Singapore Racing – Friday

Friday 15 May

Affleck (Danny Beasley) strides away to an impressive win on Sunday. (Picture Singapore Turf Club)

Affleck Headlines . (Picture Singapore Turf Club)

Since the Singapore Turf Club gave the International weekend a tweak back in 2010 by including the Guineas on the Friday night, the race and carnival has gone from strength to strength.

The record-breaking BETTER THAN EVER certainly got the $500,000 Group 1 off to a flying start in 2010 and it continued to grow in stature with the likes of GINGERBREAD MAN, SUPER EASY, STEPITUP and WAR AFFAIR winning in subsequent years. The name AFFLECK would not look out of place on that honour roll. Sure, the NZ-bred gelding had his colours lowered as favourite in the first two legs of the 3YO series but like his Hollywood namesake, he can bounce back from a Gigli to an Argo like performance and that is good enough to win this.

In saying that, the 2015 Guineas field is one of the best seen in recent years with some pundits suggesting it is the must-see race of the weekend. JIMMY REA looks a star in the making and stepping up to the mile and Group company not an issue.

SPANISH BAY beat AFFLECK fair and square in the 3YO Classic over 1400m and has to be respected while A LA VICTORY is a horse with a big future. And the depth of the race suggests there could be a surprise or two in exotics with the filly, BELIEVE YOURSELF one to keep safe at value as she should be motoring late. And the Group racing doesn’t stop there.

frontad-singapore-airlines-cup_140x120The newly introduced Group 2 Aushorse Golden Horseshoe for two-year-olds just adds to what is a great nights racing although SUPER ONE could threaten to make it a one-horse affair if he races up to his exposed form. The good racing starts in race 1 so get there early and enjoy the weekend.

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Friday 15 May

Best Bets; (SUPER ONE race 5, win), (AFFLECK race 7, win) and (KAI POWER race 3, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 6 and 8), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 14), race 8 (2, 7 and 9), race 9 (1, 5 and 12).

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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; 1 ECLAIR SENSATION – 2 SWEET LODGE – 5 SILVER STAR – 11 JET MAN
The opening race of the biggest weekend of racing in Singapore and punters might be tested given ECLAIR SENSATION will start very short and is no good thing given his racing pattern. But this field is weak and hopefully there is enough pace early to suit the backmarkers and the best of the swoopers is ECLAIR SENSATION and he certainly is due to win one of these. Following him home is another handy swooper in SWEET LODGE. The 5YO mare is better suited over longer but given she is resuming a big run fresh is on the cards. SILVER STAR is a solid option given his good Poly form in similar races and a J See 2kg claim won’t hurt. Throw in JET MAN who should be in front late and FLYING WILD is another worth considering.

1 ECLAIR SENSATION *** Will give them a start but will be flying late. Can win. 2.40
2 SWEET LODGE *** Resuming and and another who will make his presence felt late if race run to suit. 6.00
3 WHITE COFFEE ** Pay to ignore last start as previous form has him under each-way notice. 8.00
4 HAPPY HAPPY ** Not a mile away similar affair last start but might need it a tad easier to win. 20
5 SILVER STAR *** Appreciates being back on the Poly and claim won’t hurt. Value. 8.00
6 WINNING STAR * Back in trip a concern. 50
7 BARNBURGH LAD ** Form better than it reads and can include win exotics. 20
8 SWIFT ** Freshened after a poor run and some recent trials good enough to keep safe at odds. 20
9 FISCAL WINGS * Goes OK on his day but can be tested this company. 20
10 FLYING WILD ** Will be joining in late if having a good day. 20
11 JET MAN ** Has enough pace to give a sight and may look the winner late. 6.00
12 FLAMING FIREHEART * Most recent win Class 5 and happy to wait for that company. 33

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Race 2

Selections; 4 STICK SEEKER – 1 FIVE HUNDRED BUCKS – 9 MEGEVE – 12 PROBABLY
Three horses in this Initiation field well and truly have their foot on the till and it might be a case of who gets a little luck in running between FIVE HUNDRED BUCKS, STICK SEEKER and NINETYSEVENEMPEROR. Of the trio, STICK SEEKER has been so close at his last two that he picks himself on top with Nunes staying on-board a factor. FIVE HUNDRED BUCKS could easily win this but some punters may be getting a tad gun-shy given he should have broken his maiden status by now. NINETYSEVENEMPEROR has drawn wide and given his penchant for finding trouble, he could be a risk. Of the others, MEGEVE has shown more than enough late at two career starts to think he gives this a shake from gate 1 while PROUD PINOY and PROBABLY are both worth a look in what is a solid field. Keep the newcomer LIM’S ACTION safe on some very nice trial form.

