An Illustrious runner at Kranji

Luke Middlebrook

A couple of Class 3 1200m Handicaps on the Polytrack are slated as the highest-rated races on Sunday’s 12-race fixture at Kranji Racecourse in Singapore.

In Division 1 of the two Class 3 1200m sprints, Polytrack specialist Illustrious will be attracting plenty of interest as he aims for back-to-back wins following a sizzling track and distance display 22 days ago.

Illustrious has shown a great liking to the alternative racing surface where all his four career wins have occurred. The progressive Tim Fitzsimmons-trained four-year-old returned to his playground last start and it was no surprise to see him bounce back to the winner’s list with blinkers back on.

The grey made it a one-act affair by leading all the way to score by six lengths, recording a slick winning time of 1:10.99 seconds.

Illustrious looks to have rating points up his sleeve but Sunday’s race is by far his toughest test so far. Blake Shinn’s ride, The August, looks one of his biggest dangers, who’ll be camped just off the speed and making a strong late bid, while Nowyousee, Hadeer & Paletas should also be decent chances.

Shinn and Fitzsimmons combine a race earlier and have a great chance to claim the Class 5 Division 1 1200m turf race with Miracle, who finally gets the class drop after winning his way impressively out of the of grade in mid-October last year.

That day, he showed an electric turn-of-foot, returning the second fastest final 400m sectional of 23.64 seconds but with his final 800m of 46.59 seconds by far the quickest in the race as the only horse to run sub-23 seconds for the second section.

From barrier No 1, Shinn looks to get the run of the race in the small field of nine.

Fitzsimmons (35 wins) boasts a three-win lead over Donna Logan (32 wins) on the trainers’ ladder, while Manoel Nunes (58 wins), who is side-lined through injury, has a 32-win lead over CC Wong (26 wins).

Vlad Duric’s red-hot form since his Kranji return makes him the jockey to follow after last week’s four-timer.

BEST BET

Race 10 No 7 Miracle

VALUE BET

Race 3 No 6 MELODY FAIR

JACKPOT

R16

Leg 1: 2, 4

Leg 2: 7

Leg 3: 1, 3, 4, 5

Leg 4: 4, 9

SINGAPORE RACE ANALYSIS – 24 July 22

RACE 1

1st Pick: GOLD CUT (1)

Showed plenty of speed to claim his maiden win under Duric and toughed it out to the line. Looks to be putting it all together now and can continue to improve.

2nd Pick: SHANGHAI STAR (2)

Three placings from his previous runs should have him being well supported again. Joint top rater in this field and a win isn’t too far away.

3rd Pick: FLAK JACKET (3)

Missed the start at his previous run and flew home for third. Rider was disqualified for that ride and if he jumps cleanly that will be enough to figure in the finish.

4th Pick: OUR SECRET WEAPON (10)

Claimed a victory two starts ago over this course and distance from a wide draw. Has not had a lot of luck in recent runs and off his rating he must be respected.

RACE 2

1st Pick: PRIORITIZE (5)

He was well supported on debut. Settled just worse than midfield and found room to finish strongly clocking the fastest final sectional to finish third. Should improve second up and looks to have some ability.

2nd Pick: EJAZ (10)

Two-year-old son of Street Boss who lines up for his race day debut. There was a lot to like about his trial win where he showed plenty of toe early. Will be aided by the lightweight.

3rd Pick: PURE PERFECTION (6)

Led and won a trial of four horses a few weeks ago. Showed nice speed and looked professional as he drew away in the straight. Look for any market support for this son of Choisir.

4th Pick: FADABOY (2)

Finished third in his trial behind Ejaz last week and comes from the in-form Logan stable. The son of Deep Field should have plenty of support. Shinn takes the ride after getting a feel of him in his trials.

RACE 3

1st Pick: ON LINE (1)

Form suggests he is not far away from winning a race like this. Has proven to carry the weight, it’s only a matter of time before he wins a race.

2nd Pick: STAR JACK (2)

Shocked last start winning over the same track and distance. Made up plenty of ground to win by a decent margin and I doubt anyone would be shocked if he did it again.

3rd Pick: KING LOUIS (3)

Got bumped at a crucial stage when improving last start, can atone her with more luck in running.

4th Pick: FREE FALLIN' (12)

Caught the eye on speed last start to run second and with no weight yet again, look for a similar performance this weekend.

RACE 4

1st Pick: ATLANTEAN (5)

Racing in career best form over the last few months. Won in similar conditions three starts ago and has since been beaten small margins at his last two. Racing well and looks a main player.

2nd Pick: EASTIGER (1)

Has been well supported in his last two starts but failed to salute. Finds himself at the top of the ratings in a division he can improve on.

3rd Pick: VOLUNTAD (4)

Likes to be up there on the speed early in the race. Only has the one career win at Kranji but an even tempo can see him being competitive in this race. Each way chance.

4th Pick: RED ROAR (2)

Usually performs better on the Polytrack but if you go back in his form, you will see some nice runs on turf. Meets an easy division of this race and watch for any late support.

RACE 5

1st Pick: LEGEND OF THE SUN (1)

Finds a division two race after a strong win at the grade last start. Looks the one to beat again.

