Pat Shaw started 2013 on holiday. But with four winners on the opening meeting of the 2013 Singapore racing season, we can safely assume Christmas pudding was not included on the stable’s December menu. And the South African handler can continue his red-hot start to the year with seven entries – all with some hope – on Friday’s ten race card. In race six, last start winner GREENSTONE looks hard to beat in what is a very suitable affair. The American-bred 4YO has done little wrong in seven career starts and showed more than enough winning over a mile on the Poly in Class 4 to follow with 55kg from a fair gate in Friday’s company. Shaw also has CANNON HILL entered for race 6 and is certainly worth some thought at value with top claimer, Tengku Rehaizat, on-board. In the lucky last, SWAGGER looks a very strong winning hope on what he showed last start dropping back to Class 4 company. The 6YO gelding had excuses that day and if Greg Cheyne gets any luck from gate nine today, he will go very close to winning. Shaw’s other runners – CARUSO (race 2), CASINO KING and LUCKY DAGGER (Race 4) and SICILIAN DRAGON (race 8) – are all maidens but all with some hope on either previous race form (in the case of Caruso) or trial form for the unraced trio.
Best Bets; HUKA FALLS (race 3, win), FISCAL WINGS (race 7, win) and SWAGGER (race 10, each-way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 7 (1), race 8 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8), race 9 (1, 2, 3 and 5) and race 10 (2, 3, 4 and 6).
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; 1 ANAVILA – 4 PRIME MOVER – 7 SUPER JETSET – 9 ZENA
A Benchmark53 over 1000m opens the programme. The veteran ANAVILA is an honest type, he resumed from a spell with a strong second in a similar affair and with Jimmy Kek full of confidence after winning on New Year’s Day, he should be charging home late. The improbably named K. A’Isusuhairi, better known as ‘Khairi’ retains the mount on PRIME MOVER but can now claim 3kg instead of 1kg as previously, courtesy of some rule changes in the MRA. As a winner of some 80 races in New Zealand he is a nice rider to have aboard and he should be able to sit just off the speed and run on strongly. The great man, Joao Moreira resumes on SUPER JETSET for Sam Chua and whilst the 1000m looks too short, he can never be underestimated. DOUBLE CASH is a lightly raced 3YO, he surprised last start leading from a wide barrier and winning; if he can repeat from the better draw he should be hard to run down. For the exotics, ZENA has been improving, and MINAH CURRENT will find this Class a lot easier than recent outings.
1 ANAVILA *** Honest veteran who resumed with good second over this trip; runs on and suited here with 4kg claim a bonus. 4.00
2 PERFECT TIME * Has had respiratory issues and recent form ordinary; would need to improve. 25
3 DOUBLE CASH *** Lightly raced 3YO who led and won from wide barrier over this journey last start; chance if he can repeat the effort. 4.00
4 PRIME MOVER *** Winkers on, last two runs good and 3kg claim gives him a strong chance. 3.00
5 G STRATEGIST * Resuming after being severely crowded and racing wide last start; has some ability and recent trials may have sharpened him, watch for market support. 16
6 MINAH CURRENT ** Will find this easier than recent outings in Class 4 where she was never on the track; should be handy all the way from the good alley and 3kg claim. 12
7 SUPER JETSET *** Has top rider and enough pace to play a part from wide gate; looks due. 5.50
8 THREE KINGS * Wants it longer than this. 50
9 ZENA ** Still a maiden but has been showing improvement and a chance from the inside draw and no weight. 12
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Race 2
Selections; 5 DARCISTAR – 3 CARUSO – 13 ALL APPROVED – 1 DESTINY ACTION
A collection of extremely ordinary and generally disappointing Maiden horses do battle over the 1700m. DARCISTAR knows how to run a bad one but he has been placed three times at his last five outings – the last behind PROFOUND who went on to frank that form winning again in Class 4. The blinkers come off CARUSO, he failed at his only attempt at 1700m but that was some time ago and his last run over 1200m was sound; he should be handy all the way and if he can get the trip should be hard to beat. The “king of disappointment” DESTINY ACTION is at the head of the weights and with Khairi’s claim is bound to tempt many punters, at best he could win but has to be taken on trust; how he ever ran a good second to MR BIG remains a mystery. ALL FORUS is another disappointment. His last run on turf was reasonable, he has a 3kg claim for Zuriman but he has been unplaced in six Polytrack starts. The rest of the field varies from extremely ordinary to downright terrible, but SUPER LUCKY and SUPER VELOX have shown glimpses from time to time. If the emergency ALL APPROVED gets a run he could towel them all up, particularly with Moreira to steer.
