OM (Manoel Nunes) finishes the best to take out Race 3 ( picture by Singapore Turf Club)
After a rare abandoned meeting due to the “haze” in Singapore, the backlog of races sees a massive weekend of racing with 10 races on Friday and another dozen on Sunday.
Plenty of opportunities for owners, trainers and jockeys and more importantly, the lifeblood of the racing industry, the punters!
It is a mixture of strong and weak fields though and the market will be a good guide in most races, especially where newcomers are concerned.
Case in point is ROSELLI – a lightly raced 5YO from New Zealand – who has found a very weak Class 4 to make his local debut.
A gelding by California Dane, ROSELLI won one race from some four starts in New Zealand but it was an eye-catching local trial that has him under notice.
In his favour is most of his opposition look better suited in Class 5 and if he brings his trial form to the track on Friday night, he can win with support likely.
Elsewhere on the card, MISS WAIMATAITAI looks very well placed with no weight in the Restricted Maiden (race 4) to knock in an early win and she could be one of the better win bets on the card.
Friday 30 October
Best Bets: (MISS WAIMATAITAI race 4, win), (ROSELLI race 9, each-way) and (OM race 3, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 7 (1 and 3), race 8 (1, 4, 6, 10 and 12), race 9 (2), race 10 (2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 13).
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.
Race 1
Selections; 1 DELFYNE – 4 SUPER JOY – 12 ZAC GALLANT – 7 BILBO BAGGINS
A tough opener with a few maidens looking well placed to improve in Class 5 and a few of the usual suspects keeping all and sundry honest. One maiden in particular in DELFYNE will enjoy the company and could pinch this. Kif Toh goes on – as does blinkers – and given some solid form in better company than this, expect a big run. SUPER JOY’s only win was in Class 5 some five starts back and given he has subsequently placed in Class 4, he should show his best although Oscar Chavez does have a wide gate to deal with. Another maiden in BILBO BAGGINS has speed and will give a sight from gate 4 with R Shafiq up while GREAT NINTH will be looking for his first win dropping back from the mile which does look suitable. The usual suspects include DR OCTOPUS and ZAC GALLANT and both should be thereabouts at the business end.
1 DELFYNE *** Maiden who gets blinkers and should go close in what is a suitable grade. 12
2 GREAT NINTH *** Maiden tried over a mile last start and better suited this trip. 8.00
3 JOYOUS * Issues last start but easier to ignore. 33
4 SUPER JOY *** Drawn awkwardly but comes under serious consideration back in winning Class. 6.00
5 CANNON KING * No. 50
6 INFERMO ** Enjoys the Poly and pay to include in exotics at odds. 20
7 BILBO BAGGINS *** Maiden who will give a sight from gate 4. 4.00
8 DR OCTOPUS *** Continues to be costly for followers but foot on the till. 6.00
9 HOW HUGE * Placed last start on the turf and that surface looks his caper. 12
10 STOCK BROKER ** Wide draw is a concern but showed enough last start to keep safe. 12
11 SOUTHERN ADMIRAL * Tongue-tie on. Will battle away but skinny end of exotics looks best. 20
12 ZAC GALLANT *** Always a show in races like this and often each-way value. 5.50
13 WORLD OF FAME * Form hopeless but recent trial (albeit with blinkers) was OK. 50
14 DIAMOND ON THE BAY * Resuming and easier to ignore. 100
Race 2
Selections; 14 SUCCESSION – 12 MURRAYFIELD – 3 WARSHIP – 10 EFFORTLESS
At least six horses we can make a very strong winning case for which makes this race a good punting affair. On the Long Course (B), the back markers will be suited and as such, SUCCESSION gets his chance. The 3YO has ran on well at both career starts suggesting 1400m is his caper with Alan Munro a very good booking. MURRAYFIELD also appreciates the 1400m and very much looks like he improves with the debut experience under his belt. Throw in EFFORTLESS who had excuses when supported at his second race start and he should play a part in this finish with winkers added for good measure. WARSHIP gets blinkers and his recent trial with headgear suggests he could be the testing material with Barend Vorster back in the saddle. CELERITAS and SPECIAL FORCE win without surprising so do your very best.
