In Joao we trust. Those that jumped off the Brazilian’s bandwagon in recent times were left nursing their wounds as Moreira booted home a lazy five winners last Sunday. The record-breaking hoop would have been first to admit a few rides hadn’t gone as well as punters would have liked but a quick look at the premiership table still had him leading heading into last weekend. Two winners on Friday followed by the handful on Sunday not only extended his lead over compatriot Manoel Nunes but remarkably put Moreira – with 38 at the end of February – ontrack for another 200 winners in a season. As you would expect, the man they have dubbed ‘Magic’ has a full book of rides on Friday and given most have realistic winning hopes, a few more winners should be added to his season tally. His mount in the Novice event over 1200m (race 4), ALPHA CENTAURI, looks hard to beat and Moreira would be confident of a race-to-race double with the Class dropper, RAPID REWARDS, a big winning show in race 5.
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Best Bets; ALPHA CENTAURI (race 4, win), RAPID REWARDS (race 5, win) and ROYAL BRAT (race 9, each-way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 7 (1, 3 and 5), race 8 (1, 2, 3 and 5), race 9 (Field) and race 10 (1, 2, 3 and 4).
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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; 2 FLY NOW – 3 MY BROTHER – 7 RADIANT ROI – 1 DESTINY ACTION
FLY NOW looks due. The S Gray-trained 4YO has placed twice this campaign since being gelded and with nothing (literally) more to lose, he goes mighty close here. Ivaldo Santana should get a few favours from gate five and certainly in the mix in what is a suitable race with not many serious winning hopes. The improver could be the half-brother of Rocket Man, MY BROTHER. Owner Fred Crabbia would buy anything remotely related to his champ and while the SHAMARDAL 3YO looks a work in progress, blinkers added today could so the trick. In fact given some of his best trials have been with head-gear, he might be set for this and a market watch is in order. Of the rest, RADIANT ROI has been terrific at his last two runs from gate 11 and any luck for Dan Beasley from barrier 8 today and he goes very close with the disappointing DESTINY ACTION the only other winning hope.
1 DESTINY ACTION *** Freshened after chance last start and disappoints more often than not but amongst the chances again. 4.00
2 FLY NOW *** Showing more than enough two start this campaign to think he wins soon. 2.50
3 MY BROTHER *** Coming off a shocker but run two back OK and blinker added first time has him under notice. 10
4 DREAMMAKER ** Battled away and certainly worth including in exotics with Moreira from gate four. 8.00
5 HEART AND SOUL * Hard to have. 100
6 TE AKAU KING ** Recent form just fair but improves with blinkers back on. 20
7 RADIANT ROI *** Last two runs from wide gates good and will be running on strong late here; respect. 12
8 NEWFOUNDJOY ** Flew home at long odds last start for close up finish and have to follow on that effort. 20
9 WIN THE DAY ** Has been disappointing with support but capable of a cheeky run from inside gate; market watch. 10
10 TRAP ** Put in easily his best run for a while last start and have to follow at odds on that effort. 20
11 ROCKET FLY ** Mile from gate one looks ideal and will battle away to the wire; exotics. 12
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Race 2
Selections; 2 PROSPERITY STAR – 3 INVICTUS – 6 RON – 1 ACES HIGH
Leading trainer Mark Walker looks set to play a big hand in this Restricted Maiden. And while we loath to read too much into jockey changes, the two “stable” hoops – Joao Moreira and R Shafiq – have switched mounts suggesting either PROSPERITY STAR needs a senior hoop or INVICTUS needs a claimer. Bank on the former with Joao Moreira likely to get all the favours from gate five and the horse certainly did enough last start with blinkers added to win. In saying that, INVICTUS made his debut as an odds-on pop and while disappointing to run out of puff and run fourth, he went OK and expect a big run here. Who knows, Shafiq might have had the first pick! Of the unraced brigade, RON stands out from his good trial (with INVICTUS) and certainly worth thought on debut with the American-colt, WINNER’S SMILE also some hope. ACES HIGH is the other winning chance and a market watch is in order first up after a spell.
