Smart Lad may surprise. (Picture by Singapore Turf Club)
With a weekend of racing that includes two Group races on Sunday, punters will be spoilt for choice starting on Friday with a terrific nine race card.
And it will pay to be on your toes early and keep an eye on scratching’s with the second emergency in race 1 – TROPICAL FOREST – looking a big show if he gets a start.
The flashy gray veteran sneaks into Class 5 and while his recent from reads only fairly, a recent nice trial or two suggests he is ready to win in this company.
But the exceptional racing is later in the card with a Kranji Stakes B Poly sprint over 1000m (race 7) and a very strong Class 3 turf event over 1400m (race 8).
In the sprint, OLYMPIC ANTHEM and BELLWETHER both look due, while it’s hard to fault the winning form of GOOD NEWS.
Throw in ITALIAN JOB and a couple of the top rated horses in SOUTHERN BOSS and HYPERNOVA and the race should be a scorcher.
The next race doesn’t get easier for punters with most having legitimate winning hopes, however, CHASE does look a horses destined for better things and looks due while OM gets Manny Nunes who could make the difference on a horses that always looks a chance.
But one to watch at the bottom of the weights is SMART LAD who looks well placed at likely long odds and coul
d run a big race with blinkers back on over 1400m.
A former Kiwi potential top-liner in ROCKFAST will keep punters on-course as he makes his Singapore debut in the last and happy to think he is much better than Class 4 and can win.
Friday 18 September
Best Bets: (ROCKFAST race 9, win), (SMART LAD race 8, value) and (SUPERSONICSURPRISE race 1, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (1, 3 and 4), race 7 (2, 3, 5, 6 and 7), race 8 (1, 4, 6, 9 and 12), race 9 (1, 2, 4, 7 and 10).
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; 14 TROPICAL FOREST – 6 SUPERSONICSURPRISE – 7 TIM – 1 DR OCTOPUS
At the time of writing this preamble, TROPICAL FOREST is the second emergency and by all rights probably won’t get a start. But worth noting he has a jockey booked and has drawn gate 1 so it will pay to keep a close eye on scratching’s on the day. And it’s also worth noting that he sneaks into Class 5 and while his recent form reads badly, his recent trials have been good and he must go close if he gets a start. And we’re hoping he does. If he doesn’t, another horse that drops to Class 5 and should improve lengths in SUPERSONICSURPISE is one to watch. He can race on the pace and given the company you would expect Munro to do just that and he might be hard to run down. The two obvious picks are TIM and DR OCTOPUS. It’s not rocket science but both win without surprising although both are well overdue given the support they have been receiving. DRAGON RUBY, RORY and the veteran VOLKOV, the others to include.
1 DR OCTOPUS *** Overdue is an understatement and have to play with care for the support. 3.00
2 DRAGON RUBY *** Maiden who was close up last start behind Rory and goes close here. 5.00
3 MAGIC RANGER * Blinkers off and tongue-tie on but impossible on form. 100
4 RORY ** Hard to follow but gets recent winning hoop and can show up. 8.00
5 STEED EXPEDITE * Resuming and hard to have on recent trial form. 50
6 SUPERSONICSURPRISE *** Recent form ordinary but very much appreciates Class 5 and expect cheeky run. 8.00
7 TIM *** Another who has his foot on the till but desperate for a result for the support. 3.00
8 LIVE IN HOPE * No. 200
9 STATE TROOPER * Gets blinkers but hard to have. 200
10 VOLKOV ** Tongue-tie off, winkers on. Veteran down in the ratings but in form and a must for exotics. 12
11 GODS SPEED * Back in trip and hard to have on recent form. 33
12 FOUNTAIN * Pops up on the odd occasion but easier to ignore from wide gate. 33
13 ANAK PENANG * Improves at long odds with blinkers. 50
14 TROPICAL FOREST *** Sneaks into Class 5 with some strong recent trials under his belt. Can win. 6.00
Race 2
Selections; 11 MISS BLANCHETT – 10 SUPER BRILLIANT – 7 ROYAL EASTER – 5 BANDIDO
A slight caveat on this Restricted Maiden with MARINE TREASURE and to a lesser extent D’BUFFALO MAN, both likely to run very well with support. MARINE TREASURE in particular has done little wrong at four career starts and looks the benchmark with blinkers back on as he drops back to 1200m. But he has had his chances and happy to jump on board a couple of debutantes in MISS BLANCHETT and BANDIDO with SUPER BRILLIANT and ROYAL EASTER two that improve on solid race debuts. MISS BLANCHETT gets Nunes on 51kg and given she looked good winning her Official trial, she is the one to beat. SUPER BRILLIANT might be the value though. The 3YO had excuses on debut and will improves over 1200m on the turf with gate 1 in his favour. Likewise, ROYAL EASTER appreciates the debut run and can win while BANDIDO showed enough at the trials to consider.
