Singapore this Sunday

Derby Day! It doesn’t matter where you are or how you pronounce it, the Derby is one day of the year every race-goer looks forward to and the 2012 Emirates Singapore Derby day is definitely no exception.
Unlike the traditional Derby’s for 3YO’s over 2400m, the Singapore edition is for 4YO’s over 2,000m but still evokes a sense of a promising stayer who will go one and dominate the local racing Classics for years to come.
Recent winners include JOLIE’S SHINJU, TOP SPIN, SMART BET and BOCELLI – all names synonymous with the rich history of Singapore racing.
Of the current trainers, a couple of ex-Kiwi’s – Laurie Laxon and Bruce Marsh have two Derby trophies on their mantelpieces and both have excellent chances to add a third.
Marsh in particular, who incidentally saddled his first winner in Singapore – HELLO AND GOODBYE – in this same race in 2005, has a big say in 2012 Derby with GINGERBREAD MAN, RED BEARD and HAMMER DOWN all serious chances.
And while RED BEARD with six wins from just eight career starts looks his leading hope, it might be the top rated GINGERBREAD MAN who gives Marsh his hat-trick of wins in the time-honoured event.
The SHAMARDAL entire has taken all before him in feature events as a two and three-year-old and can make amends for a placing in the Patron’s Bowl – his first defeat against his own age at elite company – with what would be his sixth Group win in what has been a wonderful career thus far.
Laurie Laxon has four entries but with two of his runner’s emergencies and FORGIVEN looking outclassed, the stable will be relying on DUJARDIN to fly the flag on Sunday.
The MAGIC RING gelding has only had three starts in Singapore but has shown more than enough to think he will be doing his best work on the line and certainly one to watch with the Laxon touch a factor.
Plenty of other strong winning hopes in the race – the Cliff Brown-trained pair of DEEP POCKETS and LIGHTNING THIEF to name but two – with a busy finish on the cards.
The Emirates Singapore Derby is worth a whopping SGD $1.15 million and is race 11 on the 12 race card.
There is another feature on the day – the Group 3 PAITITI GOLD TROPHY – might have as much prestige as it’s Group 1 counterpart but the field looks a beauty with SUPER EASY the obvious stand-out.
Unbeaten at 10 Singapore starts, the Darci Brahma colt is first up after making a clean sweep of the 3YO series with a win in the Guineas in May and anything hut a win would be one of the shocks of the racing season.

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Best Bets; SUPER EASY (race 7, win), BETTER LIFE (race 8, win) and PITSTOP and SUPER GOOD (race 12, swinger/exacta).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 9 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9), race 10 (1), race 11 (1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 14 and 15) and race 12 (13 and 14)

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Race 7

Selections; 3 SUPER EASY – 2 WAIKATO – 1 CAPTAIN OBVIOUS – 6 YIN XIN
With all due respect to some very good horses in WAIKATO and CAPTAIN OBVIOUS, the new star of Singapore racing, SUPER EASY, looks too good to be true with just 54kg on his back. The Darci Brahma colt has taken all before him winning 10 from 10 in Singapore including a clean sweep of the 3YO series and it looks impossible to pick against him here. Add the fact he had the measure of ATO – who went on to win the KrisFlyer Sprint and Patron’s Bowl – and the form at the weights makes him a very good thing. Finding who runs second is a harder task with WAIKATO also looking well in the weights at 55kg and CAPTAIN OBVIOUS some hope although 59kg is a big ask. Horses on the up are YIN XIN, BIRTHDAY GIFT and WHAT NOW and happy to involve all three in the novelties.

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1 CAPTAIN OBVIOUS ** Has class but beaten fair and square last start when claiming 3kg so hard task with top impost in this field. 4.50
2 WAIKATO ** Looks well in with 55kg and 1200m could his caper these days – keeps them honest. 20
3 SUPER EASY *** Unbeaten in Singapore and when you consider he had KrisFlyer winner, ATO, covered, he should win with 54kg a luxury. 1.40
4 ECLAIR FASTPASS * Resuming, trials OK but this looks a tough ask first up. 33
5 PERFECT PINS ** Last start OK and run prior to KrisFlyer good – keep safe in exotics and may sneak out to value. 33
6 YIN XIN ** Speedster who had issues in the KrisFlyer and better suited here with just 50kg – cheeky run expected. 33
7 NORTHERN LION * Placed last start on the Poly but faces a tough test in this field. 50
8 JAMAL MALIK ** Bit of a surprise entry dropping back from the mile but solid and winkers added suggests he wont embarrass himself. 50
9 HEAD START * Appreciates Singapore debut run but mot sure 1200m will be his caper against this type of field. 50
10 BIRTHDAY GIFT ** Exciting galloper who faces biggest test to date and also first attempt on the turf. Five wins from seven starts suggests we respect with 50kg. 10
11 UPSALA * Former Kiwi who has found a tough race to make his Singapore debut but pay to keep one eye on the market. 33
12 WHAT NOW ** Another promising type who faces a big test but record suggests he handles the occasion with just 50kg. 33

