WAR AFFAIR obviously the benchmark at the top of the ratings (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
The Raffles Cup and as you would expect at the Weight-For-Age conditions over 1800m at Group 1 level, it is a race for very good horses.
The honour list reads like a who’s who of Singapore racing royalty and when you consider that most of the runners in this years field will be asked to carry a big weight if they do go onto the Dester Gold Cup, The Raffles could very well be their “grand final”.
So who can win in 2016?
It may be a small field but six of the seven horses entered all have genuine winning hopes.
Yes, five of the six all had front-row seats when DEBT COLLECTOR made it six straight wins in the Panasonic Kranji Mile and it would be very unwise to tip against the outstanding 4YO.
But punters can and will look elsewhere with WELL DONE supporters very bullish after a terrific first-up run in the Kranji Mile and WAR AFFAIR obviously the benchmark at the top of the ratings.
It doesn’t stop there with the Pat Shaw pair of QUECHUA and MAJESTIC MOMENTS right in winning contention with MR SPIELBERG also some show at value after he had excuses in the Kranji Mile.
A race for the ages and may the best horse win – they usually do!
Sunday 30 October
Best Bets: (DEBT COLLECTOR race 9, win), (FELICHE race 8, value) and (THE JEUNEYMAN race 11, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 10), race 9 (3 and 7), race 10 (1, 2, 5, 7, 9 and 10) and race 11 (2, 3, 5, 6, 9 and 11).
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; 1 MR FANTASTIC – 7 D’BUFFALO MAN – 4 NEWLANDS – 9 KEEP SPINNING
A KSC mile and the Pat Shaw trained MR FANTASTIC gets another chance at 1600m. The 5YO failed at his only previous attempt at the trip but that was some time ago and he is in good form with a facile victory last start. His recent trial was strong, the claim helps and he should be in the finish. NEWLANDS has been disappointing but blinkers go on and his recent trial was solid, Vlad Duric stays on and he can improve. BRING MONEY HOME is better on the poly but has three wins at this distance and can show up. D’BUFFALO MAN won well in Class 4 last start, he is stepping up in grade but shows promise for Cliff Brown and can get in the finish. Pat Shaw can never be ignored in these races and his other two runners WINNING CAUSE and IMPERIAL MARCH both have legitimate chances.
1 MR FANTASTIC *** In good form and recent trial was strong. Claim helps and should be in the finish. 3.00
2 VALBUENA * Battled away when resuming and better suited this distance. Should improve. 14
3 BRING MONEY HOME *** Recent win and place on poly but in form and pay to follow. 8.00
4 NEWLANDS *** Appreciates first-up run and recent trial was good with blinkers added so should improve. 4.00
5 WINNING CAUSE ** Disappointed at past two outings but blinkers go back on and placed over this trip three starts back. Can improve. 8.00
6 IMPERIAL MARCH ** Not a mile away last start and better suited this distance. 10
7 D’BUFFALO MAN *** Stepping up in grade but shows promise and can get in the finish. 6.00
8 GOLD HILL * Did not show up when resuming after a long break. 33
9 KEEP SPINNING *** This is tougher but won well when resuming and may pay to keep safe. 14
10 OVER EASY * Goes around every fortnight and will set the tempo but outclassed in this. 33
Race 6
Selections; 8 PERFECT CURIOSITY – 2 LADRONE – 1 AHMAR – 7 MISS BLANCHETT
A weak lot in a KSD over 1200m and PERFECT CURIOSITY may be the value. The 5YO has been improved by two outings since changing stables and placed over this trip on the poly in Class 4 last start; his only win was on turf and can improve for John Powell. AHMAR showed improvement at his second Singapore outing and drops in grade, he won over this trip at Otaki before arrival and should be in the finish. LADRONE is having his first turf outing but his Class 4 poly form is good; the blinkers come off and he should be prominent throughout. MISS BLANCHETT disappointed last start but just missed in this grade at the start prior; the distance suits and she can be handy throughout. Of the others old CONVICT hasn’t won for a while but is suited by this class, surface and distance; he is awkwardly drawn but gets a claim and could be running on.
