Military Attack must be respected under the watchful eye of trainer Caspar Fownes.
The big day has arrived.So without further adieu;
The KrisFlyer: While the crowd will be cheering for the locals and the romantics for a LUCKY NINE three-peat, AEROVELOCITY is extremely hard to beat in the 2015 KrisFlyer Sprint.
The rising star of the Hong Kong sprinting ranks, AEROVELOCITY showed he is more than up to being considered world class when he won in March in the tough school that is JapanGroup 1 racing. While not racing since that win, he has trialed well back in Hong Kong and by all reports has travelled very well to Singapore. And while he can find trouble in races – most notable when poleaxed in the Jockey Club Sprint – he should have no trouble in this smallish field to show his best which is easily good enough to win. And while respecting his compatriots in LUCKY NINE and RICH TAPESTRY, it may be the local brigade that tests him.
ZAC SPIRIT was well thought of last year in this race before uncharacteristically sweating up badly before the start. He still managed to place but wasn’t at his best and Cliff Brown and his team will be looking to make amends on Sunday. KIWI KARMA is another local that appeals. As a 3YO filly she gets in with 54kg and given she will show them a clean pair of high heels early, a cheeky run and a result aren’t beyond her.
Of the rest, EMPEROR MAX had his issues late last year but returned with a big run in the Lion City Cup and did place in this race last year. EL PADRINO will be the local swooper and has risen to the big occasions so pay to keep him safe with the Bahrain sprinter, HOTOTO and another local contender in MAGNETO really needing to having good days to consider. So cheer on the locals but get in line if you back AEROVELOCITY.
The Singapore Airlines International Cup: The big race is upon us and for the first time in many a year it will pay not to put a line through any of the horses. With that in mind some pro’s and con’s from the top to the bottom might be the way to proceed so we start with MILITARY ATTACK who won this race two years ago when giving John Moore his first international Group 1 winner away from Hong Kong. He placed in this race last year as the odds on pop and while he has not be at his best of late, he must be respected under the watchful eye of trainer Caspar Fownes.
DAN EXCEL won this race last year and a recent good run in HK suggests he is back in the type of form that has him probably starting favourite. MEINER FROST is the only Japanese entrant and comes into this with winning form. Runners from Japan always garner respect and if he is in a winning position on straightening, he is hard to beat. SMOKING SUN split the HK pair in this race last year and that second placing has him under notice. However, his recent form has been patchy and he does tend to get back in races so he will need the race run to suit.
The first local to look at is JOHNNY GUITAR who struggled in this race last year and is a question mark at the trip. In his favour is Joao Moreira but he may need more than just magic. His stablemate QUECHUA looks a better option. In fact the Gold Cup winner will race handy throughout and a podium finish would not surprise. The little bulldog STEPITUP is another local that could easily finish in the first three and it is hard to fault his preparation that includes a last start win this trip in the QEII Cup.
Another Shaw runner in the former Argentinian COOPTADO is a risk given his Dubai form but reports from the stable have been positive. FREE PORT LUX is the French representative and while it’s hard to line up his form (this is his first trip outside France), he hails from the astute F
reddie Head stables so pay to keep safe. SLEW OF LODE will set the pace and could stay on for exotics while WILD GEESE returned to form last start and is yet another who could sneak into top four calculations. So an even field but the Japanese are a force so MEINER FROST the top pick and last years winner, DAN EXCEL, the one he might have to pass late to win.
Sunday 17 May
Best Bets; (FRAAJILISTIC race 5, win), (FAALTLESS race 8, each-way) and (MINGS MAN race 4, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 3, 4 and 5), race 9 (2), race 10 (2, 3, 6 and 7), race 11 (2, 3, 10, 11 and 15).
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 3
Selections; 6 BREMNER – 2 BOB – 3 INVICTUS – 10 LAUGHING GRAVY
Tough race made even tougher with all the top jockeys on solid mounts. The local top hoop, Manny Nunes, is on BREMNER and while the former UK winner has yet to salute in Singapore, he looks due and must go close. Before Nunes there was another Brazilian called Moreira and his mount BOB looks a solid hope as well. Throw top Aussie hoop Corey Brown into the mix on INVICTUS, fellow Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michael Rodd on LAUGHING GRAVY and don’t forget Brett Prebble on the emergency RED SAPPHIRE. Other winning hopes include BILLY BRITAIN, KNIGHT SPIRIT (value), HIGH TROJA (value) and two last start maiden winners in DAVINCI and WELL DONE. Tough race.
