Alan Munro is world-class.
The Englishman - probably most famous for partnering GENEROUS to English and Irish Derby wins in 1991- has won a plethora of races around the globe and rates as one of the best flat jockeys that Great Britain has produced.
Thankfully for Singapore racing, Munro - who famously took a sabbatical from riding in 2000 to pursue other interests including professional Karate, now calls Kranji his home.
And while the thoughtful hoop hasn’t set the world on fire with just 22 winners in 2012, some quality rides on some quality horses in recent weeks reminds punters just why he has ridden some of the best horses in the world on some of the biggest stages.
On Sunday – where five races are on offer form Singapore - Munro looks to have two excellent winning rides on TOTALITY (race 7) and ROCK YOU (race 11).
Munro was on-board TOTALITY last start in a strong Class 3 field but a bad gate made winning tough and the pair did well to be in the place mix behind the run-away winner, FREEZEMASTER.
A better gate today has him the one to beat and given he is well in at the race conditions, he looks one of the better bets on the card.
In the lucky last, Munro continues his association with Japanese handler Hideyuki Takaoka and the pair can knock in another win with ROCK YOU.
The 6YO gelding has been in sizzling form without a win of late but given his barn-storming finish to narrowly miss-out at his last start, he is the one to beat in this.
All races are on the Polytrack.
Best Bets; TOTALITY (race 7, win), DARING FIGHTER (race 9 win) and ROCK YOU (race 11, win).
Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2, 3, 7 and 9), race 9 (1, 2, 3, 4 and 7), race 10 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8) and race 11 (2).
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 7: PROGRESS (SET WEIGHTS) - 1200M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 15:55 PRIZE MONEY: S$75000
Larry says, "Amazingly, given his recent form, it took TOTALITY nine starts to break through for his maiden win. But after no doubt frustrating his connections early in his career, his form since that maiden win has been exceptional with another two wins followed by a 3YO Group placing behind SUPER EASY. The Mike Clements 4YO did it tough last start in Class 3 and at the race conditions today we should see his best and that will be good enough to win with gate one a bonus. But CALIFORNIAN STAR is also in very well at the race conditions and is coming off a very good Class 4 win. Throw in a 4kg claim courtesy of Troy See and the Bruce Marsh-trained 4YO can continue his winning run in what is a very suitable race. I do think the winner comes from one of these two but obviously ROYAL COFFEE was impressive winning on a wet track at his Singapore debut and should go well again. TERMINATOR also bears some thought at his best but is green and needs to be on his best behaviour. "
| No. |
Last 5 |
Horse Name |
EA |
Gear |
Jockey |
Trainer |
Bar |
Rtg |
Wt |
Odds |
| Selections - 1, 4, 5 |
| 1 |
11264 |
Totality |
|
|
A Munro |
M Clements |
1 |
73 |
58.0 |
3.00 |
| In very well at the race conditions and did it tough enough last start to think he can win this with gate one a bonus. |
| 2 |
12210 |
Terminator |
|
|
S Baster |
S Baertschiger |
7 |
66 |
58.0 |
12 |
| Never looked comfortable last start and while still plenty to learn he has ability and pay to keep safe. |
| 3 |
80143 |
Boundless Glory |
|
|
M Kellady-1 |
S Burridge |
8 |
62 |
58.0 |
6.00 |
| Not in well at the weights but in fine form and another eye-catching run late at his last start suggests we follow. |
| 4 |
32251 |
Californian Star |
|
|
App T See-4 |
Rb Marsh |
5 |
67 |
55.0 |
3.00 |
| Backing up from solid win last Sunday but suited by the race conditions and bonus 4kg claim - can win again. |
| 5 |
1 |
Royal Coffee |
|
|
App Z Zuriman-2 |
S Burridge |
4 |
61 |
55.0 |
3.50 |
| Won well in the wet at Singapore debut and will have admirers here to go back-to-back. |
| 6 |
