War Affair wins the Singapore Guineas (Liesl King)
With the annual Racing Awards done and dusted for another year, jockeys and trainers alike know the job to topple the leading trainer Laurie Laxon and leading hoop, Manny Nunes, is a tough one.
Both trainer and jockey gave every indication they are more than comfortable at the top of the tree but there is hope for Alwin Tan in the trainers premiership after his break-out year in 2014 and some very good horses in the stable.
His star, WAR AFFAIR, won four awards on Tuesday including the coveted Horse Of The Year gong but with the 4YO at the early stages of his preparation, it might be POWER LION who gets his year rolling in race 7. The 4YO has won four races from some eight starts and with a
strong recent trial under his belt, he can back to his winning ways at BM 83 company over 1400m.
The race is a beauty with INDIAN JADE first-up after a good run in the EW Barker the benchmark with CHEYENNE WARRIOR a light-weight hope back on the turf with TAFFETAS and LIM’S HARVEST also well and truly in the mix.
Those looking for an exotic banker might consider BRAHMA CIRCUS in the lucky last as the 3YO looks to have found a very winnable race with gate 2 bonus.
Best Bets; (BRAHMA CIRCUS race 9, win), (LUMINESCENCE race 4, each-way) and (WINNING STAR race 6, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 12), race 7 (1, 3, 5, 8 and 10), race 8 (1, 2, 4 and 9), race 9 (3, 6 and 7).
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 1
Selections; 2 INVINCIBLE MAN – 7 DR OCTOPUS – 6 BRINGITHOME – 3 SOUL COMMANDER
A few horses look due and get their chance in this Kranji Stakes D dash. In particular DR OCTOPUS and BRINGITHOME are in good form and it looks a matter of time before they knock in a win this campaign. DR OCTOPUS found only one better last start and given he can go round at each-way odds it will be worth following the 4YO as he edges closer to his second career win. BRINGITHOME also only has only one win to his name but with excuses last start not to finish closer, he must go close with a handy 3kg claim. But the one they have to beat is last start winner, INVINCIBLE MAN. The 3YO broke his maiden status in fine style and while drawn wide in this, he could be too good for most here. Throw in SOUL COMMANDER as a winning hope on what he showed last start and keep the two emergencies – THE MIGHTY THOR and GOLDEN RABBIT safe.
1 CASH DOT COM ** Form rads badly but continues to drop in grade and pay to keep safe. 20
2 INVINCIBLE MAN *** Drawn badly but broke maiden status in fine style and can go on with the job. 3.00
3 SOUL COMMANDER *** Showed what he is capable of last start and have to respect. 4.00
4 CAIYAYA * Appreciates company but impossible on recent form. 50
5 MASTERMIND ** Last start better than the result and could be in this a very long way. 12
6 BRINGITHOME *** Excuses last start and did look due previously. 8.00
7 DR OCTOPUS *** Overdue to win a race like this and can be value. 4.00
8 INVINCIBLE GOLD ** Progressive type resuming but may want longer. 12
9 MR MANI * Struggling. 100
10 PROBO CHANDROSO * Needs to show more. 20
11 FUMIKO ** Resuming and recent trial suggests he can be included in exotics at long odds. 50
12 ZENA * Needs easier. 100
13 THE MIGHTY THOR *** Won one of these three starts back and have to respect. 12
14 GOLDEN RABBIT ** Excuses not to finish closer last start and will be involved somewhere late. 12
Race 2
Selections; 14 SHANGHAI BUND – 5 BHASKARA – 2 EASY EASY – 1 RUSSELL THE CROWE
A very tough maiden and whoever wins this would certainly have earned his keep. With a couple of horses with winning hopes drawn badly, SHANGHAI BUND looks well placed from gate 4 to get his chance. The 3YO by Denman also gets a nice weight pull on some of his older rivals and obviously showed enough with support on debut to think he is hard to beat here with Froggy Newitt to ride. EASY EASY and BHASKARA are the two horses that can win but have to overcome wide gates. EASY EASY improved lengths when blinkers were added last start and a positive ride from Juglall is expected from gate 13 while BHASKARA backed-up two good runs with a nice trial and can win with luck from gate 12. Throw in the former Malaysian maiden, RUSSEL THE CROWE and DRAGON FURY as winning hopes while newcomers BATTLE HORSE, MAGIC MASTER and STICK SEEKER can all race well on what we have seen at the trials.
