WAR AFFAIR hard to beat at WFA conditions (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
We suggested a couple of week ago that things have started to get serious in Singapore and one look at the Group 1 Panasonic Kranji Mile field confirms just that.
It was always going to be a good race – it always is – but the fact the eight horse field has the likes Singapore Horse of the Year WAR AFFAIR up against the champion 4YO elect in WELL DONE and the champion 3YO elect in DEBT COLLECTOR suggests it is a race for the ages.
WAR AFFAIR bounced back into the winner’s circle last start – his second run since moving to Bruce Marsh – and he obviously has the runs on the board in what has been an illustrious career to date.
WELL DONE has won two Group 1’s at his last two starts and is basically resuming after what was a very impressive Derby win.
This race looks perfect for a first up run to show he is up to Open Group 1 Company and his hoop, G Boss, certainly likes the big stage.
DEBT COLLECTOR won the Group 1 Guineas two starts back and added the Jumbo Jet when resuming, suggesting he is a very serious horse and more than up to winning this.
Add MAJESTIC MOMENTS to the winning mix and the fact his stablemate, QUECHUA, barley rates a mention just shows the quality of this field.
Enjoy!
Sunday 9 October
Best Bets: (DICAPRIO race 6, win), (WAR AFFAIR race 9, win) and (THE JEUNEYMAN race 5, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 3 and 4), race 9 (1 and 8), race 10 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10) and race 11 (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 12).
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 5
Selections; 4 ROCKFAST – 2 BOURBON GOLDMAN – 8 ARHAT – 1 COOPTADO
A BM89 over 2000m and most of these are Gold Cup contenders getting their campaigns under way. ROCKFAST is suited by this distance and has benefited from recent racing over a mile; he should be hard to beat with Manoel Nunes aboard. BOURBON GOLDMAN has placed at his only two attempts at this journey most recently in the QEII Cup; with Michael Rodd to ride he should be in the finish. The promising young horses ARHAT and BAHANA are being tested with bigger prizes on offer if they can manage the rise in grade and in the case of BAHANA, the distance. Most others can win including the 2015 Gold Cup winner COOPTADO who will be looking to show improvement.
1 COOPTADO ** 2015 Gold Cup winner who hasn’t won since. Recent trial was solid and this distance suits. Has to give them all weight but could show up. 10
2 BOURBON GOLDMAN *** Has placed at only two attempts at this journey most recently in QEII Cup. With Michael Rodd to ride should be in the finish. 4.00
3 TIME ODYSSEY ** Best efforts have been on poly and failed at only attempt beyond 1800m. Take on trust. 10
4 ROCKFAST *** Suited this distance and has benefited from recent racing over a mile. Should be hard to beat with Nunes aboard. 3.00
5 CHEETAH ON FIRE ** Improved by recent racing over shorter. Gets back but will be closing late. 10
6 BAHANA ** Improving and being tested at the journey. Has no weight and should be handy throughout. 8.50
7 WINNING CAUSE * Blinkers off. Failed at only attempt beyond a mile. Take on trust. 20
8 ARHAT *** Promising middle distance horse. Significantly up in class but has won twice at the trip and with no weight should be handy throughout. 4.00
Race 6
Selections; 7 DICAPRIO – 11 SIAM SAPPHIRE – 8 DREAM COMES TRUE – 1 ECLAIR FLASH
A Novice over 1200m with only two last start winners involved but many chances. The 3YOs get a significant weight advantage that may help DI CAPRIO who won a Maiden at this trip last start and should continue to improve with blinkers added for this. Mark Walker has three runners, the best of whom may be DREAM COMES TRUE who gets blinkers after only battling in this company over 1400m last start. He won his Maiden over this trip and with Manoel Nunes up could make amends. The blinkers go on SIAM SAPPHIRE who won his Maiden on the poly at debut but battled in better 2YO company subsequently; his recent trial was solid and he could improve. ECLAIR FLASH has to carry 58kg, he won well at debut but disappointed badly when favourite last start, his trial was solid and with blinker/pacifiers could improve. The interesting runners are CREAMY CUSTARD and MAI DARKO having their first starts, this is a big ask on debut but both are well-bred horses so watch for support.
