Singapore this Sunday

It’s time! After months of speculation and anticipation, the Singapore International Racing Festival climax’s on Sunday with the 12th running of the $3 million Singapore Airlines International Cup.
The race – somewhat overshadowed in recent years given the ROCKET MAN phenomena – has stood the test of time and with an honours role that reads like a ‘who’s who’ of International racing, will continue as the pinnacle of Singapore racing for many years to come.
So who will add their name to the list of outstanding winners?
Apart from the mighty OUZO in the inaugural running of the event in 2000, the internationals have dominated and unless a warrior like WAIKATO can pull off a minor miracle on Sunday, 2012 will be heading elsewhere.
Hong Kong has three runners – CALIFORNIA MEMORY, THUMBS UP and ZAIDAN – with all looking like playing a part somewhere late.
CALIFORNIA MEMORY failed in this race last year but connections will be confident a better preparation and game plan sees the flashy grey improve.
Experienced South Africa jockey, Felix Coetzee, takes over from regular hoop, Mark Chadwick, and all eyes will be on where the horse settles and if close enough on turning for home; goes close.
But of the trio, THUMBS UP has received the most attention from track-watchers and analysts alike and the Casper Fownes 7YO is expected to be one of the horses to beat.
Brett Prebble rides and will need luck after drawing gate 11 but the top Aussie/Hong Kong based hoop knows Kranji well – he won the KrisFlyer on Sacred Kingdom three years back and is a regular visitor – and all looks good for a result.
However, ZAZOU from Germany is the Kranjiracing top pick on his effort in the world’s richest race – the US$10 million Dubai World Cup.
His form prior to a credible fifth in that race was probably good enough to be the top pick anyway but when you consider that two of the last three winners have come through the Dubai World Cup, ZAZOU – in the same colours as 2011 champion GITANO HERNANDO – could be a good thing.
Of the others you have to keep a horse like CHINCHON safe.
One of two French representatives – each way hope Dream Peace the other – CHINCHON was unlucky in this race last year and with everyone a year wiser in the Laffon-Parias camp; a win would not surprise. CITY STYLE, for the mighty Godolphin outfit, rounds out the international contenders and is certainly worth consideration on his excellent form from Dubai in 2012 including placing at Group level at his last two outings.
Of the locals, WAIKATO has raced above himself for the last four years – including a dead-heat for third in this race last year – leads the pack but the wise money would be leaving most, if not all, out of calculations.
In the 2012 KrisFlyer Sprint there has been only one story this week.
‘ROCKET MAN Out!’
When news broke on Tuesday that the champ would not run, the race changed complexion dramatically.
KRYPTON FACTOR – whose connections were hoping for a double knock-out of the Singapore champ after beating him in Dubai – were both disappointed and relieved that a tough race had been made a hell of a lot easier.
The ‘Bahrain bullet’ easily has the best form leading into this and the fact he is the only horse that has beaten ROCKET MAN – none of the local hopes have gone close – he should win.
Obviously travel is the biggest issue but KRYPTON FACTOR might not need to be at 100% to beat most in this field.
Only two other internationals are in the race – SECRET ASSET and INVINCIBLE ASH – and both have solid without being classed spectacular form leading into this.
Both would need to have travelled very well – and indications are they have – but you would think they are each-way hopes and more on a par with the local’s chances than KRYPTON FACTOR at his best.
The locals are led by BETTER BE THE ONE and with Joao Moreira on top he looks ready to show his best and a podium finish is likely.
The Michael Freedman-trained 5YO has international form on his resume as well and that will hold him in every good stead in a race with little depth for an International Group 1.
Of the other Kranji-based horses, MR BIG has a slight weight pull as a 3YO his fighting qualities suggest he keep a few honest and ATO always races well and is also in the mix.
It is a mixed track meeting with race 1to 7 on the Long Course (A), Turf and races 8-11 on the Short Course (A), Turf.

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Best Bets; HOT GOLD (race 3, win), KRYPTON FACTOR (race 9, win) and RECYCLE WORLD (race 1, each way).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 10), race 9 (1 and 3), race 10 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 6) and race 11 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9).

