Lucky Nine wins the 2013 Krisflyer
International Day has arrived. The $1 Million KrisFlyer – Gr1 over 1200m and part of the Global International Sprint Challenge. LUCKY NINE is back to defend his crown though this year’s renewal looks a bit stronger than the last edition; he is however in good form having run second in the HK Sprint Cup and three starts back won the Chairman’s Sprint – a race he annexed on the way to the KrisFlyer last year.
His main competition may come from a horse he beat in the Chairman’s Sprint STERLING CITY who went on to win impressively the Golden Shaheen in Dubai, he has not raced since but has abundant speed; drawn out he will have to go forward but could be hard to pass. Of the local chances ZAC SPIRIT has been carrying all before him and the times he has run in winning his past two starts the Lion City Cup and the Kranji Sprint would have won nearly any KrisFlyer; drawn perfectly he represents a very strong chance for a Singapore home-based victory.
EMPEROR MAX has done nothing wrong since arriving in Singapore and was narrowly beaten by ZAC SPIRIT two starts back before going down to the same horse in the Lion City; with Zac Purton to ride he should get every chance. MEDICEAN MAN is no spring chicken but has won 11 times and is coming off a solid 4th in the Al Quoz at Meydan.
BALMONT MAST ran 4th last year and whilst he found it all a bit hot in Dubai this year has proven himself at this level. The recently sold EL PADRINO charges home and if they go mad in front he could be the one closing late. The $3 Million Singapore Airlines International Cup; A 2000 metre Group 1 race on turf and much harder to assess than the Kris Flyer with horses coming from UAE, USA, France, Japan, Great Britain and Hong Kong as well as the best local performers.
MILITARY ATTACK won it last year with DAN EXCEL second and John Moore is back with the same pair and certainly MILITARY ATTACK’s recent form behind Designs Of Rome is good enough to put him up there as the one to beat; with Moreira to steer he will undoubtedly be the popular pick and rightly so. The stablemate DAN EXCEL is an honest fellow and whilst he has not won for over a year has been placed numerous times in the highest company and is never far away; his good alley should have him right in the firing line.
The Japanese horse TOKEI HALO disappointed in Dubai but he went out too hard in that,; he likes to lead and did so for a long way in The Hong Kong Cup before being run down by Akeed Mofeed – he should cross from his wide gate and he and SI SAGE should at least ensure the race is run at a good tempo – if he gets a soft run may be hard to pass. SMOKING SUN is on his first overseas trip and is trained by the very astute Pascal Bary; he chased home two of the best horses in the world Cirrus des Aigles and Treve at his most recent start and won a Group 2 over 2000m at Longchamps prior.
He is clearly a quality galloper and if has has handled the journey to the tropics will be very hard to beat – rain will help his chances. Of the other invaders, SIDE GLANCE won a Mackinnon Stakes and was far from disgraced in Dubai. He is a quirky type but goes well for Jamie Spencer; if he has settled into Singapore 2000m suits and he could run a bold race. MULL OF KILLOUGH is a tough old boy who ran 5th last year and should be thereabouts again.
SI SAGE won some average races in France early in his career and then was shipped off to the USA, his last two runs have been at Santa Anita on turf at Group 2 level, Davey Flores running third on him two starts back over a mile. LIMARIO’s best is a Group 3 in Germany and whilst he was not disgraced in Dubai others may have too much quality.
Historically, the local horses have struggled in this race but WILD GEESE and JOHNNY GUITAR come in with good form and they look the best hopes.
.
Best Bets; (MILITARY ATTACK race 10, win), (ALFONSO race 3, win) and (VECTIS race 4, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 3 and 11), race 9 (1, 2 and 4), race 10 (1, 3, 5 and 7), race 11 (Field).
.
