Kiwi Karma looks hard to beat (Pic by Singapore Turf Club)
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Yes, it’s that time of the year again and while the Chinese New Year feature race – the Group 3 Fortune Bowl – is on Tuesday, Friday’s race card is a beauty and gets the holiday racing off to a flyer.
There is depth in every race so winners will be hard to find but as usual on days like this, the tote will be a very good guide and there will be plenty of value on offer.
The best race on the day class wise is definitely the Open Sprint (race 7) and we are more than happy to stick with the exciting mare, KIWI KARMA.
The Dubai-bound 4YO showed last start that she is a better winning option on the turf and while most 
in the race are in-form and will keep her more than honest, she is good enough to win again as she prepares for international duties.
Those looking for value will have plenty of options from race 1 on the card with HARDCORE ROCK back on his preferred surface to MOLLY BROWNE (race 8) who looks a long-shot chance on the turf with nothing on her back.
Enjoy the racing and the CNY festivities.
Friday 5 February
Best Bets: (KIWI KARMA race 7, win), (HARDCORE ROCK race 1, value) and (MOLLY BROWNE race 8, long-shot).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 2 and 5), race 7 (3), race 8 (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 10 and 12).
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; 11 HARDCORE ROCK – 2 REMEMBER ME – 13 SUVARNABHUMI – 3 RAVOUX
The proverbial raffle with most having a chance on best form and thus very hard to be confident of finding the winner. So with value in mind and looking for an improver, HARDCORE ROCK appeals. The 5YO doesn’t look in good form on paper but given he has been running on the Poly since dropping to Class 5, he improves on his preferred turf surface in this company and can win – hopefully at odds. Safer picks include REMEMBER ME who will break his maiden status sooner than later in this company and obviously a couple of last start winners in ZENZERO and GEARIGURU. Of the rest, SUVARNABHUMI can be forgiven for his last start failure (debris in trachea), RAVOUX is better than he showed last start with TURQUOISE SON, SUPERMARKET and EASY EASY also in the mix.
1 HUMOR TOWN * Significant drop in Class but recent form hopeless. 33
2 REMEMBER ME *** Maiden but looks due and Class 5 suits. Big show. 4.00
3 RAVOUX *** Looked to have every chance last start in similar affair but is the type of race he wins. 20
4 SPIRIT OF SPEED * Battles away and may be better suited on the Poly. 33
5 TURQUOISE SON *** Resuming after showing marked improvement with support in maiden company last start when blinkers went on. Follow. 5.00
6 GEARIGURU ** Surprised everyone including the trainer by winning last start and have to keep safe again. 20
7 JIMTOWN * Coming off a shocker but goes OK this type of race on his day. 25
8 WESTERN BOSS * Will appreciate extra distance but easier to ignore. 50
9 CONGO ZANDOR ** Placed two back similar affair and can include in exotics. 12
10 ALADDIN ** Not a mile away last start with traffic issues and should be in the mix. 20
11 HARDCORE ROCK *** Form better than it reads and will find a few lengths back on the turf. Can win. 12
12 SUPERMART *** Will not win out of turn but always a show in this type of race. 8.00
13 SUVARNABHUMI *** Had excuses when disappointing as favourite last start and can make quick amends. 5.00
14 ZENZERO *** Broke through for overdue maiden win last start and can go on with the job. 12
15 EASY EASY *** Foot on the till and must be respected with blinkers to winkers. 8.00
16 TOOBIGTOFAIL ** Long-term maiden but always looks a show in races like this. 20
Race 2
Selections; 7 LIM’S KNIGHT – 1 ROYAL EASTER – 11 SUPERTEN – 6 KNIGHT HARLOOK
Like most Restricted Maidens, this field looks chalk and cheese with four or so with winning hopes and the others with none. LIM’S KNIGHT definitely falls into the winning hope category on what he showed on debut. The 3YO had all sorts of issues on that occasion and his effort to just miss was very good and he will be hard to beat with the in-from Oscar Chavez to steer. Likewise, SUPERTEN and KNIGHT HARLOOK showed more than enough at their respective debuts to win a race sooner than later and both should figure heavily in this finish. ROYAL EASTER has more race experience on his side and can also win with a nice recent trial a pointer to his chances. Those playing exotics may want to include PUSONG PINOY and SUPER BUFFALO on debut for value.