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Race 1

Selections; 4 RECYCLE WORLD – 5 SPEED DEMON – 1 ASPEN HEIGHTS – 2 IMACRUISER
A trickier race than it first looked on paper and plenty of chances with some improvers making finding the winner tough. SPEED DEMON looked as good as place to start as any winning two from two and his last effort was very strong. 1400m looks no issue but Mark Ewe will need to be having a good day in the saddle as there are some experienced jocks and horses sure to keep him honest. Although a youngster himself, James McDonald is an international jockey of high regard and he might make the difference on RECYCLE WORLD. The lightly raced 5YO looks to have been set for this race and a big run and win would not surprise. Of the rest I think IMACRUISER and ASPEN HEIGHTS are the improvers in this grade and keep an eye on the newcomer JERAM CLIPPER as he has looked very good at the track and might just run a big race at his Singapore debut.

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1 ASPEN HEIGHTS *** Drops in Class, has won over this distance on turf. Strong chance. 8.00
2 IMACRUISER *** Drops into Class 4 for the first time. Should improve rapidly on recent poor form with Moreira taking the mount. 4.00
3 MECCA STAR * Second run back from spell but form has been poor for some time. 50
4 RECYCLE WORLD *** This distance suits and top Kiwi rider jumps aboard – strong chance. 8.00
5 SPEED DEMON *** Unbeaten in two starts on Polytrack. Up to 1400m here on turf makes this harder but still has strong claims. 3.50
6 EXCITING AHEAD *** Consistent horse who broke though last start with heavy support. This is tougher but is an improving type and pay to follow. 5.00
7 TRIP TO BRAZIL ** Former Argentinean who has trialed OK and has won over 1800m. Badly drawn and prefer to see at first start. 30
8 SACRED DEW * Shows early speed but well back at only two starts. 100
9 JERAM CLIPPER ** Former Australian having first start in Singapore. Trials and works well and has good draw – watch market. 12
10 EL PATRON * Recent form terrible and poorly drawn. 100
11 GYPSY MAGIC * Backed as if unbeatable last start and bolted in – this is harder and badly drawn. 30
12 ROUGH DANCE ** Two runs back from spell have been full of merit. Not the worst and each way value will be there. 20
13 ANG PAO KERETA * Wants something easier. 100
14 AFFIRMATION * OK on his day but probably looking for Class 5. 20
15 ZAC VELOCITY *** Smashed them three starts back with blinkers on, subsequent form okay, loves a bit of rain. 8.00
16 AWAKENED ** Smart horse, well drawn who will be a good chance if he gets a run.

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Race 2

Selections; 7 SMART IDEA – 2 MAGICAL SUNSET – 1 SELECT GATHERING – 3 CHRISTMAS
SMART IDEA and SELECT GATHERING are both coming off last start second placings and both can win this. Interestingly Opie Bosson has ridden both exclusively so his leaning toward SELECT GATHERING could be seen as a pointer. However, that choice would have been made prior to his horse drawing gate 13 and with Moreira a fair replacement on SMART IDEA jumping from 8; he gets my final nod. And in fact given it looks a good race and plenty of pace expected early, I have MAGICAL SUNSET splitting the two as he will be doing best work late and Oscar Chavez might just weave some magic from the nice gate (4). Of the newcomers I like CHRISTMAS with one eye on RADIANT ROI and BULLET FLY some hope if any luck in running from a wide alley.

