Cyclone to blow through Singapore

Luke Middlebrook

Quality Australian import Cyclone looks primed to land his first local win on Saturday when he returns to Kranji in Race 11, the $70,000 Class 3 Handicap over 1400m.

Cyclone arrived to Kranji with a great record of two wins and six placings from 15 starts, going close to winning at the highest level when finishing fourth and fifth in the Grade 1 Randwick Guineas and Grade 1 Rosehill Guineas respectively, beaten less than two lengths on both occasions.

Cyclone has turned in an impressive trial since checking into a fast finishing fifth over 1200m at his local debut four weeks ago, far too short for him but a good starting point, nonetheless. Stripping much fitter second-up, the Tim Fitzsimmons-trained gelding can prove hard to beat as he takes a rise in distance.

Elsewhere, the Ricardo le Grange-trained three-year-old Bestseller looks on track to break through in Race 2, the $75,000 Restricted Maiden over 1400m.

Bestseller had trialled well prior to his debut and it didn’t go unnoticed as he was backed from $42 to $25 that day. Unfortunately, the son of Dream Ahead had hard luck when travelling three-wide on speed without cover, so it was no surprise to see him fade inside the final 150m, finishing fourth over 1200m at this track.

Bestseller has since turned in an eye-catching trial, in which he attacked the line strongly to finish second without being extended, while his main danger seems to be the Donna Logan-trained January, who finished a nose ahead of Bestseller two starts ago but was afforded a better trip that day.

BEST BET

Race 11 No 3 Cyclone

VALUE BET

Race 5 No 4 Thunder

JACKPOT

Leg 1: 1, 2

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4

Leg 3: 3

Leg 4: 5, 7

SINGAPORE RACE ANALYSIS – 22 Oct 22

RACE 1

1st Pick: HAPPY FRIDAY (9)

Had 3 wins all in the poly track sprint event. He was met with all sorts of trouble in his recent starts. If he jumps on terms and given his ability he should be able to steer towards another win.

2nd Pick: OUTFIT (4)

Managed to break his maiden status last start. Still get in form rider Jimmy Wong on the saddle, if he can replicate the last performance. Can win again.

3rd Pick: DEN OF THIEVES (1)

Had two wins in his career out 14 starts. One of the wins was in Class 4 company, albeit in a lighter weight then. With booking of champion jockey M. Nunes on board. Do respect.

4th Pick: SUPER GENEROUS (10)

Has been slow into stride earlier in her career, however, these old habits seem to have been rectified. Forget about her last start when she raced wide. Should come close this time round.

RACE 2

1st Pick: JANUARY (4)

Contested at Restricted Maiden level for his debut Singapore run and didn’t disappoint. Came from midfield and hit the line strongly for a strong third placing. The drop back to maiden class company last start still ran a good race. Clearly the one to beat.

2nd Pick: SHIHAB (1)

Had two placings after three starts. Has been competitive and kept in excellent form since that last form. With the booking of the champion jockey M. Nunes. Expect a big run.

3rd Pick: BESTSELLER (2)

Eye catching run in his first debut run here in Singapore. Had a good trial this month and shown some improvement. Keeping him safe as a big performance wouldn’t be a shock.

4th Pick: STRONG ACE (8)

Ran a good race last start behind a very talented Luxury Brand and being by Swiss Ace he will appreciate more racing and a rise in distance in time. Might just be right in the mix.

RACE 3

1st Pick: QAIDOOM (1)

Started her career in winning style in the Open Maiden race, albeit in a lighter weight then. Had a couple of placings in the Class 4 company. Well placed here with M Ibrahim’s 4kg claim will help to reduce the burden on the back.

2nd Pick: GOLD CUT (6)

Managed to win his first win after a few strong placing in the maiden company. Was largely disappointing in the betting field but with some ability. Should be in the finish again.

3rd Pick: KNIGHT LOVE (7)

He might be small in size but made up with his tenacity. With champion Jockey on board, can continue with his good run.

4th Pick: OLYMPIA (9)

Only managed to get one win in his career so far. However, that was in the same class and distance in similar weight. Had kept his form since, and now in the good hand of leading apprentice jockey, F Yusoff. Can be competitive.

RACE 4

1st Pick: RED MANED (12)

Making his first appearance here in Singapore. Was rather eye catching in his two trials. May be able to break his maiden status very soon.

2nd Pick: LUCKY CHARM (10)

Wasn’t too far from the winners after two starts. This is his first foray into the turf and with champion jockey M. Nunes might be able to surprise.

3rd Pick: THE STAR (4)

Had one minor placing during his first outing. Had been unlucky in his last three starts. Still has room for improvement.

4th Pick: KINABALU PRINCE (5)

Caught the eye at track work during the week. Despite having not won since his debut in April, he looks to have found himself a nice race.

RACE 5

1st Pick: AXEL (2)

Had to settle for second best behind Thunder over his suited distance of 1700m. He clocked nice time hitting the line and his best can see him go one better this weekend. Beuzelin stays in the saddle from a nice barrier.

2nd Pick: LEATHERHEAD (1)

Makes his way back to class 4 where he hasn’t been since winning back in September of last year where he beat Axel who also lines up in this contest. Respect the drop-in class. Gets gun jockey Duric onboard.

3rd Pick: THUNDER (4)

Sat a lot more positive in the run and the tactics paid off for the stable where he held on to score by 0.25 lengths on the line holding off the fast-finishing Axel. Before last start, he was classed as a turf horse but now can continue good form on this surface.

4th Pick: GOLD KINGDOM (5)

Scored in this class two starts ago and will get more attention if he drops back to class 5. He did surprise when scoring in this class that day and his track record is good enough to figure in the multiples.

