Joyful Melody (Danny Beasley) scores his fifth win on Sunday – Singapore Racing 13-01-13
This time last year a very smart 3YO named SUPER EASY – rated 107 – was on his way to nine straight wins in Singapore with a victory in the Three Year Old Classic. Of course the star of the Michael Freedman stable would go onto more Group glory – including clean sweeping the Three Year Old Championship – and have a crack at international level in Hong Kong in December.
But while there is no stand-out in this year’s field – STEPITUP tops the ratings with 83 – the Three Year Old Classic (race 10) has depth and a cracking finish is on the cards. STEPITUP probably starts favourite given he won the first leg of the Championship and has an overall career record of five wins and a second (with excuses) from just six starts. That record alone suggests he is a horse with a big future but the fact he has a devastating turn of foot, can race handy or back and obviously knows how to win suggests he is hard to beat in this.
SUPER NINETYSEVEN looks the most obvious challenger for favouritism after breaking the 1400m record – albeit with 51.5kg on a slick track – at his last start. Raced in the same colours as SUPER EASY, SUPER NINETYSEVEN had won three of six before his record win in BM83 company but it was the explosive finish (sans blinkers) that will give his rider, Joao Moreira, confidence of back-to-back Classic wins. But as mentioned the race has depth with the somewhat underrated SIMPLE PLEASURES showing more than enough in the 3YO Sprint to think he is one to follow with SUPER GOOD – also owned by the connections of SUPER EASY – finishing third in that same race (at odds!).
At the WFA conditions BENDICION – a Northern Hemisphere filly – gets a nice weight allowance and must be considered with ZAC SPIRIT also in the mix on what he showed behind BENDICION last start and on what was an impressive debut win prior to that run.
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Best Bets; DANNY RICARDO (race 12, win), JOYFUL MELODY (race 7, each-way) and BENDICION (race 10, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 9 (1), race 10 (1, 2, 3, 10 and 13), race 11 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9) and race 12 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 12).
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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 7
Selections; 1 JOYFUL MELODY – 5 SOUTHERN BOSS – 6 SOUL COMMANDER – 3 BAZINGA
This race is a beauty. Apart from three last start winners, we have some very smart Poly types ready to win again and whoever does get the biggest cheque will certainly earn his money. JOYFUL MELODY is as good as chance as any back on what looks his best surface. A crucial 3kg claim for Zuriman looks a smart move given the top six or so – all with some hope – carry 58kg or above and the four-time Poly winner might even get out to some value given the crack field. There is nothing splitting SOUL COMMANDER and SOUTHERN BOSS. Both are in sparkling form and both can win without surprising. In fact given the fact they battled out the finish in a similar race in March both will be supported and could forecast again. EXCEL AND STRIKE is resuming after a year away from racing – that is a concern – but the fact he is twofrom-two and trailed smartly recently, he must be respected. BAZINGA second up from a spell with blinkers back on the value bet; keep very safe!
1 JOYFUL MELODY *** In terrific form and switch back to Poly in his favour and claim wont hurt; can win. 6.00
2 BIONIC BOY ** Finding some form and keeps a few honest if on his game. 20
3 BAZINGA ** Very much appreciates first up run and blinkers back on a positive move; watch at value. 20
4 EXCEL N STRIKE *** Resuming sans blinkers after long lay-off with two wins from two runs in Singapore to his name; market a guide but recent trial very good. 4.00
5 SOUTHERN BOSS *** Obviously in terrific form winning four from five and hard to beat again from gate three. 3.00
6 SOUL COMMANDER *** Just beaten by SOUL COMMANDER two back and gets his chance to make amends today; big show. 3.00
7 ANGRY CAT ** Not on top of his game last couple but in the exotic mix. 33
8 BLACK UNICORN ** Solid but this field is slick so place looks very best. 50
9 CHINO DIABLO ** Tested this company but Class 4 win last start was good; keep safe. 20
10 STREET RUFFIAN * Needs something easier than this. 100
11 FLYING AHEAD * Needs easier longer. 200
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Race 8
Selections; 5 ZAC HEAVEN – 3 NOT MY FAULT – 7 PINT SIZED PRINCE – 1 DON INAKI
Absolutely no idea here! PINT SIZED PRINCE won last start but has a reputation as a bit of a ‘squib’. As does DON INAKI who is consistent in the fact he has been backed and beaten too many times to bet with confidence. ZAC HEAVEN has been in solid form as well but desperately needs a result (and will be backed in today with Moreira on-board). HUSH HUSH will get back and run on but hard to put serious money on and likewise, NOT MY FAULT looks ready to win but will need things to suit his swooping style. Down in the weights, HIS MY IDOL did well last start at odds but this looks tougher and GOLFER – solid at best – might be the improver at odds with head-gear added first time. Looking for positives, ZAC HEAVEN is the most reliable and Moreira from gate two looks a good combination. One eye on the tote and NOT MT FAULT late as there should be pace on early with DON INAKI and PINT SIZED PRINCE.