1 ROAN RANGER ** Probably needs longer but will work into exotic calculations late. 20
2 WHAT IFF * Pushed along at recent trial and like to see some support before considering. 20
3 MARINE TREASURE *** Blinkers back on as he drops back to 1200m and looks the benchmark. 5.00
4 D’BUFFALO MAN *** Winkers on after just fair effort on the Poly last start but look for improvement on the grass. 5.00
5 BANDIDO *** Trials good enough to consider on debut. 7.00
6 NATURAL WATER * Hard to consider on exposed trial form. 50
7 ROYAL EASTER *** Improves on what was a solid debut with some support and must be considered. 6.00
8 SMART INVESTMENT * Another debutante who would need support on what we have seen at the trials. 50
9 SUPER BALL * Had numerous trials but like to see something before we consider. 33
10 SUPER BRILLIANT *** Had excuses not to finish closer on debut and goes close here with gate 1 in his favour. 6.00
11 MISS BLANCHETT *** Trials nicely and has to be a big show with Nunes riding for Laxon. 4.00
Race 3
Selections; 4 ALOHA – 3 NOVA STAR – 2 IDYLLIC SCENERY – 6 ROCK ESPRIT
This class 4 could very well be a frenzied betting affair with two strong last start maiden winners in ALOHA and NOVA STAR ready to show their best in a field with depth. Both broke their maiden status in fine style so not much separates the pair with the step up to 1400m looking perfect at this stage of their respective campaigns. Of the two, ALOHA will race on the pace and give himself every chance with a good kick shown last start when needed. NOVA STAR’s best work late also suggests he will be thereabouts when it gets serious and both look horses to follow. Plenty of others that can win without surprising and IDYLLIC SCENERY is certainly one of those. The former Kiwi improves for what was a good Singapore debut with support and should go very close with Nunes up. SPLICE also gets a good jockey change with M Rodd booked, as the affable Aussie’s last two rides on the 6YO were wins. ROCK ESPIRIT worth another look on trial form alone and a blanket over the rest for exotics.
1 SPLICE *** Always an each-way show and gets most recent winning hoop back on. 8.00
2 IDYLLIC SCENERY *** Showed more than enough at Singapore debut to win with that run under his belt. 3.00
3 NOVA STAR *** Won well with tongue-tie added last start and step put to 1400m looks ideal. 5.00
4 ALOHA *** Turned some good form into a strong win and have to respect. 3.50
5 FAST EDITION ** Close-up last start but that was in KSD company. 12
6 ROCK ESPRIT *** Excuses when resuming with support and subsequent good trial suggests he is worth another look. 12
7 NATURAL NICE ** Found some form of late but might need it easier than this. 16
8 ENLIGHTEN KNIGHT ** Improved last start this trip and worth a look at long odds with winkers added. 33
9 ADRENALINE ** Form reads only fair but can make use of the ace and cheeky run expected. 20
10 MAREA NEGRO ** Thereabouts without threatening of late but another that could add value to exorcise. 33
11 LUCKY SIX * Query on the turf. 50
Race 4
Selections; 8 XZUBERANCE – 2 LIKA TIGER – 1 SKY ELEVEN – 3 SLAYER
Steve Burridge has two runners in this Class 4 field – LIKA TIGER and XZUBERANCE – and both look lively chances on what they showed last start. In fact given XZUBERANCE just got nutted by what looks a very good horse in Imperial March last start in KSC company, a repeat of that run would see him win in this field. He has drawn wide in gate 9 but you would expect a forward run if circumstances permit. LIKA TIGER was also in that race and his work to the wire coupled with a subsequent good trial has him in the winning mix and he may even be value. Most others look some hope though with SKY ELEVEN in very good form and certainly due while SLAYER will keep the all honest in the fight to the wire. Each-way at odds for most others so it may be a case of going for value or very wide in exotics.
