Singapore this Friday

Without sounding like the proverbial broken record, Joao Moreira is the man to follow on Friday.
The all Polytrack nine-race meeting has few highlights bar the fact that Moreira could ride another handful as he tries to finish off what has been a bumper month on a high.
True, he missed the first three meetings of the month and only rode a few winners last weekend, but five or so winners tonight look possible and would set Moreira up for a big Sunday and another 20 plus haul for a calendar month.
And while six of his eight rides on the night look solid each-way hopes or better, a couple of wins on newcomers look his for the taking.
SUPER JUNIOR will start favourite in the Restricted Maiden (division 2) event over 1000m (race 6) and given his recent dominate trial win, a very short quote is expected.
Adding to his short price (not much over minimum pay-out is expected) is the fact the 2YO colt is by the same sire (Darci Brahma) as the exceptional SUPER EASY and is owned by the same connections, trained by the same trainer and ridden by the same hoop as the 3YO champ.
DISSOLVED (race 8) is a former Australian galloper who was putting together a very impressive race record at major tracks in Sydney and Melbourne, included a Listed Race win.
Although having a long spell from racing (courtesy of a short-lived stallion career) before being shipped to Singapore in April this year, his work and trials have been impressive since arriving and the Michael Freedman-trained 5YO should win on debut and be a horse to follow.
Elsewhere Moreira has every opportunity to knock in a couple of winners on the likes of DANGER MONEY (race 1), SAVVY AS (race 2) and PRIME MOVER (race 3) early in the card before some solid types in QUINTA DE LAGO (race 5), FOREIGN EXCHANGE (race 7) and BENJI’S RULE (race 9) hopefully make it another night to remember for followers of the man they call ‘Magic’.

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Best Bets; SUPER JUNIOR (race 6, win), DISSOLVED (race 8, win), EXCUSE MY FRIENDS (race 5, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (10), race 7 (1, 5 and 8), race 8 (2) and race 9 (1, 2, 3,4,5,6 and 9).

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Race 1

Selections; 1 GENOVA AT WORK – 6 DANGER MONEY – 5 REAL GOODMAN – 4 SUPER VELOX
Some reasonable Class 5 horses start off proceedings. We love a Class dropper and GENOVA AT WORK showed last start in Class 5 he wins soon. The blinkers go back on, he scored his only win with headgear, and Oscar Chavez should ride him positively and he will be right in the firing line most of the way. Joao Moreira often rides the winner of the first (and the rest) and Bruce Marsh has entrusted him with DANGER MONEY who flew home last start to just miss. They have left the blinkers off, and his only win came without them over two years ago when trained by John Meagher. He spent a lot of time in Class 4 and when dropped to Class 5 was running over longer distances and failing – this trip looks much more suitable and provided Joao can give him a clear run looks hard to beat. The 3YO maiden SUPER VELOX has plenty of speed and if he can get across from the wide draw and be left alone in front, could be very hard to run down. The stable mates SUN ENTERPRISE, with blinkers removed, and REAL GOODMAN usually race consistently in this class, and MY NEW MAN could show up on his preferred Polytrack surface without surprising. The veterans, nine-time winner DAN NOBLE and five-time winner REDPACKETDAY can never be ignored in these affairs.

