Ace Of Diamonds for G2 Classic success

Luke Middlebrook

Singapore racing continues at Kranji Racecourse on Saturday, featuring a 10-race turf and dirt fixture highlighted by the running of the second leg of the three-year-old series, the $150,000 Group 2 Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic over 1400m on turf.

The Ricardo le Grange-trained Ace Of Diamonds aims to secure back-to-back victories in the three-year-old races.

Ace Of Diamonds leads the entries for the Classic following an expected win in the first leg of the 3YO Series, the Group 3 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint, three weeks ago. On that occasion, he proved his superiority as the highest-rated horse at set weights in a small field of nine, maintaining a three-wide position throughout the race to secure a facile victory by one length over 1200m.

As statistics suggest, the step up to 1400m this week should suit Ace Of Diamonds even better, making him the standout contender.

However, the main threat appears to be Bakeel, who finished third in the 3YO Sprint after facing a troubled run and deserves significant respect.

Elsewhere, impressive debut winner Pacific Vampire is primed to score successive victories in the $70,000 Class 3 Handicap over 1200m on turf.

Following an astonishing trial win prior to his local debut, Pacific Vampire created a huge impression that day when toying with his Class 4 rivals to score an all-the-way win by 2.50 lengths over 1000m on the Polytrack, suggesting he is a horse with plenty of upside.

Trained by Jason Ong, Pacific Vampire has since turned in another emphatic trial in which he cruised to the line first by 7.75 lengths in a race-like winning time of 58.75 seconds. Despite the rise in class, he is ideally weighted to score a double. - iRACE magazine

BEST BET

Race 9 No 1 Ace Of Diamonds

VALUE BET

Race 10 No 3 Pacific Padrino

JACKPOT

R128

Leg 1: 1, 3, 4, 5

Leg 2: 3, 6, 8, 12

Leg 3: 1, 3

Leg 4: 2, 3, 4, 7

SINGAPORE RACE ANALYSIS – 27 April 24

RACE 1

1st Pick: STAR VICTORY (6)

He is flying coming into this off the back of two class five wins and stays in the grade. If he finds the front easy, he will give them all something to catch again from the inside draw.

2nd Pick: ARYA PAKUAN (3)

Ran a strong second last outing and showed some toughness in that fight. Nunes takes the ride from six and looks well placed here.

3rd Pick: ACE SOVEREIGN (1)

It has been a long time since we have seen him in our lowest grade, but it has also been a while since his last win which was February 2023. Should appreciate the drop-in class and expect betting support.

4th Pick: WEBSTER (4)

A solid run in behind the talented Sacred Buddy in this level last start. A seasoned veteran from a leading stable with plenty of scope in this big field.

RACE 2

1st Pick: PACIFIC SCOUT (2)

This Maiden lacks depth and form. This gelding is the only one who has a touch of form coming into this and that was a fourth to July beaten three lengths.

2nd Pick: STRONG ACE (5)

It’s his day to step up and kick that maiden tag. Probably the easiest race he has faced and has five minor placings from twenty-four starts. If he doesn’t feature here, then it will only get harder for him.

3rd Pick: RIVER DRAGON (4)

Still searching for that elusive first win at start number eighteen. In his first few starts we saw some betting support and in this field a career best run would see him in the money.

4th Pick: JO'S LEGEND (8)

First starter from the Stephen Gray stable on his last weekend here at Kranji. We won’t see too many more debutants this year and this three-year-old has had three steady trials. Watch for any betting support.

RACE 3

1st Pick: TONY'S LOVE (3)

If he is anywhere near his career best then this looks the race to get his confidence back. Two wins recorded at the trip and coming off the back of two minor placings. Finds the easier division of this race.

2nd Pick: NAVY SEALS (1)

Sat in a more forward position from the wide draw last start and boxed on well to finish third beaten 1.5 lengths. Lightly raced three-year-old with good form coming into this.

3rd Pick: ZOFFSPEED (5)

This gelding has been waiting a while for a 2000m class five and must be considered as a top four prospect. One win from five attempts at the trip and could be the surprise winner.

4th Pick: KRANJI FIRST HERO (8)

If he presses forward and gets the race run to suit him could give a sight as he attempts this distance for the second time. Very rough chance at big odds.

RACE 4

1st Pick: TE AKAU BEN (5)

Great run last time out when racing wide and continues to show fight. He is competitive in class 4 and will be one of the main dangers in this race. Gets an awkward draw but will try look for cover.

2nd Pick: SOUSUI (11)

Had an easy run last start over 1200m and found the line well for a minor placing. Gets a low weight this weekend with Henrique aboard. He will look to run home late.

3rd Pick: SUPER BABY (8)

Good win last start in class 5 over 1400m when sitting just behind the speed. Gets the same barrier this weekend but finds a stronger field. Pinheiro sticks aboard.

4th Pick: PACIFIC WARRIOR (6)

Could be a great value play, has shown some ability over a mile and will see some betting support. Should have no issues from getting a good position from barrier two. Okay.