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1 SELECT GATHERING *** Has raced well at only three starts, if he can get on the pace from awkward draw will be hard to beat. 2.75
2 MAGICAL SUNSET *** Risky at the start and has been trying for some time, but 1200m suits and should be running on strongly. 6.00
3 CHRISTMAS *** Trials well, nice draw and top jockey. Watch market, Christmas might come early. 12
4 DRAGON ** Blinkers and Pacifiers on. Reasonable effort at first start and trialled OK subsequently – the improver. 20
5 PENSAMIENTO * Hasn’t shown much at trials. Prefer to see. 50
6 RADIANT ROI ** Well prepared at the trials for a solid debut – could be quick. 20
7 SMART IDEA *** Went well at first outing and subsequent trial was good. Hard to beat. 3.00
8 TESTING TIME ** Nice enough trial, but will benefit from the experience. 30
9 PARAGON ANGEL ** Improved effort last start. Should race well with blinkers added. 30
10 AMERICAN GLADIATOR ** Showed speed and fought well on debut. Barrier no help but should be further improved. 20
11 BULLET FLY *** Nice effort on debut and subsequently won barrier trial. Wide barrier a challenge today but a horse to follow. 10
12 MUSASHI MAMBO * Later. 200
13 TIGER TZAR ** Has had several trials and could show up – watch market. 100
14 ARMADILLO * Badly drawn and not shown up at trials. 100
15 AFTERNOON DELIGHT ** Good effort last start, draw no help but should be a chance if he gets a start.
16 CHAMPAGNE ROSE ** Got well back and ran on at first start. Should be improved and a chance if she gets a start.

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Race 3

Selections; 14 HOT GOLD – 4 THE BIG DEE – 1 COLD SECRET – 12 SEBASTIEN
At the Novice weight conditions, HOT GOLD looks one of the better bets on the day. The Cliff Brown-trained Irish-bred 3YO is getting up to 6kg off some of his dangers on paper and that weight advantage – and obviously his very strong form – has him the only horse to be on. But he will need to be on his game as a horse like the BIG DEE is in fine form and is sure to keep them all honest. Baster rides for Burridge and that combination is going along nicely and the horse is certainly one to follow. COLD SECRET and SEBASTIEN also appeal and should be in the thick of things late.

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1 COLD SECRET *** Strong win last start and whilst this is harder; not beyond him. 4.00
2 OK OK *** Led and run down late last start. Mile a query but should be on speed for a long way. 20
3 ROCK YOU *** Forced to race wide last start, better draw here and should be closer to the speed. 20
4 THE BIG DEE *** Racing in great form and should be suited by the mile. Chance again. 5.00
5 RAFFLES PEGASUS *** Tongue tie applied. Better effort last start and should race well on or near the lead with top Kiwi hoop to steer. 10
6 CHINESE CULTURE ** Won maiden two starts back and did not have much luck last time. Better drawn here. 20
7 BIGDINERO ** Awkward draw doesn’t help his chances but honest and will keep plugging away. 40
8 DIVINE POWER ** Surprised last start and whilst this is harder has same rider and extra distance should suit. 30
9 XIN STAR * No one more surprised than the jockey when he broke through last start but this is further and tougher. 40
10 MY NEW BOSS * Runs on but will need luck. Prefers the sting out of the ground. 200
11 GOODVOLLEYMSMOLLY * Yet to show up. 200
12 SEBASTIEN *** Has run on last two starts though well beaten, pacifiers upgraded to blinkers plus Moreira may see further improvement. 10
13 ALPHA INFINITY ** Maiden who put in good effort to place last start but the mile and the barrier will make it tough. 50
14 HOT GOLD *** Easily in best at the race conditions, won easily last start and should win again. 2.50

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Race 4

Selections; 5 SACRED EMBLEM – 2 STEADFAST WARRIOR – 6 GREEN JACKET – 3 URBAN DANCER
An even Class 4 affair where SACRED EMBLEM should turn a string of placings into a win. The very consistent horse with Stephen Baster aboard has also drawn a nice gate and should get a nice run in transit. He should get his main competition from the likes of STEADFAST WARRIOR, URBAN DANCER and GREEN JACKET. STEADFAST WARRIOR drops to Class 4 with some reasonable form in the higher classes while URBAN DANCER and GREEN JACKET are both last start winners and obviously in form. Other to consider to consider for the placings are JUST DASHING and PADDY O’REILLY who are both always thereabouts in this class.