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; 12 THESE STREETS – 10 POWER LION – 4 FOREVER LUCKY – 8 LUWAK COFFEE
A 1400m Class 4 kicks off the International meeting and the Singapore crowd welcomes back “magic” Joao Moreira. He has a good chance of starting with a win on THESE STREETS who put in a solid effort on his Singapore debut over 1200m in this grade. His only win was at Eagle Farm (Qld) over 1400m; trained by the master of 1400m races Cliff Brown he gets the ace and will be given every chance. FARRAND may be a value runner, he did not do much when resuming but the tongue tie goes back on, he is suited this class and distance and gets Hong Kong’s leading jockey Zac Purton . There is not much of LUWAK COFFEE but he is game and will sit on the speed, he fought on well last outing over 1400m and from the good draw with Brett Prebble on top will give a sight – his chances improve with rain. POWER LION is a horse of some promise, he raced greenly and was not beaten by much in Novice company last outing, the 1400m should suit and he will be in the finish. In a very open race there are multiple other chances including the filly FOREVER LUCKY, SUPER VOICE, IKING, SCRAPPER WELL and GOLDEN CURL.
1 IKING ** Only Singapore win at this trip and rider dropped whip over 1100m last start on poly. This is more suitable and could surprise. 12
2 SCRAPPER WELL ** Disappointed last start and tongue tie has been added. Only wins have been over shorter and has drawn wide. 12
3 FARRAND *** Tongue tie goes back on. Did not do much when resuming but gets Zac Purton and suited this class and distance. 7.00
4 FOREVER LUCKY *** Won mares race over 1200m last start. This is tougher but 1400m should suit and will be in the finish. 10
5 SUPER VOICE ** Raced keenly last start and knocked up over 1600m on poly after 1700m KSD win. Has since trialed well and with blinkers added should race well despite draw. 10
6 STANZOUT ** Surprised when he charged home to win over 1400m in this grade when resuming. Up 6kg and will find this tougher. 20
7 GOLDEN CURL ** Never far away but finds it hard to win. Will be thereabouts again. 12
8 LUWAK COFFEE *** Small but game horse who likes to sit on the speed. Fought on well last outing over 1400m and from the good draw with top rider will give a sight. Chances improve with rain. 7.00
9 MULAN * Useful mare who has won at the trip in this class. Recent form ordinary and would need to improve. 25
10 POWER LION *** Raced greenly and not beaten by much in Novice company last outing. 1400m should suit and will be in the finish. 6.50
11 PRIMITIVE INSTINCT ** Fought on well in weaker grade over 1200m last start. Has been placed on turf and should be able to race handy. 20
12 THESE STREETS *** Solid effort on Singapore debut over 1200m in this grade. Only win was at Eagle Farm (Qld) over 1400m. Gets the ace and Moreira. 4.50
13 JACKPOT * Won in weaker grade last start and may find this too tough. 50
14 RETROSPECT * Backed up Class 5 poly win with solid trial. This is much harder but has no weight and a good alley. 33
15 WAR TIME * Drops back in trip. Recent form poor. 50
16 HOFBURG PALACE ** Winkers on. Honest and usually thereabouts. 20
.
Race 2
Selections; 8 LUCIUS VORENUS – 5 KATONG PARK – 9 MCCONAUGHEY – 10 ORION
A Restricted Maiden over 1200m where a number of the runners debuted well or have trialed well recently – punters would be advised to watch the market closely. The Pat Shaw runner LUCIUS VORENUS is a nicely bred horse by Encosta da Lago out of Group 3 winner Musidora. He debuted well on the polytrack and well drawn with Barend Vorster on top this could be more to his liking. KATONG PARK has drawn wide but his run with excuses not to win on debut was very promising (might be value as well!). Laurie Laxon’s MCCONAUGHEY was not far away on debut and gets Joao Moreira; he should be handy all the way. ORION had support on debut and raced well, the winkers go on and Lisa Allpress should give him every chance. ASSERTIVE LAD has been placed at past two poly outings, with Corey Brown up he should race well again. Amongst the many other chances are LITTLE LION, LET’S SCREAM NOW and PRINCE OF SEVILLE.
