Singapore this Sunday

 With a very notable exception in the Class 5 battler affair (race 9), the fields for the six races on offer from Singapore are strong with some very exciting horses making for some excellent racing.
And as has been the case this season, it is the quality of the youngsters in the Singapore racing ranks that makes for good quality punting with plenty of up-and-coming horses in form to follow.
GOAL KEEPER is one such 3YO and this star in the making gets his chance in race 10 – an Open Benchmark 89 event over 1100m on the Poly – to win again to take his career tally to six victories from just 11 career starts.
He is up against some quality opposition in FINDERSKEEPERS and RED BEARD, but the fact the topically named Australian-bred is undefeated on the Poly and smashed some nice opposition at his last start, will see him short in the betting but extremely hard to beat.
And while not in the same Class (yet) as GOAL KEEPER, fellow 3YO’s AMERICAN VISION and BABY FACE also look strong winning chances in races 8 and 12 respectively.
AMERICAN VISION has had four career starts for one dominate win and two respectable places with his only bad run coming at his only turf experience.
Like GOAL KEEPER, the American-bred loves the all-weather surface and trainer Sam Chua looks to have found a winnable race as he attempts to go through the grades.
In the lucky last, BABY FACE – who started his career with a placing in Malaysia – will be hoping a better gate (two) sees him home with a win.
The NOVERRE colt has been somewhat unlucky in similar events from wide gates at his last couple and regular hoop, S Anandan, will be hoping for no such excuses in this winnable race.

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Best Bets; GOAL KEEPER (race 10, win), FULL TOSS (race 11, win) and RAPIDO STAR (race 7, each-way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 9 (2, 3 and 6), race 10 (2), race 11 (1) and race 12 (1, 2, 5, 6, 8 and 11)

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Race 7

Selections; 1 RAPIDO STAR – 3 MARTINCHO CAT – 9 CARIBBEAN MOON – 7 FORGIVEN
An interesting Kranji Stakes C Polytrack mile with some nice winning form down in the ratings and some nice types looking to get back into the winners circle at the top of the weights. Case in point is RAPIDO STAR who, although attempting the distance for the first time and having 59.5kg to carry, looks a good chance. But in the American-bred entires favour is gate one – always a bonus into the tight first bend over the Poly mile – and his impressive record on this surface. John Powell will give him every chance to show his best back in what is a winnable grade and a big run would not surprise. MARTINCHO CAT also has a liking for this surface – both his Singapore wins on the Poly – and like RAPIDO STAR, he has drawn well in gate two. His form in this grade is very good and the Pat Shaw runner looks the benchmark. Of the rest, FORGIVEN and the two last start winners, RAFFLES KNIGHT and JUST DASHING, certainly keep the race interesting and for value CARIBBEAN MOON appeals. A good race, go wide in exotics with value hopefully on offer on one of our top picks.

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1 RAPIDO STAR *** First time over the trip but gives every indication it will suit and obviously loves this surface – big winning show with gate one a bonus. 4.50
2 ACE ALPHABET * Showed nothing first run back in Singapore and hard to entertain. 100
3 MARTINCHO CAT *** In form and company/distance/track/barrier suits – hard to beat. 4.00
4 EXCUSE MY FRIENDS ** Form reads badly but appreciates a couple of runs back and this company so should improve. 40
5 TARANKALI ** Nothing last start but previous form including two Poly runs good so keep safe. 8.00
6 CHAMPAGNE NEEDED * Winkers upgraded to blinkers a positive but would obviously need to improve and wide gate doesn’t help. 50
7 FORGIVEN ** Always an each-way hope in races like this and in this a long way from gate three. 5.00
8 KNIGHT’S COMMAND ** Not a lot last start but showed enough two starts back to give another chance. 30
9 CARIBBEAN MOON *** Form better than it reads and has enjoyed limited opportunities on this surface – watch. 12
10 RAFFLES KNIGHT *** Won nicely when blinkers added in what looked a solid Class 4 field and pay to follow. 8.00
11 JUST DASHING *** In form and only Poly run was solid – worth following with best work expected late. 6.00
12 EIGHTH WONDER ** A tough ask to win in this company but competitive with the light weight and in-form so could sneak into the places. 40
13 HARUTO BOY * Needs it easier than this. 100

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Race 8

Selections; 3 AMERICAN VISION – 2 GOLDEN TREE – 4 POWERPAC – 5 THISISIT
A race with little depth outside the top four or so chances and happy to follow a couple of American-breds – AMERICAN VISION and GOLDEN TREE – on what looks their favoured surface. AMERICAN VISION in particular looks an out-and-out Poly specialist after three very nice runs – including a five length Restricted Maiden win – on the inner-track and one terrible turf effort. He would have lost few fiends going down to WINONTOP last start and although drawing badly in gate 10, can make amends today. GOLDEN TREE looks ready to get back into the winners circle after two good runs with excuses this campaign. The 4YO looks well placed with a valuable 3kg claim and if Freddie Firdaus has some luck from the wide gate, he goes close. A couple of nice types in POWERPAC (blinkers back off) and THISISIT (resuming) are the other two winning hopes on form and the support for both is likely.

