Golden Tomahawk looks good in the BM 67 Sprint
Once again an eight race card is on offer at Kranji on Friday evening and once again, the best races will see us home. In saying that there does look an interesting maiden earlier in the card (race 2) with Pat Shaw having three runners – THE BLACK KNIGHT, MIGHTY KENNY and ROYAL EXPLORER – who all should play some part over 1200m on the Poly.
Of the trio, THE BLACK KNIGHT gets blinkers and his recent trial with headgear suggests he could be the one to beat with Noreesh Juglall onboard. But the race is surrounded by some mediocre affairs and it may pay to wait for race 6 before we get serious. The race in question is a BM 67 sprint and there looks four serious winning hopes in BLACK FURY, EATONS GOLD, GOLDEN TOMAHAWK and KEEN DRAGON.
And while GOLDEN TOMAHAWK and KEEN DRAGON are in winning form, BLACK FURY has been racing very consistently in good company and given his four career wins have all been on the Poly, a switch back to the all-weather track could see a much deserved result.
The good racing continues with an Argentinean in IMPERIAL MARCH looking very well placed over a mile on the Poly in race 7 while the lucky last looks a beauty for punters with plenty of depth. KUBERA WARRIOR adds a touch of class to the KSD sprint but it may be TOP GUN he has to pass late to win with DUTY FREE the swooper looking a very good value option.
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Friday 28 August
Best Bets: (THE BLACK KNIGHT race 2, win), (IMPERIAL MARCH race 7, win) and (FRANCES race 4, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 5 (5, 6, 7, 8 and 9), race 6 (2, 3, 4 and 5), race 7 (1, 2, 3 and 4), race 8 (1, 2, 4, 5 and 9).
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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 HIGHLIGHT – 6 PURE WHITE – 8 HANDSOME BAB – 2 SECRET SPICE
This could be a race of two halves with the maiden PURE WHITE looking the winner early and hopefully setting it up for HIGHLIGHT to look the winner late. Of the two, HIGHLIGHT has solid form in better races than this not to be the one to be on and CC Wong has been in good form for trainer David Hill. But if he does get a soft run out front and can even dictate terms, PURE WHITE could very well pinch this and knock in a well deserved maiden win at start 20. The field has plenty of depth though and down in the ratings, another maiden in HANDSOME BAB looks a good each-way option. The 4YO is tiny in stature – weighing just 380kg at his last start – but showed his versatility on that occasion by going close in a similar race to this. Of the others, SECRET SPICE showed this company is to his liking at his last start and ZAC COMMAND is better than what he showed last start and gets blinkers back on. GEARIGURU the improver at odds as is JOE SWIPER at his first start in Class 5.
1 HIGHLIGHT *** In good form in better company than this and will be flying late. 4.00
2 SECRET SPICE *** Placed dropping to Class 5 last start and wins sooner than later. 4.00
3 GEARIGURU ** Resuming in the right company so look for improvement on poor form. 12
4 ZAC COMMAND *** Gets blinkers after excuses last start and right in this on best form. 8.00
5 JOE SWIPER ** Maiden who will appreciate Class 5 company and worth thought at value. 20
6 PURE WHITE *** Nineteen start maiden but has speed and is due. 5.50
7 ALWAYS A WINNER ** Not a lot last start but usually thereabouts and has the ace. 12
8 HANDSOME BAB *** Versatile and showed last start he is up to winning a race like this. 4.00
9 SOUTHERN ADMIRAL * Not a mile away last start but easier to ignore. 50
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Race 2
Selections; 1 THE BLACK KNIGHT – 8 SOUTHERN HUSSLER – 9 MIGHTY KENNY – 12 ROYAL EXPLORER
Pat Shaw has a big say in this Initiation with three runners including THE BLACK KNIGHT who looks hardest to beat with blinkers on for the first-time. The 4YO is resuming after issues (not striding) at his last start but some recent trials, including a beauty with blinkers on, suggests he is ready to show his best first-up and can win. Shaw’s other two runners – MIGHTY KENNY and ROYAL EXPLORER – both look good lightweight options in a field with no depth. Of the two, MIGHTY KENNY very much appreciates gate 1 after doing it tough from a wide gate last start and ROYAL EXPLORER appreciates his debut where he had some support. But SOUTHERN HUSSLER looks the danger to the Shaw trio. The 3YO improved lengths when blinkers were added after just a fair debut and that effort good enough to win this. Market best guide on the rest including ARCHER COMPANY with no weight.