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1 GENOVA AT WORK *** Good effort last start. Blinkers go on; he wore them in his only win, and will probably race closer to the lead with Oscar Chavez to ride. Plenty of weight but good chance. 3.50
2 RISKY VENTURE * Resuming and while he will do well in this company he might need the outing. 20
3 SUN ENTERPRISE *** Not far away at two starts back from a spell. Blinkers removed and his best runs have been with them on. 12
4 SUPER VELOX *** Cannot draw a barrier! Still a maiden, has speed and did it tough last start for close up placing. Keep safe. 10
5 REAL GOODMAN *** Stablemate of SUN ENTERPRISE. Foot on the till and looks every chance form the nice alley. 10
6 DANGER MONEY *** Powered home last start and subsequently trialed well. Moreira to ride and this should suit. 2.80
7 SMART CHOICE * Done nothing in 9 starts. Passing. 50
8 DAN NOBLE ** Nine time winner slipping down in the ratings. Back in distance, but a four time winner over 1200m. Can never be discounted in this class. 10
9 MY NEW MAN ** Stablemate of RISKY VENTURE. Not that far way last start and ignore previous efforts on turf. Engagement of Alan Munro signals an improved effort is expected. 12
10 KUTI KUTI * Maiden who has not been placed in 10 starts on the Polytrack. 33
11 REDPACKETDAY ** Veteran who could show up with engagement of Barend Vorster. 14
12 JUMBO CAN * Can’t. 50
13 DOCTOR WU * Yet to show up in five starts. Poorly drawn. 33
14 WEOWNA FLYER * Pacifiers on, down in class but yet to show up in 6 starts. 50

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Race 2

Selections; 2 SAVVY AS – 3 NEVER RETREAT – 7 DIAMOND QUALITY – 5 GRAND VITESS
Some real battlers get to fight this out over the 1700m on the Poly. SAVVY AS is third run back from a let-up, the blinkers come off, and Joao Moreira jumps on. The horse has been disappointing but his best run was over this distance last December when ridden by Shafiq. He will not get one much weaker than this and Joao and Mark Walker seem to be building a good partnership. NEVER RETREAT has never put in a bad one on the Polytrack, his last effort under Jackson Low was sound, and now with Oscar Chavez wielding the persuader he should be the one coming late. GRAND VITESS has been stepping up in distance and this may the most suitable race he has contested, the engagement of Danny Beasley signals an improved performance. SUBDUE has got some speed and if left alone in front could prove hard to run down. Likewise, PLAY ON, whilst having been a maiden for a long time, can sit on the speed and fight on strongly. In a race like this, most of the runners lack a turn of foot, and if close enough on straightening, one pacers such as RISK FACTOR, DIAMOND QUALITY (not a bad effort one start over similar trip) and even NEWFOUNDFAME can find themselves right in the fray.

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1 RISK FACTOR ** Battled away well two starts back in similar race when ridden by Stephen Baster. Chance again. 8.00
2 SAVVY AS *** Third run back from a spell. Blinkers off, has been disappointing but if anyone can improve him, Moreira can. Ran fourth last December over this trip. 3.50
3 NEVER RETREAT *** Suited this distance and surface. Fought on well last start and should race well again. 3.00
4 PLAY ON ** Not that far away in an unsuitable race last start. 16 start maiden who likes the poly, runs on and could be suited by this trip. 10
5 GRAND VITESS ** Yet to show up in 6 starts, but this distance more likely to suit and engagement of Danny Beasley could be significant. Watch for market support. 10
6 SUBDUE ** Has got some speed and could well lead and prove hard to run down. 10
7 DIAMOND QUALITY *** Not far away at only attempt over this distance. Should be running on again. Keep safe. 12
8 KING WASHI * Winkers on but has done little to date. 33
9 DOMINATOR * No domination as yet. 33
10 NEWFOUNDFAME * Last two efforts have been better, but would need luck from bad gate. 20
11 COUNTER PUNCH * Tongue-tie on but will need more than that. 33
12 MR COOL MAN * Stablemate of COUNTER PUNCH. Blinkers and pacifier off. 25 start maiden, good effort two starts back but win would surprise. 33
13 TOP ASIA * No. 50
14 VICTORIOUS ONE’S * Unlikely. 50