1 ECLAIR FLASH *** Won well at debut but disappointed badly when favourite last start. Trial was solid and with Blinker/Pacifiers could improve. 6.00
2 COUNTRY WARRIOR * Has only battled in Singapore but was not far away in a KSD last start. Could show up. 25
3 FLYING SHADOW * Blinkers off but only win was on poly. Tested. 33
4 ARIEL * Blinkers on and trial OK but has not shown up at two Singapore outings. 33
5 CREAMY CUSTARD ** By Pins. Brother to winner Just Nini and half-brother to 3YO Singapore Sprint placegetter Simple Pleasures and recent winner Jelly Bean. Has had quiet trials. Watch market. 12
6 MAI DARKO ** Brother to good horse Bogart and half-brother to 7-time winner Let Loushe. Trialling nicely in slow time. Watch market. 12
7 DICAPRIO *** Won Maiden at this trip last start and should continue to improve. 4.00
8 DREAM COMES TRUE *** Gets blinkers after only battling in this company over 1400m last start. Won Maiden over this trip and could make amends. 4.00
9 AWATERE ** Gets blinkers. Only battled last start in this company after winning Maiden over this trip. Could show up. 10
10 HATTA ** Won Maiden on poly last start. Gets senior rider and could show up. 10
11 SIAM SAPPHIRE *** Blinkers on. Won Maiden on poly at debut but has battled in better company since. Trial was solid and could improve. 6.00
Race 7
Selections; 4 NEWLANDS – 1 HERMANO MENOR – 3 MR FANTASTIC – 6 RIDE OF VALKYRIES
A very competitive Class 3 over 1400m where a few smart ones are resuming. NEWLANDS in particular was in form last campaign before finding the Derby too tough but he has won first up previously and can win this. RIDE OF VALKYRIES is trialling well and her form last preparation over longer was strong; she could race well fresh, watch for support. Of the others, MR FANTASTIC has been improved by recent racing and his trials have been solid; he should be suited by this distance and get a good run throughout. HERMANO MENOR is yet to win beyond 1200m but has placed five times from nine tries at this trip; the claim helps but the gate tests. Always keep the iron horse, IKING, safe.
1 HERMANO MENOR *** Yet to win beyond 1200m but has placed five from nine at this trip. Claim helps but gate doesn’t. 6.00
2 GHOST * Best form is on poly over shorter. Like to go forward and should be prominent. 1400m tests. 33
3 MR FANTASTIC *** Improved by recent racing and trials have been solid. Should be suited by this distance and get a good run throughout. 5.00
4 NEWLANDS *** Resuming after battling Derby effort. Has won first-up and trial suggests he gives this a shake. 8.00
5 LUMINIFF LAD * Has battled in Class 3 following poly win 3 starts back. Better on that surface and has failed at both 1400m attempts. 20
6 RIDE OF VALKYRIES *** Resuming and trialling well. Form last preparation over longer was strong. Placed at only try over 1400m and could race well fresh. 5.00
7 STREET TAIPAN ** Resuming after Derby failure. Has won at this trip but best form is over longer. 10
8 IKING ** Iron horse who rarely runs a bad race. Has won five times at the trip and with Manoel Nunes up will keep them all honest. 5.00
9 RAPID APPROACH * Battled away when having first start since coming from Malaysia. Might need easier. 33
10 BATTLE HORSE * Having first turf outing. Best form is on poly over shorter. 33
11 CASING ROYAL ** Won at this trip in BM67 three starts back. Disappointed on poly last start and gate may test. 25
12 HERO I AM ** Blinkers on. Only battled last start and has struggled since Class 3 win in April. May need easier. 20
13 MARK ECLIPSE * Won narrowly in Class 4 over this trip last start. Racing well but this is harder. 25
14 SATELLITE MAN * In form but has found a strong Class 3. 25
15 KATE’S KEEPER * Did not show up when resuming. May want longer. 33
16 TURQUOISE KING * Tongue-tie off. Has struggled since arrival in Singapore. Wants easier. 50
Race 8
Selections; 1 MEGUSTO – 3 LINCOLN’S EXCUSE – 4 MIGHTY GLORY – 11 SILK ROUTE
There will be an honest pace set in this KSD event over 1400m with two in-form on-pace runners in MEGUSTU and LINCOLN’S EXCUSE both drawn wide. Given what they have shown of late you would expect both to go forward and no reason to think they are still there when the whips are cracking late. That solid early clip from the outside gates should give everyone a chance including MIGHTY GLORY who won a similar affair last start and no reason to think he doesn’t get a cherry-ripe run throughout and go close again. ASPEN, SILK ROUTE and QUEEN’S SEVEN three others that should figure in the mix and hopefully there will be some value about for canny punters.
