement last start and extra distance may suit. 16
7 SCIMITAR ** Not far away on turf last start and will battle away. 6.00
8 JOY AND HAPPY ** Not bad two start and excuses last start so worth including in exotics at odds. 33
9 MASURAO *** Only win and placings have been on turf. Recent turf efforts have been good and could show up. 6.00
10 PINYIN ** Placed over this trip 3 starts back. Dour but could be running on. 10
11 SHUYING XIAOXIAO ** Thereabouts of late but has yet to place in 16 outings. 33
12 BROWNE’S ANATOMY * Only wins have been on poly but suited this distance and could be running on. 14
13 ADRENALINE ** Not the most reliable but has put in some sound efforts of late. Has won at this distance and could go forward and give a sight. 10
Race 7
Selections; 1 CASING ROYAL – 2 MURRAYFIELD – 3 ABOVE THE SKYLINE – 5 WHITE HUNTER
A small but competitive field in a BM67 over 1400m. The race does suit CASING ROYAL who won in this class and distance last start. The 4YO drops 0.5kg and from a good gate with Harry Kassim to ride again, he should be hard to beat. MURRAYFIELD won comfortably in this grade last start over a mile; he rises 4 kg but has won twice at the distance and should be in the finish. ABOVE THE SKYLINE just missed last start in Class 3 and his recent trial was solid so no reason he isn’t in the mix. WHITE HUNTER will find this easier than last outing in a BM83 but he goes up 4.5kg and the trip may test but he can give a sight. RED DAWN showed improvement in Class 3 last start and should be on the speed throughout from the good gate.
1 CASING ROYAL *** Won in this class and distance last start. Drops 0.5kg and will be hard to beat again. 3.00
2 MURRAYFIELD *** Won comfortably in this grade last start over a mile, rises 4 kg but has won twice at the distance and should be in the finish. 3.50
3 ABOVE THE SKYLINE *** Just missed last start in Class 3 and recent trial was solid. Can get in the finish. 4.00
4 RED DAWN ** Showed improvement in Class 3 last start and should be on the speed throughout from the good gate. 6.00
5 WHITE HUNTER ** Will find this easier than last outing in BM83. Rises 4.5kg and trip may test but can give a sight. 5.50
6 THE JEUNEYMAN * Won in Class 4 last start over this trip. This is harder but can be handy throughout. 20
7 CITY OF KIRKWALL * Well back when resuming and wants longer. 33
Race 8
Selections; 1 ALFONSO – 5 ROYAL EXPLORER – 11 EASY DRAGON – 10 CAMERA STELLATA
An ugly race to start the “jackpot” or “quaddie” leg and truth be told you could make a strong case for most of these runners including the first emergency, ROAN RANGER. But unless you have a big budget it will pay to concentrate on those horses that will race handy and ALFONSO certainly fits that bill. The 7YO doesn’t win out of turn but is due and should get the favours out front from gate 5. One at value could be ROYAL EXPLORER, one of three from the stables of Pat Shaw. He does look the pick of the Shaw trio and should race handy with MM Firdaus claiming 2kg. Too many others that can win to mention them all but two maidens in EASY DRAGON and CAMERA STELLATA both will win sooner than later in Class 5 and obviously two last start winners in CHEETAH KING and MISS STREISAND win again without surprising.
1 ALFONSO *** Looks due and very hard to pass late. 3.50
2 CHEETAH KING *** Raced handy when bolting in this trip last start and hard to beat on that effort. 5.00
3 HANDSOME RABID ** Not a lot to offer last start but pay to keep safe on win prior. 12
4 ORION ** Maiden status a concern but usually in the mix in this type of race. 12
5 ROYAL EXPLORER *** Form reads badly but watch for support dropping to Class 5 and should improve. 12
6 WINNING GOOD * Not travelling that well but another that will appreciate Class 5. 100
7 MISS STREISAND *** Broke maiden status when having first start in Class 5 and can go on with the job. 6.00
8 WATER PARK ** Not a mile away at odds in this Company last start and could figure. 20
9 BIMALA *** Form just fair but back in winning Class has him under notice with best work expected late. 12
10 CAMERA STELLATA *** Thirteen start maiden but suited this company over the mile. 12
11 EASY DRAGON *** Maiden who showed last start that Class 5 is his caper and mile will suit. 8.00
12 GOLD LINE ** Resuming with the odd good trial under his belt and solid enough to include in exotics. 20
13 ROAN RANGER *** Excuses not to win last start and must go close if he gets a start. 8.00
14 JIMTOWN * Placed two back but easier to ignore. 33
Race 9
Selections; 1 SPALATO – 2 ECLAIR CHOICE – 8 WIMBLEDON – 3 RAISE NO DOUBT
While a very handy newcomer in ECLAIR CHOICE does keep things interesting, this race does look SPALATO’S for the taking. The 7YO famously burst on the Singapore racing scene as a 4YO winning two Group 1’s – including the Derby – in just four career starts. He has had a somewhat chequered career since – including a barren HK sojourn – but at his best he is the best. It’s that simple and he can win first up after an unfortunate bleeding attack in the Lion City Cup. As mentioned it might be the strong Australian form of ECLAIR CHOICE that beats him. The 5YO is a two-time Group 2 winner and that has to stack up against most of this field. On ratings, WIMBLEDON is extremely well placed with just 50.5kg and RAISE NO DOUBT keeps everyone honest. SEBAS the “lay” as his excellent recent form is on the Poly and happy to ignore him on the turf at this level over 1200m.
