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PREVIEW SINGAPORE Sunday 16 November 2014

 

It might not stop a nation but the Longines Singapore Gold Cup certainly slows down a republic.

 

And just like the Melbourne Cup, the time-honored Gold Cup creates history every time it’s run and the winners - both equine and the men and women involved - are forever etched in the annuls of Singapore racing.

 

In recent years, Hideyuki Takaoka has made the race his own saddling the incomparable EL DORADO to three victories and the mighty mare, BETTER LIFE, in the 2012 edition of the Cup.

 

The Japanese handler could only manage the second emergency in this years field so a fifth Gold Cup will have to wait but for Alan Munro - who partnered BETTER LIFE two years ago - another win is not out of the question on the honest WILD GEESE.

 

Of course any feature in Singapore would not be the same without a Laxon runner or two and the man that saddled RAUL and RECAST to wins in this classic has not let the race down with an amazing six entries.

 

Of his sextet, GOODMAN looked to have found form in the Raffles Cup and could run a big race with Craig “Froggy” Newitt on-board and you can never discount the little bulldog that is STEPITUP.

 

Trainer Pat Shaw also has a Gold Cup in his trophy cabinet thanks to MR LINE back in 2006 and while he might not say it in public, the camp would be quietly confident he can add another with two light-weight bang-in-form hopes in QUECHUA and EMPEROR’S BANQUET.

 

The only other trainer looking for a bookend of Gold Cups is Michael Freedman who won this race last year with TROPAIOS.

 

The good news for Freedman is that the same horse goes round this year with just 50kg and the Australian expatriate will be hoping head-gear added will see a timely return to form just at the right time of year.

 

In more good news for connections, winning hoop Tommy Berry is back to ride the 5YO and back-to back Cups would certainly give the media pack something to write home about.

 

Another visiting hoop, Mark Duplessis, rides the highly-rated FLAX in this years race and the Zimbabwean-bred-New Zealand-based jockey is chasing what would be his third Gold Cup after winning the race on ZIRNA is 2003 and Raul for Laurie Laxon in 2004.

 

But they all have to beat arguably the best horse in Singapore  - WAR AFFAIR - to add to their respective Gold Cup tallies and that my friends, is no easy task.

 

Sure, WAR AFFAIR has the top-weight to carry (58kg) and is trying to make history of his own by becoming the first-horse to win the Singapore Triple Crown but his victories in the Kranji Mile and Raffles Cup were so strong that he could very well be a monty.

 

He has drawn wide too and that is obviously a concern (think BETTER THAN EVER circa 2010) but Dan Beasley may just ride him like a very good thing and don’t be surprised if  defies the weight and the gate and is going away from the pack when things get serious at the 200m mark.

 

It might not be that easy - racing at this level rarely is - but I for one won’t be backing against the champ.

 

Best Bets; (WAR AFFAIR race 10, win), (DEAUVILLE race 11, each-way) and (TROPAIOS race 10, value).

Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2 and 6), race 9 (3, 5, 7 and 8), race 10 (1, 5, 7, 10, 11 and 12), race 11 (3, 5, 7 and 8).

 

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: CHARITY STAKES OPEN BENCHMARK 83 - 1400M COURSE B (LC) TIME: 16:15 PRIZE MONEY: S$100000

Larry says, "A BM83 over 1400m with many chances though a number are suspect either on the surface or at the trip. HOLY WARRIOR goes well fresh, his recent trials have been good and gets Tommy Berry over a suitable trip – he will be hard to beat. CORDOBA is a four time winner at the trip and flew home in a BM83 last start; with only 51.5kg he will be hard to hold out. BOURBON GOLDMAN was placed three starts back in this company but is yet to win beyond 1200m. THUMPING is an honest mare who likes the1400m and there is little between her and BOURBON GOLDMAN on past performances. BALE STAR is resuming and trialling well, he has yet to win first up but the distance suits and he will finish off better than most. EXCEED EXPRESS has a ton of speed but is trying 1400m for the first time and has a horror gate. POWER LION is also not helped by the draw. For value, the top-weight VALEVOLE trailed well recently and that has him under notice although he is a noted Polytracker."

