With hopefully a Singapore victory courtesy of ROCKET MAN in Japan already under the belt, a bumper six-race is on offer from Kranji on Sunday.
And while all eyes were on the Nakayama Racecourse in Tokyo earlier in the day, the attention will well and truly be back on Singapore for the Group 1 Panasonic Kranji Mile.
The $500,000 feature, the first leg of the Singapore Triple Crown, has attracted the stars of Singapore racing with BETTER THAN EVER, WAIKATO, CAPTAIN OBVIOUS and SPEED BABY leading the charge.
And while evergreen trainer, Laurie Laxon, is sure to play a big part in the race with BETTER THAN EVER and WAIKATO, it is Steve Burridge with three runners that looks to hold the aces.
Apart from CAPTAIN OBVIOUS and SPEED BABY, first and second respectively in the Jumbo Jet Trophy over 1400m, he also has last years Longines Singapore Gold Cup winner, RISKY BUSINESS, in the star-studded field.
Of the three Burridge runners, SPEED BABY looks set to capitalize on a slashing run in the Jumbo Jet Trophy and the 1600m looks ideal for the FASTNET ROCK 5YO to knock in another Group win.
The field has plenty of depth – the bottom rated CLEAR FOR ACTION is no slouch – and the race looks a cracker and the entrée to the Raffles Cup over 1800m in October and the time-honoured Longines Singapore Gold Cup in November.
All races are on the Long Course (A) Turf.
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Best Bets; DISTINCTION (Race 11, win), KINGTRAP (race 12, value), DANNY/PERFECT KID (race 9, swinger). Bankers for Jackpots: Race 9 (1 and 2) race 10 (1, 2, 3 and 4), race 11 (6) and race 12 (field).
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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 7
Selections; 1 DOMINANT FORCE – 3 SANTISIMA TRINIDAD – 2 ZAC DETONATOR – 10 JOLLY ONE
These Class 5 staying affairs are often raffles but there is some solid form to go in this which makes for an interesting betting race. And while we have a few recent winners, I think the form line from the ZAC DETONATOR/DOMINANT FORCE race will hold up and I have the latter getting the upper hand in this. Bar a rare upheld protest, the ZL Mok-trained 6YO would have won at his last two turf outings over similar distances and no reason to think that form stops today. From that same race I think SANTISIMA TRINIDAD is the improver and he looks ready to show his best. Although not placing from seven career starts, the GALILEO 4YO had excuses in running and showed enough late to think he goes close today. Keeping with that form line I have ZAC DETONATOR in for a placing – he appreciates being back in Class 5 company – and for value I will be keeping JOLLY ONE involved in exotics as his last start effort was full of merit. Obviously ALL DRAMA and MIURA are some hope but this race looks a step up from their last outing.
1 DOMINANT FORCE *** Lost in a protest last start similar affair and can make amends here. 4.00
2 ZAC DETONATOR *** Won two starts back (in a protest) in what was a similar affair and pay to follow. 5.50
3 SANTISIMA TRINIDAD *** Excuses not to be in the mix last start and looks ready to show his best – watch. 8.00
4 DEBONAIR ** Hard to have on form but appreciates the step up in distance so look for improvement and tote support. 12
5 GOLDEN LEOPARD * Blinkers off but first up over this distance a tough ask. 100
6 ALL DRAMA *** Broke maiden status in fine style last start and have to follow on that run. 3.50
7 MIURA *** Placed behind ALL DRAMA last start and should be right in this. 10
8 GOLD NECK *** Honest, often value and worth a look each way in what is an open race. 8.00
9 SO GOOD * Happy to ignore. 100
10 JOLLY ONE *** A lot to like about his last start with excuses and pay to keep very safe. 8.00
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Race 8
Selections; 5 THE COMEDIAN – 3 SILVERON WINGS – 4 DITTATORE – 2 APACHE CROWN
MR RAFFLES probably starts favourite and rightly so in a race he looks very well suited. While disappointing not to have won since February, the handsome Storm Creek gelding has been thereabouts but his first run back from a spell was good enough to think the break did him the world of good and can win over his best trip. The fact Vlad Duric has picked him over a couple of others regular good rides and has drawn gate one is also in his favour. But I think he will be shorter than he should be and happy to look elsewhere in what is a very good race. THE COMEDIAN is one horse that looks to be flying and his last start win (with Duric on board) suggests he has turned the corner and it will pay to follow. This race looks ideal and Joao Moreira looks an able replacement and he should go mighty close to knocking in his third Singapore win. There was also a lot to like about SILVERON WINGS run two starts back (with Duric on board) and his recent effort in Group company was good enough to follow again in this field. He will get back and with a handy 3kg claim will be flying late and a definite each way hope. DITTATORE gets into my top three on value and while obviously silly to leave out MR RAFFLES out of my top four, I will also be keeping APACHE CROWN safe as he is due to turn some of his great form into a win. ARADEA a must for novelties in what is a very open affair.