1 DON INAKI *** First up run in similar affair good; goes super close again. 2.50
2 HUSH HUSH *** Never really got wound up last start but OK late and run two back still has him under notice. 8.50
3 NOT MY FAULT *** Like to see over longer but will be flying late and a win would not surprise. 12
4 GIVE WAY * Struggling. 200
5 ZAC HEAVEN *** Continues to race well without a result for followers; take on trust but is due. 3.00
6 SUPER CAPTAIN * Drawn badly and might be looking for easier company. 200
7 PINT SIZED PRINCE *** Won at first start for new trainer with Nunes on-board and some hope again although this obviously a bit tougher. 6.00
8 THAT’STHEONE ** Up to this on his day but might be looking at easier pickings in Class 5. 33
9 INCREDIBLE HULK * Will not raise a sweat over this trip; longer. 200
10 BUZET * Last start winner but another who needs longer. 50
11 HIS MY IDOL *** Showed last start at odds he is ready to win again; each-way. 20
12 GOLFER *** Form solid so pay to keep very safe with improvement likely with blinkers added. 12
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Race 9
Selections; 1 DREAMMAKER – 9 CHEVY – 3 SHOPPING LIST – 6 GALLANT FORCE
A slog through two turns with too many horses in-form to be confident of finding the winner. At the top of the weights, DREAMMAKER will be short in the betting, is a maiden but does look ready to win. Moreira stays on-board and in his favour is the fact as a 3YO he has a bit of upside over a few of the older “battlers”. CHEVY has won seven times from over seventy starts. The 8YO never looked interested until good work late last start and happy to have him under notice here at possible value. Plenty of others that fall under the “in this late if having a good day” category with the proverbial blanket over SHOPPING LIST, GALLANT FORCE, RISKY VENTURE, WEOWNA FLYER, SUPER VELOX and last start winner and light-weight hope, ROYAL BRAT all winning hopes.
1 DREAMMAKER *** Maiden but not for long given recent runs; hard to beat. 3.00
2 RISKY VENTURE *** Backed up maiden win with nice enough effort to think he is in this finish with Nunes on-board. 6.00
3 SHOPPING LIST *** Did it tough last start and battled on well enough to think he can win this with softer run. 12
4 JEM JET * No. 200
5 BIG HARVEST * No. 200
6 GALLANT FORCE *** Doing everything bar win of late but in-form and gate one a bonus; goes close with tongue-tie off. 6.00
7 ROMAN KNIGHT ** Nothing last start and drawn badly but appreciates back up in trip. 33
8 WEOWNA FLYER *** Looked to have every chance last start and was disappointing but worth another look as looked due. 8.50
9 CHEVY *** Plenty to like about his work to the wire last start to follow in this at odds. 20
10 SUPER VELOX *** Form looks patchy but came in for support and ran well last time Chavez on-board so pay to watch market. 8.00
11 HONKYTONK MAN ** Did it tough last start so while form reads badly he is worth a look in exotics for value. 20
12 ROYAL BRAT *** Got the chocolates last start and well in again on the minimum weight; goes close. 6.00
13 EIGHTH AVENUE ** Nothing last start but previous form OK; value if he gets a run. 33
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Race 10
Selections; 1 STEPITUP – 2 SUPER NINETYSEVEN – 3 SIMPLE PLEASURES – 13 BENDICION
The 3YO Classic might be the type of race where things look obvious but turn out to be anything but. First with the obvious; STEPITUP, SUPER NINETYSEVEN and SIMPLE PLEASURES. STEPITUP has won five from six career starts including the 3YO Sprint at his last start. He can race handy or swoop, 1400m ideal and very hard to beat. SUPER NINETYSEVEN broke the track record over 1400m last start but given the track looks lightning fast that record might be short-lived. In saying that his barn-storming finish would have sent warning bells to the other runners in this field and he might even start favourite on that effort with Joao Moreira to ride. SIMPLE PLEASURES showed first up in the 3YO Sprint he is the real deal. The fact he has won two from four and both losses were close-up behind STEPITUP suggests he keeps everyone honest. Now to the not so obvious. BENDICION with just 52.5kg to carry as a NH-bred 3YO filly is in her favour as is her good form. ZAC SPIRIT bolted in on debut and his second to BENDICION has him under notice. Plenty of others to like BALE STAR and SUPER GOOD to consider in what is a beauty of a race.
