Ready To Strike (Alan Munro) scores an all-the-way win in Race 6 on Friday night, 09-11-12
A well-named ‘mini’ feature – the Yew Tee Classic Stakes – headlines an otherwise tricky nine race card from Singapore on Friday. The $150,000 Group 3 event is over 1800m and at the ‘condition weights’, the two horses asked to carry the top-impost of 58kg – READY TO STRIKE and NANDOWRA – are very well placed to run well. In fact the two horses – both with a rating over 100 – are some 5kg better off than a somewhat-out-of-sorts FATKID and 17kg better off than the lowest rated horse in the race, SCARED EMBLEM. So given both horses also bring very strong Group form into the race, a one-two finish is on the cards and exotics involving the two might be one of the better punting options on the day. Splitting the two is tough but READY TO STRIKE has been a revelation in 2013 (he started the year in Kranji Stakes C company) and from gate one with Alan Munro to steer, he should be hard to beat. But take nothing away from the super consistent NANDOWRA who might just appreciate winkers added to his gear on Friday and a very bold showing is expected. While it is very hard to make a case for the others in the race, READY TO STRIKE’s stable-mate, NATURAL NICE, has been in terrific form of late winning his last two and while a query at the trip, his trainer – Laurie Kevin Laxon – is a genius and an honest run is expected. What price the Derby?
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Best Bets; READY TO STRIKE (race 7, win), SUPER GOOD (race 6, each-way) and SUGARTIME JAZZ (race 1, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (2, 5 and 6), race 7 (1 and 2), race 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7), race 9 (Field).
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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; 1 LITTLE BUT FIERCE – 2 VASSILAKOS – 12 AMERICAN VISION – 8 FISCAL WINGS
An open BM53 kicks off the programme over 1400m on the turf. There is not much of LITTLE BUT FIERCE but he led and fought very hard to just go down last start over 1200m; even with Tengku’s claim the 56kg and the extra distance may test but the heart is big and he should be right in it again. The Bruce Marsh trained VASSILAKOS went around in a Kranji Stakes C last start and was not disgraced; this is much easier and from the good barrier – as a winner over 1200m in NZ – he should be respected. AMERICAN VISION is the first Singapore ride for American jockey David Flores; the distance will test but he should be on the speed all the way. FISCAL WINGS is not the toughest conveyance but his last two runs have been sound; his only win was at 1400m, he is well in with the claim for Shafiq and should get a nice run from the good gate. GOLD RUN is stepping up to a more suitable distance and third run back from a spell with John Powell up he should race more prominently despite his wide draw. For the exotics include the trouble-prone SUGARTIME JAZZ and the journeyman DANNY.
1 LITTLE BUT FIERCE *** Fought very hard to just go down last start; small horse and has plenty of weight even with the claim but should be right in it again. 4.50
2 VASSILAKOS *** Showed improvement last start in higher class; winner over 1200m in NZ and from the good barrier could make a bid. 8.00
3 AFTERNOON DELIGHT ** Last three starts poor but some excuses last time out; down in grade and has won at this trip in Class 4. 14
4 SUGARTIME JAZZ *** Won his maiden over 1400m; always seems to get into trouble but should be running on late. 12
5 DANNY ** Gets back and runs on; recent form average but always a chance in this type of race. 14
6 TWO WOLVES * Maiden who was not too far away at recent runs; poorly drawn but change to senior rider may help. 20
7 COOL CAT * Has not won for 2.5 years; second run up from spell and poorly drawn. 50
8 FISCAL WINGS *** Last two runs sound and only win was at 1400m; well in with the claim and should get a nice run from the good gate. 6.50
9 GOLD RUN *** Stepping up to a suitable distance but goes best when ridden positively and wide draw does not help. 7.50
10 GRIFFIN ** Improved effort last start and pay to follow. 16
11 MONEY BEE ** Pulled up lame last start; decent effort three starts back in Class 4 company; gets back but well drawn with top rider. 20
12 AMERICAN VISION *** First ride for American jockey David Flores; distance will test but should be on the speed all the way. 6.00
13 OASIS SPUR ** Winkers on; led and held on last start; must be taken on trust at the journey. 14
14 MYSTICAL DIAMOND * 11 start maiden, nothing mystical here. 50
15 LEGACY * Recent form ordinary. 33
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Race 2
Selections; 8 RUSTY BROWN – 1 RAPPOR – 7 POWER LIN – 2 DRAGON WALK
A 2YO race over 1100m on the polytrack with the only winner in the field being RAPPOR. The grey was never sighted in the Golden Horseshoe after drawing wide but his previous form was good and has trialed well recently; with Verenzuela up is the one with the winning credentials. Michael Freedman is unleashing another Darci Brahma gelding, RUSTY BROWN, who had a couple of quiet trials; with Corey Brown to steer he could be the “smokey” of the field. Alvin Tan has got three in this, two with chances. FAITHFULLY put in a good effort at its only start after missing the kick; with Oscar Chavez steering from a good gate he should be handy all the way. DRAGON WALK has speed and been close up at all three outings; Nunes stays on and from a nice gate he should race well. The Steven Burridge-trained POWER LIN has looked useful at the trials and could make a bold debut and the same could be said of the David Hill conveyance LEADERSHIP, to be ridden by Alan Munro.
