CADET well placed to win race (Singapore Turf Club)
It’s been a big week for Pat Shaw.
Firstly, the affable South African handler informed the Singapore Turf Club he will be taking leave of absence – just over six months – due to health reasons.
He won’t be lonely though as it was also announced that the mighty ROCKET MAN will follow him to South Africa and the Champ will be bid farewell in appropriate fashion on Sunday – the last meeting of the 2016 season.
The great horse deserves a great home and no doubt Pat and owner Fred Crabbia will make sure ROCKET MAN retires in suitable grandiose surroundings in Durban.
It doesn’t stop there.
QUECHUA will fly the Singapore flag under Shaw’s name in the Hong Kong Vase on December 11 – the only Singapore horse invited to the HK Internationals.
So Pat has, and will be busy, before he leaves and on Friday night he could very well train a double with CADET well placed to win race 3 and TERMS OF REFERENCE looking just as well placed to win the eighth.
In fact a triple is not out of the question with BIG BROTHER a winning hope in race 5 and don’t discount the Shaw stablemates in two of those races.
Friday 2 December
Best Bets: (CADET race 3 win), (TERMS OF REFERENCE race 8, win) and (THE DODGER race 7, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 5, 7 and 9), race 7 (2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10 and 12), race 8 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8), race 9 (2).
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 1
Selections; 7 HELEN – 10 ASHQAR – 3 LUCKY SIX – 8 SO PERFECT
A solid Class 5 field heads to the starter in the first on Friday and HELEN gets her chance to knock in another win. The 5YO mare had excuses at her first run in Class 5 not to be in the mix and given she gets a senior hoop from gate 1, she should be very prominent throughout. She does face some tough opposition and a maiden in ASHQAR must be considered. The 4YO has placed at his last three starts and Oscar Chavez gets another chance to get a result while in form. SO PERFECT is the more obvious pick given he won first-up with M Rodd up and no reason to think the same combination can’t go on with the job. Two “lucky” horses in LUCKY SIX and UNCLE LUCKY also win without surprising dropping to Class 5 and pay to keep an eye on the market for the likes of SOON YI who should go better in this Company if right.
1 DOMINY ** Maiden who will appreciate drop to Class 5 with market watch in order. 20
2 GREAT WARRIOR ** In form but dropping back significantly in trip is a concern. 8.00
3 LUCKY SIX *** In solid form but comes under serious consideration back in recent winning Class. 8.00
4 SOON YI ** Freshened after issues last start and pay to keep very safe in this Company. 12
5 UNCLE LUCKY *** Form reads badly and drawn wide but very much appreciates Class 5 and tongue-tie. 12
6 YOURSTOKEEP * Resuming and not for me. 50
7 HELEN *** Wins in Class 5 sooner than later and gets her chance from gate 1. 5.00
8 SO PERFECT *** Won similar affair when resuming last start and looks the benchmark. 4.00
9 SUPERTEN ** Nothing last start but have to respect on win two starts back. 10
10 ASHQAR *** Maiden who is due and should figure heavily in this finish. 4.00
11 JOE * Recent form just fair but headgear removed so may improve at odds. 100
Race 2
Selections; 4 MAJOR TOM – 2 GREY FALCON – 7 AUSPICIOUS ACE – 5 MY HORSE
It’s safe to say GREY FALCON is due and the punters might back him into a very short quote. The 3YO has had support at all three career starts and showed more than enough last start (with excuses early) when blinkers were added to think he is the one to beat in this. However, there are some handy enough newcomers to consider including MAJOR TOM. The 3YO has had two trials and showed more than enough at both to think he can win on debut with Oscar Chavez up from gate 4. Of the other newcomers, MY HORSE and AUSPICIOUS ACE will both debut well on what they showed at their respective trials with market best guide on that pair and the other debutantes.