1 STEPITUP *** Won the first leg of the Challenge and step up to 1400m ideal given what he showed two back this trip; hard to beat. 2.90
2 SUPER NINETYSEVEN *** Smashed them last start when blinkers removed over this same trip; big show on that record breaking run. 2.50
3 SIMPLE PLEASURES *** Showed he was up to this level with a super effort in the 3YO sprint; goes close. 6.00
4 SUPER GOOD ** Certainly doesn’t win out of turn but placed in the 3YO sprint at long odds and might pay to include again. 20
5 MAI GURU ** Steady type that will go through the grades but tested here. 33
6 EMPIRE BAY ** Another that does little wrong but facing toughest test to date; exotics. 33
7 BALE STAR ** Backed up a good second to SUPER NINETYSEVEN with a strong win over the mile; right in this late. 12
8 SMART SAMURAI * Broke maiden status last start over 1000m on the Poly; this should be too tough. 100
9 WHAT’S DAT ** Excuses last start not to finish closer and appreciates that run and winkers added; one to watch at long odds. 50
10 ZAC SPIRIT ** Beaten fair and square last start by BENDICION but obviously has a future on excellent debut win; keep safe. 2011 WAR LORD * Form OK but this looks a leap of faith. 50
12 GOLDEN MISSION * Hasn’t shown up at two starts in Singapore. 200
13 BENDICION ** Handy weight pull as a NH-bred 3YO filly and form strong enough to consider in top three. 12
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Race 11
Selections; 3 SOUTHERN LORD – 9 MR MAGNUS – 7 VINTAGE ROSE – 6 PITSTOP
A very, very tough race and not sure where to start or indeed who to pick. But when in doubt in these condition weighted races it always pays to go with the numbers and SOUTHERN LORD is the stand-out in that regard. The former NZ Group 1 winner arrived in Singapore with a rating of 71 (since up to 73) and given he carries just 55.5kg at the Graduation race conditions; he could be a good thing. The fact he was supported and ran well late over 1200m last start is also in his favour given the step up to 1400m here. If there was a concern it would be that his main aim this preparation is the Group 1 Singapore Guineas in May. The other concern is that the race has depth! While the tote might be fair guide to a number of horses’ chances, MR MAGNUS is one to watch with blinkers on for the first time. The 3YO stormed home under Joao Moreira last start over 1200m and certainly goes close with a repeat of that effort. VINTAGE ROSE bolted in last start to break her maiden status and might be one to follow through the grades with plenty of other hopes with a blanket over most bar the two horses carrying 58kgs.
1 ARABIAN NIGHT * Hopeless at the conditions and needs longer. 200
2 GOLDEN ROSEWOOD * Improving but needs easier than this. 200
3 SOUTHERN LORD *** Very well placed at the race conditions and 1400m looks ideal; can win. 4.00
4 ALPHA CENTAURI *** In super form and can on with the job here. 4.00
5 LUWAK COFFEE *** Good win last start and pay to follow as well in at the weights here with claim. 4.00
6 PITSTOP *** Starting to show form that had him under notice as a top juvenile; keep safe. 8.00
7 VINTAGE ROSE *** Broke maiden status in fine style last start and have to respect on that effort. 8.00
8 JACKPOT ** Excuses last start and in this up to his proverbial eyeballs if on-song. 33
9 MR MAGNUS *** Excellent work late last start has him under notice as does blinkers first time with Moreira on-top. 4.50
10 BOARD WALK ** Thereabouts last start similar conditions and will add value to exotics. 33
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Race 12
Selections; 3 DANNY RICARDO – 1 RAZIYYA OF SYDNEY – 2 TO BE REMEMBERED – 5 ROUGH DAY
A long day could become even longer with too many serious winning hopes in the last. Plenty of good recent form and the fact that most runners were supported in some way last start suggests 4-1 the field and a solid each-way prospect could be the way to go. DANNY RICARDO could be the one to follow into this with solid form and the switch back to the turf in his favour. His win three back was impressive and happy to think this race suits and he can recapture that form here. RAZIYYA OF SYDNEY also has a nice recent win to her name and excuses last start not to finish even closer. Michael Freedman has opted for a claimer and that could be a good move if any luck from the wide gate. Staying with the top weights, TO BE REMEMBERED has a claimer and given his recent form with support, he goes mighty close. ROUGH DAY with Joao Moreira on-board is certainly a winning hope as is JOYOUS EXPRESS, SILVER AND GOLD and BRAVO at odds. Those with cash to burn might consider OVER EASY at long, long odds with blinkers added.
1 RAZIYYA OF SYDNEY *** Work to the wire last start was excellent and can win this with handy 3kg claim. 6.00
2 TO BE REMEMBERED *** Also gone for claimer and certainly due; can win. 6.00
3 DANNY RICARDO *** Switch back to turf looks a very good move and form has him hard to beat. 6.00
4 POSITIVE THINKING ** Only win was over the mile and in this a long way at odds. 50
5 ROUGH DAY *** Close up finish last start with Moreira on-board and can go one better from gate four. 3.60
6 JOYOUS EXPRESS *** Showed himself to be more than competitive this company; goes close from gate one. 6.00
7 SILVER AND GOLD *** Broke maiden status in fine form last start and pay to follow this grade. 8.00
8 BRAVO *** Excuses last start not to finish closer this grade and could be the value bet here with top claimer. 20
9 WARRIOR ** Form better than it reads and will be in this a very long time at odds; hmmmm. 50
10 MONEY BEE ** OK to the wire last start and certainly in the exotic mix with light weight. 20
11 OZYMANDIAS ** Backed at his last couple and beaten a fair way; take on trust. 20
12 OVER EASY *** Has shown glimpses and pay to include at very long odds in skinny end of exotics with blinkers added. 100
13 SIR RUMBLE ** Won for the first time on the Poly last start; not the worst back on turf up in grade. 33
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