1 SPALATO *** Group 1 winner resuming after bleeding attack in the Lion City and hard to beat with nice recent trial a pointer. 2.60
2 ECLAIR CHOICE *** Top-line Australian sprinter who looked impressive at recent trial and will have supporters to win at Singapore debut. 4.00
3 RAISE NO DOUBT ** Tested against a couple of the big guns but very honest and should figure in the mix. 12
4 CAVALLO * Not a mile away last start this trip and track and can include in skinny end of exotics. 20
5 SEBAS * In excellent form on the Poly and that surface is his caper. 33
6 HYPERNOVA ** Long time between wins but placed two back this trip and track so could figure in the placings. 12
7 RAFAELLO ** Progressive sprinter who showed last start he will be more than competitive in any company. 8.00
8 WIMBLEDON ** Usually in the mix and very much appreciates the lightweight. 8.00
9 LINCOLN ROAD ** Another very progressive sprinter who could spring a surprise with just 50.5kg. 6.00
Race 10
Selections; 1 EL CAMINO – 9 FLYING WINNER – 3 LINCOLN’S EXCUSE – 7 HOT GOLD
A liking for 1400m looks the key to a few of the top fancies in this race including EL CAMINO whose only win was over this trip. That win was also first up after a spell and the 4YO looks well placed resuming with a Kif Toh 3kg claim and should race handy enough to have big say at the business end. The likely leader is FLYING WINNER who also knocked in his only win over 1400m. The 5YO is super honest and will look the winner late with Munro likely to get a few favours out front after drawing the ace. Both HOT GOLD and CORDOBA are 1400m specialists and can often be value so keep safe while LINCOLN’S EXCUSE can be excused (no pun intended) for his last start poor run as his form prior has him having a say here. THE WIND some hope if race run to suit swoopers.
1 EL CAMINO *** Resuming. Will find this a lot easier company than last start and can win with a handy 3kg claim. 4.00
2 STAR STRIKE ** Form reads only fair but appreciates first up run and should improve with visor added. 12
3 LINCOLN’S EXCUSE *** Drops back to easier Company and just missed this trip three starts back so looks a big show. 4.00
4 THE WIND *** Maiden win this trip and showed last start he is close to winning again. 6.00
5 HIGH COUNCIL ** Something looked amiss last start and happy to follow each way on form prior. 20
6 CORDOBA *** Ignore last couple as very much appreciates being back on the turf over 1400m. 12
7 HOT GOLD *** Another that is always a show over this trip and often each-way value. 8.00
8 FAST JET ** Not a mile away last start but like to see on the Poly. 33
9 FLYING WINNER *** Honest and in this a very long way from the ace. 8.00
10 HAPPY SAGA ** This is tougher than last start Class 5 win but should be competitive. 12
11 PERCIUS ** Not a mile away last start but should need Class 5 to win. 20
Race 11
Selections; 2 CONSTANT JUSTICE – 5 GRAND CROSS – 1 SUPER SIX – 7 SPECIAL ID
A Class 4 sprint to finish what should have been a big days racing but a tough one for punters with a couple of newcomers from Australia in CONSTANT JUSTICE and HERO CHAMPION making the form tough. Coincidentally, both are two time winners over 1000m but of the two, CONSTANT JUSTICE has been the more impressive at local trials so can win at his Singapore debut with the market a good guide. Of the locals he will have to beat, GRAND CROSS gets his chance to repay the punters faith after two starts in Singapore with heavy support and no wins. He has drawn wide but gets blinkers and does look like winning sooner than later. SPECIAL ID and BLUE DIAMOND two others that win on best form with a blanket over the rest.
1 SUPER SIX *** In form and should figure prominently throughout from gate 4. 6.00
2 CONSTANT JUSTICE *** Former Australian whose winning form was over this trip and local trials suggest he goes well here. 3.50
3 HERO CHAMPION ** Another two-time winner from Australia making local debut but like to see support on solid trial form. 12
4 BLUE DIAMOND *** Just fair last start but will win in this company over this trip sooner than later. 8.00
5 GRAND CROSS *** Drawn badly but had excuses with support at both Singapore starts and can make amends with blinkers added. 4.00
6 MEGATHINK * No. 100
7 SPECIAL ID *** Excuses when supported last start and happy to give another chance on big run two back. 9.00
8 STOCK BROKER ** Finished out of the places as even money fave in easier company than this last start and have to take on trust. 12
9 UNSURPASSED ** Yet to win in Singapore always looks a show so keep safe. 20
10 HELEN ** Honest enough but should need easier to win. 20
11 DOUBLE CASH ** Can never discount over 1000m but love to see in Class 5. 20
12 HIKO YUNIKON ** Always a sneaky hope at odds on the Poly but should need easier. 33