25136 |
Bigdinero |
|
|
M Suhaimi-1 |
J O'hara |
3 |
59 |
55.0 |
20 |
| In solid each-way form and can be value - keep safe in exotics. |
| 7 |
00*00 |
Super Star |
|
|
V Sivan |
L Khoo |
6 |
44 |
55.0 |
200 |
| Reassess easier/longer. |
| 8 |
45195 |
Falling |
|
|
App R Hasri-4 |
S Baertschiger |
2 |
55 |
52.0 |
33 |
| Appreciates first up run and not the worst at the race conditions. |
RACE 8: CLASS 5 (2) (CLAIMING RIDERS ONLY) - 1200M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 16:25 PRIZE MONEY: S$35000
Larry says, "Not much good form to go in this battlers affair so SACRED PRINCE with two wins from his last six starts looks good enough to have him as the on-top selection. And although both those wins have been on the turf, he goes OK on this surface and from the good gate should be hard to run down. JACK THE BULL also has recent winning form and while and while not in the top few picks, he too must be respected. Elsewhere you have to dig deep to make a case for a good run but we have had some luck with LUCKY FIND at odds previously and while hard to follow on occasions, his best good enough to win this. Throw in a 34 start maiden in DOLCE VITA and MY NEW MAN as chances in what really is an ugly race. "
| No. |
Last 5 |
Horse Name |
EA |
Gear |
Jockey |
Trainer |
Bar |
Rtg |
Wt |
Odds |
| Selections - 3, 2, 9 |
| 1 |
09017 |
Jack The Bull |
|
|
To Chang-1 |
D Koh |
5 |
34 |
57.0 |
6.00 |
| Maiden win two starts back was on turf over 1400m but home OK late last start this trip/track and this field not strong so keep safe. |
| 2 |
02060 |
Lucky Find |
|
|
App R Zawari-3 |
B Dean |
3 |
34 |
57.0 |
4.00 |
| Not a lot (if any) last start but wins a race like this at his best and worth watching tote. |
| 3 |
44018 |
Sacred Prince |
|
|
App Lq Kek-4 |
D Hill |
2 |
34 |
57.0 |
2.50 |
| In good enough form to think he is the one to beat from gate two. |
| 4 |
90860 |
I'm Superman |
|
|
App T See-4 |
M Yusof |
4 |
32 |
56.0 |
33 |
| Blinkers back on after a shocker but only for the brave. |
| 5 |
8359* |
Knight Kingdom |
|
|
App Z Zuriman-2 |
Hk Tan |
9 |
31 |
55.5 |
4.50 |
| Needs things to go his way but certainly worth a look in this field. |
| 6 |
04700 |
Stride Meteor |
|
|
A Ng-1 |
L Dragon |
7 |
31 |
55.5 |
33 |
| Last couple very poor but back in trip looks a good move. |
| 7 |
008*0 |
My New Man |
|
|
E Aslam-1 |
B Dean |
8 |
30 |
55.0 |
12 |
| Form reads badly (not on his own there) but goes OK on his day and worth keeping an eye for market support. |
| 8 |
09080 |
Freedom Man |
|
|
M Zaki-1 |
Hk Tan |
6 |
26 |
53.0 |
50 |
| Very hard to have. |
| 9 |
6430* |
Dolce Vita |
|
|
App Th Koh-2 |
T Kieser |
1 |
25 |
52.5 |
10 |
| Long-time maiden but fresh and a big run would not surprise in this field. |
RACE 9: CLASS 4 - 1700M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 17:00 PRIZE MONEY: S$55000
Larry says, "A few nice Polytrack horses line up in this Class 4 event with the three top fancies heading the weights. DAAD'S THE WAY, DARING FIGHTER AND TAVAN BOGD all look ready to show their best and all three have very strong winning hopes. Punters won't miss any of them but the early dividend board might give us a guide with stable confidence a factor. Of the three, I like the fact DARING FIGHTER beat the CINDERELLA MAN four starts back over 1800m on the Polytrack and given the form of that horse since, DARING FIGHTER might prove hard to beat. Oscar Chavez takes the ride and from gate two we can expect a more patient ride and a win is on the cards. TAVAN BOGD is the interesting runner at his first attempt over the distance. But given the 4YO has only been unplaced once from six starts and placed when blinkers added last start over 1400m, he goes close. DAAD'S THE WAY picks himself - we have been following for a while now - but needs a result with connections hoping blinkers will do the trick. DOUBLE RANSOM the improver from gate one and WINNING SUCCESS will make the running and the others will pay to give him some respect."
