Singapore this Friday

An all-Polytrack nine race card from Singapore this Friday and after knocking in his 100th winner last Sunday, the ‘Joao Show’ looks set to continue with a super book of rides for the Brazilian Ace.
In fact Joao Moreira could quite possibly be sitting on the favourite in all-nine races and given his remarkable strike rate on the punters elect – some 42% since October last year – a bagful of wins is on the cards.
The day starts with a bit of a Class 5 raffle but SPECIAL SOLDIER will have admirers with Moreira on-board and certainly looks as good as chance as any in a very open field.
But things get serious quickly with the exciting 2YO, Yin Jie, in race two where the likely odds-on-pop can make it two wins from as many race starts and certainly looks a youngster to follow.
Moreira then partners a couple of handy 3YO’s – SPEEDY AHEAD and GOODPACK – in races three and four respectively where both look to have strong winning chances.
SPEEDY AHEAD is up against a couple of talented 3YO’s in ARROW TO POST and TERMINATOR, but will have every chance with GOODPACK hard to beat in his Restricted Maiden given what he has shown on the training track after an impressive debut effort.
While not as talented as a few of his earlier mounts, COOL LUKE (race 5) and DISTINCT NICHE (race 6) look to found suitable races to add to Moreira’s win tally as has INDICIO – who placed at Group level behind SUPER EASY two starts back – in race seven.
Moreira teams up with trainer Laurie Laxon on CINDERELLA MAN and SIR FLEETWOOD in the last two races and pending on how the day has panned out for the champion hoop, there could be plenty of interest in both these Class 4 races.

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Best Bets; YIN JIE (race 2, win), INDICIO (race 7, win) and GOODPACK/ONE SMART CAT (race 4, exacta/swinger).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (3, 4, 5, 7, 10 and 11), race 7 (1 and 8), race 8 (1, 2, 3 and 11) and race 9 (1, 2, 3, 8 and 11).

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Race 1

Selections; 12 SPECIAL SOLDIER – 9 SPIDER KING – 8 CAPRICCIOSO – 4 SARONG
A tricky Class 5 starts the night, where most of the speed is drawn wide and the closers are drawn near the fence. Joao Moreira jumps on SPECIAL SOLDIER whose only win was on the Polytrack at this distance. His best performances have come where he can run on the speed and if the champion jockey can get him across and into a sit behind the pace, he could be very hard to beat with only 50kg on his back (though Moreira may have to declare overweight). SPIDER KING had a tough run last start where he was hampered and the saddle slipped. At his previous start he had stormed home to win for Zawari and he could repeat here. CAPRICCIOSO was NEWA WAGAMAMA, she is still a maiden after 13 starts but last time in put in some decent performances and her recent trials indicate she could race well fresh. SARONG is a speedy mare drawn wide, she started favourite last start and boxed on well, if she does not have to use up too much petrol early she could be right in the finish. FUKU ICHIBAN is a Class dropper whose best form is on turf and over longer distances, he has 59kg to carry but he is a capable performer on his day and is well drawn. DEN had the ace draw last draw last start, got back and ran on to land the prize. He is drawn out this time but is likely to be running on strongly again. Amongst the others BULL SHOT has been disappointing but he has speed and could get an easy lead, DECOUPER runs on and is never far way, and if MIDLIFE CRISIS gets a start he could very easily win.

