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Posted 2015-11-14 07:31:22  
Preview Singapore Sunday 15 November 2015

 

For some, Sundays Longines Singapore Gold Cup meeting is the best weekend’s racing of the year.

Obviously it’s Group 1 status and $1.35 million in prizemoney makes the race itself one not to be missed but it’s more so the history of this iconic event that captures the imagination of the punter and once a year race-goer alike.

And it’s also a great time of the year for trainers Pat Shaw, Laurie Laxon and Hideyuki Takaoka who between them have trained eight of the last 11 winners of the 2200m Classic.

However, with only an emergency runner in BELIEVE YOURSELF in this years edition, Takaoka will struggle to add to his tally but both Shaw and Laxon have four entries apiece and will have a big say come Sunday evening.

Laxon’s best hope looks the Kranji Mile and Raffles Cup winner in STEPITUP but the little champ has a big weight to carry and may be tested.

Shaw on the others hand has four horses bang in form - QUECHUA, PERFECT P, EMPEROR’S BANQUET and COOPTADO - and all look well weighted to give this a shake.

Plenty of other trainers can also have a say including local Leslie Khoo who saddles the nominal favourite in FASTNET DRAGON and Mark Walker who has Eldorado Classic winner, SEBROSE.

May the best man win.

Best Bets: (EXCELLENT ONE race 7, win), (LAKE HUKA race 11, win) and (ORDER OF THE SUN race 10, value).

Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (2, 7, 10, 12 and 13), race 9 (2, 3, 6, 8, 9 and 10), race 10 (2, 3, 12 and 15), race 11 (1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9 and 11).

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: KINDNESS STAKES NOVICE (SET WEIGHTS) - 1200M COURSE B (LC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 16:15 PRIZE MONEY: S$75000

Larry says, "A tough Novice over 1200m. EXCELLENT ONE is racing well in much better company and with Manoel Nunes from a reasonable gate should be hard to beat. MARK ECLIPSE showed speed to win in Maiden company last start and should be hard to run down. CUARON is resuming after placing in this company at last start and should be handy throughout. Of the others, STICK SEEKER showed plenty of fight to break through last start, PEER GYNT was run down in this company last outing after a good Maiden win on the poly, MURRAYFIELD ran on to win over 1400m and whilst ELISE is green he has ability and can show up. But EXCELLENT ONE looks one of the better winning options on the day."

No. Last 5 Horse Name EA Gear Jockey Trainer Bar Rtg Wt Odds
Selections - 9, 10, 12
1 13 Cuaron     M Rodd L Laxon 5 56 58.0 7.00
Resuming. Placed in this company at last start. Should be handy throughout.
2   Nomercy     R Woodworth L Dragon 1 56 58.0 33
Won a weak race over 1150m in NZ from four starts and has shown nothing at trials.
3 42291 Stick Seeker     C Newitt M Clements 8 56 58.0 7.00
Resumed with a gutsy effort to narrowly win an Initiation. Should be on the speed throughout.
4 1744 Morales     D Beasley S Burridge 4 55 58.0 20
Resuming. Showed promise earlier but may need the run.
5 13404 Kirkus     N Juglall M Clements 9 52 58.0 20
Has been battling away but only win was on poly and not in well at the weights here.
6 75347 Numero Uno     App R Hasri-4 Zl Mok 11 49 55.0 33
Still a Maiden and can find easier.
7 3565 Satchmo     App Z Zuriman-1 J O'hara 10 48 55.0 25
Shows some promise but still a Maiden and can find easier.
8 07 Dashing     App Cc Wong-2 D Hill 2 0 55.0 50
Needs to improve.
9 1243 Excellent One     M Nunes Hk Tan 7 58 53.0 3.50
Racing well in much better company and should be hard to beat.
10 2*1 Mark Eclipse     App K A'isisuhairi S Burridge 6 56 53.0 5.50
Showed speed to win in Maiden company and should be hard to run down.
11 71 Murrayfield     Cw Brown S Gray 13 56 53.0 12
Broke through with solid win over 1400m last start. Poorly drawn but should be running on late.
12 12 Peer Gynt     A Da Silva M Clements 12 56 53.0 12
Run down in this company last start after good Maiden poly win. Likes to lead and gate no help.
13 7031 Elise     I Saifudin L Khoo 3 55 53.0 10
Was green but ran on well to win narrowly last start. Should continue to improve.
14 20*16 Big Man     M Kellady S Baertschiger 14 52 53.0 16
Resuming. Showed plenty of ability at earlier preparation but recent trials ordinary. Watch market.

