Billy Britain (inside) looks a benchmark in race 9
Not a lot to get excited about Class-wise in the last meeting of what has been a terrific months racing, and a tricky one for punters with more than one maiden event and three ordinary Class 5’s.
So while they might tempt punters with the market a good guide on the maidens, a couple of Class 4 races may be the better punting races on the card.
In the lucky Last, FRIENDSHIP looks to have found a very winnable race – a Class 4 sprint over 1200m.
The 3YO American-bred gelding backed up a solid debut with a nice win over this trip and track and while he may go even better as he gets over further, this race is not strong and he looks extremely hard to beat.
A more interesting punting race may be the Class 4 over 1700m (race 9).
BILLY BRITAIN looks the benchmark and will be working into winning calculations late under Vlad Duric with LUCKY JUSTICE, SUPER JOE and MUSCLE BEACH all in the winning mix.
However, DUKE OF NORMANDY (formerly Air Force One) could pinch this first-up after a spell.
The 5YO looked a very handy stayer at his first preparation – in fact a Derby run was on the cards – and he should appreciate Class 4 with a change of stable also a factor.
Sunday 27 November
Best Bets: (FRIENDSHIP race 11, win), (HONGCHEN race 5, value) and (SPIRIT SEVEN race 10, value).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (2, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 5 and 6), race 10 (1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 9) and race 11 (3).
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 5
Selections; 1 MR MOSA – 6 HONGCHEN – 4 SWIFT – 5 ALFONSO
Another moderate field, this time a KSD over 1600m. MR MOSA has been racing soundly in better company on turf, his only win was at 1560m at Arawa Park in NZ but he should be on the speed throughout. Most of the others are journeymen. SWIFT has won in this grade and goes well for Dan Beasley; he is better in Class 5 but has four wins at the trip and can be handy throughout. HONGCHEN’s last two wins were at this class and distance; he drops in grade and should be handy throughout at value. ALFONSO broke through for his first win in a long time last start; he is up in grade but should be running on. PERFECT CURIOSITY’s only win was on turf but he placed at his only try at this class and distance, the claim helps and could show up. Others to consider are STARPERFECT with blinkers back on and SUGARTIME JAZZ who will be running on.
1 MR MOSA *** Racing soundly in better company on turf. Only win was at 1560m at Awawa Park. Should be on the speed throughout. 3.50
2 NATION THEATRE * Has had two changes of stables since last win in this company nearly a year ago. Suited this class and distance but needs to improve on recent efforts. 14
3 PERFECT CURIOSITY *** Only win was on turf but has placed at only try at this class and distance. Having 4th run since changing stables. Claim helps and could show up. Watch for support. 6.00
4 SWIFT *** Has won in this grade and goes well for Beasley. Better in Class 5 but has four wins at the trip and can be handy throughout. 4.50
5 ALFONSO *** Broke through for first win in a long time last start. Up in grade but should be running on. 6.00
6 HONGCHEN *** Ignore recent form in unsuitable affairs as last two wins were at this class and distance. Drops in grade and should be handy throughout. 6.00
7 STARPERFECT ** Drops in grade and blinkers go back on. Surface suits. Only Singapore win was in this grade but over longer. Could show up. 16
8 SUGARTIME JAZZ ** Won in Class 5 over 1200m last start. Better suited there but has two wins at 1600m and should be running on. 20
9 CORDOBA * Only wins have been on turf and form since resuming has been ordinary. 33
10 OVER EASY * Better in Class 5 over longer but could go forward and give a sight. 20
11 DR N WING FIGHTERS * Only wins have been on turf and needs to improve on recent efforts. 33
Race 6
Selections; 2 D’DON – 7 ROMA – 3 SUPER EIGHT – 5 KAISER BRIGHT
Another Class 5 over 1000m and this one is nowhere near as strong as the previous. D’DON is suited in this class and is a four-time winner at the trip; he will be handy throughout. Most of the others are non or very rare winners. SUPER EIGHT finds it hard to win but this class suits and he should be running on. ROMA’s only wins have been at 1200m but could be running on. The blinkers go back on KAISER BRIGHT who hasn’t won for a long time and never on the poly but placed over this trip three starts back and this is a weak Class 5. None of the others have any form to recommend them though on best efforts, OASIS SPUR could show up.
