Holy Empire (Alan Munro) hits the line strongly for this third win at Kranji
Singapore welcomed back turf racing last Sunday and given the form for most races held-up nicely, it is with confidence that we approach Fridays mixed-surface meeting. Two quality turf races in particular – a Class 3 over 1200m (race 3) and a Kranji Stakes B over 1600m (race 7) – are not to missed with one-eye on feature racing in the coming months. The Kranji Stakes B mile has three horses – CASH LUCK, DARIAN GAP and MUSKETEER – making their first appearances since unplaced Derby runs in July and connections of all three will be looking at big efforts fresh, with the Group 1 Kranji Mile in October firmly in mind. CASH LUCK – a two-time winner over the mile – heads the ratings and as such has the big weight of 59.5kg to carry. The Bradbury’s Luck-gelding certainly plays a part in most punters thoughts on the race, however, the fact he will be giving plenty of weight to MUSKETEER with just 52kg, suggests both get support and finish around the money. But it may be a horse that has plenty to say in the 2014 Derby – HOLY EMPIRE – that the pair will find toughest to beat. The lightly-raced 4YO has won three from just six career starts and given the way he hit the line when winning over 1400m at his last start, he looks the one to be on. Another couple of 4YO’s make the Class 3 sprint another race that gives us a good guide to some future Group form. SIMPLE PLEASURES and ZAC SPIRIT already have Group placings to their names – both behind champion 3YO, STEPITUP – and the pair are certainly horses with big futures. SIMPLE PLEASURES is first-up after bleeding in the Singapore Classic but given he goes well fresh and his excellent recent trial form, he can easily win this. ZAC SPIRIT will also get plenty of support and the two-time winner certainly knows how to mix it in any company. Some great racing and some horses to follow at the business end of 2013.
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Best Bets; HOLY EMPIRE (race 7, win), ABYSS (race 5, each-way) and BIG RESPECT (race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11), race 7 (1, 3, 6 and 8), race 8 (1, 6, 7, 10 and 13), race 9 (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6).
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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.
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Race 1
Selections; 2 NINETYFIVE ARRIVAL – 3 STAR ACADEMY – 11 SILENT POWER – 13 GALLANT HEIGHTS
A very Open Class 5 over 1600m starts the programme. One of the only two winners on Kranji turf in the field is NINETYFIVE ARRIVAL who is down in grade. His only win was a Class 5 over 1400m; from the good alley with Lisa Allpress up he should get the gun run and be hard to hold off. STAR ACADEMY is racing very consistently on the polytrack; she has a placing on turf and from the perfect draw with Nunes up will be near the lead all the way. SILENT POWER has won at 1400m on turf and at a mile on the poly. His three runs since resuming have been sound and Leticia Dragon has put Moreira on top; he should race well but his chances would be significantly improved if there were some rain. Many of the better chances are maidens. GALLANT HEIGHTS ran on strongly over 1200m on poly last start and his previous two turf efforts were good including a placing over a mile, he is nicely weighted and with Sam Subian up should race well. Others with a chance are REGAL SALUTE, DRAGON G, MR PATRON and even GRAVLAX at value.