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1 FUKU ICHIBAN *** Drops in Class and whilst placed on the Polytrack, best form has been on turf over 1200m and 1400m. Has to carry 59kg but has speed and a good draw. 4.50
2 GOLDEN JAMBHALA * Professional Class 5 horse who wants it longer than this. 50
3 YAM CHA * Bred to stay and wants it longer. 100
4 SARONG *** Handy mare who started favourite last start and fought on reasonably. Wide draw does not help as she likes to race on the pace. 7.50
5 DECOUPER ** Two runs since returning to Class 5 have been average though not that far way last start. Races best when able to get a sit on the speed and has won over this journey on the Polytrack. 10
6 DEN *** Got the goodies from the ace draw last start. Up 5kg and drawn wide but he is a big horse and always a threat in these type of races. 7.50
7 BREATHOFSUCCESS * 3YO who has been battling away in maidens and initiations. May find this a bit easier but races as if he would prefer longer. 25
8 CAPRICCIOSO *** Late NEWA WAGAMAMA. 13 start maiden resuming, form last campaign solid and recent trials suggests she goes well. 10
9 SPIDER KING *** Plenty of excuses last start and stormed home to win previously with Zawari aboard. Could repeat the dose. 6.00
10 BULL SHOT * Has been disappointing since change of stables, goes best when on the speed and wide barrier does not help. 20
11 ZENA * Done very little in 10 starts. 33
12 SPECIAL SOLDIER *** Only win was this track and distance. Best efforts have been when ridden forward or on the speed. Barrier a challenge but with Moreira steering bound to be given every chance. 3.60
13 APACHE JUNCTION ** Hasn’t raced for six months but has had several trials. Won over this trip back in September and could show up fresh. 16
14 MIDLIFE CRISIS *** Hampered last start and ran on well to be beaten less than a length. Previous effort good and whilst he gets back, will be hard to beat if he gets a run. 5.00

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Race 2

Selections; 1 YIN JIE – 5 FIELDEN STAR – 2 CARBON DIAMOND – 7 HOLY EMPIRE
YIN JIE is the only winner in the field and the horses he beat – PITSTOP and SUPER GOOD – have raced very well subsequently. With Joao Moreira to steer he should be far too good unless there is an unknown “smokey” in the field. FIELDEN STAR has had a run and was not disgraced – he should be improved. Of the unraced brigade, CARBON DIAMOND won a trial and his breeding suggests speed, his mother PETRELLA was a fast horse in South Australia who won six races. EMPIRE BAY, GOLDEN SAND STEED, VIVA KARAKA and HOLY EMPIRE all trial well, and QUITEALOT is by HOWBADDOUWANTIT, a breed that go well on the poly and is a full brother to the handy HK horse BIG PROFIT. If the emergency ROYCE SUPREME gets a start he could be a strong place chance.

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1 YIN JIE *** Won at his only start and has trialled well since. With Moreira riding should be too good for these. 1.30
2 CARBON DIAMOND ** Won a trial and mother was a flying machine who won six races. Should race well. 8.00
3 EASY JOB * Trials OK, but prefer to see. Watch market. 50
4 EMPIRE BAY ** Has been trialing well enough to indicate a forward showing. 20
5 FIELDEN STAR ** Decent effort at first start and should be further improved. 12
6 GOLDEN SAND STEED ** Nicely bred type, full brother to Stallion Supreme (2 wins 253K) and half brother to Strike the Stars (Group 3 winner). Had a quiet trial and could show up with Opie Bosson riding. 20
7 HOLY EMPIRE ** Blinkers on and trialed well enough to deserve some thought from the good draw. 12
8 JOYOUS EXPRESS * Had a quiet trial and may need the experience. Half brother to Secret Enigma (7 wins and 273K) 50
9 QUITEALOT * Brother to Big Profit, a very handy horse in Hong Kong. Could show up. 20
10 SUPER WINE * Not yet. 50
11 VIVA KARAKA ** Most recent trial good and worth some thought at debut for exotics at value. 33
12 BLACK NINJA * Bred to stay. Much later. 100
13 ROYCE SUPREME * Battled on well last start but would need to improve. 33
14 OASIS SPUR ** Excuses last time out and will improve for the race experience. 50