1 ASSERTIVE LAD *** Placed at past two poly outings. Should race well again. 7.00
2 DRAGON WALK * Ordinary efforts at last two outings. Has speed and may improve with Brett Prebble engaged. 33
3 GLOBAL FOCUS * Improved last start but still has a way to go. 50
4 BRAVE TIGER * Fair efforts at only two starts but not helped by barrier. 33
5 KATONG PARK *** Raced wide and was held up for a run on debut. Has trialed well since. Poorly drawn but could surprise. 12
6 LET’S SCREAM NOW ** Flopped last outing but has won a trial since. Gets top rider. Watch for support. 12
7 LITTLE LION ** Blinkers on and won recent trial. Both runs have been good, drops back to 1200m and should race well. 10
8 LUCIUS VORENUS *** Good effort on debut and should find this more to his liking with gate two a bonus. 5.00
9 MCCONAUGHEY *** Not far away on debut and gets Moreira. Should be handy all the way. 5.00
10 ORION *** Winkers on. Was well supported on debut and should be further improved. Well drawn and should get every chance. 5.00
11 PRINCE OF SEVILLE ** Ran on stoutly at debut. Poorly drawn but should get in the mix. 14
12 SCHILTRON * By speed sire Falkirk. Won trial in slow time and has picked a tough one for debut. 33
13 HENRIETTA * By Henrythenavigator. Did not show up at trials and poorly drawn. Sold for 75K at NZB Premier Yearling sales. Bred for further. 50
14 SUPER JOY ** Showed speed on debut with heavy support and recent trial was sound. Could give cheek from the gate. 12
15 POWER KING * Carted wide on debut but finished well back. Prefer others. 50
.
Race 3
Selections; 2 ALFONSO – 4 ZEDKAAR – 5 ABSOLUTELY – 1 SERPICO
An extremely strong Class 4 over 1600m with some promising horses involved. The blinkers go on ALFONSO he put in a strong effort behind RISE N SHINE in a Graduation last start. He is poorly drawn but should race well with the experienced Corey Brown staying onboard. ZEDKAAR scored well over 1400m in this grade last outing; he is a promising horse and whilst up 3kg should make his presence felt. Cliff Brown has a very strong hand with two runners, ABSOLUTELY has done well at all three outings and placed at a mile last start, with Brett Prebble up he should get a gun run. The stablemate YOU DA ONE led and fought on over a mile last outing; the Goodwood (UK) 1400m winner has trialed since and with Moreira up should give a sight. SERPICO is a very consistent performer and whilst he too has had no luck with the gate he does have Damian Oliver to navigate. Laurie Laxon also has a pair of chances, NEW YORK CITY flew home last start when resuming in weaker company ,he has the ace and Alan Munro, he will need luck but could be closing late; TONGARIRO is an honest fellow and whilst the Class may test he should be thereabouts again. Throw in MILITARY TACTIC and OTHELLO and this is not an easy race.
1 SERPICO *** Honest and fought on last start in similar grade. Poorly drawn but gets Damian Oliver. 7.00
2 ALFONSO *** Blinkers on. Strong effort behind RISE N SHINE in Graduation last start. Poorly drawn but should race well. 7.00
3 YOU DA ONE *** Led and fought on over a mile last outing. Goodwood (UK) 1400m winner. Has trialed since and with Moreira up, should give a sight. 6.00
4 ZEDKAAR *** Scored well over 1400m in this grade last outing after tough run. Promising horse and whilst up 3kg should make his presence felt. 5.00
5 ABSOLUTELY *** Has done well at all three outings and placed at a mile last start. Should get a gun run. 5.00
6 PRECIOUS GEM * Broke through last start but this is much harder. 33
7 DANCING TSURU * Pacifiers to blinkers. Japanese bred who did nothing on Singapore debut. Was a winner in Japan but needs to improve. 50
8 MILITARY TACTIC *** Well supported at all four Singapore run but has been disappointing. Newcastle (NSW) mile winner who could be suited in this. 14
9 OTHELLO * Surprised placing at odds last start and with no weight could run a cheeky race. 20
10 TONGARIRO ** Useful, consistent performer but poorly drawn and this is a strong field. 12
11 NEW YORK CITY ** Flew home last start when resuming. Will need luck but could be closing late. 14
12 ZAC SUGGESTION * Broke through last start but this is harder and has drawn poorly. Usually thereabouts. 20
13 MY BROTHERS KEEPER ** Battles away but they may be too good in this. 20
14 BLACK FRIDAY * This is too hard. 50
15 HIGHLIGHT * Has disappointed since maiden win. 50
16 BRAVO * No. 50
.
