Things start to get serious in Singapore racing just about now. The first leg of the Singapore Sprint series – the Group 3 Merlion Trophy (race 7) – highlights an all-Polytrack nine race meeting on Friday. With ROCKET MAN targeting the Lion City Cup in April for his long-awaited return to racing, his heir apparent, SUPER EASY, headlines the SGD $200,000 feature. The reigning Singapore Horse-of-the-Year is first up after an unsuccessful international campaign but given he has only been beaten once in thirteen starts domestically, he is the one to beat again. His defeat came over the mile and the 1200m of the Merlion Trophy looks ideal both first up and obviously in the next two legs of the Sprint Series; the Lion City Cup and the $1 million KrisFlyer Sprint in May. But while SUPER EASY will be the punters elect, expect support and a big run from the only 3YO in the race, HUKA FALLS. The talented Align gelding has taken all before him winning eight times from just nine career starts and given he is undefeated in six Polytrack runs, he will keep the punters interested and it might just be a race in two as far as the tote in concerned. Can he beat Super Easy? A handy 2.5kg pull at the WFA scale suggests he goes close but this is by far his biggest test and he will need to be as good as his trainer suggest he is to win.
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Best Bets; SUPER EASY (race 7, win), MINAH CURRENT (race 8, win) and ROYAL BRAT (race 5, each-way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3 and 5), race 7 (1), race 8 (2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 11 and 13) and race 9 (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 9).
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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; 8 STORM ARC – 3 FRENCHMAN – 10 WINNING DAN – 4 KING CROSS
A pretty average Class 5 over 1200m starts off the programme. Moreira has jumped on Leticia Dragon’s STORM ARC who backed up his solid second last start with a sound recent trial; given there is not a great deal of form in the race and Moreira has a predilection for riding the winner of the first race; this may be the way to go. The improver could be FRENCHMAN. Blinkers go on after showing nothing last start but his previous run plus a solid recent trial with headgear has him under notice. WINNING DAN is better on turf but he has won on the Polytrack and 1200m is his pet distance; with S John to steer he should be running on strongly. KING CROSS is a maiden and a day to day proposition but his first-up run was very good and if Mohd Yusof has him right, KB Soo could do the rest. ROMA has been a maiden for a long time but she is usually around the mark and Alan Munro should have her prominent all the way.
1 PERFECT LOVE * Battler who will need to lift. 200
2 GALLANT HEIGHTS ** Could have finished closer to the winner last start and that run has him under notice at odds. 33
3 FRENCHMAN *** Blinkers on. Won trial recently and with Dan Beasley retaining the mount could show up. 8.00
4 KING CROSS *** Winkers on, good run fresh last start, day to day proposition but well drawn and should race well with KB Soo to ride. 7.50
5 ROMA *** Usually thereabouts; should be on the speed all the way. 7.50
6 SAMURAI KID *** Got away badly last start; previous run good enough and some hope with handy claim. 8.00
7 STAR ACADEMY * Began awkwardly last start and lost all chance; previous run was an improvement but take on trust. 25
8 STORM ARC *** Excuses not to win last start, trialed well recently and Moreira retains the mount; hard to beat. 2.80
9 AUDIO FRIEND ** Nicely drawn and back in trip in his favour given recent form; keep safe at value. 16
10 WINNING DAN *** Best form is on turf but has won on poly; well drawn and could show up. 4.50
11 LIGHTNING ACE ** Very unpredictable type who is well enough drawn and has no weight. Take on trust. 16
12 SINATRA * Hasn’t won in 19 outings and unlikely to break through here. 33
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Race 2
Selections; 3 SHIN GOONG – 10 YES BABA – 2 LUCKY COME – 1 AMBER ALE
Another difficult 1200m Initiation where most of the runners have had a few runs without looking superstars and the challenge may be to find the improver. SHIN GOONG has been placed at his only two outings on the Polytrack and with John Powell to steer from a good alley he should be on the speed all the way. Moreira has jumped on one of Pat Shaw’s, YES BABA, who trialed well recently and whose two previous runs on turf were promising. LUCKY COME’s only placing was on the Polytrack and with Oscar Chavez up he could run on strongly. AMBER ALE is going along OK and the form from his good effort last start has held up so worth following. READY FORTUNE looked good last start under R Shafiq and comes under notice. RED EMPIRE has speed and with Manoel Nunes to ride could well cross from his wide gate and be fitter for his debut run. MAMMA BALLENA also has speed and from the ace draw could give plenty of cheek. TRADING GOLD and BLAZING SPUR could also show up in a very open affair.
