LIM’S ELUSIVE looks ready to win (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
It might be a day for value seekers in Singapore on Sunday with most fields having plenty of depth, especially late in the 11 race card.
That will obviously make it tough for those who indulge in an exotic bet or two and it will pay to go as wide as the budget permits if playing the “jackpot” or “quaddie”.
If we were to stand one out, BRAHMA CIRCUS in a Class 3 event over 1400m (race 9) might be a good winning option.
The 5YO has only won once over the 1400m but that was his most recent victory and he has been extremely consistent at his subsequent four Poly runs.
Vlad Duric stays onboard and the affable Aussie might be a good hoop to follow this weekend as he sits second on the premiership – just five behind Manny Nunes, who has dominated the riding ranks over the past two seasons.
Duric also has good each-way hopes on the likes of TWICKENHAM in the Kranji Stakes A mile event (race 7) while WHOSE ELSE’S (race 8) and REDDOT RISING (race 10) both win without surprising.
If Duric is to catch Nunes and claim his first Singapore Jockeys Championship, he needs to start his chase now.
Sunday 6 November
Best Bets: (BRAHMA CIRCUS race 9, win), (EFFORTLESS race 5, each-way) and (KAI POWER race 6, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2, 4 and 5), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 11), race 10 (1, 2, 3 and 4) and race 11 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8).
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; 5 SUPER WARRIOR – 6 EFFORTLESS – 2 THUNDER CAT – 3 MASTERMIND
The second Class 4 for the speedsters on the poly and this is much stronger than the earlier heat. SUPER WARRIOR broke through over this trip last start, this is harder but he drops 1.5kg and has the speed to be prominent throughout. EFFORTLESS is resuming with blinkers. He showed promise last preparation and his recent trial was strong; he can race well fresh and should be closing late. THUNDER CAT won one of these last start and rises 4kg; he is racing well and should be handy throughout. The wild card is PURE JUSTICE who has only battled at four Singapore outings but won at Ballarat and Cranbourne over this distance before arrival; he could improve with Manoel Nunes to ride. The depth falls away after these though MASTERMIND has speed and will find this easier than recent outings.
1 SCRAT * Resuming with blinkers off after more than year’s absence. Has won three times at this trip and trials have been quiet. Watch market. 16
2 THUNDER CAT *** Won one of these last start and rises 4kg. Racing well and should be handy throughout. 4.00
3 MASTERMIND *** Has won four times at this trip and will find this easier than recent outings. Can be handy throughout. 10
4 PURE JUSTICE ** Thereabouts at four Singapore starts and could be ready to improve. 7.00
5 SUPER WARRIOR *** Broke through over this trip last start with heavy support. This is harder but should be prominent throughout. 4.00
6 EFFORTLESS *** Resuming with blinkers replacing visor. Showed promise last preparation and recent trial was strong. 3.00
7 IMPERIAL BOY ** Resuming without blinkers. Form last preparation was sound but better in KSD company. 14
8 HALO BRIGHT ** Won Maiden last start when resuming. This is harder but drops 3.5kg and should continue to improve. 16
9 AMAZON GOLD * Battles away but wants easier. Only wins have been on turf. 33
10 COOL CAT * Veteran who wants easier. 33
11 BIG GUARDIAN * Ran on last start over 1200m but only win was at 1700m. Looking for easier. 33
Race 6
Selections; 1 KAI POWER – 2 ABOVE THE HORIZON – 3 ALFONSO – 4 ORION
A competitive Class 5 over 1800m on turf where a number have solid form at the trip. KAI POWER hasn’t won for some time but is suited by this class and distance, at which he has won twice; he will get back but will be running on and should be hard to hold off. ALFONSO hasn’t won for a long time but just missed over this trip two starts back and with Manoel Nunes to ride, should be in the finish again. AMISTAD was not far away last start and has won at this distance; he should be handy throughout. ORION is still a maiden but has placed at 10 of 15 outings; he is suited by this distance and should be closing late. ABOVE THE HORIZON’s only win was at a mile but he has been battling on solidly in this grade up to 2000m and he should be handy throughout.
