Affleck to make amends . (Picture Singapore Turf Club)
AFFLECK won’t lose too many races. The reigning Champion 2YO had won three-from-three before tasting defeat for the first time this season to former stablemate, Kiwi Karma in the Three Year Old Sprint. And while his trainer Laurie Laxon didn’t make excuses for the shock loss, the leaders biased track (E Course) certainly played some part in his downfall with Kiwi Karma always going to be hard to pass late over 1200m.
Laxon suggested AFFLECK would make amends in the second leg but as Kiwi Karma is not in the eight horse field, revenge for the loss would have to be put on hold although her absence suggests he will be extremely hard to beat over 1400m. From the first leg, SPANISH BAY and the filly BELIEVE YOURSELF will certainly have a say and will keep AFFLECK honest.
But the interest in the race is likely to be in two horses yet to race against the locals in Singapore – ZULULAND and BLUE DANUBE – who both have Group wins on their CV from Australia and Argentina respectively. ZULULAND also has a Group 1 placing in Singapore under his belt courtesy of a big run in the China Horse Club Singapore Cup, although the form from that race has yet to be franked against the locals. BLUE DANUBE won the Derby as a 3YO in Argentina but while his credentials are of the highest order, he might need a run or two to find his feet – most likely over more ground.
As you would expect the Group 2 field has depth with Pat Shaw also having an in-form contender in MAJESTIC MOMENTS who won too well over this trip n BM83 company not to be without a chance.
Elsewhere on the card a couple of oddly named horses in PROBABLY and IN FACT look good winning hopes. PROBABLY makes her debut in race 5 on the card – an Initiation Poly sprint over 1200m – and her trail form suggests she “probably wins”. IN FACT gets back onto the Poly in race 6 on the card and given he has two recent Group Poly placings to his name, he should go extremely close with just 51kg. In fact he should win.
Friday 17 April
Best Bets; (PROBABLY race 5, win), (IN FACT race 6, win) and (YOUNG LADY race 1, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 7 (1), race 8 (1, 2, 4 and 13), race 9 (1, 2, 3 and 7), race 10 (1, 2, 3 and 5).
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 BINGO – 10 YOUNG LADY – 5 SCOUT DONE – 1 BANKERS CALL
The benchmarks for races like this are a couple of the top-rated hoses in BANKERS CALL and EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE. Both have been in very solid form of late and connections will be hoping they can continue on with another win before they begin to taper off. Nothing really separates the two and both have significant claims so should be thereabouts. However, BINGO was supported in this company last start and happy to think he did enough to follow with Alan Munro up. A five-time winner, BINGO is better than Class 5 and could be hard to hold out with luck in running. For value, YOUNG LADY after a trainer change may surprise. The 3YO has an average losing margin of 18 lengths but recent trials suggests she could grow a leg and has to be odds. SCOUT DONE is also a maiden but goes OK and should appreciate Class 5 company. Both emergencies appeal in exotics.
1 BANKERS CALL *** In very good form and 4kg claim wont hurt. 3.00
2 BINGO *** Supported and ran on well as expected last start this company and goes close. 3.50
3 EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE *** In very solid form and should figure prominently throughout. 6.00
4 KINGSLEY ** Not a mile away last start but has been insistent so take on trust. 14
5 SCOUT DONE *** Maiden freshened with some nice enough trials to consider in this company. 12
6 BLACK LABEL ** Another maiden who should appreciate the company and worth an each-way look. 12
7 AFTERNOON DELIGHT ** Visor off. Not at his best of late so back in trip a good move so keep safe. 12
8 STREET RUFFIAN ** Ran on well enough last start to include somewhere. 20
9 SOUTH GATE * Needs longer. 100
10 YOUNG LADY *** Blinkers to winkers and while race form reads very badly her recent trials suggests dramatic improvement. 20
11 QUALITASE * Placed at very long odds last start and needs to back that up. 20
12 ZAC WARRIOR * Blinkers/tongue-tie off and needs to lift. 33
13 BEAT TO QUARTERS *** Always an each-way show in races like this. 12
14 REYSHA ** Improves in Class 5 and will be value. 33
Race 2
Selections; 12 WINNING CAUSE – 11 MOLLY BROWNE – 10 SEASONS PALACE – 1 ECLIPSE DANCER
An interesting maiden with the top three rated horses coming through a similar affair when in the mix behind Well Done earlier this month. A quick look at the video suggests ECLIPSE DANCER did enough work late to think he goes very close with Munro up and HEE’S EGO will get support in this and a win would not surprise. ABOVE THE SKYLINE from the same race keeps them all honest. But a couple down in the weights appeal. WINNING CAUSE has ran on well over 1200m at both career starts to think he is crying out for the mile and should be hard to hold out. MOLLY BROWNE also ran on well enough on debut to think she very much appreciates the mile and will be the value. WINNING CAUSE’s stable-mate, SEASON’S PALACE, bombed on debut with heavy support but pay to keep safe as he did have excuses.