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Race 3

Selections; 8 ARROW TO POST – 4 SPEEDY AHEAD – 1 TERMINATOR – 3 ROCK YOU
A small field, but an interesting race involving three promising speedsters. ARROW TO POST is resuming after blitzing them when winning his maiden. He can be ordinary at the start but has heaps of ability, Barend Vorster and no weight. SPEEDY AHEAD never really got into it last start and did not appear comfortable in the running. This time he has Moreira – who won on him two starts back – and with the good barrier should be much more prominent. Oscar Chavez retains the mount on TERMINATOR, he started near on even money last start and was a little disappointing being out-finished by DYNAMIC DAN.The blinkers come off and from the rails draw he should be able to lead and dictate the pace. Apart from these three, the very honest BIG DINERO is back in distance but should be running on, BABY FACE never runs a bad race and ROCK YOU is a very smart horse, who is having his 5th run back after a long injury layoff – flying late last start – keep safe.

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1 TERMINATOR *** Blinkers off, has Oscar Chavez and the rails. Should set the tempo and be very hard to run down. 2.80
2 BIGDINERO ** Coming back from the mile but did win his maiden over this trip. Very honest 3YO who will be running home strongly. 10
3 ROCK YOU ** Ran on strongly last start and whist he looks better suited over longer could pose a danger late if race run to suit. 16
4 SPEEDY AHEAD *** Did not get away well last start and never looked comfortable. Won his maiden effortlessly and has Moreira to steer him again from the good draw. Hard to beat. 3.00
5 BABY FACE ** Honest horse who never runs a bad race but up against some smart ones here. 16
6 BOSS CAN I CAN * Boss cannot – out of his depth here. 50
7 DUTY FREE * Still a maiden and whilst he has ability these should be too good. 33
8 ARROW TO POST *** Resuming. A risk at the start but smashed them in winning his maiden. Should go close fresh with Barend Vorster riding. 3.00

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Race 4

Selections; 4 GOODPACK – 9 ONE SMART CAT – 7 CHAMPAGNE ROSE – 10 ROYAL TALE
An odd race featuring a couple of 3YOs with upside, a few that probably should have won maidens by now, and a bunch of unknown 2YOs and 3YOs. GOODPACK was heavily supported first up and the Leslie Khoo stable left the money in (which is rare). They have taken the tongue tie off and put Moreira on, despite the wide draw they must be hopeful of getting the loan back. CHAMPAGNE ROSE also attracted support last start and raced well, Saimee Jumaat retains the mount and if she can begin better she represents a strong chance. But a strong case can be made at the weights for two newcomers in ONE SMART CAT and ROYAL TALE. As 2YO’s they get in with 49.5kg and given they both come into this with winning trial form they have to be respected. Of the more experienced brigade, STARLITE SHOWER has been knocking on the door for a while, his recent second-up effort was good and with TH Koh’s allowance should be able to settle on the speed and run on well. GOLD HALO is resuming from a short break with blinkers added. He was placed twice in maiden company in March and should be freshened after recent barrier trials, despite his wide draw he too should be able to get on the speed and finish off strongly. EASTERN GIFT is also resuming and has been placed in similar company. If the emergency CHRISTMAS gets a start he could make the holidays come early.

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1 STARLITE SHOWER *** Good effort second run back from let-up, has been placed three times from six starts on the Polytrack. Should be running on strongly. 8.00
2 GOLD HALO *** Blinkers on. Resuming after disappointing run, placed twice in maiden company in March and will be freshened by recent barrier trials. Chance. 8.00
3 EASTERN GIFT * Resuming after short break, ran on well two starts back in Class 5 over 1200m. Has been placed twice in 11 attempts. 33
4 GOODPACK *** Tongue tie off, well supported at first start and missed (just) – Moreira takes over to make amends. 2.50
5 MIRACLE BOY * Trialed OK but will benefit from the experience. 33
6 YASTRZEMSKI * Had a quiet trial but from astute stable and may hit a home-run on debut – watch market. 25
7 CHAMPAGNE ROSE *** Supported and a good effort last start. Runs on strongly and could go one better here. 4.00
8 JOYCE * By Spartacus and will want more ground. 33
9 ONE SMART CAT *** Bred to stay but won both barrier trials and looks ready to run well on debut with no weight although bad draw a concern. 10
10 ROYAL TALE *** Won recent trial and looks a genuine light-weight hope from the ace draw. 10
11 VANTAGE * Did nothing in trial and prefer to see. 50
12 MAKE SENSE * Well back in Golden Horseshoe but may go better on Polytrack. 50
13 CHRISTMAS *** Showed speed and not beaten by much at first outing. Has a chance if he gets a start. 16
14 CODE RED * Good first up effort from inside barrier draw, further improvement expected if he gets a run. 25