1 ROYAL EASTER *** Freshened by recent good trial and shown enough at the races to win this. 5.00
2 WHITE SHADOW * Has been disappointing at the races but gets winkers and could show improvement. 50
3 BORN A FIGHTER * Disappointing last couple and have to take on trust. 50
4 BALKAN CHALLENGER * Needs to lift. 200
5 GOOD LUCKY * Had to be pushed along at recent trial and prefer to watch on debut. 33
6 KNIGHT HARLOOK *** Got support and ran accordingly when second on debut and right in this. 4.00
7 LIM’S KNIGHT *** Excuses not to win on debut and very hard to beat with race experience under his belt. 2.20
8 PUSONG PINOY ** Improves with race fitness and a must for exotics. 20
9 SGFIFTY * No. 200
10 SUPER BUFFALO ** The odd OK trial under his belt suggests solid debut with market a good guide. 20
11 SUPERTEN *** Showed more than enough on debut to think he is very prominent throughout in this. 5.00
Race 3
Selections; 1 ELISE – 4 HORSE WARRIOR – 3 HIGH COUNCIL – 2 AMAZON GOLD
A race with plenty of depth and as such there should be plenty of value about on the day. ELISE hasn’t done much wrong since blinkers were added to his gear and given his two career wins were on the turf, he looks the benchmark. HORSE WARRIOR has also been in good form and gets his chance today with connection opting for a senior hoop in M Rodd. HIGH COUNCIL and AMAZON GOLD are always an each-way show in races like this and pick themselves with Vorster and Nunes up respectively. Of the rest, ZEUS and BANNISTER both appreciate solid first up runs and find themselves in suitable races and it will pay to go even wider in exotics.
1 ELISE *** Had excuses last start on the poly and can follow back on his recent winning surface. 4.00
2 AMAZON GOLD *** Tongue-tie on and always a chance in races like this. 4.00
3 HIGH COUNCIL *** Looks ready to win again and pay to follow each-way. 8.00
4 HORSE WARRIOR *** Has been running some cheeky races and looks a big show here with switch to senior rider. 8.00
5 GLORIOUS PROSPECT * Former Australian who has had two quiet local trials with market only guide. 20
6 ZEUS *** Yet to win in Singapore but very much appreciates first up run and could be ready to show his best. 12
7 RUM N RAISINS ** Backed up surprise win with solid effort and happy to follow. 12
8 BANNISTER ** Another that very much appreciates first up run and this race is suitable. 12
9 KING OPERA * Needs to show more but should appreciate extra distance. 100
10 LUCKY STRATEGY ** Will be doing best work late and a must for exotics. 12
11 WEE MONSTER * Easier to ignore. 100
12 SUN EMPIRE ** Looked to be heading to Class 5 but showed enough last start to keep safe with no weight. 20
13 GET GOING ** Yet to win in Singapore but always runs an honest race. 12
Race 4
Selections; 12 NINEPINS – 7 CELERITAS – 11 RED JEWEL – 5 GOLDEN FORTUNE
You could do the form for this maiden ten times and get ten different winners so it does look a case of following your nose on the day with one eye on the tote. In saying that NINEPINS has shown more than enough at his two race starts to think he may start favourite and hard to beat if he improves with blinkers added for the first time. CELERITAS is also showing enough to follow and in his favour is the fact he will be racing on the pace throughout and he could be a very good each-way option. Too many others to get into too many details about but RED JEWEL will appreciate 1400m and has trialed well recently so could be a very good value option and GOLDEN FORTUNE will appreciate his debut run and gets winkers.
1 STAR CHOICE *** Looked comfortable at recent trial and Nunes booking a pointer with market watch in order. 10
2 PARKER *** Improved effort when blinkers went on last start this trip and pay to follow. 12
3 EASY DRAGON *** Last start better than the result and gets blinkers so worth thought. 33
4 AMISTAD ** Solid without threatening but can include in exotics. 33
5 GOLDEN FORTUNE *** Had excuses when supported on debut and improves with winkers added. 8.00
6 FALKIRK LEAD *** Has improved lengths since blinkers went on and looks a leading player here. 5.00
7 CELERITAS *** Excuses for only poor run and will be prominent throughout. 10
8 MONTE CARLO ** Battles away but should appreciate 1400m and turf. 20
9 MAGIC PAINT ** Shown nothing at races but gets blinkers and has trialed well with headgear. 100
10 VOYAGER *** Showed enough in Class 5 company last start to think he is up to this. 8.00
11 RED JEWEL *** Very much appreciates 1400m and recent trial suggest he gives this a shake. 20
12 NINEPINS *** Shown more than enough at two race starts to think he is hard to beat with blinkers added first time. 3.00
13 MISS STREISAND ** Excuses not to finish closer last start and could be a good value option with no weight. 20
Race 5
Selections; 5 SMART LAD – 8 ZIP A DEE DOO DAH – 9 SUNNY – 2 DUJARDIN
An odd race where a couple of the horses with experience in better races than this look out of form and the punters may follow a few of the progressive types in SMART LAD, ZIP A DEE DOH DAH and SING EXPRESS. Of the trio, SMART LAD has been in good form and while yet to win further than the mile, he will see out the trip and is due. M Rodd replaces apprentice I Amirul and that could do the trick. ZIP A DEE DOH DAH will also come in for plenty of attention from punters after breaking his maiden status last start. That win was over 1600m but the 4YO gives every indication that 2000m is ideal although the company might test at only start four. Of the rest, SUNNY is always a show in staying races on the turf while DUJARDIN should be battling away late and might have the class in this field.
