Friday 20 May – Meeting Preview/selection, comments and odds, courtesy Larry Foley, kranjiracing.com
It’s the biggest racing day of the year in Singapore and while the Singapore Airlines International Cup has $3 million reasons to make it a race worth watching, it is ROCKET MAN in the KrisFlyer sprint that holds all the attention.The ‘local’ Champ has been runner-up in this race at his two previous attempts and on Sunday he gets his chance for not only race redemption but to show the world just who is the best international sprinter.The two horses that have beaten him in this race – SACRED KINGDOM (2009) and GREEN BIRDIE (2010) – are back to make things tough, but all things considered the Pat Shaw trained super star wins this race and if good judges are anything to go by, wins easily.Of course it’s never that simple and Pat Shaw, owner Fred Crabbia and jockey Felix Coetzee would be having a few sleepless nights but come Sunday evening (Singapore time) it will be time to celebrate.
In the ‘other’ feature, RIVER JETEZ and GITANO HERNANDO look big chances to make it a big night for South Africans but the International Group 1 field has plenty of depth and the winner would have had to earn every bit of his share of the $3 million.
Best Bets; PARFUMIER (race 8, win), RIVER JETEZ (race 10, win) and GORDON ROBERTS (race 4, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (3, 4, 5 and 7), race 9 (1), race 10 (3 and 12) and race 11 (6, 8 and 12)
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Race 3
Selections; 2 TAKIS – 1 KOBE TOP GUN – 5 TRAVERTINE – 3 BEAT TO QUARTERS
A solid Novice event but the Shaw/Vorster combination looks hard to beat with TAKIS. He won nicely two starts back and with winkers upgraded to blinkers today he looks ready to show his best in what is a suitable affair. TRAVERTINE, a last start winner, also looks well placed at the conditions and should be prominent throughout. Of the others KOBE TOP GUN is in very steady form and Glen Boss will be hoping for a nice start to this big race day with BEAT TO QUARTERS (good last start winner) and the maiden, ROCKY GARDEN also some hope.
1 KOBE TOP GUN *** Is close to another win but weight and barrier may hold him back here. Each Way. 6.00
2 TAKIS *** A good type who should go close to winning this with blinkers added. 4.00
3 BEAT TO QUARTERS *** Impressive maiden win last start but tougher here. Place hope. 8.00
4 READY TO STRIKE ** Won by leading throughout previously but happy to leave out here with wide barrier 15.00
5 TRAVERTINE *** Won well last start and is still improving A good each way chance. 5.00
6 BETTER FRIENDS *** Is warming up to another win. Should be fighting out the finish. 10.00
7 QUALITASE ** Place chance at best. 25.00
8 COFFEE KID * Needs to improve to win in this class. 35.00
9 DISTINCT NICHE * Disappointing of late and heading to Class 5. 40.00
10 ROCKY GARDEN * Going ok but this looks too tough. 33.00
11 NO DOUBTS * Another going ok in weaker classes but not here. 40.00
12 WHOOSHKA * Not going well enough to trouble these. 30.00
13 DARING FIGHTER ** A place chance with the right run. 20.00
14 TANGIBLE ASSETS *** A good each way chance with no weight on his back. 6.00
15 TASER GUN * No chance 100.00
Race 4
Selections; 7 GORDON ROBERTS – 5 CHIEF SECRETARY – 2 SCIPIO – 6 URBAN DANCER
This is a very strong Class 4 event and plenty of winning hopes over the 1800m. Value might be the key on a big day like this and CAPE TREASURE for Laurie Laxon might just be one of the better each-way bets of the day. He has a handy 3kg claim and his recent trial good enough to think he goes into this with confidence and worth serious thought at hopefully juicy odds. Plenty of other chances and SCIPIO as good as any and also should provide some value. It is open and throw a blanket over most of the others including URBAN DANCER, GOLDEN LIDO, MY RACE and BY LAW.
