MY LUCKY STRIKE is always a show in races like this so must be respected (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
A terrific weekend of racing with the running of the 2016 Raffles Cup and while the best middle distance horses will strut their stuff at Group 1 level on Sunday, some handy sprinters make Friday’s meeting well worth a look.
Last start winner OLYMPIC ANTHEM heads the ratings and no reason to think the 6YO can’t win again.
Yes, he has to carry 59kg in good company, but given his terrific winning strike rate he can go on with the job and perhaps put himself in line for bigger and better sprints in the new-year.
Interestingly Michael Rodd jumps off his last start winning ride (and his record on OLYMPIC ANTHEM is outstanding) and gets onboard MY LUCKY STRIKE who is always a show in races like this so must be respected with one eye on the market.
Add in ITALIAN JOB who gets a nice weight pull of 4kg for being beaten less then two lengths by 
OLYMPIC ANTHEM last start and MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS who looks an excellent winning show with just 49.5kg to carry from gate 4.
Most other races have plenty of depth which could make for some great each-way punting while a couple of maidens early in the card look like good races for exotic players given there are only two or three serious hopes in both.
Friday 28 October
Best Bets: (RAINBOW ROYAL race 3 win), (CONSTANT JUSTICE race 5, win) and (SATELLITE PRINCE race 8, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 4 and 5), race 7 (1, 6 and 8), race 8 (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 12), race 9 (2, 3, 5 and 7).
Race cards in Singapore 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; 2 LUCKY SUGAR – 1 INVINCIBLE MAN – 9 I-SCREAM NOW – 4 MAJOR GREEN
It will pay to keep an eye on the early scratching’s before the first race as both emergencies – TRINITY and UNSURPASSED – can win if they get a start. Oddly, they are both the equal top rated horses in the race but with so many previously balloted horses getting a start, they may have to cool their heels before getting a crack in Class 5 Company. Of the two, UNSURPASSED would give this a shake on best Class 4 form and is well worth following. But as it stands a maiden in LUCKY SUGAR get this chance at her first run in Class 5. The 3YO filly has shown more than enough when placing on the Poly to think she wins a race like this but she will need to show pace after drawing wide with blinkers off. Of the rest, INVINCIBLE MAN showed last start with support that he wins sooner than later and MAJOR GREEN looks due to break his maiden status. Nunes on I-SCREAM NOW from gate 1 also appeals.
1 INVINCIBLE MAN *** Supported and had excuses for not finishing closer dropping to this grade last start. Can win. 3.00
2 LUCKY SUGAR *** Maiden who has shown ability and gets his chance at first start in Class 5 with blinkers off. 5.00
3 DEE MAJULAH * Struggles. 100
4 MAJOR GREEN *** Maiden who has shown enough in similar affairs to think he wins one of these soon. 12
5 BASTION * Ran on very well late last start but like to see over longer. 33
6 TIME AFTER TIME ** Better than what he showed last art and can include in exotics. 20
7 SUPER EIGHT ** Excuses last start and effort suggests he wins again soon. 8.00
8 THE WINGED DRAGON * Just battling of late and wide gate an issue. 100
9 I-SCREAM NOW *** In solid form of late and gets his chance from gate 1 with Nunes up. 4.00
10 KAISER BRIGHT ** Usually runs on and can include in exotics. 14
11 MAGIC PAINT ** Just missed last start at very long odds and pay to keep safe on that effort. 12
12 ROMA ** Always worth an each-way look in Poly sprints. 20
13 TRINITY *** Will not win out of turn but gets his chance dropping to Class 5 with gate 2 and claim a bonus. 8.00
14 UNSURPASSED *** Yet to win in Singapore but sneaks into Class 5 as second emergency and a big show on best form. 12
Race 2
Selections; 1 FRIENDSHIP – 2 SILKINO – 5 GREY FALCON – 7 RED RIDING WOOD
The tote will be an excellent guide in this small Restricted Maiden field with three horses with strong winning hopes and the other four with none. Of those with winning hopes, FRIENDSHIP comes off a very good debut over 1000m and given he worked home very well after issues at the start, the step up to 1200m looks ideal. The small field should also be in his favour and if he can make use of gate 1, he is the one to beat. In saying that, SILKINO is also a huge show. The 3YO has shown more than enough at two runs on the poly to think he goes OK but a recent trial with headgear suggests he improves with blinkers and they might back him like a good thing. GREY FALCON on debut looks the only other horse for punters to consider after two nice trials with Nunes riding for HW Tan a strong combination.