1 RUSSELL THE CROWE *** Former Malaysian who will appreciate the maiden company and must be considered with OK trial under his belt. 20
2 EASY EASY *** Improved when blinkers added last start and subsequent trial suggests he goes close here. 5.00
3 FOREVER BEST * Resuming and easier to ignore. 50
4 BATTLE HORSE ** Looked solid to the wire at Official trial and worth a market watch. 20
5 BHASKARA *** Shown more than enough at two starts to think he can win this with nice recent trial a pointer and tongue-tie removed. 4.00
6 EXCUSE ME ** Resuming after two solid runs including a place on debut. Include somewhere. 12
7 FIVE HUNDRED BUCKS ** Drawn wide but had excuses on debut and will improve with blinkers added. 12
8 MAGIC MASTER ** Drawn badly for debut but has looked OK at trials and worth thought at odds. 20
9 STAR OF EDEN * No. 100
10 ZENIGAME * Appreciates debut run but should need longer. 33
11 STICK SEEKER ** Looked good at recent trial and should race well on debut. 12
12 DRAGON FURY *** Did it tough last start and well worth another look on previous form. 12
13 GREAT BALLS OFFIRE ** Back in trip and while looking a handy type, prefer over longer. 20
14 SHANGHAI BUND *** Supported and showed more than enough placing on debut to win this. 4.00
15 SEMIFREDDO * Needs to improve on debut effort. 50
16 DARSHANA * Looked to have excuses on debut and not the worst if he gets a start. 50
Race 3
Selections; 1 ECLAIR SENSATION – 4 LIGN EM UP – 3 BLACK FIERY – 5 FARRAND
Usually gate 1 in a Poly sprint is a bonus but given ECLAIR SENSATION can be tardy at the start, Manoel Nunes will need to be on his game early. But as it stands ECLAIR SENSATION is in form and hopefully 2014 Champion jockey Manoel Nunes can have him handy enough to show his best late and his best is good enough for this field. In saying that, LIGN EM UP looks a handy type. The 4Y0 went close at his race debut before winning well at start two. That form suggests he is more than up to Class 4 company and you expect support and a big run with John Powell up. The race doesn’t have a lot of depth but BLACK FIERY battled on well last start and wins races like this.
1 ECLAIR SENSATION *** In form and will make his presence felt late. 3.00
2 ROYAL STYLE ** Disappointing last start but will work into this late if on-song. 8.00
3 BLACK FIERY *** Last start better than the result and well worth a look at each-way value. 8.00
4 LIGN EM UP *** Looked good when breaking maiden status last start and will have supporters. 4.00
5 FARRAND ** Excuses last start and the type to keep safe at odds. 33
6 NEUTRINOS ** Supported and almost won in easier company last start and cheeky run expected here. 10
7 JUST THE TIP ** Broke maiden status two back and recent trail suggests he is up to this company. 20
8 PURE RABID * Prefer over longer. 50
9 TRUST ME * Hard to have on recent runs. 50
10 BINGO ** Will work into this late if race run to suit but may want easier. 33
11 EXCAVATOR * Back to suitable trip in his favour but may want easier. 50
12 LUCKY COME * Needs easier. 50
Race 4
Selections; 1 LEADERSHIP – 3 PACINO – 2 LUMINESCENCE – 4 SO PERFECT
Not a bad field for a Class 5 with a few maidens looking well placed to knock in a win and a few Class droppers that should improve in this company. One maiden that looks better than Class 5 is LEADERSHIP. The 4YO has shown more than enough at his four starts since resuming in August last year and this turf race looks suitable to show he has a win or two up his sleeve. While LEADERSHIP is having just start eight, his main rival – PACINO – is having career start 121 and must be considered in Class 5. The veteran very much appreciates the company and some of his recent runs suggests he is not done with yet. LUMINESCENCE resuming, SO PERFECT, SUGARTIME JAZZ and DYNASTY KNIGHT the others to watch.