1 ECLIPSE DANCER *** Excellent work late similar affair last start has him right in this. 5.00
2 HEE’S EGO *** Overdue and gets tongue-tie for a result. 4.00
3 ABOVE THE SKYLINE *** In the mix last start when blinkers added and worth following. 10
4 KEEP SPINNING * Battles away but skinny end of exotics at best. 33
5 MR DREYFUSS ** Excuses last start when supported and pay to keep safe stepping up to the mile. 10
6 PIONEER LIU * No. 50
7 MATADOR ** Ran on OK when blinkers added last start and turf may suit. 12
8 YELLOW BIRD * Showed some improvement when blinkers added but needs to show more. 33
9 BLACK DIAMOND * No. 50
10 SEASONS PALACE *** Excuses when disappointing on debut as even money favourite and trialed well since. Keep safe. 12
11 MOLLY BROWNE *** Ran on well on debut and mile looks very suitable. Value. 20
12 WINNING CAUSE *** Ran on very well to place at two career starts and could be hard to beat stepping up to the mile. 3.00
13 REMEMBER ME *** Looks a likely enough type who will win races like this. 12
14 PUERTO COLONIA * Prefer others. 100
Race 3
Selections; 5 CERDAN – 10 NOVA EAGLE – 11 ONE O NINE – 8 GENIUS
Without the two winners from the previous two-year-old races, this field looks very even and the market will be a terrific guide to see if anyone gets stable support – especially the newcomers. But as its stands, CERDAN got support on debut and had excuses not to show his best behind Kubera Warrior. He gets blinkers and he looked OK at a recent trial with headgear so happy to think he goes better than he did last start and can win. As you expect, plenty of newcomers are worth a look including NOVA EAGLE who looked comfortable at the trials and ONE O NINE who had a good hit-out at a recent trial. Throw in DRAGON GOLD on debut with BAIL OUT, CELERITAS and GENIUS all likely to improve on their respective debut efforts with the latter, GENIUS, worth a long look at value.
1 AMERICAN DREAM ** Trials OK and should appreciate claim. 33
2 BAIL OUT *** Appreciates debut run where he showed pace and subsequent trial was good. Can win. 7.00
3 BIG MAN ** Trials fairly and worth a market watch on debut with John Powell up. 12
4 CELERITAS *** Placed but well beaten on debut but should improve for the outing and goes close. 8.00
5 CERDAN *** Blinkers on after excuses at race debut when supported. Can win. 5.50
6 DRAGON GOLD *** Won trial and have to respect on debut with Corey Brown up. 6.00
7 DRAGON STEED * Needs to show more than what he has down at trials. 100
8 GENIUS *** Gets winkers after running on well at debut with excuses. Keep safe. 20
9 LEE MAN ** Gets blinkers after showing little at two starts. Could improve. 33
10 NOVA EAGLE *** Looked comfortable at Official Trial and has to be respected from gate 1 with Nunes on-board. 4.00
11 ONE O NINE *** Shown more than enough at two trials to think he has a big say at race debut. 5.00
12 RED JEWEL ** Pushed along in Official trial and worth a look in exotics at value. 33
Race 4
Selections; 7 JUST NAME IT – 4 LIKA TIGER – 5 PINT SIZED PRINCE – 3 Q NINE MAGIC
JUST NAME IT looks very placed to continue his good run of form and knock in another Class 4 win. The 4YO broke his maiden status in this company over 1400m but 1200m looks fine, especially given the track should suit swoopers and he will be doing his best work late under regular hoop, Froggy Newitt. The race is an even affair though with the likes of Q NINE MAGIC and MEXICAN GAL right in this on current form and certainly gets support. For value and coming through a similar form line, it may pay to keep LIKA TIGER with blinkers on first-time very safe as this track should suit with CONVICT also in the mix with blinkers removed. PINT SIZED PRINCE won well last start and worth following although he does drop back to 1200m.