 

RACE 8: MAGNANIMITY STAKES CLASS 3 - 1400M COURSE B (LC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 16:45 PRIZE MONEY: S$80000

Larry says, "Another great race on arguably Singapore's best day of racing and again it will pay to look at some very progressive types who look set for bigger victories than Class 3. Case in point is NOVA WARRIOR who has burst on the racing scene winning three from his first five starts. His last win was very strong and while up in Class here, that form should see him prove hard to beat. LIM'S RALLY also looks very well placed to knock in another win. The 4YO has already won twice over 1400m and given a terrific first up run over 1200m in good company, he is right in winning calculations. You can make a case for most others but down in the weights, RAFAELLO and RUN IT TWICE both look like going through the grades and both come into this race with strong performances in BM83 company. Keep POSEIDON safe and go even wider again in exotics."

No. Last 5 Horse Name EA Gear Jockey Trainer Bar Rtg Wt Odds
Selections - 7, 2, 10
1 8 High Blade     A Da Silva S Burridge 8 74 57.0 50
Improves for Singapore debut effort but like to see support before considering.
2 32124 Lim's Rally     Kb Soo S Burridge 12 74 57.0 5.00
First-up run a beauty and hard to beat stepping up to 1400m.
3   Turquoise King     O Chavez D Koh 9 73 56.5 33
Former Australian who has been solid at the trials and worth thought at local debut.
4 74444 Mac Volks     R Woodworth L Khoo 2 71 55.5 33
Usually seen over shorter on the Poly but honest and could run a cheeky race at odds.
5 35356 Room For Excuse     App K A'isisuhairi H Takaoka 10 68 54.0 12
Just fair last start but happy to forgive and take on honest form.
6 77804 Lee Bank     S John S Yeoh 3 67 53.5 20
Improved effort at long odds last start and pay to keep safe.
7 24*11 Nova Warrior     App R Shafiq Hw Tan 7 67 53.5 4.00
Very progressive type who won too well last start not to be a big show here.
8 3134* Golden Tomahawk     Cw Brown M Freedman 5 65 52.5 12
Showed last start he handles the turf and will figure somewhere late.
9 751*5 My Brothers Keeper     M Nunes S Gray 11 64 52.0 12
Supported and had excuses in similar affair last start and must be considered here.
10 11412 Rafaello     N Juglall P Shaw 13 64 52.0 5.00
Almost pinched on in very good company last start over the mile and hard to beat on that run.
11 51077 Rusty Brown     C Newitt M Freedman 1 64 52.0 33
Last run better than the result and could be a good each-way option at odds.
12 21224 Poseidon     A Munro C Brown 4 63 51.5 9.00
Foot on the till and another that plays a part in this finish on recent form.
13 13242 Run It Twice     D Beasley S Burridge 6 61 50.5 8.00
Another progressive type who just missed in better company last start and looks a leading hope.

 

RACE 9: MUNIFICENCE STAKES KRANJI STAKES C (SET WEIGHTS) - 1600M COURSE B (LC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 17:20 PRIZE MONEY: S$80000

Larry says, "As we start counting down the minutes towards the Longines Gold Cup, another race with numerous chances and good luck if you can find the winner. As it stands IDEAL GUIDE is due and will find this easier than recent outings. In fact his recent placings behind PERFECT P and KNIGHT WAGER will more than hold up here and he could be hard to beat with any luck in running. POWER PLAY looks to have got his act together in Singapore and might be the testing material. The former Argentinean took a few sighters before getting up to the right distance and connections must have been eyeing a sneaky start in the Gold Cup. But he fell a win short and while back in trip today, he has been freshened by a couple of nice trials and can win. You can also make a winning case for the in-form ODE TO JOY, ROCKFAST, LAUGHING GRAVY and NEWLANDS just to name another four."