1 BY LAW *** Drop in grade should suit and step up in trip with blinkers sees him right in the finish with 3kg claim, can win. 5.00
2 SCIPIO *** Wide gate makes winning tough but racing well and worth a look each-way. 10
3 MY RACE *** Finished in the placings at last couple and well-placed in Class 4 after 4kg claim, should run well. 6.00
4 CAPE TREASURE * No. 100
5 CHIEF SECRETARY *** In super form and should be suited over the extra journey and the one to beat again. 4.00
6 URBAN DANCER *** Nice effort with blinkers last start and worked well under Boss in his final gallop on Wednesday. 10
7 GORDON ROBERTS *** Racing in decent form, recent trial good and again should be fighting out the finish. 10
8 STREET LEGAL ** Always going to play a role if race run to suit -keep safe in exotics. 15
9 ALL THE BEST ** Made it back-to-back before finishing down the track last time, can bounce back and should be at value. 20
10 ATLIXCO ** Finding it hard to knock in a win and place preferred. 25
11 GOLDEN LIDO *** Showed last time in this company he can be more than competitive and goes close here. 7.00
12 MACHO * Struggled since maiden win and easier to ignore. 50
13 STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN * Looks to struggle in this grade. 40
14 BUZET * Another who needs Class 5 to be a serious threat. 40
15 THE KATHUMPA ** Last start was better so might pay to start following at odds. 40
16 TIEN CHAI * Needs something easier. 50
17 SUNNY GRAY *** Love to see in Class 5 but could pinch one at a light weight before he gets there. 20
18 KAEPEEYAI * Struggling and needs Class 5, quick! 100
Race 5
Selections; 4 RED BEARD – 9 TIGER WARRIOR – 5 RARE EARTH – 10 KALLISAN
There looks one standout in this race – RED BEARD – and although he will be short in the betting he should win. His debut win was a beauty and when you consider he easily accounted for the likely second favourite in RARE EARTH (a subsequent winner) he does look the best of the day. In fact I have TIGER WARRIOR to split the two and it might pay to play the exotics with the likes of KALLISAN and perhaps BUKIT LION CITY.
1 BERT * Didn’t show enough first up to get excited about yet. 40
2 ABYSS * Not in well at the race conditions and might need it easier than this with blinkers removed. 40
3 CLAIRVOYANCE * Will be doing best work late but another not in well at the weights and prefer Class 5. 20
4 RED BEARD *** Won like a good thing at debut and looks the winner on that performance. 2.00
5 RARE EARTH *** Backed up good second behind RED BEARD at debut with a nice win – right in this. 5.00
6 OBJECTIVE LOVE ** Not at his best last start but usually competitive and a must for exotics. 15
7 BUKIT LION CITY ** Bounced back form a bad run with an eye-catching placing last start – always pay to keep safe. 15
8 TATTOO * Didn’t show a lot last start and might be looking for something easier than this. 50
9 TIGER WARRIOR *** Resuming and recent trial suggests he might run a big race in what is a suitable race – WATCH. 12
10 KALLISAN ** Continues to show enough to follow but desperately needs a result for followers. 8.00
11 BETTER THAN YOU * No. 500
12 SECARA ** Never on the track last start when blinkers added so happy to give him another chance to show something at long odds. 50
13 DRAGON BOY *** Had support first up and showed enough to the wire to think he has something to offer – pay to follow. 10
14 NEVERMIND * Hard to have at debut on what we have seen at the trails. 100
Race 6
Selections; 3 TRAFALGAR LEGACY – 13 ALWAYS HAPPY – 14 METEOR MIKE – 1 MECCA STAR
This race looks a beauty and although I’m very keen on TRAFLAGAR LEGACY, it is one of the most open races on what is a tough day of racing. But TRAFALGAR LEGACY (Pat Shaw stable) won very nicely last start and his two placings prior to that where full of merit – a good horse and certainly one to follow. Down in weights it may be his stable-mate, ALWAYS HAPPY, who provides the biggest threat. The mare doesn’t know how to run a bad race and will be knocking in a win sooner than later with jockey Felix Coetzee hoping sooner! Also down in weights is METEOR MIKE and he might just be the value runner in a field that boasts plenty of good form and winning hopes.