1 DESTINY ACTION *** Every chance over 1600m last start and disappoints more often than not but with 3kg claim must be considered amongst the chances again. 3.50
2 RECYCLE GOLD * Form too poor to consider. 33
3 CARUSO *** Blinkers off, ran on last start over 1200m, trip should suit and is a good chance again. 4.00
4 DIAMOND ON THE BAY * Blinkers off, battling and would need to improve. 20
5 DARCISTAR *** Three placings in last 5 starts; no superstar but suited this journey and should be in the mix again. 3.00
6 SUPER VELOX ** Placed 6 times from 13 starts on the Polytrack; distance may test despite good draw with winkers added. 12
7 ALL FORUS ** Yet to be placed on Polytrack in 6 attempts but ran on OK last start and can be included in exotics. 10
8 SUPER LUCKY ** Blinkers and pacifiers on. Yet to place in 12 starts but battles away and a chance in this weak field. 16
9 ANGE D’ORIENT * Disappointing mare who is yet to place in 12 starts. 33
10 VICTORIOUS ONE’S * Yet to place in 13 starts and bad draw does not help. 33
11 NEWFOUNDFAME * Not shown anything. 50
12 YAKUZA MOON * Very slow conveyance. 50
13 ALL APPROVED *** Last start ordinary but has been placed twice and thereabouts in recent outings; strong chance if he gets a start. 3.00
14 RADIANT ROI ** Best efforts have been on turf but could show up in this weak field. 16
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Race 3
Selections; 1 HUKA FALLS – 2 BAHEN – 5 TRUDEAU – 3 NICEONE
Only seven go round in an interesting Open Benchmark 83. HUKA FALLS has taken all before him but looked a little tired in winning at his last start; if he is fully recovered he is clearly the one to beat, particularly with Moreira on top. BAHEN has also been racing in fine form, he was slowly away and raced wide last start when 3rd behind EMERALD HILL; he should get a better run in this small field. The Arexevan-owned TRUDEAU has come back in fine fettle since being gelded and won strongly last start; the top Malaysian rider Jackson Low takes the mount and he should have him handy most of the way. NICEONE failed when resuming but he has won five from 10 on the Poly and improvement would not surprise. EMBLESSED and SEIZE THE DAY are also useful polytrackers though they may find this a bit hot.
1 HUKA FALLS *** Has won all four Polytrack starts; perfectly drawn, distance suits and the one to beat. 1.60
2 BAHEN *** Was slowly away and caught wide last start; previous form excellent and certain to race well. 4.50
3 NICEONE ** First up run was ordinary but has won 5 from 10 on the Polytrack; can improve. 12
4 EMBLESSED ** Has been struggling in this class but did it tough last start and worth another look this surface. 33
5 TRUDEAU *** Has improved since being gelded; strong win last start and should show up again. 3.50
6 GORDON ROBERTS * Middle distance horse who wants it longer. 200
7 SEIZE THE DAY ** Useful polytracker who appreciates light weight and will add value to exotics. 20
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Race 4
Selections; 4 BEST GURU – 10 SMART SAMURAI – 1 HILLBILLY BEAR – 2 TE AKAU KING
An Initiation over 1200m pits a few who have not shown much to date against a bunch of total unknowns – those planning to punt are strongly advised to watch the market. BEST GURU could be case in point given he has trialled OK in Singapore but won a trial in NZ before arriving. S Baster goes on for S Gray and a big first up run would not surprise. SMART SAMURAI is by Haradasun and has had one start in Australia for a 2nd on the synthetic at Geelong. His trial form is sound and with Moreira to steer from a wide alley could be primed for a first-up tilt. HILLBILLY BEAR has a couple of placings at provincial tracks in New Zealand to his credit and put in a reasonable effort with excuses at his first start in Singapore; tongue-tie goes on and he could be an improver. The stablemate, TE AKAU KING, is resuming. He ran a solid fourth at his only Polytrack outing and with the claim for Willie Tan could show up. SCHOLAR is a moody sort, he played up before the start when resuming and put in a poor effort but if on his best behavior could be a threat. Of the other unraced brigade Pat Shaw has CASINO KING and LUCKY DAPPER both likely types, as is the Desmond Koh trained MY REIGN. Leslie Khoo’s SKY EMPATHY has been to the trials numerous times, he can be a rogue, but is a well bred type by Fastnet Rock and if he behaves could surprise.