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Race 8

Selections; 4 BETTER LIFE – 3 SPEEDY CAT – 1 CASH LUCK – 8 DEVONSHIRE
Some smart 3YO’s take on the older horses here and they are expected to fight the race out. BETTER LIFE hasn’t raced since finishing fourth behind Super Easy in the Singapore Guineas in May (where she had excuses not to finish closer) but is a high class filly and with blinkers on here should go close. SPEEDY CAT goes to the 1600m journey for the first time but is a horse with loads of ability and he should get a good run from the draw. And given he has won five from seven he should start favourite and a horse to follow. While CASH LUCK disappointed last time out, his previous run was good when touched out by Super Easy in the Guineas and is expected to go close. He never looked comfortable last time-out so it might pay to pout a line through that and can if at his best. DEVONSHIRE is an emergency acceptor for the Derby later in the day and if he gets a run here should make a bold bid with no weight and JOHN OF ARCH always value and always a knock-out chance.

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1 CASH LUCK *** Super disappointing last start but never looked comfortable and certainly worth a another look with handy 2kg claim. 3.50
2 MARTIAL ART * Will improve for the first up run and step up in distance but maybe later and longer again. 50
3 SPEEDY CAT *** Very smart horse who showed winning last start over 1400m that this type of race will be ideal – hard to beat. 2.00
4 BETTER LIFE *** Exciting filly who was unlucky not to be in the finish in the Singapore Guineas and can win this with blinkers on first time. 3.00
5 JOHN OF ARCH ** Up against some smart youngsters here but can never been underestimated and can get out to value. 20
6 ACE ALPHABET * Improved lats start but needs to show more before we consider. 100
7 FUNCA ** First up run OK and subsequent trials suggests he could go better this campaign. 33
8 DEVONSHIRE ** Honest type and certainly hard to discount entirely with no weight. 16
9 IMACRUISER * Needs easier. 100

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Race 9

Selections; 9 TERMINATOR – 1 TOTALITY – 4 SLITHER – 3 KING EMPIRE
A good draw and a drop in weight should see a forward showing from TERMINATOR. He returned to form with a narrow win last time, hitting the line strongly. Stepping up to the 1400m here looks ideal. TOTALITY has some good form to his credit and despite giving weight and age to his rivals should make a bold bid. In fact his runs behind SUPER EASY in the 3YO series suggests he comes in for support and hard to beat. SLITHER has made a successful comeback to racing following a long break and can be expected to run a forward race. KING EMPIRE showed enough last start and winning the start before to follow. Down the weights, TOM and even TRAVERTINE at any old odds can also show up with READY TO STRIKE one to watch after a year away from the track.

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1 TOTALITY *** Lost no friends with a couple of big runs in the 3YO series behind SUPER EASY and hard to beat in Class 3. 3.00
2 BORN TO FLY *** Showed last start this grade suits and right in the mix. 12
3 KING EMPIRE *** Last run better than the result and goes close on win two starts back. Follow. 33
4 SLITHER *** Drawn a tad awkwardly but two runs this campaign have been terrific and wins soon you would think. 8.00
5 SOUTH GATE *** Resuming and smart enough to think he can play a part in anywhere near his best – keep safe with gate one a bonus. 33
6 GLOWNIGHT RACER ** Took a drop to Class 4 to win but will be more than competitive back in this company. 33
7 READY TO STRIKE ** Resuming after a year away from the track and while this is a tough first up ask, he must be respected on best form. 33
8 DAMO *** Terrific run doing it tough last start similar affair and a huge show if any luck from the awkward draw today with winkers off. 33
9 TERMINATOR *** Exciting 3YO who has won three and placed twice from five career starts – this is tough but looks up to the task and happy to follow. 3.00
10 ALWAYS HAPPY ** Never involved last start but better than that and pay to keep safe each way at value. 33
11 FREEZEMASTER ** Last start better than it looks considering tongue tie goes on today – watch. 20
12 RAGING STORM ** Better than what he showed last start and not the worst with no weight from gate two. 50
13 TOM *** Not far away last couple from a win in similar affairs and a big show in what is a very open race. 6.00
14 TRAVERTINE *** Might blow out to long odds given the depth to this field and might be a terrific each way bet. 50