1 BILLY BRITAIN *** Not a mile away last start with blinkers added and appreciates the company and claim. 20
2 BOB *** Ready to win again and goes close with luck from awkward draw. 5.00
3 INVICTUS *** Excuses not to go extremely close last start and gives this a real shake. 5.00
4 KNIGHT SPIRIT *** Another with excuses last start not to finish closer and recent win in this company/trip. Value. 33
5 SEASONS ECHO ** Will improve with each run this preparation and can include at long odds. 50
6 BREMNER *** Looks ready to break his Singapore duck and the mile is perfect. 4.00
7 HIGH TROJA *** Consistent, back up to the mile looks a good move and will be value. 33
8 THEBUZZDOWNUNDER ** Will be competitive but place claims look best in this field. 33
9 DAVINCI *** Gets blinkers as he steps up from maiden company but win good enough to follow. 6.00
10 LAUGHING GRAVY *** Drawn badly but should go forward and be prominent throughout. 12
11 MILITARY ALLIANCE ** Will find this tougher than KSD company but in the mix. 12
12 WELL DONE *** Another last start maiden winner who looks up to the task on good win. 12
13 ORION ** Consistent maiden who gets blinkers first-time and could offer a knock-out blow at odds. 20
14 YOURSTOKEEP * Needs easier. 100
15 RED SAPPHIRE *** Yet to run a bad race and Prebble from gate 4 wont hurt. 20
16 PIASAU GARDEN * Tough to follow and should need easier. 100
Race 4
Selections; 3 FAMOUS ARTIST – 11 DIVIDED HOUSE – 1 MINGS MAN – 4 MILLION ROUND
It’s only early in the day but the battle between two Brazilian aces in Nunes and Moreira continues in this Novice with the pair on leading hopes FAMOUS ARTIST and DIVIDED HOUSE respectively. Both won extremely well last start but it was probably FAMOUS ARTIST that impressed the most with a five-length drubbing of his rivals. That was over 1000m but given the horse he beat won at his next start, the form should hold up. DIVIDED HOUSE does get a barrier advantage and that could count for plenty in what is a very good field. Of the others, MINGS MAN looks up to this and looks well-placed with a 2kg Zuriman claim and throw the blanket over the likes of MILLION ROUND (with winning hoop HK Cheng back-on), GREAT SUN and LIZAZ (just to name a few).
1 MINGS MAN *** Backed up strong maiden win with excellent placing in good company. Can win this. 8.00
2 RACER KING ** Very honest handicapper who looks well enough placed with claim to go close. 12
3 FAMOUS ARTIST *** Bolted in on debut and has to be a huge winning show on that effort. 3.50
4 MILLION ROUND *** Showed enough last start similar affair to follow with winning rider back on. 20
5 MORALES ** Returned not striding last start so pay to ignore and consider on good debut win. 20
6 GREAT SUN *** Promising type resuming and will give this a shake fresh. 10
7 LIM’S GREETING ** Resuming but looks up to winning a race like this. 20
8 LIZAZ *** Excuses when disappointing with support last start so consider with gate 1 a bonus. 10
9 HIGHER SOUL ** Improves with a run under her belt and will be value. 33
10 PO’DE OURO ** Broke through for maiden win last start but this is tougher. 20
11 DIVIDED HOUSE *** Another strong last start maiden winner who commands respect. 3.50
12 HELEN ** Not far away first-up after spell and improves for the outing. Each-way. 20
13 WYNDHAM * No. 200
14 LUCKY COIN * Wait for longer. 100
Race 5
Selections; 2 FRAAJILISTIC – 3 TWICKENHAM – 1 EAGLE STORM – 6 THESE STREETS
An open KSC over 1400m with plenty of chances. FRAAJILISTIC has won once and been very close up at his past five outings. He also gets Joao Moreira to help make a difference. EAGLE STORM is very consistent and should run his usual honest race with John Powell retaining the mount. TWICKENHAM is never far away and loves this distance; the 2kg claim will help against the other major contenders. ALPHA CENTAURI disappointed last start but may be better suited this trip whist REACH FOR THE SUN has never won on turf but has placed at all seven outings including his most recent over 1200m. The Cliff Brown pair of THESE STREETS and GOLD RUN are capable of showing up at this journey whilst PINT SIZED PRINCE continues to amaze and cannot be discounted.