1 HILLBILLY BEAR *** Tongue tie on after good first-up effort with excuses not to finish closer; should be improved. 4.50
2 TE AKAU KING ** Resuming sans blinkers; solid fourth at only Polytrack start and could show up fresh. 8.00
3 SCHOLAR ** Disappointing effort last start; moody type who may appreciate the claim and the inside draw. 10
4 BEST GURU *** Trials well enough; market best guide with engagement of top rider a factor.10
5 HEART AND SOUL * Not shown a lot to date. 33
6 MY REIGN *** Looked useful at trials and a strong first-up performance would not surprise.12
7 QIANNIAN FOX * First start; did not show up at trials and prefer to see. 33
8 SKY EMPATHY ** By Fastnet Rock. Has had numerous trials; can be a rogue but if on his best behaviour could show up. 8.00
9 SWEET BEAUTY * Blinkers on, first start, did not show up at trials. 33
10 SMART SAMURAI *** Ran 2nd on synthetic at Geelong at only start. Has looked smart at trials and with Moreira to steer should be on the speed all the way. 3.50
11 CASINO KING ** Trials OK and looks a nice type; keep safe. 12
12 LUCKY DAPPER ** Has looked useful at trials; stable in form and a good run would not surprise. 12
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Race 5
Selections; 5 SPEEDY DWARF – 4 MIDLIFE CRISIS – 3 HELLOLO – 10 WHIRLRUNNER
A very ordinary Class 5 for Claiming riders over 1100m on the Polytrack where a number of the main chances are resuming. SPEEDY DWARF has been racing in fine form, he has placed second four times in his last five starts; from the good draw with Tengku Rehaizat to steer he gets his chance. MIDLIFE CRISIS is resuming from a bleeding attack, his form prior was excellent and he should race well fresh and be running on strongly at the finish. HELLOLO is resuming from a short spell, he is still a maiden but was racing well previously and trialed nicely with pacifiers recently; despite his wide draw a bold first-up showing would not surprise. EIGHTH WONDER is also resuming, he is well suited by the Polytrack and could show up fresh. WHIRLRUNNER is well suited in this Class and he should be running on late. DARING JOURNEY is the best performed horse in the field, despite that he has never been placed in 11 starts on the Polytrack but will appreciate being back in Class 5. WARLORD is still a maiden, he raced very wide last start and was not that far away at the finish; he could surprise at odds. Others worth considering in the exotics are TENTENWIN who has speed but needs absolutely everything to go his way, and BIG MONEY who may improve with the addition of the tongue tie.
1 DARING JOURNEY ** Blinkers off. Will appreciate being back in Class 5 but hasn’t placed in 11 starts on the Polytrack and this looks too short. 20
2 EIGHTH WONDER ** Resuming, back in Class 5 and could show up fresh; watch for market support. 12
3 HELLOLO *** Resuming. Still a maiden but trialing well and could show up despite wide draw. 5.00
4 MIDLIFE CRISIS *** Resuming after bleeding attack. Was racing in fine form prior to that and could race well fresh. 5.00
5 SPEEDY DWARF *** Been knocking on the door and gets his chance here with top apprentice from good alley. 3.00
6 WAR LORD ** Maiden who raced wide last start and not surprisingly, weakened. Could give a sight at long odds. 20
7 BIG MONEY ** Tongue tie on. Maiden who was not far away last start, races best when near the lead. 14
8 RED SENSATION * Yet to be placed in 8 starts and wide draw does not help. 50
9 TENTENWIN ** Needs everything to go his way but if left alone in front can win. 16
10 WHIRLRUNNER *** Can run on strongly and always a threat in this Class; well in at the weights with in-from apprentice riding. 6.00
11 BRING ME THE MONEY * Struggling. 3312 SILVER LINING ** Better on turf and would like it longer but keep under notice this company. 33
13 WHYDOYOUASK *** Well drawn, claiming 3kg and suited this class and distance; strong chance if he gets a run. 6.50
14 SPECTA DILEMMA ** Not the most reliable but bobs up from time to time. 16
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Race 6
Selections; 3 GREENSTONE – 4 WAR TIME – 7 KOBE TOP GUN – 2 DARING FIGHTER
Three last start winners, a couple of maidens in OK form and Joao Moreira on the seemingly outof-form toppy suggests a tough race for punters. But with trainer Pat Shaw in red-hot form – four winners on News Years Day testament to that – GREENSTONE looks hard to beat. The 4YO American-bred won well enough leading all the way in Class 4 company over the mile last start to think he handles both the step up to 1800m and the slight rise in Class. WARTIME also looks a leading contender and probably leads GREENSTONE (and the field) into the first bend. The Leslie Khoo-trained gelding did it tough enough last start to lead that the late fade can be forgiven and he goes mighty close on his previous good form. KOBE TOP GUN is another last start Class 4 winner and he plays a big part in this on the minimum as does DARING FIGHTER under very similar conditions and form. Keep Joao safe on QUINTA DE LAGO with the maiden, GRAVLAX, also worth a look.
