WAR AFFAIR resuming after long injury lay-off and will have admirers (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
A standalone Friday meeting in Singapore usually means a “calm before the feature race storm” but two runners in the Kranji Stakes A sprint (race 7) makes this a meeting not to be missed.
The horses in question are two champions in SPALATO and WAR AFFAIR who both resume after having issues at their respective last starts.
SPALATO – who boasts a career record of 16 starts for ten wins including two Group 1’s – is first up after suffering a bleeding attack in the Lion City Cup in May.
He has had other niggling issues and was a late scratching from the Garden City Trophy, but at his best he wins races like this and has trialled well enough recently to be the horse to be on.
The only horse that beats him on ability is WAR AFFAIR.
True, he is first up after a almost a year away from racing, but his career record of 20 starts for 14 wins, including five at Group 1 level. has the former horse-of-year one that can never be underestimated.
The 6YO is also having his first start for his new trainer Bruce Marsh and the Kiwi handler would be very keen to have the champ ready to show his best.
But while the pair won’t have at their very best to win at this level, they will have to show a clean pair of heels with the likes of LINCOLN ROAD in cracking form and he could easily show up with a lightweight.
Great battle and well worth the admission price.
Best Bets: (ALIBI race 3 win), (SPIRIT SEVEN race 2, each-way) and (LIM’S BATTLE race 6, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 4, 5 and 9), race 7 (1 and 2), race 8 (1, 2, 3, 5 and 7), race 9 (1, 2, 3 and 5).
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; 10 PINT SIZED PRINCE – 2 LIM’S CONTROL – 3 TRIGGER MAN – 6 ONE O NINE
Two last start winners and a couple that look due give this Class 5 some interesting punting options to open the stand-alone Friday meeting. But given both the last start winners – TRIGGER MAN and ONE O NINE – have drawn awkwardly in 11 and 10 respectively, they will need luck but winning form is always good form in this company. But this may give PINT SIZED PRINCE his chance to knock in another win. The 8YO has had a nomadic history (his latest stable move is his sixth) but showed enough dropping to Class 5 last start to think he goes close from gate 1 with J Powell up. LIM’S CONTROL also looks a big winning show and the maiden will be in this a very long way from gate 4. ALOHA will also appreciate a fair gate (6) and while his recent form reads fair at best, he would give this a shake if near his best.
1 KARIGARA * Drops to suitable grade but should need longer with blinkers off for this. 50
2 LIM’S CONTROL *** Maine who is due and will be in this for a long way from gate 4 with tongue-tie removed. 3.00
3 TRIGGER MAN *** Draw some concern but in winning form and pay to follow. 5.00
4 ENTHUSE ** Not a mile away at long odds in this company last start and can include in exotics. 20
5 MONEY KING * Needs longer again. 20
6 ONE O NINE *** Surprised a few winning last start but that was first start on the Poly so have to respect. 8.00
7 SILENT CONNECTION * Maiden who should appreciate Class 5 but like to see support. 50
8 THE WINGED DRAGON ** Needs to find a few lengths but should appreciate the better gate. 12
9 MILITARY ALLIANCE * Gets blinkers but will need further to show his best. 20
10 PINT SIZED PRINCE *** Had more stable changes than hot dinners but showed enough last start to win in this Company. 4.00
11 ALOHA *** Form better than it reads and give this a shake from gate 6. 12
12 SACRED CROWN * Needs things to go his way and easier to ignore from widest gate. 33
13 BUZET ** Will be running on late but might need a weaker field than this. 33
14 GREENBACK * Struggling. 200
Race 2
Selections; 4 SPIRIT SEVEN – 1 GREAT BALLS OFFIRE – 2 OVER EASY – 3 QUETZAL
An extremely tricky Class 5 event over 1700m with six horses coming off last start second placings which suggests more than a few are “due”. From the top, GREAT BALLS OFFIRE could be hard to beat. The 5YO placed last start over an unsuitable 1000m journey in KSD company so given the step up in distance and drop in Class, he is the one to be on. His stablemate OVER EASY is also due and will have admirers and staying at the top of the ratings, the maiden QUETZAL ran on extremely well last start and he will figure in the finish. CLERMONT CLUB and the emergency, ZAHIR, the two other that only found one better last start and can win. However, SPIRIT SEVEN might just beat them all. The maiden has form behind Debt Collector over a mile on the poly and gets his chance in this race with blinkers added stepping up to a suitable trip. BIG BANKER and GODS SPEED just two others to watch in a very tough race for punters.