1 DRAGON G ** One-paced Maiden who battles away at this distance and should be handy all the way. 12
2 NINETYFIVE ARRIVAL *** Down in Grade. Only win was a Class 5 over 1400m. Well suited with Lisa Allpress up and should get the gun run. 4.00
3 STAR ACADEMY *** Racing very consistently. Perfectly drawn and will be near the lead all the way. 4.00
4 EISHIN BRIGHT * Up to a more suitable distance but will need to improve to bother these. 50
5 GRAVLAX *** Maiden who really should win a race like this given his form in better company. 14
6 REGAL SALUTE ** Maiden who has raced well at two starts over 1200m since resuming. Should be suited in this with Corey Brown up. 8.00
7 MR PATRON ** First time on turf. Maiden who has been close up at recent starts over shorter journeys. Will go better with Vorster but failed at only previous attempt at a mile. 12
8 MY PREROGATIVE * Improves in CLass 5 but hard to have. 33
9 WORLD OF FAME * Beaten a long way in a weak race at last outing. Needs to improve. 50
10 REAL GOODMAN ** Won a very weak race over a mile last start on the poly and better suited there. 20
11 SILENT POWER *** Three runs since resuming have been sound and gets Moreira. Won over a mile on the poly. Would like some rain. 6.50
12 DRAGON DANCER * Blinkers back on but will need more than that. 50
13 GALLANT HEIGHTS *** Maiden who ran on strongly over 1200m on poly last start. Previous two turf efforts good including placing over a mile. Nicely weighted and should race well. 7.00
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Race 2
Selections; 6 HANKS – 2 STORMY ALONG – 1 I-SCREAM NOW – 5 BEDFORDVIEW
Another one of these early season Initiations for the 4YOs and under, this time over 1100m on the polytrack. Of those we have seen, STORMY ALONG looks to get his chance; he never got near the fence and still finished close up last start. From the better draw with YF Leong on top he should be handy all the way. I-SCREAM NOW put in a shocker at his last outing when favourite; he has subsequently trialed well and if he runs up to the promise showed in his earlier preparation could be hard to run down. HANKS is a Laurie Laxon first starter and he could easily win on debut. The 4YO has trialed well both in New Zealand and Singapore and with Moreira up from the ace draw, he should give a bold sight. LUCKY GUY is one of Mark Walker’s string – he put in a good effort on debut and with Shafiq steering should be further improved. Of the others FINAL COUNTDOWN, BEDFORDVIEW – who had support but disappointed on debut – and STING could show up.
1 I-SCREAM NOW *** Put in a shocker at last outing but subsequently trialed well. Showed promise in his earlier preparation and if he can get away could be hard to run down. 4.00
2 STORMY ALONG *** Never got near the fence and still finished close up last start. From the better draw should be handy all the way. 3.70
3 FINAL COUNTDOWN ** Outclassed last outing, Better suited here back in maiden company. Has some speed and could run a cheeky race. 8.00
4 CASSIS OOLONG * Has not shown up in five starts and may need longer. 33
5 BEDFORDVIEW ** Well back at only outing when supported. Trialed since and should be improved. 20
6 HANKS *** Has had several trials. By Falkirk and from the ace with Moreira up should make strong debut.Half-brother to Listed winner THEE AULD HUSSIE and useful performer AWAKEN THE DRAGON. 4.00
7 LUCKY GUY ** Nice effort on debut and should be further improved. 5.00
8 WINDSOR KNOT * Showed speed on debut but poor effort last outing. Take on trust. 33
9 BLACK FURY * Not far away on debut but a long way back last time. Improvement required. 33
10 STING ** Fair effort on debut. Could be an improver; watch for support. 16
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Race 3
Selections; 1 SIMPLE PLEASURES – 3 ZAC SPIRIT – 2 MULAN – 4 GOLDEN RABBIT
Only six runners front up for a Class 3 over 1200m on turf. SIMPLE PLEASURES is resuming after a bleeding attack; two starts back he was beaten a lip by the season’s top 3YO, STEPITUP. He trialed well recently and with John Powell to ride, is the one to beat. ZAC SPIRIT won a Novice at his last outing and prior to that competed strongly in the 3YO series; he trialed impressively recently and with Moreira engaged should race well fresh. MULAN is a classy mare suited by the small field; she will be running on late. GOLDEN RABBIT has some speed but he might be (and the rest are) just making up the numbers.