1 QUINTA DE LAGO ** Form obviously reads poorly but company suits and can win on his day. 7.00
2 DARING FIGHTER *** Won last start similar affair carrying 50kg and again 4kg claim has him a winning option at the weights. 8.00
3 GREENSTONE *** Won well over the mile in Class 4 and stable in red-hot form; follow. 3.00
4 WAR TIME *** Did it tough to lead last start so run better than it looks on paper; in this a long way. 5.00
5 HONEST BROKER ** Last start his best for a while and could add value to skinny end of exotics. 20
6 CANNON HILL ** Put his cue in the rack when pressured last start but might pay to ignore as previous form sound. 10
7 KOBE TOP GUN *** Turned some good form into a nice win when blinkers added last start and some hope on the minimum here. 6.00
8 TOUCH THE LINE ** In and out runner and always does enough late to keep involved somewhere. 20
9 GRAVLAX *** Maiden who continues to impress at this level without success; pay to follow with blinkers on first time. 12
10 HELLO GOOD BUY ** Another maiden and might be looking for Class 5. 20
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Race 7
Selections; 1 FISCAL WINGS – 2 CAPTIVATE – 7 REAL STEEL – 12 LION BAROWS
FISCAL WINGS looks a very good thing in this Initiation but his strong form and Joao Moreira suggests he starts odds-on. And he did look a good
hing beaten last start so while that run – and his previous big effort – has him winning from gate two there is always a question mark in maidens especially with horses making their race debuts. One such horse is CAPTIVATE for Michael Clements. The Kingmaker 4YO has certainly shown enough at the trials to consider and has drawn well in gate four with the stable opting for a 3kg claimer in M Airy. A market watch is in order, as it is with some other newcomers like LION BAROWS who has also trialled OK and has only 50kg to carry. REAL STEEL looks the best of the other raced horses but FISCAL WINGS the one they all have to beat.
1 FISCAL WINGS *** Excuses not to win last start and looks very hard to beat in this. 1.70
2 CAPTIVATE ** Trials good enough to be a contender on debut and a cheeky run expected with 3kg claimer on-board. 8.00
3 LUCKY COME * Blinkers added after showing little at two career runs; can improve. 50
4 NOPAYNOHAY * Improves on debut run but lack of hay may become an issue. 50
5 SEASONS ECHO * Resuming after poor debut; no. 100
6 SHIPPING FORECAST ** Looks a likely improver on what was an OK debut; exotics. 12
7 REAL STEEL ** Disappointing with support last start but previous Poly form has him having some say. 5.00
8 SUPER CAPTAIN ** Showed some improvement last start and nice gate helps here. 33
9 HERBS N SPICES ** Didn’t make it to the track at first campaign but trials since OK and should run a solid race on debut. 33
10 SICILIAN DRAGON ** Trials OK and from in-form stable; market best guide. 12
11 SPEEDY BOLT ** Improves on what was a fair debut run; skinny end of exotics at odds. 33
12 LION BAROWS ** Improved with blinkers at recent trial and not the worst down in the weights. 12
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Race 8
Selections; 6 ANGRY CAT – 2 TROPICAL FOREST – 8 GRIFFIN – 3 MIRACLE BAY
It will be interesting to see just how much attention GRIFFIN gets in this race. The Sequalo 3YO is resuming after winning on debut in a 2YO- only race back in February and the form from that race is hard to line-up against this solid Class 4 field. Obviously the good draw (4) and Joao Moreira on-board suggests he gets support but how much is the question up against some inform Class 4 horses in TROPICAL FORREST, ANGRY CAT, MIRACLE BAY, VOLKOV, GOLDEN PYRAMID and INDULGE. Of those, I think ANGRY CAT makes most use of a nice gate (2) and can win for Manuel Nunes. The Australian-bred 3YO hasn’t done much wrong at five career starts and certainly up to winning this after what he showed last start doing it tough on the pace from gate 8. TROPICAL FORREST also comes into that category after a tough run last time out and he wins sooner than later with the ace draw a factor here. Throw a blanket over the others mentioned previously with PERWIRA some hope on best form.