1 GREAT BALLS OFFIRE *** Just missed last start over unsuitable trip and hard to beat stepping up in distance. 4.00
2 OVER EASY *** Due and most recent win was on the Poly so could appreciate the switch to the all-weather. 5.00
3 QUETZAL *** Maiden who ran on very well last start to place and expect much the same again. 6.00
4 SPIRIT SEVEN *** Maiden who appreciates step up in distance and has placed behind some nice types in similar affairs so can win. 8.00
5 RON ** Nothing last start but could go forward from the wide gate and give a sight. 20
6 RED JEWEL * Maiden win two starts back on the turf and easier to ignore. 50
7 BIG BANKER *** Ran on well last start and always a show back on his preferred surface. 12
8 CLERMONT CLUB *** Just missed last start and always looks a winning show. 5.00
9 GODS SPEED *** In form and gets back over best trip and will figure prominently. 12
10 GRAND PARIS * Usually follows a bad run with a good one but no rhyme or reason to that form line. 50
11 URBAN LEGEND ** Awkward draw a concern but in slid form so can include in exotics. 20
12 REAL GOODMAN ** Yet another who finds himself over suitable trip and has to be considered. 20
13 GOLD CUSTOMER * Blinkers off and like to see more. 33
14 ZAHIR ** In form and pay to keep following. 12
Race 3
Selections; 5 ALIBI – 3 TWICKENHAM – 2 LASER STORM – 1 BLUE SWEDE
Extremely hard race to do the form given there looks a lack of pace on paper and it may be which jockey takes the initiative early that gets the chocolates. So as it stands it might TWICKENHAM who is the one to run down late. A handy Amirul 2kg claim suggests the 6YO will go forward and given his form over 1400m, the others will not want to give him any favours out front. However, you would think ALIBI will also race handy and given the 4YO has won four from five career starts, he is the one to beat. Regular rider Vlad Duric stays on board and if he hits the front anywhere in the straight, he should win. Last start winner LASER STORM and BLUE SWEDE resuming, both keep him honest late.
1 BLUE SWEDE *** Smart type resuming and first-up form and recent trial good enough to follow. 7.00
2 LASER STORM *** Dead-heated last start over 1200m on the poly and this looks more suitable. Big show. 5.00
3 TWICKENHAM *** Recent win this trip and showed enough last start to give this a shake. 6.00
4 THESE STREETS ** Appreciates first-up run and suited this trip. 12
5 ALIBI *** Hard to fault winning form and looks very well placed here to win again. 1.60
6 WHITE HUNTER ** In winning form but will find this company a lot tougher. 12
Race 4
Selections; 1 MAN OF POWER – 9 ALWAYS A WINNER – 6 SUPERB SEVEN – 5 SATELLITE STAR
January 2015 seems a long time ago and given that’s when ALWAYS A WINNER last won, it is buyer beware in this Class 5 sprint. The 7YO is in solid form and may even go off favourite but winning droughts are always a worry and happy to find something to beat him. So a maiden in MAN OF POWER may be a better option. The 5YO has looked OK on occasion and given he gets blinkers added for the first time and has trialled well previously with head-gear, he could win this without surprising. SATELLITE STAR, SUPERB SEVEN and GOLDEN ROSEWOOD three others that finish in the winning mix on a good day.