1 CELERITAS *** First-up run a beauty and will be very handy throughout. 6.00
2 SPECIAL FORCE *** Supported and excuses last start when blinkers added so effort very good and will go well under M Ewe. 5.00
3 WARSHIP *** Blinkers go on and recent trial suggests he plays a big part in this finish. 8.00
4 LEE MAN * Struggled last two and have to take on trust. 33
5 MY TOUCH * Struggles. 200
6 SHARP KNIGHT ** Not a mile away last start and 1400m should suit. Value. 33
7 ARCHER COMPANY * Gets tongue-tie and should improve with racing. Later. 50
8 BORN A FIGHTER * Hard to have on race form but does trial well so look for improvement. 50
9 DE WANTED * Like to see something before considering. 33
10 EFFORTLESS *** Form better than it reads and this race looks suitable with winkers added to show his best. 9.00
11 LETHAL WEAPON ** Has look comfortable at the trials and market watch in order on debut. 8.00
12 MURRAYFIELD *** Supported on debut and looks like he will improve for the effort with extra 200m in his favour. 5.00
13 SPUR ME ON ** Last start better than the result and could work into this late at odds. 33
14 SUCCESSION *** Ran on well at both starts and looks extremely well placed over 1400m to win. 5.00
Race 3
Selections; 2 OM – 5 SMART LAD – 3 LAUGHING GRAVY – 4 PRECIOUS GEM
As you would expect in a BM67 over 1800m, a very even field will head to the starter and you would imagine a very busy finish is on the cards. With the likes of BRAD, LAUGHING GRAVY and even DANGER ZONE, there should be a very solid tempo throughout and that will OM the chance to turn some solid form into an overdue win. The 6YO hasn’t won at some 12 starts since February this year but has looked due and this race and course should suit. As mentioned, LAUGHING GRAVY and BRAD will be handy throughout and could very well fight out the finish while PRECIOUS GEM showed last start that this type of race is his caper and should figure late. One to watch at value might be SMART LAD. The 4YO can get out to each-way odds and looks well placed with Barend Vorster back in the saddle to give this a shake.
1 BRAD *** Very honest and one of the main hopes again. 4.00
2 OM *** Will work into this late and should be suited by the track and tempo. 7.00
3 LAUGHING GRAVY *** Ran over late last start in similar affair but will give a sight with support. 4.00
4 PRECIOUS GEM *** Showed last start this type of race is his caper and goes close again. 5.00
5 SMART LAD *** Form reads only fairly but goes well for Vorster and recent trial suggests he could be a very good value option. 12
6 DANGER ZONE * Tried to pinch it at very long odds last start and might try to do the same again. 33
7 BOB ** Always gives a good account of himself and should be prominent throughout from gate 1. 12
8 VERGLATICA * Struggling to find his best form and have to take on trust. 12
9 IKING ** Refuses to win but very hard to fault effort. 12
10 DUAL IMPACT * Appreciates Singapore debut and extra trip but like to see more. 33
11 ACROSS THE SEA ** Honest and has no weight but should need easier to win. 20
Race 4
Selections; 12 MISS WAIMATAITAI – 11 LADY IFFRAAJ – 6 LUMINIFF LAD – 8 CONFLIGHT
A nice maiden dash over 1000m with at least half the field ready to win. MISS WAIMATAITAI gets her chance after what was an impressive debut. The 3YO filly didn’t miss by much behind Lake Huka on that occasion and given that form has been franked, she looks hardest to beat. LUMINIFF LAD also looks well placed to show his best after drawing gate 3. The 4YO did it extremely tough when wide on debut and that experience coupled with the better draw should see a very good run. CONFLIGHT didn’t miss by much on debut and he wins this without surprising with Oscar Chavez staying on-board. The debutante, EDEN GARDEN also looks a winning chance. The 4YO trialed very well recently and a handy 3kg claim suggests he is worth a long look. Of the others with winning hopes, KEYSTONE and LADY IFFRAAJ must be respected in what is a very good maiden.