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1 BY LAW * In shocking form and needs longer. 100
2 GOLDEN TREE *** Last run good considering the wide trip and gives this a shake with any luck for 3kg claimer. 4.50
3 AMERICAN VISION *** Would not have lost many friends losing to WINONTOP last start and can win again on what is his preferred surface. 2.10
4 POWERPAC *** Blinkers back off after missing out last start but debut win good enough to follow. 4.00
5 THISISIT *** Resuming and goes OK – worth following in what looks a suitable race. 8.00
6 BENJI’S RULE ** Nothing last couple and drawn badly but Poly form OK and can improve with blinkers removed. 20
7 HILTON ** Disappointing with support but upgrade to blinkers and gate three helps – keep safe. 20
8 SHORTCUT ** Thereabouts last couple but needs to find a length or two to seriously consider. 33
9 STUB * Best runs have been fresh and prefer others today. 33
10 GYPSY MAGIC ** Better than what he showed last start and switch back to Poly should see a better run although Class 5 looks his caper. 50
11 EL PATRON * Struggling. 50
12 SEACREST * Need easier/longer – reassess Class 5. 50
13 ROUGH DANCE *** Did it tough last start and form prior on the Poly sound – has claims if he gets a start. 20

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Race 9

Selections; 2 INCREDIBLE HULK – 3 OLD FAITHFUL – 6 OIL BARON – 1 SHINY LION
Has there been a worse race – form wise – this year? The fact I have a horse that has regularly been beaten by some 20 lengths (that is when he actually finishes) as my second pick on the strength of a jockey change is testament to that. But OLD FAITHFUL goes well for senior hoops and John Powell on board suggests that a horse that has been struggling to stay in touch could improve enough to win. Fanciful stuff but that’s Class 5 staying races for you. But the obvious winner and on-top pick is INCREDIBLE HULK. He is the only horse that has any serious form and only needs to be in touch on the final bend to win. OIL BARON placed last start and will be the one INCREDIBLE HULK has to pass late to win and SHINY LION – although disappointing at his last couple – the only other one worth mentioning.

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1 SHINY LION ** Excuses last start but needs to start showing something in what should be a winnable grade before we get confident. 4.00
2 INCREDIBLE HULK *** Going to win a race like this sooner than later and be flying late if race run to suit swoopers. 2.50
3 OLD FAITHFUL *** Form reads terribly band should be 100-1 but significant switch to senior hoop and record with experienced hoops is very good – watch for support. 20
4 FREEDOM MAN * Winkers on but impossible to have. 50
5 COUNTER PUNCH * This race is weak but still hard to recommend. 50
6 OIL BARON *** Thereabouts as a rule and one of the few winning hopes in this weak affair. 3.00
7 ALL DRAMA * Gate one a bonus but out of form and can’t have. 33
8 DARRING DO * Hopelessly out of form but extra trip and weak field in his favour. 50
9 ROYAL BRAT ** Battler who comes into exotic contention in a field with no depth. 12
10 LONG FENG ** Another who rarely commends attention but can place in this field. 12
11 JOLLY ONE * Humourless. 70

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Race 10

Selections; 3 GOAL KEEPER – 2 FINDERSKEEPERS – 4 RED BEARD – 9 RUNNING TALL
The highlight of the meeting and a Poly dash worth watching. GOAL KEEPER is smart – five wins and three places from just 10 starts tells us that. But the fact he is undefeated on the Poly and smashed a pretty good field that included HAMMER DOWN at his last start suggests he is top class on the inner track and very hard to beat. The UNTOUCHABLE 3YO has drawn awkwardly in gate 10 and is up against some quality opposition, but he does look one of the better winning options on the day. If he didn’t get it his own way from the bad gate a horse like FINDERSKEEPERS will be set to swoop with gate one in his favour. R Shafiq takes the ride and his 2kg claim will also come in handy if things get interesting over the final 100m or so. RED BEARD has won five from six career starts and while never winning (or running) on this surface, the Bruce Marsh-trained 4YO has to be respected first up after a spell. While it’s hard to make a winning case for the rest, it will pay to keep RUNNING TALL involved somewhere given he has ability and has claims with just 50kg.