1 AMBER ALE *** Not far behind FIRST SCOOP last start. On trial on Polytrack and may like longer but must be a chance with good alley and Harry Kassim to steer. 5.00
2 LUCKY COME *** Trialed well recently, big effort at poly debut and two subsequent turf runs reasonable; should be running on. 6.50
3 SHIN GOONG *** Led and battled on well last start; should be further improved and with John Powell to steer from good gate should be in it for a long way. 5.00
4 BLAZING SPUR * Reasonable effort on debut; should improve but prefer others. 33
5 JUST THE TIP * Well drawn but trial form suggests we just watch at debut. 33
6 READY FORTUNE *** Blinkers off, tongue tie on. Showed more than enough last start to follow closely; goes close. 7.00
7 RED EMPIRE *** Led and knocked up at only start on turf; will strip fitter here. 6.00
8 NOBLEMAN STAR * Sound efforts at only three starts but may need longer. 33
9 TRADING GOLD * Winkers off; reasonable run at last start but may need time. 33
10 YES BABA *** Blinkers on; Moreira takes the mount and looks a big show. 4.00
11 MAMMA BALLENA ** Showed speed and knocked up at only start; chance with Dan Beasley from ace draw. 16
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Race 3
Selections; 1 MIGHTY CREATION – 2 PERWIRA – 8 ZAC HEAVEN – 5 ANAVILA
A relatively weak Class 4 for the sprinters over 1000m. MIGHTY CREATION will get back but should be running on strongly at the end. The four time winner is hard to catch but the fact he was supported last start suggests he is ready. PERWIRA put in a better effort last start; on his day he is very speedy and goes well for KB Soo who has been on top in all his three wins. The veteran ANAVILA rarely runs a bad race and this is not a strong field; he should be running on powerfully at the end. Moreira is on ZAC HEAVEN who has won three times at this trip and should race well; it is interesting to note that Moreira has never won on him in three attempts. ABYSS would probably prefer Class 5 but has the ace draw and should be on the speed for a long way. INDULGE and LIGHTNING MAC are hard to follow but are well up to big performances in a race of this nature.
1 MIGHTY CREATION *** Fought on last start when supported; two time winner at this trip and chance again. 3.50
2 PERWIRA *** Showed speed last start and fought on. Usually goes well for KB Soo and should be on the speed for a long way. 5.00
3 INDULGE * Ordinary efforts at last three starts but can bob up from time to time; barrier draw no help. 20
4 MOOVA FISH * Won a weak maiden in Tasmania before coming to Singapore; trialing okay but prefer to see. 20
5 ANAVILA *** Veteran who is never far way in these; well drawn and bound to be running on late. 5.00
6 LIGHTNING MAC * Far from the most reliable but could show up on his day. 16
7 CHINO DIABLO * Found Class 4 too hot last start and may need something easier. 25
8 ZAC HEAVEN *** Last two efforts under apprentice riders sound and with Moreira to steer from good gate, should be hard to beat. 3.00
9 ABYSS ** Missed start last time and never in it. Happier in Class 5 but nicely drawn and this field is not strong. 20
10 SHINKANSEN * Looking to get back into Class 5. 50
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Race 4
Selections; 2 COBRADOR – 3 ACES HIGH – 4 BARGAIN BID – 5 OM
Another ordinary Initiation over 1200m. COBRADOR showed plenty at his first start and has trailed well with winkers since. He is drawn out wide but Manoel Nunes should be able to cross and he will be hard to run down. ACES HIGH has been placed twice at 1200m on the Polytrack; with Vorster to steer from a good gate, he should be on the speed all the way. BETTER THAN EVER’s half brother OM has yet to set the world on fire, though Moreira retains the mount and he is not going to find an Initiation much weaker than this. BARGAIN BID put in a good effort last start and could be an improver, GALAXY EXPRESS ran on last start and TWO WOLVES and CONAN are worth watching. Little is known of the first starters TAKE AIM, WHAT’S DAT and JAPPANELLA but they would not need to be superstars to make their presence felt in this field.