1 MEGUSTO *** Went forward form wide gate last start and expect the same here and hard to pass. 3.00
2 ASPEN *** Step up to 1400m looks a good move and wins a race like this without surprising. 12
3 LINCOLN’S EXCUSE *** Another fancy drawn wide but should race handy and can win. 4.00
4 MIGHTY GLORY *** Broke through for first turf win in similar affair last start and pay to keep following. 5.00
5 NOVA SPIRIT ** Form looks only fair but pay to keep safe in this company. 25
6 VALUE OF JUSTICE ** In the mix last start but like to see over longer. 20
7 STARPERFECT * Appreciates first up run but may need longer and Poly. 100
8 CHEETAH KING ** Ignore last start as two recent wins were on the turf so look for improvement. 20
9 KAI POWER * Blinkers off but better over longer. 100
10 LIM’S BATTLE * Headgear off but hard to have on recent form. 33
11 SILK ROUTE *** Placed in Novice Company last start over this trip and looks suited here. 12
12 TIGER BAY * Suited this company but like to see over longer. 33
13 QUEEN’S SEVEN *** Most recent win this trip and company and often value so follow. 12
14 MAREA NEGRO ** Always an each-way show but like to see in Class 5. 20
15 DR N WING FIGHTERS * Eligible for easier. 100
Race 9
Selections; 1 WAR AFFAIR – 8 DEBT COLLECTOR – 3 WELL DONE – 5 MAJESTIC MOMENTS
Arguably the best race of the year and whatever the result on Sunday, the Kranji Mile will be a race for the ages. Obviously the star attraction is WAR AFFAIR who showed why he is one of the highest rated horses in Singapore when winning at his second start after a long break for new trainer Bruce Marsh. He picks himself on top but while he may be the horse to beat he will have to be at his peak with the best 3YO in Singapore in DEBT COLLECTOR in the field, as is the best 4YO in WELL DONE. Both horses have terrific winning records and both will make their presence felt in not only this Group 1, but also the Raffles and Gold Cup. MAJESTIC MOMENTS is the other that deserves a big mention given he was a good thing when beaten by WAR AFFAIR last start and keep the rest of the small but elite field under consideration.
1 WAR AFFAIR *** Bounced back to winning form last start and hard to beat at WFA conditions. 3.00
2 QUECHUA ** Will improve with each step up in distance but may need longer again to win. 20
3 WELL DONE *** First up after terrific Derby win and trials like he is ready to mix it with the best. 7.00
4 LAUGHING GRAVY ** Another who appreciates step up to the mile but a better option over longer again at this level. 12
5 MAJESTIC MOMENTS *** Looked a good thing beaten last start behind War Affair and will have admirers to make quick amends. 5.00
6 FASTNET DRAGON ** Very much appreciates first-up run for new stable and could be in this a very long way with upgrade to blinkers. 16
7 MR SPIELBERG ** Showed last start he is more than up to WFA conditions and a horse to follow to the Gold Cup. 12
8 DEBT COLLECTOR *** Guineas winner who resumed with narrow in the Jumbo Jet and can win again. 3.00
Race 10
Selections; 10 LIKA TIGER – 3 THE JEUNEYMAN – 9 D’BUFFALO MAN – 4 DAMON
You can make a serious winning case for more than half of this Class 4 field, which suggests there should be some terrific each-way value about for punters. And the previous nine races give us some idea on how the track is playing. Hopefully it is giving on-pace runners every chance to hold the chasing pack at bay and LIKA TIGER would appreciate that. The 6YO is very honest and had excuses last start and given he should probably lead or be very handy in this field, he is a solid option. Likewise, THE JEUNEYMAN can also race on the pace and given his just fair recent form was in unsuitable races, he should be value. Too many others to mention but TALES OF SUMMER just missed last start and has to be respected with DAMON, HIGH TROJA, D’BUFFALO MAN, REDDOT RISING and SONG TO THE MOON all winning chances.