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Race 10

Selections; 1 JERAM GLORY – 6 GUIDED LIGHT – 11 SEBASTIEN – 4 RECYCLE WORLD
A drop back in grade should be ideal for JERAM GLORY. His latest effort was solid when a narrow second and despite the rise in weight here and a poor draw he can roll forward and take holding out. GUIDED LIGHT has finally found top form and is expected to be in the firing line here for a long way while SEBASTIEN is still a maiden but does possess a stack of ability and with the weight drop should give a bold sight although Joao Moreira on his S. Gray stablemate, JACK BAUER, could be a pointer for punters. The third Gray runner, RECYCLE WORLD has been on a steady build-up following injury and looks ready to put his best foot forward. But JERAM GLORY the only one to be on for mine.

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1 JERAM GLORY *** Smart and lost no friends with a close up second behind MATTERHORN last start in Class 3′ should win here. 2.20
2 INTER REWARD ** Former Argentinean who looks well placed in Class 4 and has trialed well enough to think he shows something at Singapore debut. Market good guide. 10
3 GOLDEN QUEST * Not at his best at the minute. 100
4 RECYCLE WORLD ** Form starting to read badly but this looks suitable and can include at value. 33
5 KNIGHT SCORPIO ** Wide gate and claimer makes this tough but worth another chance in this company. 33
6 GUIDED LIGHT *** In super form and going to come into for support here and right in the mix. 4.00
7 AMAZON BOY ** Appreciates what was a good first up run and will be more than competitive in this company. 20
8 DO IT RIGHT ** Not far away at any old odds last start and pay to keep safe at likely good odds again. 50
9 DIVINE POWER * Hasnt backed up win from three starts back. 100
10 JACK BAUER *** Excuses not to finish closer last start and top rider goes on – goes close. 6.00
11 SEBASTIEN *** A tad disappointing last start with heavy support but more than competitive with no weight this Class and a big run would not surprise. 12
12 XIN STAR ** Form better than it reads but Class 5 might be his caper. 50
13 QUI EST LA ** Last start win has him under notice but this is obviously tougher and place a good result. 50
14 STREET LEGAL *** Will be flying late as usual with no weight and some hope if race run to suit swoopers. 20
15 SAVOUR * Appreciates step up in distance but needs to show more. 100
16 DARIEN GAP * Not a lot last start but can improve stepping up in distance at odds. 100

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Race 11

Selections; 1 GINGERBREAD MAN – 8 DEEP POCKETS – 10 DUJARDIN – 14 LIGHTNING THIEF
The 2012 Derby shapes as a cracker of a race with plenty of in-form horses with queries at the trip up against some solid stayers who will ensure an honest race. And while lowering his colours for the first time against his own age at Group level in the Patron’s Bowl, GINGERBREAD MAN can bounce back into the winners circle and show why he is one of the best horses in Singapore. The SHAMARDAL entire hasn’t won beyond 1600m – that is an obvious concern – but given some of his runs carrying weight over similar trips and his outstanding winning record, he can set the record straight today. He might just get out to value as well given he has drawn wide and the stable hoop, Opie Bosson, has elected to ride RED BEARD, but J Saimee is world class and a win would not surprise. DEEP POCKETS will have plenty of friends in the betting ring after his eye-catching ‘Derby’ run in the Patron’s Bowl and he looks ‘cherry-ripe’ to give Cliff Brown back-to back wins in the Group 1 Classic. In a similar vein, DUJARDIN can give owners Oscar Racing Stable back-to-back Derby’s and Laurie Laxon his third win in the race. The MAGIC RING gelding has shown plenty winning two from three since arriving in Singapore and looks the type that stays all day. Hard to leave out the likes of NANDOWRA, RED BEARD and CHASE ME – all will have admirers and all can win – but we can’t pick them all and others like LIGHTNING THIEF, BEE AHEAD and even SILVERON WINGS appeal at likely long odds.