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1 BY LAW * Poor effort last start – jockey reported not striding out – on best form well up to this Class but must take on trust. 21
2 STEADFAST WARRIOR *** A while since he has shown any real form but now in Class 4, this distance suits and engagement of top NZ jockey enhances his chances. 11
3 URBAN DANCER *** Led all the way to win last start, and despite bad draw with Moreira up could do so again. 8
4 QUALITASE * Drawn wide, usually competitive in this class, likes the sting out of the ground. 15
5 SACRED EMBLEM *** Very consistent performer who is placed far more often than he wins. Bound to put in another honest effort. 4
6 GREEN JACKET *** Improving 4YO who looks a likely stayer and could well be up to this. 6
7 TOUCH THE LINE ** Consistent this class and grows another leg in the wet. 11
8 NOT MY FAULT * Usually around the mark but finds it hard to win. 16
9 REGAL GOLD * Got the top jockey but no form. 51
10 JUST DASHING ** Drawn poorly but should be running on late. 16
11 PADDY O’REILLY ** Followed up maiden win with good placing in this class over a mile, races as if this distance will suit. 8
12 CARTAGO ** Steadily improving and could show up without surprising. Distance suits. 16
13 IRO OTOKO * Poorly drawn and whilst often thereabouts this looks too hard. 26
14 SKY PROTEGE ** Backed for a stack in Class 5 and led all the way to bolt in – this is much tougher but from ace draw could lead a merry dance. 16
15 GALILEAN REBEL * Form not good enough. 101
16 JACK BAUER * Very ordinary effort last start after two good runs – take on trust. 51

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Race 5

Selections; 7 VON SNITZEL – 6 THE HUSTLER – 5 LUCKY XUAN – 11 TOUGH RULER
Looks like a good betting race with many chances but THE HUSTLER stands out as a good prospect with winning form. Showed much improvement at second start and will be hard to beat with Moreira on board again and jumping from barrier 5. The main danger appears to be THE HUSTLER who has been disappointing since winning his first start. He wasn’t too far away last start and a switch to the turf this start may make the winning difference. LUCKY XUAN raced first up and led throughout from barrier 11. Should be fitter for the run and will be figuring in the finish. Others to consider would be the last start winners in SUPER AHEAD and TOUGH RULER

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1 ASANTI *** Well drawn and has had two starts back from a spell and should be ready to show his best. Suited by surface and distance. 11
2 STRATA STAR * First up and poorly drawn. Later. 51
3 DIAMOND SITARA ** One win at Tauranga and 3 placings from 5 starts in NZ. Has had several trials and could show up- watch market. 26
4 GOLDEN CURL *** Failed last start on soft track, previous form sound and engagement of top rider augurs well for his chances despite bad barrier. 16
5 LUCKY XUAN *** Led all the way to score at big odds last start. Trialed well subsequently. Chance again if he can set the speed. 6
6 THE HUSTLER *** Caught wide last start but still disappointing as favourite – should be improved by the run and worth another chance. 6
7 VON SNITZEL *** Good effort to win last start and no reason why he could not repeat with same rider aboard. 4
8 SUPER AHEAD *** Had gun alley and bowled along to win easily last start, This is tougher but has the pace to get across and be in it all the way. 11
9 CHAMPION DRAGON ** Won maiden three starts back and whilst subsequent efforts have been ordinary, good draw and suitable distance keep him under notice. 11
10 PRIME MOVER * Recent form poor and badly drawn. 51
11 TOUGH RULER *** Good effort to win last start. Has to overcome outside draw but should be running on late. 6
12 FONG SU * Speedy but needs things to go his way. 51
13 FLY NOW * Maiden who went okay at first start, the won barrier trial in slow time. Will need time. 61
14 GRAVLAX * Maiden who has had five starts for a placing at Kembla grange over 2000m. Later. 26
15 JERAM ROSE WOOD ** Led and fought on well last start. Chance if he gets a start. 26

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Race 6

Selections; 7 SPECIAL ENCORE – 4 MARTINCHO CAT – 6 MATTERHORN – 5 TARANKALI
The proverbial blanket gets a dusting off in this Class 3 mile with any number of horses going well enough and placed well enough to win. In fact the market on the day might tell us a bit more but at this stage a horse like SPECIAL ENCORE is worth a serious look with Joao Moreira up. He has drawn badly in gate 12 but given any luck (he had none whatsoever last start), the Mark Walker-trained gelding can get back into his recent winning ways. But as mentioned most others look as good as winning chance as SPECIAL ENCORE and it might pay to see how the track is playing before looking for value as there should be plenty of that on the day. MARTINCHO CAT went round in Open Company last start so obviously he comes into serious contention back in Class 3 with MATTERHORN every chance to continue his winning ways. Of the rest you can consider TARANKALI is swoopers are having an OK day and JOHN OF ARCH might again sneak out to ridiculous each-way value!