1 TWO WOLVES ** Solid efforts at only two starts and could be further improved; can follow each-way. 14
2 COBRADOR *** Winkers on; did not miss by much on debut; trialed well on Polytrack recently and despite awkward draw will be hard to beat. 3.50
3 ACES HIGH *** Has been placed at four of five; well drawn and should be hard to beat. 4.50
4 BARGAIN BID *** Winkers and tongue tie added after super run late last start; will have benefited from recent trials and should race prominently. 6.50
5 OM *** Half brother to Better Than Ever who has disappointed at only 3 outings. Moreira retains the mount and must be a strong chance again. 3.50
6 CONAN * Ran on last start but wants longer. 33
7 TAKEAIM * Has not shown up at trials and prefer to see. 33
8 WHAT’S DAT ** First starter. Likely type. Watch for market support. 16
9 GALAXY EXPRESS ** Ran on well last start; may prefer longer but should be running on late. 16
10 SPRING THUNDER ** Blinkers off, reared and lost all chance last start. Previous effort sound and trialed well recently; could show up. 16
11 JAPPANELLA * Blinkers on and trial with head-gear OK; might need the outing. 33
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Race 5
Selections; 11 ROYAL BRAT – 1 ALL APPROVED – 3 ROCKY GARDEN – 2 I LIKE
A Class 5 over 1800m for the claiming riders features the usual suspects and a race full of chances. ROYAL BRAT is a dead-set one pacer but he has no weight and has won at 1900m on the Polytrack. He is stepping up to a suitable distance and should be prominent all the way. ROCKY GARDEN is not the easiest to follow but he has won twice at the journey and Harry Kassim should give him a good ride. ALL APPROVED is one of these horses who appears destined never to win, he has been placed 5 times in 9 attempts on the Polytrack and has finished in the first four at his last four outings; Shafiq has been unplaced on him previously but gets another chance here. I LIKE prefers turf but put in a decent Polytrack effort two starts back; he will like plenty of speed in the race and Airy will need to keep him handy all the way. WO AI NINN broke through last start, he is a battler but Tengku Rehaizat is one of our top claiming riders and he should have him just off the speed all the way. GOLDEN FRIENDS should be thereabouts and old KAEPEEYAI should be running on late.
1 ALL APPROVED *** Yet to win in 15 starts but usually thereabouts; should be on the speed for a long way. 4.50
2 I LIKE *** Better on turf but recent Polytrack effort keeps him under notice; will appreciate a solid speed. 5.00
3 ROCKY GARDEN *** Hard to catch but suited the grade and has top apprentice steering; goes best when ridden on the speed. 4.50
4 WO AI NINN *** Broke through last start; one pacer who should get a good run from ace draw with top apprentice riding. 4.50
5 GOLDEN FRIENDS ** Always a chance in these type of races and expect support and a solid run. 8.00
6 JOYCE ** Happy to overlook last start from wide gate and take on OK efforts prior. 33
7 KAEPEEYAI ** Veteran who will appreciate a solid speed and should be running on late. 16
8 QUI EST LA * Often thereabouts but last run average; take on trust. 20
9 URBAN LEGEND * Only win was on turf and prefer others. 20
10 CONQUEST * Likes to be near the speed but has been folding up in recent races; prefer others. 33
11 ROYAL BRAT *** This distance suits and he should be in the mix for a long way; can win. 12
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Race 6
Selections; 1 BOUNDLESS GLORY – 2 FOXTROT HOTEL – 5 IMACRUISER – 3 AWAKENED
They fought out the finish last start in a similar affair and no reason why BOUNDLESS GLORY and FOXTROT HOTEL don’t do the same again. BOUNDLESS GLORY gets a 2.5kg penalty for winning by a length on that occasion but given Moreira has had three rides on the 5YO for three wins, he can win again. But FOXTROT HOTEL is a smart horse and Steven King will be hoping to make full use of that pull in the weights and a win would certainly not surprise. The two again look a strong swinger/exacta combination and could be used as bankers for any other exotics. Of the rest with winning hopes, IMACRUISER showed last start (at long odds) that he keeps a few honest and happy to include him somewhere. AWAKENED is resuming but certainly smart enough to follow from gate one although his lack of winning form on this surface is a worry. BOMBAATA not the worst if he gets a run.