1 FIVE HUNDRED BUCKS *** Overdue to win given the support but has to be a show. 4.00
2 REAL HERO * Blinkers off. Not a mile away last start but skinny end of exotics look best. 100
3 LIM’S ACTION *** Trials good enough to seriously consider on debut with market a good guide. 8.00
4 STICK SEEKER *** Hasn’t missed by much last couple and hard to beat. 3.00
5 NINETYSEVENEMPEROR *** Can find trouble but due to win and has to be considered. 6.00
6 DRAGON INFINITY * Blinkers and tongue-tie off but hard to have. 200
7 NOTNOWTOMORROW ** Race form ordinary but recent trial suggests he improves at long odds with tongue-tie removed. 33
8 A LOT IN HAND * Needs to show more. 33
9 MEGEVE *** Has run on well at both races and will keep a few honest late. 10
10 PROUD PINOY *** Did it tough so last start placing was very good and pay to follow. 10
11 QUICKSILVER ** Will improve for what was a solid debut. 16
12 PROBABLY *** Had excuses when disappointing with support on debut and worth another look. 12
13 IN BOCCA AL LUPO * Will be battling away but might need longer. 100

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Race 3

Selections; 1 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON – 5 KAI POWER – 2 BRAD – 6 LA FONTANA
A race with depth and while we have the likely favourite in SQUIRE OSBALDESTON as our on-top selection, it will be worth having a long look on the day as there should be value somewhere. But as it stands SQUIRE OSBALDESTON looks due to break his Singapore duck and while it is hist first race start on the Polytrack, the company suits and he should have no excuses with Nunes up from gate 3 or better. Oddly, the value might come from another horse that will appreciate the company and is having his first race start on the Poly in KAI POWER. E Aslam claims 1kg and the 5YO’s is certainly going better than his recent form suggests. In no particular order the likes of BRAD, LA FONTANA, BRING MONEY HOME and MR CONNERY should all have some say in what could be a busy finish.

1 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON *** Not far away in good company last start could be hard to beat at first start on the Poly. 3.00
2 BRAD *** Racing in very good form and goes mighty close with luck from the awkward gate. 5.00
3 YES BABA ** Back on the Poly in his favour but wide draw against him. 20
4 DARK PULSE ** Recent form only average but race suits and could run a cheeky race at odds with tongue-tie added. 20
5 KAI POWER *** Form better than it reads and while untried on the surface, could run a very big race at odds. 33
6 LA FONTANA *** Not far away last start similar affair and gets the favours from gate 1. 8.00
7 BRING MONEY HOME *** Last start better than the result in the book and right in this with luck in running. 8.00
8 MR CONNERY *** Honest and will enjoy being back on the Poly. 5.00
9 RISING TIDE ** Recent form ordinary but did win his maiden on the Poly so look for improvement. 33
10 TWODOLLARMUPPET ** Might pay to ignore last start as goes OK when right. 20
11 BLACK BEAN * Reassess Class 5. 50
12 OZYMANDIAS ** Tongue-tie on. Doesn’t win out if turn but showed last start he has to be considered. 12
13 AUREUS ** Should need easier to win but not a mile away last start and will be value. 50
14 PINYIN * Hard to have on recent form but race does look suitable. 50

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Race 4

Selections; 7 AMI ELEVEN – 13 MOLLY BROWNE – 1 AMAZING – 3 RUN CHEETAH RUN
FORTUNE WINNER certainly looks the obvious choice at first glance. The 3YO is very honest and has only found one better at his last three races. Mario Esposito takes the ride and the Italian will be hoping he can win to kick-off his Singapore riding stint. But plenty of others look very well placed at the mile and AMI ELEVEN with blinkers added might be the testing material. Michael Rodd rides for Laurie Laxon and given a good recent trial with head-gear, he could run a very big race. Nunes jumps on MOLLY BROWNE and that added to some good form and a nice gate suggests she gets support and is right in this. The race has depth and AMAZING will enjoy the mile with JP up with BIMALA and RUN CHEETAH RUN (value) two others to watch.