1 SIMPLE PLEASURES *** Smart galloper resuming after bleeding attack. Two starts back was narrowly beaten by STEP ITUP over 1200m and has trialed well recently. Hard to beat. 2.30
2 MULAN *** Classy mare always a threat in these small fields. Will be running over the top late. 3.50
3 ZAC SPIRIT *** Won a Novice last outing and prior to that performed well in 3YO series. Has been freshened by a recent trial and with Moreira on top should race well. 2.40
4 GOLDEN RABBIT ** Won in Class 4 last outing but has not won beyond 1100m and could be tested here. 12
5 SACRED PINS * Tongue tie on; good effort on resuming but has struck some smart ones here. 20
6 RAGING STORM * Blinkers on; useful performer but better in Class 4. 33
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Race 4
Selections; 2 SEASONS ECHO – 1 MR MAGNUS – 4 DRAGON – 9 PADDY O’REILLY
A Class 4 over a mile on turf in which there may not be a lot of early speed. SEASON’S ECHO has only had five career starts and since resuming has smashed them at his last two outings, the most recent over this journey. With Alan Munro replacing the injured Santana, he has a strong chance for the hat-trick though a positive ride will be required. MR MAGNUS failed at the mile in the Guineas but put in a solid 4th on resuming over 1400m. Moreira has trialed him subsequently and retains the mount – he should race well. DRAGON has had numerous health issues but his last win was this Class, surface and distance with Dan Beasley up. He has trialed him recently and the combination should be ready to go again. Of the others PADDY O’REILLY’s only win was at this trip and he will appreciate being back on turf; he was not far away two starts back and with Lisa Allpress to ride could surprise. BORSALINO and STAGE BRIGHT could show up if ridden forward and CAUTION the bolter at odds.
1 MR MAGNUS *** Failed at the mile in the Guineas. Solid 4th on resuming over 1400m and had a subsequent trial. Moreira retains the mount and should race well again. 2.40
2 SEASONS ECHO *** Has bolted in at two runs since resuming. Strong chance for a hat-trick. 3.00
3 BORSALINO ** Yet to win in Singapore and only placing was on the polytrack two starts back. Engagement of Nunes may help. 10
4 DRAGON *** Resuming. Has had respiratory issues but last win was this Class, surface and distance with Beasley up. Recent trials may have helped him. 5.00
5 STAGE BRIGHT * Racing poorly but may appreciate being on turf over a mile. With Zaki on top he may go forward and give them something to chase. 20
6 CAUTION ** Needs to improve on recent runs but switch to top claimer suggests we keep safe in exotics. 20
7 WARRIOR * Wants easier than this. 33
8 ENZO * Recent form very poor but will appreciate being back on turf. 33
9 PADDY O’REILLY ** Only win was at this trip and will appreciate being back on turf. Not far away two starts back and could surprise. 20
10 SUI GENERIS * Blinkers on but this is too tough. 33
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Race 5
Selections; 6 ABYSS – 4 REAL STEEL – 8 STEALTH FIGHTER – 3 JONATHAN
A Class 5 for the Claimer’s over 1200m on the polytrack and as is often the case, an average field goes around. Harry Kassim is nudging closer to the half-century of winners and gets his chance here with REAL STEEL – a maiden who has been placed seven of 12 starts on the poly. He has run on strongly to place 3rd at his last two outings and from a good gate, 1200m should be ideal. JONATHAN is another maiden who is usually thereabouts; he has enough speed to be prominent all the way in this. ABYSS is well suited in these events; he has won twice at 1200m, has the experienced Aslam and from the ace should make a bold bid. ZAC HEAVEN knows how to win but only at 1000m, notwithstanding, with Willie Tan up he should be near the lead all the way and will fight on bravely. Of the others, STEALTH FIGHTER has been freshened by a recent trial, THE STALLONE showed improvement last outing and the old fellow WONDER GENERAL, a last start winner, is always a chance.