1 CONVICT *** Blinkers off after finding trouble last start and worth thought from nice gate. 12
2 MEXICAN GAL *** Yet to win on turf but showed enough last start to think she does sooner than later. 4.00
3 Q NINE MAGIC *** Needs a result for the support but is due and a leading hope again. 3.00
4 LIKA TIGER *** Gets blinkers after never being in the hunt last start and can show up at value. 20
5 PINT SIZED PRINCE *** Back in trip after strong last start win but have to respect from gate 1. 8.00
6 DARK PULSE * Resuming and needs longer. 50
7 JUST NAME IT *** Foot on the till and will figure late. Big show. 3.00
8 QUEEN’S SEVEN ** Thereabouts and can include in skinny end of exotics at odds. 33
9 MOONBEAM DAZZLER ** Will run a very cheeky race at value and worth a look in exotics. 20
10 INFERMO * Reassess Class 5 Poly. 100
Race 5
Selections; 10 PROBABLY – 1 LINCOLN’S EXCUSE – 7 MR NEWMAN – 5 MAN OF POWER
A tricky punting affair with plenty of newcomers who have looked good at the trials up against only two with race experience with any form. Of the two horses with experience, BULLET improved when blinkers were added last start and must go close on that effort. The first emergency, FAST RICH, also looms a hope on his recent run so keep safe. Of the newcomers, PROBABLY looked the stand-out. The 3YO Elusive City filly won her trial in fine fashion and will get support and be hard to beat on that effort. LINCOLN’S EXCUSE has race experience from NZ and is another who has trailed good enough to show up at his Singapore debut with the blankets over MR NEWMAN, MAN OF POWER, MILLION ROUND and PRESSING ON.
1 LINCOLN’S EXCUSE *** Former Kiwi who has trialed well enough to seriously consider at Singapore debut. 5.00
2 DAWN OF THE WORLD * Easier to ignore on exposed trial form. 50
3 MR TRY * Not on trial form. 50
4 BULLET *** Just missed when blinkers went on last start and gets his chance here. 5.00
5 MAN OF POWER *** Plenty of trials under his belt and some of them good enough to win on debut. 7.00
6 MILLION ROUND *** Drawn awkwardly but trailed well enough to keep safe on debut. 20
7 MR NEWMAN *** Looked very comfortable at local trial and have to respect stable. 6.00
8 PRESSING ON *** Another who looked very comfortable at the trials and worth thought on debut. 12
9 PRINCESS ZOLA ** Solid at trials and gets the ace. 15
10 PROBABLY *** The pick of the newcomers on trial form and expect support. 3.50
11 GOLD CROWN * Would need support given just fair trial form. 33
12 GOLD RESERVE * Gets blinkers but needs to improve. 33
13 FAST RICH *** Resuming after showing very good improvement last campaign. Keep safe. 12
14 FLYING WINNER ** Improved with blinkers last start and can follow. 12
Race 6
Selections; 6 IN FACT – 5 FUJIN BRIGHT – 3 ALEXANDRA PALACE – 1 ONE RAR
While he didn’t win last start, IN FACT was a terrific bet at the odds given his form and happy to follow with a switch to the Poly in his favour. His recent Poly runs in Group company suggest he is more than up to this with just 51kg and Barend Vorster from gate 2 looks a very good combination. And nothing jumps off the page to beat him although FUJIN BRIGHT is in winning form and in this field, that counts for plenty. His win was on the Poly and while this is tougher, he goes close. ALEXANDRA PALACE also looks well placed with 54.5kg to put in a good one and ONE RAR, although carrying 57kg even with a claim, has to be respected.