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Race 3

Selections; 10 PRIME MOVER – 2 XIN TREASURE – 3 EATONS GOLD – 1 OUR FRIENDLY DIVA
These Class 4 races over sprint distances on the poly are always open affairs and this is no exception. PRIME MOVER was never on the track last start and fought on strongly to get second, he is perfectly drawn here, has a recent slick trial under his belt and Joao Moreira takes the mount. He is the one to beat. XIN TREASURE to be ridden by the other Latin, Jose Verenzuela has put in good efforts from ordinary barriers at his past two starts. From the better draw this time he should be right in the hunt all the way. EATON’S GOLD has raced well at his two starts on resuming, he is another speedy type who should be able to sit on the pace and fight on strongly. OUR FRIENDLY DIVA was resuming when she ran right over the top of them last start, she is up in weight but should be competitive again. POWER AND GLORY has been thereabouts since resuming from a spell and should be running on late. Likewise, SILVER STRIKE has had a couple of runs since changing stables; he has won in higher class than this and at his best would test them seriously. INDULGE is speedy but gets run down, KING’S FRIEND is resuming but could go well fresh and PREMIER GRADE whilst having ordinary race form, continues to look and work well.

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1 OUR FRIENDLY DIVA *** Good effort to win on resuming and whilst up in weight must be given a chance again. 7.50
2 XIN TREASURE *** Put in good efforts from tough barriers at last two starts, better suited here in Class 4 and with Verenzuela on top should give a good sight. 4.00
3 EATONS GOLD *** Caught late on turf last start after racing wide. Two runs since resuming have been sound, has Polytrack form and should race well in this. 5.00
4 QUALITASE * Recent trial slick but should want longer than this. 25
5 INDULGE * Has speed but has been getting run down. Draw no advantage. 20
6 KING’S FRIEND * Resuming and could show up whilst fresh. Watch market. 20
7 SUPER STRIKE ** Third run back from let-up, raced wide last two starts and may be ready to show his best which would be well up to this field. 16
8 FULL SITE * Ordinary effort last start after coming back from 1600m. Take on trust. 20
9 POWER AND GLORY *** Been thereabouts at two starts since resuming. Will need some luck but should be running on late. 10
10 PRIME MOVER *** Perfectly drawn and has Moreira on top. Never on the track last start to place and recent slick trial suggests he wins this. 3.50
11 PREMIER GRADE * Has been disappointing but continues to work well. Keep safe. 20
12 SHEN KIM * Looking to get back into Class 5. 33
13 STATE TROOPER * Form poor, but recent trial signaled possible improvement. 25
14 QUI EST LA * Wants something easier. 50

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Race 4

Selections; 1 RORY – 2 ALWAYS A WINNER – 3 CAVALLO – 10 HOLLY
A few unknowns cloud the issue, but on revealed form RORY – to be ridden by Barend Vorster for Theo Keiser – has been consistently around the mark being placed at three of his four starts and gets his chance here. The logical danger from the raced brigade is ALWAYS A WINNER who is on the quick back-up after running a reasonable third on Sunday and will be ridden by Jose Verenzuela. Of the first starters, CAVALLO has been well held in his trials and will be ridden by Stephen Baster for Michael Freedman; a market watch is in order. DOUBLE CASH had several trials in South Australia, and has looked good in his two hit-outs at Kranji; he could be one to watch. HOLLY, trained by Laurie Laxon also looks a likely type; Greg Cheyne gets to steer from a good alley. G STRATEGIST showed up at his first start before failing in the Golden Horseshoe and ZAC APPEAL can be expected to improve.

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1 RORY *** Although well beaten last start into third, he has placed at three of four starts and with Barend Vorster and a good draw, the one to beat. 3.50
2 ALWAYS A WINNER *** Also well beaten into a placing but a reasonable effort last Sunday, if he can handle the quick back-up should race well. 4.50
3 CAVALLO *** Has shown promise in his trials, by Testa Rossa – watch market. 5.50
4 DOUBLE CASH ** Trials well. Draw no help but could show up. 16
5 DRAGON COMMANDER ** Trials have been good and solid debut expected. Watch market. 16
6 G STRATEGIST ** First start was impressive but finished down the course in Golden Horseshoe. Resuming and could go well fresh. 12
7 HE CAN DANCE ** Won a trial in preparation for this but in very slow time. Maybe later. 33
8 REAL STEEL * Later. 33
9 SUCCESS * No. 33
10 HOLLY *** Trials nicely and expected to race well from nice alley. 4.30
11 ZAC APPEAL ** Blinkers off, tongue tie on. Should be improved from initial effort. 12