No. Last 5 Horse Name EA Gear Jockey Trainer Bar Rtg Wt Odds
Selections - 5, 6, 3
1 89635 Valevole     App R Zawari-3 B Dean 4 83 57.0 25
Yet to win beyond 1200m but recent strong trial has him under notice.
2 *7333 Bahen     J Powell S Baertschiger 6 79 55.0 20
Has been racing well on poly. Two time winner on turf who has yet to win beyond 1200m.
3 42932 Bale Star     B Vorster P Shaw 8 79 55.0 6.50
Resuming and trialling well. Yet to win first-up but suited this trip. Watch for support.
4 13534 Bourbon Goldman     Kb Soo D Kok 9 78 54.5 6.00
Placed this journey three starts back in BM89 but yet to win beyond 1200m.
5 23526 Holy Warrior     T Berry M Freedman 5 78 54.5 6.00
Resuming and goes well fresh. Likes the trip and could be hard to beat.
6 16414 Thumping     A Munro H Takaoka 7 78 54.5 12
Honest mare who has won three times at 1400m and finished just behind BOURBON GOLDMAN in a BM89 recently.
7 50779 Tom     App K A'isisuhairi-1 L Laxon 15 76 53.5 33
Pulled up scratchily last start and is poorly drawn in this. Hard to have.
8 72124 Verglatica     I Azhar S Burridge 11 75 53.0 50
Stayer resuming. Wants longer.
9 61211 Exceed Express     Cw Brown L Laxon 16 74 52.5 10
Bolted in last start over 1200m on poly. First try at 1400m but have to respect.
10 71113 Power Lion     D Beasley Hw Tan 13 73 52.0 12
Solid effort when resuming over this trip and hard to fault form form last campaign.
11 77062 Cordoba     M Du Plessis D Hill 3 72 51.5 6.00
Ran on strongly in BM83 last start over 1400m. Four-time winner this trip and will be hard to hold out.
12 48920 Gold Run     I Santana C Brown 1 72 51.5 7.00
Will find this easier than last couple of outings. Five-time winner at trip, well drawn and should be on the speed throughout.
13 61127 Taffetas     C Newitt Rb Marsh 10 71 51.0 20
Just missed over 1400m in Class 3 two starts back. Has no weight and will be running on late.
14 15633 Lucky Mission     N Juglall M Clements 2 70 50.5 20
Only wins are at 1200m but showed enough last start this trip to follow.
15 11143 Reach For The Sun E1   Unfixed D Koh 12 70 50.5 20
Excuses last start not to win and well worth a look if he gets a start.
16 53382 Chinese Culture E2   I Saifudin M Freedman 14 67 50.0 33
Honest and can include in exotics at odds.

 

RACE 8: PHILANTHROPY STAKES OPEN - 1600M COURSE B (LC) TIME: 16:45 PRIZE MONEY: S$125000

Larry says, "An Open Mile and JOHNNY GUITAR will appreciate getting back to the trip after the Raffles Cup. He placed in the Kranji Mile and with a 2kg claim for little Firdaus looks well placed in this. His main challenger will be the ever-honest BORN TO FLY backing up after his great win in the EW Barker. Hard to fault his form or endeavour and h ewill be the benchmark. ALEXANDRA PALACE has been disappointing but comes back to a mile and has had gear changes getting blinkers and tongue tie which may improve his performance. DUJARDIN drops back in trip but has won twice at a mile and Craig Newitt should give him every chance. Old NANDOWRA gets a 3kg claim and with no weight he could lead and be hard to run down. ABSOLUTELY shows promise but is eligible for much easier. The others look outclassed though if the Cup emergencies MAGICAL TALENT and BRILLIANT DEAL get a start they could give some cheek."