1 MAN OF POWER *** Not a mile away last start and expect improvement with blinkers on first time and can win. 6.00
2 DRAGON KING ** Nothing last start but still worth a look on placing two starts back. 12
3 ARCHER COMPANY ** Back in trip and having a rare Poly run but trials nicely so keep safe. 12
4 GOLDEN JADE ** Will be running on late and pay to keep safe. 20
5 SATELLITE STAR *** Returned not striding last start and a big show on previous good Poly form. 5.00
6 SUPERB SEVEN *** Maiden resuming and was showing enough last campaign to keep safe first-up. 10
7 GEARIGURU * No. 100
8 HIGHLIGHT * Battles away but skinny end of exotics looks best from wide alley. 20
9 ALWAYS A WINNER *** Will not win out of turn but always the benchmark in these division 2 Class 5 events. 4.00
10 GOLDEN ROSEWOOD *** Yet to win in some 40 starts in Singapore but has looked due of late so can follow. 6.00
11 BROWNE’S ANATOMY ** Form better than it reads given he appreciates the Poly with headgear removed. 12
12 PRINCETON ** Long-term maiden who has shown enough on the Poly of late to include in exotics. 20
13 LOYALTY’S ANGEL * Can led but always run down. 33
14 RAINBOW STAR ** Nothing last start but effort prior was good so keep safe. 20
Race 5
Selections; 1 HERACLES – 2 PALLADIO – 7 PEACH BOWL – 3 PLATOON
Not many Italian-bred horses in Singapore – perhaps only one – but this one goes OK and HERACLES can win again and take his career tally to three wins from his first four starts. The 3YO was first up when winning in this Company last start and given his only defeat was on the turf, he looks the obvious choice. There are plenty of question marks on some of the other runners including PALLADIO who comes off a shocker after a promising Singapore debut. He gets winkers and a senior hoop for this and pay to keep very safe. PLATOON is resuming with a nice trial under his belt and should race well and DESERT FOX should improve on recent form dropping to Class 4. A market watch on the newcomer from Australia, PEACH BOWL, while STIRLING and LADY IFFRAAJ keep them all honest.
1 HERACLES *** Resumed with nice win and obviously enjoys the Poly. Follow. 3.00
2 PALLADIO *** Faded badly last start after good Singapore debut but worth another look with winkers added and senior hoop. 4.00
3 PLATOON *** Resuming after long break but recent trial OK and can show up. 8.00
4 DESERT FOX *** Form reads badly but last start was OK and comes under notice in Class 4. 20
5 MEGATHINK * Mega-stink. 200
6 STIRLING *** Honest and expect him to be in the mix. 8.00
7 PEACH BOWL *** Australian maiden who had excuses when finishing second at only race start and market best guide. 12
8 LADY IFFRAAJ ** Remains in very solid form but struggles to win and wide gate doesn’t help. 12
9 DREAMWEAVER ** Freshened with OK trial and might need easier. 20
10 PERFECT CURIOSITY ** Consistent type resuming and pay to keep safe in exotics. 12
11 VERTICAL START ** Gets blinkers back in trip and always in the mix. 12
12 NO SMOKING JEFF * Back in trip after Class 5 win and may find this too tough. 33
13 QUEEN’S SEVEN ** Better option on the turf but the type to always keep safe. 20
14 NOVA LEGEND ** Blinkers added after something looked amiss last start and worth thought on previous form. 33
Race 6
Selections; 1 BIG BROTHER – 4 MIGHTY EMPEROR – 9 LIM’S BATTLE – 2 BILLY BRITAIN
With a few of these horses racing against each other more times than not of late, the race looks a raffle between the top three or four and as usual, Pat Shaw has a few with winning hopes. In fact MIGHTY EMPEROR has beaten his stable mates BIG BROTHER and SUPER JOE into second place at his last two outings and all three look to have a chance in this race. BILLY BRITAIN has and will be again the mix in races like this and it may be whoever gets the best run wins. For value it will pay to keep LIM’S BATTLE very safe. The 5YO had all sorts of excuses last start and this type of race is his caper so look for improvement. BLOSSOMS SEQUEL can also improve at odds down in Class 4 and the emergency, Q NINE MAGIC, is also a winning hope if he gets a start.