RACE 6

1st Pick: WEDNESDAY (4)

Managed to get his first win in this class and distance. Had excuses when he was caught wide and unlucky during his last few starts. Gets App Jockey PH Seow this time for the 3kg clam which can help.

2nd Pick: RETALLICA (2)

Three of his wins were on this surface, not a concern whether he can measure up to this class. Had shown form of late, can expect another big run this weekend.

3rd Pick: GAMELY (8)

Has shown good statistics over the 1200m on the poly track. He looks well suited to add this to his tally and should be one to consider in the multiple.

4th Pick: SPIRIT OF D'WIND (10)

Still trying to find his first win here in Singapore after 31 starts. However, he has been knocking on the doors a few times recently. Looks a possible winning chance with light weight.

RACE 7

1st Pick: SEE YAH (6)

Continues to race at his suited distance of 1400m. Likes to sit up on the pace and give himself every opportunity to score. Stable have placed him well and gets a chance for career win number four.

2nd Pick: INTREPID (5)

Finds herself in a very open race where she races well around this rating. She likes to get back and finish strongly. After finishing fourth behind Malibu Beach who was placed in Class 4 last weekend that looks good form for this. Trainer has called upon Nunes who has a nice record on her.

3rd Pick: ALEXANDER (2)

His three starts at this distance have resulted in one minor placing so you know he handles the conditions. Should roll forward and if the pace suits he can sustain that run to the line. Bayliss has been booked and a key booking.

4th Pick: LEGACY REIGN (3)

On the quick backup after finishing fourth behind Just Because over similar conditions. Should be positive up front again and if he handles the six day turnaround he could be in the finish.

RACE 8

1st Pick: SUPER SALUTE (2)

Nothing went right on debut as a short favourite where he reared as the gates opened nearly taking the riders head off as he jumped forward. Was on the back foot from the start and he is much better than that. Looking for a quick improvement here. Nunes aboard is a big plus.

2nd Pick: HARRY DREAM (4)

She has a very strong motor when the pace is raced to suit here. Two minor placings at her last two starts behind some strong opposition. She will be catching the eye in the last furlong. Gets a 4kg claim from the stable apprentice.

3rd Pick: WATER ROCKET (1)

Hasn’t been seen in this class since winning four starts ago over a shorter distance back in June of this year. He hasn’t been too far from the winners in a higher grade and will appreciate the easier challenge this weekend with Duric booked to ride.

4th Pick: KING ZOUSTAR (6)

Very consistent galloper who must always be thrown into the multiple selections when he races at this rating. Strong course and distance stats and must be respected in this field.

RACE 9

1st Pick: FIRST CHIEF (1)

Although all his wins were in 1200m, however, had run some really good time in the 1000m. In good form and still in a winnable class, with App Jockey T Krisna for that 2kg might just be able to help.

2nd Pick: SUN STEP (6)

Narrowly denied victory two starts ago but he is a horse who has recently found form again. Can bounce back here, racing well enough to win this.

3rd Pick: THOMAS DE LAGO (7)

Has been around the mark his last few starts and with the weight relief once again, could figure amongst the place getters from a good draw.

4th Pick: OUR SECRET WEAPON (2)

Well drawn and has weight relief thanks to the apprentice booking. With a good jump early, hopefully can find the lead and if so, he will be in it a long way, respect.

RACE 10

1st Pick: FORTUNE STAR (2)

Holds very strong form in this grade for a race like this. At four attempts over this course and distance he has one win and two minor placings. Should race off the pace and finish very strong at the end.

2nd Pick: TIGAROUS (1)

Competitive in this grade at his last few starts. Gets back to the Polytrack after a fair run behind Engine Start on the turf. Holds good stats over this course and distance. Watch any market moves.

3rd Pick: POROSHIRI (3)

Can be a costly investment especially when he goes off as favourite. He may have scared a few punters off after last start but his wins in this grade show he can do it. It’s just a matter of if he brings his racing manners and Nunes knows how to sort him out.

4th Pick: SAYONARA (4)

Came from a long way back when racing first up over the mile. Clocked a nice final sectional and should strip fitter for that run. Can improve here.

RACE 11

1st Pick: RED OCEAN (2)

Racing first up and caught the eye last week in a slick trial where he clocked 59.58 for that morning. He has two wins from five starts over this course and distance. Watch the market for support.

2nd Pick: WEALTH ELITE (11)

Racing in very nice patch of form recently. He scored nicely over 1200m last start off a light weight. He can run some very quick final sectionals and has since trialed strongly for this.

3rd Pick: CYCLONE (3)

Having his second start here in Singapore for one of our strongest stables. He holds a nomination for the Gold Cup next month and will need to perform here to get those rating points up. Nunes on and a big watch.

4th Pick: IRONCHAMP (7)

On the quick backup after scoring over this trip last weekend. The track bias played in his favor but was aided by a top-class front running ride from Duric. If he backs up he can surprise again.

RACE 12

1st Pick: STREET OF DREAMS (5)

One of the more impressive wins we have seen for a while scoring on the Polytrack by 6.5 lengths. He rises sharply in class but the stable look to have untapped a handy galloper.

2nd Pick: SHANGHAI STAR (7)

One of the real eye catchers finishing second behind Mr Black Back who has since won again and breaking two class records at both of his wins. He just needs room to stretch and looking for big run here.

3rd Pick: LEGACY FORTUNE (1)

Didn’t have a lot of luck last start where he was forced to race wide without cover and had nothing left at the finish. If you go off that win two starts back, he can be considered in this field.

4th Pick: SACRED JUDGEMENT (2)

Has had a little freshen up since finishing fourth back in August behind King Zoustar. He is yet to win over the long course but holds nice stats over this distance.