1 LEADERSHIP *** Maiden but this looks suitable to knock in first career win. 4.00
2 LUMINESCENCE *** Resuming and certainly showed enough at his first campaign to follow first-up. 12
3 PACINO *** Veteran who finds himself in Class 5 at start 121. Keep safe. 5.00
4 SO PERFECT *** In form and win two back was on the turf so must go close. 4.00
5 JUST FOR J * Easier to ignore. 50
6 POWER ANGEL ** Thereabouts of late and a must for exotics. 8.00
7 CONFIDENCE * Form reads badly but recent trial suggest improvement at odds. 33
8 PHARMA BROWNE * Gets blinkers but may need longer than this. 20
9 SMART MOVE * Resuming. No. 100
10 SUPERMART ** Form reads badly but appreciates company so can include in exotics a odds. 33
11 SUGARTIME JAZZ *** Suited on the turf and will work into this strongly late. 8.00
12 GLOBAL FOCUS * No. 100
13 DYNASTY KNIGHT *** In solid form and appreciates being back on the turf. Value. 12
14 SUI GENERIS ** Form poor but recent trial with winkers suggests improvement at odds. 33
15 PROSPERITY STAR ** Going along nicely and have to include if he gets a start. 10
16 LIVE WELL ** Showed last start he is more than capable on his day. 20
Race 5
Selections; 6 TOUCH ME NOT – 3 REACH FOR THE SUN – 1 TIGER BEE – 4 GOOD NEWS
An odd race form wise with the three top picks – TOUCH ME NOT, TIGER BEE and REACH FOR THE SUN – all resuming after terrific runs of form. TOUCH ME NOT had a good hit-out at a recent trial suggesting he can carry on his unbeaten run with Noreesh Juglall on-board. The 3YO took all before him winning three-from-three at his first campaign and no reason to jump off his bandwagon just yet. Just as impressive last campaign was TIGER BEE who, after a few sighters, knocked in four wins at his last four starts. He is coming off a longer break than TOUCH ME NOT but gets a 2kg claim and should race well fresh. REACH FOR THE SUN – a winner of three from five starts in Singapore – has trailed very well for his return to racing and goes mighty close on his great first-up form. Most others go close on best form but GOOD NEWS has impressed running on late at his last few and this race should suit.
1 TIGER BEE *** Very progressive type resuming after knocking in four straight early last year. Big show. 5.00
2 EAGLE STORM ** Back in trip but fresh enough to run his usual honest race. 12
3 REACH FOR THE SUN *** Resuming with some nice trials under his belt and right in this. 6.00
4 GOOD NEWS *** Has ran on well at last two starts and expect much the same. 10
5 SPUN GOLD ** Smart type resuming and has won on the Poly so pay to keep safe. 10
6 TOUCH ME NOT *** Resuming. Hard to fault form winning three from three and can go on with the job. 3.00
7 AMAZEALOT ** Has won three from his last four starts but has bumped into a few smart ones here. 8.00
8 MEXBOROUGH BOY ** Resumed with a good effort and is in this a long way. 12
9 SECRET MISSION ** Lack of winning form in Singapore a concern but always looks a show. 20
10 MAPLE STAR ** Placed behind a smart one last start and another that is a must for exotics. 20
11 D’DON * Needs easier. 100
Race 6
Selections; 6 WINNING STAR – 3 MR SPIELBERG – 12 MAREA NEGRO – 4 OVER EASY
This race has plenty of depth and good luck if you are playing exotics as at least six have serious winning hopes. Looking at some value, WINNING STAR looks a good option for punters. The 4YO gets blinkers back on over a trip that suits and he looks a big show to get back into winning form with gate 2 a factor. MR SPIELBERG looks a more obvious choice. The 3YO got blinkers added to his gear last start and won very well in maiden company and looks more than up to this for the Laxon/Nunes combination. Again looking for value, MAREA NEGRO is a good each-way option and the mare should be prominent throughout with Craig Newitt on-board. You can easily make a case for OVER EASY, PRINCE MAG, SLAYER and CLERMONT CLUB but can’t pick them all so try your best.
1 PRINCE MAG *** Draw some concern but trip suits and will make his presence felt late. 6.00
2 HIPPO PROSPERO * No. 100
3 MR SPIELBERG *** Broke maiden status in fine style last start when blinkers added and pay to follow. 3.00
4 OVER EASY *** Ignore last start over unsuitable trip and goes very close on winning form prior. 4.50
5 SLAYER *** In very solid form and will be prominent throughout. 8.00
6 WINNING STAR *** Gets blinkers back on in what should be a suitable race. Big show. 12
7 KING SAVINSKY * Form reads badly but will improve this trip with a visor on. 33
8 NO NONSENSE * No. 100
9 CLERMONT CLUB *** Backing up after a nice enough Class 5 win and pay to follow. 8.00
10 VITALLY SECRET ** Mixes his form and can be hard to settle so take on trust. 20
11 DRAPPIER * No. 100
12 MAREA NEGRO *** Excuses not to finish closer last start and looks ready to win a race like this. 8.00
13 WEOWNA FLYER * Goes good on his day but might need easier. 33
14 NORTH STAR * Competitive but also eligible for easier. 20
Race 7
Selections; 5 POWER LION – 1 INDIAN JADE – 10 CHEYENNE WARRIOR – 3 TAFFETAS
This Benchmark 83 is the highlight of the nine race meeting and a race whose form should hold up over the coming months. In a race with depth, POWER LION could be the most progressive. The 4YO by Danroad has been more than impressive winning four from eight career starts and a good recent trial suggests he can add to that total here with Alan Munro up. Also with a nice recent trial as a pointer is CHEYENNE WARRIOR who gets back onto his winning surface. In fact it’s worth noting that the 5YO won at his only two turf starts in Singapore and could be value in this strong field. At the top of the weights, INDIAN JADE looks the benchmark with a 2kg claim much appreciated in this company. He will obviously find this easier than the EW Barker and expect a big run. Hard to leave out TAFFETAS and LIM’S HARVEST and go wide in exotics.