1 AHMAR *** Showed improvement at second Singapore outing and drops in grade. Won over this trip at Otaki before arrival. Has to carry 58kg but should be in the finish. 5.00
2 LADRONE *** Racing consistently on the poly in Class 4 and having first turf outing. Blinkers come off and should be prominent throughout. 5.00
3 FAITHFULLY ** Best form is on poly but does have a turf win over 1400m. Battled on well at first run for new trainer on poly in Class 4 and could show up in this company. 10
4 KEEN DRAGON ** Having first career run on turf but form OK and appreciates company. 16
5 CAVATINA ** Broke through for Maiden win on the Poly last start and worth following. 14
6 CONVICT ** Veteran who hasn’t won for a while but improved last start and suited this class, surface and distance. Awkwardly drawn but trial was good and could be running on. 10
7 MISS BLANCHETT *** Disappointed last start but just missed in this grade at start prior. Distance suits and can be handy throughout. 6.00
8 PERFECT CURIOSITY *** Improved by two outings since changing stables and placed over this trip on poly in Class 4 last start. Only win was on turf and can improve for senior rider. 5.00
9 PERKINS * Form too poor. 50
10 START ME UP * Maiden who needs to improve on recent efforts. 33
11 DASH OF CLASS * Showed early promise but recent form poor. Needs to improve. 33
12 AMAZON GOLD ** Rarely far away but long time between wins. 20
13 GOLDEN MILE * Only win was on poly and may need easier. 33
14 MORALES ** Appreciates being back on the turf after two poor poly efforts. Improves. 25
15 WINNING STAR * Better in Class 5on the Poly over longer. 33
16 LIM’S BATTLE * Wants easier and longer. 33
Race 7
Selections; 5 BAHANA – 6 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON – 3 ROCKFAST – 2 TIME ODYSSEY
The traditional lead up to the Singapore Gold Cup and whilst Pat Shaw has four runners, it may be Stephen Gray that has the strongest hand. SQUIRE OSBALDESTON has won twice in England over 2000m and has won over that trip in Singapore; as he builds to the Cup he should be ready to run a big race over this trip. The stablemate BAHANA is in very good winning form, he shows staying promise and should get a good run throughout. The Mark Walker runner ROCKFAST hasn’t won above KSC level but he placed in the Derby and he should show up over this distance. Of the Shaw runners, COOPTADOO showed something like the form that won the Gold Cup in 2015 and whilst both TIME ODYSSEY and BIG BROTHER are very consistent, there are slight queries at the trip. His other runner RIDE OF VALKYRIES has won at the journey but is far from reliable. Cliff Brown has brought GILT COMPLEX along patiently and he has performed well at all trips over 2000m and beyond; he could surprise as could the Takaoka trained HIGHER SOUL.
1 COOPTADO *** Won Gold Cup last year but hasn’t won since. Ran on solidly in a BM89 last start and could be coming right. Can make his presence felt at this trip. 6.00
2 TIME ODYSSEY *** Tested at 2200 but a consistent performer and should be near the speed throughout. 8.00
3 ROCKFAST *** Placed in Derby and in this up to his ears but yet to win at the top level. 5.00
4 CHEETAH ON FIRE ** Blinkers back on. Recent form moderate but has won at the distance and should be running on. 14
5 BAHANA *** In very good form, shows staying promise and should get a good run throughout. 6.00
6 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON *** Building up in fitness. Won twice in England over 2000m and has won over that trip in Singapore. Should be ready to run a big race over this trip. 6.00
7 BIG BROTHER *** Stepping up in trip but has an excellent winning record and should race well. 7.00
8 RIDE OF VALKYRIES ** Has won over this trip in KSC company and could show up on solid recent form. 14
9 GILT COMPLEX ** Ran 4th at only attempt at 2200m and has placed at 2000m. With no weight can make his presence felt. 14
10 GURU-GURU ** Racing soundly in weaker company and has put in solid efforts at all three tries at 2000m. Might find this too hard. 25
11 HIGHER SOUL ** Won over 1800m in Class 4 last start. On trial at the trip and up in class but trainer has a great record with stayers. 16
12 GLORIOUS PROSPECT * Won KSD last start. Tested here. 50
Race 8
Selections; 1 FELICHE – 7 PRECIOUS GEM – 10 PEER GYNT – 2 LUCKY JUSTICE
A few of these horses wouldn’t have looked out of place in the El Dorado Classic and connections of the winner will be hoping for a start in the Gold Cup on the minimum weight. But which connections? As usual Pat Shaw has a say with three runners – FELICHE, SONG TO THE MOON and JOHNNY KONGOS – and all look to have strong winning hopes. And while his preferred hoops in Juglall and Vorster ride SONG TO THE MOON and JOHNNY KONGOS respectively, Placais on FELICHE looks a winning move. The Frenchman was given a sighter last start on the 5YO and Shaw probably has one eye on a Gold Cup partnership. The race suits and expect a big run. Too many others can win though with PRECIOUS GEM a big show with Vlad Duric up while PEER GYNT could run a big race at odds in a race that suits. LUCKY JUSTICE and SILENT ARROW just another two to keep safe.