1 MR RAFFLES *** First up run was very impressive and can win back on what looks his better surface/distance. 3.00
2 APACHE CROWN *** In super form and just needs a result for his great efforts – each way. 6.00
3 SILVERON WINGS *** Outclassed last time out but run two starts back was excellent with excuses and right in this. 5.00
4 DITTATORE *** Consistent and often value – watch as right in this finish. 9.00
5 THE COMEDIAN *** Has found a rich vein of form and can win again in what is a suitable race – follow. 4.00
6 BRUNEI ROYAL ** Yet to bring his A game to Singapore but pay to keep safe as trials too well not to show something. 20
7 SHAOLIN SOLDIER ** Last run better than the result and will come into his own late. 30
8 ARADEA *** In form and no reason to think he doesn’t continue that run here – watch at value. 15
9 NEW TARGET * Struggling of late. 200
10 PARK AVENUE ** Nice enough win last time out but this is a bit tougher – place best result. 12
Race 9
Selections; 1 DANNY – 2 PERFECT KID – 8 LUCKY MORE LUCKY – 5 TERRA FIRMA
While there looks to be two stand-outs – DANNY and PERFECT KID – in this Maiden mile, a few decent efforts by some of the other runners does suggest it might be a tricky affair. But in saying that I think DANNY and PERFECT KID are the one’s to beat with DANNY the top pick on his big efforts at his last two starts. The Laurie Laxon-trained 4YO looked the winner two runs back before doing it tough from the wide gate last start for a very good placing. His work to the line suggests he had something up his sleeve and from gate four with a 3kg claim he can win. Like DANNY, PERFECT KID has placed at his last two and should appreciate stepping up to mile. He is fresh for this and should get a nice run from gate three for Joao Moreira. Of the rest it is raffle with the likes of LUCKY MORE LUCKY, TERRA FIRMA, SUPER STAR and TRIGGER INSIGHT all putting in much needed good runs.
1 DANNY *** Excuses last start not to finish closer if not win and gets his chance today from nice gate with handy 3kg claim. 3.00
2 PERFECT KID *** Freshened after getting home well at his last couple over 1400m – big show. 2.30
3 SPANISH TRAIN * Hard to have on exposed form. 100
4 TRIGGER INSIGHT *** Can mix his form and drawn awkwardly but showed last start what he has to offer and blinkers back on today so keep safe. 6.00
5 TERRA FIRMA *** Showed enough late last start similar affair to follow at odds. 15
6 LAVA LAVA * Blinkers off but still, no. 200
7 JURY’S OUT ** Last start better than the result and might run a forward race with senior hoop. 30
8 LUCKY MORE LUCKY *** Turned around some ordinary form with a barn-storming finish and have to respect on that effort. 10
9 SUPER STAR *** Showed last start the step up to the mile looks his caper – keep involved on that effort. 20
10 LUCKY FUJI ** Last start better and will add value to exotics. 40
11 BIONIC STAR * Hasn’t backed up good run from a few starts back. 50
12 ETERNAL FLY ** Had support last start and while disappointing can go OK on his day. 20
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Race 10
Selections; 4 SPEED BABY – 2 BETTER THAN EVER – 3 WAIKATO – 1 CAPTAIN OBVIOUS
Firstly, in WFA Group races it rarely pays to stray from the top-rated horses. Obvious I know, but I’m often tempted to look down the list for horses that can handle themselves in most company and look ready to step up. But more often than not they don’t and the form from the Jumbo Jet (WFA) should hold up with CAPTAIN OBVIOUS, SPEED BABY, BETTER THAN EVER and WAIKATO the picks. And the horse to be on from that 1400m event is SPEED BABY after his huge run to the wire late. The Steve Burridge-trained 5YO had an impressive record in Malaysia and it didn’t take long to show his best in Singapore. A group placing over 1400m followed by an impressive Group win over the mile suggests this is his distance and every chance to knock in a win here with his old partner, I Azhar, back in the saddle. While disappointing last start and certainly not the horse he was twelve months ago, I’m happy to give BETTER THAN EVER another chance for the work he did late in the Jumbo Jet. The Singapore record holder has a heart to match his class and that will count for plenty in what looks a cracker of a race. The war-horse, WAIKATO, also looks suited to show his best over the mile and CAPTAIN OBVIOUS was only an omission from the top three due to the fact he hasn’t won over the mile. Throw in KEEP AWAY (often value) and a host of others in the mix as this field does have depth.
