LIM’S SHOWCASE looks ready to win (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
Around the world, most owners’ dream of having a Derby winner and that dream becomes a reality for the connections of one horse on Sunday afternoon in Singapore.
Which horse?
Pat Shaw knows how to train a feature winner – including two Emirates Singapore Derby’s – and the suave South African has four runners in the Group 1 event over 2000m.
But while BLUE DANUBE, TIME ODYSSEY and WINNING CAUSE all go good enough on their day to consider, it is MIGHTY WARRIOR who looks most likely to give him a third trophy.
The New Zealand-bred gelding has been in the mix in the two traditional lead up races to the Derby – the Stewards’ Cup and the Patron’s Bowl – and his effort late in the latter suggests he is cherry ripe for the 2000m journey.
The form from the Patron’s Bowl usually holds up so not much separates MIGHTY WARRIOR from 
WELL DONE and BELIEVE YOURSELF while FIGHTING WARRIOR and BRING MONEY HOME also showed enough in that race to follow at odds.
Those horses that bring 2000m form into the race include two last start winners in ROCKFAST and MR SPEILBERG, who both come under notice with Manny Nunes and the in-form Glen Boss respectively to ride.
The race has depth – you wouldn’t expect anything else – and this could be an Emirates Singapore Derby for the ages.
Enjoy!
Sunday 10 July
Best Bets: (LIM’S SHOWCASE race 10, win), (SUNNY race 6, value) and (FIGHTING WARRIOR race 11, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 14 and 16), race 9 (1, 4, 5 and 9), race 10 (1, 2 and 4) and race 11 (1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 11).
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; 3 ROBIN HOOD – 1 BIG BROTHER – 4 FALKIRK LEAD – 5 MAGSTOCK
A moderate KSD over a mile where those with Class 4 form look better placed. ROBIN HOOD ran on fairly on the poly last start but is better on turf; he should be suited at this distance and with Olivier Placais up be hard to hold off. FALKIRK LEAD has won at this distance and is suited in this grade; Alan Munro will have the mare running on and she will be hard to hold out. BIG BROTHER is an Argentinean who ran on well in this class over 1600m last start and has trialled well since, he should be in the finish. They look the main chances though MAGSTOCK drops back from 2000m and ran an honest race in the Guineas over this journey two starts back; he gets a tongue-tie and should be running on. TRINITY and ROSEGOLD are suited this Class and distance and could show up.
1 BIG BROTHER *** Argentinean who ran on well in this class over 1600m last start and has trialled well since. Should be in the finish. 6.00
2 BROTHER WIND *** Scratched.
3 ROBIN HOOD *** Ran on fairly on poly last start but better on turf. Should be suited this distance and be hard to hold off. 4.50
4 FALKIRK LEAD *** Has won at this distance and suited in this grade. Will be hard to hold out. 4.50
5 MAGSTOCK *** Drops back from 2000m and ran an honest race in the Guineas over this journey two starts back. Gets a tongue-tie and should be running on. 10
6 TRINITY ** Only win was on poly but has placed five times form 11 starts on turf including once at 1600m. Could show up. 12
7 ROSEGOLD ** Suited this class and distance. Should be running on. 12
8 THANKFULNESS * Best efforts have been on poly and yet to win on turf. May need Class 5. 25
9 WINNING GOOD * Recent form poor but suited this distance. 25
10 GOLD RESERVE * Won this class and distance three starts back but subsequent two runs were poor. 20
11 ABOVE THE HORIZON ** Runs on and suited this grade. 16
12 FLYING WINNER * Ran on soundly in this company last start. Could show up. 16
13 PERCIUS * Will battle away late but may need easier. 25
14 BEST LIFE * Only win was at this trip but has battled since. Wants easier. 33
15 TANGIBLE ASSETS * Outclassed last start but won in Class 5 at previous outing. Best form is over longer. 20
16 BIMALA ** Better in Class 5 but will be running on. 33
Race 6
Selections; 12 SUNNY – 9 SPECIAL FORCE – 6 AIR FORCE ONE – 4 TARAMEA
A few who missed out on the Derby get to have a go at a consolation prize. AIR FORCE ONE likes to go forward and will be hard to run down. However, SUNNY almost ran him down last start and the B Course will suit his style. GILT COMPLEX ran a bold race last start and just missed; he is being tested at 2000m but will be in the finish. TARAMEA placed at this trip two starts back and won in Class 4 over a mile last start; he rarely runs a bad race and will be thereabouts. REMEMBER ME battles away and will be thereabouts. The other older horses don’t look up to the class of the 4YO’s though FORTUNIQUE having only his second Singapore start won four races up 2400m in France and should be up to this grade. Of the rest SPECIAL FORCE will have a practice run for next year’s Derby and he will be storming late with blinkers off.
