BEST TOTHELIGN can win again (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
The last race meeting of the 2016 season and while the farewell parade of ROCKET MAN may grab all the headlines, the feature race of the day, the Colonial Chief Stakes, is well worth the admission.
Last year’s winner, BEST TOTHELIGN, heads the weights and given he found himself back in the winners circle last start, he looks one of the main winning hopes.
As does the Pat Shaw-trained PERFECT P resuming and, as is the norm in Poly Group races, he has two stablemates in ODE TO JOY and KIRKS RYKER to keep him company.
But the talented INFANTRY could be the one they all have to beat.
The 4YO has won five (and placed another five) from just 13 career starts and his last start win after flopping when representing Singapore in Korea, stamped him as something special.
He is yet to win at Group level – although he did place second in the Guineas – but as such he gets in with just 52.5kg at the race conditions, which does look ideal.
He handles the Polytrack too which could make him one of the better bets on the bumper 12 race card and can also cap off a super year for his trainer, HW Tan, and jockey, Manny Nunes.
Sunday 4 December
Best Bets: (NOVA MISSILE race 6, win), (EFFORTLESS race 12, win) and (THUNDER CAT race 11, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 9 (1, 3 and 8), race 10 (2, 7, 9, 10 and 13), race 11 (1, 3, 7, 8 and 13) and race 12 (2).
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 5
Selections; 4 PEACH BOWL – 8 SPUR ME ON – 7 NINEPINS – 1 ORION
An ordinary group of Maidens contest over 1700m. PEACH BOWL placed at his only poly run and has not been far away at all four Singapore outings; pacifiers and winkers go back on as he steps up in distance and he should be handy throughout for Glen Boss. SPUR ME ON had excuses last start and that effort coupled with the run prior has him under notice. KEY ON KODIAC only battled when resuming but gets Michael Rodd and ran 4th at his only UK run on the all-weather; he placed over this distance before arrival and may be value. GALILEO’S APPROACH improved last start and his recent trial was solid. He should appreciate the poly and the extra distance and has less convictions than most of the others so gets his chance. Some of these have been trying for a while, none more so than ORION who has found it very hard to win placing at 11 of 16 starts and running 5th at his only poly outing; he gets a 2kg claim and another chance to break through. There are numerous other chances with SPEEDY WARRIOR, NINEPINS and CHAIRMAN WIND all having credentials.
1 ORION *** Has found it very hard to win placing at 11 of 16 starts. Ran 5th at only poly run. Gets another chance to break through. 8.00
2 DREAMER LEGEND ** Yet to place in seven outings but was not far away over a mile on turf last start and gets a chance with Alan Munro taking the ride and tongue-tie off. 16
3 EDEN GARDEN ** Only placing in 11 starts was on the poly. One-paced but tongue-tie goes back on and will battle away. 20
4 PEACH BOWL *** Placed at only poly run and has not been far away at all four Singapore outings. Pacifiers and winkers go back on as he steps up in distance and should be handy throughout. 5.00
5 GALILEO’S APPROACH *** Improved last start and recent trial was solid. Should appreciate poly and extra distance. 5.00
6 CHAIRMAN WIND ** Only placing in six outings was last start over this trip in Class 5. Should be running on. 12
7 NINEPINS *** Placed over a mile here two starts back and then ran over an unsuitable distance last start. Better suited here and should be running on. 12
8 SPUR ME ON *** Excuses last start and that effort good enough to give this a shake with winkers off. 12
9 NATURAL WATER * Tested. 33
10 KEY ON KODIAC *** Only battled when resuming but appreciates the run and gets Michael Rodd. Ran 4th at only UK run on the all-weather. Placed over this distance before arrival and can improve. 5.00
11 CARNELIAN * Battled away over a mile in Class 5 on poly two starts back. Only placing in 10 starts was on turf but could show up. 25
12 SPEEDY WARRIOR ** Showing improvement and ran on solidly last start over a mile. Nunes stays on and could appreciate the poly. 7.00
13 WESTERN TOWKAY * Needs to improve on six unplaced outings to date. 33
Race 6
Selections; 6 NOVA MISSILE – 2 AUTUMN RUSH – 8 SNIP – 5 THE GOLDEN GOAT
Most of these are unraced or lightly raced so the market will be a good guide. NOVA MISSILE showed speed and fought on well at his debut in good Novice company. Manoel Nunes stays on and from his good alley should be hard to beat on that run. AUTUMN RUSH put a good effort at his Singapore debut and has trialled well since; he gets winkers and from the inside gate should be handy throughout. SNIP had support and put in a good effort last start; he has had a quiet trial since and should be prominent throughout. Of the others THE GOLDEN GOAT had support but was fractious and well back at debut. His trials had been sound and with earmuffs added he could improve. WAR STORY is well related and could show up; watch the market.