1 CAPTAIN OBVIOUS *** Coming off his first Group victory in Singapore and while he has never won over the mile he has to be respected. 4.00
2 BETTER THAN EVER *** Well beaten in the Jumbo Jet Trophy but was doing best work on the line suggesting he has more to offer over the mile. 5.00
3 WAIKATO *** Never really a threat in the Jumbo Jet but mile suits and will keep them all honest. 10
4 SPEED BABY *** Flying late in the Jumbo Jet and that run has him cherry ripe to win this – big show. 5.00
5 RISKY BUSINESS ** Too good to dismiss and will be doing best work late but should find this too short and happy to wait. 20 6 ALWAYS CERTAIN *** Excellent effort to beat GINGERBREAD MAN over 1800m and fresh enough here to think he goes close if race run to suits swoopers. 7.00
7 KEEP AWAY ** Not at his best last start with top-impost but pay to keep safe at odds as form prior terrific and loves the mile. 40
8 CLINT *** Super effort first up over the mile after winning the Derby and while better over longer he has to be some hope. 12 9 FLYING FULTON *** Turned some great form into a well deserved Group win and has to be a big hope over that winning distance. 8.00
10 JAMAL MALIK * Disappointing last run in a race that looked suitable and hard to have at WFA. 50
11 GOLDEN NUMBER ** Fresh and will ensure a solid pace – exotics at value. 40
12 TRAFALGAR LEGACY ** Never runs a bad race but this is obviously a big assignment with blinkers back on. 40
13 CLEAR FOR ACTION ** Big step up in Class for this lightly raced 4YO but has ability and blinkers on first time. 20
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Race 11
Selections; 6 DISTINCTION – 9 DRUNKEN PARTNERS – 5 CARIBBEAN MOON – 7 JAZZ IT UP
Not a done deal by any means but DISTINCTION does look a horse to follow and can win this Novice event. The BRILLIANCE 3YO has been impressive at his three career starts (one win, two places) and looked a good thing beaten last time out when he did it tougher than most. Blinkers have been added today and he showed enough at a recent trial with head-gear to think he can make amends with Vlad Duric in the saddle. Of the rest I think you can make a similar case for CARIBBEAN MOON (solid last start), JAZZ IT UP (coming off a maiden win) and LINDT (excuses last start) – all in well at the conditions and right in this. However, DRUNKEN PARTNERS showed enough at his race debut to think he very much appreciates the experience (very green) and offer something at odds. A good race, but DISTINCTION hard to beat.
1 SUPER ZUCCA ** Very much appreciates Singapore debut and should improve over more ground – watch tote. 30
2 LEAVE ME ALONE ** Two runs since maiden win have been ordinary but should be more competitive. 40
3 ITISWHATITIS * Bad start gave him no chance last start but still needs to show more and might need easier. 100
4 DADDY COOL * Resuming with blinkers/pacifiers after just fair debut – not for me. 100
5 CARIBBEAN MOON *** Showed more than enough similar affair/conditions to think she is right in this. 6.00
6 DISTINCTION *** Looked a good thing beaten after doing it tough last start and can make amends with blinkers added today. 2.00
7 JAZZ IT UP *** Backed up a good debut with a solid win and suited to run well in this. 3.00
8 LINDT *** Excuses last start (respiratory) so happy to ignore and take on good win two starts back. 6.00
9 DRUNKEN PARTNERS *** Enough to like about a very green but eye-catching debut to think he improves for the run and worth a look at odds. 20
10 SUPER VELOX * Needs to lift on debut effort. 200
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Race 12
Selections; 3 BIG FORTUNE – 4 KINGTRAP – 1 URBAN DANCER – 10 BETTER FRIENDS
As you would expect we have a very competitive Class 4 to finish the meeting with most runners some hope. In fact you could make a winning case for all (although a long bow with WOLFSBANE) and the betting will be interesting. But when in doubt, winning Class 4 form is obviously going to hold up here and BIG FORTUNE looks a good on-top option. And with Joao Moreira being replaced by the relatively unknown 1kg claimer TO Chang, the NO EXCUSES NEEDED 5YO might get out to very backable each-way odds which would be handy given the depth in this field. I will also be keeping a close eye on KINGTRAP back in this company as he was doing more than enough in Class 3 to think he gives this a shake. Trainer David Hill has taken the blinkers off and hopefully from the wide gate he settle OK and shows his best late (at odds) in what could be a busy finish. URBAN DANCER has been freshened but picks himself on form with BETTER FRIENDS also likely to go well with support for Joao Moreira on what he showed last start. Throw a blanket over the field and obviously go very wide in exotic bets.
1 URBAN DANCER *** Freshened after just a fair outing as favourite last start but this is suitable to get right back into the mix. 4.00
2 MATTERHORN ** Super disappointing last start and while obviously better than that you would have to take on some trust. 12
3 BIG FORTUNE *** Followed up a big run with a very strong win and step up to 1400m looks no issue – good chance. 6.00
4 KINGTRAP *** Has been in sparkling form in better company and looks a real show in winning Class with blinkers removed. 12
5 TARANKALI *** Racing in top form but will need luck form bad gate to break Singapore duck. 7.00
6 MOVIE GOER *** Very solid placing last start at generous odds – follow each-way. 15
7 TOUCH THE LINE *** Ignore last start on the Poly as a better option back on recent winning surface and trip. 12
8 BOUNDLESS GLORY ** Last start maiden winner and while he will be more than competitive this does look a nice Class 4 field and place preferred. 10
9 BEAT TO QUARTERS *** Drawn awkwardly but very much appreciates first run back and will be the big improver. 20
10 BETTER FRIENDS *** Turned around his form at his last start and pay to follow as that effort has him winning soon. 4.00
11 CAN BE BETTER ** Battled away last start and while he needs to lift to be a threat he can be included in exotics. 40
12 WOLFSBANE ** Might appreciate step up to 1400m. 100
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