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Race 5

Selections; 4 EXCUSE MY FRIENDS – 2 JOYFUL HEART MAN – 3 QUINTA DE LAGO – 6 MARAETI
A small but highly interesting race in which tactics will play a major part. MARAETI is on the quick back-up after humping 58kg over 2200m, he will be a real iron horse if he can get away with this though he will appreciate TH Koh’s allowance. He could also well be the pace maker for Moreira on Laurie Laxon’s other runner QUINTA DA LAGO who is always dangerous in these type of races. Intriguingly, HK Tan also has two runners, IMACRUISER who could be there to set the speed for DARING FIGHTER. Given this could ensure a genuine speed it could set it up for JOYFUL HEART MAN whose recent form is not anything to boast about, but his record on over 1800m is exemplary, two starts for two wins, one on the Polytrack. Shane Baertschiger, not to be outdone, also has two runners, KNIGHT SPIRIT on the quick back-up and EXCUSE MY FRIENDS who has been extremely disappointing in Singapore but was good enough to win listed races, the Tasmanian Guineas and the Hobart Guineas, back in Australia. But his last run was a lot better than the result in the book and the fact blinkers go on and he has drawn the ace, suggests he can cause an upset and win. And in a tricky race like this – why not some value and put EXCUSE MY FRIENDS on top?

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1 KNIGHT SPIRIT ** On quick back-up after never really getting involved last Sunday. Has never won beyond a mile and can disappoint. 16
2 JOYFUL HEART MAN *** Form reads badly but this race/Class suitable as won at both attempts over 1800m and has excellent Polytrack record. Expect sharp improvement. 3.80
3 QUINTA DE LAGO *** Well beaten in Yew Tee Classic last start but was hopeless at the weights. Will find this easier and goes close. 3.80
4 EXCUSE MY FRIENDS *** Stable mate of KNIGHT SPIRIT. Form reads badly but last start a lot better than it looked with excuses not to finish closer. Blinkers on and might surprise with gate one a factor. 20
5 DARING FIGHTER *** Runs on strongly and if the pace is genuine could finish right over top of them. 4.50
6 MARAETI *** Tough stayer who humped 58kg to place last Sunday on a yielding track. If he can back up, will appreciate the lighter weight and should be in this for a long way. 3.80
7 IMACRUISER ** Stablemate of DARING FIGHTER. Has not won beyond a mile but last start promising and should be on the pace for a long way. 12
8 IRISH FLASH * One pacer who might find these too classy but his honesty gives him a chance. 16
9 XIN STAR * Reassess Class 5. 33

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Race 6

Selections; 10 SUPER JUNIOR – 9 TOMORROWS DREAMS – 1 OASIS SPUR – 11 SEA OF LOVE
After three nice trials, I’m not sure SUPER JUNIOR needed Joao Moreira or gate one to win on debut. Throw in some very positive press courtesy of his famous stable-mate SUPER EASY (the two share the same sire, trainer, owners and hoop) and a smart recent trail with blinkers and the 2YO might just go off at the minimum odds. But while we have him on top and he should win, there looks to be some competitive types here and SUPER JUNIOR might not be the best option at a prohibitive starting price. One of those that may test him is TOMORROWS DREAMS from the Brian Dean stable who has race experience on his side. In fact he showed plenty late last start after excuses in running – always a good sign – and winkers on suggests a more forward showing early. Likewise OASIS SPUR has race experience and had enough excuses last start to think we ignore that and go on good run two starts back. He might provide value as well. The race doesn’t have a lot of depth but a couple of other newcomers in SEA OF LOVE, GOLD MINE and PERFECT LOVE have all done enough at the trials to think they will go OK and are must for exotics with the tote a very good guide to their winning chances.