Race 4
Selections; 5 VECTIS – 2 IMPEL – 4 TURANGAWAEWAE – 6 GOLD HILL
Another strong Class 4 this time over 1400m and there should be plenty of speed with BENJI’S EMPIRE likely to tow them along at a good rate. If there is rain about they will leave him in front at their peril. VECTIS was just nutted last start in Class 3 behind WALL STREET BOY after a strong win in Class 4; he was a vet scratching last start but is well drawn here and the claim for Rueven will help. IMPEL has just missed at his past two outings and the apprentice Rueven is replaced by Zac Purton; he should get a gun run and go close to winning. Laurie Laxon has TURANGAWAEWAE, he is very consistent at this level and gets Moreira to lift him over the line. GOLD HILL had a tough run in KSC company last start over a mile; he was close up in this grade and distance at his start prior; a winner at Galway (Ire) over 1400m and trained by Cliff Brown with Brett Prebble up he should race well. The interesting runner is SPALATO he smashed them by 10 lengths over 1000m on poly on debut. Clearly he is talented but this is harder, longer and is drawn off the course. Others with a hope in yet another open race include LEAVE ME ALONE, MEAISIN and if he gets a start RUSTY BROWN.
1 BENJI’S EMPIRE ** Back to Class 4 after blitzing them in KSD company last start. Will be out there in front rolling along. Rain will help. 12
2 IMPEL *** Has just missed at past two outings and apprentice is replaced by Zac Purton. Should go close. 5.00
3 MEAISIN ** Ran on well at last start, second up from spell. Poorly drawn but could surprise. 14
4 TURANGAWAEWAE *** Very consistent at this level and gets Moreira to lift him over the line. 5.00
5 VECTIS *** Close up last start in Class 3 behind WALL STREET BOY after strong win in Class 4. Well drawn and claim will help. 5.00
6 GOLD HILL *** Had tough run in KSC company last start over a mile. Close up in this grade and distance start prior. Won at Galway (Ire) over 1400m and should race well. 7.00
7 FAT BOBO * Won three starts back at long odds in weaker company over 1100m on polytrack. Win would surprise. 33
8 LEAVE ME ALONE ** Racing in top form. This is harder but cannot be ignored. 14
9 SPALATO *** Smashed them by 10 lengths over 1000m on poly on debut. Clearly talented but this is harder, longer and is drawn off the course. 14
10 SPLICE ** Dropping back from 1800m. Battles away and has run 4th at past four starts. This distance suits and should be thereabouts again. 16
11 GOOD MUMMY * Crowded at start last outing after good Maiden win. Poor alley no help. 16
12 PANAMA CITY * Won well in Maiden company over a mile last start. This is tougher but could show up. 16
13 AFFIRMATION * Good on his day but this looks too big an ask. 50
14 AFROJACK * Enjoyed winning in weaker grade but this may be too tough. 50
15 RUSTY BROWN ** Usually thereabouts and gets Damian Oliver. Chance if he gets a run. 14
16 FLYING WILD ** Racing consistently and a chance if he gets a start. 14
.
Race 5
Selections; 1 EAGLE STORM – 5 BEST TOTHELIGN – 8 LESOTHO PROMISE – 2 HAKAMGONG
A Novice over 1400m with 6 last-start winners as well as a number of consistent performers. EAGLE STORM has been runner up at past four starts and gets Damian Oliver; he trialed well recently and gets his chance to break through. BEST TOTHELIGN has performed well behind MIA and RISE N SHINE at his past two outings; he will give a bold sight from the good gate. LESOTHO PROMISE raced wide and stuck on strongly to win a maiden over 1200m last start, the extra distance suits and he should race well again. The stablemate, TWICKENHAM, also ran on well to win over 1200m in maiden company last time; a brother to BLACK ICE the extra distance should suit. HAKAMGONG led all the way to win his maiden over 1400m, he is a nice type and should be near the lead all the way. Last start winner DEMON KING and Joao Moreira’s mount DEAUVILLE could make their presence felt in another very open affair.