1 ONE RAR ** Can never be discounted on the Poly but ail need every gram of his 2kg claim. 6.00
2 GOLIATH * Form hopeless but this would be a suitable race on best form. 20
3 ALEXANDRA PALACE ** Can be hard to catch but up to this on his day with the ace a bonus. 6.00
4 NANDOWRA * Form hopeless but may appreciate the Poly. 33
5 FUJIN BRIGHT *** In winning form and looks well placed in this with 51kg. 6.00
6 IN FACT *** Needs a result but found a good race and should be very hard to beat. 2.00
7 FATKID ** Form better than a few of these and will be value. 20
8 VERGLATICA ** Another tested at Open company but has OK form and this field has no depth. 6.00
Race 7
Selections; 1 AFFLECK – 8 BELIEVE YOURSELF – 4 MAJESTIC MOMENTS – 5 SPANISH BAY
The second leg of the 3YO Series and whilst AFFLECK could not run down KIWI KARMA last start, the extra 200m and her absence makes him the one to beat. Also in his favour is the fact the D Course will give the best horse a chance to win. And he is the best horse. The interesting runners are the Argentinean Group 1 winner BLUE DANUBE whose trials have been only fair and best form is over longer and the former Australian ZULULAND whose only win was the VRC Sires Produce at this trip. At his only Singapore start he battled into 2nd in the China Horse Club sponsored Singapore Cup last start but the form from that race is hardly Group 1 level. Both horses have to be taken on trust. Of those we know MAJESTIC MOMENTS and SPANISH BAY could both test AFFLECK if he has an off day and Hideyuki Takaoka will be hoping the moody filly BELIEVE YOURSELF has an on day.
1 AFFLECK *** Was unable to run down Kiwi Karma last start on leader bias track but should appreciate the extra distance and should strip fitter. 2.50
2 BLUE DANUBE ** Top class Argentinean Group 1 winner whose best form is over longer. Trials have been fair. Take on trust. 5.00
3 ZULULAND ** Only win was VRC Sires Produce at this trip. Battled on well in Singapore Cup and has trialled well since. Could show up. 5.00
4 MAJESTIC MOMENTS ** In top form and will run a bold race from the ace. 3.50
5 SPANISH BAY ** Not a mile away in the first leg and keeps the favourite honest here. 12
6 ODE TO JOY * Argentinean group 1 winner who been only thereabouts in easier company at two Singapore starts. 25
7 TIME ODYSSEY * Blinkers off but battles away but wants easier. 33
8 BELIEVE YOURSELF ** Looked to be on the wrong part of the track last start and some hope on ability. 16
Race 8
Selections; 1 MILITARY ALLIANCE – 2 BLOSSOMS SEQUEL – 13 BRING MONEY HOME – 14 MEAISIN
A KSD over 1600m on the poly and MILITARY ALLIANCE comes back in trip and drops in Grade; Craig Newitt should give him every chance. BLOSSOMS SEQUEL has changed stables and Laurie Laxon has not messed around adding blinkers, pacifiers and a tongue tie; Michael Rodd will look to give him a positive ride. COLLECT THE CASH fought on last start and the injured Salim is replaced by Manoel Nunes, the extra distance will suit and he can get in the finish. ROUGH DANCE is consistent in this Grade but tested at a mile. JIM has only won one race but he runs on and can get in the finish. Most of the rest are Class 5 battlers. However, both the emergencies – BRING MONEY HOME and MEAISIN – are in form and if either get a start, will be hard to beat.