1 FRIENDSHIP *** Ran on very well on debut and hard to beat over 1200m. 3.00
2 SILKINO *** Gets blinkers after solid effort last start and recent trial very good so can win. 3.00
3 KUBERA’S CHIEF * Nothing last start when pressure went on but will be handy throughout. 8.00
4 EMPEROR WARRIOR * Retuned not striding on debut and have to take on trust. 50
5 GREY FALCON *** Trialling nicely and looks a winning chance on debut. 3.00
6 PARAGON STAR * OK to the wire at recent trial and could keep a couple honest on debut. 20
7 RED RIDING WOOD * Solid at the trials but like to see some support on race debut. 10
Race 3
Selections; 6 RAINBOW ROYAL – 1 BARNATO – 4 BLUE DIAMOND – 2 COURT CASE
An odd race where three horses in COURT CASE, KAZUO and LADY IFFRAJ are in very good form and will be supported but their respective lack of winning form is a big concern. In fact the trio have had some 13 or so placings in 2016 while only winning twice with KAZOU not tasting success since May 2014. So they look a risk if supported and looking elsewhere, RAINBOW ROYAL is a better option. The 3YO had excuses for his only poor run of late and showed last start he wins in Class 4 sooner than later. BARNATO also wins without surprising. The 5YO had excuses last start (saddle) and should give a sight from gate 3 with M Firdaus up. BLUE DIAMOND the other to watch as his efforts of late have been good and can win if he can make use of the ace.
1 BARNATO *** Saddle slipped last start and that effort and subsequent trial good enough to win this. 8.00
2 COURT CASE *** Refuses to run a bad race but desperate for a result for followers. 4.00
3 THE WIND * Reassess on the turf over longer. 33
4 BLUE DIAMOND *** Has been running on well in similar affairs and can win this if he can make use of the ace. 8.00
5 CLASSIFIED ** Resuming after breaking maiden status over the mile in December last year but trials OK so keep safe with tongue-tie added. 12
6 RAINBOW ROYAL *** Excuses for only bad run and showed last start he wins in this Company sooner than later. 5.00
7 KAZUO ** Hard to fault honest form but long time between wins so exotics look best. 8.00
8 LADY IFFRAAJ *** Another in form horse that hasn’t won for some time but will figure in the finish. 4.00
9 CORDOBA ** Recent form reads badly but gets blinkers and has trialled well with headgear so keep safe. 33
10 LUCKY SIX * Won in Class 5 two starts back and that looks his caper. 20
11 AMAZEALOT ** Like to see in Class 5 but in solid form and can include in exotics at value. 33
Race 4
Selections; 1 KEYSTONE – 4 ASHQAR – 2 MR JACKSON – 6 MR NO PROBLEM
Another lopsided maiden where there looks only three winning hopes and the rest have no chance on exposed form. Of the three that can win, KEYSTONE resuming for a new stable looks the one to be on. The lightly raced 5YO placed in Class 4 at his last start back in July and looks very well placed in maiden Company to win sans blinkers for his new trainer, Theo Kieser. ASHQAR has been showing more than enough in Class 5 to win in this weak field. The 4YO just missed last start over 1200m and certainly has enough speed to be prominent throughout from gate 2. MR JACKSON has placed at his last two starts and while well beaten on both occasions, he picks himself in this field with heavy support likely. Market best guide on the rest if playing exotics.
1 KEYSTONE *** Resuming for new trainer after placing in Class 4 last start and can win with blinkers off. 2.30
2 MR JACKSON *** Never really threatened the winner when placing at last two starts but this race is weak so will figure. 3.00
3 GOOD BET * Struggled of late but gets blinkers first time so could improve. 33
4 ASHQAR *** Placed last two in Class 5 and should be prominent throughout in this maiden field. 3.00
5 SMART MASTER * Blinkers off and back in trip so hard to consider. 50
6 MR NO PROBLEM * Not a mile away last start in a weak one and could include in exotics at odds. 20
7 GOLDEN BOBO * No. 33
8 PURE WHITE * Maiden whose best run of late was in a Poly spring so could improve on recent poor form. 20
9 SGFIFTY * No. 100
Race 5
Selections; 2 CONSTANT JUSTICE – 1 SOUTHERN BOSS – 4 EATONS GOLD – 5 GATO NEGRO
A very odd race where a lot of the form could be temporary so last start winner CONSTANT JUSTICE is the one to be on. The former Australian had support when running second at his Singapore debut before winning at his next start – both over 1000m. The form from that Class 4 race might not be overly strong but given the inconsistent form of the other runners, he is the one to beat. The horses that bring inconsistent form include TOU SHOU BRIGHT, ELISE and HOST THE NATION – who all placed at long odds last start – while GATO NEGRO, EATONS GOLD and even HERO I AM, could pop up if having a good day. The interesting runner is SOUTHERN BOSS who has pace to burn and has trialled well enough of late to give a shout in this field over 1000m.