1 SKY ELEVEN *** Issues for only bad run of late and gives this a shake. 4.00
2 LIKA TIGER *** Showed last that he handles the trip and subsequent trial suggests he is worth a look. 14
3 SLAYER *** Always an each-show in a race like this and will be prominent throughout. 5.00
4 TANGIBLE ASSETS * Not at his best of late but capable on his day. 33
5 CHRISTMAS ** Improved with blinkers added last start and will make his presence felt late. 12
6 DAAD’S THE WAY ** Not a mile away last start and will win again before he retires. 20
7 MEAISIN ** Issues last start and worth thought on good previous form. 12
8 XZUBERANCE *** Almost pinched one in good company this surface last start and could be hard to beat on that run. 4.00
9 KING SAVINSKY ** Win two starts back was in Class 5 but will be competitive. 12
10 KNOW EACH OTHER ** Blinkers off. Super disappointing not to have won of late with the support and have to take on trust. 5.00
Race 5
Selections; 6 WINNING CAUSE – 8 TENMA – 3 DOUBLE RAINBOW – 9 JUST NAME IT
With the exception of the bottom rated horse, BLACK BEAN, all look to have some chance in this Class 4 event ever 1400m and that means plenty of value if you can find the winner. In fact it looks a toss up who will start favourite but TENMA should have a few admirers on what he showed last start with the Long Course (A) in his favour. He had support to just miss on that occasion and looks a progressive type. WINNING CAUSE is another who can go on with the job after knocking in a well-deserved maiden win last start. Juglall retains the ride on the Pat Shaw US-bred 3YO and given the strength of that win and his consistent form prior, he could be hard to hold out. DOUBLE RAINBOW deserves a big mention given he has won two from just four starts and will get punter support as will APPELLATION who gets the Nunes factor so won’t be missed. Too many others to mention and go wide in exotics.
1 KNIGHT SPIRIT ** Starts an issue but will be motoring late in what is a suitable race. 20
2 NATION THEATRE ** Can never discount but better form is on the Poly. 20
3 DOUBLE RAINBOW *** Ran on very well last start to make it two wins form fours starts and expect much the same. 5.00
4 MILLION ROUND ** Cheeky run expected at odds. 33
5 DANNY ** Resuming and would be working into a race like this late if right. 50
6 WINNING CAUSE *** Knocked in deserved maiden win this trip with heavy support last start and can win again. 3.50
7 PERFECT CHALLENGER *** Issues again last start (roarer) but always shows enough to keep safe. 8.00
8 TENMA *** Ran on well to just miss in KSD company last start and must be respected here. 5.00
9 JUST NAME IT *** Excuses not to go very close last start this trip and gives this a shake. 12
10 GOLD CROWN *** Another last start maiden winner that looks up to this level. 8.00
11 APPELLATION *** Been knocking on the door at value and worth another look with Nunes up. 8.00
12 BLACK BEAN * Needs easier. 100
Race 6
Selections; 3 MONEY KING – 1 FLYING WINNER – 4 GALLANT HEIGHTS – 13 RIO DE JANEIRO
Another race where the emergency – RIO DE JANEIRO – has a good winning chance and with Michael Rodd booked, he will go very close with support. But as it stands, two Theo Kieser runners in MONEY KING and FLYING WINNER look well placed to show their best. MONEY KING in particular has a few runs on the board and given he has been going along OK in better company over and this trip looks his caper, he could be hard to hold out. FLYING WINNER is a maiden but like a few we have seen of late, they do find Class 5 more to their liking and he could easily show up at value. The benchmark looks to be GALLANT HEIGHTS. The 7YO is consistent and will win sooner than later back in Class 5 with a Y Salim 4kg claim. Those that could improve at odds include HAN SOLO and BROWNE’S ANATOMY in what could be a very dour affair.