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1 KNIGHT SPIRIT *** Drops back to suitable Class and if can race handier or even lead he is right in this. 10
2 ACE ALPHABET ** First run back after returning from an extended Malaysian sojourn – market best guide. 50
3 JOHN OF ARCH *** Went around at ridiculous odds last start considering each-way form and pay to follow. 10
4 MARTINCHO CAT *** Ignore last start in Open Company as this is suitable to knock in another win. 6.00
5 TARANKALI *** Style of racing doesn’t get him many wins but will be doing best work late and goes close again. 7.00
6 MATTERHORN *** Broke through for overdue win last start and certainly the type that can go with the job – follow. 5.00
7 SPECIAL ENCORE *** Plenty of excuses last start and run suggests he goes close with any luck from the bad gate. 4.00
8 CHAMPAGNE NEEDED * Winkers upgraded to blinkers a positive and drawn the ace but hard to have. 100
9 CARIBBEAN MOON ** Last start disappointing but had been mixing her form so pay to keep safe. 30
10 KNIGHT’S COMMAND *** Had excuses at Singapore debut and certainly showed enough last start to think he wins soon – follow. 12
11 TRAVERTINE *** Obviously a shocker last start but step up in trip a significant move and might be the value runner. 30
12 FOXTROT HOTEL *** Up in Class but won too well last start not to think he will be more than competitive. 8.00
13 MAKE A RETURN ** Wont get in easy out front in this field and happy to wait for easier and longer. 50
14 XIN TREASURE * Did some work last time out but still a disappointing effort and might need more suitable company. 50

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Race 7

Selections; 7 SPEEDY CAT – 3 MASTHEAD – 11 DAVIDE – 9 METEOR MIKE
A couple of smart youngsters in MASTHEAD and SPEEDY CAT look ready to show that they have what it takes to go through the grades at Kranji in this Class 2 1400m event. And while both 3YO’s are coming off slightly disappointing runs, both can make amends in what looks a very suitable race. SPEEDY CAT – as a $1.20 favourite – probably should have won his last start and all concerned will be hoping the step up to 1400m is what he needs to get back to his winning ways. And although equaling the course record over 1000m on debut, the indications were that the SCARDEE CAT gelding would appreciate more ground and he gets his chance today to stamp himself a genuine open class horse. MASTHEAD came to Singapore with big wraps from Australia and quickly showed he was the real deal with two strong wins. His placing behind MR BIG at start three was probably better than it looked on a rain affected track and I think we can ignore last start in what was a big ask in the Lion City Cup. 1400m also looks a good move and a win would not surprise. But the two 3YO’s have plenty of nice horses to beat and you could make a case for most (with special mention to DAVIDE and METEOR MIKE).

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1 DICTATOR *** Has been regarded as a Poly specialist but while he hasn’t won on the turf his form is solid and could surprise. 20
2 PARFUMIER ** Just lacking a yard this preparation and place looks best. 40
3 MASTHEAD *** Happy to put a line through his last start in Rocket Man company and seriously consider on what he showed prior. 4.00
4 ECLAIR MYSTIC * Failed to show up at two Singapore starts and have to take on trust with one eye on the tote. 40
5 U GOT IT ** Can run a very cheeky race with 1400m a good move – keep safe. 20
6 MAURICE UTRILLO ** Never involved last start but better than that and the type to keep safe. 30
7 SPEEDY CAT *** Disappointing last start not to win in suitable company as odds on pop but step up to 1400m might be the winning move. 3.00
8 JUST A MAN *** Solid each way proposition in races like this – watch for value. 20
9 METEOR MIKE *** Turned some very good form into a nice win and pay to keep following. 6.00
10 RAPIDO STAR *** Another who has been labeled a Poly specialist but has form in similar affairs to this – keep safe. 12
11 DAVIDE *** Back to his best form last couple and goes close similar affair on those efforts. 6.00
12 PEACEFUL WARRIOR *** Light weight coupled with good form suggests he is right in this. 15