1 FORTUNIQUE ** Tongue-tie on. Did nothing at first Singapore start but this is much more suitable. Won 4 times up to 2400m in France and should show up in this. 14
2 MARTIN * Hasn’t won for over a year and last two wins have been at 1400m and 1600m. Getting down in ratings but won Fortune Bowl at this distance in 2013 and could improve. 16
3 GILT COMPLEX *** Ran on over a mile last start to just miss. Promising but being tested at 2000m. 6.00
4 TARAMEA *** Placed this distance two starts back and just missed over a mile last start. Rarely runs a bad race and should be in the finish. 5.00
5 SUPER JOE ** Best form has been on poly. Battles away but 2000m can test. 10
6 AIR FORCE ONE *** Likes to go forward and will run the distance right out. Hard to run down. 5.00
7 FUJIN BRIGHT * Hasn’t won for some time and tested against these. 33
8 REMEMBER ME *** Battled away last start over this distance. Consistent and will be thereabouts. 12
9 SPECIAL FORCE *** 3YO who won a KSD over 2000m two starts back. Could be running on with blinkers off. 14
10 GOLAZO ** Ran on solidly over this trip last start. Should be handy throughout. 12
11 HUMDINGER ** Has battled since Maiden win. Could be tested against these. 20
12 SUNNY *** Suited this distance and will be running on. Big show. 10
13 GURU-GURU ** Ran on in KSD company last start over this trip. Could show up. 20
14 WATER PARK * Battling and needs to improve. 33
Race 7
Selections; 3 NOVA WARRIOR – 1 SUPER WINNER – 9 CYBORG – 2 RAISE NO DOUBT
Great race with five of the ten starters coming off last start wins. But none won better than NOVA WARRIOR who blitzed his rivals in a similar race to this. Yes, he carried only 52kg on that occasion when beating Flak Jacket but that turf win strong enough to think he goes on with the job with 57kg not a worry. Likewise, RAISE NO DOUBT has to carry a few extra kg’s after his last start win in open Company but winning form in good form and he has to be considered. Two other last start winners to consider are SUPPER WINNER who, although yet to win on the turf, looks bang-in-form and must go close and CYBORG who has knocked in three wins from four starts in Singapore and looks a horse to follow.
1 SUPER WINNER *** Coming off very god Poly win and happy to think he is ready to break turf duck. 6.00
2 RAISE NO DOUBT *** Won similar affair with 51kg last start but form suggests he is up to carrying the extra weight. 4.00
3 NOVA WARRIOR *** Smashed them last start similar affair and extra 5kg no issue. 2.30
4 OLYMPIC ANTHEM ** Best form in Singapore on the Poly but in form and pay to keep safe. 12
5 THE GENERAL ** Another in cracking Poly form but a query this surface at this level. 12
6 HUKA FALLS * Not at his best of late but may appreciate a change in surface. 20
7 CAVALLO * Another that will be hoping a change in surface could see improvement. 50
8 MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS * Resuming after respiratory issues last start and have to take on trust. 33
9 CYBORG *** In extremely badly at the race conditions but hard to fault winning form and pay to keep very safe. 6.00
10 HYPERNOVA ** Resuming with some nice trials under his belt and can include in exotics. 110
Race 8
Selections; 3 MAJESTIC MOMENTS – 16 BELIEVE YOURSELF – 2 WELL DONE – 14 BRING MONEY HOME
There are always two schools of thought going into the Emirates Singapore Derby and punters have to decide on the Group 4YO form holding up or following the out-and-out stayers who have taken a different route to the Classic. From the Patron’s Bowl form-line it does look a race between WELL DONE, MAJESTIC MOMENTS and the mare BELIEVE YOURSELF who finished one, two three respectively. Nothing really separates the trio but Pat Shaw does have an exceptional record in big races and happy to follow MAJESTIC MOMENTS who can turn the tables on WELL DONE. Also from the Patron’s Bowl it will pay to keep BRING MONEY HOME, TITANIUM and MIGHTY WARRIOR at odds safe. From the staying form line it is hard to go pass ROCKFAST and MR SPIELBERG – both last start winners – with top hoops Manny Nunes and Glen Boss respectively a guide to their chances.