1 RAPPOR *** Was never sighted in the Golden Horseshoe after drawing wide, previous form was good and trialed well recently; Has top jockey and should be hard to hold off. 4.00
2 DRAGON WALK *** Speedy and has been close up at all three outings; Nunes stays on and should race well. 5.50
3 EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE * Showed speed but stopped at only start; later. 20
4 FAITHFULLY *** Put in nice effort on debut after being tardy away; with Oscar Chavez up should be handy all the way. 5.30
5 HAPPY CAT * Would need to improve on two starts to date. 33
6 LEADERSHIP ** Blinkers on, trials okay; watch market. 10
7 POWER LIN *** First start; looks a nice type and could give a bold sight. 6.00
8 RUSTY BROWN *** First start; by Darci Brahma; from top stable with top rider; trials well enough to suggest a bold debut. 4.00
9 SUPER BONUS ** Well back in Golden Horseshoe; debut effort reasonable and has good gate. 12
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Race 3
Selections; 1 ALL MY WAY – 12 CARNIVAL STAR – 2 SUPERMART – 6 ALL SERENE
A very ordinary field do battle in a Kranji Stakes D over 1400m on turf. ALL THE WAY ran on well over 1000m on the poly last start, has won at 1200m and his only turf run was reasonable. He is poorly drawn but Oscar Chavez should have him much handier this time and he will be hard to hold out. CARNIVAL STAR found the mile too far last start and is much better suited here; with Corey Brown on top he too should be on the speed all the way. SUPERMART has been around the mark without threatening at three Singapore starts; he won a 1400m maiden in NZ, this is a bit easier than his recent outings and with Harry Kassim’s claim is due to improve. BROWNE’S ANATOMY only win was on the poly at 1600m but his last effort over 1200m on grass was sound and this race could suit. ALL SERENE’s only win was over 1400m; with John Powell on top from a wide gate he could be on the pace most of the way. VICTORY WINGS is on the quick back-up after a strong effort behind MEAISIN in Class 4; if he can repeat he will be right in the finish. The tongue-tie worked wonders on JUST BLESSED last time; his best form is on the poly and 1400m could test but he cannot be left out in what is a weak race.