1 VIVA JOE STRUMMER * Need support on exposed trial form. 33
2 GREY FALCON *** Excuses early last start with support and gets his chance to break through from gate 1. 2.00
3 DREAMPITCHER * Easier to ignore. 50
4 MAJOR TOM *** Trialling nicely and can win on debut with support likely. 3.00
5 MY HORSE *** Solid at the trials and should be in the mix on debut. 8.00
6 NEVERTHELESS * Hard to have on exposed local trial form. 33
7 AUSPICIOUS ACE *** Has a bit to learn but has shown ability at the trials and pay to keep very safe on debut. 8.00
8 SUCCESS COME TRUE ** Recent trial – albeit with headgear – was OK but may need the run. 20
9 SUPER GENIUS ** Appreciates better gate and worth thought at odds on nice debut run. 20
10 LOKELANI * Not on exposed trial form. 33
Race 3
Selections; 4 CADET – 1 LIM’S SINCERE – 2 FINE CHOICE – 9 ORCHARD ROAD
One thing has been apparent over the last few weeks of racing and that is the fact the 2YO form from June/July this year is more than holding up in “open” company. So while CADET returned with a maiden win, that effort was easily good enough to think the Captain Sonador 3YO is more than up to Class 4 and wins this without surprising. LIM”S SINCERE looks the danger. The 4YO loves this trip and track and showed at his last couple that he wins in Class 4 sooner than later. Y Salim and his 3kg claim stays on and there should be no excuses in running from gate 6. FINE CHOICE and ORCHARD ROAD both have recent Class 4 form to their name and will figure somewhere at the business end with RED GENERAL, KEEN DRAGON and HALO BRIGHT three others to include in exotics.
1 LIM’S SINCERE *** Foot on the till and gets his chance in this field. 3.00
2 FINE CHOICE *** Never likely last start in better Company than this and some show on win two back in similar affair. 6.00
3 SILVER SPOON * Not on what we saw at Singapore debut. 100
4 CADET *** Three-year-old who won well when resuming and has subsequently trialled OK. Big show. 3.40
5 RED ANT * Hard to follow but easier to ignore as a rule. 20
6 RED GENERAL ** All sorts of excuses when putting in a shocker with heavy support last start and have to take on trust. 20
7 KEEN DRAGON ** Forget last run on turf as will be more than competitive back on the Poly. 12
8 HALO BRIGHT ** Gets blinkers and has speed to burn so cheeky run expected. 12
9 ORCHARD ROAD *** In very solid form and wins this without surprising with gate 1 a bonus. 6.00
10 PARKER * Reassess in easier Company. 50
11 RIKIOH * Goes OK on his day but drawn wide and like to see in something easier. 33
Race 4
Selections; 7 SUPER SPUR – 9 LION WAVE – 6 MILLION ROUND – 10 MAGIC PAINT
As you would expect in a division 2 of Class 5, the bottom has been scrapped. But it does give some very long-term “Singapore maidens” their chance at some glory in 2016 including LION WAVE from the Michael Clements stable. The former Kiwi did win two races before arriving but is winless from some 23 starts at Kranji. Obviously that is a concern but he showed enough last start to follow with Nunes to jump from gate 1. Not overly confident as you would expect so SUPER SPUR may be a safer option with a recent win under his belt and Vorster to ride from gate 7. Throw in MILLON ROUND and MAGIC PAINT as two that can improve enough to win while the emergency BONJOUR BOB could also show up if he gets a start.
1 REAL HERO * Just battling at recent outings and needs to lift. 10
2 KING OF THIEVES * Form of late has been good but dropping back from 2000m an obvious concern. 20
3 RUN CHEETAH RUN * Struggling and easier to ignore. 20
4 SILENT CONNECTION * No. 100
5 EVERTRUST ** Issues last start (returned not striding) and worth thought in exotics on form prior. 20
6 MILLION ROUND *** Resuming with blinkers added after poor run with support and could show up with one eye on the market. 5.00
7 SUPER SPUR *** Can mix his form but showed more than enough of late to give this a shake. 4.00
8 SUVARNABHUMI ** Drawn badly and Poly form just fair but goes better than most here so worth including in exotics. 12
9 LION WAVE *** Yet to win in 23 starts in Singapore but looks in good enough form to win in this weak field. 5.00
10 MAGIC PAINT *** Drawn badly but hit some form of late and looks like winning soon. 5.00
11 GOLDEN ROSEWOOD ** Another long-term maiden who has been thereabouts recently and can be included in exotics. 20
12 PURE WHITE * Recent placing was in a Poly sprint but has been a maiden a very long time. 20
13 BONJOUR BOB *** Another long-term maiden who has shown enough of late to win a race like this. 5.00
14 LOYALTY’S ANGEL * No. 100
Race 5
Selections; 3 BIG BROTHER – 5 MIGHTY EMPEROR – 1 CASTOR – 4 CASING ROYAL
With the exception of an out of sorts VALBUENA, all horses in the BM83 event over 1700m look a winning chance on recent form. Which makes it tough for punters but Pat Shaw is always a trainer to follow in these types of races and his trio of BIG BROTHER, MIGHTY EMPEROR and IMPERIAL MARCH all win without surprising. Of the trio, BIG BROTHER is very honest, looks ready to win again and gets to jump from gate 2. That ticks a few boxes while MIGHTY EMPEROR also must be a huge show on recent winning form with Pat Shaw opting for a claimer in MM Firdaus. IMPERIAL MARCH is the value of the three Shaw runners while the likes of CASTOR with tongue-tie added, CASING ROYAL back on the Poly and last start winner CERTAINLY all can win. ROBIN HOOD had excuses for his only failing of late and also plays a big part in this finish.