1 AMAZING *** Will improve with racing and mile looks very suitable. Big show. 8.00
2 RINGS OF SATURN ** Excuses last start not to finish closer and expect a more forward race with winkers added. 20
3 RUN CHEETAH RUN *** Battled on OK when blinkers added last start and worth another look at value. 33
4 BIMALA *** Excuses not to finish closer last start when supported and pay to follow. 5.00
5 OCEAN WAVE * Needs to lift. 100
6 SHUYING XIAOXIAO * Not for me. 50
7 AMI ELEVEN *** Blinkers on. Improves with race experience and recent trial with headgear suggests he gives this a shake. 8.00
8 MIGHTY EMPEROR * Appreciates step up in distance but may want longer again. 20
9 NOT EXACTLY * Will improve with race experience but wide gate is not ideal. 50
10 POLITICALLYCORRECT * Shown little at the races but does get blinkers so look for improvement. 33
11 RAINBOW WARRIOR * Sacre bleu! 200
12 FORTUNE WINNER *** Overdue to knock in maiden win and mile should suit. 4.00
13 MOLLY BROWNE *** Shown more than enough at two start to win this with gate 1 and Nunes a bonus. 3.00
14 MEGABUCKS ** Placed last start at long odds but have to take on trust. 20
15 BANK ON ME * No. 200
16 LORD DARLINGTON * Should appreciate step up in trip. 100

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Race 5

Selections; 1 SUPER ONE – 6 BLUE MOON – 12 FINE CHOICE – 2 KUBERA WARRIOR
I guess the first question to asked in this years Aushorse Golden Horseshoe is how short SUPER ONE? The Michael Freedman-trained 2YO has been backed and won like a good thing at both career starts and it may be a case of “margins and placings” if he jumps well as expected from the wide gate. The fact that he has meet a few of his main opposition in those two runs suggests his main danger might be a newcomer and BLUE MOON looks the best of the debutantes. The Star Witness gelding did look very green when winning his Official Trial but the margin suggests he has ability and could hassle the favourite throughout as both jump from wide gates. The rest look fairly even with FINE CHOICE and KUBERA WARRIOR both likely types as is GENIUS, BIG MAN and LEE MAN.

1 SUPER ONE *** Won very well with heavy support at two start and the one to beat. 1.80
2 KUBERA WARRIOR ** Smart enough but found SUPER ONE much too strong last start. 10
3 GENIUS ** Back-up solid debut with a good win and keeps the favourite honest. 10
4 LEE MAN ** Ran on well to place behind SUPER ONE last start and expect much the same. 12
5 BIG MAN ** Showed more than enough at debut behind GENIUS to be in the mix. 10
6 BLUE MOON ** Green but showed plenty at his Official trial and could be the surprise packet. 12
7 CAIRO * Placed but beaten a long way on debut and may want further to show his best. 20
8 CAPTAIN CLASSIQUE * Will improve with racing but should find a few of these too slick. 100
9 CELERITAS ** Improves with blinkers added and might add value to exotics. 33
10 CHOPIN’S NOCTURNE * Like to see support on what we have seen at trials. 50
11 DRAGON ROYAL ** Excuses last start and improves with blinkers added. 33
12 FINE CHOICE ** Beaten as the odds on elect last start but will figure somewhere in this. 7.00

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Race 6

Selections; 1 MEXICAN GAL – 6 THE GENERAL – 8 SING ROULETTE – 2 KAISER
A Class 4 over 1200m on the poly with plenty of speed on show. MEXICAN GAL is suited on the poly and has the speed to be prominent throughout. SING ROULETTE went too hard early last start, he has speed and will give them something to chase. KAISER is consistent at this level and will be in the finish. The interesting runner is the Argentinean, THE GENERAL. He has been trialling well and could debut well; watch for support. Of the rest, POWER LIN rarely runs a bad race, LUCKY DAPPER can often manage a place, SUPER SPUR trailed well recently and if CRAZY TIMES is over his respiratory issues, he could show up.