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Race 5

Selections; 1 IRISH COFFEE – 5 COOL LUKE – 2 BROWN SHADOW – 4 BEST BARGAIN
Another odd race where the bottom six in the weights look like they are all trying to get into Class 5, and a couple of others wouldn’t mind getting there in the near future. IRISH COFFEE has been running in the silk department against Group horses and a query on the ride last time out in a Progress. He will relish getting back to this Class; he will be extremely hard to beat in what is a very moderate Class 4. Moreira is on COOL LUKE and he has a nice draw and is suited by the distance. BROWN SHADOW won well last start, he is drawn out a bit, but this field is no stronger than the one he beat last time. BEST BARGAIN has plenty of speed and is first up, he could go well fresh. TOP PRIORITY had a long lay-off due to injury, but has now had a few starts and from the good draw could make his presence felt. SAHORO is speedy and has won six races but 1200m is usually too far.

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1 IRISH COFFEE *** Has been racing in much better class. Well suited here and very hard to beat. 2.50
2 BROWN SHADOW *** Won well last start, not so well drawn this time, but a good chance to go back to back. 4.00
3 TOP PRIORITY ** Third run back after a long layoff from injury. Well drawn and could be in with a shout. 16
4 BEST BARGAIN ** Resuming, has speed and could go well in this moderate field. 16
5 COOL LUKE *** Has found himself well drawn in a weak class 4 with Moreira on top – should be hard to beat. 2.90
6 SAHORO ** Speedy type who has won 6 times but finds 1200m a shade too far. Can be competitive but probably better in Class 5. 16
7 GERMAN ROULETTE * Has speed but battling in this grade. 100
8 CAN BE BETTER * Struggling in Class 4 and wants something easier. 100
9 FOUNTAIN * Dropping back to his winning distance but may be looking for something easier. 100
10 MOOVA CASH * Late THATSHOWEROLL. Resuming and this is too hard. 33
11 PROBO CHANDROSO * Last few efforts disappointing and may be looking for something easier. 25
12 TENTENWIN * Speedy but finds 1200m too far in this company. 100

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Race 6

Selections; 11 DISTINCT NICHE – 10 STRIDE METEOR – 3 MERLIN – 5 BERT
While no horses jump off the page from their most recent runs, most have solid enough form prior to consider in what is a very even race. DISTINCT NICHE was one of those disappointing with support last start but his previous form has him one of the leading hopes. Obviously gate one and Joao Moreira will ensure support again but happy to follow and a win would not surprise. STRIDE METEOR turned around some terrible form with a good run two starts back and more importantly backed up that effort with a eye-catching run over 1100m last time out. He has also drawn well in gate two and the step up to 1600m looks ideal for another bold showing. MERLIN has been disappointing but Danny Beasley on-top puts him right in contention. The Aussie hoop has a terrific record on the horse – a couple of wins and four places from seven rides – and no reason not to think he gets the best out of MERLIN in what should be a very suitable race/grade. I also like BERT and SOLID IMPACT – and both might provide value on the day – with the honest VITALICO always in the mix.