1 ACES HIGH *** Resuming after showing enough first campaign to win a race like this. 6.00
2 PROSPERITY STAR *** Excuses for only poor run and certainly showed enough last start with blinkers to win this. 2.50
3 INVICTUS *** Beaten as odds-on pop on debut but has trialed well sans blinkers since and pay to follow. 3.50
4 MR PATRON ** Just fair with support last start but will improve with racing. 20
5 NOMONEYATALL * Exposed trial form average. 100
6 RON *** Trials have been good enough to think he plays a big part in this with gate one a factor. 5.00
7 SILVER FLY * Hard to have on trial form; market only guide. 100
8 TRADING GOLD ** Resuming with winkers added and solid run expected. 20
9 MAMMA BALLENA * Faded at only trial and might need the run. 20
10 JEM JET * No. 100
11 WINNER’S SMILE ** Solid at two trials but wide gate is always a concern on debut; market a fair guide. 15
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Race 3
Selections; 4 CAVALLO – 1 LAGO BAY – 2 FAST BREAK – 6 SOUL COMMANDER
LAGO BAY bounced back to near-on his best form last start when a tongue-tie was added and must go mighty close again. He has drawn well in two and with a 3kg claim he could very well just run them off their feet. But CAVALLO looks a very nice type and obviously coming off two wins is in great form. He has had a freshen-up but blinkers go on and his recent trial suggests he can run down LAGO BAY in what could be a big finish. A strong forecast? Elsewhere FAST BREAK resumes after a bleeding attack and given he has raced fresh before (and often horses go super first up after a bleeding break) it will pay to keep him safe with SOUL COMMANDER the other one to watch coming off two-straight wins although he will be tested in this company.
1 LAGO BAY *** Won well last start similar affair when tongue-tie added; goes close again with handy claim. 2.50
2 FAST BREAK ** First up after bleeding last start; has first up form but have to take on trust. 20
3 VIVA PANATA ** Obviously coming of a shocker but this trip suitable and can bounce back. 25
4 CAVALLO *** Freshened after two strong wins and looks hard to beat with upgrade to blinkers. 1.80
5 DYNASTY KNIGHT ** Smart type resuming after ambitious Group run back in June last year; market only guide. 20
6 SOUL COMMANDER ** Hard to argue with form and while this is much tougher he could run a cheeky race with 52.5kg. 5.00
7 JUST A MAN * Reassess easier company. 200
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Race 4
Selections; 3 ALPHA CENTAURI – 5 FLAG OF COMMAND – 6 MR ARMSTRONG – 2 WAIRAKEI
ALPHA CENTAURI will be short but looks very hard to beat. The 3YO by Keeper showed more than enough first up after a strong debut win in November to think he is a horse to follow and gets a few ticks here with Moreira on-board from gate one. Not much more to add but he will need to have his mind on the job with FLAG OF COMMAND showing more than enough late at his return to racing to follow this campaign and MR ARMSTRONG looking the type that will go through the grades. Interestingly, Moreira rode both FLAG OF COMMAND and ARMSTRONG at their respective last starts and that is also a strong pointer to the short price and winning claims of ALPHA CENTAURI.