1 TITANIUM *** Coming off a shocker but pay to ignore as form prior was excellent. 12
2 WELL DONE *** Showed last start he is up with the best 4YO’s and right in this. 4.00
3 MAJESTIC MOMENTS *** Just missed when swooping in the Patron’s Bowl and expect much the same. 5.50
4 AFFLECK ** Hasn’t won since the Guineas in 2015 but showed enough last start to keep a few honest. 20
5 BLUE DANUBE ** Worked home OK in the Patron’s Bowl and has won over 2000m so keep safe at odds. 50
6 POSEIDON ** Bounced back to form last start after poor Stewards’ Cup and can consider with blinkers off at value. 12
7 MR SPIELBERG *** Was probably favourite for this race twelve months ago and found winning form again last start. Goes close. 10
8 TIME ODYSSEY ** Recent form a worry but respect on best form with nice recent trial a pointer. 33
9 MIGHTY WARRIOR *** Excuses in the Patron’s Bowl and could spring a Derby surprise at bolters odds. 33
10 ROCKFAST *** Hard to fault winning form over this trip and looks cherry ripe for this. 6.00
11 ARES ** Not a mile away in the Patron’s Bowl and can include in the exotic mix at odds. 33
12 WINNING CAUSE ** Facing biggest test but too honest to leave out of calculations. 33
13 NEWLANDS ** Found wanting in the Patron’s Bowl but pay to give another chance to show his best. 33
14 BRING MONEY HOME *** Continues to show he is up to this level and derby distance looks ideal with blinkers to winkers. 20
15 STREET TAIPAN * Blinkers off after a shocker and have to take on trust. 50
16 BELIEVE YOURSELF *** Honest are who had excuses in the Patron’s Bowl and can make amends. 7.00
17 ZIP A DEE DOO DAH *** One of the few horses with a win to his name over this trip and must be considered if he gets a start. 33
18 GILT COMPLEX ** Honest and handles the trip and not the worst at long odds. 50
19 AIR FORCE ONE *** Fell one win short of gaining a start in a race that he would play a big role. 12
20 SMART LAD ** Tested this level but honest enough to be competitive. 50
Race 9
Selections; 4 AWESOME – 1 HERMANO MENOR – 9 DIVIDED HOUSE – 5 VON KRUMM
Nothing jumps of the page in this Class 3 sprint so it may pay to have a look at the tote prior to see who connections think wins. In saying that you would be happy to get value if you do like one in what is one of the more open races on the card. As it stands AWESOME should give a sight. Yes, the horse is yet to win on the turf but that looks an anomaly and he can show he is up to the task in this field. HERMANO MENOR also looks a big show. The 4YO very much appreciates being back in Class 3 and should figure prominently throughout. Another honest runner is DIVIDED HOUSE who also appreciates being back in suitable company while VON KRUMM looks a solid each-way option.