1 ALL MY WAY *** Ran on well over 1000m on the poly last start; has won at 1200m and only turf run was reasonable; poorly drawn but Oscar Chavez should have him handy all the way. 5.00
2 SUPERMART *** Has been around the mark without threatening at three Singapore starts; won 1400m maiden in NZ, this is a bit easier and due to improve. 4.50
3 MAGNIFICENT KID * Done nothing in three starts in Singapore; won maiden over a mile in NZ. 20
4 DAWN PROSPECT * Blinkers back on; won maiden over 1000m on poly, but poor since and would need to improve. 20
5 JUST A MAN * Six-time winner who appears to be a light of other days; may appreciate being back on turf. 20
6 ALL SERENE *** Only win was at 1400m; should get a positive ride from John Powell and be in the finish. 7.00
7 NINETYFIVE POWER ** Unreliable galloper who would be in the finish if he put his best foot forward. 20
8 JUST BLESSED ** Tongue-tie worked wonders last time; winning form is on poly and distance could test but could show up. 12
9 SUPER JETSET ** Better on poly but well drawn and could try to lead all the way and be hard to run down. 20
10 BROWNE’S ANATOMY ** Only win was on the poly at 1600m but last effort over 1200m on grass was sound and this race could suit. 10
11 BUNGAE * Has blown the start at past two outings; third run back from a spell and if he gets away could make his presence felt. 16
12 CARNIVAL STAR *** Found the mile too far last start and much better suited here; should be on the speed all the way. 7.50
13 VICTORY WINGS ** On the quick back-up after a strong effort behind MEAISIN in Class 4; if he can repeat will be right in the finish. 12
14 DRAGON DANCER * Shown no moves so far. 50
15 GOODVOLLEYMSMOLLY * Resuming, better at Wimbledon. 100
16 URBAN LEGEND * Far from a legend. 50
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Race 4
Selections; 4 BANNISTER – 1 GREYSTOKE – 5 CLUTHA LAD – 11 BRILLIANT DEAL
An Initiation over 1400m on turf for 4YOs and below. BANNISTER was placed in NZ and put in a good effort at his only start here; he has trialed well since and from the good gate with Alan Munro up should give a bold sight. Slow starts have cost GREYSTOKE at his two Singapore starts but with John Powell up and if he gets away should be hard to beat. The blinkers go on CLUTHA LAD who ran on stoutly last time; Corey Brown stays on and he should race well again. BRILLIANT DEAL put in a good effort last time and his previous turf form was sound; with Nunes up he will be near the lead all the way. SEASON’S ECHO is resuming, he has been trialing well and with the ace draw and Ivaldo Santana he too should be on the speed all the way. QUIET ACHIEVER has been close up at past two starts; he is well drawn and the switch to Jose Verenzuela may him racing close to the lead.
1 GREYSTOKE *** Slow starts have cost him but with John Powell up; if he gets away should be hard to beat. 4.00
2 SEASONS ECHO *** Resuming, has been trialing well; has ace draw and should be on the speed all the way. 6.50
3 PICTURE * Resuming; yet to show up in four starts. 33
4 BANNISTER *** Good effort at only start; has trialed well since and from the good gate should give a bold sight. 4.50
5 CLUTHA LAD *** Blinkers on; ran on stoutly last time; Corey Brown stays on and he should race well again. 5.50
6 QUIET ACHIEVER ** Close up at past two starts; switch to senior rider may further assist. 12
7 TAKEAIM * Returned a roarer last time; take on trust. 33
8 FEED ME MORE * Shown nothing so far. 50
9 SO FREE NOW ** Has speed but has been getting run down over shorter journeys; keep safe. 20
10 GOLD DANCER * Showed speed last start; has nice gate and top rider but needs to improve. 20
11 BRILLIANT DEAL *** Good effort last time and with Nunes up will be near the lead all the way. 6.00
12 CALLIDE RIVER ** 2YO who showed speed and raced wide last start; could show up with his light weight. 16
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Race 5
Selections; 5 STAR RAINBOW – 7 FEI YUE – 4 ZAC GALLANT – 3 UNICORN EXPRESS
A Maiden over 1200m on the polytrack with a few that have been knocking on the door looking to burst through. Mark Walker has three runners, all with chances; Harry Kassim is on STAR RAINBOW and he has been consistent on the polytrack; he should get a nice sit on the speed and run on well. UNICORN EXPRESS has been running on well in shorter events; he is down 1.5kg and should be charging home late; ZAC GALLANT had the gun run with Moreira last time; Corey Brown takes over and whilst the draw is not as good he should be handy again. FEI YUE resumed with a nice third last start and should be further improved; John Powell should give him a gun run off the speed and he will be running on at the end. SHIPPING FORECAST was narrowly beaten in a similar affair three starts back; even with Shafiq’s claim he is 1.5 kg worse off but should be racing on the speed for a long way. Leslie Khoo has BARGAIN BID who put in a decent effort two starts back in a similar event; with Manoel Nunes up he could improve sharply; watch for support. DAMAIPURI is resuming, trials well and was placed at his past three outings before a layoff; he too could be a market mover.