1 IMPERIAL MARCH * Appreciates company and 2kg claim but query at the trip and have to take on trust. 20
2 DUJARDIN ** Hasn’t won for a very long time but will be battling away late. 12
3 FUJIN BRIGHT * Improved effort last start and can run a cheeky race. 20
4 SUPER JOE ** Honest and will be in the place mix again. 10
5 SMART LAD *** Promising stayer who looks due and very much appreciates senior hoop. 3.00
6 SING EXPRESS ** Progressive type who has won two of last three and pay to follow. 8.00
7 DANGER ZONE ** Always some hope in races like this and often value so a must for exotics. 20
8 ZIP A DEE DOO DAH *** Broke maiden status in fine style last start and 2000m looks no issue. 3.00
9 SUNNY *** Showed last start why he is always a chance on the turf and will figure in this finish. 12
10 WINNING GOOD ** Returned to form last start and will make his presence felt late with lightweight. 12
Race 6
Selections; 2 INFANTRY – 1 ELUSIVE EMPEROR – 5 POWER LIN – 10 LIM’S CHARGE
It’s hard to go past INFANTRY in this Class 4 sprint after the 3YO made it back-to-back wins with heavy support at his last start. That effort was in this company and while having his first start on the turf, he will start favourite and looks the testing material. One that might be value and certainly appeals as a betting option in Class 4 is ELUSIVE EMPEROR. The 4YO resumes after just a fair run of form but given he looked better than this company when winning three races as a very progressive 3YO last year, he could give this a shake if near his best. POWER LIN is also in very solid form and a switch to the turf could see a result and he will be value. Keep an eye on the market for a horse like LIM’S CHARGE and it will pay to go wide in exotics.
1 ELUSIVE EMPEROR *** Smart enough type resuming in what is very winnable company so keep safe. 8.00
2 INFANTRY *** Heavily supported when making it back-to-back wins last start and should be hard to beat. 2.50
3 DYLAN ** Always an each-way show in races like this and often value. 20
4 Q NINE MAGIC ** Disappointing with support last start but may appreciate the switch to turf. 6.00
5 POWER LIN *** Rarely seen on the turf but handles the surface and is in form. 8.00
6 INVINCIBLE MAN ** Has been thereabouts on the poly but finding it hard to win. 12
7 ARES ** Resumed with very nice effort but lack of winning form in Singapore a concern. 12
8 Q NINE MAC ** Ridden off the pace sans headgear at second Singapore start and have to take on trust. 20
9 WE ARE GENIUS ** Resuming after a nice run of form and worth following. 20
10 LIM’S CHARGE ** 3YO maiden who loses blinkers after solid local debut with market best guide. 8.00
11 MILLION ROUND * Struggling of late. 100
12 DUTY FREE ** Not often seen on the turf but has won when swooping on this surface so always keep safe. 33
Race 7
Selections; 3 KIWI KARMA – 5 SPANISH BAY – 6 WIMBLEDON – 4 BLUE SWEDE
An extremely good race with all some hope and only FAALTLESS needing to improve on some recent poor form. In his favour is the switch to turf, which also worked for our top pick KIWI KARMA at her last start. On that occasion she turned some good Poly form into an overdue win and no reason to think this Dubai-bound mare can’t go on with the job with 57kg. As mentioned earlier she is up against some in-form horses with obvious talent and SPANISH BAY should be very prominent throughout while WIMBLEDON can make amends for his last start failure when he returned not striding. RAISE NO DOUBT ran second to KIWI KARMA last start so picks himself with a 1.5kg swing in the weights and BLUE SWEDE will be the one motoring home late if the race is run to suits swoopers.