1 KAI POWER *** Hasn’t won for some time but suited this class and distance. Will be running on and should be hard to hold off. 5.00
2 ABOVE THE HORIZON *** Only win was at a mile but has been battling on solidly in this grade up to 2000m. Should be handy throughout. 6.00
3 ALFONSO *** Hasn’t won for a long time but just missed over this trip two starts back and with Nunes to ride should be in the finish again. 4.00
4 ORION *** Still a maiden but has placed at 10 of 15 outings. Suited this distance and should be closing late. 7.00
5 AMISTAD *** Not far away last start and better suited this distance. Should be handy throughout. 7.00
6 QUETZAL ** Still a Maiden but battles away and has placed at this distance. Can be in the finish. 10
7 SLAVONIC DANCE * Not a mile away last start but has been disappointing as a rule. 25
8 WINNING GOOD * Only win was at a mile but that was over a year ago and recent form is poor. Needs to improve. 14
9 TONGARIRO * Has won at this trip but that was over a year ago and recent form is poor. Needs to improve. 25
10 ZAC BENEVOLENT ** Yet to win in 23 Singapore starts but can be thereabouts over this trip. 33
11 DOUBLE JEOPARDY * 33 start Maiden who has placed 12 times and only turf placing was at this distance. Should be running on. 14
12 URBAN LEGEND * Suited this grade and has placed twice at the trip. Could be running on. 25
13 FOREST KING * Maiden who placed over this trip three starts back and battled on well at subsequent starts. Could show up. 20
14 NATURAL WATER * Yet to place in 15 outings. Unlikely. 50
Race 7
Selections; 2 FASTNET DRAGON – 4 BEST TOTHELIGN – 5 TWICKENHAM – 8 KIRKS RYKER
A small KSA field over a mile where most are trying to recapture some form. TWICKENHAM only battled in the Group 3 Saas Fee but won the Group 3 Committees Prize over this trip at his previous start, he should be handy throughout. The stablemate FASTNET DRAGON has not shown up at two runs since resuming after changing stables but his recent trial was strong and he could be ready to show his best. DANIEL placed in one of these four starts back but his recent form has been moderate; he trialled nicely with blinkers on and could improve. BEST TOTHELIGN won one of these over 1400m five starts back and ran a solid race in the Group 3 Saas Fee; he has won at this distance and can be handy throughout. Any of the others could show up without surprising including KIRKS RYKER who has been in good form and has no weight.
1 BORN TO FLY * 9YO who has struggled since returning from a long injury break. 25
2 FASTNET DRAGON *** Has not shown up at two runs since resuming after changing stables. Recent trial was strong and could be ready to show his best. Watch for support. 3.50
3 DANIEL *** Trialled nicely with blinkers on and could improve on recent moderate form. 6.00
4 BEST TOTHELIGN *** Won one of these over 1400m five starts back. Ran a solid race in Saas fee and has won at this distance. Can be handy throughout. 5.00
5 TWICKENHAM *** Only battled in Saas Fee but won Committees Prize over this trip at his previous starts. Should be handy throughout. 3.00
6 SLEW OF LODE ** Distanced in Saas Fee following solid KSA effort over 1400m. Recent trial was good and blinkers go back on. Could show up. 10
7 BLUE SWEDE ** Well back in Saas Fee but has won at this Class and distance with best work expected late. 20
8 KIRKS RYKER *** Ran on OK without threatening in the Saas Fee after just missing in Committees Prize. Could show up with only 51kg. 8.00
Race 8
Selections; 2 INTENSE GOLD – 1 WARPATH – 4 WHOSE ELSE’S – 5 ABSOLUTE MIRACLE
This race looks a beauty with most having winning hope on recent form. But it will pay to start at the top of the ratings with two horses – INTENSE GOLD and WARPATH – both dropping back to recent winning Class 4 Company. Both love the trip and more importantly both were showing form in-and-around good horses, so either wins without surprising. WHOSE ELSE’S also looks a winning show with blinkers added to try and turn some very good form since his maiden win into a result for faithful followers. You can also throw ABSOLUTE MIRACLE into the winning mix, as he looks ready to show his best stepping up to 1400m after four eye-catching efforts since arriving. We haven’t mentioned the three last start winners in the field but they all have to improve again in this race and a blanket over the rest.
1 WARPATH *** Significant drop in grade with right surface and trip also in his favour. Big show. 6.00
2 INTENSE GOLD *** Another who finds himself in the right grade and race and can win. 4.00
3 STORM TROOPER ** Never in the hunt last start but has shown enough in similar affairs to keep safe at odds. 33
4 WHOSE ELSE’S *** Has done everything bar win since breaking maiden status this trip but can get a result with blinkers on first time. 4.00
5 ABSOLUTE MIRACLE *** Has been running on well at all four starts in Singapore and step up to 1400m looks ideal. 6.00
6 ASPREY ** Not at his best of late but enjoys 1400m and gate 1 helps. 12
7 SUN SEEKER ** Will improve for Singapore debut run but has found a Class 4 with depth. 25
8 JUBILATION ** Dead-heated in KSD Company last start and would need to be at his best in this good field. 12
9 ROYAL EASTER ** Also coming off a KSD win but was more than competitive in this Company prior so keep safe. 8.00
10 XZUBERANCE * Best form of late on the Poly and may need easier than this. 33
11 PARKER ** Recent form ordinary but gets blinkers and only win was with headgear over this trip. 50
12 JOYOUS ** Took a drop to Class 5 to win but should be competitive with cheeky run expected. 20
Race 9
Selections; 2 BRAHMA CIRCUS – 4 BIG MAN – 11 GROENEWEGEN – 1 HERMANO MENOR
As usual a very strong field will contest at Class 3 Company, this time over 1400m. From the top, HERMANO MENOR is in terrific form but the fact he hasn’t won for over a year suggests we look elsewhere. BRAHMA CIRCUS is also in very solid form but in his favour is the fact he is back on the turf over 1400m after four Poly runs and he did win the last time he raced on the grass. The interesting runner is BIG MAN. The 4YO has won four from 14 but more importantly three of his last four and his most recent win was very strong. Throw in SOLARIS SPECTRUM who is in form but yet to win past 1200m and GROENEWEGEN who showed last start he is more than up to Class 3 Company. Blanket over most others.