1 BIG BROTHER *** Supported when not missing by much behind stablemate last start and get his chance here. 3.00
2 BILLY BRITAIN *** Placed similar affair last start and pay to keep following. 5.00
3 BLOSSOMS SEQUEL ** Drawn awkwardly but showed improvement last start and could grow a leg dropping to Class 5. 16
4 MIGHTY EMPEROR *** Very hard to fault winning form and in this a very long way. 4.00
5 SUPER JOE *** Did it tough last start and battled on late and expect much the same. 12
6 SPRING THUNDER ** Excuses last start and worth another look at odds in what should be a suitable race. 33
7 XZUBERANCE ** This is tougher than last start KSD mile win but in form and pay to keep safe. 12
8 GREENSTONE * Not at his best of late. 50
9 LIM’S BATTLE *** Form reads very poorly but excuses last start and this race should be his caper so worth a look at odds. 12
10 PARKER ** Struggled last start over the mile in this company but may improve with blinkers removed. 33
11 SING EXPRESS ** Another whose form looks hopeless but race suits and recent trial good enough to keep safe. 33
12 TRUMPS UP ** In solid form but slight query on the Poly so have to take on trust. 12
13 Q NINE MAXIM *** Excuses not to go a lot closer last start in similar company and worth thought. 12
14 DANGER ZONE ** Having first Poly run but coming off a solid hit out at trial and could go OK. 33
Race 7
Selections; 1 SPALATO – 2 WAR AFFAIR – 8 LINCOLN ROAD – 4 RAISE NO DOUBT
What to do? With all due respects to some in form horses like LINCOLN ROAD and RAISE NO DOUBT, they are not in the same ball-park as SPALATO and WAR AFFAIR Class-wise and happy to go with the two champs in this KSA sprint. Yes, both horses are resuming after having more than a few issues but if right – and no reason to think they won’t be if they start – they both can win this on ability alone. SPALATO resumes after bleeding in the Lion City and his recent trial suggests he is ready to go. He was a late scratching from the Garden City Trophy but hopefully he is right for this. WAR AFFAIR comes off a longer break – over a year – but has had enough trials to think he is fit and can win first-up for his new trainer, Bruce Marsh. The other two horses mentioned keep them honest and go even wider in exotics in what could be a very odd but a must watch race.
1 SPALATO *** Group 1 winner resuming after bleeding attack in the Lion City and hard to beat with nice recent trial a pointer. 3.00
2 WAR AFFAIR *** Star resuming after long injury lay-off and will have admirers although recent trials have been solid without being spectacular. 3.00
3 DANIEL ** Freshened after placing over the mile and will be thereabouts. 12
4 RAISE NO DOUBT ** Super honest and should figure in the mix at the business end. 6.00
5 WIMBLEDON ** Hung out badly last start which was very costly but in the mix on a good day with blinkers to winkers. 20
6 CAVALLO ** Excuses when running on well last start and expect much the same thing. 20
7 GOLDEN SAND STEED * Resuming sans blinkers and prefer others. 100
8 LINCOLN ROAD ** Progressive type who showed last start that the turf and company is not an issue. 6.00
9 FLAK JACKET ** Appreciates light weight and could run a cheeky race at odds. 12
Race 8
Selections; 2 LONGHU – 1 SUPERSONICSURPRISE – 3 BACH’S AIR – 5 COURT CASE
A Class 4 over 1200m on the poly. LONGHU won in this grade last start over 1200m and with the claim he will carry 0.5 kg less than last start and should be on the speed throughout. COURT CASE is racing soundly but battling to win in this grade; he won his Maiden at this trip and should be running on. The interesting runner is BACH’S AIR who is yet to win in Singapore but is now with Pat Shaw and trialling nicely; the tongue-tie comes off so look for improvement. Amongst the others MCGREGOR put in a solid effort to win in this grade last start and with the claim for Kif Toh he rises only 0.5 kg and could show up despite the awkward gate and SUPERSONICSURPRISE is in form and can knock in his first win over 1200m.