1 ECLAIR SHADOW ** Best effort was a 5th at Cranbourne in two Australian starts. First trial in Singapore was sound. Watch market. 14
2 AUTUMN RUSH *** Put a good effort at Singapore debut and has trialled well since. Gets winkers and should be handy throughout. 3.00
3 HOLY THOMAS ** By Thano. Half-brother to 5 winners in NZ including 8-time winner Victory Conqueror. Won trial in slow time. Watch market. 33
4 SOBRE LAS OLAS * Blinkers on. Argentinean-bred whose trials have been moderate. Watch market. 33
5 THE GOLDEN GOAT *** Had support but was fractious and well back at debut. Trials had been sound and with earmuffs added could improve. 10
6 NOVA MISSILE *** Showed speed and fought on well at debut in good Novice company. Nunes stays on and should be hard to beat on that run. 2.50
7 GOLDEN COIN * Excuses last start but needs to show more. 33
8 SNIP *** Had support and put in a good effort last start. Has had a quiet trial since and should be prominent throughout. 5.00
9 WAR STORY ** By Thewayyouare. Half-brother to good listed winner Beauty’s Beast and 2-time winner Beauty’s Rose. Trialled soundly in slow time. Watch for support. 10
Race 7
Selections; 1 SUPER WINNER – 6 ROYAL RULER – 7 THE GENERAL – 3 GOOD NEWS
A KSA highlighted by the return of the top poly sprinter, SUPER WINNER. The gelding has to give them all weight but has won 10 from 13 on the poly and is unbeaten at three tries at the trip; the 5YO should be handy throughout and prove hard to beat. The stablemate SEBAS is also resuming and he too has a great poly record but his best trip is 1000m; he will give a strong sight but could be run down late. Pat Shaw also has a pair of runners who should be the main dangers. ROYAL RULER has been freshened by recent trials; he drops 2kg on his last outing in this company and should be handy throughout. The stablemate THE GENERAL hasn’t won for a while but rarely runs a bad race in this company and should be prominent. ITALIAN JOB goes well over this distance on the poly and GOOD NEWS will appreciate the strong speed and can close late.
1 SUPER WINNER *** Resuming. High quality sprinter returning from Seoul. Has to give them all weight but has won 10 from 13 on the poly and unbeaten at 3 tries at the trip. Should be handy throughout and prove hard to beat. 2.50
2 SEBAS ** Resuming. Has a great poly record but best trip is 1000m. Will give a strong sight but could be run down late. 7.00
3 GOOD NEWS ** Has won three times at this trip and will appreciate the strong speed. Should be closing late. 12
4 HAPPY MONEY * Has not shown up since resuming and form last preparation was ordinary. Needs easier. 25
5 ITALIAN JOB ** Goes well over this distance on the poly and should be prominent throughout. 10
6 ROYAL RULER *** Has been freshened by recent trials. Drops 2kg on last outing in this company and should be handy throughout. 5.00
7 THE GENERAL *** Hasn’t won for a while but rarely runs a bad race in this company and should be prominent. 5.00
8 GOLDEN BRILLIANT * Resuming after returning from Malaysia. Trials have been sound and has a good poly record. Showed early promise but may tested in this company. 20
9 PIONEER SEVEN * Showed speed before fading when resuming after bleeding attack. Hasn’t won for some time and needs easier. 25
10 SUPER SIX * Has a good poly record but tested against these. 25
Race 8
Selections; 10 NOVA POWER – 8 ZENZERO – 7 DRAGON – 5 LIM’S BATTLE
When you consider that only one horse in this weak Class 5 (division 2) field has finished better than fourth at their last start, NOVA POWER picks himself. Yes, it’s never that easy but his last start win was full of merit coming from the rear of the field and given his wide draw in this, he may do the same again. He can also race forward so Harry Kassim does have options. Who improves to beat him? ZENZERO could be one to watch on the back of a good last start fourth. More importantly he backed that up with a good trial and gets to jump from gate 1 so he could win. Of the rest that could step up, DRAGON always looks some hope in races like this and QUETZAL is always in the mix but his maiden status is a big concern. LIM’S BATTLE had support last start and had excuses so keep him safe with Duric from gate 5.