1 BABY FACE * No in well at the conditions but usually competitive. 33
2 WAIRAKEI ** Claim helps as not in well at the weights and has to be respected on what he has showed last couple. 13
3 ALPHA CENTAURI *** First up run good enough to win this with gate one a bonus. 1.50
4 PROVIDENCE ** Led but found out late last start; claim helps here and can include in exotics. 12
5 FLAG OF COMMAND *** First up run a beauty late and happy to follow in what looks a suitable race. 6.00
6 MR ARMSTRONG *** Disappointing not to place last start with support but run was tough and with another look back on his winning surface. 4.00
7 OASIS SPUR ** Battling away of late but can include in exotics for value. 50
8 AMERICAN GLADIATOR * Hard to have on recent form. 200
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Race 5
Selections; 1 RAPID REWARDS – 3 SPEEDY PHIL – 2 BIG MONEY – 7 HILARY
Although this race could get ugly, I’m happy to concentrate on just two horses here with RAPID REWARDS and SPEEDY PHIL. RAPID REWARDS won three starts back in this Class but more importantly showed enough in better company to think he is ready to win again back in Class 5. A good gate and Joao Moreira certainly helps and expect a very bold race. SPEEDY PHIL might not be so obvious and looks more of a risk given his recent issues. But his first up run was solid and the fact blinkers go back on over this trip has him a winning show. Others need to do everything right and probably improve on recent runs to win but it will pay to keep an eye on the tote for BIG MONEY with HILARY the improver at each-way odds.
1 RAPID REWARDS *** Significant drop in grade after solid Class 4 runs; should win. 2.00
2 BIG MONEY ** Coming of a shocker but back in trip in his favour; watch for support. 12
3 SPEEDY PHIL *** First up run good enough to think he can win over his favourite trip with blinkers back on a factor. 4.00
4 DARING YOUTH ** No luck with the gates again and winning looks tough. 20
5 DESTINATION GOLD * Hard to have. 100
6 LUCKY SUN ** In good form over 1200m and around the places late. 20
7 HILARY ** Could make excuses for last couple and pay to keep safe from good gate over this trip. 12
8 CALIFORNIA KID ** Turned around some poor form with a nice effort fresh and can follow. 8.00
9 LIGHTNING ACE ** Gate one and claim helps but unreliable to say the least so take on trust. 12
10 ONEPLUSZERO ONE ** Did not take part last start so ignore and take on OK placing previous run. 33
11 MAHA VEERAN ** Has pace and certainly worth some thought in exotics at value. 33
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Race 6
Selections; 1 ONE RAR – 3 PROFOUND – 2 LUXURIOUS CHOICE – 7 BALTHAZAR
There looks little between ONE RAR, LUXURIOUS CHOICE and PROFOUND in this Poly mile and given they have all drawn well with top hoops on-board, it may be a case of throwing a dart to find the winner. ONE RAR got the early nod given he was never a show on a leaders biased track last start (where he followed XAVIO home) and this looks perfect to make quick amends. The mile is suitable given his Australian form and certainly the Polytrack holds no fears. But PROFOUND is gunning for four-in-a-row and given he bolted in last start under Joao Moreira, the O’Reilly 4YO probably starts favourite and why not? LUXURIOUS CHOICE won two starts back over the mile in easier company but more importantly he backed that up with a very big run in what is a similar race to this. Manoel Nunes goes back on and he might even be the value given the support expected for the other two mentioned. XAVIO deserves more thought than given here and BALTHAZAR might find the tempo of this race to his liking and will be the value.
1 ONE RAR *** Did well to place last start and work to wire excellent’ hard to beat here. 3.50
2 LUXURIOUS CHOICE *** Backed up good win with a close up placing, both over this trip; right in this. 3.00
3 PROFOUND *** Obviously in very good form and last start win over 1800m was strong; hard to beat. 2.50
4 XAVIO ** Beat ONE RAR over 1400m last start when suited by leading all the way; keep safe. 6.00
5 ALL SERENE ** Caught up in early pace battle last start so happy to ignore run and follow with blinkers removed for this. 15
6 THE GIANT ** Form reads badly but improves over more ground with blinkers added. 100
7 BALTHAZAR ** Will be doing best work late and some hope if things get silly early. 33
8 FOREIGN EXCHANGE * Form reads terribly but this race is suitable so could improve with no weight. 100
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Race 7
Selections; 3 BROWNE’S ANATOMY – 1 SACRED GENERAL – 5 BALLY BOY – 7 JOYCE
A terrible punting race with half the main hopes disappointing types and the remaining few needing to keep improving to win. BROWNE’S ANATOMY falls into the latter category but certainly looks ready to get his act together and win this. Moreira from gate six suggests the 3YO gelding is given every chance and with race experience and fitness under his belt, he goes close. SACRED GENERAL is probably the one he has to beat to win. The General Nediym 3YO has had support and ran pretty well at his four starts and will be a horse to follow with experience. BALLY BALL might have a leg in both camps as he did have excuses last start and that run good enough to play apart in this. His previous form has him winning sooner than later and 3kg claim and a fair gate helps today. JOYCE has a bad gate today but will keep a few honest here and another to follow (hopefully at odds) with the disappointing DARCISTAR and CAUTION also in the mix with DESERT VIKING the other winning hope.