1 EDEN GARDEN *** Recent trial gave every indication that he could go very well on debut with handy 3kg claim. 8.00
2 GIORGIO ** Not a mile away last start but will need some luck from wide gate. 20
3 KEYSTONE *** Just battled late last start on the turf but debut this trip has him under consideration. 9.00
4 STAR WARRIOR * No. 100
5 FALKIRK LEAD * No. 100
6 LUMINIFF LAD *** Excuses not to finish closer on debut and will give this a shout. 6.00
7 BAIL OUT ** Will improve with racing and add value to exotics. 20
8 CONFLIGHT *** Just missed on debut and could be hard to beat on a repeat of that effort. 4.00
9 PERFECTLY ECLIPSE * No. 100
10 SUPER BALL ** Ran on very well late this trip last start at long odds to place and pay to keep safe. 16
11 LADY IFFRAAJ *** Drawn wide but had excuses when finishing second on debut and very much appreciates senior hoop. 5.00
12 MISS WAIMATAITAI *** Form from good debut has been franked and hard to beat with just 50.5kg. 4.00
13 BLOOD ROYAL * Prefer to see more. 100
14 EASY DRAGON * No. 100
Race 5
Selections; 2 D’DON – 12 FOLLOW THE KING – 13 SPECTA DILEMMA – 6 ALWAYS A WINNER
Obviously plenty of non-winners in a Division 2 Class 5 sprint and plenty of poor form to boot. But in saying that, D’DON finds himself in the right race and could be hard to beat. His record of three wins from 29 starts is better than most and given those victories have all been over 1000m, this looks his caper. It’s no surprise his last win some seven starts back was this trip and company and given his runs since have been over longer, this could be his race to lose. Who beats him? On form the safest bet looks to be ALWAYS A WINNER although in a race that could throw up a surprise or two it will pay to keep D’DON’s stablemate and first emergency SPECTA DILEMMA safe if he gets a start. Another to watch at odds could be the long-term maiden FOLLOW THE KING who resumes with a nice trial under his belt.
1 ANAK PENANG * Nothing when blinkers added last start. 50
2 D’DON *** Ignore recent form as finds himself back in the right race. Big show. 2.90
3 DYNASTY KNIGHT ** Resuming after being disqualified last two starts. Trials OK but best form on the grass. 12
4 EASY EASY ** Back in what looks a suitable race and should improve lengths. 12
5 GOOD SCORE * Will lead but disappointing late last start with support and have to take on trust. 12
6 ALWAYS A WINNER *** Shown enough last couple to think he is back in some form and in this a long way from gate 2. 3.00
7 SUPER SPUR * Goes OK on his day but a long time between drinks and may be easier to ignore. 10
8 HAPPY PRINCESS * No. 100
9 BOURNE ACADEMY ** Form reads very badly but a recent good trial suggests he may appreciate the track and trip. 50
10 FLYING MISSION ** Appreciate being back on the Poly and should improve. 20
11 FALCON ** Drawn badly but better runs have been in this company and trip so include somewhere. 12
12 FOLLOW THE KING *** Resuming with blinkers and recent trials good enough to give this a shake at odds. 12
13 SPECTA DILEMMA *** Shown a return to form of late and would give this a shake if he gets a start. 4.00
14 LAM EDITION * No. 100
Race 6
Selections; 7 VANDERBILT – 3 KAM’S COMET – 11 STAR GENERAL – 1
MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS
Interesting race where most look to have a chance on best form and the market may be a very good guide on the day. In fact on best form, the top rated MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS and DESERT FOX would be hard to beat although the former is second up after a good run and the latter can mix his form but should be working into this late. As it stands, we like the fact VANDERBILT was supported last start in this company after his nice Singapore debut win. The 4YO gets to jump from gate 1 and if Corey Brown can make use of the ace, he could be hard to beat. KAM’S COMET disappointed last start but happy to think that was an anomaly as his Poly form prior suggests he has more to offer while STAR GENERAL also looks a very progressive type who can win with a lightweight. Go even wider in exotics and good luck.
1 MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS ** First up run a beauty and must be respected on that form. 10
2 DESERT FOX ** Back on the Poly in his favour and will work into this late. 12
3 KAM’S COMET *** Very disappointing last start but form prior too good to ignore. 7.00
4 LEE BANK * No. 200
5 BOARD WALK ** Hard to follow but won two back on the Poly so could show his best. 20
6 CORONET PEAK ** Recent win in easier company but will keep them all honest late. 10
7 VANDERBILT *** Did enough when supported this company last start to follow with gate 1 a factor. 3.00
8 VERTICAL START ** Looks to mix his form but Poly runs have been good and recent trial has him under notice. 12
9 LIVELY DRAGON ** Has not won since February but always some show. 12
10 SECRET MISSION * Will find it tough from gate in this field. 33
11 STAR GENERAL *** Drawn wide and has had issues but goes very well when right and pay to keep safe. 5.00
12 EURO ZONE ** Handy enough type resuming and trails like he could race well fresh. 12
13 SHIPPING FORECAST * Resuming and no. 100
Race 7
Selections; 1 SWAN SONG – 3 ABOVE THE SKYLINE – 11 CHIPS – 12 FRENCH VINTAGE
A solid maiden and while SWAN SONG does have a fair weight to carry compared to some of the other leading hopes, he looks good enough to win this. After excuses when supported at his Singapore debut, the 4YO showed enough late last start to think this race and course very suitable to win. Plenty of others in form though with ABOVE THE SKYLINE also ready to win. The 4YO has placed three times from his last five starts suggesting a win is imminent. CHIPS is another that has looked due of late and he should be figure somewhere at the business end with Harry Kassim up. FLYING WINNER, MIGHTY EMPEROR and VOYAGER all have the recent form on the board to win and the market might be a fair guide.