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1 MESTI BOLEH ** Pulled up sore last start and obviously have to take on trust given two poor runs since recent win. 20
2 FACE OFF ** Badly drawn but very much appreciates first up run and should improve. 33
3 MERLIN *** Disappointing at two runs since dropping to Class 5 but Danny Beasley has too good a record on the horse not to think he can win this. 6.00
4 SOLID IMPACT *** Last run good with excuses and last win was over this trip – bold showing expected. 20
5 BERT *** Thereabouts last couple and should play a part in this finish. 12
6 RECIPROCATE ** No luck at the barriers but showed last start he is in the mix. 12
7 VITALICO *** Honest and looks a very solid each way hope in a race with no stand-out. 6.00
8 SUDDEN INTEREST * Hard to have. 100
9 DOUBLE DOSE ** Battled on well doing it tough from the wide gate last start and a must for exotics. 8.00
10 STRIDE METEOR *** Backed up a rare solid run with a good late effort last start – mile suits and a big run would not surprise. 6.00
11 DISTINCT NICHE *** Disappointing for the support last start but gets the favours from gate one and can win this. 3.50
12 OIL BARON ** Battled away in a weak race last start – place hope on better form. 12

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Race 7

Selections; 8 INDICIO – 1 BIRTHDAY GIFT – 6 TRUDEAU – 2 HONEST TRUTH
A great race with some horses in terrific winning form – four coming off last start wins – up against some very progressive youngsters with obviously INDICIO a horse on the rise. The ISHIGURU 3YO has won three and been placed another three times from just seven career starts and when you consider he placed in Group company behind SUPER EASY two starts back, this race is definitely winnable. The drop back to 1200m also looks in his favour given he was never in the hunt at his first attempt (albeit at Group level again) over 1400m and he looks the type that goes through the grades quicker than most. But he will have to be at his best under Joao Moreira as BIRTHDAY GIFT is gunning for four-wins-in-a-row and certainly the benchmark after beating subsequent winner, VALEVOLE, in convincing fashion last start. The Leslie Khoo-trained 4YO has not finished out of the places at six career starts – all on this surface – and another win here would not surprise. And while the likes of TRUDEAU, HONEST TRUTH and CASH DOT COM keep the race very interesting, the battles between BIRTHDAY GIFT and INDICIO looks one of the highlights on the card.

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1 BIRTHDAY GIFT *** Won convincingly last start to make it three in a row and four from six – wins again you would think. 3.00
2 HONEST TRUTH *** Coming off two nice Poly wins and should handle step up to 1200m with handy 3kg claim and good gate. 6.00
3 CASH DOT COM *** Wide gate an issue but in terrific form and have to respect. 8.00
4 COLLECT THE CASH ** Resuming but recent trial solid and always pay to respect in this type of race. 33
5 PALOMBARO ** Coming off a shocker but obviously better than that and this type of race should suit. 33
6 TRUDEAU *** Not up to the job at Group level last start but previous form this company/race has him a leading chance. 12
7 WINONTOP ** Backed up a nice win with a close up placing and keeps a few honest here with light-weight a factor. 10
8 INDICIO *** Smart and placed behind SUPER EASY at Group level over 1200m two starts back – follow. 2.90
9 PACINO ** Battles away and while might be looking for easier company to win, he is the place mix. 33
10 BOUNDLESS GLORY ** Up in Class after turning around some bad form with a win – prefer something easier. 33
11 DYNAMIC DAN ** Also up in Class after a solid win and should be competitive. 33

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Race 8

Selections; 3 AGENAIS – 2 THE CINDERELLA MAN – 11 SUPER JETSET – 1 GOLDEN QUEST
We made AGENAIAS a special last start and while the South African-bred 4YO didn’t quite get the chocolates with a close up third placing, he did enough to think we can follow in what is a very similar affair. In fact bar the winner from that race, the swooper DARING FIGHTER, he meets THE CINDERELLA MAN, CHIEF SECRETARY and IRO OTOKO – second, fourth and fifth respectively – on pretty well equal terms with CINDERELLA MAN the obvious danger on that form-line. Of the rest with chances, I think SUPER JETSET can run a bold race over what looks his best trip (with early luck playing a part after drawing badly) and the top-weight, GOLDEN QUEST, the improver in this company at his fourth start in Singapore.