1 MECCA STAR *** Good win with blinkers added last start and can follow with gate one a bonus. 6.00
2 MARTIAL ART *** Edging closer to a result but will need race run to suit back markers. 15
3 TRAFALGAR LEGACY *** In terrific form and the one to beat. 3.50
4 MY FRIEND JO *** Up in Class but last start win full of merit and pay to follow. 12
5 TEEN ANGEL *** Speedy type and in this a long way. 20
6 POLISHED STEEL ** Improves with each run back – pay to keep safe. 50
7 CORSAGE *** Always a hope in races like this and usually nice enough value – follow. 20
8 ESTEEM POWER *** Looks very close to a result and this race suitable – big show. 6.00
9 HOPKINS * No. 200
10 TOBIAS * Will improve but wait for tote support and longer. 40
11 ASPEN HEIGHTS *** Will win a race like this and should be prominent today. 20
12 MARTEL *** Form better than it reads and pay to keep safe. 40
13 ALWAYS HAPPY *** Super honest mare and worth a serious look. 5.00
14 METEOR MIKE *** Two runs back and should be coming into his own – watch. 12
15 ZAC VELOCITY ** Good effort in easier company and prefer Class 4. 30
Race 7
Selections; 1 FLYING WEST – 5 U GOT IT – 3 OVER THE RAINBOW – 7 NEWFOUNDLUCK
Basil Marcus will be hoping his stable star, FLYING WEST, can bounce back to his best and looks well placed to do just that. The FLYING SPUR gelding was in terrific form before finding it all a bit tough in strong company at his last couple and while this is a nice enough field, he does look a big show. U GOT IT looks his biggest danger and although seen mainly on the Poly of late he has form on this surface and just going too well not to be a chance. OVER THE RAINBOW is certainly due – just needs a race to suit back markers- and NEWFOUNDLUCK might add value to exotics.
1 FLYING WEST *** This looks suitable to get back to wining form – big show. 4.00
2 LEGEND * Blinkers added but needs to show more and maybe better over longer. 40
3 OVER THE RAINBOW *** In super form without a result – due and pay to follow. 5.50
4 HAZZA ** Resuming and while this looks a tough ask first up he was flying last campaign and can win. 10
5 U GOT IT *** Just going too well in any type of race not to be a big winning chance. 5.00
6 NOBLE MANOR * Last start was better but still needs to show more before we consider. 40
7 NEWFOUNDLUCK *** Slightly disappointing last start but better than that and might pay to keep safe. 20
8 BLESSWITHSPEED * Struggling at the minute. 100
9 FLYING FULTON *** In winning form and while this looks tougher, has to be respected. 7.00
10 VOLPISTA ** Never involved from wide gate last start – take on trust. 20
11 IMACRUISER *** Going along in very good order and this looks suitable – can win. 8.00
12 MAX VELOCITY ** Form probably better than it looks in the book and might pay to start following as he gets some runs under his belt. 40
13 NOT MY FAULT *** First up run was terrific and worth keeping very safe. 10
14 LANGSTRAAT ** Also showed enough first up to think he is worth a look but might be better suited with blinkers. 40
Race 8
Selections; 3 PARFUMIER – 4 MR RAFFLES – 5 MAURICE UTRILLO – 7 GOLDEN NUMBER
A very nice race heading into the two features and while you have to respect many, PARFUMIER looks a very good winning option and one of the better bets of the day. The rising 9YO has been a revelation since arriving in Singapore and his recent placing in the QEII Cup (behind FATKID) and three starts back behind BETTER THAN EVER, have him winning again sooner than later. The mile looks perfect and although up against some very handy types, he should win. The biggest dangers are MR RAFFLES and last start winner, MAURICE UTRILLO. MR RAFFLES can disappoint (see last start) but just shows too much when on song (his recent second behind WAIKATO a beauty) not to be a big winning show. MAURICE UTRILLO showed last start why he is a serious race horse and with winkers upgraded to blinkers for this, he must be respected.