1 THE BLACK KNIGHT *** Resuming with blinkers and trialing like a winner. 3.00
2 PUBLIC GUARDIAN * Gets winkers but no. 100
3 DURAN ** Trials OK and has this field has no depth. 10
4 NEVER DEFEATED ** Well named for a horse yet to run but trials good enough to watch market on debut. 12
5 NOVA STAR ** Battles away and can include in exotics with tongue-tie added. 12
6 VOLCANO * Also gets tongue-tie but hard to have on form. 33
7 HERECOMESMYMONEY ** Respiratory issues on debut and work another look on trial form with blinkers added for this. 20
8 SOUTHERN HUSSLER *** Improved lengths with blinkers added last start and must go close. 4.00
9 MIGHTY KENNY ** Did it tough from wide gate last start so effort suggests he is right in this from the ace. 6.00
10 CAPTAIN CLASSIQUE ** Battled away last start and will continue to improve. 12
11 ARCHER COMPANY ** Trials fair but would like to see support on the day. 20
12 ROYAL EXPLORER ** Had some support on debut and will improve for the experience. 20
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Race 3
Selections; 2 READY FORTUNE – 8 SEASONS WONDER – 9 RIGHT IS RIGHT – 4 ZENZERO
Some battling types in this bottom of the barrel Poly mile but READY FORTUNE looks a solid winning hope on recent form. Yes, he did look to have every chance last start but he was thereabouts and is well placed here from gate 4 in this weak field with R Shafiq up. SEASONS WONDER is also in solid form and looks due to put it all together and win a race like this. CC Wong rides for David Hill and from gate 3, they might not get a better chance. The only other horse that we can be confident of an honest effort is RIGHT IS RIGHT. The 5YO mare has only one win to her name from some 23 career starts but her recent form has been very solid and she must be in the winning mix. The rest have shown glimpses of late but have to be taken on trust but ZENZERO did have excuses last start (respiratory) and is worth another look.
1 HEAR ME * Struggling. 33
2 READY FORTUNE *** Foot on the till and gets his chance here. 3.00
3 HARDEN UP ** Put in his best effort over the mile last start and in this a very long way. 8.00
4 ZENZERO ** Maiden who had excuses (respiratory) when disappointing last start and usually thereabouts. 8.00
5 BIGCAT RHAPSODY ** Turned around some very poor form to go close similar affair last start and pay to follow. 10
6 GRAND PARIS ** Showed last start why he is a show on best form but have to take on trust. 17
7 FLYING NEKO ** Disappointing last start but usually working into the mix late. 10
8 SEASONS WONDER *** Form better than it reads and happy to think he wins a race like this soon. 5.00
9 RIGHT IS RIGHT *** In solid form and has to be included in the winning mix. 5.00
10 REYSHA * Will work into skinny end of exotic calculations late. 33
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Race 4
Selections; 1 FRANCES – 5 RIO DE JANEIRO – 6 FOREVER BEST – 8 GENERAL CONATUS
While the usual suspects will get support and run accordingly, a few horses that find themselves back in Class 5 should improve lengths. FRANCES heads the list (albeit alphabetically) of those horses rated 43 and given her form in better company than this has been good, she can win. Yes, her recent form has been ordinary but Class 5 has been on the horizon for a few runs now and she gets her chance. RIO DE JANERIO also finds himself in Class 5 after some good runs in maiden company. Stephen Gray stays with a senior hoop – this time Rodd – and expect immediate improvement and support. FOREVER BEST won a few starts back and recent good trials suggest he is ready to show that form again and might be value. Of the rest, DOUBLE JEOPARDY is due but can be a risk with support likely while GALLANT HEIGHTS will win sooner than later back in Class 5. GENERAL CONATUS will look the winner at some stage.