1 EAGLE STORM *** Runner up at past four starts and gets Damian Oliver. Trialed well recently and should go close. 5.50
2 HAKAMGONG *** Led all the way to win Maiden over 1400m. Nice type and should give a sight. 6.00
3 DOMENICO * Resuming and trials have been ordinary. May need the run. 33
4 JAPPANELLA * This looks too hard. 33
5 BEST TOTHELIGN *** Solid efforts behind MIA and RISE N SHINE at past two outings. Will give a bold sight from the good gate. 5.50
6 AMAZON GOLD ** Sound efforts at only two Singapore starts. Will be thereabouts. 14
7 FANTASTIC NEWS ** Led all the way over 1200m on poly when resuming. Speedy and claim helps. 14
8 LESOTHO PROMISE *** Raced wide and stuck on strongly to win maiden last outing. Should race well again. 5.00
9 TWICKENHAM ** Ran on well to win over 1200m last start. Brother to BLACK ICE and extra distance should suit. 11
10 DEMON KING ** Raced wide and good enough to win over 1400m last start. Poorly drawn but should be handy all the way. 12
11 NINETYSIX CHAMP * broke through two starts back. Was chopped out early last start and never figured. This looks too hard. 33
12 DEAUVILLE ** Consistent and held up for a run last start when second behind BENJI’S EMPIRE. Poorly drawn but has Moreira. 10
13 CALLIDE RIVER * Pacifiers and winkers on. Battles away but may want easier and longer. 33
14 TAKEOVER * Consistent but still a maiden. 33
15 DRAGON PERK * Maiden, well beaten behind SPALATO on poly last start. 50
.
Race 6
Selections; 8 SWEET LODGE – 7 NEOBIUM – 2 CANNON HILL – 3 ONE RAR
A capacity field compete in a Kranji Stakes C over 1800m with number of the runners unknown at the distance. NEOBIUM has carried all before him since returning to the Burridge stable from Malaysia, he followed a good first-up win with an excellent fourth in the Admiralty Classic, he has been placed over 1800m in Malaysia and with Moreira steering from the ace should get a gun run. CANNON HILL also ran in the Admiralty Classic; the drop in grade, the suitable trip and the claim give him an undeniable chance. But it might be NEOBIUM’s stablemate, SWEET LODGE who steps up and beats the pair. SWEET LODGE gets back but runs on strongly; if there is a solid speed she will be closing late. ONE RAR won well over 1900m on the polytrack last start, he is better on that surface but his turf form is good enough to keep him in contention. ZIPANGU is from the Takaoka camp and only knows how to stay he is coming off a good win at 2000m, MR MAGNUS bounced back to form with a strong win in Class 4 company at 1800m last start, this is not much harder. BEE AHEAD is a solid stayer who will run the journey right out, he put in a sound effort last start and should be in the finish. Those with ability but are on trial at the journey include CHEETAH ON FIRE, KATE’S KEEPER, BOARD WALK, MAGICAL TALENT and TWO M AND M.
1 CONGO ZANDOR * Stepping up in distance. Recent form ordinary but did get home OK last start. Improves dramatically in wet. 25
2 CANNON HILL *** Found open company too good last start. Drops in grade and over suitable journey with useful claim. Will benefit from a positive ride. 7.00
3 ONE RAR *** Won well over 1900m on polytrack last start. Better on that surface but turf form is good enough to give him a strong chance. 5.00
4 CHEETAH ON FIRE ** Being tried at a distance for the first time but runs on strongly over shorter distances. 14
5 BOARD WALK ** Has been stepped up in distance and is handling it well. Poorly drawn but a chance again. 16
6 MAGICAL TALENT ** Stepping up in trip and unknown beyond 1400m. Take on trust. 25
7 NEOBIUM *** Excellent effort in Admiralty Classic after strong first-up win over 1400m. Was placed over 1800m in KL and gets Moreira and the ace. 6.00
8 SWEET LODGE *** Gets back but runs on strongly. If there is a solid speed she will be closing late. 8.00
9 TWO M AND M ** Racing well but failed at only two attempts beyond 1400m. 25
10 BEE AHEAD ** Strong stayer whose last run was sound. Will run the 1800m out better than most. 12
11 KNIGHT SPIRIT ** Veteran who won in Class4 over a mile last start. Usually thereabouts and has been placed in higher grade at this trip but that was 3 years ago. 14
12 MR MAGNUS ** Won a Class 4 over 1800m last start. Proven at the journey and should race well again. 12
13 KATE’S KEEPER ** Won over a mile in Class 4 last outing. Up in distance and poorly drawn. Top rider may help. 16
14 ZIPANGU *** Won BM67 over 2000m last start. Will appreciate a positive ride from the wide gate. 8.00
15 FLYING TEMPO ** Has been disappointing since winning over this trip in Nov, 2013. Should be able to set the speed if he gets a start. 14
16 IZNATE ** Winkers off. Won at a mile and placed up to 2000m in France before coming to Singapore. Chance if he gets a start. 14
.