1 HERMANO MENOR *** Will find this company more to his liking and should figure in the finish. 4.00
2 JUSTICE DAY ** Has been thereabouts without threatening but could improve at first start in Singapore on the turf. 20
3 SOUTHERN BOSS ** Speed to burn but have to take on trust at the business end. 33
4 AWESOME *** Three career wins on the Poly but handles the turf and will win races like this. 5.00
5 VON KRUMM *** Form better than it reads and gets his chance after drawing the ace. 6.00
6 RED DAWN * Not at his best of late but the type who could surprise at odds. 50
7 SURE WIN * Bombed at only turf run and easier to ignore. 100
8 GATO NEGRO ** Win four starts back was on the turf so worth another look at value. 20
9 DIVIDED HOUSE *** Ignore last start in Group company as honest and always a winning show in races like this. 5.00
10 HIGH TROJA * Needs longer. 100
11 WHITE HUNTER ** Honest type who may need a tad easier to win. 8.00
12 ABOVE THE SKYLINE * Had a couple of issues of late and have to take on trust. 100
13 LUMINIFF LAD ** Scratched.
14 VIVIANO ** Resuming with nice trial and have to respect with visor off. 12
15 WONDERFUL KNIGHT ** Always some show in races like this and worth including in exotics at value. 20
16 CAIRO *** Progressive and handles the turf so pay to follow. 8.00
Race 10
Selections; 2 LIM’S SHOWCASE – 1 LAKE HUKA – 4 ELISE – 6 RUN IT TWICE
While his form reads “just fair”, LIM’S SHOWCASE looks the horse to be on in this Class 4 sprint. The 3YO has a pretty good winning record and given he was in the Group 2, 3YO Classic just three starts back, he looks better than Class 4 and wins this without surprising. It will be interesting to see if he gets support – it could be heavy – but happy to be on regardless. Last start winner LAKE HUKA has the recent runs on the board and looks a more obvious choice while ELISE also comes off a last start Kranji Stakes D win and must be a big show. Nothing else jumps off the page but a gear change or two on the likes of RUN IT TWICE (blinkers on) with IDYLLIC SCENERY and AMAZON GOLD both blinkers off some hope.
1 LAKE HUKA *** Won well last start in slightly easier Company and happy to follow. 3.50
2 LIM’S SHOWCASE *** Last start better than the result and looks ready to win a race like this. 2.50
3 IDYLLIC SCENERY ** Resuming sans blinkers and tongue-tie and recent good trial suggests he goes OK. 20
4 ELISE *** Another who won in KSD company last start but always a show on the turf over this trip. 5.50
5 FLYING TEMPO * Resuming and happy to wait for longer. 100
6 RUN IT TWICE ** Nothing last start but gets blinkers and recent trial suggests improvement. 8.00
7 AMAZON GOLD ** Blinkers off to turn some solid form into a result and worth a look each way at value. 20
8 MORALES ** Scratched.
9 SUGARTIME JAZZ * Versatile but might be looking or something easier with blinkers off. 33
10 A LOT IN HAND * Reassess in easier company. 200
11 ALOHA ** For looks hopeless but worth a sneaky look in exotics at very long odds. 50
12 GUILTLESS ** Competitive on his day but like to see in Class 5. 12
Race 11
Selections; 7 DAMON – 5 FIGHTING WARRIOR – 6 LIM’S AFFECTION – 1 TURQUOISE KING
As befitting what should have been a cracking Emirates Singapore Derby meeting, the last race is a beauty and a must for punters. Manny Nunes could have had a big weekend and can add to his tally with DAMON. The 4YO had all sorts of excuses in the straight in a similar affair to this last start and did more than enough to think he can win this. Another that goes close is FIGHTING WARRIOR. Also a 4YO, FIGHTING WARRIOR had a crack at Group level in the Patron’s Bowl and was far from disgraced suggesting he is up to winning races like this. Value punters may also like to have a look at the top-weight, TURQUOISE KING. The Australian-bred gelding had excuses last start and his form prior suggests he is ready to open his account (hopefully at odds). LIM’S AFFECTION is another that had excuses last start so put a line through that run and take on form prior with MY BROTHERS KEEPER, TALES OF SUMMER and MURRAYFIELD all winning chances.
1 TURQUOISE KING *** Excuses last start and mile in this company should suit. Value. 20
2 BLOSSOMS SEQUEL * Reassess on the Poly. 50
3 MY BROTHERS KEEPER *** Led when winning in Class 4 last start and happy to follow. 5.00
4 NANDOWRA * Trip and company suits but have to take on trust on recent form. 33
5 FIGHTING WARRIOR *** Far form disgraced in the Patron’s Bowl and no reason he can’t win this at value. 12
6 LIM’S AFFECTION *** Plenty of excuses last start so forget and take on good form prior. 8.00
7 DAMON *** Excuses not to win similar affair last start and can make amends with tongue-tie added for this. 4.00
8 SUN EMPIRE ** Has been tested this level but cheeky run expected. 20
9 TALES OF SUMMER *** Has been thereabouts at four starts in Singapore and look for improvement with blinkers and tongue-tie added for this. 12
10 SAND BANK ** Last start win in KSD company and this looks a tougher ask. 12
11 MURRAYFIELD *** Showed more than enough similar affair last start to follow. 5.00
12 SIAMESE CAT ** Turned around some poor form to win at odds in KSD company last start and should be competitive here. 20
13 WHOSE ELSE’S ** Just missed last start in Class 4 and consistent enough to follow. 15
14 RAMZES * Gets blinkers after poor Singapore debut but easier to ignore. 200
15 SING EXPRESS * Reassess on the Poly over longer. 100
16 HIGHER SOUL ** Honest and each-way all the way. 20
