Singapore this Sunday

After an exciting climax to the Three-Year-Old series on International weekend, the best Four-Year-Olds get there chance for Group glory in the Stewards’ Cup on Sunday. The $300,000 Group 2 set-weight event over 1400m (race 9) is the first leg of the Four-Year-Old series which cumulates in the time-honoured Emirates Singapore Derby in July.

GINGERBREAD MAN – who clean-sweeped the Three-Year-Old series last year – looks perfectly placed to start off this series on a winning note and the one the others have to beat to win. The Bruce Marsh-trained entire has a terrific race record with 10 wins from 20 career starts but more importantly rarely runs a bad race with perhaps an ambitious International run in Dubai his only real blemish. His first run back from International duties – where he carried a massive 59.5kg – looked good enough to think he appreciates the set-weight conditions of the Stewards’ Cup and his fifth Group win is on the cards.

The smart NANDOWRA – unbeaten in four starts in 2012 – looks the biggest danger and the Michael Freedman-trained gelding will be a horse to follow as the distances increase in the Patron’s Bowl and of course the 2000m of the Derby.

Elsewhere on the six-race card, MOONLITE SHOWER (race 10) looks very hard to beat at his return to racing and the HIDDEN DRAGON 4YO can add to his impressive career record of five wins and four places from just 10 race starts.

Likewise TERMINATOR looks hard to beat in the lucky last and the pair look handy ‘bankers’ for any ‘Jackpot’ combinations.
It is a mixed track meeting with races 10 and 12 on the all-weather Polytrack and races 7, 8, 9 and 11on the Long Course (C), Turf..

Best Bets; MOONLITE SHOWER (race 10, win), TERMINATOR (race 12, win) and RENA CROSS (race 7, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 9 (1 and 3), race 10 (1), race 11 (2, 3, 8, 10 and 15) and race 12 (2).

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Race 7

Selections; 3 RENA CROSS – 7 PROFOUND – 2 MAGIC ICON – 1 APRIL’S KNIGHT
We do love a good Class dropper and RENA CROSS certainly fits that bill. The four-time winner has been in good form in Class 4 and his two recent efforts suggest 1800m is ideal at this stage of his preparation and a win would not surprise. Trainer Michael Clements has opted for a 3kg claimer in ‘Big Willy’ Tan and that looks a very good move after drawing beautifully in gate 6. PROFOUND is an interesting runner in the fact that although the O’REILLY 3YO has been disappointing for the support he normal receives only placing once from eight career starts, he looks suited stepping up to 1800m in this company and a big run would not surprise. J Saimee takes the ride which is significant given the popular local hoop knows the horse well and should get a few favours from gate 3. Too many others to mention but given the depth, a few of the winning hopes might sneak out to value (as could the two mentioned) so worth a long look at the dividend board on the day.
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1 APRIL’S KNIGHT *** Going along in good order and a forward run expected again with 4kg claim a factor. 6.00
2 MAGIC ICON *** Showed last start he wins soon back in the bottom grade and senior hoop suggest he goes close today. 4.00
3 RENA CROSS *** Significant drop in Class and easily going well enough in better company to win this. 20
4 SHOPPING LIST *** Form reads badly but another who will improve lengths back in winning grade – keep safe. 12
5 SHINY LION ** Very disappointing first run back in Class 5 last start but better than that and pay to keep safe. 20
6 FORTUNE EIGHT ** Not a lot last start but comes into his own on rain effected track so pay attention on the day. 30
7 PROFOUND *** Will find this company to his liking and certainly has done enough to think 1800m is his caper – big show. 8.00
8 IRISH FLASH *** Supported and won accordingly last start and certainly worth following. 4.00
9 SIMPLE MAN *** The type who looks an each way chance in races like this and often value. 12
10 THREE KINGS *** Won his last couple on the Poly at terrific odds and hard not to follow. 12
11 WEIGHT IN GOLD ** Last run better than the result and another who is usually a good each-way option. 30
12 ZAC DETONATOR * Tough to consider on recent form. 100
13 MY WAY *** Not far away from winning again and happy to follow each-way in what is a very even affair. 20
14 BICARA * Easier to ignore. 50
15 ROCKY GARDEN ** Good enough on his day to win a race like this but have to on trust given recent form. 20
16 INCREDIBLE HULK *** Not sure he gets a run today but well worth following as will win a suitable run race. 10

