My Lucky Strike wins in Singapore
Always a fun night at the races when the Canadians are up and about and the annual Canada Cup always seems to gather a nice field. This year the Benchmark 83 sprint has the added bonus of having the smart sprinter MY LUCKY STRIKE looking for five straight wins in Singapore.
The former Australian arrived in town as a three race maiden but a two length win at his Singapore debut suggested something in the Kranji water agreed with him. His latest win – perhaps his best – was also two lengths and given that was over some solid Class 3 horses including the in-form Bellwether, he is more than up to this company. This field has depth though with PEACE NO WAR and ASTROSTAR more than capable Poly sprinters and INDICIO looking due to win a race like this and he could even provide value in what should be a cracking race.
Elsewhere on the card (race 2), a 3YO maiden in PRETTY ABLE might be one of the better bets on the card. The filly finished second on debut to Storm Troops but more importantly Sand Bank was also in that finish (fourth) and he has gone on to frank that form by winning his next two.
Plenty of value about in most other races with a couple of veterans in AFFIRMATION (race 1) and PACINO (race 7) looking solid hopes and a smart former Kiwi in ROYAL DOMINANCE should be better than Class 4 company and well worth a look in the lucky last.
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Best Bets; (PRETTY ABLE race 2, win), (ROYAL DOMINANCE race 8, each-way) and (PACINO race 7, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 5 (1, 4, 6, 8 and 10), race 6 (1, 3, 4 and 5), race 7 (1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12), race 8 (1, 2, 3, 6 and 7).
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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.
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Race 1
Selections; 5 AFFIRMATION – 2 VANTAGE – 3 DRAGON WALK – 8 MATOAKA
AFFIRMATION hasn’t won for a while but he gets his chance in this weak field after drawing gate 1 with Manny Nunes up. The champion hoop is also due (after what was a phenomenal runs of seconds on Sunday) so expect a very positive ride from the ace and if the grey is handy enough on turning, he can win. The horse he has to beat on form is VANTAGE. The 5YO doesn’t win out of turn but his recent efforts suggests he is the one to beat in this with John Powell up from gate 2. DRAGON WALK is also due with HW Tan opting for a 2kg claimer to get the job done which could be a smart move. The pace influence (which should suit AFFIRMATION) is MATOAKA and the 4YO mare could run a very cheeky run fresh after changing stables to Lady Dragon.
1 BEVERLY HILL * Appreciates first-up run and winkers back on but form poor. 33
2 VANTAGE *** In fine form and gets every chance in this weak field with gate 2 a bonus. 3.00
3 DRAGON WALK *** Looks due and well-placed with 2kg claim. 4.00
4 IMPERIOUS ** Thereabouts as a rule but needs a result for the support of late. 12
5 AFFIRMATION *** Not his best trip but Nunes from gate 1 suggests he gives this a shake. 4.00
6 NOT SIMPLE ** Resuming in what is a suitable race and pay to keep safe. 20
7 BROWNE’S ANATOMY ** Form OK but back in trip a concern. Watch market. 8.00
8 MATOAKA ** Freshened and cheeky run expected at odds. 20
9 STANZOUT * The type that can surprise but easier to leave out. 33
10 ENZO * Another that could show up if having a good day. 33
11 SACRED PRINCE ** Veteran who hasn’t been at his best of late but can include in exotics. 20
12 FANTASTIC WARRIOR * No. 100
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Race 2
Selections; 9 PRETTY ABLE – 2 DRAGON FURY – 1 WHISPERINTHEWIND – 12 KUBERA WARRIOR
The first 2YO with some trial form under his belt – KUBERA WARRIOR – makes this Restricted Maiden interesting and he is worth a look at probably each-way odds with a postage stamp weight to carry. However, he has run into a few nice 3YO raced maidens who look due to win with PRETTY ABLE the best of them on paper. The filly was beaten less than a length on debut behind Storm Troops who has since trailed like a very nice type but more importantly beat home Sand Bank who has franked that race form winning his next two. WHISPERINTHEWIND and DRAGON FURY the other two with race experience that look ready to win and certainly keep PRETTY ABLE honest. The tote the best guide on a number of newcomers including MR NICHOLSON with Nunes up for Laxon.