1 SACRED GENERAL *** Last two runs good enough to win in this field; hard to beat. 3.00
2 SAINT VALLEY ** Disappointing last start but previous run has him under notice. 8.00
3 BROWNE’S ANATOMY *** Has looked ready to put it all together and gets his chance here; can win. 4.00
4 LUEN YAT DRAGON ** Form reads badly but look for improvement with winkers on back in maiden company. 100
5 BALLY BOY *** Saddle slipped last start and certainly shown enough to win a race like this; goes close. 6.00
6 CHI LIN * Has been disappointing at the races. 33
7 JOYCE *** Saddle slipped last start and did enough to think she plays a part at odds. 20
8 DARCISTAR *** In-and-out runner but have to keep safe as has looked like wining one. 12
9 CAUTION *** Another who really should have won one by now but gets another chance with gate one a bonus. 12
10 CLASSIC THUNDER * Not a bad effort at odds last start but wide gate makes this tough. 50
11 DESERT VIKING *** Came in for some support (only some) last start over 1200m and run good enough to follow. 8.00
12 LONG FENG * No. 50
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Race 8
Selections; 1 MR EPIC – 3 MIGHTY CREATION – 2 BLACK UNICORN – 5 ITALIAN JOB
The top five or six rated horses in this race look likely to dominate here with the lower rated horses desperately looking for Class 5. Of the those with winning hopes, MR EPIC did everything bar win over 1200m first up after a spell and given that form has been franked by Boundless Glory, he is hard to beat. He has drawn awkwardly but his early speed has him positioned on the pace (if not leading) and a big run is expected. MIGHTY CREATION might not have the best form on paper leading into this but very much appreciates the company. His last run was good and from gate five you would think he gets a fair run throughout and will have plenty to offer late. Of the others with serious hopes, BLACK UNICORN looks a very progressive type and happy to follow and ITALIAN JOB showed more than enough winning on debut to think he is one that wins again soon. The old boy PACINO keeps them all honest.
1 MR EPIC *** Excellent first up run and that form has been franked; hard to beat. 3.00
2 BLACK UNICORN *** Last run in nice company good and pay to follow in Class 4; goes close. 5.00
3 MIGHTY CREATION *** Form reads just fair but last start good and significant drop back to winning Class and trip; can win. 12
4 PACINO *** Honest and no reason why he isn’t in the thick of things in this late. 5.00
5 ITALIAN JOB *** Led and won on debut and pay to follow as looks a solid type with gate two handy today. 4.00
6 GIVE WAY ** Hard to catch but won over 1100m three starts back and will appreciate being back on Polytrack. 33
7 POWER ANGEL ** Did more than enough late at first up run to follow with tongue-tie added today. 20
8 STREET LEGAL ** Fresh and while this looks too short expect a big run late. 33
9 MONEY BEE * Reassess Class 5. 50
10 MY SACRIFICE * Needs easier. 50
11 ZAC WARRIOR * Appreciates first up run but Class 5 beckons. 50
12 SARONG ** Also looking at Class 5 but has the pace to run a cheeky race. 20
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Race 9
Selections; 4 GOLDEN FRIENDS – 5 WO AI NINN – 13 ROYAL BRAT – 3 CHEVY
A raffle but Leslie Khoo might have a winning ticket with GOLDEN FRIENDS. The 6YO has won twice over this distance/track and given his win three starts back was with a senior hoop, Greg Cheyne’s booking looks a positive. The stable doesn’t mind a punt either so expect support and follow the money. Moreira goes on WO AI NINN and from gate one with good form leading into this race, the 7YO probably starts favourite. Obviously not wining yet in Singapore is a concern but his recent runs have been good and this race does look suitable. ROYAL BRAT is an emergency but is right in this if he gets a start. In fact given trainer David Hill has already booked Barend Vorster, you would fancy his chances on form with a nice gate in his favour. Plenty of other hopes and it will pay to go very wide in exotics.