1 FELICHE *** Showed enough last start to think he can win dropping in grade and up in distance. 6.00
2 LUCKY JUSTICE *** Placed last start in similar affair and right in this. 4.00
3 CITY OF KIRKWALL * Should improve with blinkers stepping up in trip but prefer others on recent form. 33
4 MURDOCH * Supported and ran OK in this Company last start but would need to find a length or two. 20
5 MARTIN ** Excuses last start and worth though on solid efforts this grade prior. 20
6 SILENT ARROW *** Ran on very well over the mile last start and expect much the same again. 8.00
7 PRECIOUS GEM *** Showed last start why this type of race is his caper and in this a long way. 8.00
8 SONG TO THE MOON *** Excuses not to finish closer to the winner last start and should figure at the business end. 8.00
9 JOHNNY KONGOS *** Showed last start he is more than up to this Company and will be prominent throughout. 5.00
10 PEER GYNT *** Finding form and this race looks suitable so keep safe. 12
11 NATION THEATRE * Gets blinkers but form poor. 100
12 RAMZES * Blinkers on but needs to improve. 50
13 HUMDINGER ** Form better than it reads and will work into this late at odds with blinkers removed. 33
14 DANGER ZONE ** Not a mile away last start and could run a very cheeky race at odds. 33
Race 9
Selections; 7 DEBT COLLECTOR – 3 WELL DONE – 6 MR SPIELBERG – 1 WAR AFFAIR
The surprising thing about the Raffles Cup is that while six of the horses are in very good form and win without surprising, DEBT COLLECTOR is the only horse to have on top. The 4YO has had a remarkable run of six straight wins after dislodging his regular hoop, Michael Rodd, back in November last year. He was a three-start maiden less than twelve months ago when losing the hoop but has since added four Group races to his CV including the two premier miles at Group 1 level. This is his first crack beyond the mile but who bets against him? But as mentioned, most others win without surpassing including WELL DONE who was enormous when running second to DEBT COLLECTOR when first-up after the his Derby victory and WAR AFFAIR who was brave in defeat in the same race. Add MR SPIELBERG, MAJESTIC MOMENTS and QUECHUA into the winning mix in what is a great race.
1 WAR AFFAIR *** Battled on well when beaten fair and square in the Kranji Mile but will figure in the finish. 6.00
2 QUECHUA *** Ran on well as expected in the Kranji Mile and will improve again up in trip. 12
3 WELL DONE *** Put in a huge effort when just missing first up in the Kranji Mile and hard to hold out in this. 3.00
4 MAJESTIC MOMENTS *** Refuses to run a bad race and law of averages suggests he wins a Group race soon. 8.00
5 TITANIUM * Tested at WFA conditions but gets blinkers and looks ready to get his act together. 20
6 MR SPIELBERG *** Excuses not to be in the mix in the Kranji Mile and very much appreciates the extra 200m. Value. 12
7 DEBT COLLECTOR *** Made it six straight when winning the Kranji Mile and hard to beat at first run over 1800m with winkers off for good measure. 2.20
Race 10
Selections; 1 HIP HIP HOORAY – 2 JUSTICE DAY – 9 GOLDEN SWORD – 10 GROENEWEGEN
The Raffles Cup has been run and won but no time to catch your breath, as this Class 3 sprint looks a beauty on paper and the betting should be frenetic. Nothing separates the likes of JUSTICE DAY, RISKY ROCKEFELLER and GOLDEN SWORD on recent form in similar affairs to this and you could argue a good winning case for the trio. Likewise, you could make a strong case for three recent Class 4 winners in GRAND CROSS, LIM’S SHOWCASE and GROENEWEGEN who all should be more than competitive in Class 3. But what adds to this race is the smart newcomer from New Zealand, HIP HIP HOORAY. The 5YO is a five-time winner and given he has another seven placings to his name from some 18 starts and has trialled very well locally; he can win on debut with the market a good guide.