1 SHIPPING FORECAST *** Narrowly beaten in similar race three starts back but rises 1.5kg on that effort; honest and should be on the speed for a long way. 5.50
2 PRIMITIVE INSTINCT * Resuming after sojourn in Malaysia; poorly drawn and may need the run. 33
3 UNICORN EXPRESS *** Has been running on well in shorter events; down 1.5kg and should be charging home late. 5.00
4 ZAC GALLANT *** Had gun run and was out-finished last time; should be handy again. 4.50
5 STAR RAINBOW *** Usually puts in a good effort and should be close to the lead all the way. 5.00
6 CASSIS OOLONG * Resuming; yet to show a lot. 100
7 FEI YUE *** Resumed with a nice third last start; he should be further improved, will get a gun run and should be running on at the end. 6.50
8 GOOD SUGGESTION * Waste of a good barrier. 50
9 BARGAIN BID ** Decent effort two starts back and with top rider up could improve sharply; watch for support. 20
10 DAMAIPURI ** Resuming; has trialed well and placed at three outings before layoff; watch for support. 14
11 DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE *** In solid form and close-up effort last start has him under notice. 10
12 AL-HAMID * Has had plenty of chances but resumed with a nice effort last start; if he can repeat could surprise. 25
13 COURT MAGICIAN * Blinkers off; yet to show any magic. 50
14 TESTING TIME * Resuming; trialing well but later. 33
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Race 6
Selections; 6 SUPER GOOD – 2 SUPERNOVA – 5 SAVANNAH DANCER – 7 SOLITAIRE
A relatively small field but given the quality, it looks one of the better punting races on the card. Three horses – SUPERNOVA, SAVANNAH DANCER and SUPER GOOD – should get the most attention with the latter, SUPER GOOD, probably appreciating the company more than anyone else. The Michael Freedman-trained gelding has been racing in elite 3YO company and although disappointing last start over 1400m in the Classic, his effort to place in the 3YO Group sprint was excellent and a big show here fresh. His stable-mate, SAVANNAH DANCER, also looks well placed with blinkers added for the first time and the mare might be value given she is coming off just a fair run and the company she meets today. But SUPER NOVA looks the one both have to beat to win. A winner of four from six, SUPER NOVA showed last start – where he settled back before unleashing a terrific run late – that he will go through the grades and probably starts favourite here. Of the rest, SOLITAIRE will appreciate a hot pace and will work home late with HONEST TRUTH showing last start that the turf might be his caper.\
1 DRAGON SPIRIT * Needs to show more before we consider. 100
2 SUPERNOVA *** Won very well from wide gate last start and looks hard to beat in this field. 2.50
3 U GOT IT ** Will find this easier than last start and could provide nuisance value. 33
4 HONEST TRUTH ** Turned around some poor form at first run on turf in Singapore; follow. 14
5 SAVANNAH DANCER *** Excuses last start and one of the top hopes with blinkers added first time. 3.00
6 SUPER GOOD *** Fresh after finding it all too tough over 1400m in the 3YO Classic; goes very close here. 3.20
7 SOLITAIRE ** In very solid form and will make his presence late in this. 12
8 DAAD’S THE WAY * Not suited. 200
9 MULAN ** In very solid form and usually each-way value; keep safe. 20
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Race 7
Selections; 1 READY TO STRIKE – 2 NANDOWRA – 4 NATURAL NICE – 3 FATKID
The Yew Tee Classic is literally top-heavy with the two horses carrying 58kg – READY TO STRIKE and NANDOWRA – looking to have a mortgage on the race. In fact at the race conditions, 58kg looks a gift given the pair are some 5kg better off than FATKID and add plenty to the rest. But what makes this tough is there doesn’t look much between the pair and it is a raffle to find the winner. Both are super honest – the only blemish on recent runs was READY TO STRIKE at international level – and this could be a ‘ding-dong’ battle to the wire. If there was to be an upset, NATURAL NICE is in winning form and could be the wild-card stepping up to 1800m for the first time with one eye (perhaps) on a Derby start. Of the rest, it was good to see FATKID improve last start with blinkers added and he should be competitive at the race conditions and CANNON HILL should appreciate being back on the turf but skinny end of exotics does look best.