1 CASTOR *** Gets a tongue-tie after respiratory issues last start and happy to follow on win two back in similar affair. 5.00
2 VALBUENA * Never involved last start but hard to have on form and query this surface. 33
3 BIG BROTHER *** Very honest and likes the Poly and hard to hold out from gate 2. 3.00
4 CASING ROYAL *** Won over the mile on the poly in this Company two starts back and pay to respect. 7.00
5 MIGHTY EMPEROR *** Knows how to win and certainly showed enough last start and at subsequent trial to give this a shake. 6.00
6 ROBIN HOOD *** Respiratory distress when failing two back and every chance on form in and around that run. 4.00
7 IMPERIAL MARCH ** Form reads badly but pay to keep safe at odds at a rare Poly run. 15
8 CERTAINLY *** Up in Class but won well last start and can handle the Poly and 1700m. 10
Race 6
Selections; 1 SUPER JOY – 2 VOYAGER – 7 SUPER EIGHT – 5 MR BLOSSOM
Another Class 5 division 2 field that leaves a lot to be desired. But it’s nearing the end of year break and one lucky owner has the winning ticket in this $35k raffle. SUPER JOY is probably better than most in this race so he gets his chance at another win. His form is probably better than it reads given he goes only fair on the turf, has been jumping from wide gates and has only been in Class 5 since October, so he could be hard to beat from the ace. Nothing else jumps off the page but the maiden VOYAGER showed last start he can be followed in this Company while last start winner, SUPER EIGHT, is always a show in races like this. MR BLOSSOM and I-SCREAM NOW two others that play a part if having a good day.
1 SUPER JOY *** Looks ready to win again and will very much appreciate a good gate. 3.00
2 VOYAGER *** Maiden who enjoys the Poly and will be doing best work late. 8.00
3 GOOD BET * Struggling. 100
4 VALBERRY * Late Keepit Karma. Form poor but may appreciate the Poly. 33
5 MR BLOSSOM *** Supported when only fair last start but always a show in Poly sprints. 7.00
6 SATCHMO ** Maiden who will appreciate being back on the Poly and will work into this late. 20
7 SUPER EIGHT *** Won’t win out of turn but showed last start why he is always a winning show. 5.00
8 ONE O NINE ** Showed last start why this type of race is his caper and should figure in the mix. 12
9 I-SCREAM NOW *** Struggles to win but in solid form and can race handy from the wide gate. 6.00
10 PRESENT ARMS * Struggling but recent trial was OK so could improve at very long odds. 100
11 RAINBOW STAR ** Long-term maiden who can be included in exotics. 20
12 SECONDWAVE ** Not far away last start in similar affair and expect much the same. 10
Race 7
Selections; 10 THE DODGER – 2 FLYING SHADOW – 5 GUILTLESS – 12 LUCKY COMMAND
Plenty of recent non-winners in this race including FLYING SHADOW and GUILTLESS who have collectively placed some seven times since their last wins. In saying that they have drawn gate 1 and 2 respectively and surely have to win again sooner than later in a race that suits both. Looking elsewhere, THE DODGER may a sneaky hope. Obviously his recent form reads badly and he does have jump from a wide gate, but worth noting his only win was on the Polytrack and his only other start on the all-weather track was in Class 4 where he was not disgraced. It is another raffle though with LEADERSHIP, FAST JET, HAPPY SAGA and LUCKY COMMAND all some show on recent form.