Race 7
Selections; 9 WALL STREET BOY – 2 BORN TO FLY – 1 TRUDEAU – 6 EMPEROR’S BANQUET
A KSA over a mile with some promising Derby contenders engaged against some strong sprinter-milers. WALL STREET BOY is highly promising horse who resumed with a slashing win over 1400m in Class 3, he is up in grade but will be closing late. BORN TO FLY charged home to win over 1400m at his second run since resuming, his recent trial was good and he runs out a strong mile, he will be hard to beat. The blinkers come off TRUDEAU who found the pace too hot in the Lion City Cup but has been placed twice from three attempts at 1600m; with Moreira up he should race well. SPEEDY CAT showed a return to form last start in the Admiralty Classic, at his best is well up to this grade. EMPEROR’S BANQUET is a consistent performer who won a BM83 over 1600m last start, he is up in grade but nicely drawn and should race well. MR ARMSTRONG flopped two starts back but other than that his form has been excellent, he is coming back from 2000m and up in class but has no weight and should be in the finish.
1 TRUDEAU *** Blinkers off. Found pace too hot in lion City Cup. Has been placed twice from three attempts at 1600m. Should race well for Moreira. 6.00
2 BORN TO FLY *** Charged home to win over 1400m at second run since resuming. Recent trial was good and he runs out a strong mile. Hard to beat. 4.00
3 SPEEDY CAT ** Put in best effort for some time when 2nd in Admiralty Classic. Claim helps and is a chance on his best form. 10
4 MARTIN *** Coming back in distance but down in grade and does look due with luck in running. 20
5 TENZING * Ran on well when resuming but best form is over longer. 25
6 EMPEROR’S BANQUET *** Consistent performer who won BM83 over 1600m last start. Up in grade but nicely drawn and should race well. 6.00
7 MUSKETEER * Has disappointed of late and coming back in trip. This is a bit easier and has raced well at 1600m in the past. 14
8 GREENSTONE * Won three starts back on poly but this looks too hard. 33
9 WALL STREET BOY *** Highly promising horse who resumed with slashing win over 1400m in Class 3. Up in grade but will be closing late. 3.60
10 FUJIN BRIGHT * Strong stayer but best runs have been over longer and these may be too nippy. 20
11 MR ARMSTRONG ** Flopped two starts back but other than that form has been excellent. Coming back from 2000m and up in class but has no weight and should race well. 10
.
Race 8
Selections; 1 EL MILAGRO – 3 SUPERNOVA – 11 LET’S SEE ACTION – 4 RAFAGA
With a lot of horses dropping back from 1400m, the best sprinter in the race, EL MILAGRO, should handle the 57kg and knock in a win. The 5YO wasn’t beaten far in the Lion City Cup and was probably a tad unlucky not to get a start in the KrisFlyer so connections would be keen to get some compensation by winning this. SUPERNOVA is one of those horses dropping back from 1400m but his win was good and he is certainly a progressive type. And with a Zuriman 2kg claim, the 53.5kg he has been asked to carry looks fair. But down in the weights LET’S SEE ACTION could also make amends for getting beat as the even money fave (by HEAR ME of all horses!) in easier company. He is backing up from that narrow defeat last Friday but with 49.5kg to carry, he might be the value.