1 FLYING WINNER *** Maiden who showed last start he handles the trip and will appreciate Class 5. Value. 8.00
2 JACK OF HEARTS * No. 50
3 MONEY KING *** Form a lot better than it reads and find himself in the right company and trip. Big show. 4.00
4 GALLANT HEIGHTS *** Supported and showed last start dropping to Class 5 he will one of these sooner than later. 4.00
5 HAN SOLO ** Form reads badly but race suits and should improve at odds. 20
6 BROWNE’S ANATOMY ** Last run better than the result and appreciates extra trip with nice trial under his belt. 5.00
7 BUZET * Goes OK on his day but recent form only fair. 33
8 NOVEMBER SUCCESS ** Maiden but always looks a show in this type of race. 6.00
9 JOHNNY HATES JAZZ ** Gate an issue but always pay to keep safe. 33
10 SILVER FLY * Ran on OK late last start but needs to do more. 33
11 WINNING SUCCESS ** Just missed last start and another cheeky race expected. 8.00
12 NORTH STAR * No. 100
13 RIO DE JANEIRO *** Had support last start similar company and will go close. 7.00
14 EASY EASY ** Query the trip but worth keeping safe in exotics. 20
Race 7
Selections; 7 OLYMPIC ANTHEM – 6 BELLWETHER – 2 SOUTHERN BOSS – 3 HYPERNOVA
A very hard race to line up the form with some very consistent horses in great form on the way up and some top class Poly sprint specialists who can return to form in what is suitable company over a suitable trip. The three horses that can turn some relative poor form around are GOLDEN SAND STEED, SOUTHERN BOSS and HYPERNOVA. The trio have been racing in good company of late (Group included) and all three can step up in this KSB field with 1000m looking ideal. You could also include ITALIAN JOB in that group and Nunes may make the difference as he tries to bring some excellent trial form to the races at this level. But very hard to fault the form of GOOD NEWS, BELLWETHER and OLYMPIC ANTHEM. Of that trio, GOOD NEWS will be the swooper while the consistent BELLWETHER picks himself. OLYMPIC ANTHEM does look a progressive type though and could beat them all in what is a cracking race.
1 GOLDEN SAND STEED ** Recent form reads terribly but 1000m this company suggests he improves lengths. 20
2 SOUTHERN BOSS *** Form reads badly but appreciates company and hard to ignore 1000m record. 20
3 HYPERNOVA *** Has looked ominous of late and has to be considered in this field. 12
4 GOOD NEWS ** Hard to fault form and will be all over them late. 12
5 ITALIAN JOB *** Resuming and overdue to bring strong trial form to the races. 5.00
6 BELLWETHER *** Super honest and right in this finish. 2.90
7 OLYMPIC ANTHEM *** Just missed last start and looks the benchmark. 3.00
8 ASTROSTAR * Has ability but have to take on trust on what we have seen last couple. 33
9 LASER STORM ** Resuming and could give a sight at odds fresh. 20
10 EATONS GOLD ** Struggling to win in easier company but may appreciate lightweight while in form. 14
Race 8
Selections; 4 CHASE – 6 OM – 12 SMART LAD – 9 SHANGHAI BUND
Another great race on what looks to have been a strong nights racing and good luck if you are confident of finding the winner. In saying that CHASE has always looked to be destined for better things than Class 3 and gets is chance here to turn some excellent form into a win. The 4YO has only had the one bad run of late – in the Group 1 Guineas – and his form since that run suggests he wins again sooner than later and this race looks perfect. OM could be the value runner though. The 6YO always looks a chance in most races he competes in and while he could be considered disappointing not to have won more times than he has, Nunes will makes a difference (he has in the past) so a big run would not surprise. While OM could be value, SMART LAD could be the bolter at long odds. The 4YO also had a start in the Guineas and while he isn’t as consistent as CHASE, he goes better than most with blinkers back on for this. SHANGHAI BUND, DRAGON FURY, BOARD WALK, EAGLE STORM and STRUBELI all win without surprising.
