Machfive is another to watch with Corey Brown taking the ride
A virtual smorgasbord for punters on Friday night with some likely short-priced favourites hoping to salute with also a healthy mix of value picks for those leaning towards an odd each-way bet.
Class droppers can often supply the value needed to spice up a night like this and VITALLY SECRET in the opener certainly ticks that box. On paper, the 4YO’s form recent form reads only fair but given he finds himself in Class 5 for the first time and back over a suitable trip on his winning surface, he should race very well.
LADY SHARK in race 6 should also improve dramatically dropping to Class 5. The 6YO last ran (and won) in Class 5 back in May 2013 and due to an injury break and some OK form, it has taken her almost two years to get back to the bottom grade. A recent good trial suggests she is ready to show her best and hopefully that’s good enough in this company.
MACHFIVE is another to watch in what is a suitable race. Oddly, given he is eligible for Class 5 and is racing in Kranji Stakes D, the 5YO most recent run was in BM83 company where he wasn’t far off a smart winner in Peace No War. That form more than holds up in this field and with Corey Brown taking the ride, expect a very forward showing.
Those punters 
wanting to find something short and sweet will no doubt be looking at BELLWETHER in race 7 on the card. The 4YO looked the winner last start in very similar Kranji Stakes C company and although up against the horse that beat him on that occasion in LIVELY DRAGON, he can make amends dropping back to 1100m.
Friday 20 March
Best Bets; (BELLWETHER race 7, win), (LADY SHARK race 6, each-way) and (MACHFIVE race 8, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9), race 7 (2 and 3), race 8 (2, 5, 7 and 12), race 9 (1, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9).
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; 4 VITALLY SECRET – 2 READY FORTUNE – 1 OCTIVIA – 9 RIGHT IS RIGHT
VITALLY SECRET will very much enjoy the drop to Class 5 company and looks the horse to beat in Friday’s opener. Corey Brown takes the ride suggesting the stable thinks the horse is good enough to win without a claim and the experienced Aussie hoop should give him every chance. Also in his favour he is back on his winning surface over a more suitable trip and we would expect support. Like VITALLY SECRET, READY FORTUNE will find this company and distance more to his liking and he should make his presence felt late. The horse will give CK NG a good chance for success and his 4kg claim will be a factor. Of the rest, OCTAVIA is in form and picks herself with Rueven and his 2kg claim while RIGHT IS RIGHT and JOHNNY HATES JAZZ good enough on some recent form to win. From the trials keep POWERFUL FIGHTER and STAR ACADEMY safe in exotics at expected long odds.
1 OCTIVIA *** Backed up maiden win with a forward effort and goes close again. 3.00
2 READY FORTUNE *** Never involved last start but have to respect back in recent winning grade over suitable trip. 12
3 SUPER FIVE * Battles away late in races but skinning end of exotics at best. 100
4 VITALLY SECRET *** Significant drop in grade and could be hard to beat in what is a very suitable race. 3.00
5 POWERFUL FIGHTER ** Resuming and recent good trial suggests he could show more than he did last campaign at odds. 33
6 STAR ACADEMY ** Blinkers off and not a mile away last start with subsequent trial OK. 20
7 SILVER FLY * Should be doing better. 33
8 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ *** Returned not striding last start so pay to ignore and should make his presence felt late. 8.00
9 RIGHT IS RIGHT *** Maiden who is in form and cheeky run expected. 5.00
10 NORTH STAR ** Appreciates better gate and can include in exotics. 20
11 CHENGDU WARRIOR ** Never involved last couple but usually thereabouts so keep safe. 20
Race 2
Selections; 12 STAR GENERAL – 5 SO THE THING – 6 SUN PIONEER – 11 HEAVENLY GIFT
Extremely difficult maiden with plenty of newcomers trialing like they can win on debut and a few with race experience ready to show their best. One that ticks both boxes is STAR GENERAL who has had a couple of interesting runs under his belt but gets blinkers and his recent trial suggests he might be hard to run down. Also in his favour – we hope – is the fact he has drawn the ace and if Alan Munro can make use of the inside gate, he can win. The best of the newcomers could be SO THE THING. The 4YO mare looked extremely professional winning her Official trial and hopefully jumping from the widest gate sees a very positive ride from Corey Brown. SUN PIONEER also trialed well enough to think he has a big say on debut and it’s hard to discount the other newcomer in HEAVENLY GIFT with KB Soo up for David Hill. Of the raced brigade, keep FIVE HUNDRED BUCKS, MCGREGOR and THUNDER CAT safe in what is a very open affair.