1 FRANCES *** Form reads badly and drawn wide but improves lengths back in Class 5 and pay to keep safe. 12
2 GALLANT HEIGHTS *** Form better than it reads and could be hard to beat back in recent winning company. 7.00
3 JACK OF HEARTS * Resuming and prefer to watch. 33
4 MR NEWMAN ** Maiden who battled on last start and should improve in Class 5. 12
5 RIO DE JANEIRO *** Shown glimpses – sometimes with support and will enjoy Class 5. Big show. 4.00
6 FOREVER BEST *** Maiden win this trip and recent good trials suggests he goes close. 5.00
7 DOUBLE JEOPARDY *** Maiden whose starts can be costly given the support he gets but always a show. 5.00
8 GENERAL CONATUS *** Wont win out of turn but should be more than handy throughout. 7.00
9 HAKAMGONG ** Showed last start he handles the Poly and can include somewhere. 12
10 HAPPY JOY * Like to see more. 33
11 NOTNOWTOMORROW ** Just battling last few but thereabouts on a good day. 20
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Race 5
Selections; 9 VOLKOV – 8 ZAC GALLANT – 5 AFTERNOON DELIGHT – 6 IMPERIOUS
Obviously a Class 5 division 2 field is not going to throw up any champs so a few battlers in solid form get their chance to pay for another years feed and lodgings. The veteran VOLKOV has been paying his way with a few placings of late and the 9YO is some hope at start 83 to knock in win number seven with Rueven and his 2kg claim a good move. AFTERNOON DELIGHT gets Rodd and her recent solid form certainly has her under notice and the switch to the Poly and the trip should suit. IMPERIOUS is a maiden but her recent form suggests she can win one before long with S Sam riding for David Hill. ZAC GALLANT looks the other winning hope on form and with his only winning hoop, CK Ng, back on-board, he must go close. We would like to say the rest are no hope but in this Class, go wide in exotics.
1 SUVARNABHUMI ** Thereabouts as a rule and has the ace. 12
2 RAINBOW STAR * No. 100
3 GOOD BUDDY ** Versatile veteran who can be included in exotics. 12
4 STATE TROOPER * Struggles as a rule. 33
5 AFTERNOON DELIGHT *** Not a mile away last start and this race does look suitable. 6.00
6 IMPERIOUS *** Maiden but does look due and a win in this field would not surprise. 8.00
7 SPECTA DILEMMA ** Mixes form but market watch in order with Juglall from gate 4. 12
8 ZAC GALLANT *** Foot on the till and could be the testing material with 4kg claimer. 3.00
9 VOLKOV *** Always a show and recent form suggests he is the one to beat. 3.00
10 YOUNG LADY * Blinkers to winkers, gets a tongue-tie enjoys the poly but easier to ignore. 33
11 FANTASTIC BOY * No. 100
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Race 6
Selections; 2 BLACK FURY – 4 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK – 3 EATONS GOLD – 5 KEEN DRAGON
A top-heavy race with four serious hopes and the rest battling. What makes it very interesting is that nothing looks to separate the quartet of BLACK FURY, EATONS GOLD, GOLDEN TOMAHAWK and KEEN DRAGON. This four can be broken down again to two groups of two with BLACK FURY and EATONS GOLD both overdue for a win but in good form in nice races and GOLDEN TOMAHAWK and KEEN DRAGON very progressive types coming off good wins. Again, nothing separates the quartet but BLACK FURY has some good form in and around the likes of Olympic Anthem and Wimbledon to name just two. He also gets a 2kg claim and gets back onto his preferred surface so he can win. EATONS GOLD is also due and of those with winning hopes, he is the only one with a senior hoop – M Rodd – and that’s in his favour. Hard to fault both GOLDEN TOMAHAWK and KEEN DRAGON who pick themselves.