1 STRUBELI *** Returned to form with a bang last start and can handle 1400m. 6.00
2 EAGLE STORM *** Always a show and fresh enough to think drop back to 1400m sees a result. 8.00
3 BOARD WALK *** Another that won at odds last start and have to follow. 8.00
4 CHASE *** Very progressive type who looks suited this race to return to the winners circle. 3.50
5 SPRING THUNDER ** Appreciates first up run and will not be the worst here at long odds. 50
6 OM *** Always a show and very much appreciates senior hoop with best work expected late. 10
7 VERTICAL START * Backed up nice win with good trial but a query on the turf. 33
8 DRAGON FURY *** In great form and trip suits so must be considered with value in mind. 13
9 SHANGHAI BUND *** Up in Class but very hard to fault form and has winning claims. 4.00
10 ELUSIVE EMPEROR ** Form has tapered but did look up to winning a race like this previously. 12
11 PURE TACTICS * Looks a better option on the Poly in this company. 100
12 SMART LAD *** Form better than it reads and suited here with blinkers back on so consider at long odds. 33
Race 9
Selections; 2 ROCKFAST – 4 RAFAELLO – 7 MAGNUM – 1 RUN IT TWICE
At this time of year it’s hard not to glance south to Melbourne and the Spring Carnival with horses like Volkstok’n’barrell certainly worth following. And given the 4YO (who will target the Group 1 Cox Plate) has form in-and-around ROCKFAST – who goes around in a lowly Class 4 in Singapore tonight – you would think the latter could be a good thing. Obviously he finds himself in this company for a reason – he has only one once from some 11 starts – but when you consider he has placed another eight times (which includes Group company) and has trialed well since arriving, he could be hard to beat. It’s hard to make him a good thing though given RUN IT TWICE, RAFAELLO, MAGNUM and LINCOLN’S GOLD all come off last start wins and all look horses to follow. RAFAELLO in particular is gunning for a hat trick of wins and looks the testing material. Great race on what should have been a great nights racing.
1 RUN IT TWICE *** Won well on Singapore debut and looks well placed in Class 4 company. 3.00
2 ROCKFAST *** Former Kiwi who has placed in elite company and could be very hard to beat in Class 4 with a nice recent trial a pointer. 6.00
3 STAR GENERAL *** Pulled up sore at last two starts but has ability and will be prominent throughout. 12
4 RAFAELLO *** Progressive 3YO who knows how to win and has to be respected. 4.00
5 ASPREY ** Awkward draw a concern but appreciates Singapore debut and could improve at value. 20
6 GOLDEN MISSION * Needs to lift. 100
7 MAGNUM *** Mighty effort to win after excuses last start and pay to follow. 7.00
8 KENNEDY * Kiwi maiden who is eligible for easier. 50
9 BEST NINE * Better suited on the Poly. 20
10 LINCOLN’S GOLD *** Backed up good debut with excuses with excellent win and must go close. 7.00
11 COOL CAT * Last two poor and might need easier. 50
12 CONGO ZANDOR * No. 200
13 PETITE VICTOIRE * Should need easier. 50
14 CLERMONT CLUB * Needs easier and longer. 200
15 SMART SUPREME * Reassess easier company. 200