No. Last 5 Horse Name EA Gear Jockey Trainer Bar Rtg Wt Odds
Selections - 2, 3, 6
1 05605 Empress Wu     Th Koh-2 D Koh 11 77 59.5 33
Solid effort when resuming from a bleeding attack and mile suits. Value.
2 77632 Ideal Guide     M Nunes L Laxon 14 75 59.5 8.00
In terrific form and can get a much deserved result over his most recent winning trip.
3 12135 Power Play     N Juglall P Shaw 3 73 58.0 5.00
Smart type freshened by recent trials and can show up dropping back to the mile.
4 17706 War Time     App Ws Chan-3 L Khoo 12 73 58.0 50
Not a mile away last start over 2000m but need to be on his toes early.
5 66523 Zululand     C Newitt M Freedman 5 71 58.0 5.00
Looks very well placed to show his best but lack of winning form remains a concern.
6 72116 Ode To Joy     A Da Silva M Clements 4 69 56.5 12
In form and the mile in this company looks his caper. Can win.
7 92331 Any Rumour     M Rodd C Brown 6 64 55.0 16
Took a campaign in Class 4 to win again but always competitive.
8 5314 Rockfast     App R Shafiq M Walker 2 64 55.0 10
Excuses not to finish closer last start in similar affair and might be value.
9 2*550 Laughing Gravy     Cw Brown C Brown 15 63 55.0 12
Never left the gates last start but goes OK when he does. Keep safe.
10 51212 Newlands     A Munro S Gray 10 61 55.0 7.00
Very progressive type who should figure somewhere in this finish.
11 35737 Constance's Spirit     App K Toh-3 J O'hara 1 58 53.5 33
Competitive but this race looks tough and only wins have been on the Poly.
12 6857* Invictus     App K A'isisuhairi S Burridge 9 58 53.5 20
Better than what he showed last start and can include in exotics for value.
13 *6634 Dragon G     D Beasley Hw Tan 8 56 53.5 12
Competitive on his day and another that could be value in a race with depth.
14 44124 Hee's A Maverick     App R Rueven-2 L Laxon 13 55 53.5 12
Progressive type facing biggest tete to date but pay to keep safe.
15 084 Blademeister E1   M Kellady S Burridge 7 54 52.0 200
Needs easier.

 

RACE 10: LONGINES SINGAPORE GOLD CUP GROUP 1 (3 YEAR OLD AND UPWARDS) (3RD LEG SINGAPORE TRIPLE CROWN SERIES) (RIDER ALLOWANCES NOT PERMITTED) - 2200M COURSE B (LC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 17:55 PRIZE MONEY: S$1350000

Larry says, "Crazy as it may seem, the "little bulldog" that is STEPITUP doesn't get a run in our top four selections. Yes, we will be cheering him on as he attempts to become the first horse to win the Singapore Triple Crown, but 58kg looks too big an ask especially given all bar QUECHUA (55kg), carry the minimum. And the weight pull looks ideal for a horse like FASTNET DRAGON who has fought it out with the best of them at set-weights previously. The 5YO will most likely lead them up and will give them all something to pass with just 50kg and the experienced Alan Munro to carry. But QUECHUA won this race last year and also has the Derby on his CV so 55kg looks doable although the wide gate is some concern. His stablemate's PERFECT P, EMPEROR's BANQUET and even COOPTADO are also all in the mix and hard to fault Pat Shaw’s form in this and other big races. SEBROSE and ORDER OF THE SUN just two more that can win and expect a very busy finish."

No. Last 5 Horse Name EA Gear Jockey Trainer Bar Rtg Wt Odds
Selections - 3, 2, 12
1 *1611 Stepitup     M Rodd L Laxon 1 114 58.0 12
In career best form but facing a huge test giving weight to all and sundry.
2 32123 Quechua     Cw Brown P Shaw 18 108 55.0 6.00
Draw a concern but impossible to fault form and 55kg looks a winnable weight.
3 11322 Fastnet Dragon     A Munro L Khoo 6 97 50.0 4.00
Shown he can match it with the best and will be extremely hard to run down with 50kg.
4 38237 Wild Geese     M Kellady S Burridge 19 97 50.0 33
Underrated and could run into the places at odds with blinkers removed.
5 42*55 Emperor's Banquet     N Juglall P Shaw 11 95 50.0 12
Ran second in this race last year and gets to carry the same weight so in the mix.
6 35448 Cheetah On Fire     App Z Zuriman Rb Marsh 12 91 50.0 33
Just fair last start but placed in this race last year and will be thereabouts if on-song.
7 42434 Cooptado     App R Shafiq P Shaw 4 90 50.0 20
Solid since arriving and gets blinkers to find the length or two needed at this level.
8 51500 Valbuena     O Chavez L Laxon 2 90 50.0 33
Gets a tongue-tie after struggling at his last two so take on trust.
9 40564 Hughsy     App Cc Wong D Hill 16 88 50.0 20
Gives the impression he has been set for this race and will be working home late.
10 84615 Blue Danube     A Da Silva M Clements 13 85 50.0 12
Won two starts back over 2000m before solid hit out over the mile. Keep safe.
11 87079 Martin     D Beasley L Laxon 14 85 50.0 100
Hard to have on recent form.
12 11141 Perfect P     B Vorster P Shaw 10 84 50.0 7.00
Biggest test to date but hard to fault form and trainer knows how to win this race.
13 18915 Twickenham     App K A'isisuhairi S Gray 7 83 50.0 33
Blinkers back on but yet to win past 1800m and could be tested.
14 62232 Order Of The Sun     R Woodworth D Koh 17 82 50.0 10
Yet to win in Singapore but will be prominent throughout and could surprise.
15 58231 Sebrose     M Nunes M Walker 8 82 50.0 7.00
Burst into calculations with a strong El Dorado win and that form has to be respected.
16 83890 Tropaios     App R Rueven M Freedman 3 82 50.0 200
Blinkers on. Has a terrific record in this race but no form in-between.
17 12354 A La Victory E1   C Newitt M Freedman 5 81 50.0 20
Tested at the trip but hard to fault honest form and can include in exotics.
18 5*416 Believe Yourself E2   I Saifudin H Takaoka 15 80 50.0 33
Query over this trip but trainers knows a bit about the staying caper.
19 21148 Imperial March E3   Unfixed M Clements 9 79 50.0 100
Disappointing in the Raffles Cup and have to take on trust.
20 *3373 Mr Spielberg E4   Unfixed L Laxon 20 76 50.0 33
Out-and-out stayer who would have kept a few honest if he got a start. Next year.

