Mexican Rose’s daughter Mexican Gal (A’Isisuhairi Kasim) scores on debut. (Photo: Singapore Turf Club)
Laurie Laxon has had some nice fillies in his time. So while Mexican Rose was no Empire Rose, the Singapore rose was a Group winner three times at Kranji and won eight from 11 starts.
And while the MEXICAN GAL is no Rose, she has hit a good vein of form since Laxon added blinkers four starts back and no reason to think she isn’t better than Class 4 company. The race does have depth and one at value might be RUSTY BROWN who has looked fair at the track and certainly appreciates Class 4 company with YIN JIE, MAC VOLKS and DRAGON FORCE all well and truly in the mix.
Elsewhere on the card, SUPERSONICSURPRISE looks to have one hand on the winners cheque in race 2 – a Restricted maiden with no depth – and FRAAJILISTIC looks hard to beat in race 3 although LUCKY DAPPER will provide plenty of value down in the weights with Noreesh Juglall on-board.
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Best Bets; (MEXICAN GAL race 5, win), (LUCKY DAPPER race 3, each-way) and (BELLUS WONDER race 9, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 6 (4, 7, 8 and 10), race 7 (2, 5 and 10), race 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 5 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; 3 ROUGH DANCE – 9 POWER ANGEL – 2 LUCKY EIGHTY EIGHT – 1 BEAT TO QUARTERS
With BEAT TO QUARTERS and LUCKY EIGHTY EIGHT in the field we can expect the swoopers to keep this race interesting late and hopefully we get a busy finish to the first Friday night race of the new year. Both horses have drawn wide and both will need a nice early pace to show their best which they should get with the likes of CASSIS OOLONG and GOOD CHILD in the field. But as it stands, ROUGH DANCE looks well placed and is due with John Powell from gate 2 a good combination. One to watch at value is POWER ANGEL who has trailed well since his last start and go wide in exotics with VON SNITZEL and CHI LIN also in the winning mix.
1 BEAT TO QUARTERS *** In form and expect him to have a say late. 6.00
2 LUCKY EIGHTY EIGHT *** Excuses last start and pay to keep safe back in Class 5 with best work expected late. 12
3 ROUGH DANCE *** Due and has looked good enough at the track to follow. 4.00
4 BAY OF ISLAND * Blinkers off and prefer over longer. 33
5 VON SNITZEL *** Resuming in suitable grade with top rider. Watch market. 10
6 CASSIS OOLONG *** Last start better than the result and pay to follow in this company. 8.00
7 DRAGON WALK ** Placed last start but can disappoint. 12
8 GOOD CHILD *** Coming off good first-up run and another cheeky effort expected. 8.00
9 POWER ANGEL *** Last run better than the result and recent trial suggests he is ready to show his best. 12
10 GENOVA AT WORK ** Got in all sorts of trouble last start with support so play with care. 10
11 CHI LIN *** Showed more than enough first-up to follow this campaign. 10
12 DYNASTY KNIGHT ** In solid form but a better option on the turf. 20
13 BARGAIN BID * Disappointing last start and have to take on trust. 50
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Race 2
Selections; 1 SUPERSONICSURPRISE – 6 GENTLEMAN – 9 WE ARE GENIUS – 7 JOYOUS
After finishing second behind RATHAUSGLOCKEL when blinkers were added last start, SUPERSONIC might be too good for this field. In fact the effort coupled with just fair opposition and a good gate suggests the punters might flock to the Australian-bred 3YO and it may be a case of odds-on-look-on. If you want to take him on or play the exotics, GENTLEMAN looked good enough when hard ridden to win his Official trial to consider on debut and WE ARE GENIUS – while super disappointing with support at two race starts – is surely better than what he has shown and it might pay to keep safe in this small field.