1 BOUNDLESS GLORY *** Flying and hard to beat again (winkers still on). 3.00
2 FOXTROT HOTEL *** Meets Boundless Glory 2.5kg better off at the weights for length defeat last start and can win. 4.00
3 AWAKENED *** Resuming and form too good to ignore with gate one in his favour. 5.00
4 DYNASTY KNIGHT ** Very much appreciates good first up run and will add value to exotics with tongue-tie removed. 20
5 IMACRUISER *** Placed at long odds in a weaker Class 3 field last start but pay to respect. 12
6 CHATEAUNEUF DUPAPE ** Appreciates what was a good first up run but in-and-out form a worry for followers. 8.00
7 THISISIT ** Won his last two on this surface and usually supported; respect although wide gate makes winning tough. 12
8 FUNCA * Continues to struggle. 100
9 WAR TIME * Hard to argue with form but back in trip a concern and happy to just watch first time over 1200m. 33
10 WHITE COFFEE ** Resuming and certainly good enough on his day to keep safe in exotics. 20
11 PACINO ** Honest and coming off a nice win so pay to respect as handles this company. 20
12 COLLECT THE CASH ** Better than what he showed last start but might be looking for easier company. 33
13 MY RACE * Nice enough type resuming but better suited longer. 50
14 BOMBAATA *** Excuses last start (saddle) and pay to keep very safe at odds on previous two runs. 20
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Race 7
Selections; 1 SUPER EASY – 9 HUKA FALLS – 4 SPEEDY CAT – 2 GHOZI
On paper, a form line reading “two-six-zero” is not that of a likely odds-on pop in Group race. But given the “two” was SUPER EASY’s only defeat in thirteen Singapore starts and the “six and zero” were in elite company in Hong Kong, the reigning Singapore Horse-of-the-Year is the one to beat today. His recent trials suggest a tough Hong Kong run is well and truly behind him and the fact his only defeat prior to travelling was over the mile (and by a very good horse in BETTER LIFE), this race looks perfect and he can show why he is arguably the best horse in Singapore at the moment. HUKA FALLS is the only danger. The 3YO has taken all before him winning eight from nine career starts with excuses (wet track) for his only defeat. His unblemished Polytrack record (six-from-six) obviously has him having a big say in this and could test SUPER EASY in what could be a cracking finish. Throw a blanket over the rest and obviously something finishing over the top of them late could pinch a place given this will be quick throughout!
1 SUPER EASY *** Star resuming after Hong Kong campaign; winkers added and very hard to beat on home soil. 1.60
2 GHOZI ** Doing everything bar win this campaign and keeps the two fancies honest. 12
3 GINGERBREAD MAN ** Appreciates tough first up run and in the place mix. 50
4 SPEEDY CAT ** Slightly disappointing last two but appreciates being back on the Poly; keep safe. 16
5 EXCAVATOR * Not given much of a chance last start from similar gate and place at best. 100
6 VALEVOLE ** Competitive lace start but tested at the weights; exotics. 25
7 EMERALD HILL ** Has the Bizarro World form line of only tasting defeat when Moreira was on-board; respect with winning hoop Saifudin steering. 13
8 TOUCH OF GOLD ** Stepped up to Group level last start and close up placing showed he belongs; keep safe. 20
9 HUKA FALLS *** Super talented 3YO who has won eight form nine career starts and undefeated in six on the Poly; goes mighty close. 3.00
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Race 8
Selections; 11 MINAH CURRENT – 3 MOVIE GOER – 2 VOLKOV – 5 HELLOLO
This is not a strong BM53 field and the market will give us an excellent guide to see who is ready to take advantage of the lack of depth. MINAH CURRENT looks the obvious choice and while short, she is hardest to beat. The race suits and her form stands out and from gate five, Ivaldo Santana will have no excuses and it could be a case of whoever beats her home, wins. MOVIE GOER looks the big improver with winkers added. The 5YO might look out of form but with five career wins from 30 odd career starts, he might be ready to show his best with gate one and the weak field in his favour. Of the other you could make a case for VOLKOV, HELLOLO, FLY FREELY and HARUTO BOY while the emergency, ROMAN KNIGHT, could be the one flying late.