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1 OASIS SPUR ** Did it very tough last start so happy to give another chance on good effort two runs back. 33
2 CHINA ROULETTE * Didn’t show enough at debut to consider. 100
3 FULL OF DRAGONS * Not a lot at debut from wide gate and hard to have after drawing badly again. 100
4 GOLD MINE ** Trailed well enough to think he gives a very forward showing in what looks a race with little depth. 12
5 MR KNOW IT ALL ** Plenty of excuses on debut including saddle slipping – should improve for the run and keep safe. 50
6 PERFECT LOVE ** Better recent trial with blinkers added suggests he has something to offer at race debut – watch for some support. 20
7 SUPER WINE ** OK work late last time out suggests he is on the improve and has more to offer. 33
8 THE SUNBELT * Just fair time at the trials and would need to see support to get excited. 100
9 TOMORROWS DREAMS *** Very nice work late after excuses in running to place last start suggests he has admirers here and a more forward run expected with winkers added – can win. 7.00
10 SUPER JUNIOR *** Won three trials in preparation and his impressive last effort with blinkers on has him hot favourite here and should oblige. 1.20
11 SEA OF LOVE ** Looked comfortable at two trials and a solid debut run is expected. 12

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Race 7

Selections; 5 FOREIGN EXCHANGE – 8 BOWIE KNIFE – 1 EL PERIGO – 6 DARING SPLENDOUR
BOWIE KNIFE, EL PERIGO and DARING SPLENDOUR all come off good runs in the same race behind CINDERELLA MAN and all three look winning hopes. BOWIE KNIFE looks the pick of the bunch given he had plenty of excuses in the straight in that race and almost found enough late to win. S Anandan retains the ride and if he gets any luck from gate five, BOWIE KNIFE looks hard to beat. But while FOREIGN EXCHANGE comes into this race after a poor run at his last start, his previous form – especially a close up second behind VAYA CONDIOS – has him the horse to beat. Gate one is definitely a factor given Joao Moreira will be able to dictate terms and that will mean plenty over two turns on the tight inner-track. As mentioned, EL PERIGO did enough last start to follow in this company – the small field suits – and DARING SPLENDOUR a big hope on his last run although blinkers removed is a small concern.

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1 EL PERIGO *** Just got out off his ground early which was costly last start as work late was terrific and has him as the one to beat here. 4.00
2 LUCKY RISE ** OK late last start so step up in distance a good move. Gate two handy – each way at value. 20
3 KNIGHT SCORPIO ** Wide gate a concern as does look his best when ridden on the pace. 33
4 AMAZON BOY ** Never a show last start from the wide alley and worth another look as will be competitive in this company. 20
5 FOREIGN EXCHANGE *** Happy to ignore last start as that run looked an anomaly given great form prior – hard to pass form gate one. 3.00
6 DARING SPLENDOUR *** Close up finish last start has him right in this although blinkers removed a query. 6.00
7 TAKIS ** Form just fair last couple so blinkers removed not a bad move. 20
8 BOWIE KNIFE *** Looked a good thing beaten last start similar affair and hard to beat on that run. 4.00

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Race 8

Selections; 2 DISSOLVED – 8 BM WIN – 7 ROYCE – 1 VELLFIRE
DISSOLVED, courtesy of a short-lived career at stud, has taken a while to get back to the track having last raced in Australia in February 2011 but given he only arrived in Singapore in April 2012 and has done everything right since arriving, a debut win looks on the cards. The well-bred 5YO (who won three from nine in Australia including a listed race) has trailed twice this month in preparation and has looked terrific on both occasions. So while a short price is expected, anything but a win would disappoint. In he doesn’t handle the occasion (or the gate – 10); a horse like BM WIN will be there to strike with good form coupled with a nice gate (three). Vorster rides and the American-bred also loves the surface so a good option for a stand-out forecast with the likely fave in DISSOLVED. Of the rest, you have to respect a horse like ROYCE first up after a short break (wide gate some issue) with VELLFIRE a good option at value for exotics. SELIGI, DANZIG ROCKET and MOOVA HOOVA thereabouts (the later at odds).