1 SUPERSONICSURPRISE *** Showed more than enough when blinkers added last start to be hard to beat in this. 2.00
2 I’M KOOL ** Disappointing last couple but back to 1000m in maiden company in his favour. 8.00
3 COMONBABY ** Looked OK when pushed to win recent trial with a market watch in order. 10
4 FLYING WINNER * Showed little on debut and have to take on trust. 33
5 GENERAL ZOD * Market only guide given just fair trial. 33
6 GENTLEMAN *** Makes debut after a nice hit-out at Official trial and well worth a look. 5.00
7 JOYOUS ** Solid at Official Trial and certainly worth some thought in exotics on debut. 15
8 PREFERRED * Resuming after ordinary debut. No. 33
9 WE ARE GENIUS *** Disappointing with support at two Singapore starts but wont get a better chance than this to show his best. 4.50
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Race 3
Selections; 3 FRAAJILISTIC – 4 EURO ZONE – 12 LUCKY DAPPER – 7 SECRET MISSION
This looks a very good punting race with some three last start winners coupled with at least another four ready to win on recent form. Of the last start winners, EURO ZONE looks the most progressive and has raced at a high level previously. So while his most recent win was in Class 4, he looks well-placed in a BM67 with M Rodd on-board to once again figure heavily in the finish. FRAAJILISTIC looks the one he has to beat. The former Kiwi had excuses at his Singapore debut before showing enough last start to think he wins this with a nice recent trial a pointer. Plenty of other hopes including OM, BULLET FLY, MEXBOROUGH BOY and SECRET MISSION but one to watch at value is LUCKY DAPPER who always gives his best and should start at a nice each-way quote.
1 BULLET FLY *** Returned to racing after a long break with an eye-catching effort and trailed well since. Keep safe. 12
2 OM *** Made up ground late as expected to place last start and expect much the same. 7.00
3 FRAAJILISTIC *** Backed up very good effort at second Singapore start with a good trial and the one to beat. 3.50
4 EURO ZONE *** Resumed with nice win in Class 4 company and pay to follow this campaign. 4.00
5 MEXBOROUGH BOY *** Yet another who resumed with a good effort and is in this a long way. 12
6 POLE PARADISE ** Back in trip but usually thereabouts. 20
7 SECRET MISSION *** Might pay to ignore lats start and previous form coupled with nice trial has him under notice. 10
8 PURE TACTICS ** In winning form but has struggled out of Class 4 previously. 12
9 BORSALINO * Company suits, trip doesn’t. 50
10 COOL CAT ** Another last start winner who has to be respected although company will test. 12
11 CONGO ZANDOR * Waste of the good alley. 50
12 LUCKY DAPPER *** Drawn a tad awkwardly but recent trial suggests he shows his best today. Each-way. 10
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Race 4
Selections; 2 JUSTICE WORLD – 7 PIASAU GARDEN – 4 TRINITY – 3 TAKEOVER
Interesting race with only one horse – PIASAU GARDEN – having any sort of recent good form and when you consider that his win was over 1200m in Class 5, the form line for this KSD mile is difficult. But the win when blinkers were added was a good one and his subsequent trial suggests he can back that up stepping up in trip. But JUSTICE WORLD looks due. The former Australian arrived in Singapore via Hong Kong with only one win under his belt but his three runs in Singapore suggest he is not far away from doubling his total. Of the rest, TRINITY and TAKEOVER are both honest and will figure heavily throughout with WINNING STAR the other to watch back over a suitable trip although he does have blinkers off.
1 HIPPO PROSPERO * Impossible on form but is dropping in Class. 100
2 JUSTICE WORLD *** In solid form and should race very well in this company. 4.00
3 TAKEOVER *** No luck again with a wide gate but goes close with any sort of run. 6.00
4 TRINITY *** Honest type stepping up the mile and should be prominent throughout. 6.00
5 WINNING STAR *** Blinkers off. Ignore last start over unsuitable trip and take on winning form prior. 6.00
6 KING SAVINSKY ** Form reads badly but appreciates first-up run and step up in trip with tongue-tie on. 12
7 PIASAU GARDEN *** Backed up strong Class 5 win over 1200m with good trial and happy to follow. 5.00
8 ABOVE THE RAINBOW * Battles away and prefer others. 33
9 BIGCAT RHAPSODY ** Been thereabouts of late and one to include in exotics at value. 20
10 EXCAVATOR * Have to take on trust this trip on what we saw last start. 33
11 GALAXY EXPRESS ** Backed up Class 5 win with solid effort this grade so another to keep safe. 10
12 STAR RAINBOW ** Might pay to put a line through last start and take on good effort in Class 5 two back. 20
13 BREAKING VAULTS * Downgrade to winkers but better on turf. 33
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Race 5
Selections; 9 MEXICAN GAL – 3 RUSTY BROWN – 6 YIN JIE – 5 MAC VOLKS
While this race has depth and looks a tidy poly sprint on paper, MEXICAN GAL looks one of the better bets on the day. The filly had big shoes to fill being out of a handy mare called Mexican Rose but after a slight hiccup in form she looks to have bounced back to her best since blinkers have been added and no reason to think she doesn’t win races like this. The obvious suspects in YIN JIE and MAC VOLKS will keep her honest though and it will also pay to keep DRAGON FORCE and MASTER DRAGON safe although they can put in the odd shocker. One at value is RUSTY BROWN back in Class 4 with some nice work under his belt but MEXICAN GAL the one to be on.