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Race 8

Selections; 3 ZAC VELOCITY – 2 PHANTOM KNIGHT – 6 CHINA EAGLE – 1 DUJARDIN
This is a very competitive Class 4 mile and with nine or so horses having genuine winning hopes, finding the right one to back looks difficult. But I like a positive gear change and blinkers back on ZAC VELOCITY looks a winning move. The SUCCESS EXPRESS 6YO won handsomely three starts back with headgear and a return to blinkers could see a similar result. I also think PHANTOM KNIGHT can knock in an overdue win for faithful followers. Brian Dean has opted for R Zawari and an important 3kg claim and given the apprentice was on him two starts back when he was ‘a good thing beaten’, he will be keen to make amends today. The horse might drift in the betting given he has struggled to turn his good form into a win and the evenness of the field and each-way value would be a bonus. While there are plenty of others to consider, I think last start winner CHINA EAGLE is a horse worth following, the newcomer, DUJARDIN, looks a likely type and should run well at his Singapore debut and FIFTH DAN a solid each-way hope.
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1 DUJARDIN *** Former Kiwi who makes Singapore debut over the mile which looks ideal – expect some support and a big run would not surprise. 6.00
2 PHANTOM KNIGHT *** Claimer back on after another frustrating placing for followers – obviously due but needs a result. 4.50
3 ZAC VELOCITY *** Blinkers back on a significant gear change as strong win three starts back was with headgear – can win again. 4.00
4 OK OK *** Form good and in this a very long way. 20
5 TAI COMMANDS *** Backed up Maiden win with a couple of competitive efforts suggesting he wins in this grade soon. 12
6 CHINA EAGLE *** Progressive type coming off a nice win – follow. 6.00
7 GALLANT FORCE ** Better than what he showed last start and might add value to exotics. 50
8 FIFTH DAN *** In form and only win was over the mile – strong each way prospect. 8.00
9 MAGIC MOMENT ** Form ordinary but recent trial with blinkers OK – watch market. 50
10 GLIMMERING *** Has been competitive in this grade previously so worth a look coming off a strong maiden win. 20
11 BUNGAE * Upgrade to blinkers but needs to find form before we consider. 40
12 SERGEANT PEPPER ** In the place mix last start and can include in skinny end of exotics again for value. 50
13 MY FIELD * Needs it easier. 100
14 STREET LEGAL *** Will be finishing all over the top of them and some hope if race run to suit swoopers. 12

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Race 9

Selections; 1 GINGERBREAD MAN – 3 NANDOWRA – 2 AROWANA DOT COM – 6 HAMMER DOWN
GINGERBREAD MAN should win this. The SHAMARDAL entire is a class act having won 10 times from just 20 starts including four Group wins and a well documented clean sweep of the 3YO series in 2011. His only real blemish was an unsuccessful foray into Dubai and the fact he his first run back in Singapore carrying 59.5kg was a beauty suggests he is in form and wins today. And while a few of the higher rated horses like AROWANA DOT COM, WON’T STOP, CHASE ME and RAFAGA certainly keep him honest, NANDOWRA looks his biggest threat. The Michael Freedman-trained gelding has been super impressive since failing at an ambitious Gold Cup tilt last November and his unbeaten run in 2012 suggests he is a horse to follow in the 4YO series. The field really drops away after those mentioned at the top of the ratings with perhaps GRAND ARRIVAL – who beat the impressive SPEEDY CAT at his last start – a good option for exotics.