1 EL MILAGRO *** Not far away in the Lion City Cup and hard to beat here. 3.00
2 RED BEARD ** Last start better than the result and gets blinkers. 20
3 SUPERNOVA *** Broke his turf duck last start and smart enough to play a big role in this. 4.00
4 RAFAGA ** First run back in Singapore was good and pay to follow with tongue-tie added. 12
5 WHAT NOW ** Not as his best of late and prefer over 1400m this company. 12
6 SIR LOVESALOT ** Another back from 1400m but usually competitive. 12
7 PEACEFUL WARRIOR ** Too honest to leave out but tested this level. 20
8 NATURAL NICE * Not at his best of late and easier to leave out. 33
9 DESERT FOX ** Found the 3YO Classic over 1400m too tough but back in trip with no weight looks a good move. 8.00
10 TOUCH OF GOLD * Will work home late but should be outclassed. 33
11 LET’S SEE ACTION *** Beaten by a lowly rated horse in easier race last start but the not without a hope with 49kg. 8.00
12 HAMMER DOWN * Going along OK but needs easier than this. 20
.
Race 9 – $1 Million KrisFlyer
Selections; 1 LUCKY NINE – 2 STERLING CITY – 4 ZAC SPIRIT – 9 EMPEROR MAX
A Group 1 over 1200m and part of the Global International Sprint Challenge. LUCKY NINE is back to defend his crown though this year’s renewal looks a bit stronger than the last edition; he is however in good form having run second in the HK Sprint Cup and three starts back won the Chairman’s Sprint – a race he annexed on the way to the KrisFlyer last year. His main competition may come from a horse he beat in the Chairman’s Sprint STERLING CITY who went on to win impressively the Golden Shaheen in Dubai, he has not raced since but has abundant speed; drawn out he will have to go forward but could be hard to pass. Of the local chances ZAC SPIRIT has been carrying all before him and the times he has run in winning his past two starts the Lion City Cup and the Kranji Sprint would have won nearly any KrisFlyer; drawn perfectly he represents a very strong chance for a Singapore home-based victory. EMPEROR MAX has done nothing wrong since arriving in Singapore and was narrowly beaten by ZAC SPIRIT two starts back before going down to the same horse in the Lion City; with Zac Purton to ride he should get every chance. MEDICEAN MAN is no spring chicken but has won 11 times and is coming off a solid 4th in the Al Quoz at Meydan. BALMONT MAST ran 4th last year and whilst he found it all a bit hot in Dubai this year has proven himself at this level. The recently sold EL PADRINO charges home and if they go mad in front he could be the one closing late.
1 LUCKY NINE *** Won this race last year and looks every chance for back-to-back wins with gate 2 a factor. 3.00
2 STERLING CITY *** Golden Shaheen winner who will be in the thick of things at the business end. 3.00
3 CAPTAIN OBVIOUS * Top rated Singapore sprinter but not at his best of late. 50
4 ZAC SPIRIT *** Rising star of Singapore racing and Lion City Cup win good enough to give this a shake. 5.00
5 EL PADRINO ** Enigmatic local who will get back and fly late. Value. 20
6 GOAL KEEPER ** Placed in the Lion City Cup at odds and keeps the race honest. 20
7 BALMONT MAST ** Finished fourth in this race last year and a must for exotics. 12
8 MEDICEAN MAN ** Veteran who comes off a good Dubai campaign and appreciates the ace. 12
9 EMPEROR MAX ** Blinkers go on after finishing runner-up to ZAC SPIRIT last two races. In the mix. 12
10 SLEW OF LODE * Should be outclassed but certainly on the way forward. 20
.