1 DRAGON FORCE *** Can be hard to catch but won two of these races of late and have to respect. 7.00
2 MASTER DRAGON ** Another that can mix his form but excuses last start and pay to keep safe. 8.00
3 RUSTY BROWN *** Not a mile away this trip in good company last start and worth a thought at odds. 12
4 GOLDEN CURL * In form and will win this company but having a rare Poly run and prefer others. 33
5 MAC VOLKS *** Blinkers off as they try to turn some good form into a another win. Goes close. 5.00
6 YIN JIE *** Another poly sprinter in form but desperate for a result. 5.00
7 HOW HUGE * No. 100
8 STAR BEAUTY ** Blinkers on after showing little at Kranji debut and trial with headgear suggests she goes well. 20
9 MEXICAN GAL *** In terrific form and looks very well-placed with just 54.5kg to win this. 2.50
10 I-SCREAM NOW ** Maiden who backed up a good run with a nice trial and worth a thought with blinkers on. 33
11 GOOD BUDDY * Competitive on his day but looking for easier. 50
12 LADY TRIO * No. 200
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Race 6
Selections; 4 BANKERS CALL – 8 FOUNTAIN – 7 VOLKOV – 10 SECONDWAVE
BANKERS CALL has the form on the board and given Manoel Nunes replaces an apprentice, the 5YO looks hard to beat in this weak field. He does have a wide draw to overcome but in a race with little depth, Nunes should ride a very positive race and hopefully wins for those taking the probably shorts on offer. Those with any resemblance of form to beat him include FOUNTAIN, VOLKOV and SECONDWAVE resuming but you could almost put a line through the others.
1 SILVER FLY ** Resuming back in suitable Class and could work into this late. 20
2 EXCEPTIONAL CHOICE ** Won maiden two back over 1400m on the turf and this looks weak enough with downgrade to winkers. 15
3 GLOBAL FOCUS * Not a mile away first up but may want longer. 12
4 BANKERS CALL *** In-form and gets Nunes so very hard to beat. 3.00
5 SHENZHOU ONE * Issues last start but Poly form could be a worry. 20
6 POWERPAC * Struggling of late and best form over 1000m. 20
7 VOLKOV *** Always a show in races like this. 4.00
8 FOUNTAIN *** Disappointed last start but form prior good enough to follow. 8.00
9 SACRED PRINCE ** Not a mile away last start and could surprise at value. 33
10 SECONDWAVE *** Resuming in what is a suitable race so well worth a look. 5.00
11 BULLDOZER * Recent form just fair but goes OK when on-song. 33
12 FAHLA FAHLA * Last run better than the result but still needs to lift on form. 33
13 VANTAGE ** Should need longer but continues to race well so must consider. 12
14 CARNIVAL STAR * Form OK but easier to ignore back in trip. 33
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Race 7
Selections; 2 SEED OF SPEED – 10 YOU DA ONE – 5 SWEET LODGE – 4 HIGH TROJA
The highlight on the nine race card with the smart resuming GOODPACK adding the quality and the mare Taffetas supplying the form line. GOODPACK resumes sans blinkers after a year away from the scene but given the company the now 6YO was racing in, he must be respected. From the Taffetas race we have (in finishing order), YOU DA ONE, SEED OF SPEED, SWEET LODGE and INVICTUS. YOU DA ONE was only beaten a lip by the mare on that occasion and no reason to think he isn’t right in this finish with a nice recent trial a pointer. But SEED OF SPEED gets blinkers and that might make the difference in this race with Brown likely to go forward from gate 6. SWEET LODGE can also improve on that run and looks a leading hope. Of the rest, HIGH TROJA could go OK at odds and TO BE REMEMBERED is a last start winner.