1 DRAGON GOLD ** Seventeen start maiden who has placed once at this trip. Only battled when resuming but should improve on the run. 33
2 D’DON *** Suited this class and is a four time winner at the trip. Will be handy throughout. 2.50
3 SUPER EIGHT *** Finds it hard to win but this class suits and should be running on. 3.00
4 BREAKING VAULTS * Has changed stables. Best form is on turf over longer. 20
5 KAISER BRIGHT ** Blinkers back on but hasn’t won for a long time and never on the poly. Placed over this trip 3 starts back and this is a weak Class 5. 8.00
6 OASIS SPUR ** Has won three times over 1100m but hasn’t won for a long time and needs to improve. 10
7 ROMA *** Only wins have been at 1200m but could be running on in this very weak field. 5.00
8 BONJOUR BOB * Has changed stables. 25 start Maiden who best efforts have been over longer. 33
9 THINK PRETTY * Resuming. Only placing in 15 starts was on the poly but might want longer. 33
Race 7
Selections; 5 MR JACKSON – 10 HAPPY BABY – 4 HOFFMAN – 3 GOLDEN DIAMOND
An Open Maiden over 1200m and most of these have been trying for a while. MR JACKSON has been racing soundly since resuming and may appreciate the 3kg claim as Syafiq replaces Manoel Nunes; watch for support. HOFFMAN is resuming and trialling well. He disappointed last start over a mile but may be better suited here; he has placed at five from nine starts and could show up fresh for Michael Rodd. HAPPY BABY was not far away at debut and has a chance in this weak field. GOLDEN DIAMOND had support and raced handy but only battled when resuming after some good trials; he could improve. THE RAID could be interesting, he has been racing in stronger company on turf but placed before arrival over this distance on the synthetic at Geelong; watch for support.
1 HYDRANT * Had four starts in Australia up to 1530m without placing. Did not show up at Singapore debut and may want longer. 20
2 ADMEISTER * Did not show up when resuming. Only placing in six starts was on turf over 1560m in NZ before arrival. 33
3 GOLDEN DIAMOND *** Had support and raced handy but only battled when resuming. Should improve. 5.00
4 HOFFMAN *** Freshened and trialling well. Disappointed last start over a mile but may be better suited here. Has placed at 5 of 9 starts and could show up fresh. Watch market. 5.00
5 MR JACKSON *** Racing soundly since resuming and may appreciate 3kg claim. Watch for support. 3.50
6 THE RAID ** Blinkers back on but only battling at recent outings in stronger company. Placed on synthetic at Geelong before arrival. Could show up. Watch market. 6.00
7 WESTERN TOWKAY * Well beaten in five outings. 33
8 GOOD MISSION * Yet to place in 13 outings. 33
9 NATURAL WATER * Shown nothing in 16 starts. 33
10 HAPPY BABY *** Not far away at debut and has a chance in this weak field. 4.00
11 FIGHTING QUEEN * Shown little to date. 33
Race 8
Selections; 13 KARIGARA – 2 DESTINY KNIGHT – 5 CLERMONT CLUB – 10 NOVA POWER
The usual raffle for a race of this caliber but what makes it tricky is the winning ticket is not guaranteed a start. KARIGARA is the horse in question and 5YO looks due to knock in his first win in Singapore in a race that looks very suitable. Obviously the field is weak at best, which will also give a maiden in DESTINY KNIGHT a chance to open his winning account. The 4YO placed last start over 1200m but has been giving the impression that he was always going to improve over more ground so gets his chance here. Blanket over the other usual suspects including CLERMONT CLUB, PINYIN, NOVA POWER, BROWNE’S ANATOMY and REAL GOODMAN.
1 LUCKY COIN * Better option on the Poly so take on trust. 12
2 DESTINY KNIGHT *** Eight-start maiden who placed last start and gives every indication this trip will suit. 4.00
3 GOLD CUSTOMER * No. 50
4 RON ** Visor off. Nothing last start but can run a cheeky race at odds. 20
5 CLERMONT CLUB *** Always a show in race like this and does look the benchmark. 3.60
6 TONGARIRO * Needs to find a length or three before considering. 33
7 SILENT POWER * Appreciates first up run but easier to ignore. 50
8 SUN HANCOCK ** Long-term maiden who was showing glimpses of late but wide gate again makes this tough. 12
9 PINYIN *** Improved to place when blinkers went back on last start and can follow. 6.00
10 NOVA POWER *** Can go forward and in this a long way. 6.00
11 BROWNE’S ANATOMY *** Showing glimpses of form and pay to keep safe in what looks a suitable race. 10
12 REAL GOODMAN *** Form reads only fair and drawn wide but step up to 1700m suggests he improves at odds. 20
13 KARIGARA *** In form, handles the Poly and can win this with gate 1 a bonus. 3.00
14 SEASONS ECHO *** Shown enough in at two runs in Class 5 to win one of these without surprising. 12
Race 9
Selections; 1 DUKE OF NORMANDY – 2 BILLY BRITAIN – 5 SUPER JOE – 3 LUCKY JUSTICE
Someone took the Trump election victory badly as handy stayer Air Force One has had a name and trainer change and resumes under the new moniker, DUKE OF NORMANDY. The former Australian had one win and four placings in fair Company from nine starts in Singapore and given he races handy and stays like the proverbial Mother-in-Law, he can win first up in Class 4. The horse chasing him down will be BILLY BRITAIN. The 7YO has been in fine form of late and looks the benchmark in this field with Vlad Duric from gate 4 a good combination. Of the others with winning hopes, SUPER JOE has been freshened with a nice trial and will get the favours from gate 1 while MUSCLE BEACH and LUCKY JUSTICE are in the mix on good recent form.