Race 10
Selections; 1 MILITARY ATTACK (IRE) – 3 TOKEI HALO – 5 SIDE GLANCE – 7 SMOKING SUN
A 2000 metre Group 1 race on turf and much harder to assess than the Kris Flyer with horses coming from UAE, USA, France, Japan, Great Britain and Hong Kong as well as the best local performers. MILITARY ATTACK won it last year with DAN EXCEL second and John Moore is back with the same pair and certainly MILITARY ATTACK’s recent form behind Designs Of Rome is good enough to put him up there as the one to beat; with Moreira to steer he will undoubtedly be the popular pick and rightly so. The stablemate DAN EXCEL is an honest fellow and whilst he has not won for over a year has been placed numerous times in the highest company and is never far away; his good alley should have him right in the firing line. The Japanese horse TOKEI HALO disappointed in Dubai but he went out too hard in that,; he likes to lead and did so for a long way in The Hong Kong Cup before being run down by Akeed Mofeed – he should cross from his wide gate and he and SI SAGE should at least ensure the race is run at a good tempo – if he gets a soft run may be hard to pass. SMOKING SUN is on his first overseas trip and is trained by the very astute Pascal Bary; he chased home two of the best horses in the world Cirrus des Aigles and Treve at his most recent start and won a Group 2 over 2000m at Longchamps prior. He is clearly a quality galloper and if has has handled the journey to the tropics will be very hard
to beat – rain will help his chances. Of the other invaders, SIDE GLANCE won a Mackinnon Stakes and was far from disgraced in Dubai. He is a quirky type but goes well for Jamie Spencer; if he has settled into Singapore 2000m suits and he could run a bold race. MULL OF KILLOUGH is a tough old boy who ran 5th last year and should be thereabouts again. SI SAGE won some average races in France early in his career and then was shipped off to the USA, his last two runs have been at Santa Anita on turf at Group 2 level, Davey Flores running third on him two starts back over a mile. LIMARIO’s best is a Group 3 in Germany and whilst he was not disgraced in Dubai others may have too much quality. Historically, the local horses have struggled in this race but WILD GEESE and JOHNNY GUITAR come in with good form and they look the best hopes.
1 MILITARY ATTACK (IRE) *** Defending champion who looks in very good form and extremely hard to beat. 2.50
2 DAN EXCEL ** Runner-up to his stablemate MILITARY ATTACK last year and in front for a long way. 20
3 TOKEI HALO *** Might need to work from wide gate but will race handy and hard to pass late. 5.00
4 JOHNNY GUITAR ** Will have local admirers after eye-catching run in the QEII. Exotics. 20
5 SIDE GLANCE *** Impressive GB 7YO who won at Group 1 level in Australia before solid results in HK and Dubai. Big show. 5.00
6 MULL OF KILLOUGH ** Placed fifth in this race last year and comes off similar formline. 20
7 SMOKING SUN *** French raider who has some good form based around the likes of Cirrus Des Aigles. Keep safe. 6.00
8 LIMARIO ** Won a Group 3 three starts back in Germany but will need to be at his best here. 20
9 WILD GEESE ** QEII Cup winner who is honest and has claims to be the leading local hope. 20
10 CITY LAD * Always tries his best but will be outclassed in this company. 100
11 TROPAIOS * Yet to find best form since Gold Cup win. 50
12 SI SAGE ** Hard to assess form-line given the American form but could run a cheeky race. 33
.
Race 11
Selections; 8 EURO ZONE – 3 MIA – 2 TOTALITY – 1 BALE STAR
With pockets full from what was hopefully a successful International Cup, the last race looks a beauty with plenty of punting options. And while a couple of tried and tested types in BALE STAR and TOTALITY could easily win, a couple of progressive types in MIA and EURO ZONE might be the ones to watch. EURO ZONE has shown he is up to this company and with Moreira on with no weight, he might be the one to be on. MIA – a badly named gelding – is certainly one to follow and his three wins from just four career starts suggests he is more than up to Class 3 company. It will be a test but expect support and a very forward showing. Most others could win this without surprising but STRUBELI with blinkers back on is worth a market watch.
1 BALE STAR *** Excuses last start (respiratory) and recent trial suggests he can show his best. 6.00
2 TOTALITY *** Looks due and going to be in the thick of things from the ace. 6.00
3 MIA *** Has impressed winning three from four and should be more than competitive up in grade. 4.00
4 BIGDINERO * Off the boil at his last couple and have to take on trust. 33
5 OM ** Going along in good order but back in trip a concern. 12
6 STRUBELI *** Good enough to win a race like this and blinkers back on a good move. 6.00
7 DANNY RICARDO ** In good enough form but another who may find this too short with blinkers removed. 20
8 EURO ZONE *** Looks well placed with just 51kg and gets Moreira. 4.00
9 TAFFETAS ** Looked a good thing beaten last start but this is tougher. 12
10 EASY MONEY ** Pay to ignore soft run in 3YO Classic as should be competitive with no weight. 20
.
