Sonny Yeoh is never going to win a trainers premiership. The numbers just don’t add up. 30 odd stalls and a bunch of battlers will keep the new trainer busy but even Sonny – who took over reins from his brother Dr Yeoh late last year – will tell you that he is not in the same league as a Laurie Laxon or Michael Freedman. And truth be told for the soft-spoken local, he would have it no other way. But Sonny might have two horses on his books that put him firmly in the limelight and right in the mix with some of his more illustrious counterparts.
STEPITUP and MAGICAL TALENT – who both look leading hopes on Friday’s 10 race card – are 3YO’s with enough ability to have a big say in this years Three Year Old Series, which kicks off with the Sprint on March 31. STEPITUP burst on to the scene with three straight wins – all super impressive – before having excuses to taste defeat for the first time in January. The Hussonet gelding would have lost no friends on that occasion and regular hoop, Ivaldo Santana, will be hoping to make quick amends in the Class 3 Canada Cup (race 8) over 1200m. The race has depth – ENCOSTA DIABLO and OTHELLO to name just two with claims – but STEPITUP looks one out of the box and should win. MAGICAL TALENT can make it a double for the Yeoh stable in the lucky last. The former Australian had a promising juvenile career in Sydney before arriving in Singapore but it was his impressive Class 4 win at his Kranji debut that stamped him as a 3YO to follow. The fact he stays in Class 4 – albeit carrying the top-weight of 57kg suggests he wins again which would put him well and truly in contention for a start in the 3YO Group races with his stablemate, STEPITUP. Good luck Sonny.
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Best Bets; LIGHTNING BALL (race 2, win), CANNON HILL (race 3, win) and MAGICAL TALENT (race 10, win).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 7 (1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 9), race 8 (Field), race 9 (3 and 8) and race 10 (1).
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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 1
Selections; 7 SACRED PRINCE – 5 STATE TROOPER – 10 WINNING DAN – 8 LUCKY SUN
Shocking opener so horses with winning form obviously have to be respected with SACRED PRINCE the pick. Oddly, given the nature of this lowly rated race, the 6YO has won three times over this trip/surface from his last 10 starts and a freshen up for this race looks ideal. The other horse coming off a last start win is LUCKY SUN but although the veteran is in the mix, not sure back-to-back wins is possible at start 126. STATE TROOPER is resuming with a good trial under his belt which is handy given his poor form at his previous two runs. But prior to that the Joao Moreira mount was supported and going OK so worth a look with blinkers off and winkers on. Of the rest, WINNING DAN and HOPEYOUDONMIND come through the LUCKY SUN race (the latter with value the key here) and the emergency, WONDER GENERAL, comes under notice after being very stiff last start (although turf a concern).
1 SPEEDY BOLT ** Form looks hopeless but OK very late last start and appreciates nice gate and Class 5; improves. 33
2 DOUBLE S ** In OK form and will run a cheeky race but query on the turf and 1200m. 10
3 NINETYFIVE ARRIVAL * Resuming sans winkers and while recent trial OK his form last campaign was ordinary. 33
4 GALLANT HEIGHTS * Battled away last two but probably needs further. 50
5 STATE TROOPER *** Resuming with blinkers downgraded to winkers after two poor runs; form prior and good recent trial has him under notice in this field. 4.00
6 CRACKERJACK ** Last start OK and could place at odds with winkers added and handy 3kg claim. 20
7 SACRED PRINCE *** Freshened after win in similar affair; big show. 3.50
8 LUCKY SUN *** Winning form is good form – especially when having start number 126 – so pay to follow. 5.00
9 GOLDEN JAMBHALA ** Resuming and while better over longer, he could play a part late. 20
10 WINNING DAN *** Doing best work late behind LUCKY SUN last start has him well placed here; goes close. 5.00
11 HOPEUDONMIND *** Form reads terribly but came under some notice with good work late last start and is the value. 33
12 FOXY KID * Late Tien Chai. Senior hoop and good gate in his favour but easier to ignore. 20
13 WONDER GENERAL *** Might have been a good thing beaten with support last start so while a slight query on the surface, he must be respected. 6.00
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Race 2
Selections; 7 LIGHTNING BALL – 5 BOURBON GOLDMAN – 11 STREET CHAMP – 3 TOMORROWS DREAMS
Not a lot of horses look like having winning hopes in this and don’t be surprised if LIGHTNING BALL starts super short after a good debut placing. Add excuses from that run, blinkers/tonguetie and a good recent trial and the Madam Dragon-trained 3YO is very hard to beat. BOURBON GOLDMAN could be the only danger at his race debut. The Gallant Guru 3YO certainly did enough at the trials to think he is forward enough to go well and the market will be a very good guide. The market may also give us a pointer to the Leslie Khoo-trained STREET CHAMP as he returns to the track after a solid first campaign. Likewise TOMORROWS DREAM first-up after a spell and keep SICILIAN DRAGON safe with winkers added.