1 INDIAN JADE *** Freshened with nice trial after good run in the EW Barker and hard to beat here. 3.00
2 EMPRESS WU * Resuming after another poor run and have to take on trust. 50
3 TAFFETAS *** Coming off a nice Poly win after good run in similar affair to this two back. Big show. 5.00
4 GUARICANA * Needs to show more before we consider. 50
5 POWER LION *** Freshened by strong recent trial and looks more than up to winning at this level. 4.00
6 WONDERFUL PRINCE ** Form better than it reads and will appreciate being back on the turf. 8.00
7 CORDOBA ** Another whose form is better than it reads and worth a look at value. 20
8 LIM’S HARVEST *** Has been good without winning at three starts in Singapore and goes close. 8.00
9 CHINESE CULTURE ** Appreciates this trip and another to include at value in exotics. 20
10 CHEYENNE WARRIOR *** Back on winning surface in his favour and recent strong trial suggests he can show his best. 8.00
Race 8
Selections; 2 EXQUISITELY SWEET – 4 BORDEAUX – 1 EMPIRE BAY – 9 SOON YI
First things first; SOON YI can win and will be closing late but the 5YO has been super costly for punters so we have left him out of the top three picks. We love a Class dropper and EXQUISITELY SWEET certainly fits that bill. The 6YO has been running in better company than this after winning five starts back in a KSD over this trip and must go close here with any luck in running. Also dropping in Class is EMPIRE BAY and reports from the track suggests he is ready to show something first-up after a break with a handy 4kg claim also in his favour. BORDEAUX looks due and gets winkers to turn solid form into a win and looks a strong winning hope with Corey Brown in this field. The Japanese newcomer, QUEEN’S SEVEN and EASY MONEY the other two to keep an eye on for exotics.
1 EMPIRE BAY *** Resuming down in grade and could show up with 4kg claimer. 6.50
2 EXQUISITELY SWEET *** Also drops in grade and looks a leading hope on some good recent efforts. 6.00
3 COLLECT THE CASH * Blinkers and tongue tie off but hard to have on form. 100
4 BORDEAUX *** Gets winkers and looks ready to win after a good run of form. 3.00
5 EASY MONEY ** Disappointing at two runs this campaign but some hope on best form. 12
6 QUEEN’S SEVEN ** Former Japanese galloper and market best guide at Singapore debut. 12
7 DOUBLE CASH * Not at his best of late and better over 1000m. 33
8 SMART SAMURAI * Just battled last start and better over shorter. 12
9 SOON YI *** Costly for followers but will be running on late and is due. 4.00
10 BLUE CONDOR * Ran on well last start but prefer over longer. 20
11 INFERMO * Did find trouble last start but realistically needs easier than this. 20
Race 9
Selections; 6 BRAHMA CIRCUS – 7 ORCHARD ROAD – 3 MEDIA CAPTAIN – 2 LADY ROULETTE
Not a lot of depth to this Class 4 and BRAHMA CIRCUS gets his chance. The 3YO has gone close at two runs since his big maiden win and from the nice gate today, he looks very hard to beat. ORCHARD ROAD is the interesting runner. The 5YO mare had what was her first run at handicap conditions last start and showed enough doing it tough under Barnabas to think he improves with Nunes. MEDIA CAPTAIN probably leads and will give a sight out front so cannot be discounted at a winning hope with most others looking place chances at best.
1 DANNY RICARDO * Gets blinkers but needs longer and turf. 50
2 LADY ROULETTE ** Resuming. Has plenty of speed but can be found out late. 20
3 MEDIA CAPTAIN *** Set the pace and battled on well last start over 1200m and in this a long way. 5.00
4 DRAGON KING * Gets a tongue-tie but disappointing of late and have to take on trust. 20
5 DUTY FREE ** Will be running on strongly and always pay to keep safe. 20
6 BRAHMA CIRCUS *** Appreciates better gate today and hard to beat in what is a suitable race. 2.00
7 ORCHARD ROAD *** Did it tough last start and well worth another look in this company with Nunes up. 4.00
8 FLAMING FIREHEART ** Up in grade after nice enough Class 5 win and should be competitive. 12
9 STAGE BRIGHT * No. 100
10 ZENZERO * Form OK over longer and might find these too slick. 20
11 GOOD BUDDY * Needs easier. 50
12 LIVE IN HOPE * Reassess on turf in Class 5. 50