1 GOLD RUTILE ** Extremely honest mare who will figure at the business end. 10
2 FAALTLESS ** Has been disappointing of late but will appreciate being back on the turf with blinkers off and tongue-tie on. 33
3 KIWI KARMA *** Showed last start why she is a better winning option on the turf at this level and hard to beat again. 2.50
4 BLUE SWEDE *** Two runs this campaign have been very good and will be motoring late. 6.00
5 SPANISH BAY *** Never really got involved in the EW Barker but freshened by good recent trial and should be handy throughout. 6.00
6 WIMBLEDON *** Pay to ignore last start (not striding) and take on previous strong form with blinkers back on. 10
7 RAISE NO DOUBT *** Placed behind Kiwi Karma last start and must be respected with slight pull in the weights. 4.00
8 GHOST ** Smart type resuming but a better winning option on the Poly at this level. 12
Race 8
Selections; 1 FELAROF – 7 GROENEWEGEN – 2 RUSTY BROWN – 6 SPECIAL ID
I think we can blame Chinese New Year for yet another race where there looks too many chances to make favourite punters happy. And given the favourite is likely to be our top pick in FELAROF, we may want to have a long look on the day for value. But FELAROF looks in good enough form to think he is hardest to beat in Class 4 over this trip with M Nunes up. A blanket goes over most of the others but GROENEWEGEN had excuses last start and get winkers so could win without surprising and good old RUSTY BROWN is always a leading hope in Class 4 and he also had plenty of excuses last start. In no particular order, AMAZING resuming will run a forward race, ASTROJET and LUCKY COIN have last start wins to their names while SPECIAL ID and THE DODGER look ready to win again. Even MOLLY BROWNE back on the turf at very long odds is worth a look. Good luck.
1 FELAROF *** In form and in the right company and race so right in this. 4.00
2 RUSTY BROWN *** Had traffic issues last start so ignore as will win this type of race sooner than later. 12
3 SKY ELEVEN ** Will find this easier than recent outings and could run into exotics. 20
4 AMAZING *** Resuming after a rare poor run and cheeky run expected fresh. 12
5 ASTROJET *** Broke maiden status in fine style last start and pay to follow on that effort. 8.00
6 SPECIAL ID *** Went close in similar affair when blinkers went on and a leading hope here. 5.00
7 GROENEWEGEN *** Excuses not to finish closer last start and right in this with winkers added. 6.00
8 LUCKY COIN ** This is harder than last start but both wins this trip and gets the ace. 10
9 THE DODGER *** Backed up maiden win with strong effort this company and another to follow. 10
10 ABOVE THE HORIZON * Prefer others on recent form. 50
11 MORALES * Can make excuses but needs to lift to play a part in this. 50
12 MAREA NEGRO ** Will be running on late and can figure if race run to suit swoopers. 12
13 MOLLY BROWNE ** Form better than it reads and will improve lengths back on the turf. Value. 50
Race 9
Selections; 6 ROYAL RULER – 3 MANGATOETOENUI – 7 ZIPPY GENERAL – 12 LADY LIBERTY
Yet another race with multiple chances and you would think the form from this race and meeting will hold up in weeks to come. As it stands though, ROYAL RULER showed he has returned in the form that had him knocking in back-to-back wins at his last campaign and he looks a horse to follow. He has drawn wide but the reliable Barend Vorster will give him every chance to knock in another win. MANGATOETOENUI was disappointing last start but his form prior was very good and he can also win. M Rodd back onboard is a bonus given the new dad was on the 4YO at both his career wins. The race has depth and from the top, IKING is back in trip but versatile and in form, MEDIA CAPTAIN is back in the right grade, ZIPPY GENERAL was supported and won well last start, CERTAINLY is more than up to Class 4, PEER GYNT wins again soon and has Nunes while the maiden LADY LIBERTY can also win on what she has shown.
1 IKING *** Back in trip but in form and very versatile so has to be respected. 20
2 MEDIA CAPTAIN *** Back in suitable company and look for improvement with 4kg claim. 12
3 MANGATOETOENUI *** Disappointing last start but a big show on form prior with M Rodd from gate 1 a good combination. 5.00
4 SECRET LIBERTY ** Just battled away last start similar affair but this type of race is his caper so keep safe at odds. 33
5 SING ROULETTE ** Starts can be an issue but can run a very cheeky race back on the turf. 20
6 ROYAL RULER *** Progressive type who just missed when resuming and can win this. 5.00
7 ZIPPY GENERAL *** Supported and got the result last start in similar affair and have to follow. 5.00
8 CERTAINLY *** Knocked in well-deserved maiden win last start and can go on with the job. 8.00
9 DRAGON HIGHNESS ** Just battled this company last start and worth another look although gate doesn’t help. 33
10 PEER GYNT *** Showed last start he is ore than up to this company and looks a big show. 7.00
11 IN BOCCA AL LUPO ** Broke maiden status in fine style last start and could be value up in grade. 20
12 LADY LIBERTY *** Maiden but had had excuses last start and looks up to a race like this with no weight. 12
13 RUN CHEETAH RUN * Reassess Class 5. 200
14 METAPHOR ** Maiden who is more than competitive in this company and a must for exotics at value. 20