1 ALVITO ** Jockey questioned re run last start after growing wings late; that was turf and query this surface. 12
2 GIVE ME STRENGTH *** Drop back to Class 5 in his favour and certainly doing enough to follow. 5.00
3 CHEVY *** Just fair last start but will be in the mix races like this and pay to keep safe. 20
4 GOLDEN FRIENDS *** Won three starts back when supported with senior hoop and watch for stable money here; big show. 4.00
5 WO AI NINN *** Doing everything bar win of late and Moreira form gate one suggests that may change. 4.00
6 GOOD DREAM ** Only one good run of late so have to take on trust. 33
7 URBAN LEGEND ** Grew wings to win last start and may have to again after drawing awkwardly. 12
8 STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN *** Gets a long way back and runs on late; strong chance. 5.00
9 RICH BORN * Can run a cheeky race but needs market support. 100
10 EIGHTH AVENUE *** Big run late suggests he is ready to win again; keep safe. 12
11 ANGE D’ORIENT ** Bad gate a concern but two recent runs good and pay to follow. 20
12 YAKUZA MOON ** Tried hard last start and might appreciate tongue-tie. 100
13 ROYAL BRAT *** In-form and certainly showed enough last start to think he goes close here; can win. 6.00
14 AMERICAN TYCOON ** Not the worst if he gets a start. 33
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Race 10
Selections; 1 ANGRY CAT – 3 ONE SMART CAT – 4 ZENIDEKKA – 2 GOLDEN SAND STEED
A couple of Cat’s come under notice in the lucky last and a feline forecast could be the order of the day with ANGRY CAT and ONE SMART CAT both strong winning hopes. While there is not much between them, ANGRY CAT did it tough enough last start from the widest gate to think the run was a beauty and very much appreciates drawing the fence in this. ONE SMART CAT is also well drawn in gate five and John Powell will have plenty of options and probably have last crack at Nunes on ANGRY CAT. Obviously his form before a spell was very good and with a couple of nice trials under his belt, the 3YO should be fit enough to show his best first up. Of the rest, ZENIDEKKA showed last start she wins in this company soon and GOLDEN SAND STEED will keep her and the two cats honest.
1 ANGRY CAT *** Worked hard early from wide gate last starts and should get every chance on the lead from ace draw; can atone. 3.00
2 GOLDEN SAND STEED *** Wide gate some concern but appreciates first run with blinkers and a strong finish is expected; goes close. 5.00
3 ONE SMART CAT *** Smart type resuming and a big run fresh is likely; hard to beat. 3.00
4 ZENIDEKKA *** Went close last start in a similar affair and is one of the leading chances. 6.00
5 JACKPOT ** Talented 3YO resuming and has looked well on the training track for his return; commands respect and follow. 12
6 CHARLY B * Form just fair and will need to lift to trouble this lot. 100
7 KOMPRESSOR ** Resuming after long spell when lame at last start; smart when right and market best guide. 20
8 PROBO CHANDROSO ** Racing well in slightly easier company of late so will need to lift to play a part here; place preferred. 16
9 SIR FLEETWOOD * Realistically needs Class 5 to win so place at best here. 50
10 SHINKANSEN * Resuming but form was poor and happy to wait for something easier. 100
11 SOLID WOOD ** Racing well and although Class 5 looks his caper he could figure in the finish at odds. 33
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