1 MILITARY ALLIANCE *** Drops in grade and trip. Suited here and should get every chance. 3.50
2 BLOSSOMS SEQUEL *** Blinkers tongue-tie on. Has changed stables. Gear change should help and will get a positive ride from Michael Rodd. 4.00
3 U GOT IT ** Has been running over unsuitable distances. Could go out and lead and be hard to run down. 33
4 COLLECT THE CASH *** Ran on well over 1200m last start. Better suited at a mile and gets Nunes. 3.50
5 HAKAMGONG ** In form and not without a chance stepping up to the mile. 16
6 ROUGH DANCE ** Blinkers off. Consistent in the grade but tested at a mile. 8.00
7 JIM ** Only win was on turf but runs on and can get in the finish on recent form. 8.00
8 POWER KING * Maiden tested here. 50
9 ENCOSTA ZONE * One-paced and wants easier. 33
10 NINTH AVENUE ** Veteran who is better in class 5 although can surprise. 50
11 WORLD OF FAME * Tested in this grade but first up run was good. 33
12 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ * Better in Class 5 but will be running on late. 33
13 BRING MONEY HOME *** Racing well and should get in the finish in what is a very suitable race. 4.00
14 MEAISIN *** Well placed in this grade and will be hard to beat if he gets a start. 6.00
Race 9
Selections; 2 EL MILAGRO – 1 BORN TO FLY – 7 GOLD RUTILE – 3 WILD GEESE
An Open Stakes over 1400m and under the conditions EL MILAGRO can be expected to give a bold sight from the ace with 55kg. The 1400m is as far as he wants to go but he should be hard to pass. The very honest BORN TO FLY has to give them all weight but his recent trial was good and he will be closing late with blinkers downgraded to a visor. GOLD RUTILE put in a rare bad one last start but she is normally very honest and could easily make amends. GOLD RUN is up in Grade but he showed improvement last start and over his favourite trip; Manoel Nunes should give him every chance. WILD GEESE can improve on his first-up run and the mystery runner is MY OPTION who has Group level form in the USA over this trip on the poly; she last ran in the China Horse Club Singapore Cup race but the form from that may be questionable at best.
1 BORN TO FLY *** Resuming with blinkers to visor. Very honest and recent trial was good. Weight may test. 5.00
2 EL MILAGRO *** In very well at the race conditions, has plenty of speed and should give a bold sight from the ace. 3.50
3 WILD GEESE *** Good effort when resuming and can be further improved. 6.00
4 MY OPTION ** Tongue-tie off. Group 3 winner on poly in US over this trip. Only battled in China Horse Cup race last start. Take on trust. 6.00
5 CITY LAD * Has not won for a long time but last effort showed some improvement. 14
6 GOLD RUN ** Up in grade but improved last start and with top rider aboard can get in the finish. 8.00
7 GOLD RUTILE *** Just fair last start but normally very honest and can be in the finish with no weight. 5.00
8 SUPERNOVA ** Requires improvement on recent outings but in very well at the race conditions. 25
9 SIR LOVESALOT * Needs to improve. 25
Race 10
Selections; 1 SEBROSE – 5 SMART LAD – 2 INTENSE GOLD – 3 POWERNOVA
A good field contests a BM67 over a mile. SEBROSE is being tested at the mile but he is very honest and with Manoel Nunes up will be in the finish. The main danger should be SMART LAD he was trapped wide over 1800m last start, he has had two trials since and is better suited here at the mile. INTENSE GOLD fought on in higher grade last start, the trip suits and he will be on the speed throughout. POWERNOVA has been racing well but he can be found out at the end of a mile. Of the others KNIGHT SPIRIT enjoys the mile and RUSTY BROWN fought on very well last start and could show up again.
1 SEBROSE *** Very consistent and will be in the finish. Being tested at the mile. 4.00
2 INTENSE GOLD *** Fought on in higher grade last start. Will be on the speed throughout. 6.00
3 POWERNOVA *** Has fought on well in higher grade at recent outings and right in this. 6.00
4 RUSTY BROWN ** Fought hard last start and has to be a show here. 12
5 SMART LAD *** Trapped wide over 1800m. Has had two trials since and better suited here at a mile. 4.00
6 NEW YORK CITY * Needs to improve on recent form. 25
7 KNIGHT SPIRIT ** Poor last start but recent trial was good and is suited at this journey. 12
8 ROYAL DOMINANCE ** Ellerslie (NZ) 1400m Maiden winner who did nothing at first Singapore start. Recent trial was good and may improve with tongue-tie added. 12
9 TEQUILA SHOT ** Improved last start with blinkers. Best form is over longer but could show up. 12
10 PIASAU GARDEN * Battled last start and may want easier. 33
11 GRAND SEVEN SEAS * Battled last start after KSD win and may be tested here. 33
12 GALAXY EXPRESS * Drops back in trip and tested this level. 33
