MR SCORSESE looks hard to beat (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
As befitting a weekend that will see one of the most intriguing Group 1’s in many a year – the Kranji Mile on Sunday – tonight’s card has something for everyone including the return of two potential top-liners in MR SCORSESE and JUPITER GOLD.
The pair competed at Group level in their respective age groups last preparation and what makes it more than interesting tonight is that they both resume in the same Class 4 Poly sprint over 1200m (race 5).
MR SCORSESE had big support in the Three Year Old Classic over 1400m and ran an admiral race before having all sorts of excuses in the Singapore Guineas.
The son of Pentire looked a good think beaten at his next start in Graduation Company before a spell and no reason to think he bounces back to form first-up on a surface where he won very well on debut – his only start on the Polytrack.
JUPITER GOLD is a year younger but looks every bit as exciting.
The Australian-bred rig won like a rising star should at his first two starts (both on the Poly) before tasting defeat for the first time at start three to another top juvenile in Macarthur.
He had plenty of support to make amends in the Aushorse Golden Horseshoe but something looked amiss that day when finishing well out of the placings.
A return to his best form would not surprise in this company on the Polytrack but both he and MR SCORSESE will have to be near their best up against a handy field that includes last start winner LIM’S KNIGHT as well as NORTHERN BOSS to name just two with winning hopes.
Friday 7 October
Best Bets: (BACH’S AIR race 8 win), (FRIENDSHIP race 1, win) and (FAST JET race 2, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 4 and 7), race 7 (1, 2, 4, 8 and 9), race 8 (1 and 2), race 9 (1, 3 and 4).
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; 9 FRIENDSHIP – 1 SUPER WARRIOR – 10 ELHAAME –
5 DARCI’S BOY
Not an overly strong Open Maiden and as such a newcomer who has posted a nice time at the trials in FRIENDSHIP looks the horse to be on. The US-bred 3YO won his trial with blinkers well enough to think he enjoys both the surface and the trip and he could prove hard to beat with support likely. The other newcomer in the race – ELHAAME – also appeals. The 3YO had three starts in NZ before arriving and placed twice suggesting he goes OK. His local trials have been solid enough to give this a shake with a lightweight. Of the raced brigade, SUPER WARRIOR, MASTER GREEN and DARCI’S BOY all should go close. SUPER WARRIOR is probably the pick of the trio given he had issues last start and still managed to place and his previous form suggested he wins a race like this sooner than later.
1 SUPER WARRIOR *** Tongue-tie off after respiratory issues last start and wins sooner than later. 4.00
2 MR JACKSON ** Beaten a long way into third place last start but is on the improve. 8.00
3 GOOD BET * Appreciates maiden company and has shown speed but recent form poor. 33
4 MAJOR GREEN *** Has been trying for a while but recent Class 5 form and trial good enough to win this with blinkers off. 6.00
5 DARCI’S BOY *** Not a mile away on debut and worth a look with that run under his belt from gate 2. 12
6 REWARDING SMILE * Will improve with racing but may be better suited over longer. 20
7 GRIZABELLA MEMORY * Just fair when resuming and another that may need longer. 20
8 ALARANCH ** Showed improvement last start and can include in exotics. 12
9 FRIENDSHIP *** Trials have been nice enough to win on debut with support likely. 3.00
10 ELHAAME *** Placed twice from three starts in NZ up to 1000m and has trialled well since arrival. Watch market. 8.00
Race 2
Selections; 2 FAST JET – 5 SWIFT – 11 MONEY KING – 1 DANNY
It’s safe to say punters can have a bit of fun in this Class 5 Poly mile as most have some winning hope and a few of those could start at desirable odds. Case in point is FAST JET who looks no hope on recent from. The 5YO has drawn wide and is also having his first start on the Poly but a significant drop in grade and switch back to the poly could see a result (and Vlad Duric doesn’t hurt). Likewise MONEY KING looks hopeless on exposed recent form. But the 5YO also finds himself in a race that suits and patient connections might get an each-way result in this field. Of the more obvious choices, SWIFT is in form and probably goes off favourite while SUN DANCE also has the recent good form on the board. Blanket over the rest with DANNY, GREAT BALLS OFFIRE and even DAAD’S THE WAY all a show.