1 WAVERIDER * Winkers and tongue-tie go on but hard to have on what we have seen thus far. 100
2 MR MARVEL ** Blinkers go back on after putting in a shocker; OK on his day but take on trust. 20
3 TOMORROWS DREAMS *** Resuming sans blinkers and certainly showed enough last campaign to think he goes well first up. 6.00
4 LITTLE GIANT * Struggling. 100
5 BOURBON GOLDMAN *** Trialed well enough to play a big part in this field on debut with market support likely. 4.00
6 FLASHWIND * No support at debut where jockey reported not striding; not for me. 50
7 LIGHTNING BALL *** Excuses at debut not to finish closer and recent trial with blinkers has him hard to beat. 2.20
8 SICILIAN DRAGON *** Just fair last start but debut good enough to follow with winkers added today. 12
9 TROUBLE SHOOTER ** Improves for the debut run and gate one always a bonus. 12
10 LAM EDITION ** Trial OK but wide gate on debut always a concern; market a good guide. 20
11 STREET CHAMP *** Resuming and certainly showed enough last campaign to seriously consider first up. 8.00
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Race 3
Selections; 3 CANNON HILL – 5 THE GREAT GREY – 1 ROCK YOU – 8 THINK AHEAD
Great little race and happy to think there might be plenty of value available on the day given there looks more than a few winning hopes. But CANNON HILL looked stiff not to win last start in what looked a nice enough field and while he might be short in the betting; he does look ready to win. The Irish-bred gelding has yet to win in Singapore (nine starts) but is due and this race – although it has depth – looks perfect. The THE GREAT GREY also looks well placed here after showing plenty first up over 1400m. The S Gray-trained 4YO will be looking at a win here to put him well and truly into Derby contention and certainly looks the type to follow. Throw a blanket over ROCK ART (due!!), SPINNING SUCCESS and down the weights (with value in mind); THINK AHEAD, LUCKY RISE and DARING JOURNEY.
1 ROCK YOU *** Obviously due and 1800m could be what he needs; big show. 4.00
2 SPINNING SUCCESS *** Not beaten a long way last start similar affair and always an eachway show. 8.00
3 CANNON HILL *** Looked unlucky not to beat his stable-mate Greenstone last start and hard to beat here. 3.50
4 LORD ROBERTO ** Blinkers back on after battling away last start over the mile; exotics. 12
5 THE GREAT GREY *** Big job to place first up over 1400m and this looks ideal to win again. 5.00
6 KOBE TOP GUN ** Poor effort last few but the type who can show up at odds. 50
7 CHIEF SECRETARY ** Honest and always an each-way hope in races like this. 12
8 THINK AHEAD *** Out-and-out stayer who showed more than enough last start to follow. 12
9 LUCKY RISE *** Start costly last time-out and work late has him having say here; keep safe at value. 12
10 AMAZON BOY * No. 20011 DARING JOURNEY *** Up in Class after rare poly win and worth following with switch to turf in his favour. 12
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Race 4
Selections; 8 OM – 6 I-SCREAM NOW – 9 YES BABA – 10 ZAC DOMINION
A very tough Restricted Maiden to find the winner with plenty of good form to go on but a few being backed and beaten at recent runs. One of those who have been disappointing for favourite backers is OM but with blinkers added today, he gets another chance. A half-brother to record holder Better Than Ever, OM has certainly showed enough to think he wins soon and the headgear might be what he needs. In an open race, I SCREAM NOW might get out to value and worth a serious look. The Mohd Yusof-trained 3YO is first up after a showing enough first campaign to follow with a nice recent trial a pointer to his chances. Pat Shaw has two hopes – YES BABA and G POWER – and both look horses to follow with ZAC DOMINION, BIG RESPECT and THEBUZZDOWNUNDER all winning hopes in what is a tough race.