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1 GOLDEN QUEST *** Suitable company and race suggests he can show his best – watch market. 8.00
2 THE CINDERELLA MAN *** Showed last start why he is always a solid each-way proposition – follow. 3.00
3 AGENAIS *** Beaten as even-money favourite last start but the effort was good and happy to think he can make amends. 2.50
4 COLD SECRET ** Bad gate a concern but not the worst and will be competitive this grade with downgrade to winkers. 40
5 GREEN JACKET ** Disappointing last start but certainly appreciates the good gate and a bold run would not surprise. 12
6 CHIEF SECRETARY ** Last run good in similar company and blinkers go on but will need luck from awkward gate. 8.00
7 KOBE TOP GUN * The type of horse that can surprise but hard to have on recent form. 33
8 SOLID WOOD ** Never in the hunt last start from wide gate and can show up at long odds from better alley. 33
9 GOLDEN HAWKEYE * Just not doing enough to consider. 50
10 THINK AHEAD * Waste of a good gate. 100
11 SUPER JETSET *** Might need to burn some petrol from the bad gate but can lad and hard to run down with step up in distance in his favour. 12
12 XIN STAR ** Last start better than it looked and handles the Poly but trip a query. 33
13 IRO OTOKO ** Thereabouts the place mix – include in skinny end of exotics if he gets a start. 20

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Race 9

Selections; 11 MINAH CURRENT – 8 SIR FLEETWOOD – 2 GRAND APPROACH – 3 MY PREROGATIVE
This Class 4 field looks very light-on so a couple of ‘each-way’ types in MINAH CURRENT and SIR FLEETWOOD come under serious consideration to turn some solid form into a win. And with not much between the two, the slightly better gate for MINAH CURRENT has her the early top pick. I also like the fact that the Brazilian-bred mare has been finishing her races off well of late and is honest enough to think this suits. SIR FLEETWOOD won three starts back in Class 5 but his two subsequent runs in this company good enough to follow. Moreira ensures he won’t go round at his usual each-way odds in this grade but the depth of this race (or lack of) has him in the winning mix. Plenty of interest elsewhere in this race and the tote might be a very good guide for the newcomer, GRAND APPROACH. The former Australian (WA) galloper trailed well enough recently to think he is ready to show his best first up in Singapore and the weak Class 4 field suggests a bold run is on the cards from the awkward gate. Of the rest, the emergency runner, FUKU’S PET, can be kept safe if he gets a start with MY PREROGATIVE the improver at odds and certainly worth a look from gate two.

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1 ASPEN HEIGHTS *** Disappointing this company last start but recent Poly form OK and might be ready to show something. 8.00
2 GRAND APPROACH *** Former Australian who will be competitive this company with nice recent trial suggesting he can show up at Singapore debut. 3.50
3 MY PREROGATIVE *** Last start better than the result and very much appreciates the run – goes close. 10
4 SHORTCUT ** Nothing last start but previously couple OK – skinny end of exotics for value. 33
5 STUB ** Thereabouts at a few Poly runs and another that could find himself in the exotic mix. 20
6 PREMIER GRADE ** Last start a shocker but continues to trial well so have to keep safe. 12
7 SUPER STAR * Enjoys the ace draw but prefer over longer and in easier company. 50
8 SIR FLEETWOOD *** In form and going to play a big part in a race with no stand-out. 4.00
9 PRIME MOVER ** Competitive on his day but wide gate an issue and might be looking at easier company. 12
10 EL PATRON * Struggling. 50
11 MINAH CURRENT *** In solid form and looks to have found a very suitable race to get a result for followers. 5.00
12 SHEN KIM ** Obviously struggle this company last time but appreciates the better gate. 20
13 FUKU’S PET *** Love to see in Class 5 but worth some thought in this field with no weight. 12

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