1 SUPERSONICSURPRISE *** Yet to win over 1200m but in great Poly form and could be hard to beat. 6.00
2 LONGHU *** Won in this grade last start over 1200m. With the claim will carry 0.5 kg less than last start. Should be on the speed throughout. 4.00
3 BACH’S AIR *** Resuming with tongue-tie off. Yet to win in Singapore but now with Pat Shaw and trialling nicely. Look for improvement. 5.00
4 EURO ZONE ** Disappointed last start after a couple of solid efforts in BM67 company. Has ability but hasn’t won for a long time. Take on trust. 12
5 COURT CASE *** Racing soundly but battling to win in this grade. Won Maiden at this trip and should be running on. 6.00
6 MUSCLE BEACH * Resuming after changing stables. Trialled solidly. Best form is over longer. Watch market. 14
7 MCGREGOR *** Put in a solid effort to win in this grade last start. With the claim rises only 0.5 kg and should show up. Gate could test. 8.00
8 PERKINS * Recent efforts ordinary and needs to improve. 33
9 RUM N RAISINS ** Put in a solid effort last start and could show up. 12
10 LESOTHO PROMISE * Did not show up when resuming. Ran a fair race at only poly start and could show up. Watch market. 16
11 GOLDEN KINGDOM * Maiden who was crowded at start and did not show up at Singapore debut. This looks too hard. 33
12 SEASONS ECHO * Ran on when resuming but best form is on turf. 33
13 ALAN ** Competitive on the Poly but win three starts back was in Class 5. 20
14 LET’S TALK NOW ** Not far away last start but won in Class 5 three starts back and better suited there. 25
Race 9
Selections; 5 INTENSE GOLD – 2 HERO I AM – 1 CASING ROYAL – 3 FORTUNE
WINNER
A competitive BM67 over 1400m with some solid Class 3 types involved. INTENSE GOLD has been racing well in Class 3 and has three wins at this distance; he is up 2.5kg on his most recent outing but is a consistent sort who should be handy throughout. FORTUNE WINNER battled on solidly in Class 3 last start; he is up 1.5kg but will find this easier and should be running on. HERO I AM drops significantly in Grade after competing at Group Level and Class 3 at recent outings. He has won a BM67 and won up to 1580m in Australia and should be in the finish. In a race with plenty of depth CASING ROYAL won one of these two starts back and boxed on well in similar company last start; he has a tough gate but should be handy throughout. TERMS OF REFERENCE is better on the poly but placed at his last turf outing and with Barend Vorster to ride should get a nice run from the inside gate. DAMON is racing soundly over longer in similar company; he has won at this distance and should be running on. SPLICE is honest and has won five times at the trip; he might prefer Class 4 but rarely runs a bad race.
1 CASING ROYAL *** Won one of these two starts back and boxed on well in similar company last start. Has a tough gate and carries same weight as last start but should be handy throughout. 8.00
2 HERO I AM *** Drops significantly in Grade after competing at Group Level and Class 3 at recent outings. Has won at this level and won up to 1580m in Australia. Should be handy throughout. 6.00
3 FORTUNE WINNER *** Battled on solidly in Class 3 last start. Up 1.5kg but will find this easier. Should be running on. 6.00
4 KATE’S KEEPER * Resuming after some average efforts over longer in KSC company. Recent trials ordinary. Watch market. 20
5 INTENSE GOLD *** Racing well in Class 3 and has three wins at this distance. Up 2.5kg on most recent outing but should be handy throughout. 4.00
6 TERMS OF REFERENCE ** Just missed in Class 3 over poly mile last start. Has yet to win on turf placing three times from 10 starts. Placed at last turf outing in Class 4 and should get a good run throughout. 8.00
7 DAMON ** Racing soundly over longer in similar company. Has won at this distance and should be running on. 8.00
8 STORM TROOPER ** Disappointed over 2000m last start. Drops back in distance and may find this more suitable. Has been consistent and claim could help. 12
9 GOLDEN CASINO * Placed in Class 4 over this trip two starts back. This is harder but is consistent and could show up. 16
10 SPLICE ** Excuses last start and loves the trip so worth another chance. 16
11 PRECIOUS GEM * Drops back in trip and has never won at less than a mile. Getting down in grade but better over longer. 20
12 NIGHT FLIGHT * Put in a solid effort on poly when resuming. Won Maiden on turf over 1200m but can find easier. 33
13 REMEMBER ME * Only battled last start but was racing consistently over longer in Class 4 prior. Has won in Class 5 at this trip. Might need easier. 20
14 MURDOCH * Did nothing when resuming. Won Maiden at this trip but this looks too hard. 33