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1 GINGERBREAD MAN *** First up run a beauty and looks the one to beat at suitable WFA. 3.00
2 AROWANA DOT COM ** In fine form but slight query at set weights. 5.00
3 NANDOWRA *** Bounced back from unsuccessful Gold Cup run with four straight wins – have to respect. 4.00
4 WON’T STOP ** Doesn’t do much wrong and certainly gives this a shake on his day. 10
5 RAFAGA ** Not far away in the QEII over 2000m and will be thereabouts with gate one a bonus. 20
6 HAMMER DOWN ** Was getting 9kg off his stable mate GINGERBREAD MAN when he beat him last start but that win was good and can figure. 12
7 CHASE ME ** Drops back in distance after eye-catching run over 2000m in QEII – respect. 20
8 GRAND ARRIVAL ** Big step up in Class but did beat the promising SPEEDY CAT last start and can improve again. 25
9 ECLAIR FLYER * Hasn’t done enough since Singapore debut win to consider. 50
10 BORN TO FLY * Tried hard last start in Open company but this looks a tough ask. 50
11 DYNASTY KNIGHT * Obviously in terrific form but tough at the weights and place at best. 33
12 LIGHTNING THIEF * Also win winning form but a huge step up in Class. 50
13 TRUDEAU * Goes good on his day but eligible for easier company than this. 40
14 BAHEN * Not disgraced last start tasting defeat in Singapore for the first time but this looks too tough an ask. 40
15 FREEZEMASTER * Did it super tough last start so might pay to put a line through that and consider for novelties on strong form prior. 40
16 FOXTROT HOTEL * Progressive type and while this looks too tough he is worth following. 40
17 KNIGHT’S COMMAND * No. 200
18 CARIBBEAN MOON * No. 200

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Race 10

Selections; 1 MOONLITE SHOWER – 5 WINONTOP – 2 VIVA PANATA – 3 RALEIGH
Firstly, watch for early scratchings in this race as both emergencies- FUKU KITARU and PALOMBARO have serious winning hopes if they get a start. An in a race with no depth they both play a big part in exotics. That said, the equal top-weight, MOONLITE SHOWER, looks the horse to beat resuming from an enforced lay-off. The smart 4YO had some ‘minor’ surgery after finishing a very good second behind the unbeaten SUPER EASY and looks very well-placed by trainer Shane Baertschiger to knock in win number six from start 11. And apart from the two emergencies, the only horse with serious form to match it with MOONLITE SHOWER is last start winner WINONTOP. While his form can be erratic, the CALIFORNIA DANE 3YO knows how to win and (four from 10 starts) and showed last start he is back in form after a couple of ‘shockers’. Of the rest, VIVA PANATA looks to have average form but this race/class is very suitable and is the improver.

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1 MOONLITE SHOWER *** Smart type resuming in what looks a very winnable race – big show. 2.00
2 VIVA PANATA ** Hasn’t won for a while but when he did it was in a very similar affair to this – keep safe. 8.00
3 RALEIGH ** Never in the hunt last start but form prior had him winning a race this campaign. 10
4 MOOVA HOOVA * Appreciates the company and gate one but like to see support. 33
5 WINONTOP *** Bounced back into winning form last start and pay to follow. 4.00
6 SHINING GLORY ** Excuses last start and keeps a few honest. 20
7 COUNTRY CLUB ** Another honest type who looks a must for exotics. 20
8 WASSAIC ** Wide draw an issue and probably needs it longer but another to include in exotics. 20
9 GOOD STRIKER * Hasn’t shown enough this campaign. 50
10 SARATOGA ** Erratic form but can fly late so the type to keep safe. 20
11 AWAKENED ** Another who will be doing best work late but prefer over longer – tote a fair guide. 20
12 SHINKANSEN ** Form better than it reads and can race handy enough to place in this field. 50
13 FUKU KITARU *** Not a lot of depth to this race and comes into contention if he gets a start. 6.00
14 PALOMBARO *** A serious hope in this grade if he gets a start – follow. 4.00

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Race 11

Selections; 10 BULLDOZER – 2 DEVONSHIRE – 3 RECYCLE WORLD – 8 GUIDED LIGHT
An extremely top-heavy race with four or so serious winning chances – DEVONSHIRE, RECYCLE WORLD, GUIDED LIGHT and BULLDOZER – and the rest with little or no hope. And while you can make a very strong case for the four, I like the fact that BULLDOZER comes through the Group 1 Singapore Guineas and that form might just trump the others. His run that day was very solid late and obviously his form prior has him as a 3YO to follow. But DEVONSHIRE also looks a horse to follow and can win at his first start under the care of Laurie Laxon. His bad start in a similar affair was costly last time out and the fact he was supported suggests we can follow today. RECYCLE WORLD also looks a winning hope after an eye-catching effort on the International Weekend and a big run here is on the cards. Throw in last start winner, GUIDED LIGHT, and like the previous race, keep the emergencies safe – both can play a part if they get a run.