1 BULLET FLY ** Resuming sans blinkers and has first-up form so keep safe at odds. 20
2 BLACK FURY *** In super form and looks well placed back on the Poly with 2kg claim. 4.00
3 EATONS GOLD *** Desperate for a result while in form but right in this. 4.00
4 GOLDEN TOMAHAWK *** Very hard to fault form and will have admirers to win again. 3.00
5 KEEN DRAGON *** Progressive type putting together an impressive CV and 4kg claim will be handy. 4.50
6 STRUBELI * Needs to lift on recent form. 50
7 VERGLATICA * Freshened but will need longer than this. 20
8 KAISER ** Honest but this company will test. 12
9 MONEY KING * Going along in good order but needs longer and easier. 33
10 KING OF KOON * Reassess Class 5. 100
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Race 7
Selections; 4 IMPERIAL MARCH – 1 HOLY WARRIOR – 3 JUSTICE WORLD – 2 FLYING ZERO
Another race with four winning hopes – HOLY WARRIOR, FLYING ZERO, JUSTICE WORLD and IMPERIAL MARCH – and forget the other three. And again, nothing separates the quartet and the tote will be a good guide or take the value on offer. IMPERIAL MARCH might be the one the punters jump on given the former Argentinean looked stiff not to win last start this trip when blinkers went on. The 4YO should also enjoy the Poly and hopefully hard to beat with Juglall up. HOLY WARRIOR has been the frustrating runner. The Irish-bred galloper hasn’t won since his debut victory back in Feb 2014 but while that is a concern, his form is good and he must win soon. His stablemate, FLYING ZERO, gets a handy claim and is also in form without a win of late but gets his chance. JUSTICE WORLD has been winning of late and he gets a CC Wong 2kg claim and the drop back to the mile is in his favour.
1 HOLY WARRIOR *** Disappointing not to have won since debut victory in Singapore but in form and must go close. 3.00
2 FLYING ZERO *** Went very close last start and step up to the mile looks a good move. 4.00
3 JUSTICE WORLD *** Been knocking in a few wins of late and drop back to the mile is ideal. 4.00
4 IMPERIAL MARCH *** Unlucky not to win last start and should very much appreciate the Poly. 2.60
5 TIGER MASTER * No. 100
6 LIKA TIGER * Tested this company but always home well so 1600m should suit. 20
7 XZUBERANCE * Reassess Class 5 turf. 50
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Race 8
Selections; 5 TOP GUN – 2 KUBERA WARRIOR – 9 DUTY FREE – 1 BEST NINE
While the nights racing might not have reached any great heights, the last race is a beauty with plenty of interest for punters. The horse that probably starts favourite is the honest 3YO, KUBERA WARRIOR. The NZ-bred gelding has yet to finish outside the placings at six career starts, which included following the Melbourne bound Super One home in the two Juvenile Group races. This is his first crack at open age company but Kranji Stakes D does look suitable to knock in a win with gate 4 a bonus. But the former Malaysian galloper, TOP GUN, could be the testing material. While yet to win at four starts in Singapore, the 4YO gets blinkers and his recent trial with headgear suggests he can win with Harry Kassim up. With a solid clip expected throughout, DUTY FREE could be set up to swoop and win and it will pay to keep the back marker safe. Of the rest, BEST NINE will win sooner than later in this company while the honest LUCKY DAPPER is always an each-way show.
1 BEST NINE *** Showed more than enough last start to follow back in his recent winning company. 5.00
2 KUBERA WARRIOR *** Smart youngster who placed in the Juvenile Championship and must go close in open company. 2.60
3 CONGO ZANDOR * Easier to ignore on recent form. 33
4 LUCKY DAPPER *** Blinker on. Each-way all the way. 8.00
5 TOP GUN *** Resuming with blinkers and recent strong trial suggest he can win. 4.00
6 WILKINSON * Placed two starts back on this surface but that may have been a form anomaly. 20
7 HIDDEN VENTURE ** Better than what he showed first up and pay to keep safe at odds. 33
8 GADAWON ** Has pace and in the right grade so another to include in exotics with blinkers removed. 33
9 DUTY FREE *** Will swoop and win one of these sooner than later. 10
10 HELEN ** Form reads badly but has pace and could run a cheeky race at odds. 33
11 PETITE VICTOIRE ** Will find this tougher than Class 5 but pay to respect winning form. 20
12 HOW HUGE * Struggles on the poly. 50
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