1 THEBUZZDOWNUNDER *** Resuming after going super close at odds behind Bale Star last start; drawn wide but pay to keep safe. 20
2 BIG RESPECT *** Blinkers off after disappointing with support at three starts; goes close. 5.00
3 PERFECT LOVE * Struggles as a rule. 200
4 CONAN * Resuming after poor debut. 50
5 G POWER *** Doesn’t have to improve much on what was a very solid debut to be involved here. 20
6 I-SCREAM NOW *** Resuming after two good placings at his first campaign; some hope with nice recent trial under his belt. 7.00
7 LIGHTNING WHEELS * Improves for the debut run but might need longer. 33
8 OM *** Blinkers go on after being beaten as short priced favourite first two start; wins soon. 2.50
9 YES BABA *** Did more than enough at debut to follow; right in this. 6.00
10 ZAC DOMINION *** Another backed and beaten at two career starts but will win a race sooner than later. 5.00
11 SOON YI ** Last start better and had support at debut; improves with racing. 33
12 YARDBIRD * Two quiet trials; later. 200
13 STAR ACADEMY ** Improved lengths last start and might be worth a thought in exotics at long odds. 50
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Race 5
Selections; 1 BORN TO FLY – 7 TARANKALI – 6 ITISWHATITIS – 3 JOHN OF ARCH
It looks a matter of who gets luck or a race run to suit wins this with at least six horses that have strong winning claims. ITISWHATITIS and BLACK JACK are both in very good form but have both drawn wide in gates 9 and 10 respectively which makes winning in a race with depth tough. In saying that there is sure to be a fair clip throughout and both go close with any luck into that tight first bend. Another flying is BORN TO FLY who looks well placed with a 3kg claim with winkers off over the mile. His hoop, Appy ‘Arry (A’ISISUHAIRI), is going along OK and a positive ride from gate 7 is on the cards. At odds, TARANKALI could be the one to knock them all off. Although he struggles to win (one from 30 odd starts) his effort late last start was very good and this race looks perfect. You cannot leave out the each-way special, JOHN OF ARCH; with LIGHT BRIGADE some hope on what he showed last start.
1 BORN TO FLY *** Excellent work late last start suggests he is ready to win again with winkers off and 3kg claimer on. 4.00
2 GETREEL * Out of sorts but gate one always helps over this trip. 50
3 JOHN OF ARCH *** Back up in trip in his favour and a big each-way show. 10
4 LIGHT BRIGADE ** Comes under notice on solid placing over 1400m last start; market a good guide on Polytrack. 8.00
5 BLACK JACK *** Has done everything bar win of late so switch to Poly could be a good move; needs luck from wide gate. 4.00
6 ITISWHATITIS *** In fine form and looks the one the others have to beat back over his recent winning trip. 2.50
7 TARANKALI *** Doesn’t win enough to ever be a good thing but very nice work late last start suggests he goes well in this company. 20
8 MAGIC DIVA * Reassess Class 5 shorter. 100
9 MR BEAN ** Continues good form in this company and could play a part late. 20
10 JADE WIN ** Can disappoint but mile and light weight might suit. exotics at long odds. 33
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Race 6
Selections; 4 GILT LAD – 1 SHINING GLORY – 3 TROJANE – 8 CARNIVAL STAR
Not the best Class 4 field assembled at Kranji and as such, a nice up-and-coming horse like GILT LAD looks hard to beat. Making his race debut as a 5YO, the COURT OF JEWELS gelding showed more than enough on that long-awaited occasion to follow and his win over SUPER KENNY at his next run has him pegged as a nice type indeed. Class 4 looks in his favour as does gate one with winning 1kg claimer, Matthew Kellady retaining the mount. SHINING GLORY also appeals dropping back from Class 3. The 6YO is a four-time winner and his effort to lead throughout three starts back in a similar field has him right in this. Nothing else really jumps off the page with one on the market for the newcomer TROJANE who has looked OK at the trials and last start Class 5 winner CARNIVAL STAR should run a solid race while in form.