1 QUETZAL *** In very solid form and will figure somewhere but maiden status a big concern. 5.00
2 SEASONS ECHO ** Shown enough in at two runs in Class 5 to win one of these without surprising. 12
3 TANGIBLE ASSETS ** Not a lot last start but could improve at long odds back in Class 5. 20
4 HAN SOLO * No. 50
5 LIM’S BATTLE *** Had support and excuses not to finish closer last start and worth following in Class 5. 5.00
6 SUN DANCE ** Could make excuses for a couple of poor runs of late and could figure at odds. 20
7 DRAGON *** Ran on OK very late last start over the mile and this is the type of race he will win. 8.00
8 ZENZERO *** Ran on well last start and that effort coupled with a good recent trial has him having a say in this. 8.00
9 HAPPY JOY * Resuming after two poor efforts and easier to ignore. 100
10 NOVA POWER *** Winning form will be more than handy in this weak field and the one to beat. 3.00
11 GODS SPEED ** Solid enough form of late to consider in exotics. 12
12 SIMPANG ** Wide draw always a concern but can be included somewhere on best Poly form. 50
13 SLAVONIC DANCE ** Shown improvement at his last couple and could figure in skinny end of exotics. 33
14 GENERAL CONATUS ** Not at his best of late but would go close if having a good day. 33
Race 9
Selections; 8 INFANTRY – 3 PERFECT P – 1 BEST TOTHELIGN – 4 DANIEL
The last feature of the season and it looks an intriguing race given some bang-in-form horses coupled with a few unknowns. What we do know is INFANTRY went to Korea and was beaten by 38 lengths. He returned to Singapore with his tail between his legs but that didn’t stop him winning first-up. That effort stamped him as a horse to be reckoned with and he looks extremely well placed in this with that run under his belt and just 52.5kg. The other last start winner is BEST TOTHELIGN who also won this race last year. It’s hard to fault that form and while he has been asked to carry 58kg, he looks up to the task with J Powell to ride from gate 2. The interesting runner is PERFECT P. The Pat Shaw-trained 5YO is resuming but has looked good at the trials and more importantly, won at his only run on the Poly (at Group level). Blanket over the rest with a long look at DANIEL having a rare Poly run.
1 BEST TOTHELIGN *** Won this race last year and won well when beating Blue Swede last start at KSA level. Can win again without surprising. 3.00
2 EL PADRINO * Nowhere near his best of late an have to take on trust. 50
3 PERFECT P *** Resuming with nice trial under his belt and comes under notice given he won well at his only Poly start. 8.00
4 DANIEL ** Long time between Poly runs but worth noting he is two from two on the surface and recent form good enough to have an each-way look. 12
5 ODE TO JOY ** Having first Poly start but breeding suggests that is not an issue and can consider on form. 20
6 BOURBON GOLDMAN ** Always some hope and has drawn the ace but hasn’t won for over a year now which is a concern. 12
7 KIRKS RYKER ** Did it tough last stat so happy to ignore and take on very progressive form prior. 8.00
8 INFANTRY *** Showed Korea was an anomaly by winning well last start and more than up to this on terrific Poly form. 2.70
9 BRING MONEY HOME ** Competitive in the EW Barker and handles the Poly so pay to keep safe with 52kg. 20
10 ZEUS ** Big step up in Class but looks a handy type and could surprise at odds. 20
Race 10
Selections; 9 WHITE COFFEE – 7 SWINGLOWSWEETJACKY – 2 SUN MIRAGE – 10 EXQUISITELY SWEET
Not a great field and most have poor recent form, so the market might be a handy guide. Of those that have recent form to their name, WHITE COFFEE looks the most solid option. His last win was in Class 5 over 1100m on the Poly and given what he has shown in KSD and more importantly Class 4 Company since that win, he must go very close to winning here with Oscar Chavez up. Nothing jumps off the page to beat him although SWINGLOWSWEETJACKY very much appreciates his first up run and he will be more than competitive in races like this. Add SUN MIRAGE into the mix given his recent solid form although he will need some luck in running after drawing very wide. EXQUISITELY SWEET will be running on late and can win if the race is run to suit and keep the first emergency, BIMALA, safe as he wins without surprising.