1 SOUTHERN BOSS *** Speedster who looks suited this trip and track after good recent trial. 6.00
2 CONSTANT JUSTICE *** Backed up good Singapore debut with solid Class 4 win and pay to follow. 2.00
3 HERO I AM ** Hard to have on form but showed speed when blinkers added last start and could show up at first start on the Poly. 20
4 EATONS GOLD ** Hasn’t won since March but has looked due of late. 8.00
5 GATO NEGRO ** Always some show in races like this and can get out to value so keep safe. 6.00
6 TOU SHOU BRIGHT ** Placed at long odds last start similar affair so worth thought in exotics. 12
7 ELISE ** Another that placed similar affair at odds last start but like to see on turf in something easier. 16
8 HONEST TRUTH * Gets blinkers after struggling to finish off his races of late and have to take on trust. 20
9 HOST THE NATION ** Yet another that placed at any old odds last start and has to be respected on that effort. 20
10 HONGCHEN * Needs longer and easier. 50
11 UNCLE LUCKY * Has plenty of speed and no weight but should need Class 5. 50
Race 6
Selections; 4 VERGLATICA – 5 BIG BANKER – 2 KARIGARA – 1 SUN DANCE
Although being blacklisted by many punters on account he refuses to win, the planets may have aligned for VERGLATICA and he is worth a long look in this Class 5 event. The 6YO last won in November 2015 but his recent good form suggests he is due when things go right and Vlad Duric back on from gate 6 looks a good combination. The safer option is BIG BANKER who is also in very solid form and has been backed of late to win similar affairs. Add KARIGARA and SUN DANCE into the winning mix and it may pay to even wider again in exotics in what looks a tricky race for punters.
1 SUN DANCE *** Not a mile away last start over the mile and worth an each-way look on form prior. 12
2 KARIGARA *** Showed more than enough last start to follow. 4.00
3 LUCKY COIN * Improved last start when dropping to Class 5 but is a query on the Poly. 20
4 VERGLATICA *** Lack on winning form a big concern but gets Duric and will loom large late. 5.00
5 BIG BANKER *** Foot on the till and wins again sooner than later. 3.00
6 EDEN GARDEN ** Ran on well when not far away over the mile last start and well worth a look. 10
7 RON ** Form reads badly but very cheeky run expected with a visor added to his gear. 20
8 GOLD CUSTOMER * No. 200
9 GREAT LIGHT * Won two starts back this company but very hard to follow. 20
10 SUN HANCOCK ** No luck at the barriers again but in form and could break maiden status soon. 12
11 GRAND PARIS ** Form fluctuates badly but some show on best form. 20
12 PINYIN ** Gets blinkers back and can run on at odds when having a good day. 25
13 CARNELIAN * Not a mile away last start at odds but wide gate makes this tough. 33
14 HAKAMGONG ** All sorts of excuses last start and the effort suggest he could improve. 33
Race 7
Selections; 1 OLYMPIC ANTHEM – 6 ITALIAN JOB – 8 MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS – 2 MY LUCKY STRIKE
Another tricky affair with some four horses resuming and the only last start winner in the field being asked to carry 59kg. That winner was OLYMPIC ANTHEM and that effort – second up after a spell – was good enough to carry the top-impost and win again in what looks a weaker field than he meet last start. In saying that, ITALIAN JOB does get a 4kg swing in the weights for a one-and-three quarter length defeat by OLYMPIC ANTHEM and from gate 1, he could give a sight. MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS is in form and must be respected from gate 4 with a featherweight and he may be the value of the trio. Of the rest, MY LUCKY STRIKE is a big show on best form so it may pay to put a line through his last start and seriously consider with M Rodd up.