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1 VELLFIRE ** Last run better than it looked and pay to watch at value with 4kg claim. 33
2 DISSOLVED *** Listed winner from Australia who has trialed very well for Singapore debut – should win. 1.70
3 MOOVA HOOVA ** Good work late last start similar affair suggests we can include in exotics. 33
4 TOTARA * Appreciates first run back and gate one but have to take on trust. 33
5 SQUALL LINE ** Form starting to read badly but excuses last start and this race looks suitable to show his best – keep safe. 20
6 SELIGI ** Showed more than enough at first run back to think he is in form and pay to follow. 15
7 ROYCE *** Resuming but impressed at last few including nice Class 4 win – wide gate an issue but keep safe. 8.00
8 BM WIN *** Continued great form with a placing similar affair last start – big show. 4.50
9 RAGING STORM ** Back in trip but will be very competitive late at value. 33
10 DANZIG ROCKET ** Showed last start at value why he always has to be respected over this trip. 12
11 HEY TORO * Queried last start and respiratory distress but needs it easier than this. 100
12 SARATOGA * Best work expected late but like to see on turf over easier. 33

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Race 9

Selections; 4 BROWN SHADOW – 9 HUMOR TOWN – 1 SHINING GLORY – 2 BENJI’S RULE
As you would expect a very tough race to close the meeting and good luck if alive in any exotic bets. Hard to find much between the top seven or so chances with luck in running going to be a factor given a few of the fancies have drawn badly. With this in mind, BROWN SHADOW from gate three, looks a very solid winning option. The DANE SHADOW 4YO broke through for an overdue (to say the least) first win in Singapore two starts back but more importantly backed that effort up with a strong late effort from a bad gate last time out. Hopefully it gets silly out front early and jockey Saifudin gets a beautiful sit and handy enough to have BROWN SHADOW ready to strike when it counts. But plenty of others to talk about including HUMOR TOWN back in a very suitable race, the consistent SHINING GLORY and BENJI’S RULE always a hope with best work expected late. But those three have all drawn badly so you also have to include ROCK YOU from gate 4 and last start winners FAT BOBO (gate 5) and COUP DA VINCI (8).

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1 SHINING GLORY *** Drawn wide but showed last start why he wins soon in this Class – follow. 20
2 BENJI’S RULE *** Got back and ran on last start, in form and right in this. 4.00
3 FAT BOBO *** Strong win last start over this trip suggests he goes well again. 8.00
4 BROWN SHADOW *** Backed up an overdue win with a very good run from bad gate last start and gives this a shake from barrier 3. 4.00
5 COUP DA VINCI *** Coming off a nice enough Restricted Maiden win to think he be more than competitive this company. Watch market. 8.00
6 ROCK YOU *** Can disappoint but showed last couple he wins soon and expect bold run from nice gate. 5.50
7 ZAC COERCION ** Resuming after very long break – goes well on his day but market only guide. 33
8 CAIYAYA * Form probably better than it reads but only for the brave. 50
9 HUMOR TOWN *** Ignore last start where he was no hope at the weights and take on previous very good form similar affairs. Can win. 4.50
10 LINDT ** Resuming and while better over longer he is worth a look at value in exotics as recent trial OK. 33
11 SAHORO * Reassess easier/shorter. 100
12 SUPER STAR * Reassess easier/longer. 100
13 GOLD HALO * Hard to have on first up run. 50

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