1 KEEP AWAY *** Flying at the minute and no reason to think he doesn’t give this a shake although would need every bit of his 2kg claim. 10
2 INTERCEPT ** Last start definitely has him heading in the right direction but needs to find extra before we get on board. 20
3 PARFUMIER *** In super form and beaten by some very smart ones at two recent seconds – excuses for only poor run and looks hard to beat today. 4.00
4 MR RAFFLES *** Disappointing as odds-on fave last start but a hard horse to sack and wins on his day. 3.00
5 MAURICE UTRILLO *** Has returned in terrific form and can win again with winkers upgraded to blinkers. 4.00
6 THUNDERING JET * Struggling to recapture the early form he showed although run three starts back was promising. 40
7 GOLDEN NUMBER *** Going to be in this for a very long way and looks a very solid each way option. 8.00
8 LOCUS STANDI *** In super honest form without a result – will be thereabouts and could be value. 10
9 KING FAALCON * Needs longer in this company. 50
10 HINT ** In super form and hard to argue with two wins on the trot, but might be found out over the mile in this company. 20
Race 9
Selections; 1 ROCKET MAN – 3 GREEN BIRDIE – 2 SACRED KINGDOM – 8 ECLAIR FASTPASS
One horse – ROCKET MAN. That’s the name on everyone’s lips this week and unless some good judges get this wrong he wins the KrisFlyer. What makes this interesting is the ‘Singapore Flyer’ is up against both the horses that have beat him in this race (SACRED KINGDOM 2009 and GREEN BIRDIE 2010) and that will just make his win all the more sweet. No need to look elsewhere although for the exotics I will be entertaining ECLAIR FASTPASS and obviously BETTER BE THE ONE will have some admirers after his huge run in Dubai. Go ‘The Rocket’!
1 ROCKET MAN *** Superstar at the top of his game who looks very hard to beat. 1.20
2 SACRED KINGDOM ** Hong Kong star who famously won this race two years back. Just struggled to win of late but will be in the mix. 5.00
3 GREEN BIRDIE ** Infamously won this race last year and although not winning since his form of late has been good – in the money. 7.00
4 BETTER BE THE ONE ** Local who ran a huge race to place in Dubai over 1000m – a fair way off ROCKET MAN locally though. 50
5 GHOZI * Good local sprinter and will keep the place-getters honest. 100
6 HAPPY DUBAI * Handy Dubai-based speedster and might just struggle against the good ones today. 100
7 CAPABLANCA * Tough old campaigner and while in great form locally he might just find the quality here a bit tough. 100
8 ECLAIR FASTPASS ** Can mix his form but shows glimpses of brilliance – might pinch a place at long odds. 50
9 PERFECT PINS * Plenty of pace so has a say early but should be found out late. 100
10 POWERFUL RULER * Honest in local company and should be out-classed here. 100
Race 10
Selections; 12 RIVER JETEZ – 3 GITANO HERNANDO – 2 IRIAN – 4 CALIFORNIA MEMORY
As you would expect when $3 million is on the line, this race is ‘world class’. From the globetrotting PRESVIS (is there a better traveler?) to the South African mare, RIVER JETEZ, the race has class and depth and shapes up as one of the best races in the world in 2011. Runners from the UK, France, South Africa, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates and Singapore will head to the start and while this ‘global potpourri’ looks to make the race analysis tough, history tells us that Dubai form (Dubai World Cup meeting in March) is good form and that’s where we start. PRESVIS (winner), RIVER JETEZ (second), WIGMORE HALL (third) and ROYAL BENCH (fourth) all ran well in the Dubai Duty Free and that form is going to more than hold up here. And while PREVIS’ win was huge in Dubai, his style of racing (back marker) makes winning tough in Singapore and the Luca Cumani champ will have to be at his very best to salute in a race that has eluded him at two previous attempts. In fact with no obvious pace in the race it might be all but impossible for PRESVIS and with this in mind, I think RIVER JETEZ (Mike de Kock) is a huge winning show. The mare will race handy and come the business end, she will look the winner and anyone that passes her probably wins. Keeping with the Dubai theme, GITANO HERNANDO – also racing under the South African flag – brings Dubai World Cup form into the race and as we have seen with GLORIA DE CAMPEAO in 2009 (win) and 2010 (second), that form-line more than holds up. And while the HERNANDO entire hasn’t won in this international campaign, he has more than held his own in the best company and a big run is on the cards. Of the others, the two Hong Kong entries (IRIAN and CALIFORNIA MEMORY) have to be respected although CALIFORNIA MEMORY, like PRESVIS, just might find it all too hard making his run from the rear of the field on a track and race that has historically favoured on pace runners.