1 SWAN SONG *** Work to the line last start suggests he will be hard to hold out here. 4.00
2 ZARULES * Should improve with race experience but maybe later. 50
3 ABOVE THE SKYLINE *** Foot on the till and will look the winner late. 4.00
4 VOYAGER *** Might have to work early from wide gate but showed enough last start this trip to follow. 10
5 ONE MORE ACHIEVER ** Could make a case of forgetting last couple and worth thought at odds. 20
6 TEMBUSU ESTRELA ** Appreciates first up run and extra 200m in his favour. 15
7 EURO HEIGHTS * Has a bit to learn about the caper but will improve. 33
8 MIGHTY EMPEROR *** Been close at last two runs in Class 5 and should be competitive. 6.00
9 VOLCANO * Waste of a good gate. 100
10 FLYING WINNER ** Can race handy and should be thereabouts throughout. 12
11 CHIPS *** Did it tough last start and does look like winning one of these. 8.00
12 FRENCH VINTAGE *** Another that has looked due in Class 5 company and has to be considered with no weight. 8.00
13 PUBLIC GUARDIAN * Not a mile away last start but this maiden has depth. 50
14 TURQUOISE SON * No. 200
15 WHISPERINTHEWIND * Had his chances. 50
16 A LOT IN HAND ** Form better than it reads and recent trial with blinkers suggests he goes OK. 33
Race 8
Selections; 4 SPEEDY DRAGON – 10 BATTLE HORSE – 12 THE GENERAL – 6 OCEAN GENERAL
Perhaps because of the cancelled meeting last Friday, a rare evening with two divisions of Class 3 races and this one looks as tough to find the winner as race 6 on the card. Hopefully the American gelding, SPEEDY DRAGON, is the real deal. The 3YO looks a likely type after winning three from his first five starts and on what he has shown on the Poly, he looks up to this. Yes, he dead-heated last start but that was on the turf in Graduation Company and given he won by some six lengths at his previous start on the Poly, he could be an out-and-out Poly star. Nothing else jumps off the page but THE GENERAL could give him a run for his money on best form. The 4YO has only won once from six starts in Singapore but he did well in very good company last start and he should run well. As could BATTLE HORSE who came through the same race after two wins on the trot in easier company and OCEAN GENERAL can’t be discounted on his Poly form. CASTER the other winning hope on best form but he was disappointing last start.
1 CASTOR *** Super disappointing last start in similar affair but subsequently trailed well since. 6.00
2 FAITHFULLY * Impossible to predict so happy to leave out. 50
3 FATKID * Resuming and no. 50
4 SPEEDY DRAGON *** Dead-heated last start on the turf and equally adept on the Poly so can win. 4.00
5 CLUTHA LAD ** Resuming and should need longer to win but recent good trial has him under notice fresh. 20
6 OCEAN GENERAL *** In form and will very much enjoy being back on the Poly. Keep safe. 12
7 MEXBOROUGH BOY ** Might find this company and race more to his liking. 20
8 SMART PEOPLE ** Hard to fault consistent form but only wins have been on the grass. 20
9 SECRET LIBERTY * Resuming and may need easier. 33
10 BATTLE HORSE *** Excuses last start and happy to think he is up to this company. 4.00
11 EATONS GOLD ** Excuses last start and might be value in this field. 12
12 THE GENERAL *** Not disgraced in good company last start and should be more than up to this. 4.00
13 CAPTIVATE * Resuming and may need easier. 33
14 BLACK FURY ** Drawn wide but always some hope on the Poly. 20
Race 9
Selections; 2 ROSELLI – 12 SUGAR MAN – 10 RORY – 11 THE MIGHTY THOR
A very weak Class 4 sprint and it may be a newcomer in ROSELLI that punters jump on. The Kiwi won once from four starts in New Zealand but a recent good trial suggests he has enjoyed his stay at Kranji and can win first up. HIs jockey, Tim Bell, is also in form and you would expect support for the 5YO gelding to win in this average field. In fact the depth in this race is so weak that a few genuine Class 5 horses in RORY, THE MIGHTY THOR and SUGAR MAN look the main dangers. But while both RORY and THE MIGHTY THOR are coming off last start wins, it may be SUGAR MAN’S Class 4 form – he placed last start in this company at long odds – that holds up here. DREAMCATCHER and HONEST TRUTH two others that get their chance but both need to lift on recent form.