1 ZAC HEAVEN *** Has never won beyond 1000 but often places. Will race near the lead and fight on bravely. 6.00
2 HELLOLO ** Third run back from a spell. Only win was at 1100m but been thereabouts last couple. 20
3 JONATHAN *** Maiden who always looks a chance. Should be on the speed for a long way. 5.00
4 REAL STEEL *** Maiden who has been placed seven of 12 starts on the poly. Excuses last start not to finish closer and gets his chance here with top apprentice to ride. 4.00
5 THE STALLONE ** A better effort last start and this field is not strong. Could show up. 16
6 ABYSS *** Knows how to win and from the ace could make a bold bid in this weak field. 4.50
7 MAGIC OCEAN * Ran on last start and with top rider aboard could improve on recent ordinary efforts. 16
8 STEALTH FIGHTER *** Blinkers added and recent trial with headgear suggests he could break maiden status. 10
9 BY LAW * Wants longer. 33
10 ANCHIETA * Battled into his first lifetime placing last outing. Prefer others. 25
11 WONDER GENERAL *** 8YO who scored his 5th win 63 outings last start in similar affair. Zaki retains the mount and he will make a bid from the good gate. 10
12 AL-HAMID * Had too many chances. 50
13 JADE WIN * Done nothing in three starts since resuming. 50
14 PRUSSIAN JACK ** Day-to-day proposition but if he got a start would make a bid. 14
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Race 6
Selections; 8 ALAN – 2 GOLDEN CURL – 6 LIVE IN HOPE – 9 DYNASTY KNIGHT
Races don’t come much tougher for punters than this Class 4 looks on paper. Three 3YO’s in DRAGON FORCE, LIVE IN HOPE and ALAN all look ready to show they are better than Class 4 and not much separates them. But while DRAGON FORCE and LIVE IN HOPE both come into this with maiden wins under their belts, it may be ALAN who benefits from a run in this company who is hardest to beat here. On that occasion, ALAN found it tough on the pace but the fact he battled on very late late to be only beaten two lengths behind FAALTLESS, suggests he can improve again with that experience. Of the more seasoned campaigners, GOLDEN CURL only found his stable-mate, KALLISAN, better at his last start and if Lisa Allpress can get any sort of run from the awkward gate, he can make amends here. Of the rest, DYNASTY KNIGHT appreciates being back on the turf and might be the value with RISING EXPECTATION and CATCH ME NOW also winning hopes.
1 BM WIN ** Form good and excuses not to finish closer last start but query on the turf. 15
2 GOLDEN CURL *** Just beaten by stable-mate last start and can make amends with luck from wide gate. 8.00
3 EMPEROR’S BANQUET ** Former Australian who comes off a recent quiet trial. Market only guide. 33
4 BE A MAN * Struggling. 50
5 DRAGON FORCE *** Backed up good debut with a nice maiden win. Follow. 5.00
6 LIVE IN HOPE *** Won well on debut and looked good at recent trial. Goes close. 4.00
7 RISING EXPECTATION *** Coming off a nice placing and will be handy all the way. 6.00
8 ALAN *** Did some work last start and battled on manfully. Can win. 4.00
9 DYNASTY KNIGHT *** Not far away of late and switch back to turf in his favour. Each-way. 12
10 GRAND WOOD PARK ** Resuming and goes OK this type of race but wide gate makes it hard. 50
11 CATCH ME NOW *** Turned around some poor form with a close-up effort and could be the value here. 20
12 MAGNIFICENT KID * No. 200
13 FISCAL WINGS ** Never far away but like to see in something easier. 100
14 CAN’T TOUCH ME * In-form but prefer over longer/easier. 50
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Race 7
Selections; 6 HOLY EMPIRE – 1 CASH LUCK – 8 MUSKETEER – 3 SHUTTLE MAN
This race could stand alone as a handy feature but more-so as a huge pointer to some serious Group staying races later in the year. Three horses, CASH LUCK, DARIEN GAP and MUSKETEER, are all fresh after mixed results in the Singapore Derby and all three will be hoping to hit form early this campaign with the Singapore Triple Crown in their sights. CASH LUCK heads the ratings and no reason to think he won’t be right in this finish. He does have 59.5kg to carry which will obviously give hope to horses like MUSKETEER with just 52kg. In fact given what MUSKETEER showed in the Derby campaign, he might come in for support on the light weight and can win. But one that might beat them al is the lightly raced 4YO, HOLY EMPIRE. The grey-gelding has won three from six career starts and given the field he beat over 1400m last start, he is a horse to follow in any company. A great race with SHUTTLE MAN the other with winning hopes over 1600m.