| No. |
Last 5 |
Horse Name |
EA |
Gear |
Jockey |
Trainer |
Bar |
Rtg |
Wt |
Odds |
| Selections - 2, 3, 1 |
| 1 |
17454 |
Daad's The Way |
|
|
App Z Zuriman-2 |
Rb Marsh |
6 |
61 |
57.5 |
3.50 |
| Got wound up too late last start but work on the line good enough to give another chance with blinkers added. |
| 2 |
71863 |
Daring Fighter |
|
|
O Chavez |
Hw Tan |
2 |
61 |
57.5 |
3.60 |
| Took off early lats start and almost got a result - ready to win and this look suitable. |
| 3 |
23302 |
Tavan Bogd |
|
|
S Baster |
S Burridge |
5 |
56 |
55.0 |
4.00 |
| Showed last start that his previous poor run was an anomaly and can win stepping up to 1700m for the first time. |
| 4 |
12270 |
Double Ransom |
|
|
I Santana |
S Gray |
1 |
54 |
54.0 |
10 |
| Ignore last start on the turf as very much appreciates switch back to Poly with gate one a factor. |
| 5 |
47459 |
Chief Secretary |
|
|
App Th Koh-2 |
L Laxon |
4 |
50 |
52.0 |
12 |
| Always does enough late to follow in races like this but does look a better option on the turf. |
| 6 |
96636 |
Solid Wood |
|
|
Sh Low-2 |
S Baertschiger |
9 |
50 |
52.0 |
20 |
| Placed two starts back similar affair and can include in exotics. |
| 7 |
42134 |
Winning Success |
|
|
B Vorster |
S Chua |
8 |
49 |
51.5 |
8.00 |
| In form and can make the running from the awkward alley which makes for a good showing. |
| 8 |
00177 |
Arabian Night |
|
|
App T See-4 |
Rb Marsh |
3 |
48 |
51.0 |
33 |
| Thereabouts without being a threat since Maiden win and might be looking for easier company. |
| 9 |
*8*0* |
Bungae |
|
|
G Cheyne |
C Brown |
11 |
47 |
50.5 |
50 |
| Struggling at the minute. |
| 10 |
5806* |
Money Bee |
|
|
I Saifudin |
L Khoo |
10 |
47 |
50.5 |
20 |
| Form better than it reads but will need to be at his best from bad gate. |
| 11 |
00049 |
Think Ahead |
|
|
S Anandan-1 |
M Freedman |
7 |
46 |
50.0 |
33 |
| Didnt back up his only good run in Singapore and happy to ignore. |
RACE 10: OPEN BENCHMARK 67 - 1200M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 17:30 PRIZE MONEY: S$75000
Larry says, "While his wins and most of his better form has been over longer, WASSAIC showed plenty last start over this trip and should win with blinkers added. Greg Cheyne is back on board in what looks very suitable company (almost a drop in Class) and happy to have him as the top selection. But what makes this race tough (or gives us even more confidence in WASSAIC's chances) is the fact that most of the other runners come into this race with question marks on their last start efforts. Case in point is GOOD TOWKAY who put in s shocker last time out but previous form over a similar trip to this has him a winning show. Likewise GOLDEN CURL and LUCKY XUAN come off poor runs but expect immediate improvement. This race could be tricky with ASPEN HEIGHTS and STREET RUFFIAN also some hope and obviously pay to go wide in exotics."
| No. |
Last 5 |
Horse Name |
EA |
Gear |
Jockey |
Trainer |
Bar |
Rtg |
Wt |
Odds |
| Selections - 1, 3, 2 |
| 1 |
45542 |
Wassaic |
|
|
G Cheyne |
L Dragon |
4 |
64 |
58.0 |
3.00 |
| Foot on the till and blinkers added in what looks a suitable race suggests he can win. |
| 2 |
1017* |
Golden Curl |
|
|
App Wx Wong-4 |
S Gray |
1 |
63 |
57.5 |
10 |
| Never got involved form wide gate last start and happy to follow from gate one with handy 4kg claim. |
| 3 |
63189 |
Good Towkay |
|
|
R Lim |
L Khoo |
5 |
62 |
57.0 |
6.00 |
| Obviously something amiss last start and happy to ignore as this race is suitable - watch for support. |
| 4 |
1*17* |
Lucky Xuan |
|
|
A Munro |
C Brown |
10 |
61 |
56.5 |
4.50 |
| Disappointing last start with support but look for immediate improvement with tongue tie added. |
| 5 |