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Race 8

Selections; 5 FLYING WEST – 2 JAMAL MALIK – 1 THE COMEDIAN – 10 MITRE PEAK
Some of these horses would have had one eye on a tilt at the $3 million race later in the card but a winnable race for the likes of THE COMEDIAN seems a very smart move by connections. The top weight has been in very good form – two domestic wins bookmarking a solid Dubai tilt – and looks every chance to continue that excellent run here. But with 59kg I suggest he might struggle late to reel in a horse like FLYING WEST who also comes into this mile with winning form. His last start win was super (to say the least) and with just 53kg in what is a suitable race he might just lead all the way again. His stable mate, JAMAL MALIK, is in solid form and should keep the two honest with ‘each-way all the way’ the punting mantra for this Shaw runner. There are plenty of others to like – SILVERON WINGS and BLACK ICE to name just two – but for value I will be keeping MITRE PEAK heavily involved in all exotic combinations as his form is better than it reads and might be flying home late at very long odds.

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1 THE COMEDIAN *** Big ask to carry top-weight from wide gate but in super winning form domestically and can win again. 3.50
2 JAMAL MALIK *** In form and in this a very long way – terrific each way option. 6.00
3 CLINT ** Form starting to read badly but best run of late was over the mile so might appreciate drop back in distance. 30
4 FATKID ** First up after pulling up lame in February but was going OK that preparation and might get out to value. 30
5 FLYING WEST *** In well again at the weights after super win last start – can win again. 3.00
6 KEEP AWAY * Just not on top of his game at the minute but form over the mile is strong as a rule. 50
7 BLACK ICE *** Placed last start similar company and certainly worth an each way look with light weight. 20
8 AROWANA DOT COM *** Win two starts back over the mile was very good and pay to keep very safe. 6.00
9 MR RAFFLES ** Found it all too tough late last start but form prior has him thereabouts. 20
10 MITRE PEAK *** Excuses last start not to finish closer and form a lot better than it reads – some hope at value if race run to suit swoopers. 15
11 TENZING * Comes under notice at value if it rains. 50
12 SILVERON WINGS ** Race wasn’t run to suit last start but form prior has him in the mix – follow. 30
13 MY FRIEND JO ** Last run better than it looked and in OK form prior but a big step up in Class and prefer elsewhere. 50
14 MULAN * Good win last time out but a big step up in Class and place looks best. 50
15 ASERIOUS ** Comes under notice if he gets a start as form has him winning a race like this. 20
16 WONDER * Up in trip suits but prefer in something easier than this. 50

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Race 9

Selections; 1 KRYPTON FACTOR – 3 BETTER BE THE ONE – 8 MR BIG – 5 ATO
There is no doubt the biggest news heading into this race was on Tuesday when word got out that ROCKET MAN was not going to race. Form guides were revisited with the chance of another local winner very much the topic of the day. BETTER BE THE ONE was the talk at the track – International form, Singapore’s pin-up jockey Joao Moreira to ride, second to ROCKET MAN in the domestic Group 1 lead up race – but the widest gate has since rained on that parade. In his favour is local knowledge and the fact that the horse he has to beat, KRYPTON FACTOR, drew to his inside in gate 8. But in KRYPTON FACTOR’s favour is his rating – a massive 124 courtesy of some super Dubai form before sensationally beating ROCKET MAN in the Golden Shaheen at his last start. And it might just be a case of ‘no Rocket – no worries’ for this world class sprinter. Travel is the obvious concern but hard to beat if anywhere near his Dubai best. With travel in mind the other two International may struggle although SECRET ASSET – from the stables of Chapple-Hyam – has drawn gate one and that counts for plenty. INVINCIBLE ASH did well enough in the Al Quox Sprint in Dubai to think he is in OK form but again, travel does cost a yard or two as seen last year when Singapore locals finished in the first five places in this race. Apart from BETTER BE THE ONE the locals that can figure in the finish are the ATO – who will now carry the number one silks for ROCKET MAN’s owner, Fred Crabbia, and the 3YO, MR BIG, who has drawn beautifully in gate two and has shown he can be hard to pass with a 1.5kg weight pull in his favour. Oddly, without ROCKET MAN, the race has turned into a very interesting punting affair but KRYPTON FACTOR the one to beat.