1 SHINING GLORY *** Drops back to recent winning Class/surface with 3kg in his favour; can win. 4.00
2 BM WIN ** Form better than it reads and certainly worth following although query first go on the turf with wide gate an issue. 20
3 TROJANE ** Former Australian mare who has trailed well enough on occasion to follow; market a very good guide. 6.00
4 GILT LAD *** Beat a subsequent winner in Super Kenny last start and that form holds up in this company. 2.50
5 PITSTOP ** Gets attention for juvenile form but recent runs average. 10
6 RED RIVER ROCK ** Thereabouts on a good day and can include in exotics for value. 33
7 DEN ** Did it tough last start previous form has him in the place mix at value. 20
8 CARNIVAL STAR ** Last start winner up in Class and would need to improve again. 6.00
9 ECLAIR DESIRE * Struggles as a rule. 100
10 BAY OF ISLAND * Good effort last start but did make use of gate one that day and realistically needs longer/easier. 100
11 PEGASUS VICTORY ** Not far away last start but query on the grass and love to see shorter/easier. 20
12 BUKIT ROSE WOOD * Needs easier/longer. 100
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Race 7
Selections; 5 CHEVY – 9 WEOWNA FLYER – 1 ALL APPROVED – 4 TOP HAPPINESS
What to do? A couple of maidens – ALL APPROVED and WEOWNA FLYER – look in good enough form to win but the very nature of their status makes it hard to be confident. Of the two, WEOWNA FLYER looks well placed from gate two to think he races handy and must go very close for the in-form Alan Munro. ALL APPROVED has found one better at four of his last six starts but showed enough last start to follow and must break his maiden status sooner than later. But a horse that knows how to win, CHEVY, might just show them up again. The seven-time winner won four starts back in this company over 1700m and happy to think from gate one he has every chance and might even be each-way odds. TOP HAPPINESS is the long shot hope given he pulled up sore last start when stepping up to this trip and worth another look at 50-1 (we hope) with ARABIAN KNIGHT and KAEPEEYAI also worth thought (the latter at each-way value).
1 ALL APPROVED *** Maiden who must win sooner than later given his form of late. 3.00
2 RECYCLE GOLD * Struggles. 100
3 ARABIAN NIGHT *** Obviously form good but was beaten a fair way as favourite last start so play with some punting caution. 2.70
4 TOP HAPPINESS *** Form reads badly but did pull up lame last start and happy to give another chance over suitable trip. 33
5 CHEVY *** Form reads only fair but this race and company looks very suitable; can win with gate one a bonus. 7.00
6 LOYAL STEED ** Can sneak a place on battling last start effort. 33
7 KAEPEEYAI *** Saddle slipped last start and that effort plus nice runs similar affairs have him an each-way hope at odds. 20
8 DIAMOND ON THE BAY * Last start OK late but needs to show more before we consider. 100
9 WEOWNA FLYER *** Another maiden who has his foot on the till and goes mighty close from gate two. 4.00
10 SUCCESS WINNIE * Not beaten a million miles last start but others appeal. 100
11 WONDER HOPE * No. 100
12 BENGAWAN ** In the mix on a good day but wide gate makes this tough. 20
13 DARRING DO * No. 100
14 OIL BARON * Struggling. 100
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Race 8
Selections; 8 STEPITUP – 4 ENCOSTA DIABLO – 10 OTHELLO – 2 LAMBORGHINI FLAME
How good is this race? While a horse like STEPITUP – three wins and a very gallant second from just four career starts – looks a super horse and one to follow, the field has depth and an exciting finishes on the cards. Plenty of horse with early pace – LAMBORGHINI FLAME to name just one – ensures an honest race with STEPITUP, ENCOSTA DIABLO (super late last start and due) and OTHELLO all likely to be flying late. The four mentioned all play a part but SHAOLIN SOLDIER, WAR SPIRIT, SACRED PINS, KINGRACER, NO RESPITE and even the two emergencies have to be respected in what is a very good race.
1 SHAOLIN SOLDIER *** Looks ready to win again and this race suitable with handy 3kg claim. 8.00
2 LAMBORGHINI FLAME *** Leads and leads well; in this a very long way. 16
3 FARRAND ** Form better than it reads and not far away from being in the mix. 20
4 ENCOSTA DIABLO *** Has been finishing all over them and gave every indication he wins soon. 6.00
5 WARSPIRIT *** Held off a wall of swoopers last start to win and form to good to ignore. 7.00
6 SACRED PINS *** Super run last start suggests he has found his feet in Singapore; wins soon. 6.00
7 AFFIRMATION ** Never involved last start form wide gate but previous form too solid to ignore. 33
8 STEPITUP *** Looked a good thing beaten last start as odds on pop and can make amends here. 3.00
9 KINGRACER *** Up in Class after strong Class 4 win; more than competitive although wide gate an issue. 12
10 OTHELLO *** Pay to ignore last start where he did it super tough and give another chance with blinkers. 20
11 FUNCA * Struggles as a rule. 100
12 NO RESPITE *** Blinkers off after close up run with support similar affair; each-way. 12
13 WHITE COFFEE ** Resuming and certainly good enough on his day to keep safe although this race has amazing depth. 33
14 INDICIO *** Winkers on after close up finish; looks due. 12
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Race 9
Selections; 8 SOUL COMMANDER – 3 IRISH LIGHTNING – 4 INDULGE – 5 HILTON
Three last start winners look as good as place to start as any in this Class 4 Poly dash. The three horses concerned – SOUL COMMANDER, HILTON and SCARLETT STAR – all won in benchmark 53’s and all were in good order prior which suggests the form will carry on into Class 4. SOUL COMMANDER was probably the most impressive winning by three lengths as the odds-on pop and looks hard to beat after drawing well again here. HILTON is not far away though with a handy claim for Willy Tan and certainly plays a part somewhere. SCARLETT STAR is resuming so the market might give us a good indication although he is gunning for three straight wins so must be respected. One that might upset the trio is LIGHTNING ACE for the Pat Shaw/Barend Vorster combo. The speedster is always in the mix in this type of race and a win would not surprise given he won a similar event three starts back. INDULGE had issues last start – respiratory distress – and his form prior very good and worth a long look at odds. AFRO JACK and GOOD TOWKAY the others to watch.