77840 |
Aspen Heights |
|
|
B Vorster |
Rb Marsh |
2 |
58 |
55.0 |
8.00 |
| Form better than it reads given his good form on the Polytrack of late - watch this surface. |
| 6 |
70034 |
Imacruiser |
|
|
I Santana |
Hw Tan |
8 |
58 |
55.0 |
8.00 |
| Back in distance but in form and looks due for a result. |
| 7 |
00508 |
Top Shelf |
|
|
Sh Low-2 |
S Baertschiger |
9 |
55 |
53.5 |
50 |
| Form probably better than it reads and winkers upgraded to blinkers. |
| 8 |
9*425 |
Street Ruffian |
|
|
O Chavez |
Hw Tan |
7 |
51 |
51.5 |
6.00 |
| Last start OK but two prior on the Poly suggests he has a big say here. |
| 9 |
5*307 |
Look At Me |
|
|
I Saifudin |
J O'hara |
3 |
46 |
50.0 |
50 |
| Prefer over longer and perhaps looking for easier company. |
| 10 |
253*0 |
Street Legal |
|
|
App Z Zuriman-2 |
Rb Marsh |
6 |
45 |
50.0 |
50 |
| Also needs longer. |
RACE 11: CLASS 4 (2) - 1200M (POLYTRACK) TIME: 18:00 PRIZE MONEY: S$55000
Larry says, "ROCK YOU almost rocked everyone last start when he refused to go a yard early, looked to be battling in the straight before storming home late. The run was a beauty and you would think if he has his mind on the job early, he is the only horse to be on. ZAC VELOCITY also looks due and certainly right in this finish. The Leticia Dragon-trained 7YO had excuses last start and won the last time he was over this trip. SIR FLEETWOOD keeps them both honest. Although the field is probably stronger than the one he met last week, he is usually hereabouts and worth an each-way look and obviously a must for exotics. Of the two last start Class 5 winners, DANGER MONEY was impressive and worth following while MAGIC DIVA has shown to be competitive in this Class previously."
| No. |
Last 5 |
Horse Name |
EA |
Gear |
Jockey |
Trainer |
Bar |
Rtg |
Wt |
Odds |
| Selections - 2, 1, 7 |
| 1 |
5*027 |
Zac Velocity |
|
|
I Saifudin |
L Dragon |
9 |
58 |
57.0 |
4.00 |
| Excuses last start and looks ready to win a race like this. |
| 2 |
68222 |
Rock You |
|
|
A Munro |
H Takaoka |
3 |
57 |
56.5 |
2.50 |
| In form and huge run late last start with support suggests he is the one to beat. |
| 3 |
077 |
Dazzling Kind |
|
|
App R Shafiq-2 |
M Freedman |
4 |
55 |
55.5 |
33 |
| Needs to show more. |
| 4 |
59558 |
Afriend |
|
|
S Baster |
S Baertschiger |
11 |
53 |
54.5 |
12 |
| Always and each way hope in races like this and worth a look with blinkers back on. |
| 5 |
0*506 |
Marcusino |
|
|
B Vorster |
P Shaw |
7 |
51 |
53.5 |
12 |
| Can mix his form but last start OK and tongue tie goes on today. |
| 6 |
1680* |
Full Site |
|
|
I Santana |
M Clements |
1 |
50 |
53.0 |
20 |
| Ordinary effort last start after coming back from 1600m. Take on trust. |
| 7 |
466*2 |
Sir Fleetwood |
|
|
G Cheyne |
L Laxon |
8 |
48 |
52.0 |
5.00 |
| Showed last start why he has to be respected this type of race and keeps the fancies honest. |
| 8 |
*0621 |
Danger Money |
|
|
O Chavez |
Rb Marsh |
2 |
47 |
51.5 |
8.00 |
| Up in Class but last start win too strong not to follow. |
| 9 |
10090 |
Loyal Steed |
|
|
A Ng-1 |
D Koh |
6 |
47 |
51.5 |
100 |
| Blinkers off but reassess Class 5. |
| 10 |
00461 |
Magic Diva |
|
|
App Z Zuriman-2 |
J O'hara |
5 |
45 |
50.5 |
20 |
| Another last start winner up in Class but usually competitive. |
| 11 |
84456 |
Minah Current |
|
|
V Sivan |
Kc Yeoh |
10 |
44 |
50.0 |
20 |
| Always thereabouts and while probably needs Class 5 to win, she has to respected. |
Gear
BB - Blinkers for the first time
PP - Pacifiers for the first time
B - Blinkers
BRS - Blinkers on the right side
BLS - Blinkers on the left side
P - Pacifiers
BP - Blinkers and Pacifiers
BP1 - Blinkers and Pacifiers for the first time
TT - Tongue Tied
WK - Winkers
VIS - Visor
|