1 DANNY *** Nothing last start but a drop to his recent winning Class should see an improved run. 5.00
2 FAST JET *** Wide gate a concern but will pay to ignore some recent efforts as will grow a leg back on the Poly in this company. 14
3 GREAT BALLS OFFIRE *** Another fancy drawn wide but issues last start and would win a race like this on his day. 12
4 SUN DANCE *** In form and handles the Poly so must be a winning show. 8.00
5 SWIFT *** Hard to fault recent form and switch back to Poly not a concern. Big show. 3.00
6 BAYMAX ** Last two Initiation efforts have been sound and may appreciate this trip. Watch for any support. 20
7 GREAT WARRIOR ** Placed in maiden company last start this trip and should be competitive. 12
8 KARIGARA ** Form better than it reads and comes under consideration over suitable trip with blinkers added. 12
9 VERGLATICA ** Always a show in races like this but lack of winning form a worry. 8.00
10 EDEN GARDEN ** Appreciates the ace and another that plays a part on solid recent form. 12
11 MONEY KING *** Ignore recent form as he finds himself over the right trip in the right company. Value. 20
12 SLAVONIC DANCE * Just battling. 100
13 DAAD’S THE WAY *** Found form and always going to be an each-way hope. 8.00
14 JUST NAME IT ** Hard to follow but gives the impression he can win one in this company. 20
Race 3
Selections; 6 SUPER LINE – 1 HIMALAYA DRAGON – 2 JOBODWANA – 3 POWER LIN
A nice race early on the card and punters should again have plenty of good options including the lightly raced SUPER LINE. The 4YO has only had four career starts and while having every chance when placing last start over 1200m on the Poly, his debut win on the same surface was super impressive and he could easily win a race like this. He will have to be good though with the likes of the in-form HIMALAYA DRAGON and POWER LIN in the field. Obviously JOBODWANA coming off two wins also has to be a huge show and you can expect the 4YO to be flying late. LIM’S SINCERE and BOARD WALK two others to include in exotics in what should be a busy finish.
1 HIMALAYA DRAGON *** In solid form and gets his chance again from the good gate. 3.00
2 JOBODWANA *** Hard to fault winning form and will be doing best work late in this. 3.00
3 POWER LIN *** Found form on the turf and better again back on the Poly so has to be a big show. 4.50
4 BOARD WALK ** Honest and will be working into exotic calculations late. 12
5 GANADOR * Resuming and prefer to watch on exposed form. 50
6 SUPER LINE *** Progressive type who has shown a liking to the Poly so keep very safe. 6.00
7 SURE WIN * Has speed to burn but tested at the business end. 50
8 LIM’S SINCERE ** Will be handy through and a must for exotics over a suitable trip. 12
9 MASTERMIND * Reassess in easier company. 50
10 TOP NOTE * Needs Class 5. 200
Race 4
Selections; 1 REAL HERO – 3 MOTHER NATURE – 6 SO PERFECT – 4 PINT SIZED PRINCE
If you have had a good start to the meeting it may be time to consider heading to the bar or getting a feed, as this race looks very tough for punters. Two seemingly out of form Class droppers in REAL HERO and SUPER JOY attest to that as both could, and probably will, grow a leg in this company. The pair are both from the HW Tan stable and both won the last time they found themselves in Class 5. The tote will be our best guide but worth noting REAL HERO has the better recent form and did win at his first try in Class 5 the last time he dropped to the lowest grade. Of the more obvious choices, MOTHER NATURE looks due and should be good enough to overcome the awkward gate and run well while PINT SIZED PRINCE had excuses last start when supported and is worth another look. SO PERFECT resuming is probably a safe option on the form from his last campaign and market best guide on the rest.
1 REAL HERO *** Won at odds the last time he found himself in Class 5 and pay to keep very safe. 5.00
2 SUPER JOY *** Recent form hopeless but another that can improve to win back in Class 5 on the Poly. 8.00
3 MOTHER NATURE *** In solid form and wins a race like this without surprising. 4.00
4 PINT SIZED PRINCE *** Excuses last start when supported in similar affair and worth another look. 4.00
5 BASTION * Needs longer. 50
6 SO PERFECT *** Resuming after a good run of form and has to be a show. 4.00
7 GOOD LUCKY * No. 50
8 KAISER BRIGHT ** Running on well in similar affairs and expect much the same again. 16
9 ROMA ** Appreciates being back on the Poly and always worth thought. 20
10 MAGIC PAINT * Battles away but needs to improve a few lengths before considering. 50
11 STATE TROOPER * Hard to have on recent efforts. 50
12 GREENBACK * No. 50
13 SATCHMO ** Maiden who enjoys the Poly and will be more than competitive in this field. 12
14 ONE O NINE ** In solid form and keeps a few honest. 12
Race 5
Selections; 3 MR SCORSESE – 4 JUPITER GOLD – 1 LIM’S KNIGHT – 2 NORTHERN BOSS
While extremely hard to line up the form in this Class 4 sprint, the race is a beauty and well worth a look. The in-form horses to follow include LIM’S KNIGHT who won very well in KSD company last start and can on with the job while the likes of LUCKY MISSION, LIM’S ARCHER and SUPER BRILLIANT all win a race like this without surprising. But the two horses to watch are MR SCORSESE and JUPITER GOLD. Both horses are resuming after campaigns that saw them have a crack at three and two-year-old Group races respectively at their last campaigns and both look horses with bright futures. The market could be the best guide but worth noting MR SCORSESE won very well at his only Poly start and JUPITER GOLD is two-from-two on the all-weather track. Keep NORTHERN BOSS very safe in a race that suits and enjoy what should be a cracking race.