1 BONJOUR BOB ** Had a few trials and showed enough at one to to keep safe. 33
2 FIVE HUNDRED BUCKS *** Blinkers off after leading and being run down last couple and a big show on form. 6.00
3 MCGREGOR *** Resuming after making a mess of the start last time out. Could be value. 20
4 SACRED KLASS ** Back in trip after being tried over 1400 and 1600m and have to take on trust. 11
5 SO THE THING *** Drawn the outside but looked very comfortable at his trial and can win on debut. 4.00
6 SUN PIONEER *** Also drawn badly but recent trial with head-gear suggests he gives this a shake. 4.00
7 JOYOUS ** Solid and has been value so worth a look. 33
8 THUNDER CAT *** Just fair turf outing last start but previous Poly form has him right in this. 10
9 XZUBERANCE ** Not a mile away last start and could play a part from gate 2. 33
10 DELUGE * Tongue-tie added after not running on on debut and have to take on trust. 50
11 HEAVENLY GIFT *** Looked good enough at recent trial to have a say in the finish at debut. 12
12 STAR GENERAL *** Upgrade to blinkers and trialed like he could go super from the ace. 5.00
13 SECRET ARROW * No. 100
14 GYPSY ** Will improve on what was a solid debut and one to follow. 20
Race 3
Selections; 7 ANY RUMOUR – 4 NATION THEATRE – 2 CLUTHA LAD – 3 ALFONSO
Too many genuine winning hopes to be confident in this race and plenty of intrigue for analysts as well with some crucial gear and track changes to ponder. Blinkers go on ANY RUMOUR and that could be enough to get a much needed result. The 4YO only has one career win to his name but has been desperately unlucky of late including lodging an unsuccessful protest last start. He trialed like blinkers could make a difference and a win would not surprise. Conversely, NATION THEATRE gets rid of the blinkers to turn his good form into a win. The 5YO wasn’t far away last start in good company and Harry Kassim’s 1kg claim can’t hurt. CLUTHA LAD comes under notice back on his only winning surface and likewise ALFONSO who showed plenty at his only run on the Poly with a forward run expected. Hard to leave out VERGLATICA, JUSTICE WORLD and TANGIBLE ASSETS but can’t pick them all.
1 VERGLATICA *** Showed last start he wins again soon in this company. 3.50
2 CLUTHA LAD *** In solid form and should appreciate getting back to winning surface. 5.00
3 ALFONSO *** Not often seen on the Poly but showed enough at only Poly run to think he runs a very forward race. 12
4 NATION THEATRE *** Blinkers off to try to turn some good form into an overdue win. Value. 12
5 JUSTICE WORLD *** Another with his foot on the till and right in this finish. 5.00
6 TANGIBLE ASSETS ** Found some form of late and should be running on. 12
7 ANY RUMOUR *** Blinkers added first time and only needs luck to win on recent form. 3.00
8 STARPERFECT * Needs easier. 100
9 BLACK FRIDAY * Needs easier. 100
Race 4
Selections; 5 HIDDEN VENTURE – 1 DREAMCATCHER – 10 SUGARTIME JAZZ – 3 ANGRY CAT
This race could get ugly with not much good form to go on but a few that could easily improve lengths on recents outings. One of those is ANGRY CAT who finds himself in very suitable Kranji Stakes D company from gate 1. The four-time winner has looked out of sorts of late (and that is being kind) but if right, he will be flying late. Gate 1 might not be an advantage but gate 2 will be a bonus for last start winner SUGARTIME JAZZ who comes into this with a Class 5 win under his belt after racing handy. On recent form, HIDDEN VENTURE is the one to beat and while drawn wide, he looks a very good option with Alan Munro up. DREAMCATCHER and CASH DOT COM two others that have recent form to consider but this race is tough.