1 WHISPERINTHEWIND *** Placed at odds last start and does look ready to win. 7.00
2 DRAGON FURY *** Rarely runs a bad race on the Poly and looks the benchmark. 3.00
3 PREFERRED * Struggled on turf but previous poly run was sound. Could show up. 33
4 MEGEVE ** Solid at the trials and should debut OK. 12
5 MR NICHOLSON ** Quiet trials under his belt and must be respected with Nunes/Laxon. 8.00
6 THE BLACK KNIGHT ** Another Shaw runner with solid trials under his belt and market best guide. 12
7 VICTORY * Hard to be confident on trial form. 50
8 GYPSY ** Won a trial in February but like to see support before getting excited. 20
9 PRETTY ABLE *** Debut was excellent and form from that race has held up. Very hard to beat. 3.00
10 GOLD RESERVE * Showed nothing at local trial and would need support. 100
11 IN BOCCA AL LUPO * Improves for debut run but like to see more. 33
12 KUBERA WARRIOR *** First of the 2YOs with OK trial form. Keep safe. 20
13 COSTNER ** Improves for debut effort and gets blinkers so pay to include in exotics. 20
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Race 3
Selections; 4 JUSTICE WORLD – 1 ALPHA CENTAURI – 6 SEBROSE – 3 BOB
While there are a few to keep very safe, this race could be between last start winner ALPHA CENTAURI and the bang-in-form JUSTICE WORLD. Nothing separates the two but JUSTICE WORLD gets to jump two and froggy Newitt should get all the favours. We also like the fact he comes into this with a very good trial under his belt suggesting he is “cherry ripe” to get the chocolates. But ALPHA CENTAURI won too well last start not to think he will be storming home late and could easily win with a trouble free run. Following him home late will be SEBROSE who is tested at the trip but gives every indication he is a horse to follow over distance while BOB rarely runs a bad race and has to be included in winning calculations. Keep the rest safe in a field that bats to the tail.
1 ALPHA CENTAURI *** Turned some good form into a strong win last start and switch to Poly no issue. 4.00
2 VERGLATICA ** Blinkers off and gets back into suitable company so keep safe. 12
3 BOB *** Up in grade but won well last start and honest enough to be more than competitive here. 6.00
4 JUSTICE WORLD *** In fine form and will get every chance in this field from gate 2. 3.00
5 FELAROF ** In solid form but just needs a result for the support. 5.00
6 SEBROSE *** Query this trip but smart and gives every indication he will play a part late. 6.00
7 MILITARY ALLIANCE ** In form and not a silly hope with no weight. 12
8 TANGIBLE ASSETS ** Returned to form last start and would give this a shake on his day. 12
9 DANCING TSURU * Only race win was on Poly over 1700m but should need easier. 33
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Race 4
Selections; 2 AERO WINGS JUNIOR – 1 FAT BOBO – 4 PERFECT CHALLENGER – 3 BOARD WALK
AERO WINGS JUNIOR looks extremely hard to beat in this. After showing glimpses early in his career, the 4YO has hit a purple patch winning two of his last three and no reason to think that rich vein of form stops anytime soon. He looks to have found a nice race to add another win to his resume and Manny Nunes should try to make every post a winner from gate 2. His biggest danger looks FAT BOBO. A five-time winner on the Poly, FAT BOBO showed last start he can add to that total and no doubt TH Koh will make full use of his 2kg claim keeping AERO WINGS JUNIOR honest on the pace throughout. Nothing else jumps off the page but PERFECT CHALLENGER could play a part late if he is having a good day so keep him safe.