1 DUKE OF NORMANDY *** Formerly Air Force One. Resuming down in grade. First Poly start. Trials good enough to go well first up for new trainer. 10
2 BILLY BRITAIN *** In good form and will be working into winning calculations late. 4.00
3 LUCKY JUSTICE *** Has been in good form without winning in Singapore but a switch to the Poly may see a result. 6.00
4 SPLICE ** Yet to win on the Poly but in form and recent trial good enough to keep safe. 8.00
5 SUPER JOE *** Freshened with a good trial and always a winning show on the Poly with gate 1 a bonus. 6.00
6 MUSCLE BEACH *** In form over shorter and must be a winning show stepping up to more suitable trip. 8.00
7 THREE LIONS * Upgrade to blinkers and appreciates first up run but prefer later. 50
8 CLUTHA LAD * Easier to ignore. 50
9 GOLD RESERVE * Reassess on turf in easier Company. 50
Race 10
Selections; 8 SPIRIT SEVEN – 1 ANGHIARI – 9 SPEED CRAFT – 3 XZUBERANCE
While all eyes should be on BIG BANKER who is coming off back-to-back Class 5 wins, this race has more to offer and there could be some value about if we look hard enough. SPIRIT SEVEN is one such horse that doesn’t jump off the page but had excuses at his last couple and did win in Class 5 prior to that. That was his maiden win but he has looked up to winning races like this and happy to follow. At the top of the ratings, ANGHIARI is also worth thought. The former Japanese-raced maiden has had two sighters in Singapore and looks suited with blinkers stepping up to 1600m with G Boss a significant booking. SPEED CRAFT and PEER GYNT are two others that can win with market a good guide on all runners.
1 ANGHIARI *** Improved at second Singapore start and gets blinkers. Extra distance also suits. Keep safe. 12
2 PEER GYNT *** Drawn awkwardly but had excuses last start and handles the Poly so keep safe. 12
3 XZUBERANCE *** Mixing his form but won this Company, trip and track four starts back and pay to keep safe. 12
4 SINGSURAT ** Appreciates step up in trip and recent trial was OK. Exotics. 20
5 BIG BANKER *** Coming off back-to-back Class 5 wins and always a show on the Poly. 8.00
6 NOVA SPIRIT ** Not far away last start and has won on the Poly so market watch in order. 20
7 PERKINS * Struggling. 100
8 SPIRIT SEVEN *** Excuses last start and looks up to winning a race like this. 8.00
9 SPEED CRAFT *** Ignore last start on the turf as previous Poly form has him right in this. 8.00
10 LIM’S BATTLE * Gets blinkers back but struggling. 50
11 GRAVITY * Can run a cheeky race but needs easier. 50
Race 11
Selections; 3 FRIENDSHIP – 4 MUSCULAR DRAGON – 5 PREFERRED – 12 ALAN
A weak enough Class 4 to finish the cards and as such a last start winner in FRIENDSHIP looks the obvious pick. In fact no other horse bar the English imported newcomer IMPEDIMENT has finished better than fifth at his last start suggesting the recent form for most of the runners is questionable at best. And FRIENDSHIP did win well when breaking his maiden status and while we think he will be better again over longer, he can win this. Who beats him? MUSCULAR DRAGON on best behaviour could. The 4YO was very keen in running over 1400m last start and happy to think he has more to offer if D Beasley can get him to settle over 1200m on the Poly. PREFERRED, ALAN and perhaps another newcomer in KEEPITUP, three others to keep safe.
1 KEEPITUP ** Former Australian who won twice over the mile before arriving. Trials have been solid and should be competitive. 8.00
2 MARINE TREASURE * Blinkers off after two poor runs since resuming. Take on trust. 20
3 FRIENDSHIP *** Won maiden over this trip and track at second career start and pay to follow in this and over longer. 2.80
4 MUSCULAR DRAGON *** Pay to put a line through his last start over 1400m where he raced very keenly as a big show to win this if more tractable. 5.00
5 PREFERRED *** Back in trip after just battling over the mile and worth serious thought on form prior. 5.00
6 SUN THUNDER ** Obviously ignore Singapore debut when he ran through the running rail and include in exotics on solid trial form with blinkers added for this. 20
7 IMPEDIMENT * UK maiden who can find easier. 33
8 NEO’S CLASSIC * Nothing last start after winning maiden two starts back and might need easier than this. 33
9 MONGOLIAN CHIEF * Shown glimpses on the Poly this trip but exotics best in this Company. 20
10 ASPEN * Reassess in easier Company over longer. 50
11 ASTROCANDY * Maiden resuming and prefer to watch. 20
12 ALAN ** Always competitive and some show in a field with no depth. 8.00