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1 POWERFUL RULER * Hasn’t shown his best at two starts this campaign and prefer to wait. 33
2 FINDERSKEEPERS *** Hasn’t won this year but form is good and gets an excellent chance from gate one with a handy 2kg claim. 4.00
3 GOAL KEEPER *** Flying and easily good enough to step up to this company and win again. 1.80
4 RED BEARD *** Very smart type resuming and five wins from six career starts commands respect. 4.00
5 U GOT IT * This looks too short. 50
6 KAISER ** Not disgraced last couple in good company and can sneak under the radar on occasion – each way at value. 20
7 JUST A MAN * Should find a few of these too slick. 40
8 FAST BREAK * Goes OK on his day but like to see in something easier. 40
9 RUNNING TALL ** Disappointing not to have knocked in a win since saluting at Singapore debut but 50kg in his favour here and can include in exotics. 12
10 VELOCITY * Needs it easier. 40

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Race 11

Selections; 1 FULL TOSS – 5 GREEN JACKET – 6 CHINESE CULTURE – 9 SPINNING SUCCESS
FULL TOSS had a few things in his favour last start – blinkers, gate one and Moreira to name just three – and duly broke his maiden status for his new trainer, Laurie Laxon. He looks to found a good race to continue his winning run and after drawing gate two for Danny Beasley, he is the one to beat. However, he will need to be on his game as this Novice event has depth and you could throw a blanket over the likes of GREEN JACKET, CHINESE CULTURE, SPINNING SUCCESS, RAFFLES PEGASUS, THE RUDE WARRIOR and COLD SECRET. Any of those mentioned could show up and each-way value could be a good option on the day. Obviously go wide in exotics but FULL TOSS hopefully wins to keep things simple for jackpots!

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1 FULL TOSS *** Broke through for well-deserved maiden win last start with blinkers and that win has him the one to beat here. 2.20
2 FAT BOBO ** Did it tough last start so pay to put a line through that run as in the mix on previous form with gate one and 3kg factors today. 12
3 TAKIS ** Bounced back to his best form last start but needs to back that up from a bad gate. 20
4 COLD SECRET ** Never involved from the bad gate last start and pay to keep involved somewhere. 20
5 GREEN JACKET ** A bit to like about this horse and worth following as he improves with experience. 5.00
6 CHINESE CULTURE ** Showed last start he is more than up to a race like this – keep safe. 6.00
7 RAFFLES PEGASUS ** Consistent and a solid run is expected at his first attempt on the Poly. 10
8 THE RUDE WARRIOR ** Disappointing last start over 1200m but previous good form over similar distance today was good and plays a part in this. 20
9 SPINNING SUCCESS ** In good form and has to be considered in what is a very even race. 8.00
10 DIVINE POWER * Disappointing last start after winning two back and prefer to watch. 40
11 NORTHERN CAT * Resuming, no. 200

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Race 12

Selections; 5 BABY FACE – 2 DORAEMON – 8 LUCKY XUAN – 1 CHARLY B
A tricky Class 4 sprint to take us home with a few horses needing to turn some good form into a win in this company. Case in point is BABY FACE who turned a string of placings into a good Restricted Win before holding his own in better company including a fourth placing in the Group 3 Singapore Sprint behind SUPER EASY. That form should have held up in Class 4 but the handy 3YO could be excused after jumping from wide gates on both occasions and can win from gate two today. And while another 3YO in LUCKY XUAN looks a lively type and one to follow, I think BABY FACE’s biggest threat might come from the more experienced DORAEMAN who has the runs on the board with five career wins – three on this surface. He has also shown at his last couple that he wins sooner than later in this grade and might be a good each way option with most eyes on the up-and-coming 3YO’s. Of the rest CHARLY B had excuses last start not to back up his good win and is worth another look, SIR FLEETWOOD is an honest type and should run accordingly with CHILLI the value runner.

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1 CHARLY B *** Excuses last start so happy to ignore and follow on winning form prior with nice gate a factor today. 8.00
2 DORAEMON *** Showed at his last couple he wins sooner than later this company – follow. 4.00
3 MOVIE GOER ** In form but doesn’t win out of turn and wide gate an issue. 20
4 VAYA CONDIOS ** Appreciates first up run and recent solid trial – improves. 20
5 BABY FACE *** Had excuses last start and has looked due to knock in second win in a race like this – goes very close with gate 2 a factor. 3.50
6 CHILLI *** No luck again at the gates but in form and might be worth a look at odds. 20
7 EXCITING AHEAD ** Nothing last start but appreciates being back on the Poly and should be competitive. 20
8 LUCKY XUAN *** Led all the way to score at big odds last start. Trialed well subsequently. Chance again from gate one. 3.50
9 SAVOUR * No. 200
10 DOUBLE S * Prefer over the minimum trip. 40
11 SIR FLEETWOOD *** Backed up Class 5 win with a very nice effort behind CHARLY B – follow while in form. 8.00
12 CAN BE BETTER * Blinkers off but needs to be better. 100
13 ROCK YOU ** Blinkers back on as he drops in distance – tough horse to follow. 20
14 STREET RUFFIAN ** Form reads badly but a better option back on the Poly and will be long odds. 50

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