1 PRESVIS *** Arguably the best horse in the race, well travelled and will be all over them late but would need to be in touch at the 200m to win. 3.00
2 IRIAN *** Hong Kong form very strong and that should more than hold up in a race like this – big show. 7.00
3 GITANO HERNANDO *** Not far away in the Dubai World Cup and have to respect that form line – watch. 9.00
4 CALIFORNIA MEMORY *** Hong King star who, like PRESVIS, will be flying home late and if in with a chance at 200m can win. 5.00
5 WIGMORE HALL *** Never comfortable at recent Hong Kong sojourn but form prior to that has him right in this. 15
6 ROYAL BENCH *** Happy to put a line through his recent Hong Kong run as his Dubai form is going to hold up. 20
7 CALVADOS BLUES *** More than handled the International company at his home base in Dubai and should be in this a very long time. 12
8 CHINCHON ** The second of the French runners who looks a solid option but would probably need to be at his very best to be a threat. 30
9 WAIKATO ** Top local hope who races handy and that will hold him in good stead in a race with no obvious pacemaker. 30
10 RISKY BUSINESS * Singapore Gold Cup winner but that was at handicap conditions and might just find this too tough. 100
11 FATKID ** The most improved horse in Singapore who stormed into contention winning two from last three – both over this distance. 40
12 RIVER JETEZ *** Smart mare who looks very well suited to show her best and should be the one to run over late – can win. 4.50
13 NEW ROSE WOOD * Honest but struggles to win locally so might just struggle in this top class field. 100
Race 11
Selections; 8 EXCAVATOR – 12 ANAK LUTONG – 6 KENNECOTT – 2 COLLECT THE CASH
It would have been a very long day with a few surprises and hopefully EXCAVATOR sends us home in good spirits. He showed in the first leg of the 3YO challenge over this distance he is a horse to be reckoned with and if he brings that form to this Class he wins. ANAK LUTONG put in a beauty last start behind AMADEUS MOZART and that form is more than good enough to win this. He has to reproduce that run though to beat EXCAVATOR though but the contest looks a cracker. KENNECOTT also heads back to 1200m and a handicap race after competing in the 3YO series and he will very much appreciate this field and is also a danger.
1 LAGO BAY *** Showed last start he handles the turf and while gate some concern should run a very forward race. 25
2 COLLECT THE CASH *** Resuming after a couple of ordinary runs but has won in this company with support first up and has to be respected. 20
3 SILVERON WINGS *** Super honest and going to be in the thick of this finish – each way all the way. 10
4 TREASURE HUNTER *** No one got past him last start and while he might have some more swooping company today he has to be respected. 12
5 EXCUSE MY FRENCH ** Resuming after impressive first campaign – better over longer but have to respect fresh. 50
6 KENNECOTT *** Found out in own-age Group company at his last couple but this is suitable and can get back to his winning ways. 10
7 RIO FORTUNE *** Very much appreciates what was a nice first up run and can win what is a suitable race. 8.00
8 EXCAVATOR *** Ignore last start in the 1400m 3YO series and seriously consider on his close up second in the first leg – goes very well. 4.00
9 KNIGHT SPIRIT *** Resuming after a very strong campaign – easily good enough to win first up and pay to follow. 12
10 HEY TORO ** Last run better than the result and looms the big improver – this race is strong but pay to keep safe at odds. 50
11 SHAOLIN SOLDIER *** Race probably not run to suit last start and happy to follow as he is going to be right in this finish. 6.00
12 ANAK LUTONG *** Looks extremely well placed with just 53kg in Class 3 after his good placing behind AMADEUS MOZART at his last start – huge show on that run. 6.00
13 SARATOGA *** Freshened after just fair effort last start but would not sack on that run and pay to keep safe. 12
14 HONEST BROKER ** Former UK galloper and prefer to just watch first up. 50
15 UNO *** Showed last start he more than handles the turf and 1200m suits – WATCH. 20