No. Last 5 Horse Name EA Gear Jockey Trainer Bar Rtg Wt Odds
Selections - 1, 2, 6
1 67126 Johnny Guitar     App Mm Firdaus-2 P Shaw 3 101 59.0 3.50
Found Raffles Cup too hot after good placing in Kranji Mile. Suited here and will appreciate the claim. Hard to beat.
2 47531 Born To Fly     App R Rueven-2 S Gray 2 99 58.0 3.50
EW Barker winner backing up. Always runs a good race and will be in the finish once again.
3 58674 Davide     B Vorster P Shaw 7 91 54.0 20
Blinkers off. Yet to win beyond 1200m and having first try at a mile. Take on trust.
4 74267 Dujardin     C Newitt L Laxon 8 86 51.5 10
Back in trip. Has won twice at a mile and could show up.
5 54309 Nandowra     App P Dellorto-3 S Chua 10 84 50.5 12
Will lead and with the light weight may be hard to run down.
6 1650 Alexandra Palace     N Juglall P Shaw 4 79 50.0 5.00
Blinkers and tongue tie on. Has been disappointing but may be better suited at this trip.
7 55528 Magical Talent     I Saifudin L Laxon 6 73 50.0 10
Emergency for Cup. If he runs in this will be a chance.
8 16693 Mr Armstrong     T Berry M Freedman 5 72 50.0 20
Up in grade and will be tested in this.
9 86315 Brilliant Deal     A Munro H Takaoka 1 70 50.0 14
Emergency for Cup. If he runs in this will bowl along and be hard to run down.
10 1*467 Meshmaker     L Allpress C Brown 9 70 50.0 50
Has not shown up at two runs since resuming. Prefer others.
11 21120 Absolutely     Cw Brown C Brown 11 67 50.0 20
Promising, back in trip suits but eligible for easier.

 

RACE 9: GOODWILL STAKES CLASS 3 - 1200M COURSE B (LC) TIME: 17:20 PRIZE MONEY: S$80000

Larry says, "A good Class 3 over 1200m and the interesting ones are those resuming and the first starters. FRAAJILISTIC won four races in NZ including two at Ellerslie. He has had two quiet trails in classic Michael Freedman style and from the good gate with Tommy Berry up, should debut well. OM has looked good in recent trials, he may prefer 1400m but could sprint well fresh. BELIEVE YOURSELF is a very high quality Australian sprinter who won the Group 2 Sweet Embrace and ran 4th in the Golden Slipper. She has had two average trials but if right would run a bold race in this – watch for support. Of those we have seen recently CRAZY TIMES has had two runs since a let-up on the poly, he has won on turf and whilst up from Class 4 could make his presence felt. SICHUAN RULER is slipping down in grade and is a six-time winner at the trip while STRAIGHTTOTHEPOINT and LUCKY DAPPER are honest."

No. Last 5 Horse Name EA Gear Jockey Trainer Bar Rtg Wt Odds
Selections - 5, 3, 7
1 45298 Sichuan Ruler     D Beasley Hw Tan 8 70 57.0 10
Getting down in Grade. Six-time winner at the trip who can get in the finish.
2 14124 Bullet Fly     I Azhar D Kok 7 68 56.0 20
Blinkers and Tongue tie on. Has been off the scene since July 2013 but has had numerous trials. Talented horse but prefer to see. Watch market.
3 94322 Om     C Newitt M Walker 3 68 56.0 5.00
Resuming. Better over 1400m but recent trial was good and can sprint well fresh.
4 50805 Secret Mission     M Du Plessis M Clements 6 68 56.0 16
Blinkers on. Ran on without threatening last start. Yet to win in Singapore but often places. Query on turf.
5   Fraajilistic     T Berry M Freedman 1 66 55.0 4.00
Four time winner in NZ including twice at Ellerslie. Has had quiet trials and should race well fresh. Watch for support.
6 85608 Natural Nice     App R Rueven-2 L Laxon 12 65 54.5 20
Recent form ordinary and preferred journey is 1400m.
7   Believe Yourself     A Munro H Takaoka 11 64 54.0 5.00
Won Gp2 Sweet Embrace and ran 4th in Golden Slipper. Talented filly who has had two quiet trials. If ready, will give this a shake. Watch for support.
8 82*43 Crazy Times     App Z Zuriman-2 B Dean 4 64 54.0 7.00
Has put in two good efforts on the poly and has won over this trip on turf. Should give a sight.
9 25336 Straighttothepoint     Cw Brown L Laxon 10 64 54.0 10
Consistent and should be handy throughout.
10 14127 Good News     J Low Hw Tan 2 63 53.5 25
Yet to win on turf but has been going well since blinkers added.
11 86120 Cheyenne Warrior     App K A'isisuhairi-1 S Burridge 9 60 52.0 33
Didnt flatter when resuming and tested here.
12 12236 Lucky Dapper     N Juglall P Shaw 5 60 52.0 14
Very honest but has struck a strong field. Rarely wins but rarely misses a place.