1 VON SNITZEL * Appreciates first up run but wide gate makes this tough. 33
2 VOLKOV *** Won similar affair two starts back and happy to follow. 12
3 MOVIE GOER *** Form starting to read badly but winkers added significant and can win from gate one. 5.00
4 FAT BOY ** This trip looks too short but fresh and could surprise late; exotics. 12
5 HELLOLO *** Did it tough last start so run fair and while drawn wide here, a big run would not surprise. 5.00
6 GOLDEN ROSEWOOD ** Form looks hopeless but good work late last start at odds suggests he is worth a look in exotics for value. 33
7 AMERICAN GLADIATOR ** Has been disappointing since showing something early in his career but might find this company to his liking. 33
8 FLY FREELY *** Not far away at two starts this campaign and pay to keep very safe in this field. 12
9 HIS MY IDOL ** Wide gate makes this tough but excuses last start and could include somewhere. 20
10 HARUTO BOY *** Resuming and certainly found a suitable race to show his best; market watch in order. 12
11 MINAH CURRENT *** Due and might not get a better chance than this for over-due win; hard to beat. 2.50
12 RADIANT MOON * Blinkers go on first time but obviously form average at best. 50
13 ROMAN KNIGHT *** This looks to short but fresh with blinkers added and could finish over the top of them late. 20
14 MIDLIFE CRISIS * Been struggling for a while now. 100
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Race 9
Selections; 2 GOLDEN SAND STEED – 1 FISH RABBITFISH – 8 TIM – 11 BABY FACE
GOLDEN SAND STEED looked a good thing beaten last start and as such he is the one to follow into this. Joao Moreira stays on-board and given this is a similar affair, a win is on the cards. In saying that he looked every chance two starts back when beaten by FISH RABBITFISH. And given FISH RABBITFISH looked very comfortable on that occasion with blinkers added, it may pay to follow him as well. There is a weight-swing in GOLDEN SAND STEED’s favour so a 3kg claim for Troy See on FISH RABBITFISH looks a good move. TIM was slightly disappointing as even money favourite last start but looks the type who wins in Class 4 and certainly worth keeping safe. BABY FACE, NOT SIMPLE and DORAEMON one’s to watch at value for exotics or even each-way.
1 FISH RABBITFISH *** Won well with blinkers added last start and have to follow. 4.00
2 GOLDEN SAND STEED *** Good thing beaten last start and Moreira can make quick amends here. 2.75
3 DORAEMON ** Pulled up lame last start and happy to consider each-way from gate three with top apprentice a factor. 12
4 PALOMBARO * Blinkers on, tongue-tie off and appreciates Class 4 but form hopeless. 100
5 ROBERT E ** Back in trip looks a good move and can consider each-way at value with blinkers removed. 20
6 ALL SERENE ** Back in trip after struggling this grade last couple; take on trust. 20
7 POTLUCK ** Better suited at handicap conditions and pay to keep safe with down-grade to winkers. 20
8 TIM *** Disappointing as even money favourite last start similar affair but worth following. 4.00
9 NOT SIMPLE ** Excuses two back and good work late last start has him right in this at value; keep safe. 33
10 JET ACE ** Disappointing last start when blinkers added but could surprise from gate two and in-form claimer. 20
11 BABY FACE ** Form reads just fair but improves at the handicap conditions and cheeky run expected. 12
12 SIR FLEETWOOD ** Competitive on his day and value runner form gate one with no weight. 33
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