RACE 5

1st Pick: SPLIT SECOND (6)

Terrific record at the course and distance including four wins and two minor placings. His last win back in November was in similar conditions and if it rains will only boost his chances. Nunes has a strong record on him also.

2nd Pick: STAR EXPRESS (1)

Has been consistent having placed his last two starts including a run on third over an unsuitable sprint trip last weekend. Both of his Kranji wins have come at 2000m and stable is firing.

3rd Pick: FIGHTER (4)

This former Japanese bred, Australian trained gelding only has one win here at Kranji and it was over this distance back in October of 2022. Makes a class five debut and must not be forgotten from our leading stable.

4th Pick: CITYGOLD LIGHTNING (2)

Rises sharply in trip after winning a 1400m maiden back in March. Comes into this a month between runs and has the benefit of winning a trial last week. Watch betting.

RACE 6

1st Pick: BOSS HENG HENG (2)

Given a top steer in front to lead easy and kick away to win by two lengths back in March. Has the benefit of two trials since that win and could gather some betting support. Eyes on the market.

2nd Pick: SEE YAH (1)

The in-form Bruno Queiroz got him back to winning ways last week in a strong performance to score. Now he is in his groove can he make it two on the bounce is the question?

3rd Pick: SCHNEIDER (8)

Last run wasn’t his best and had some excuses. If you go off his runs before that over this same distance, he must be considered for a top four mark. Has beaten some of these competitors.

4th Pick: RUN BUDDY RUN (7)

Caught the eye running home in very slick sectionals last weekend. Rises up slightly in trip and looks a nice each way play.

RACE 7

1st Pick: PACIFIC BAO BEI (1)

Hard to follow this horse, won well in class 4 over 2000m and then dropped down to 1400m in class 3 and now finds a suitable race to win with apprentice claims and a great draw.

2nd Pick: KING'S GAMBIT (3)

Has a great record over the 1600m on the turf and doesn’t know how to run a bad race. He should a good run from barrier three and finds a weaker field. Will see support on race day.

3rd Pick: LEGACY FORTUNE (5)

He finished fourth behind Lim’s Saltoro last start and that form has stacked up with Lim’s Saltoro finishing second behind Lim’s Kosciuszko. Should get every chance with Nunes aboard from barrier four.

4th Pick: KING OF SIXTY-ONE (2)

Going well and put in a great performance behind Energy Baby two starts back over 1400m and has been waiting to get to the mile. Rider and stable are in-form.

RACE 8

1st Pick: PACIFIC VAMPIRE (12)

Exciting horse with a lot of ability, one win from one start so far here in Singapore and has trialled up brilliantly in great time (58.75). He’s drawn out and will push forward and try contest the lead.

2nd Pick: MT NISEKO (8)

Bounced back last start and won well. He’s usually sharp away from the gates and can sit on speed in this race. Great course and distance record under these race conditions and Curatolo stays aboard. He should be competitive.

3rd Pick: DANCING LIGHT (5)

A consistent horse in this grade and will find this harder. Obtains a great barrier in four and should get a soft run. Stable is in-form.

4th Pick: GOLD STAR (1)

Coming down in grade this time. Will appreciate 1200m and will drag back from the outside barrier and look to run on. Apprentice claims.

RACE 9

1st Pick: ACE OF DIAMONDS (1)

A very impressive win in the Singapore Three-year-old Sprint last start, was caught wide and very green in the straight but still prevailed. He will be the horse to beat in this and going up to 1400m should suit. Going well and will push forward from the outside gate.

2nd Pick: ARTILLERY (8)

Massive run behind Ace Of Diamonds last start when first-up from a lengthy spell. He should take natural improvement from that run and was finding the line late. Looking for 1400m and can upset. Great draw.

3rd Pick: BAKEEL (3)

He was checked at the half-mile in the Three-year-old Sprint and was flushed out very wide on the home corner and continued to hit the line hard. Good draw and Nunes sticks aboard.

4th Pick: LIM'S BIGHORN (4)

One of the new additions into the Three-year-old series, a lightly raced powerhouse for the Meagher and Lerner combination. Terrific record (4-3-0-1) and will be a danger. Outside barrier.

RACE 10

1st Pick: LAST SAMURAI (1)

Tough win last start over this course and distance. He can always be a danger if he takes control of the race, has apprentice claims which will help. Needs to be respected from the great draw.

2nd Pick: KING ZOUSTAR (2)

Ultra consistent in this grade and continues to put in great runs for an 8yo. Drawn low and will be the likely horse to contest the front with Last Samurai. Going well.

3rd Pick: PACIFIC PADRINO (3)

Great debut run here in Singapore finishing fourth over 1000m on the Poly track. Similar race conditions here and won’t be too far away. Woodworth is onboard and should give confidence to the young horse.

4th Pick: PER INCROWN (8)

Amazing acceleration on the all-weather Poly track. Dragged a long way back last start and never looked to be a danger. Can bounce back here.