1 READY TO STRIKE *** In super form and traveling well enough to carry 58kg and win. 2.00
2 NANDOWRA *** Winkers added and also in the form that suggests 58kg no issue. 2.00
3 FATKID ** Improved with blinkers last start and could include in exotics at value with tongue-tie on. 12
4 NATURAL NICE ** Found winning form but query going past 1400m for the first time. 10
5 STREET LEGAL * In form but huge question mark in this company at the race conditions. 33
6 SILVERON WINGS * Will work into the exotic mix late. 33
7 CANNON HILL ** Two recent wins on the turf and another that could fill a minor place at odds. 33
8 SACRED EMBLEM * Hard to fault winning form but obviously a tough ask in this company. 33
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Race 8
Selections; 7 ROYAL BRAT – 3 GIVE ME STRENGTH – 1 ARABIAN NIGHT – 5 SILENT POWER
A wide open Class 5 event with luck sure to play a part over two tight polytrack turns. Hard to fault ROYAL BRAT’s recent form and happy to think he plays a big part in this finish. Newly (Singapore) licensed US veteran hoop, David Flores, takes the ride and from gate five should get every chance to knock in an early win at Kranji. Flores takes over from Barend Vorster who jumps from gate 10 on GIVE ME STRENGTH. The combination are both in form and the Pat Shaw-trained 3YO will win again sooner than later so pay to follow. ARABIAN KNIGHT bounced back to form when dropping to Class 5 over a similar trip last start and he could easily win with blinkers added. As could SILENT POWER who backed up a good win with a solid outing with excuses. I LIKE is also a chance on form although 3kg claimer, S Noh, will need to be at his best from the outside gate.
1 ARABIAN NIGHT *** Showed last start back in this company/trip he wins soon with blinkers added today. 5.00
2 I LIKE *** Supported and ran well last start and goes close if any luck from wide gate. 5.00
3 GIVE ME STRENGTH *** Due and plays a part in this finish. 4.00
4 GOLDEN FRIENDS ** Can disappoint but nice gate and top claimer has him under notice. 12
5 SILENT POWER *** Backed-up good win with a very solid run and pay to follow. 10
6 WO AI NINN ** Battles away, supported last start and always a chance in these. 12
7 ROYAL BRAT *** In-form and has to be respected in what looks a suitable field. 4.00
8 CHAPTER AND VERSE ** Thereabouts with being a threat and exotics looks best. 20
9 ALL FORUS * Last couple OK but the type that disappoints more often than not. 20
10 AMERICAN TYCOON * No. 200
11 EIGHTH AVENUE * Just battling away. 50
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Race 9
Selections; 10 BEAUTY HARMONY – 2 JET MAN – 13 PINT SIZED PRINCE – 5 PACINO
Anyone alive in the jackpot would want to have the field box ticked for the last leg. In fact it may be easier to list those horses that can’t win; STAGE BRIGHT. Trainer Michael Clements might have a say with two runners with some hope. PINT SIZED PRINCE has found winning form since transferring to the former Zimbabwean handlers stables and should go well again. Because the field has depth and his recent good form has been on the Poly, he might even get out to OK value so worth thought. As is Clements newcomer, BEAUTY HARMONY. The Darci Brahma 4YO had three starts in NZ for a win and a placing and looked very solid at a recent trial with head-gear added. But one that might beat them both (and could even start favourite) is JET MAN. The 3YO US-bred colt knocked in a well deserved win last start to make it two from six starts and certainly one of the main hopes in this. The Laxon pair of PACINO and ARAPUNI both each-way specials this company and TAI COMMANDS one to keep safe at value. Tough race.
1 FAMOUS N FAST ** Recent win was in Kranji Stakes D company but competitive here. 33
2 JET MAN *** Broke through for well-deserved win this company last start and hard to beat again. 4.00
3 SHINING GLORY *** Will need to work early after drawing wide but in-form and in this a long way. 6.00
4 ARAPUNI *** Better than what he showed last start as goes well this company. 25
5 PACINO *** Placed this company last start and pay to follow each-way. 12
6 HILLBILLY BEAR *** Solid form and this race looks suitable to show his best; goes close. 5.00
7 STAGE BRIGHT * Resuming with blinkers but wide gate and form against him. 200
8 TAI COMMANDS *** Resuming sans blinkers and happy to think he is a show at odds. 20
9 WASSAIC ** Goes OK but best form has been over longer. 50
10 BEAUTY HARMONY *** Former Kiwi who looked smart at recent trial with blinkers and a bold run on debut is expected. 12
11 DREAMCATCHER ** Overdue for a result and might be a solid each-way hope at odds. 20
12 FAT BOBO ** Showed improvement when blinkers added last start but wide is a concern. 33
13 PINT SIZED PRINCE *** Found a rich vein of form under Michael Clements and pay to follow. 8.00
14 KALLISAN *** Knocked in a well deserved win last start this company and only up 1kg for the effort; keep safe. 6.00
15 HERO SUCCESS ** Not far away last start and will add value to exotics if he gets a start. 50
16 RISING EXPECTATION * Not at his best of late. 100
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