1 EAGLE STORM *** Consistent and will be in the finish. 6.00
2 FRAAJILISTIC *** Has won once and been close up at past five outings. Gets Moreira to make the difference. 3.50
3 TWICKENHAM *** Loves this trip, in top form and the 2kg claim will help against the top two. 4.50
4 ALPHA CENTAURI ** Disappointed last start but may be better suited this trip. 10
5 REACH FOR THE SUN ** Finds it hard to win on turf but close last start and should be in the finish. 10
6 THESE STREETS *** Excuses last start so pay to forget and follow each-way on best form. 20
7 TOM ** Plenty of excuses last start and this distance suits. 33
8 CORDOBA ** Resuming. Trialling well but need to be at his best in this field. 16
9 SMART IDEA ** Will be improved by recent outings. Surface and distance suit. Could show up. 16
10 GOLD RUN ** Will find this easier than last outing. Class and distance suit. 12
11 PLATOON * Blinkers off. Disappointed last start and may be tested here. 33
12 PINT SIZED PRINCE * Racing in career best form. Up in grade and poorly drawn but should be running on late. 20
13 WARPATH ** Will find this easier than last outing and 1400m looks ideal. 20
14 FARRAND * Wants easier. 100
15 NATION THEATRE * Distanced last start and best form is on poly. 50
16 XAVIO * Form not good enough. 50
Race 6
Selections; 1 IDEAL GUIDE – 6 KATE’S KEEPER – 11 MIGHTY WARRIOR – 12 SEBROSE
A KSC over 1800m and the Moreira-Laxon combination could be poised to strike with IDEAL GUIDE who gets in the right class over a suitable distance. KATE’S KEEPER won at his only attempt at 1800m; he has been racing well and Zac Purton should give him every chance. MIGHTY WARRIOR has been showing considerable promise and while he is up in grade, being by Savabeel the distance should suit. SEBROSE has been racing well and whilst also up in grade has Manoel Nunes and should be prominent throughout. WORLD WAR has placed at 1800m and with Brett Prebble up from a good gate could be right in the finish. OM is on trial at the trip but has always suggested this distance could suit. Of the Takaoka pair DANGER ZONE will enjoy the drop in grade and MUSKETEER the increase in distance and possibly, the Japanese rider.
1 IDEAL GUIDE *** Won well last start and suited this grade and distance. Will be hard to beat with Moreira up. 4.00
2 MAGICAL TALENT ** Not the most reliable but capable of a good performance. Can show up this trip. 33
3 VALBUENA * Has been disappointing but this grade and distance suit. Can make his presence felt. 33
4 OM ** Unknown at this distance but gives the impression it may suit. Can find trouble but should be running on late. 20
5 WORLD WAR *** Placed at only attempt at this trip. Should be prominent throughout. 6.00
6 KATE’S KEEPER *** Won at only attempt at the journey. Racing well and should be hard to beat. 6.00
7 POWERNOVA ** Won over 1600m two starts back. This is harder and on trial at the journey. 20
8 FATKID * Needs to improve on recent form. 33
9 MUSKETEER * Needs to improve but may appreciate this class, surface and distance. 25
10 DANGER ZONE ** Will appreciate the drop in class. Has won at this trip and can show up. 25
11 MIGHTY WARRIOR *** Promising middle distance horse. Up in grade but racing well and should be suited this distance. 6.00
12 SEBROSE *** Racing very well. Up in class and distance but should get a gun run throughout. 6.00
13 TEQUILA SHOT ** Put in his best effort since arriving in Singapore last start. Suited here and should improve further. 14
14 ZEUS * Disappointed last outing after a good Singapore debut. May find this distance more suitable. 25
Race 7
Selections; 2 GOODMAN – 1 BORN TO FLY – 10 GOLD RUTILE – 9 BOURBON GOLDMAN
A good Open Class stakes race over a mile. Joao Moreira takes over on GOODMAN who disappointed last start but he does have a touch of class and can quickly atone. He should be prominent throughout which is in his favour. BORN TO FLY is very honest and with John Powell to ride him again should be well positioned throughout and finish off strongly. Pat Shaw has a strong hand and EMPEROR’S BANQUET will find this easier than recent outings while the stablemates IN FACT and ALEXANDRA PALACE are also capable of making their presence felt. The American mare MY OPTION can improve and the Japanese mare GOLD RUTILE will run her usual honest race. The Bruce Marsh pair BOURBON GOLDMAN and CHEETAH ON FIRE should be running home strongly late.