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1 KRYPTON FACTOR *** Sensationally beat ROCKET MAN in Dubai and has to be the one to beat on that super effort. 3.00
2 CAPTAIN OBVIOUS ** Resuming after successful Dubai campaign and highly rated domestically so has to be respected. 12
3 BETTER BE THE ONE *** Has stamped himself as Singapore’s second best Open Class sprinter on numerous occasions and have placed internationally – best of the local hopes. 3.50
4 SECRET ASSET ** Has form around BETTER BE THE ONE from Dubai 2012 and honest European form prior. 12
5 ATO ** Never runs a bad race and while he hasn’t had a win for a while he will be in the thick of this finish with blinkers removed today. 12
6 PERFECT PINS ** Placed in this race last year and recent run after resuming form a bleeding attack suggests he is in good order. 20
7 YIN XIN ** Exciting lightly raced 4YO sprinter who may get some support and a bold run is expected. 8.00
8 MR BIG ** Champion Juvenile in Singapore who has more than gone on with the job as a 3YO – might be the one they have to run down late. 6.00
9 INVINCIBLE ASH ** Irish mare who had a good run of form, including thereabouts in the Al Qouz Sprint, and should be thereabouts. 12

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Race 10

Selections; 2 ZAZOU – 3 THUMBS UP – 6 CHINCHON – 1 CALIFORNIA MEMORY
The $3 million show-piece is upon us and while you could argue it isn’t the strongest field ever assembled for the race, it is wide open and that makes for a super interesting Cup. Once again, the warrior WAIKATO leads the local charge in what is his fifth year of competing at this level. The PINS 8YO has been the stalwart of the successful Laurie Laxon stable and when you consider he was placed fourth in the KrisFlyer Sprint in 2008/09 and fourth and equal third in the Singapore Airlines International Cup in 2010 and 2011, a win here would bring the grand-stand down! But while he comes into this with a 2000m win under his belt (his first!); he is up against a very solid group of Internationals who will again make up the majority of the top four placings. And the well-travelled ZAZOU looks the best of them. The 5YO entire comes into this race with some terrific form under his belt that includes two recent wins but more importantly a solid fifth at his last start in the Dubai World Cup. We know that form holds up – GITANO HERNANDO and GLORIA DE CAMPO – and no reason to think that trainer Waldemar Hickst isn’t celebrating another Group 1 victory on Sunday night. The Hong Kong runners always put on a good show and THUMBS UP from the Casper Fownes stable looks the pick of the bunch. His form is obviously good but more importantly he has caught the eye at early morning track-work since arriving and if he gets any luck from gate 11, goes very close. CHINCHON is no stranger to Singapore having finished an unlucky fifth in this race last year. The horse and trainer would have learnt plenty from that experience and he looks to have travelled well and a big run would not surprise. Like CHINCHON, the connections of CALIFORNIA MEMORY would have learned from last years run in this race and with the experienced Felix Coetzee taking the ride, he is every chance. Of the other internationals, the filly DREAM PEACE has been working well with stable confidence noted, CITY STYLE looks some hope given his excellent Dubai form and ZAIDAN – the third of the runners from Hong Kong – is in solid form and certainly holds his own. In short it is a very even race, however the locals – bar WAIKATO, may find it too tough with ZAZOU a nice punting option. Good luck.