1 HONEST TRUTH ** Nothing last start but showed two back he can show up when having a good day. 8.00
2 ROSELLI *** Former Kiwi who has trialed good enough to win at Singapore debut. 2.10
3 DOHATSUTEN * Reassess over longer. 100
4 EXQUISITELY SWEET * Blinkers off and easier to ignore. 33
5 DREAMCATCHER ** Needs to lift on recent form but usually thereabouts and this race is not strong. 8.00
6 KENNEDY * Maiden and will struggle. 100
7 OUR TOUCHE ** Form better than it reads and could show up in exotics in this field. 20
8 HUMOR TOWN * Struggle town. 100
9 TOAST’S ANGEL ** Thereabouts on a good day and another that could show up in this weak field. 20
10 RORY ** Out-and-out Class 5 specialist but winning form has him under notice in this field. 8.00
11 THE MIGHTY THOR ** Another last start Class 5 winner who could show up in a weak Class 4. 8.00
12 SUGAR MAN *** Placed at long odds this company last start and gets his chance here with Vorster up. 6.00
13 SUPER BONUS ** Won two back in Class 5 and recent trial suggests he is some hope. 12
14 WILKINSON * Struggles as a rule. 50
Race 10
Selections; 8 HEE’S A MAVERICK – 13 MAREA NEGRO – 6 DRAGON HIGHNESS – 2 NORTH ATLANTIC ICE
The Racing Department has thrown up a tough one to finish the card and it will pay to go as wide as you can any exotic bets. In fact the field looks a good option if you are playing the “jackpot” or “Quaddie” with most having some winning hope. Narrowing it down, two horses with their hoof of the till are HEE’S A MAVERICK and MAREA NEGRO. Both placed last start and should find this race to their liking. HEE’S A MAVERICK in particular looks a big show after backing up his maiden win with a close up placing in Graduation Company – form that should hold up here. DRAGON HIGHNESS is the only last start winner in the field and his maiden win was good enough to follow while the blanket goes over NORTH ATLANTIC ICE, WARPATH, CONSTANCE’S SPIRIT, GOLDEN MILE, FELAROF and even the first emergency, TENMA at any old odds. Good luck.
1 NATION THEATRE ** Thereabouts as a rule but wide gate makes this tough. 20
2 NORTH ATLANTIC ICE *** Always an each way show in races like this and looks the benchmark. 7.00
3 WARPATH *** Form better than it reads and last win was in similar race to this so keep safe. 20
4 CONSTANCE’S SPIRIT *** Yet to win on the turf but in form and must be some show. 10
5 WHITE COFFEE ** Form reads badly but this race suits so look for improvement. 33
6 DRAGON HIGHNESS *** Broke maiden status in fine style last start and pay to follow. 5.00
7 GOLDEN MILE *** Gets winkers after excuses not to finish closer last start and worth another look. 10
8 HEE’S A MAVERICK *** Backed up maiden win with an excellent effort and hard to beat in Class 4. 5.00
9 PURMAMARCA * Improves for Singapore debut run but maybe later. 50
10 FELAROF *** Suited trip and company and often each-way value. 20
11 XZUBERANCE ** Back in trip but has been going along in good order and pay to keep safe. 20
12 HIGHER SOUL ** Won maiden this trip and has been thereabouts of late. 20
13 MAREA NEGRO *** Excuses not to win last start and gets her chance here. 4.00
14 GREAT LIGHT * Reassess Class 5. 100
15 TENMA *** Never in the hunt last start but showed enough late to keep very safe at odds. 33
16 PETITE VICTOIRE * Reassess in Class 5. 100