1 HIGH TROJA *** Solid home last start and comes under serious contention over winning trip in this Company. 6.00
2 TALES OF SUMMER *** Just missed last start at odds in similar affair and gets his chance. 4.00
3 THE JEUNEYMAN *** Ignore last couple as this trip and company looks his caper with very forward showing expected. 12
4 DAMON *** In form without a result but has two wins this trip and should figure late. 6.00
5 CITY OF KIRKWALL * Senior hoop helps but should need longer than this. 50
6 REDDOT RISING *** Excuses not to go very close last start and pay to follow at value. 20
7 SILENT ARROW ** Race suits and will keep them all honest late at odds. 20
8 SONG TO THE MOON *** Just missed last start in similar affair and will figure again. 12
9 D’BUFFALO MAN *** Progressive type who looks well placed in Class 4 and will go close. 5.00
10 LIKA TIGER *** Excuses not to win last start in similar affair and will be very prominent throughout. 8.00
11 PARKER * Has battled since maiden win. 50
12 OVER EASY ** Recent good form in Class 5 but could run a cheeky race at odds. 20
13 Q NINE MAXIM ** Might be looking for easier but always some show at value. 33
14 SING EXPRESS * No. 200
Race 11
Selections; 9 MUSCULAR DRAGON – 8 BATTLE OF TROY – 12 CERTAINLY – 4 LUCKY LINCOLN
Another very tough race to finish what should have been a terrific days racing on Kranji Mile day. And while we were on the on-pace runners in the previous, we are hoping a back marker in MUSCULAR DRAGON might get the chocolates in the last. The 4YO will probably go back from the wide gate but Beasley should have him in a striking position when they turn for home and he will be hard to hold out with luck in running. Plenty of others to watch including another last start winner in LUCKY LINCOLN and CERTAINLY whom he just beat on that occasion. Add BATTLE OF TROY, EN CIVIL and the swooper in SPLICE as winning chances.
1 BILLY MOJO ** Scratched at the gates last start after poor Singapore debut but has trialled well so look for improvement. 33
2 GOLD HILL * Resuming after decent break and may need the run. 33
3 KEVIN ELEVEN * Struggling. 200
4 LUCKY LINCOLN *** Progressive type who won well enough last start over 1200m to follow. 4.50
5 EN CIVIL *** Foot on the till and right in this finish. 4.00
6 SPLICE *** Excuses not to finish closer last start and will work into tech late if race run to suit back markers. 12
7 ECLIPSE DANCER ** Resuming and has good first-up form so pay to keep safe with eye on the market. 12
8 BATTLE OF TROY *** All sorts of excuses for big run at Singapore debut and can improve to win with turf and winkers in his favour. 8.00
9 MUSCULAR DRAGON *** Won maiden in fine style and can go on with the job. 6.00
10 MUSCULAR SPRINTER ** Returned not striding last start so can ignore and take on previous good form. 20
11 REALLY CAPABLE ** Thereabouts last start in similar affair and can include in exotics at odds. 33
12 CERTAINLY *** Just missed last start when blinkers wee added and in this a very long way. 6.00
13 INSOFAR * Wide gate an issue but appreciates first up run and should improve. 50
14 HONGCHEN ** Form reads badly but this race is suitable and cheeky run expected. 33
15 TRUMPS UP ** Ignore last start on the Poly as looks a better option on the turf. 20