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1 DAAD’S THE WAY ** Good win last start over the mile but that was on the Poly and might be better on that surface. 10
2 DEVONSHIRE *** Change of stable after never really getting involved with support last start and worth following in what should be a very suitable affair. 3.50
3 RECYCLE WORLD *** Another who was never involved last start but excellent work late has him having a big say in this race. 5.00
4 MECCA STAR ** Better effort lasts tart suggests he might be coming back into form – watch market. 33
5 LADY TRIO * Not racing well. 100
6 COOL CAT * Better than what he has shown of late but only for the brave on that form. 33
7 SOLID WOOD ***` Form reads badly and has been disappointing not to finish off his races of late but might appreciate the turf and worth another chance. 20
8 GUIDED LIGHT *** Capped off some good runs with an excellent win and pay to follow. 5.00
9 SOCIAL NETWORK * Struggling and wide gate makes this tough. 50
10 BULLDOZER *** Comes into this after a solid late run in the Group 1 Guineas and that form will hold up in this Class – big show. 4.00
11 THINK AHEAD * Blinkers off but impossible to have. 100
12 JACK BAUER ** Shocker last start but two previous runs had him involved somewhere – take on trust. 20
13 FOUNTAIN * Has looked a better option on the Poly. 50
14 GOLD RUN ** Taking a while to get into form this campaign but good enough on his day to keep safe with just 50kg. 20
15 FOREIGN EXCHANGE *** In solid form and always a good each-way option. 6.00
16 AFFIRMATION *** Showed he still had plenty to offer in Class 4 last start and a cheeky run expected again. 12

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Race 12

Selections; 2 TERMINATOR – 6 SPLITSVILLE – 8 ROYAL STYLE – 4 DYNAMIC DAN
TERMINATOR looks the only horse to be on in the lucky last and might juts be the banker to bring us home in front. The ONE COOL CAT 3YO just missed out last start when attempting to make it three wins from three starts and can make amends in what is a solid at best Class 4 field today. He will be short but exotic combinations (including a jackpot banker) should ensure a nice finish to the day. Those that could keep it interesting late includes SPLITSVILLE and ROYAL STYLE who both have form and should be each-way value with the favourite likely to be well into odds-on territory. Throw in DYNAMIC DAN – he will be flying late with a few others – but TERMINATOR a great way to finish the day.

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1 SURPRISE SURPRISE * Form shocking since Singapore debut win but does drop to winning grade – tote a guide. 50
2 TERMINATOR *** Narrowly beaten for the first time last start and can make amends in what is a very suitable race. 1.60
3 HIGGS BOSON ** Recent form shocking but winkers on and back on the Poly a plus – improves. 33
4 DYNAMIC DAN ** In form and has won over the trip/surface so pay to respect. 10
5 WARSPIRIT ** Can ignore last start where he returned not striding as previous form has him involved somewhere. 20
6 SPLITSVILLE *** In fine form and keeps them all honest late – can show up. 6.00
7 CHIVE BLOOM ** Starting to his straps and pay to follow with best work expected late. 12
8 ROYAL STYLE *** Ready to win a race like this and pay to follow each way. 8.00
9 BEAT TO QUARTERS ** Pulled up last start but run prior in similar affair to this OK. 33
10 MY SACRIFICE ** Got up at any old odds last start and might pay to keep safe on winning form. 40
11 SEACREST * Blinkers downgraded to winkers but needs longer/easier. 50
12 WOLFSBANE ** Resuming after overdue win in Class 5 – tote best guide fresh. 40
13 MY PREROGATIVE ** Resuming after having excuses on debut with support – has blinkers added and trail was good – keep safe. 40
14 THISISIT ** Resuming and goes OK – worth following when he gets a start. 20

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