1 BORN TO FLY *** Won well over 1400m last start and John Powell stays aboard. Very consistent and runs a strong mile. Hard to beat. 4.00
2 GOODMAN *** Disappointed last start but gets Joao Moreira. Distance suits and he can make amends. 3.50
3 EL MILAGRO ** Blinkers off. Yet to win beyond 1400m but has placed at 1600m and bold run expected. 16
4 ONE RAR * Better on poly over longer but has enough turf form to warrant some consideration. 20
5 EMPEROR’S BANQUET ** Will find this easier than recent outings and should be prominent throughout from the good gate. 6.00
6 MARTIN * Has been struggling for a while but only recent placing was this grade and trip. 33
7 IN FACT ** Very consistent and rarely far away. Class tests but will run an honest race. 12
8 MY OPTION * Tongue tie on. American mare who could improve on most recent effort. Best US runs have been on dirt. 20
9 BOURBON GOLDMAN *** Very consistent and will be running on late with just 52kg. 10
10 GOLD RUTILE *** Honest mare who will get a good run throughout and be in the finish. 10
11 CITY LAD * Blinkers off and this distance suits but has been out of form for a long time. 33
12 ALEXANDRA PALACE * Will enjoy being back on turf and can show up. 25
13 CHEETAH ON FIRE * Will have benefited from recent outing and should be running on late. 20
Race 8
Selections; 3 FAALTLESS – 1 HUKA FALLS – 4 TRUDEAU – 5 GOLDEN SAND STEED
A Kranji Stakes A over 1200m gives a few that have been battling in harder company or over different distances a chance. FAALTLESS is a strong sprinter who will find this to his liking with a handy 2kg claim; he will be in the finish. HUKA FALLS best form is on the poly but he has won seven times at this trip and will find this easier than the Lion City Cup; he can give a sight. TRUDEAU is coming back to his optimum trip after being tried over all sorts of distances; he can make his presence felt. Of the others GOLDEN SAND STEED has Moreira but his best distance is 1100m on poly, RED BEARD has ability but many issues and the stablemate FLAK JACKET can go very fast with no weight.