1 LIM’S GREETING * Hard to have on recent form but this type of race should suit. 12
2 SUN MIRAGE *** Placed at his last two starts and plays a part in this finish with luck from wide draw. 5.00
3 EURO ZONE ** Not the most reliable but very much appreciates this Company so pay to keep safe. 8.00
4 MAJOR IMPROVEMENT * Maiden who should need easier. 33
5 MIGHTY GLORY ** Solid and has won over 1100m but may need longer to show his best. 8.00
6 RUSTY BROWN ** Only battled when resuming but recent trial OK. 8.00
7 SWINGLOWSWEETJACKY *** Did it tough when resuming and should improve for the effort and play a part in this finish. 8.00
8 MASTER DRAGON * No. 50
9 WHITE COFFEE *** In very solid form and very much appreciates KSD Company. Goes close. 3.50
10 EXQUISITELY SWEET *** Blinkers off and expect very good work late in a race that suits. 12
11 MOON RIVER * Resuming with blinkers but easier to ignore. 100
12 GOLDEN MILE ** Enjoys the Poly and worth thought at each-way value. 12
13 BIMALA *** Having a rare Poly run but just missed last start and have to consider. 12
14 SMART MASTER ** Broken maiden status two starts back on the Poly and could show up back on this surface. 33
Race 11
Selections; 3 THUNDER CAT – 7 D’GREAT BULLET – 8 LAKE HUKA – 1 ELUSIVE EMPEROR
A solid Class 4 sprint and with no real standout, it may be an out-and-out Poly specialist in THUNDER CAT who gets the job done. It’s safe to say that the 5YO doesn’t enjoy turf racing (although he did place once) so his recent Poly record of three wins, a place and a fourth from his last five starts is outstanding. So we can put a line through his last start tenth and he should go well with O Placais on-board. A lightly raced 4YO in D’GREAT BULLET may be the danger. The Australian bred gelding placed on debut on the Poly before winning over 1400m on the turf at his next start; from gate 1 with E Aslam up, he can win. Two horses that keep them honest are LAKE HUKA and ELUSIVE EMPEROR. Both are in form and both should figure throughout. The second emergency, SIAM SAPPHIRE, wins without surprising if he gets a start and ROCK EAGLE resuming is well worth a market watch.
1 ELUSIVE EMPEROR *** Drawn wide but showed more than enough last start when blinkers when on to follow. 5.00
2 PENTAGON ** Two wins have been over 1400m but handles the Poly and trip and should appreciate the Company. 12
3 THUNDER CAT *** Ignore last start as doesn’t go a yard on the turf and hard to beat on the Poly. 4.00
4 BIT OF A SCHILLER * Impossible on two runs in Singapore. 100
5 HERACLES ** Thereabouts without being a threat at his last couple but the type to keep safe. 12
6 ARR FLAIR * No. 100
7 D’GREAT BULLET *** Backed up a solid debut on the Poly with maiden win over 1400m and looks up to this Company. 3.00
8 LAKE HUKA *** Excuses last start in similar affair not to finish closer and always worth an each-way look. 8.00
9 SUN SCRAPER ** Newcomer from Australia who was competitive in 3YO Group Company back in 2015. Might need the run and longer. 20
10 ROCK EAGLE ** Resuming after breaking maiden status over 1400m but should be competitive with market best guide. 7.00
11 EASTERN VICTORY * Maiden who needs easier. 100
12 EL CAMINO * Struggling. 100
13 SIAM SAPPHIRE *** Showed last start why this type of race is his caper and must go close. 4.00
Race 12
Selections; 2 EFFORTLESS – 1 RAINBOW ROYAL – 6 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK – 8 LADY IFFRAAJ
The last race of the season and the connections of EFFORTLESS must be kicking themselves to have found such a weak Class 4 field to give them a Christmas bonus. The 4YO has done little wrong in 2016 when winning twice and placing another five times from just eight starts and he obviously had issues for his only poor run given he had a spell straight after. His first up run behind the smart SUPER WARRIOR was full of merit and he is extremely hard to beat in this. In fact only RAINBOW ROYAL looks to have the recent Poly form to beat him. Obviously we have to put a line through his last start as his form prior was very good and goes close if anywhere near his best. Nothing else appeals but GOLDEN TOMAHAWK is usually and each-way hope and LADY IFFRAJ goes OK on her day.
1 RAINBOW ROYAL *** Always a show in races like this and pay to give another chance. 4.00
2 EFFORTLESS *** First-up run was very good and wins this without surprising. 2.30
3 AUSSIE EAGLE * Former Kiwi who looks solid but should need longer. 33
4 PHIDIAS ** Excuses at Singapore debut but may want longer than this. 33
5 METTLESOME * Kiwi maiden. Trials have been moderate. 50
6 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK ** Always an each-way show in this type of race and can consider with winkers and tongue-tie off. 12
7 IMPERIAL BOY * Needs to show something this campaign before considering. 50
8 LADY IFFRAAJ ** Excuses last start so ignore but hasn’t won since January so exotics best option with tongue-tie off. 8.00
9 SING ROULETTE ** Supported last start and just battled and wide gate makes this no easier. 8.00
10 HIKO YUNIKON ** Will be running on but might need a td easier to win. 8.00
11 SACRED CROWN * Showed last start that Class 5 might be his caper. 50
12 BEST JADE * Ran on OK last start but like to see in easier Company. 33
13 AMAZING MAN ** Maiden who had excuses last start before pulling up sore but worth thought at some good runs prior. 12