1 HIP HIP HOORAY *** Five-time winner from New Zealand who has trialled very well and can win at Singapore debut. 5.00
2 JUSTICE DAY *** In form and will look the winner at some stage in the straight. 4.00
3 POWER LIN ** In very solid form and has been good value of late so keep safe. 12
4 GRAND CROSS ** Broke though as even money favourite in Class 4 last start but this is a lot tougher and is having first start on the turf in Singapore. 8.00
5 LIM’S SHOWCASE *** In good form and showed enough last start to think he can in in this grade with a no weight. 8.00
6 LUMINIFF LAD * Struggling. 50
7 RISKY ROCKEFELLER *** Blinkers off. Fought on over 1400m last start and better suited this distance. Should be running on. 8.00
8 TURQUOISE KING ** Has been disappointing but ran on well last start and gets blinkers so could show up. 20
9 GOLDEN SWORD *** Ran on very well last start and gets his chance again in a similar affair. 6.00
10 GROENEWEGEN *** In very good form in Class 4 and recent trial suggests he can step up and be more than competitive here with no weight. 8.00
11 ELUSIVE EMPEROR * Back in trip and may be better suited over longer in easier Company. 33
Race 11
Selections; 9 MUSCULAR DRAGON – 6 THE JEUNEYMAN – 3 NAZIR – 2 BE BOLD
Another tough race to finish what should have been an excellent days racing and good luck if you have found a few winners! Hopefully we can find one in the last with MUSCULAR DRAGON who broke his maiden status over this trip (1400m) last start. That win was impressive enough to think he is more than up to Class 4 Company and from gate 2, Dan Beasley should give him every chance. Those looking for value might consider THE JEUNEYMAN. The 5YO won a similar affair some five starts back and more importantly will most likely go forward and could pinch this if left alone out front. The blanket goes over BE BOLD, NAZIR, SPLICE and O’REILLY BAY – all with solid recent form under their belts – while both newcomers in BIT OF A SCHILLER and SUN THUNDER could be considered.
1 THE GREAT GREY * Resuming after bleeding attack and have to take on trust. 50
2 BE BOLD *** Showed enough two starts back over 1200m to think he will handle the step up in trip and can win. 6.00
3 NAZIR *** Appreciates stepping back up to 1400m and looks a big show. 6.00
4 BIT OF A SCHILLER ** Former Australian who looked solid at the local trials and worth thought at local debut. 20
5 SPLICE *** Long time between wins but in form in similar affairs and must go close. 6.00
6 THE JEUNEYMAN *** Race and company suits and expect very forward run at each-way odds. 12
7 WONDERFUL PRINCE ** Form looks hopeless but race suits and recent trial suggests he can improve at odds. 33
8 MAJOR IMPROVEMENT ** Gets blinkers after poor Singapore debut and might live up to his name on the back of recent good trial. 12
9 MUSCULAR DRAGON *** Won maiden in fine style and can go on with the job. 3.50
10 SUN THUNDER *** Former Australian whose only win was this trip and local trials suggest he could show up on debut. 12
11 O’REILLY BAY *** Resuming over very suitable trip although will need luck from the widest gate. 12
12 RETURN TO JUSTICE ** Singapore debut this trip was solid but might need longer again to show his best. 33
13 INSOFAR ** Wide gate an issue but appreciates first up run and should improve. 20
14 DOMINY * No. 200
15 MUSCULAR SPRINTER ** Better than what he has showed at his last couple and could add value to exotics. 33
16 HORSE WARRIOR ** Always an each-way show in races like this and pay to follow. 20