1 HUKA FALLS *** Best form is on poly but has won seven times at this trip and will find this easier than Lion City Cup. Can give a sight. 3.50
2 CAVALLO ** Bobs up when least expected but best form is on poly. 12
3 FAALTLESS *** Strong sprinter who will find this to his liking with a handy 2kg claim. Will be in the finish. 3.00
4 TRUDEAU *** Coming back to his optimum trip after being tried over all sorts of distances. Can make his presence felt. 4.50
5 GOLDEN SAND STEED *** Has Moreira but best distance is 1100m on poly. 5.00
6 RED BEARD * Resuming. Has had respiratory issues but is good when right. Watch market. 20
7 HAPPY MONEY * Yet to place in two turf outings. Better on poly. 33
8 HYPERNOVA * Runs on but best form is on poly. 20
9 FLAK JACKET ** Speedy. Can give a sight with no weight but class may test. 20
Race 9
Selections; 2 AEROVELOCITY – 5 ZAC SPIRIT – 9 KIWI KARMA – 6 EMPEROR MAX
While the crowd will be cheering for the locals and the romantics for a LUCKY NINE three-peat, AEROVELOCITY is extremely hard to beat in the 2015 KrisFlyer Sprint. The rising star of the Hong Kong sprinting ranks, AEROVELOCITY showed he is more than up to being considered world class when he won in March in the tough school that is Japan Group 1 racing. While not racing since that win, he has trialed well back in Hong Kong and by all reports has travelled very well to Singapore. And while he can find trouble in races – most notable when poleaxed in the Jockey Club Sprint – he should have no trouble in this smallish field to show his best which is easily good enough to win. And while respecting his compatriots in LUCKY NINE and RICH TAPESTRY, it may be the local brigade that tests him. ZAC SPIRIT was well thought of last year in this race before uncharacteristically sweating up badly before the start. He still managed to place but wasn’t at his best and Cliff Brown and his team will be looking to make amends on Sunday. KIWI KARMA is another local that appeals. As a 3YO filly she gets in with 54kg and given she will show them a clean pair of high heels early, a cheeky run and a result aren’t beyond her. Of the rest, EMPEROR MAX had his issues late last year but returned with a big run in the Lion City Cup and did place in this race last year. EL PADRINO will be the local swooper and has risen to the big occasions so pay to keep him safe with the Bahrain sprinter, HOTOTO and another local contender in MAGNETO really needing to having good days to consider. So cheer on the locals but get in line if you back AEROVELOCITY.
1 LUCKY NINE ** Loves this race winning last two installments but has only placed once in five starts since 2014 win. 12
2 AEROVELOCITY *** Star Hong Kong sprinter who showed his international class by winning in Japan last start. Very hard to beat. 1.80
3 RICH TAPESTRY ** Hails from HK but recent travels have seen wins in the US and a last start placing in Dubai. Respect. 12
4 EL PADRINO ** Not the best of the local brigade but will be suited by a cracking pace with best work expected late. 20
5 ZAC SPIRIT ** Got worked up prior to this race last year when well in the betting and the finish. Goes close. 4.00
6 EMPEROR MAX ** Had an issue or two but runner-up this race last year and could easily show up on best form. 10
7 MAGNETO * Looks outclassed at WFA Group 1 level. 33
8 HOTOTO * Struggled at Group level last start in the Al Quoz Sprint and would have to be having a day out. 50
9 KIWI KARMA ** Will give a sight with 54kg and could cause an upset if left alone out front. 8.00
Race 10
Selections; 3 MEINER FROST – 2 DAN EXCEL – 7 STEPITUP – 6 QUECHUA
The big race is upon us and for the first time in many a year it will pay not to put a line through any of the horses. With that in mind some pro’s and con’s from the top to the bottom might be the way to proceed so we start with MILITARY ATTACK who won this race two years ago when giving John Moore his first international Group 1 winner away from Hong Kong. He placed in this race last year as the odds on pop and while he has not be at his best of late, he must be respected under the watchful eye of trainer Caspar Fownes. DAN EXCEL won this race last year and a recent good run in HK suggests he is back in the type of form that has him probably starting favourite. MEINER FROST is the only Japanese entrant and comes into this with winning form. Runners from Japan always garner respect and if he is in a winning position on straightening, he is hard to beat. SMOKING SUN split the HK pair in this race last year and that second placing has him under notice. However, his recent form has been patchy and he does tend to get back in races so he will need the race run to suit. The first local to look at is JOHNNY GUITAR who struggled in this race last year and is a question mark at the trip. In his favour is Joao Moreira but he may need more than just magic. His stablemate QUECHUA looks a better option. In fact the Gold Cup winner will race handy throughout and a podium finish would not surprise. The little bulldog STEPITUP is another local that could easily finish in the first three and it is hard to fault his preparation that includes a last start win this trip in the QEII Cup. Another Shaw runner in the former Argentinian COOPTADO is a risk given his Dubai form but reports from the stable have been positive. FREE PORT LUX is the French representative and while it’s hard to line up his form (this is his first trip outside France), he hails from the astute Freddie Head stables so pay to keep safe. SLEW OF LODE will set the pace and could stay on for exotics while WILD GEESE returned to form last start and is yet another who could sneak into top four calculations. So an even field but the Japanese are a force so MEINER FROST the top pick and last years winner, DAN EXCEL, the one he might have to pass late to win.