1 PERWIRA ** Winkers added after being disappointing last start; wins on his day but is a risk.20
2 TROPICAL FOREST *** Showed last start why he wins sooner than later in this type of race; hard to beat from gate one. 3.50
3 MIRACLE BAY *** Won with the proverbial leg in the air last start and handles this surface; follow. 6.00
4 GOLD PYRAMID *** Showed good intent first up and the effort good enough to keep safe here. 12
5 INDULGE *** Recent Poly form has him winning sooner than later; big show. 6.00
6 ANGRY CAT *** Honest and did it tough enough last start to think he can win this from gate two. 6.00
7 VOLKOV *** Excuses last start (not striding) but the effort and previous good form with support has him having a say in this. 8.00
8 GRIFFIN *** Resuming after strong win as a 2YO albeit in what was a small field; respect.4.00
9 AMERICAN GLADIATOR ** Maiden who has been disappointing last couple; maybe easier company needed. 33
10 LADY SHARK * No. 200
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Race 9
Selections; 5 SOUL COMMANDER – 2 MAGIC DIVA – 3 PLAY ON – 1 PROBO CHANDROSO
For all intents and purposes, with the exception of the top-weight, this BM53 is a Class 5 and as such a couple of last start winners in that grade appeal. MAGIC DIVA and PLAY ON are both coming off good last start wins with the latter gunning for a hat-trick. But while happy to think the form from both those horses hold up here, SOUL COMMANDER might be ready to show his best. The NZ-bred 4YO hasn’t opened his account in Singapore at nine attempts but showed last start he goes close when he gets his act-together. Coming off a spell with a nice trial under his belt sans blinkers suggests he is one to watch and a big run is expected. The top-weight, PROBO CHANDROSO, wins if anywhere near his best but it is hard to confident on what he showed (again) last start.
1 PROBO CHANDROSO *** Has been disappointing of late but wins on best ability with company in his favour. 4.00
2 MAGIC DIVA *** Looks to have found a very suitable race coming off a good Class 5 win; goes very close. 5.00
3 PLAY ON *** Backed up maiden win with a strong Class 5 victory and have to follow while in form. 4.00
4 BULLDOZER ** Form reads badly but this race is very suitable to show his best; improves.20
5 SOUL COMMANDER *** Resuming sans blinkers and certainly showed enough previous campaign to win a race like this. 4.00
6 CHINO DIABLO ** Resuming after bleeding at second start in Singapore; some hope on what he showed on debut. 12
7 DARING YOUTH ** Very competitive on his day and pay to watch market. 12
8 LUCKY TWENTY THREE * Prefer over longer. 50
9 BUZET ** Work late last start excellent but like to see over longer than this before getting serious. 20|
10 WINNING DAN * First up run OK but like to see him back that up. 33
11 BREATHOFSUCCESS * Last start better but easier to leave out. 33
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Race 10
Selections; 2 SWAGGER – 4 COUP DA VINCI – 3 ROBERT E – 11 SARONG
SWAGGER looks very well placed to continue the Pat Shaw 2013 onslaught. The six-time winner (four Poly) showed more than enough with excuses at his first run back in Class 4 to follow and a win here would not surprise. COUP DA VINCI looks a progressive type and also showed enough last start – his first up run after a spell – to think he wins in Class 4 sooner than later. Moreira on-board and that run probably has him starting ‘unders’ but a bold run is expected from the ace draw. ROBERT E doesn’t win enough for my liking but it’s hard to fault his consistency and he keeps the top two picks honest; each-way all the way. Down in the weights it will pay to keep SARONG safe with last start winner, CAIYAYA, also worth some thought.
1 SKY PROTEGE * Appreciates company but needs longer and perhaps blinkers. 33
2 SWAGGER *** Excuses last start not to finish a lot closer and should win sooner than later this Class; big show. 4.00
3 ROBERT E *** Always a good each-way hope in this type of race and goes well for John Powell. 5.00
4 COUP DA VINCI *** Showed first run back that he wins soon this company; bog show. 2.30
5 MOVIE GOER ** Never involved first up after spell but certainly improves and some hope at best. 20
6 CAIYAYA *** Good all-the-way win last start similar affair and enjoys the ace draw today. 6.00
7 ECLAIR DESIRE * Winkers off but hard to have. 50
8 GIVE WAY ** In-and-out runner who showed two starts back why you have to keep safe. 20
9 DUTY FREE * Wait for easier company. 33
10 QUALITASE * OK late last start but needs longer. 100
11 SARONG *** Good effort on pace this grade last start and happy to follow; exotics at odds. 20
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