1 HERMANO MENOR *** Very hard to fault form but hasn’t won since July 2015 which is some concern. 6.00
2 BRAHMA CIRCUS *** In form and worth noting he won the last time he raced on the turf over this same trip. 4.00
3 SOLARIS SPECTRUM *** Yet to win past 1200m but two runs this campaign have been good and worth serious thought. 8.00
4 BIG MAN *** Very progressive type who won very well when resuming and has to be considered. 4.00
5 IKING ** Refuses to run a bad race and usually terrific value. 20
6 SUPERNOVA * Coming off a few shockers but recent trial suggests he could improve at odds. 33
7 KATE’S KEEPER ** Will be working into this late but should need longer again to win. 20
8 SUN EMPIRE ** Did it tough out front last start so ignore as will be competitive. 20
9 MARK ECLIPSE * Found this grade too tough last start and may need easier. 20
10 CONILAD ** Progressive type who may appreciate being back on the turf with blinkers off. 12
11 GROENEWEGEN *** Showed last start he is more than competitive in this Company and in this a very long way. 6.00
12 MANGATOETOENUI * Appreciates first up run but should need easier than this. 50
Race 10
Selections; 1 NORTHERN KNIGHT – 2 LUCKY LINCOLN – 4 LIKA TIGER – 3 REDDOT RISING
A top heavy Class 4 mile on the turf and NORTHERN KNIGHT can win again. The former Kiwi won over 1600m before arriving and knocked in his second win over the mile in KSD Company last start. He just got the chocolates at a very short price on that occasion but his previous form in Class 4 was good and he can go on with the job. But not much separates him from the other three with winning hopes in LUCKY LINCOLN, REDDOT RISING and LIKA TIGER. All three should come in for support in this field (although REDDOT RISING can often sneak out to good value) and all three have the form on the board to win a race like this. Market best guide on the rest including PERCIUS with just 50kg.
1 NORTHERN KNIGHT *** Just won as the odds-on pop in easier Company last start but previous Class 4 suggests he can win again. 2.50
2 LUCKY LINCOLN *** Ran on well over 1400m last start and happy to follow over the mile. 4.00
3 REDDOT RISING *** Continues to run well at nice value and always worth an each-way look. 12
4 LIKA TIGER *** Can make excuses for only bad run of late and in this up to his ears. 4.00
5 CERTAINLY ** Slight query at the trip so blinkers off and can play a part. 12
6 MR MOSA * Not at his best last couple but can run a very cheeky race. 20
7 SUCCESSION ** Nothing last start but gets winkers and form previous to that poor run OK. 20
8 IMPERIAL FIGHTER * Reassess in easier Company. 50
9 STARPERFECT * Better option on the Poly. 33
10 PERCIUS ** Will be running on at odds but like to see in easier Company. 12
Race 11
Selections; 5 LIM’S ELUSIVE – 3 GOLD CROWN – 2 LITTLE BIG MAN – 1 ABOVE THE SKYLINE
A Class 4 with plenty of depth and good luck if you are confident of finding the winner as it should be value. In fact you can make a winning case for some horses that may start north of 12-1 including ABOVE THE SKYLINE who drops to Class 4 over a suitable trip with the likes of LITTLE BIG MAN, EN CIVIL and even last start winner, DREAMWEAVER, all likely to be each-way odds. Plenty of good horses in this race though and LIM’S ELUSIVE looks ready to win. The 5YO just missed over an unsuitable 1000m on the Poly last start and gets his chance over 1400m. GOLD CROWN has extremely solid form in similar affairs and excuses last start not to win while LINCOLN’S EXCUSE is in winning form and happy to follow. Go even wider in exotics.
1 ABOVE THE SKYLINE *** May pay to put a line through his last start as loves 1400m and drops to a Class that suits. 12
2 LITTLE BIG MAN *** Appreciates two runs this campaign and wins one of these soon. 8.00
3 GOLD CROWN *** Drawn wide but excuses not to win last start in similar affair and will figure at the business end. 4.00
4 LINCOLN’S EXCUSE *** In fine form in slightly easier Company but will race handy and be in this for a long way. 6.00
5 LIM’S ELUSIVE *** Just missed over 1000m on the Poly last start and this is more suitable so can win. 5.00
6 EN CIVIL *** Always an each-way show in races like this and pay to keep following. 11
7 PLATOON * Form better than it reads but drawn wide and might need longer again. 20
8 DREAMWEAVER *** Led throughout to win well in similar affair last start and have to respect on that effort. 8.00
9 SILVER SPOON * New Zealand maiden who has trialled OK but may need longer again. 33
10 REALLY CAPABLE ** Thereabouts of late and should deb competitive in what is a field with depth. 12
11 Q NINE MAGIC ** Recent wins in Class 5 but always a show over 1400m. 20
12 QUEEN’S SEVEN ** Another that might need easier to win but always some show and often value. 20
13 SINGSURAT * Goes OK but needs longer and easier. 50