1 AFROJACK *** Class dropper who comes under notice after good run last start after doing it tough; keep safe. 20
2 FAT BOBO ** Back to winning Class but might find the 1000m a tad short. 33
3 IRISH LIGHTNING *** Won this trip/company three starts back with 53.5kg; goes very close. 4.00
4 INDULGE *** Respiratory distress last start but previous form very good and can win. 20
5 HILTON *** Won well last start in BM53 and pay to follow. 4.00
6 SCARLET STAR *** Resuming after winning two on the trot in slightly easier company than this; keep safe with gate one a bonus. 7.00
7 PERWIRA ** Competitive but needs an easy run to figure. 50
8 SOUL COMMANDER *** Trounced them in a BM53 last start and looks a leading player here. 2.50
9 VON SNITZEL ** Resuming sans blinkers on Poly for the first time; take on trust. 50
10 GOOD TOWKAY *** Blinkers off not a real concern but wide gate is; cheeky run expected. 20
11 BROWN SHADOW * Last start better but might be looking for easier company. 33
12 PLAY ON * Class 5 beckons. 100
13 SOLID WOOD ** In-form but love to see in Class 5 over longer. 50
14 SARONG ** Has pace so a cheeky run expected from gate two is she gets a start. 20
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Race 10
Selections; 1 MAGICAL TALENT – 6 BINGO – 3 LUCKY DIAMOND – 5 LITTLE BUT FIERCE
MAGICAL TALENT looked very good winning at his Singapore debut and barring the dreaded ‘second run syndrome’, the Show A Heart 3YO should win. The fact he came to Singapore with a fair juvenile record from Australia and the horse he beat on debut – MAI GURU – went onto win next start, suggests he is well up to this Class and perhaps even plays a part in what will be a cracking 3YO series. Gate one helps and new trainer Sonny Yeoh might have a good one on his hands. BINGO keeps shim honest though. The Michael Clements-trained 4YO has won three from 19 career starts but is the type who will win good races on his day and this is suitable given the track will suit his swooping style. The race has depth – JERAM GLORY, LUWAK COFFEE and NOT MY FAULT all play a part somewhere – but or value it will pay to entertain LUCKY DIAMOND (solid each-way option) and LITTLE BUT FIERCE who will be the improver with one run in Singapore under his belt.
1 MAGICAL TALENT *** Won well at Singapore debut similar affair and looks hard to beat with gate one a bonus. 2.20
2 JERAM GLORY *** Appreciates what was a solid first up run; in this a long way. 12
3 LUCKY DIAMOND *** Doesn’t get to the track as often as he should but always runs a good race and often odds; keep safe fresh. 12
4 TOUCH THE LINE * Best work expected late but needs longer you would think. 100
5 LITTLE BUT FIERCE *** Singapore debut better than the result and happy to keep safe at odds with that run under his belt. 12
6 BINGO *** Not suited when handier than normal last start and a big show in what looks a suitable race. 5.00
7 LUWAK COFFEE *** Resuming after being disappointing with support last start; worth another look. 8.00
8 ZAC SEDUCTION ** 3YO who has done it tough enough at her last couple to give another look with blinkers removed. 33
9 ARAPUNI ** Wide gate an issue this company but an honest type and can include in exotics. 12
10 NOT MY FAULT *** Freshened with headgear removed but the type who goes close late with luck from wide gate. 12
11 BEAT TO QUARTERS ** Competitive on a good day. 33
12 AMERICAN VISION * Prefer on the Poly. 50
13 MAGICAL SUNSET * Reassess Class 5 Poly. 50
14 QUALITASE * Reassess Class 5 longer. 100
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