1 MEXICAN GAL *** Suited on the poly and has the speed to be prominent throughout. Hard to beat. 4.50
2 KAISER *** Consistent at this level and will be in the finish. 6.00
3 CRAZY TIMES ** Has been thereabouts of late but returned with respiratory distress last start. Poly suits and can race on the speed for a long way if right. 12
4 ANGRY CAT * Has been ridden back and wide last couple but needs to improve and may want easier. 20
5 LUCKY DAPPER ** Regularly places but rarely wins. Will be handy from the good gate. 14
6 THE GENERAL *** Argentinean having first start. Trials nicely. Watch for support. 6.00
7 POWER LIN ** Very consistent and should get a good run throughout. 8.00
8 SING ROULETTE *** Went too hard early last start when supported. Has speed and can give a sight. 5.00
9 BENJI’S RULE ** Consistent in KSD company but Class 4 may test. 12
10 SUPER SPUR ** Versatile and recent good trial suggest we keep safe at long odds. 20
11 HAPPY SAGA * Has struggled at this level since Class 5 win. 33
12 ONEPLUSZERO ONE * Needs Class 5. 50
13 LIM’S MIRAGE * Runs on but wants easier and longer. 33

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Race 7

Selections; 1 AFFLECK – 2 JIMMY REA – 4 A LA VICTORY – 3 SPANISH BAY
They could not have found a better field for the Guineas and this promises to be one of the best races of the International weekend. A month or two ago AFFLECK would have been the raging favourite but he has had his colours lowered at his past two outings. He is trained by the master Laurie Laxon though and the mile may be more to his liking. His most likely challenger is JIMMY REA who has taken all before him and possesses an strong closing turn of foot. Michael Freedman also has a strong hand with AFFLECK’s most recent conqueror SPANISH BAY and the inform A LA VICTORY. Throw in Jimmy’s stablemate CHASE, the filly BELIEVE YOURSELF, the under-rated BRAVO CHARLIE shooting for four on end and the in-form Pat Shaw pair of ELUSIVE EMPEROR and MAJESTIC MOMENTS and we may have a “race for the ages”.

1 AFFLECK *** Last years dominant 2YO who has had his colours lowered at past two outings. Trialled brilliantly recently and the mile gives him a chance to make amends. 3.00
2 JIMMY REA *** Has won five from last six, the only no-win being a placing over 1400m. Has a strong turn of foot and if he runs the mile will be hard to hold off. 4.00
3 SPANISH BAY *** Beat AFFLECK last start. Very consistent and runs a strong 1400m. Should get the mile and will give a sight. 8.00
4 A LA VICTORY *** Never runs a bad race. Failed at his only attempt at a mile though breeding suggests it would be his optimum trip. Will be in the finish 8.00
5 MR SPIELBERG * Honest trier who may be tested at this class over 1600m. 50
6 ZULULAND * Visor off. Only win was VRC Sires Produce. Has ability but may not yet be fully acclimatized to Singapore 33
7 MAJESTIC MOMENTS ** Consistent and has won over a mile on the poly. Can be in the finish. 14
8 TITANIUM ** Blinkers on. Was disappointing last start but previous form was sound. Has won at the journey and should be strong late. 14
9 ELUSIVE EMPEROR ** In good form. Doesn’t win by much but fights very hard. Will be handy throughout. 14
10 CHASE ** Has no luck last outing being held up at a vital stage. Runs on very strongly and could finish better than most. 14
11 BRAVO CHARLIE * Under-rated galloper who loves the mile and could make his presence felt. 25
12 SMART LAD * Ran on nicely when resuming. Distance suits but class could test. 33
13 MASURAO * Will find these too good. 33
14 BELIEVE YOURSELF ** Group winner in Australia and 4th in the Golden Slipper. Excuses last start and could grow wings late. 33