1 ALARANCH ** Should need further but very much appreciates Class 5 and look for improvement at odds. 20
2 FLYING SHADOW *** Just missed last start and is certainly due but desperate for a result for the support. 4.00
3 LEADERSHIP *** Has looked a better option on the turf but not far away last start in Class 4 and pay to keep very safe. 12
4 FAST JET *** Tough horse to follow but showed form last start and maiden win was this track and trip. 8.00
5 GUILTLESS *** Foot on the till and gets his chance from gate 1. 5.00
6 BORN A FIGHTER ** Recent turf form good but is a query on the Poly so play with care. 8.00
7 CHEETAH KING * Needs turf over longer. 50
8 HAPPY SAGA *** Looks suited in this type of race and will be running into winning calculations late. 12
9 Q NINE MAXIM ** Back in trip a concern but form suggests he plays a part late. 20
10 THE DODGER *** Form reads badly and draw a concern but only win was on the Poly and can surprise. 12
11 GREAT BALLS OFFIRE ** Another who drops back in trip but will be competitive. 20
12 LUCKY COMMAND *** Maiden who is racing well enough to win one of these sooner than later. 6.00
13 ROAN RANGER * Better option on the turf. 33
14 GREENBACK * Blinkers on but not for me. 100
Race 8
Selections; 3 TERMS OF REFERENCE – 6 MIGHTY KENNY – 4 SAVAGE STORM – 8 ANY RUMOUR
While more than half the field have legitimate winning hopes in this Class 4 Poly mile, TERMS OF REFERENCE looks perfectly placed to knock in another win. Yes, three of his four wins have been over 1200m but his last win was over this trip and track and given his recent solid efforts were in better Company than this, he could be hard to hold out. Again, with a Pat Shaw runner, it could be his stablemate in MIGHTY KENNY that beats him. The 4YO has drawn wide but two of his most recent wins were this trip and track and he plays a part in this finish. Too many others with winning hopes to elaborate on them all but TALES OF SUMMER is due as is SILENT ARROW. Two that improve in what should be a suitable affair are ANY RUMOUR and SAVAGE STORM and the pair are worth a look at value.
1 D’BUFFALO MAN ** Yet to place on the Poly and drawn wide but in form and the Company suits with blinkers to winkers. 8.00
2 TALES OF SUMMER *** In form and looks due but having first start on the Poly and have to take on trust. 6.00
3 TERMS OF REFERENCE *** Will find this Company to his liking and very hard to beat on his preferred surface. 3.50
4 SAVAGE STORM *** Another that finds himself on the right surface and plays a big part in this at value. 20
5 SILENT ARROW *** In very good form without a win but a switch to the Poly could see a result. 8.00
6 MIGHTY KENNY *** Drawn widest but always a winning show in races like this. 6.00
7 GOLDEN CASINO ** In form and suited stepping up in trip. Each-way all the way. 9.00
8 ANY RUMOUR *** Form reads badly but very much appreciates first-up run and could show up at odds in what is a suitable race. 20
9 REALLY CAPABLE ** Having a rare Poly run but more than competitive in this Company and gets the favours from gate 1. 8.00
10 RETURN TO JUSTICE ** Showed nothing at only Poly start but will appreciate the step up in distance. 33
11 ECLIPSE DANCER * No. 100
12 PERCIUS * In solid form but Poly form a serious concern. 20
13 ECLAIR FIESTA *** Just missed last start over 1700m and has to a show on that run. 6.00
14 HONGCHEN ** Just missed with support in KSD Company last start and may be better suited there. 20
Race 9
Selections; 2 SHADOW OF WAR – 1 SUPER WARRIOR – 3 RED DAWN – 9 BIG CITY
Races don’t get much more interesting than this one with two bang-in-form horses set to go head-to-head. The two horses in question are the undefeated 3YO SHADOW OF WAR and the 4YO SUPER WARRIOR who took a few runs to get his act together before winning his last two races as the odds-on elect. In SHADOW OF WAR’s favour is he too started at an odds-on quote at his two starts and still looks to have a bit to learn about the racing caper. So he should have more upside and probably starts in the red again and is the one to beat. For mine it is a race in two and given the race also lacks depth, RED DAWN, PURE JUSTICE and BIG CITY at odds are the only three other horses worth entertaining.
1 SUPER WARRIOR *** Improved with racing to win his last two as the odds-on elect and good enough to go on with the job. 2.20
2 SHADOW OF WAR *** Likewise won his last two at an odds-on quote but undefeated and very hard to beat. 1.80
3 RED DAWN ** Yet to win on the Poly but kept Shadow of War honest last start and expect much the same again. 20
4 PURE JUSTICE ** In the mix without threatening at five starts in Singapore but can include in exotics. 20
5 AZURE * It would be a blue to back him on recent form. 200
6 MASTERMIND * Struggling. 100
7 OCEAN GENERAL * Appreciates better gate but still needs to improve to consider on recent form. 33
8 SATELLITE BOY * Can run a cheeky race but usually found out late. 33
9 BIG CITY ** Resuming. Form looks hopeless but freshened with some good trials (albeit with tongue-tie) so watch market. 20
10 DIVERGENT * Maiden who should need easier. 33
11 VRAAD * Needs to show more before considering. 100
12 TOOBIGTOFAIL * Reassess over longer in easier Company. 100