2nd Pick: SABAH STAR (3)

Has been a model of consistency in recent months. Has an enforced rider change for this start but cannot be left out on recent form.

3rd Pick: CRYSTAL WARRIOR (6)

Went sub 60 in a recent trial between runs. Heads back to 1200m here which looks his prime distance, respect.

4th Pick: QUARTER BACK (2)

Arguably a much better horse on turf, however the last run cannot go unnoticed. Closed off incredibly well to go down a narrow margin, one for the multiples.

RACE 6

1st Pick: PRODIGAL (2)

Comes into this race as one of the highest rated runners in the field and although he has just the one career win, he has showed glimpses of ability and looks a danger.

2nd Pick: SUPER EXTREME (1)

Dropping back sharply in grade from the Group Two Singapore Year Old Classic where he wasn’t the best out of the barriers but went to the line strongly. Will have support.

3rd Pick: MR BIG BROTHER (3)

Has a strong record over this course and distance with two placings from three starts. Just a one-time winner but his best stats are at this distance and finds a suitable race.

4th Pick: FORTUNE STAR (6)

Coming back in distance from 1800m where he was third behind Split Second. Usually races over longer trips but never too far away from the winners and can improve.

RACE 7

1st Pick: THOMAS DE LAGO (5)

His last victory was off a rating of 34 back in March. Has not been too far away in his recent runs and a strong trial win last week showed he can be a leading contender.

2nd Pick: SUPER POSH (4)

Had to deal with a wide barrier when finishing fifth behind stablemate Elliot Ness last start. His best career stats have come at this distance including three wins and eight placings.

3rd Pick: FABU (2)

Had the run of the race last start to finish fourth beaten two lengths last start. Still a maiden in eleven starts but finding easier races so a win will not be too far away.

4th Pick: FIRST CHIEF (3)

Has bene out of form but strikes a division two race here over 1000m. Could be a threat if he finds the top and gets it his own way early.

RACE 8

1st Pick: BRUTUS (1)

Drops to class 4 again here and should be very competitive amongst this company. Clear horse to beat on paper.

2nd Pick: CHICAGO STAR (2)

Looked to have turned a corner last start running a strong third in his third run back this campaign. Seems to be heading in the right direction.

3rd Pick: SUN RECTITUDE (6)

Class 5 winner last start on speed. Should be amongst the leaders again her and carries no weight up in grade.

4th Pick: AUGUSTANO (3)

Caught wide most of the way last start and still made good ground late. He is a nine-time winner in Singapore and is getting back down slowly to a winnable mark, respect.

RACE 9

1st Pick: MATSURIBAYASHI (2)

50% win strike rate track and distance. Despite being out of form, he’s back to class 5 at his favorite distance and somehow always seems to fire. Big chance to bounce back to form.

2nd Pick: FORT MUSTANG (1)

On speed winner last start leading all the way. Stable is flying, looks to be the pace influence here yet again.

3rd Pick: ANGEL HALO (7)

Bound to win one soon of this mark carrying 50kg. Form suggests he’s much better over the mile but keep him safe in exotic plays.

4th Pick: BEBOP (5)

Fort Mustang should provide enough pace in the race for him to be closing off well late. A solid tempo is essential for his success, but the map suggests he will get what he needs. Each way.

RACE 10

1st Pick: GALAXY STAR (3)

Genuine class five performer who was a winner three starts ago over this trip. Should be nice and handy in the run and form is strong for this contest.

2nd Pick: QARAAT (5)

Showed plenty of speed to lead throughout and win last start over this distance. The stable is very new but already turning in winners. Strong showing here.

3rd Pick: HAPPY FRIDAY (1)

Drops back into class five where he was last successful back in March. That came on the Polytrack where his best runs have been recorded but will appreciate the easier grade.

4th Pick: ANGEL BABY (2)

Saluted at big odds last start in maiden grade. Has shown some good form in this grade before winning and looks a nice each way play.

RACE 11

1st Pick: ILLUSTRIOUS (4)

Dominant six length winner last start and steps up in grade. A repeat of last start would have seen him in the finish again, must respect.

2nd Pick: NOWYOUSEE (1)

Made up plenty of ground last start to run in the money with the top weight. Has won a trial since, keep safe.

3rd Pick: HADEER (3)

Yet to win on the poly but steps back to a very winnable race. Last start a complete forgive, wide draw brought him undone.

4th Pick: PROOF PERFECT (8)

Steps up in grade but has won last two starts in impressive style. Should handle the rise in grade.

RACE 12

1st Pick: LAST SAMURAI (4)

On speed runner who dropped back to a suitable distance with his racing style and almost got the job done. Don’t see them changing the plan this weekend, look for him to be going forward again.

2nd Pick: LIM'S KNIGHT (1)

Consistently around the mark at this grade. Although 1000m would be preferred, he cannot be left out of the numbers.

3rd Pick: GREATHAM GIRL (7)

Closed off to run a placing beaten less than a length last start. Extra half furlong should be a plus, one for the exotics.

4th Pick: JUNGLE KING (11)

First up run and win in class 5 was impressive. Strikes this class 4 race second up with absolutely no weight. If he has improved off that run also, should be in the finish.