1 FAT BOBO *** Showed last start why he is always a hope on the Poly and goes close with handy 2kg claim. 6.00
2 AERO WINGS JUNIOR *** Tongue-tie on. In spanking form and hard to beat from gate 2. 2.00
3 BOARD WALK ** Form reads badly but versatile and back in trip a good move. 20
4 PERFECT CHALLENGER ** Finds trouble but will be flying late if on song so keep safe. 12
5 KLEVER WARRIOR ** Gets blinkers and own this trip two starts back but should need longer. 12
6 ROSADO ** Backed up surprise win with solid effort and plays a part in exotics. 12
7 BLACK MAMBA ** Not a mile away last start and can include in exotics at long odds. 50
8 MR MANI * Reassess Class 5. 50
9 RAINBOW STAR * Maiden who needs easier. 100
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Race 5
Selections; 1 SCHILTRON – 8 URBAN LEGEND – 10 REAL GOODMAN – 4 ANY CHOICE
SCHILTRON might be a maiden but that won’t stop him starting favourite in this weak race and you would imagine if he does a few things right, he can wins. The 4YO has placed at his last three starts and given he made a mess of the start last time out and still managed to figure late, he is due. His subsequent trial was good (albeit green) and has Manny Nunes so gets his chance. URBAN LEGEND is the one that could offer the biggest threat. The 7YO was set for a similar affair to this three starts back when he got support and happy to think he has more to offer than what he showed that day. ANY CHOICE gets back to Class 5 and enjoys the Poly so keep him safe and GYPSY STAR could make his presence late if having a good day. REAL GOODMAN looks a very solid each-way hope and happy to have a look at him at value.
1 SCHILTRON *** Big effort to place after blowing the start last run and trial since suggests he wins. 2.70
2 SINGLE ACT * Appreciates gate but has struggled of late. 20
3 NOVEMBER SUCCESS ** Recent good form on the turf but have to respect from gate 1 with a 4kg claim. 10
4 ANY CHOICE *** Back to recent winning company and gives this a shake on form. 4.00
5 RIGHT IS RIGHT ** Form better than it reads and is capable of a cheeky run. 20
6 GYPSY STAR *** Excuses last start and will be flying late if on his game. 12
7 WINNING SUCCESS * Will run a cheeky race but likely to be found out late. 20
8 URBAN LEGEND *** Form reads terribly but was backed in similar affair three starts back and pay to keep very safe. 12
9 PESCATORE * Battled on OK last start but skinny end of exotics looks best. 33
10 REAL GOODMAN *** Has looked due of late and well worth an each-way look. 6.00
11 BRILLIANT POWER * Backing up sans winkers and tongue-tie and hard to have. 33
12 CLASSIC THUNDER * Easier to leave out. 33
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Race 6
Selections; 5 MY LUCKY STRIKE – 4 PEACE NO WAR – 3 INDICIO – 1 ASTROSTAR
The Canada Cup highlights what should have been an interesting nights racing and while some nice horses head to the start, all eyes will be on MY LUCKY STRIKE to see if he can make it five straight wins in Singapore. The 3YO has been a revelation since arriving as a race maiden from Australia and given his last win was arguably his best, he looks more than up to this company and is hard to beat. PEACE NO WAR is no slouch though and the 4YO will appreciate being back on the Poly. And although his three Poly wins have been over 1000m, he has won over 1200m and looks well-placed from gate 4 in this field. INDICIO is the value runner given his solid run of form in nice races and he should keep them all honest at each-way odds. Keep ASTROSTAR safe in this company with a 3kg claim but MY LUCKY STRIKE the one to watch.