1 GOODPACK ** Smart type resuming after long break with blinkers off and could run a cheeky race. 10
2 SEED OF SPEED *** Blinkers on after just missing last start and looks hard to beat. 3.00
3 TO BE REMEMBERED ** Supported and ran accordingly when winning Class 4 this trip last start and pay to follow. 6.00
4 HIGH TROJA ** Excuses last start and worth another look at odds. 33
5 SWEET LODGE *** Last run behind Taffetas better than the result and goes mighty close with luck in running. 10
6 NATION THEATRE ** Ran out of steam last start so back to mile looks a good move. 33
7 AROWANA DOT COM * Not a mile away last start but prefer others. 50
8 GREAT LIGHT * Form reads badly but can run a cheeky race at odds. 50
9 INVICTUS ** Will keep a few honest and a must for exotics. 10
10 YOU DA ONE *** Yet to win in Singapore but just missed last start and can make amends. 3.00
11 BOURNE ACADEMY * Appreciates Singapore debut and look for some improvement. 33
12 DRAGON PERK * Not far away last start in Class 4 company but eligible for easier. 33
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Race 8
Selections; 1 GALLANT HEIGHTS – 7 URBAN LEGEND – 5 GRAND PARIS – 2 BIG HARVEST
A solid Class 5 1800m affair with plenty of horses due to knock in a a win. Oddly though, the only horse that won last start has changed stables and the market might be the best guide on WEOWNA FLYER although obviously winning form is usually good form. From the horses that are due – GALLANT HEIGHTS, BIG HARVEST, GOLDEN JADE and GRAND PARIS, GALLANT HEIGHTS gets gate 2 and did look the winner last start before WEOWNA FLYER grew wings late so he looks a very good option. In saying that, Mark EWE (who rode Gallant Heights last start) has opted for GRAND PARIS so it may pay to follow his lead. The interesting runner is URBAN LEGND who has been running over shorter trips so ignore his poor recent form line.
1 GALLANT HEIGHTS *** Looked the winner last start and can make amends with gate 2 a bonus. 3.00
2 BIG HARVEST *** Placed last start similar affair and can follow each-way. 5.00
3 WEOWNA FLYER *** Changed stables after storming home to win last start with market a good guide. 6.00
4 GOLDEN JADE ** Maiden but form from last start placing has held up and can include somewhere. 12
5 GRAND PARIS *** Another who looks due and should get the gun run from the ace. 6.00
6 WINNING SUCCESS ** Better effort last start at odds and can include in exotics. 33
7 URBAN LEGEND *** Form reads hopeless but long time since he has been over a suitable trip so keep very safe. 10
8 KTRONIC ** Coming off a shocker but has form this trip previously so another to keep safe. 33
9 REAL GOODMAN * Unreliable but could figure late. 33
10 BRILLIANT POWER ** Competitive on his day and will be long odds. 50
11 SUPER VELOX ** Long-term maiden status (56 and counting) always a concern. 12
12 EISHIN BRIGHT ** Another maiden who will hold his own if having a good day. 20
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Race 9
Selections; 5 BLACK FURY – 7 BELLUS WONDER – 1 BRINGITHOME – 3 DR OCTOPUS
As usual, the STC have found a tricky one to bid punters good-night and lets hope you have gone wide in the Jackpot (quaddie) if still alive. One that could provide a boil-over and a must for all exotic players is BELLUS WONDER. The former Argentinean has been somewhat of a flop at five starts in Singapore but some nice recent trials suggests the 1000m could his caper with John Powell always a good booking. But Munro has jumped off BELLUS WONDER and onto BLACK FURY who looks the more obvious choice. The 4YO showed last start he wins in this company and he should be good enough to overcome the wide gate. Not much separates BRINGITHOME, ZAC HEAVEN and BLACK OCTOPUS at the top of the ratings with MACH FIVE also some hope.
1 BRINGITHOME *** Needs a result for the support but 1000m suits and hard to run down. 4.00
2 ZAC HEAVEN *** Resuming and hard to fault form from last campaign and often provides excellent value. 6.00
3 DR OCTOPUS *** Another who is in form but desperate for a result. 4.00
4 HAPPY HAPPY * Tongue-tie on but struggling. 33
5 BLACK FURY *** backed up good Class 5 win with a close-up effort this company. Big show. 3.00
6 BLUE CONDOR * Issues when resuming and needs longer. 50
7 BELLUS WONDER *** First-up run OK and some hope at odds over 1000m on trial form. 20
8 MACHFIVE *** Resuming in suitable race with nice trial under his belt. Keep safe. 12
9 HAKAMGONG * In form but not sure 1000m suits. 33
10 SCOUT DONE * Gets the ace and Rodd but might want easier. 33
11 JONATHAN ** Recent form ordinary but trailed OK for new stable sans blinkers so could be the bolter. 33
12 VIRGIN GALACTIC * Not for me. 33
13 GOLDEN RABBIT ** Company suits and may look the winner at some stage. 12
14 HARDEN UP ** Some hope if having a good day. 20
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