 

RACE 10: LONGINES SINGAPORE GOLD CUP (SG1) (3+YO) (3RD LEG SINGAPORE TRIPLE CROWN SERIES) (HCP) (RIDER ALLOWANCES NOT PERMITTED) - 2200M COURSE B (LC) TIME: 17:55 PRIZE MONEY: S$1350000

Larry says, "The Gold Cup and it is WAR AFFAIR’s chance to make history. The 5YO is a class above these and does not look badly treated with 58kg; if he gets a good run and can stay the 2200m, the Triple Crown should be his. Pat Shaw has three runners and the El Dorado winner QUECHUA looks to be his best hope though EMPEROR’S BANQUET is also well weighted and will get a lovely run throughout. Laurie Laxon has six runners (if MAGICAL TALENT gains a start) and his best chances look to be GOODMAN with Froggy Newitt up, the ever-game STEPITUP and VALBUENA on 50kg is the one that will run the 2200m right out. KNIGHT’S COMMAND has been set for this and Bruce Marsh will have him cherry ripe to run the race of his life. Very bravely, the trainer has stuck with Zuriman in whom he has shown faith before. Amazingly, of those great trainers of stayers, Hideyuki Takaoka has only the second emergency BRILLIANT DEAL and Cliff Brown does not have a runner. For the exotics do not be surprised if last year’s winner TROPAIOS improves dramatically on recent form with blinkers/pacifiers added and both MARTIN and WILD GEESE will run the trip right out."

No. Last 5 Horse Name EA Gear Jockey Trainer Bar Rtg Wt Odds
Selections - 1, 12, 10
1 11211 War Affair     D Beasley Hw Tan 14 111 58.0 3.00
Champion Singapore galloper who can make history by winning. Dan Beasley will give him every chance and if he can run 2200m, he should be too good.
2 *3160 Flax     M Du Plessis D Hill 8 109 57.0 33
Grand little horse who has never won beyond 1800m and failed at his only Cup attempt. Prefer others,
3 56397 Lizarre     B Vorster P Shaw 16 102 53.5 33
Veteran lining up for his third Cup who probably had his chance in 2011 when 2nd. Has battled form and injury since and probably not going well enough.
4 23003 Stepitup     D Flores L Laxon 7 102 53.5 14
Blinkers on. There are none more game and he has won at 2000m. Will give it his best shot but will need luck in running - something that often seems to desert him.
5 11072 Goodman     C Newitt L Laxon 6 101 53.0 7.00
Quality galloper who has spent a lot of his career chasing WAR AFFAIR home. Unknown at the trip but if he stays, will be in the finish.
6 25480 Wild Geese     A Munro S Burridge 12 99 52.0 14
Bred as a sprinter but ran 5th in the race last year. Can often surprise in big races and Alan Munro will give him every chance.
7 19355 Knight's Command     App Z Zuriman Rb Marsh 5 93 50.0 14
Has been set for this race though has never raced beyond 1800m or won beyond a mile. Should be challenging late.
8 7*900 Martin     I Saifudin L Laxon 10 93 50.0 25
Form poor but stays the trip and is trained by a master. Could surprise.
9 82478 Goliath     App K A'isisuhairi S Burridge 11 91 50.0 100
Outclassed on turf.
10 80989 Tropaios     T Berry M Freedman 18 91 50.0 14
Won this race last year and has the same weight and jockey. Recent form poor but gets blinkers and can get in the finish.
11 *1143 Emperor's Banquet     N Juglall P Shaw 1 90 50.0 8.00
Racing very consistently and will get a lovely run throughout. Could be the first to be called the winner.
12 23311 Quechua     Cw Brown P Shaw 15 89 50.0 7.00
Won the El Dorado and is in peak condition. Awkwardly drawn and will need to get cover but has class and is the logical danger to the favourite.
13 22112 Cheetah On Fire     L Allpress Rb Marsh 4 88 50.0 20
Extremely honest horse who rarely misses a place and has won at 2200m. Will be running on late.
14 80300 City Lad     I Santana D Koh 17 88 50.0 50
Winkers off. Ran 4th in QEII Cup over 2000m but has always struggled beyond 1800m. Will probably cross and lead.
15 111 Ideal Guide     App R Rueven L Laxon 2 74 50.0 33
Racing well in weaker grade but looks outclassed in this. Was placed in Australia as a 2YO over 1800m but failed at Kembla Grange at his only attempt in restricted grade at 2000m.
16 85654 Valbuena     O Chavez L Laxon 3 74 50.0 16
Ran on strongly for fourth in the El Dorado. Won the Avondale Guineas over 2100m and could be the lightweight knockout hope.
17 55528 Magical Talent E1   I Azhar L Laxon 13 73 50.0 33
Surprised when placed in the Derby and subsequently placed over 2200m. Could show up if he gets a start.
18 86315 Brilliant Deal E2   Unfixed H Takaoka 9 70 50.0 50
Class tests but if he gets a start will lead and make it a true staying test.