1 MILITARY ATTACK (IRE) ** Unplaced two runs in 2015 but too good not to think he plays a part in this finish if on-song. 6.00
2 DAN EXCEL *** Defending champion who showed a return to form last start in HK and will be hard to pass late. 3.00
3 MEINER FROST *** Japanese raider who comes into this in winning form and will have admirers. 4.00
4 SMOKING SUN ** Has raced in the US, France and HK since placing in this race last year. Has to be considered. 8.00
5 JOHNNY GUITAR ** Query at the trip but should be thereabouts throughout. 20
6 QUECHUA *** Looks a leading Singapore hope and expect very bold run. 12
7 STEPITUP *** Enjoyed an excellent preparation and might just give the locals something to cheer about. 12
8 COOPTADO ** Struggled in top Dubai company but has since been gelded and settled in very well to Singapore. Keep safe. 20
9 FREE PORT LUX ** French 4YO who won three starts back this trip and could be the value international runner. 12
10 SLEW OF LODE * Recent winning form on the Poly and tested in this company. 50
11 WILD GEESE ** Turned around some ordinary form with a close-up fourth in the QEII and will add value to exotics. 20
Race 11
Selections; 15 STIRLING – 2 RISE ‘N’ SHINE – 10 BLACK FURY – 11 RISING EMPIRE
A strange Class 3 over 1200m on the turf closes the International Day. Several of these are resuming after breaks and many are better on the poly. RISE ‘N’ SHINE showed plenty last preparation but has had nearly a year off. His best form is over longer but he has enough talent to show up fresh. The stablemate ASPEN is also resuming with a tongue tie on, he has won at KSC level but might want longer. GOBI RANGER has been freshened after running in much better company than this; he was a good Ellerslie winner in NZ and could show up fresh. RISING EMPIRE has rediscovered his 2YO form and is shooting for a hat-trick; he should be right in the finish. BLACK FURY just missed last start on this surface and is well weighted with the benefit of the ace draw; he should be prominent throughout. SHIPPING FORECAST is trialling nicely and could show up fresh from a good gate while GOLDEN CURL and MEDIA CAPTAIN are honest conveyances and will do their best. There a number of good poly horses such as LASER STORM and PURE TACTICS having a run on turf so take on trust. STIRLING is the first emergency, he gets winkers and Moreira, and will be hard to beat if he gets a run.
1 ASPEN ** Resuming. Tongue tie on. Has won at KSC level but best form is at 1400m. Might find these a bit sharp but should be closing late. 10
2 RISE ‘N’ SHINE *** Showed plenty last preparation but has had nearly a year off. Best form is over longer but could show up fresh. Watch for support. 4.00
3 GOBI RANGER *** Has been freshened after running in much better company than this. Was a good Ellerslie winner in NZ and could show up fresh. Watch market. 5.00
4 GOLDEN CURL ** Won a KSC last start after having spent most of his career in Class 4. Can show up. 12
5 LASER STORM * Very good on poly but yet to place in four turf outings. 20
6 PURE TACTICS * Trialled well recently but only wins are on poly. 20
7 MEDIA CAPTAIN * Couldn’t lead last start but if allowed to roll can give a sight. 20
8 RUAPEHU * Found 1400m too much last start. Best form has been on poly but Tommy Berry could help. 33
9 WIMBLEDON ** Scored first turf win in Class 4 over this trip last start. Can show up. 14
10 BLACK FURY *** Meets MEDIA CAPTAIN 1.5kg better for being beaten an inch. Yet to win on turf but should give a sight from the ace. 14
11 RISING EMPIRE *** Showing the form he had as a 2YO. Going for a hat-trick and should be in the finish. 5.50
12 SHIPPING FORECAST ** Blinkers off. Best form has been on poly but distance suits and can show up from the gate. 14
13 HAMMER DOWN * Getting down in the ratings but needs to improve. 20
14 LIGN EM UP * Has speed but best form is on poly. 25
15 STIRLING *** Winkers and Moreira. Goes well this class and distance. Will be hard to beat if he gets a run. 4.00
16 PHILANTHROPIST * Needs to improve. 33