1 LIM’S KNIGHT *** Won well with support last start in KSD company and looks more than up to this. 4.00
2 NORTHERN BOSS *** Never in the hunt last start so pay to ignore as has excellent record this Class, track and trip. 12
3 MR SCORSESE *** Very progressive type resuming and won at only start on the Poly. Hard to beat. 4.00
4 JUPITER GOLD *** 3YO resuming after a shocker at Group level but unbeaten in two on this surface and can win this. 4.00
5 LIM’S ARCHER *** Very much appreciates first-up run and can figure. 12
6 SUPER BRILLIANT *** Excuses not to finish closer when resuming and will make his presence felt late in this. 13
7 LUCKY MISSION *** Did it tough last start from the wide gate and that effort good enough to give this a shake from an inside alley. 6.00
8 METEORBOUND * No. 200
9 QUICKSILVER ** Handy enough type resuming after a long break and market best guide. 20
10 MORALES ** Honest and enjoys the Poly so looks a very good value option. 20
11 DOMINY * Maiden who needs easier than this. 200
12 NOVA LEGEND ** Tough to follow but excuses last start and could show up at long odds on best form. 33
13 MASTER BANGER ** Placed last start similar affair and a must for exotics. 12
Race 6
Selections; 4 WINNING STAR – 1 DRAGON G – 7 CLERMONT CLUB – 13 HANDSOME RABID
A very ordinary field will head to the start of this Class 5 (division 2) mile which should give a couple of journeymen in DRAGON G and WINNING STAR a chance to add another win to their respective CV’s. Both look out of form but both have found themselves in the right type of race and it may be a toss up between the two on the day. Nothing else really appeals but CLERMONT CLUB is better than he showed last start and could win if the above mentioned horses don’t show up, with one eye on the emergency HANDSOME RABID if he gets a start.
1 DRAGON G *** Gate an issue but will improve lengths on the Poly so keep very safe. 3.40
2 HAKAMGONG * Hard to have on recent from. 50
3 RON ** Form reads badly but cheeky run expected. 12
4 WINNING STAR *** Nothing last start as expected on the turf but comes under serious winning contention on the Poly. 3.00
5 CARNELIAN * No. 33
6 GENERAL CONATUS ** Issues last start and happy to condor on best form in what looks a suitable race. 8.00
7 CLERMONT CLUB *** Just battled away last start but always some show and this field is weak. 5.00
8 TONGARIRO * Very tough to follow and might be easier to ignore. 50
9 DOUBLE JEOPARDY * Long-term maiden who could be included in skinny end of exotics. 20
10 BLACK DIAMOND * Freshened after a poor run and prefer to just watch. 33
11 GODS SPEED ** Did it tough last start and might be worth a look at value on some OK form prior. 20
12 JIMTOWN ** Long-term maiden who has shown glimpses of late and can include in exotics. 20
13 HANDSOME RABID *** Form better than most in this weak field and pay to consider with M Rodd up. 6.00
14 WATER PARK ** Bombed at only Poly start but bred for the dirt and worth another look. 12
Race 7
Selections; 2 BRING MONEY HOME – 4 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON – 1 WILD GEESE – 8 ROBIN HOOD
BRING MONEY HOME lived up to his name last start in a similar race to this and no reason to think he can’t do the same again tonight. The 5YO had been racing in Group Company before finding more suitable races at his last couple and with three of his four wins on the Poly, he looks the benchmark. In saying that, SQUIRE OSBALDESTON had excuses not to beat BRING MONEY HOME last start and he gets his chance to make amends. The 6YO has yet to open his Poly account but showed more than enough last start to think he changes that anomaly sooner than later. The interesting runner in WILD GEESE. A Group winner in this Company always comes under notice and his recent form – while not winning – has been OK so pay to keep safe. TERMS OF REFERENCE placed behind BRING MONEY HOME two starts back so has to be respected and ROBIN HOOD just goes too well not to think he wins this without surprising.