 

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

Larry says, "A very open Class 4 to close things off over 1400m. BARNATO is still quite green and a bit of a thinker, he put it all together last start over 1200m and won well. He steps up to 1400m and if he can get a soft run will be very hard to run down. AL VALORE chased him home last start, he gets a 3kg weight swing and the extra 200m and Tommy Berry should be in his favour. BEAUTY SUPREME ran well when resuming and is a two time winner at the trip. KEVIN ELEVEN is honest and will be on the speed throughout. ABOVE DE PINNACLE broke through last start but will require a positive ride from Oscar Chavez. DEAUVILLE, HARDCORE ROCK, ASPEN and the resuming SWEET LODGE could all disturb the exotics in a race of many chances."

No. Last 5 Horse Name EA Gear Jockey Trainer Bar Rtg Wt Odds
Selections - 1, 14, 3
1 25221 Barnato     N Juglall P Shaw 13 61 57.0 6.50
Gave plenty to win last start after a couple of slightly disappointing efforts. Has plenty of ability but still green. First time at 1400m and poorly drawn.
2 30*54 Beauty Supreme     A Munro C Brown 6 61 57.0 8.00
Battled on well when resuming. Has won twice at the trip and should be handy throughout.
3 33148 Deauville     D Beasley L Laxon 7 61 57.0 14
Never got involved last start after failing in Progress. Won one of these three starts back and should figure here.
4 79191 Hardcore Rock     M Du Plessis M Walker 11 61 57.0 8.00
Resumed with good effort in KSD company. Suited this trip and could be up to the Class.
5 12000 Dashful     J Low Hk Tan 15 60 56.5 50
Form poor and badly drawn.
6 03737 Sweet Lodge     App R Rueven-2 S Burridge 10 60 56.5 12
Resuming and down in grade. Runs on and could make presence felt.
7 6 Aspen     D Flores M Walker 12 59 56.0 12
Ruakaka (NZ) Maiden winner resuming. Has had two trials - the most recent looked good - after reasonable Singapore debut. Can make his presence felt.
8 17155 Invictus     App K A'isisuhairi-1 S Burridge 14 59 56.0 33
Resuming after ambitious Group run and best form is over longer.
9 47184 Amazon Gold     I Santana M Clements 5 57 55.0 16
Tongue tie on. Ran on when resuming. Usually puts in an honest effort.
10 0 Flawlessly     J Powell S Baertschiger 16 56 54.5 50
Well back at Singapore debut. Only win was at 2200m.
11   Justice World     I Azhar S Burridge 1 56 54.5 10
Seymour maiden winner who has arrived in Singapore via Hong Kong. Has been trialling well and should show up from the good gate.
12 41523 Kevin Eleven     L Allpress M Clements 4 56 54.5 10
Will sit on the speed and be handy throughout.
13 61 Above De Pinnacle     O Chavez D Koh 9 55 54.0 8.00
Led throughout to break through last start. If ridden positively can be in the finish.
14 153 Al Valore     T Berry M Freedman 2 55 54.0 5.00
Winkers on. Chased BARNATO home last start and meets him 3kg better for three lengths. Suited by 1400m and will be in the finish.
15 38*97 Pure Rabid E1   Unfixed L Dragon 8 50 51.5 50
Winkers off. Coming back in trip. This looks too hard.
16 00069 Wilkinson E2   Unfixed L Khoo 3 50 51.5 50
Has not shown worthwhile form for a long time.

 

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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