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1 GINGERBREAD MAN *** Has been the benchmark in races leading into the Derby and no reason to think whoever best him wins. 7.00
2 NANDOWRA *** Close up second behind ATO in the Patrons’ Bowl has him one of the leading contenders here. 5.50
3 AROWANA DOT COM ** Settled further back than normal and nicely home in the Patron’s Bowl suggesting he gets the trip – keep safe at odds. 33
4 RED BEARD *** Winner of six races from just seven starts and while top class there will be a slight query over the 2000m. 4.00
5 HAMMER DOWN ** Patron’s Bowl run better than it looked on paper but still needs to improve and wide draw doesnt help. 50
6 CHASE ME *** In form and gives every indication with good work late that this race is perfect – big show. 4.00
7 SILVERON WINGS *** Hasnt won past 1400m but great work late at most starts suggests he is in this at the business end – watch at odds. 50
8 DEEP POCKETS *** Pick of the swoopers from the Patron’s Bowl and will get support to win this. 4.50
9 GRAND ARRIVAL ** Disappointing in the Patron’s Bowl but previous form has him some show at long odds with blinkers removed. 100
10 DUJARDIN *** Has done little wrong at three starts in Singapore and gives every indication he handles the occasion and the trip – can win. 20
11 MATTERHORN ** Found some winning form of late and while this is his toughest test he has to be respected. 33
12 DAVIDE * Blinkers off as he steps up in distance but not going well enough to consider. 100
13 FORGIVEN ** Distance not and issue as you would expect from a Laxon runner but just a question on Class. 50
14 LIGHTNING THIEF *** Underrated type whose run in the Patron’s Bowl at set-weights every bit as good as good as some of the fancies here – watch at odds. 33
15 BEE AHEAD *** Huge leap of faith class-wise but runs all day and that will count for plenty at the business end in a race like this. 33
16 JOYFUL HEART MAN * Distance no issue but ordinary form of late is. 100
17 GRAND APPROACH ** Run behind Dujardin last time out good enough to follow. 50`
18 FULL TOSS ** Promising type but needed to win last start to get a berth – place only. 50
19 TANGIBLE ASSETS ** Disappointing effort in the Patrons Bowl but better than that you would think over this trip. 100
20 DEVONSHIRE * A horse to follow but in more suitable company than this. 100

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Race 12

Selections; 13 PITSTOP – 14 SUPER GOOD – 3 SPEEDY AHEAD – 5 DEFENCE ADVISER
Looking down in the weights to the two-year-olds here. PITSTOP scored narrowly but well at his last start in the Aushorse Golden Horseshoe and on the minimum here from the good draw is expected to go close. He will be backed off the boards you would imagine. SUPER GOOD had shown good form before striking trouble last time behind Pitstop and is worth plenty of thought. He was backed in teh Golden HOrseshoe and the tongue tie on today could make a difference. SPEEDY AHEAD looked good winning on debut before chasing the smart Emerald Hill and is worthy of consideration – hos only concern here is giving weight at the conditions to the 2YO’s. DEFENSE ADVISER broke through for a good win last time and while back in distance here cannot be discarded with one eye on ARROW TO POST and the newcomer, DANNY RICARDO (watch market).

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1 MONFERRATO * Needs to show more. 100
2 STRATA STAR * Not here. 100
3 SPEEDY AHEAD *** Did not get away well last start and never looked comfortable. Won his maiden effortlessly and has Moreira to steer. Big show. 6.00
4 DANNY RICARDO ** Former Kiwi who wasnt beaten far in a Group 1 race in NZ late last year – watch tote. 20
5 DEFENCE ADVISER ** Won OK last start but giving weight to a few talented youngsters here. Place a good result. 12
6 FAMOUS N FAST *** Resuming but has ability and debut run good enough to think he gives plenty first up. 12
7 MAGICAL SUNSET ** Broke through for good win on the Poly last start but this is tougher. 33
8 FLYING WILD ** Turned around some poor form to win his maiden easily – this is tougher though. 33
9 BINGO ** Freshened after a few OK runs but has ability and worth following at odds. 50
10 ARROW TO POST *** Drawn badly but very much appreciates good debut run and pay to keep an eye on. 20
11 FONG SU * Easier to ignore in a race like this. 100
12 WEOWNA FLYER * Wait for Class 5 and longer. 100
13 PITSTOP *** Winner of the Golden Horseshoe and looks one of the top 2YOs in Singapore – hard top beat at the weights with upgrade to blinkers. 1.80
14 SUPER GOOD *** Started favourite in the Golden Horseshoe and while disappointing not to place the tongue tie goes on and goes close here. 5.00

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