1 WILD GEESE *** Massive drop in Class and has to be seriously considered with winkers off. 8.00
2 BRING MONEY HOME *** Turned some good form into a nice Poly win last start and pay to keep following with winkers to blinkers. 3.00
3 PACHELBEL’S CANON ** Has been disappointing but mile suits and should be competitive. 20
4 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON *** Yet to win on the Poly but went mighty close last start with excuses and goes close in this. 4.00
5 CASTOR ** In form and loves the Poly but tested this trip for the first time so take on trust. 12
6 SUPERNOVA ** Nothing last start but will enjoy being back on the Poly so keep safe at odds. 16
7 MIGHTY EMPEROR ** Very hard to fault form with a hat trick of Class 4 wins but this company should test. 8.00
8 ROBIN HOOD *** Progressive type who won very well two starts back on the Poly and worth serious thought with winkers left side. 6.00
9 TERMS OF REFERENCE *** Battled away last start but Poly record is very good and can figure in this finish. 12
10 NO SMOKING JEFF * Reassess in Class 5. 100
Race 8
Selections; 1 BACH’S AIR – 2 HERACLES – 5 LIM’S ELUSIVE – 6 RETURN TO JUSTICE
Not many serious winning hopes in this Class 4 and we can probably narrow it down to BACH’S AIR and HERACLES both at the top of the ratings. Being an Argentinean, BACH’S AIR has shown a liking for the Polytrack and while yet to win in Singapore, he did go close after a stable change last start and looks well-placed in this to open his account. HERCACLES is a rare bred indeed being from Italy. But the 3YO has also shown a penchant for the Poly winning two from three starts on the all-weather track. He also had excuses for his last start fourth when doing it tough from the wide alley so he gets his chance to make amends from gate 3 with blinkers added for good measure. Market best guide for the rest with LIM’S ELUSIVE, RETURN TO JUSTICE and PERFECT CURIOSITY three that could play a part in the finish.
1 BACH’S AIR *** Not far away from breaking his Singapore duck last start and gets his chance here. 2.00
2 HERACLES *** Did it tough enough wide last start to think the effort good enough to win this with blinkers added. 3.00
3 EURO ZONE * Looked a beaten horse last start and have to take on trust. 33
4 KEEN DRAGON * Has just been battling away at long odds of late and like to see support before considering. 40
5 LIM’S ELUSIVE ** Has ran on at both starts this campaign and expect much the same here. 8.00
6 RETURN TO JUSTICE ** Battled on OK at Singapore debut over 1400m but may need longer than this. 20
7 DIVERGENT * Looked to have issues at second Singapore start and have to take on trust. 33
8 LESOTHO PROMISE * Ran on OK but never likely from wide gate last start and hard to consider after drawing badly again. 20
9 PERFECT CURIOSITY ** Appreciates first-up run and always some hope in races like this. 12
10 CASH BOX * No. 200
11 FORTUNE SPIRIT * Recent wins in Class 5 over longer. 20
12 SEASONS ECHO * Better option on the turf in easier Company. 50
13 KING OPERA ** Not a mile away at odds last start and pay to keep safe if he gets a start. 20
14 STARSKY * No. 100
Race 9
Selections; 1 CONSTANT JUSTICE – 3 ABSOLUTE MIRACLE – 4 LADRONE – 5 FINE CHOICE
Race tactics or pace play a big part in the lucky last with one of the fancies – ABSOLUTE MIRACLE – looking a dead-set swooper. The former Australian has got back and ran on strongly at his two starts in Singapore and given the fact he just missed last start after coming from last, that looks his caper. And there does look some early pace on with the likes of UNCLE LUCKY in the field and keeping that bolter company could be one of the other fancied runners in CONSTANT JUSTICE. The former Australian was well beaten into second place at his only run in Singapore but did it tough enough to think he can win this with a softer run. LADRONE is another that wins without surprising and is an honest galloper with market best guide on the rest.
1 CONSTANT JUSTICE *** Showed more than enough at Singapore debut to think he wins soon. 2.20
2 PURE JUSTICE ** Gate will test but not a mile away last start in similar affair and will improve with race fitness. 20
3 ABSOLUTE MIRACLE *** Best work late at both Singapore starts and wins one of these soon. 4.00
4 LADRONE *** Excuses for only bad run of late and in this a very long way. 8.00
5 FINE CHOICE ** Two runs this campaign have been good and gets his chance from the ace. 8.00
6 LIVELY DRAGON * Battled away last start at long odds but should need easier. 50
7 DREAMWEAVER * Placed last start over 1100m but should need longer than this. 20
8 PUBLIC FIGURE ** Appreciates first up run and can improve at odds. 20
9 STOCK BROKER * Not a mile away last start but drawn badly again and prefer in something easier. 50
10 LOUEY VELOCE ** Drawn badly and yet to win in Singapore but first up run was solid so keep safe. 20
11 UNCLE LUCKY ** Went lickety-split last start and cheeky run expected over 1000m. 20
12 HELEN ** Honest enough to include in exotics with no weight but like to see in something easier. 20
13 UNSURPASSED ** Yet to break Singapore duck but usually around the mark at each-way odds. 20
14 THE MIGHTY THOR * Happy to wait for something easier. 50