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Race 8

Selections; 7 GHOST – 9 SUPER WINNER – 2 VALEVOLE – 10 INDICIO
One of these rare Class 2 events – this one over 1200m on the poly. GHOST is In top form and with Manoel Nunes and the ace, is the one they have to chase down. SUPER WINNER is racing and trialling well, he is up in grade and while 1200m may test, will give a sight. VALEVOLE will find this easier than recent outings, he loves the poly and is well suited with the claim and a good gate. INDICIO is rarely far away, he has no weight, this distance suits and he will finish better than most. GOOD NEWS has been racing well on turf, he is better on poly and can be closing late. Of the others SUPER KENNY had issues last start and could improve and SUPERNOVA will enjoy the surface and may find this easier than recent outings.

1 SUPERNOVA ** Recent efforts have been ordinary but likes this surface and may find this easier. Removal of blinkers may help. 10
2 VALEVOLE *** Usually races well in these. Loves the poly and well suited with the claim and a good gate. 6.00
3 SIR LOVESALOT * Needs to improve on recent efforts. 33
4 SUPER KENNY ** Raced wide and came back a roarer when resuming. Smart on his day and this grade/track suits. Watch for support. 10
5 ASTROSTAR * Has a good polytrack record and could show up. Gate no help. 20
6 RAPIDO STAR * Could trouble these at best but has not shown up for a while. 50
7 GHOST *** In top form and with Nunes and the ace the one they have to chase down. 3.50
8 HOT GOLD * Better on turf over longer. 33
9 SUPER WINNER *** Racing and trialling well. Up in grade and 1200m could test but will give a sight. 4.00
10 INDICIO ** Excuses last start (lame) an rarely far away. Has no weight, this distance suits and he will finish better than most. 6.50
11 GOOD NEWS ** Has been racing well on turf. Better on poly and can be closing late. 8.50

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Race 9

Selections; 12 QUEEN’S SEVEN – 5 FREE HAPPY – 1 DEAUVILLE – 11 MR FANTASTIC
A Class 4 over 1200m on turf may give QUEEN’S SEVEN a chance to break through. The Japanese-bred has put in decent runs since being fitted with a tongue-tie and ran a bold race in similar company to just miss last start. Shafiq stays on and he should be prominent throughout. FREE HAPPY ran on strongly two starts back for Manoel Nunes in a similar event; he will be hard to hold out. The stablemate HARDCORE ROCK drops into easier company and can show up with the claim for Firdaus and the good gate added bonuses. MR FANTASTIC is not quite living up to his name but is rarely far away, his recent trial was good and he can figure in the finish. DEAUVILLE is resuming after a couple of disappointing efforts, he is suited this grade and his recent trial was solid, watch for support. Others that could show up include BLACK SNOW and ARES who will be improved from his first Singapore outing.

1 DEAUVILLE *** Resuming after a couple of disappointing efforts. Suited this grade and recent trial was solid. Watch for support. 8.00
2 IRISH REBEL ** Resuming after a long break. Trialling nicely but might find these a bit sharp. 20
3 ART OF WAR * Improved effort on poly last start and is better suited on that surface. 20
4 BLACK SNOW ** Has disappointed at past couple. Usually honest at this level and could show up. 12
5 FREE HAPPY *** Ran on strongly two starts back for Nunes in a similar event. Will be hard to hold out. 4.00
6 HARDCORE ROCK ** Drops into easier company and can show up with the claim and good gate bonuses. 12
7 MR MAGNUS * Resuming after failures over longer. Might find these too sharp. 33
8 ARES ** Well back at Singapore debut but won a Maiden in UK at his trip. Watch for improvement. 16
9 BANNISTER * Recent trial was good but race form has been ordinary. Claim for in-form apprentice will help. 16
10 GADAWON ** Did well to place after working early last start. Value. 16
11 MR FANTASTIC ** Not quite living up to his name but rarely far away and can figure in the finish with nice recent trial a pointer. 8.00
12 QUEEN’S SEVEN *** Ran a bold race in similar company last start to just miss. Should be in the finish. 4.00
13 PATERSON ROAD * These will go too fast. 33
14 HAPPY CAT * Wants easier. 33

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Click here to view the Racecard

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