1 ASTROSTAR *** Appreciates first-up run under his belt and always a winning hope in this type of race. 5.00
2 SPEEDY CAT * Back in trip and not the horse he once was. 20
3 INDICIO *** In very solid form and this looks suitable to get into the money. 12
4 PEACE NO WAR *** Another who appreciates first-up run where he did it tough and a huge show on best form. 4.00
5 MY LUCKY STRIKE *** Recent win very good and big show to make it five-from-five. 2.00
6 ONE SMART CAT ** Resuming and could run a big race fresh. 12
7 VERTICAL START ** Resuming sans tongue-tie and recent trial suggests he could be the value runner. 12
8 HAMMER DOWN * Might need easier. 33
9 MEXBOROUGH BOY * Prefer elsewhere. 50
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Race 7
Selections; 7 PACINO – 1 BANKERS CALL – 10 CASSIS OOLONG – 3 LUCKY COME
Obviously BANKERS CALL is the horse to beat. The Stephen Gray-trained 5YO is in fine form knocking in two wins and two places from his last four starts and the fact he still finds himself in Class 5, he is hard to beat. However, the beast that is Class 5 form suggests we can find value elsewhere and one that can win at odds is the veteran PACINO. The 10YO has eight wins to his name and while he doesn’t pick himself on recent form, the fact he gets a senior hoop for the first time in a long time suggests he gives this a shake and in Rodd we trust. Throw a blanket over the rest with so many that can win suggesting a value bet is in the order of the day.
1 BANKERS CALL *** In very good form and the one to beat again in similar company. 3.00
2 HAPPY SAGA *** Backing up what was a good turf run and goes close from gate 2 on the Poly. 4.00
3 LUCKY COME *** Back in the right grade and gives this a shake on best form. 12
4 REYSHA * Will appreciate company but has to improve. 33
5 SUPER BIG * Hard to have. 100
6 SUPER CAPTAIN *** Looks due and worth a solid each-way look. 10
7 PACINO *** Veteran who gets a senior hoop and will give this a shake at odds. 20
8 SACRED CROWN *** Always worth a look in this type of race and another who might get to out to value. 8.00
9 TIME AFTER TIME *** Found some form of late and pay to respect with gate 1 a bonus. 8.00
10 CASSIS OOLONG *** Showed last start why he has to be respected in this type of race. 20
11 OCEAN STORY * Yet to place in nine starts. 50
12 GOLDEN DRAGON *** Not far away last start in similar affair and have to follow. 8.00
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Race 8
Selections; 3 ROYAL DOMINANCE – 2 SOLITAIRE – 7 BRAHMA CIRCUS – 1 SCIENCE FICTION
Very tough race to finish the card especially when we have a talented Kiwi stayer making her Singapore debut. The horse in question is ROYAL DOMINANCE and considering the 4YO mare was racing in some very good Group company back in NZ, she might be too good for this lot. She will be better again over longer but a recent trial suggests she will go well first-up and Class 4 with a 2kg claimer on looks a winning combination. Of the horses we know, BRAHMA CIRCUS is in good form but desperate for a result. The 3YO has yet to win since breaking through some four starts back but he is always a show and looks the benchmark. One to watch first up is SOLITAIRE. The 6YO has a good record fresh and this race is looks suitable to show his best. The race has depth though with SCIENCE FICTION, SOUL COMMANDER and WARSPIRIT all legitimate winning hopes.
1 SCIENCE FICTION *** Strong win two starts back on the Poly and pay to keep very safe. 5.00
2 SOLITAIRE *** Resuming and goes super first-up with best work expected late. 12
3 ROYAL DOMINANCE *** Group placed former Kiwi who has trialed well enough to think he goes super first-up. 10
4 SOUL COMMANDER *** Coming off strong KSD win and always a show in races like this. 3.50
5 LION WAVE * Excuses last start but realistically needs longer. 33
6 WARSPIRIT *** Form reads only fair but appreciates first-up run and suited this company. Value. 20
7 BRAHMA CIRCUS *** Hard to fault form and goes mighty close here but needs a result for the support. 3.00
8 SOON YI ** Overdue and has been costly for followers so happy to ignore. 12
9 HOST THE NATION ** In solid form but may want a tad easier to win. 12
10 D’DON * Not a mile away last start but needs easier and shorter. 50
11 INFERMO * Reassess Class 5. 50
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