 

RACE 11: PHILANTHROPY STAKES CLASS 4 - 1400M COURSE B (LC) (TURF TRACK) TIME: 18:35 PRIZE MONEY: S$60000

Larry says, "We can only hope we have had a few wins on what is a notoriously tough day for punters as the lucky last gives us no respite with at least seven horses with genuine winning hopes. And with the mantra of "winning form is good form" ringing loudly, four last start winners in LAKE HUKA, LIM'S BULLET, MANGATOETOENUI and BAHANA all come under serious consideration. It will be interesting to see what the tote tells us but LAKE HUKA won too well last start not to be the one to beat. The 4YO had excuses in running and was green so he should improve again which is ominous for his opposition. But you can make a similar case for the others and LIM'S BULLET does look a very progressive type and like MANGATOETOENUI, is gunning for a hat trick of wins. For value look at ASPEN down in grade, NORTH ATLANTIC ICE and SILVER STAR."

No. Last 5 Horse Name EA Gear Jockey Trainer Bar Rtg Wt Odds
Selections - 2, 3, 7
1 45679 Aspen     App R Zawari-2 M Walker 11 61 57.0 33
Ignore poor recent form as this company and trip suits. Value.
2 2141 Lake Huka     D Beasley L Laxon 4 61 57.0 3.00
Coming off a strong win and still looks to have some upside. Hard to beat.
3 3*211 Lim's Bullet     A Munro S Burridge 12 61 57.0 3.50
Very progressive 4YO who will go through the grades. Big show.
4 23152 Silver Star     N Juglall D Kok 8 61 57.0 8.00
Just missed behind Lim's Bullet last start when blinkers added and has to be respected.
5 323*6 The Great Grey     App R Rueven-2 S Gray 7 61 57.0 33
Resuming and have to take on trust.
6 93901 Horse Warrior     App Cc Wong-2 M Freedman 14 60 56.5 20
Drawn awkwardly but showed last start how well he goes when right.
7 5**11 Mangatoetoenui     M Rodd L Laxon 1 60 56.5 8.00
Another progressive type who could be worth following through the grades.
8 366*6 Nation Theatre     App K A'isisuhairi S Burridge 5 59 56.0 33
Always thereabouts and will add value to exotics.
9 71528 North Atlantic Ice     App R Shafiq C Brown 2 59 56.0 16
Excuses last start in similar affair not to finish closer and looks a solid each-way option.
10 5563* Free Happy     M Nunes M Walker 10 57 55.0 16
Usually in the mix but wont win out of turn.
11 31 Bahana     Cw Brown S Gray 13 56 54.5 16
Draw badly but maiden win this trip was very good and another to follow.
12 5569* Knight Spirit     Th Koh-2 D Koh 16 56 54.5 33
Will be doing best work late at long odds.
13   Socotra     C Newitt M Freedman 9 56 54.5 50
Former Australian who may need the run.
14 34421 Terms Of Reference     B Vorster P Shaw 3 54 53.5 20
Resuming after breaking maiden status in August and trials suggest he is ready.
15 90 Zhuhai E1   M Kellady S Burridge 15 59 56.0 200
Blinkers off but no.
16 5*429 Pole Paradise E2   Unfixed Zl Mok 6 58 55.5 20
Could run a very cheek race at odds.

 

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

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