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1 CALIFORNIA MEMORY *** Hong Kong star who was ridden upside down in this same race in 2011. Stable will be keen to make amends but race needs to have pace. 6.00
2 ZAZOU *** Very well credentialed German 5YO who is in terrific form including a last start 5th in the Dubai World Cup – hard to beat. 5.00
3 THUMBS UP *** Drawn awkwardly but looks to have settled in super at Kranji and right in this if he can reproduce top Hong Kong form. 4.00
4 CITY STYLE *** Form since resuming from a year off racing has been superb – including a Group 1 Dubai Duty Free placing – and expect him to be in the thick of this. 8.00
5 ALWAYS CERTAIN * Top-rated local runner who will be running on and hopefully enjoys a race run to suit but not sure he is up to this level. 100
6 CHINCHON *** Unlucky not to finish closer in this race last year and form leading into this is just as good – big show. 5.00
7 WAIKATO ** Gallant efforts at the last four internationals – including an equal third last year – is well documented for this local but a win would surprise. 12
8 ZAIDAN ** Might be the value runner of the internationals as was a late invite but form sound and has some upside as a 4YO. 20
9 SPEED BABY ** Form better than it reads but would need to find his best to play a part in the top four. 50
10 FLAX ** Very lightly raced 5YO who has had heat exhaustion issues at only bad run (and one good run) – keep safe in skinny end of exotics. 20
11 EL DORADO * Usually wins in November and not at WFA conditions – place very best wet track. 50
12 DREAM PEACE ** The only international filly in the field and the 1.5kg weight pull might come in very handy although form not as strong as some of the others. 14
13 NEW ROSE WOOD ** Found form at the right time and will be one of the leading locals but not sure that’s good enough today. 20

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Race 11

Selections; 4 RUNNING TALL – 3 DAMO – 1 ECLAIR FLYER – 6 FREEZEMASTER
The lucky last and hopefully the International races have treated us well and we can have a good go at one of the Pat Shaw runners in this. Both DAMO and RUNNING TALL appeal and both can win back in Class 3 company. The toss of the coin went with RUNNING TALL given he had looked very good at his first two Singapore starts before finding it a bit tough last time out in the second leg of the 3YO series. He had a big reputation before arriving from Australia and certainly wins at this level you would think. His stable mate DAMO has blinkers on for the first time and has drawn the paint so he must be respected. He is slightly back in distance but the headgear suggests 1200m is ideal and he should have every chance. Of the rest I think ECLAIR FLYER is the interesting runner given his last two starts have been in better company as well and he was an impressive winner at his Singapore debut prior to that. He has drawn badly but look for market support and a bold run. Plenty of others with super form to pick from – FREEZEMASTER, BRING MORE MONEY, NO RESPITE and SHAOLIN SOLDIER to name just a few with KING EMPIRE the roughie.

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1 ECLAIR FLYER *** Done enough in better company to think he very much appreciates Class 3 and worth keeping safe. 12
2 SHAOLIN SOLDIER *** Finished all over the top of them last start for a good win and pay to follow. 4.00
3 DAMO *** Blinkers go on and back to Class 3 – bold run expected. 6.00
4 RUNNING TALL *** Another Shaw runner who just wasn’t up to Group level at his last start but can win this. 4.00
5 BRING MORE MONEY *** Obviously in super form and gives every indication he handles the step up to Class 3. 8.00
6 FREEZEMASTER *** Very strong win last time out to make it back-to-back and has to be seriously considered here. 8.00
7 RISING EXPECTATION ** Usually goes round at great value and thereabouts so worth a look. 40
8 NO RESPITE *** Very much appreciates what was a strong, but expected, first up run – can follow although wide gate a concern today. 7.00
9 KING EMPIRE *** Resuming after very good debut with excuses and has to be respected on that effort and nice recent trial. 30
10 RIO FORTUNE * Placed last start with leading senior rider but form previously was just fair. 50
11 ARADEA ** Can make excuses for bad couple of runs and might sneak out to value in what is a very competitive race. 30
12 FAT KING * Wait for longer. 100
13 BIG FORTUNE ** Capped off some good form with a nice enough win but has found a tough Class 3 race today. 40
14 KALLISAN * Form reads well but like to see in easier company than this. 50
15 VAYA CONDIOS * Resuming after a nice run of form – market a good guide but prefer later. 200

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