1 CASH LUCK *** Freshened after a solid but unsuccessful Derby campaign and recent trial suggests he goes close. 2.00
2 HEAD START * Issues last few and hard to consider. 200
3 SHUTTLE MAN *** Going along OK and step up to the mile looks a good move. 12
4 ENCOSTA DIABLO ** Also appreciates the back up in trip and will provide value with downgrade to visor. 20
5 DARIEN GAP ** Another freshened after a Derby run (poor) and will find this more to his liking. 20
6 HOLY EMPIRE *** Smart, lightly-raced 4YO who was well held at recent trial. Can win. 3.00
7 FIGHTER JET * Very hard to follow on form. 33
8 MUSKETEER *** Yet another coming off a Derby campaign (good) and looks very well placed with just 52kg. 4.00
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Race 8
Selections; 1 DOS EQUIS – 6 WEOWNA FLYER – 7 DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE – 13 ANGE D’ORIENT
DOS EQUIS might have only one career win to his name but as someone once said, “in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king”. But given his good recent form and some nice efforts previously in Class 4 company, DON EQUIS should go very close with gate two and Manoel Nunes a good combination. The maidens – WEOWNA FLYER, DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE, CHINESE TYCOON and ANGE D’ORIENT – look the main dangers and anyone of these capable to break the bridesmaid tag. WEOWNA FLYER has Moreira on-board so support and a big run on recent form is on the cards. Likewise DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE looks due and Lisa Allpress gets her chance to win on the 5YO. Not a lot of depth to the race and the five mentioned should figure heavily in the finish.
1 DOS EQUIS *** Fresh and this looks suitable to win. 4.00
2 QUALITASE * Form poor. 100
3 ATIAMURI ** Freshened after something looked amiss last start but previous couple OK. 14
4 RICH BORN * Form OK but big query on the turf. 20
5 WEIGHT IN GOLD * Struggling this campaign. 33
6 WEOWNA FLYER *** Maiden with foot on the till. Goes very close. 3.50
7 DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE *** Another maiden who looks read to win and pay to keep safe with blinkers removed. 5.50
8 DOUBLE HOCK * Draw a concern but OK similar affair two back. 50
9 SUPER KNIGHT ** Put in a decent effort last start and worth a look in exotics. 12
10 CHINESE TYCOON *** Long-term maiden status a concern but the race looks suitable. 12
11 MY FIELD * Not traveling well. 50
12 SUDDEN INTEREST ** Battled on OK last start and another that will add value to exotics. 20
13 ANGE D’ORIENT *** Yet another maiden with a winning hope in what is a suitable race. 12
14 ROLLTHEDICE ** Placed last two with good work late and much the same expected. 12
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Race 9
Selections; 6 BIG RESPECT – 4 PEACE NO WAR – 3 FARETTI – 5 HYPERNOVA
With value in mind, BIG RESPECT might be a very good each-way option in the lucky last. With support likely for the 3YO, PEACE NO WAR and the Moreira mount, FARETTI, the in-form BIG RESPECT might just get out to value and from gate one with Munro to steer, can win. The fact he gets a 5.5kg swing on PEACE NO WAR from the last time they met in a Graduation is definitely a factor and form behind HOLY EMPIRE will hold up. But PEACE NO WAR is a progressive type and appreciates Class 4 after a big run in the Juvenile Championship. FARETTI is also is terrific form and due to knock in his first win in Singapore. Of the rest, GREEN TRACER will be doing his best work late and is worth following with HYPERNOVA also worth a look after his overdue maiden win at his last start. CONVICT the value on his good recent trial in what is a very top-heavy race.
1 CONVICT ** Looked to have issues last start so consider at value with good recent trial with blinkers added. 20
2 GREEN TRACER *** Wide draw might not hurt as will get back and on strongly. Keep safe. 12
3 FARETTI *** Good thing beaten as odds on pop last start and can make amends here. 2.00
4 PEACE NO WAR *** Smart youngster who placed in 2YO Group company last start. Can win with blinkers off for this. 2.50
5 HYPERNOVA *** Lived up to some of the trial hype by breaking maiden status last start and pay to follow. 4.00
6 BIG RESPECT *** In form and looks well placed with 55kg. Goes very close. 6.00
7 TWO M AND M ** Former Argentinean who has had several trials. Market best guide. 20
8 GOOD BUDDY ** Resuming and has a good first up record. Value. 33
9 SCARLET STAR * Not going well enough for this. 200
10 LADY TRIO * Resuming and hard to have. 200
11 MAGICAL SUNSET ** Starts very costly but recent trial looked good and could show-up at long odds with winkers added. 33
12 DEN * No. 200
13 GIVE WAY ** Looked destined for Class 5 but close up finish last start has him under notice. 33
14 SKY STORM * Last start Class 5 winner and probably needs that company. 100
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