1 OLYMPIC ANTHEM *** Returned to winners circle last start and pay to keep following. 4.00
2 MY LUCKY STRIKE *** Pay to put a line through last start as form prior was good and this type of race is his caper. 12
3 KAM’S COMET ** Gets tongue-tie after poor run last start and worth another look on previous form. 12
4 JAY EFF EXPRESS * Smart type resuming but slight query on the Poly at this level. 33
5 HAPPY MONEY * Resuming after poor run of form. No. 200
6 ITALIAN JOB *** Backed up a solid run with a good placing and pay to follow with gate 1 a factor. 8.00
7 DARCI CHARMER ** Resuming after just missing last start on the turf over 1200m but has won on the Poly so keep safe. 8.00
8 MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS *** Always a show in races like this and has to be respected with no weight. 8.00
9 GOLDEN SAND STEED * No. 100
10 DRAGONHEAD * Resuming after showing nothing at Singapore debut. No. 200
Race 8
Selections; 4 SATELLITE PRINCE – 5 DAVINCI – 6 MUSCLE BEACH – 1 TALES OF SUMMER
Races don’t get much tougher for punters than this Class 4 Poly mile with eight or so horses with serious winning hopes. Obviously that will mean there should be value about and it will pay to keep an eye on the tote to see if there are any that drift to a juicy each-way quote. SATELLITE PRINCE could be the horse that gets out to value and he will give a sight. The 5YO has been in good form and the switch to the Poly could see a very cheeky run. DAVINCI showed last start that he handles the Poly and will win a race like this sooner than later and in a similar boat is TALES OF SUMMER who is in form but is having his first start on the Poly. Of the rest with winning hopes, MUSCLE BEACH appreciates the step up the mile and must be respected, as does BILLY BRITAIN, SPEED CRAFT and the Pat Shaw pair of MIGHTY GLORY and MIGHTY KENNY.
1 TALES OF SUMMER *** In form and looks due but having first start on the Poly and have to take on trust. 8.00
2 BILLY BRITAIN *** In very good form and will make a winning run very late. 5.00
3 PREFERRED ** Battled on OK over this trip last start and worth another look after drawing the ace. 12
4 SATELLITE PRINCE *** In form and handles the Poly and will look the winner at some stage in the straight. 6.00
5 DAVINCI *** Ran on well to place at first start on the Poly last start and gives this a shake. 6.00
6 MUSCLE BEACH *** In form over shorter trip and must be a winning show stepping up to winning trip. 6.00
7 MIGHTY GLORY *** Honest and will appreciate being back on the Poly so can win. 12
8 MIGHTY KENNY *** Another Shaw runner who comes off a good trial and can be considered. 8.00
9 HIGH BLADE ** Good recent form in slightly easier Company but can include in exotics. 25
10 CLUTHA LAD * Easier to ignore. 100
11 FORTUNE SPIRIT * Needs easier. 100
12 SPEED CRAFT *** Showed last start that he is up to Class 4 Company and will win one of the soon. 8.00
Race 9
Selections; 2 JELLY BEAN – 5 LIM’S CASINO – 7 HATTA – 3 NORTHERN BOSS
Another tough race to finish the night but JELLY BEAN looks a solid option and happy to have the mare on top. Trainer Shane Baertschiger has opted for his 3kg claimer in H Syafiq and no reason to think she doesn’t give this a shake. Obviously LIM’S CASINO is also in cranking form winning his last two in albeit KSD Company. Interestingly he also gets blinkers for the first time at the races and Dan Beasley will give him every chance from gate 7. HATTA could be the value runner. The 3YO did it tough on the turf last start but gets back on the poly which he has won on and could give this a shake on that maiden win. Of the rest, NORTHERN BOSS improves from the better gate while STIRLING and LOUEY VELOCE both go close on good recent form.
1 RICH FORTUNE ** Been OK of late and appreciates Class 4 but wide gate makes it tough. 12
2 JELLY BEAN *** In excellent form and right in this finish. 3.00
3 NORTHERN BOSS *** Did it tough last start and happy to give another chance from better gate. 12
4 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK ** Form better than it reads and appreciates gate 1 so keep safe. 12
5 LIM’S CASINO *** Will find this tougher than recent KSD wins but gets blinkers and pay to keep following. 3.50
6 STIRLING *** Did it tough from the wide gate last start and can continue to follow each-way. 8.00
7 HATTA *** Good effort on the turf last start and can improve back on his winning surface. 12
8 LOUEY VELOCE *** Yet to win in Singapore but two runs this campaign have been good and goes close. 12
9 PUBLIC FIGURE ** Drawn wide but not a mile away last start and can add value to exotics. 20
10 SKY ELEVEN * Won last start in Class 5 over 1400m and need longer than this. 33
11 DELFYNE * Competitive on her day but like to see in easier company. 33
12 LEADERSHIP * In solid form but like to see on the turf. 33