1 DREAMCATCHER *** Ran on well when resuming and should figure here. 4.00
2 FARRAND ** Form terrible but recent trial looked better and could be the improver. 20
3 ANGRY CAT *** Recent form looks ordinary but finds himself in suitable grade so can win. 8.00
4 CASH DOT COM *** Hit some form of late and has to be respected. 5.00
5 HIDDEN VENTURE *** Drawn awkwardly but has looked due and must go close. 4.50
6 NEUTRINOS ** Coming off a couple of shockers but recent trial suggests he can run a cheeky race. 20
7 BENJI’S EMPIRE * Prefer elsewhere. 20
8 HAPPY PRINCESS ** Could make excuses last two and consider on best form. 33
9 SIMPANG * Needs easier. 33
10 SUGARTIME JAZZ *** Raced handier to win in Class 5 last start and worth following in this field. 5.00
11 EASY EASY ** Competitive on his day but might be looking for easier. 25
12 ACE RICH * Good recent runs were in Class 5. 20
Race 5
Selections; 4 NOT SIMPLE – 2 DRAGON WALK – 8 BULLDOZER – 1 CASSIS OOLONG
I think it’s fair to say most of these don’t win out of turn and extremely hard to be confident in this weak Class 5. NOT SIMPLE ticks that box having only won once in Singapore from over 30 starts but looks well-placed in this race to knock in a win. His first-up run was good and he gets Munro which is certainly in his favour. DRAGON WALK has only one career win to his name but is in solid form and looks a good each-way show with TH Koh retaining the ride. In this type of race you have to respect last start winners so BULLDOZER has to be considered while the likes of CASSIS OOLONG better than what he showed last start.WINFREY is also in the winning mix after showing last start the sprint distances are his caper.
1 CASSIS OOLONG *** Showed no interest last start but big show if on his game. 6.00
2 DRAGON WALK *** Overdue but usually each-way value so pay to follow. 5.00
3 NINTH AVENUE * Veteran who should need longer. 33
4 NOT SIMPLE *** Tongue-tie off after not being far away first-up and gets his chance with Munro up. 5.00
5 WINFREY *** Showed last start with support why this type of trip is his caper and should be thereabouts. 5.00
6 AFFIRMATION ** Gets winkers and will keep a few honest but prefer over 1400m. 8.00
7 REGAL SALUTE * Twenty eight start maiden and exotics looks best. 12
8 BULLDOZER *** Won a weak one last start but winning form is always good form in this Class. 12
9 KING OF KOON ** Gets blinkers and plays a part if on his game. 12
10 STANZOUT ** Not a mile away last start but have to take on trust. 20
11 RED SENSATION * Easier to ignore. 50
12 ZAC WARRIOR ** Showed no interest last start but previous form has him having a show at value. 20
13 VOLKOV ** Tongue-tie off and can give a sight. 20
14 FANTASTIC BOY * Upgrade to blinkers but no. 100
Race 6
Selections; 3 LADY SHARK – 5 HAPPY SAGA – 9 JET SET – 6 SACRED CROWN
Could be some value to be had here with a couple of Class droppers in LADY SHARK and JONATHAN likely to improve lengths on some recent runs back in suitable company. LADY SHARK in particular should very much appreciate finally being back in Class 5 and given she has trialed well recently, she could easily show up – hopefully at odds. Plenty of others that can win including HAPPY SAGE who has excuses last start not to be in the winning mix with SACRED CROWN and EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE also well in the mix on recent form. One that should lead and could pinch this is JET SET. From gate 5 and with no weight on his back, Zawari might try to pinch this and well worth a look at each-way odds.
1 EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE *** Won one of these two back and last start solid enough to follow with upgrade to blinkers. 4.00
2 JONATHAN *** Not a mile away last start and very much appreciates the drop to Class 5 company. Value. 12
3 LADY SHARK *** Taken an age to get back into Class 5 and recent trial suggests she is ready to win. 8.00
4 STOCK BROKER ** Maiden but some recent Poly runs OK so include in exotics at odds. 20
5 HAPPY SAGA *** Excuses not to win last start in similar affair with support and goes very close in this. 5.00
6 SACRED CROWN *** Always worth a look in this type of race and might get to out to value. 5.00
7 HANDSOME BAB ** Placed but well beaten in maiden company last start but pay to keep safe. 8.00
8 JAPPANELLA * No. 33
9 JET SET *** Has plenty of speed and could very well pinch one of these. 6.50
10 SOUTH GATE * Gets winkers but needs longer. 50
11 STREET RUFFIAN * Didn’t go well for new stable and have to take on trust. 20
12 BERNARD’S FIGHTER * No. 100
13 QUALITASE * Placed at very long odds last start and needs to back that up. 33
Race 7
Selections; 3 BELLWETHER – 2 MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS – 4 SAND LANE – 6 DRAGON SPIRIT
BELLWETHER could be a good thing here. In saying that, the 4YO looked a good thing beaten last start after looming large at the business end in similar company before going down narrowly to a fighting LIVELY DRAGON. So while a a few that took the odds-on price last start and who had probably lined up to collect at the 100m mark will be a tad gunshy, he should win this. He should have the measure of LIVELY DRAGON who carries an extra 5.5kg and the three others – DRAGON SPIRIT, SAND LANE and HONEST TRUTH who were thereabouts in the same race. The danger could be the Baertschiger pair of FLAK JACKET and MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS with the latter the one who could cause the upset at odds. After bleeding back in August, the 5YO has had two turf runs and given his liking for the Poly, he might just grow a leg.
1 FLAK JACKET ** Appreciates first-up run and pay to keep safe with John Powell up. 6.00
2 MYCAPTAINOBLIVIOUS *** Appreciates being back on the Poly after two turf runs since bleeding attack. Big show. 6.00
3 BELLWETHER *** Just missed as the odds-on elect last start and hard to beat here. 2.50
4 SAND LANE ** Excuses not to finish with Lively Dragon last start and goes close here. 5.00
5 HONEST TRUTH ** Disappointing last start given race looked suitable but gives this a shake at best. 13
6 DRAGON SPIRIT ** Not far away last start and has to be in the mix. 8.00
7 LIVELY DRAGON ** Super effort to win last start in this company but extra weight makes this tough. 6.00
Race 8
Selections; 12 MACHFIVE – 5 HOST THE NATION – 2 ROCK OF AGES – 7 ROUGH DANCE
A very interesting runner down the ratings in MACHFIVE makes for an interesting KSD 1200m sprint. The 5YO is eligible for easier but given he raced well last start in BM89 and Peace No War company, he should find this to his liking. And with all due to respect to Saifudin who stays on the top-rated ALASAMO, Corey Brown looks a very positive jockey booking and a big run is expected. He is a risk though and the two benchmarks in the race on recent form are HOST THE NATION and ROCK OF AGES and to be honest, nothing much separates the two. Keep ROUGH DANCE very much in mind on form with John Powell from gate 1 a good combination.
1 ALASAMO ** Plenty of excuses last start and appreciates this company but like to see over longer. 20
2 ROCK OF AGES *** Very much due and looks the benchmark. 4.00
3 GREAT LIGHT ** Hard horse to follow but back in trip might be a smart move so include at odds in exotics. 20
4 HAPPY HAPPY ** Appreciates first-up run and maiden win was this trip. 8.00
5 HOST THE NATION *** Beaten a nose last start in Class 4 and hard to beat in this. 3.00
6 GRAND VITESS * Back in trip and up in grade is not a good formula. 33
7 ROUGH DANCE *** Not far away last start and right in this at each-way value. 8.00
8 BREAKING VAULTS * Honest but needs a tad longer to be a threat. 20
9 HARDEN UP ** Always a show at value in this type of race. 12
10 SATELLITE PRINCE * Reassess easier/longer. 50
11 BIMALA * Maiden and needs easier. 33
12 MACHFIVE *** Sneaks into this after big run in higher company. Can win. 7.00
Race 9
Selections; 7 BRAHMA CIRCUS – 6 TOU SHOU BRIGHT – 5 ROYAL STYLE – 1 SOUL COMMANDER
Wouldn’t we love to pick against BRAHMA CIRCUS in the last? The 3YO hasn’t won since breaking his maiden status in October last year and given the support, he has been one of the more costly horses at Kranji of late. But to be fair, he hasn’t finished far away at any of those runs but golly, he needs a win soon for followers. In his favour – and why we have him on top again- is the fact he drops back to 1100m which is his trip. Like BRAHMA CIRCUS, TOU SHOU BRIGHT has only a maiden win to his name but given he had a spell after that win and his first-up run in this company was good, he goes mighty close and is a horse off follow. Hard to leave out FEDERER going for three straight but the barriers have again been against him with RACER KING and SOUL COMMANDER also well and truly in the winning mix. One at odds to watch is ROYAL STYLE and well worth an each-way look with Oscar on-board.
1 SOUL COMMANDER *** In form and will look the winner at some stage late. 6.00
2 CRAZY TIMES ** Didn’t run on last start but might appreciate the Poly and in this a long way. 20
3 FEDERER *** In spanking form but again has to jump from a wide gate. 6.00
4 MASTER DRAGON * Not at his best last two and have to take on trust. 20
5 ROYAL STYLE *** Last start better than the result and could easily win a race like this at value. 12
6 TOU SHOU BRIGHT *** Resumed with a very good effort this company and pay to follow. 8.00
7 BRAHMA CIRCUS *** The one to beat but desperate for a result for the support while in top form. 3.00
8 FUKU ICHIBAN * Needs 1400m turf. 33
9 RACER KING *** Showed last start he is more than competitive in this company and goes close with 2kg claim. 8.00
10 CITY OF SAILS ** Placed last start at odds and worth following. 12
11 GYPSY MAGIC ** Recent good form in KSD company and might need it easier to win. 12
12 MR MANI * Reassess Class 5. 200
