Drop in class favours Pennywise at Kranji

Luke Middlebrook

Polytrack specialist Pennywise looks on track to return to the winner’s list when he contests the $70,000 Class 3 race over 1600m at Kranji Racecoure in Singapore on Sunday.

Since scoring a narrow but impressive win in this class on the Kranji Mile day, Pennywise has been racing against much stronger opposition at his last four starts.

Despite not winning, the son of Pure Prize finished a solid fifth behind stablemate Hongkong Great in a Class 2 race over this track and distance two starts ago. The form has since held up well with second place getter Circuit Mission and sixth place getter Minister finishing fourth and third in the QEII Cup respectively.

Pennywise has trialled well ahead of this week’s race and will relish the massive drop in class, while returning to the alternative racing surface, where eight of his nine career wins have come about, can prove him hard to beat.

Elsewhere, newcomer Foxship looks primed to score a debut win for champion trainer contender Tim Fitzsimmons when he lines up in the $20,000 Open Maiden race over 1100m on the Polytrack.

A two-time place getter from four starts in Australia, Foxship has shown nice potential at both local trials. In the first one, the Rommel four-year-old sat on speed and finished a close second to handy sprinter Gold Ten Sixty-One before letting down impressively from a rearward position to score by 4.50 lengths in his second trial, suggesting he is a forward type who possesses versatility in running.

Foxship is ideally placed in a field with little depth to start off his local racing career and he looks a clear standout on this week’s card. – iRACE Magazine

BEST BET

Race 5 No 1 Foxship

VALUE BET

Race 3 No 2 First Bowl

JACKPOT

R96

Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Leg 2: 1, 3

Leg 3: 1

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 4

SINGAPORE RACE ANALYSIS – 13 Nov 22


RACE 1

1st Pick: CIZEN LUCKY (5)

Since coming back in style, he has been ultra-consistent in class 5 grade. Still carrying a manageable weight on his back and with inside gate he can win again.

2nd Pick: SILENT FORCE (6)

His only win has come at this course and distance in June 2019, it has certainly been a long time between drinks. He has shown some signs of bouncing back in his recent starts. May be able to surprise.

3rd Pick: GAMELY (9)

Last few starts have been promising, coupled with strong work in the morning. All of this suggests that a win is not too far away but on the contrary, he has had plenty of chances to break through.

4th Pick: WEDNESDAY (8)

Not a model of consistency, however, he has shown some ability in winning at this distance and surface. Senior rider booked, one to respect.

RACE 2

1st Pick: RAFFIE (1)

Looks to be a horse who will appreciate more ground. Runs in maiden company have been good enough to be winning a race like this. Engagement of V Duric is a clear sign that he is likely to leave his maiden status behind soon.

2nd Pick: BEYOND SACRED (5)

Clearly appreciated the drop to maiden grade again last start running a distant third to Lucky Charm. Form has been franked from the race, worth including.

3rd Pick: LIEBESTRAUM (2)

Had been largely disappointing in his recent runs. He has had a couple of runs at this distance albeit on the turf surface. Looks like he can outrun the rest of the field. One to consider for your multiples.

4th Pick: FLAMING KIRIN (8)

Track work was good during the week. Despite being a 38 start maiden, he had couple of good shows in the mile races. With light weight on the back, he can be considered as a place chance.

RACE 3

1st Pick: CASH COVE (4)

Returns to the 1100m which has been a favoured distance for this horse thus far. Nunes booked but has draw horribly. Will need some luck early but has the class to win this.

2nd Pick: OPUNAKE (5)

Peak on his run last start but he puts himself into the race and that is a great asset to have. If he gets it easy enough up amongst the first few, he’ll be there a long way.

3rd Pick: FLAK JACKET (8)

Weighted well for this. Comes into a nice gate with the emergencies coming out, a top three finish wouldn’t shock.

4th Pick: HAPPY MOMENT (1)

Carries the top weight but returns to the 1100m which is only going to aid his chances. If they roll along, it should set up for him to be running on strong late.

RACE 4

1st Pick: WAN LEGACY (4)

Returns back to 1600m on turf for the first time since his win. Makes his class 5 debut with Nunes in the saddle, big chance.

2nd Pick: MAGNIFICENT GOLD (2)

Proven to carry weight in this class and at this distance. Narrowly defeated last start, can atone.

3rd Pick: KHAO MANEE (6)

Requires a rolling tempo to close off strong late and Sun Ace should provide that for him here, top three hope.

4th Pick: SUN ACE (8)

Looks the likely leader in the field. Will need some luck early to spring the gates and cross without having to do too much work, but if he can achieve that feat, he’ll make it very hard for others to pass him.

RACE 5

1st Pick: FOXSHIP (1)

He has had two trials coming into this race and has shown quite an impressive turn of foot during the trials with champion jockey M Nunes on board. Might just be able to get his first win on his debut performance.

2nd Pick: FABU (8)

Should be nice and forward in the race early and proved he can mix it with the older horses. With a tempo that suits him up front, hopefully he can save some stamina for the end and give the followers a sight.

3rd Pick: TRIBUTO (2)

Looked to benefit from that first up run with a strong placing behind Kinabalu Prince. Meets a similar race and with a bit more fitness under his belt he looks well placed for a big run.

4th Pick: STAR LEGEND (11)

Won his only trial clocking 60.70 second with L Beuzelin in the saddle and the rider retains the ride. Stable has a good record with horses in these grades and he can shine first up.

RACE 6

1st Pick: MATSURIBAYASHI (4)

Takaoka maintains a strong hand in this race and it was this 1700m specialist who finally showed something last start to suggest a win might not be too far away. Lerner sticks, respect.

2nd Pick: POROSHIRI (2)

Draws a nice gate to find the top here with ease. Nunes retains the ride, hopefully he can help him refrain from getting up to old tricks and keep the head down where it matters.

3rd Pick: FORTUNE STAR (1)

Up to 1700m on poly here and has been racing quite consistent. Had a few excuses last start but seems to be around the mark at the moment, would respect for a possible top three placing.

4th Pick: NINESIXTHREETHREE (3)

Looking to make it three on the bounce. Has been flashing home late in both his wins. Him finding his best is purely tempo related. If they bowl along, look for him late.

RACE 7

1st Pick: BEN WADE (9)

Ran home well late in the race over 1000m in Aug 2022 and is back to a similar sort of field. Looks at the right stage of his preparations to be targeting a race like this. Big chance.

2nd Pick: SUN STEP (5)

Although he’s not the biggest horse, he makes up for that with his determination and will to win at this class and distance. He had been putting on quite a good effort in the morning and that garnered him a spot as a winning hope.

3rd Pick: ALWAYS INNOCENT (2)

Three of his four wins have come at this distance. He does not win all that often but does have a victory in this grade earlier in his career.

4th Pick: DAVID'S SLING (6)

Yet to win at this distance but has placed once before over the journey. Came from well back and hit the line strongly when he was less than a length from the winner Super Posh three starts ago. If that form stacks up, a win should not be too far away.

RACE 8

1st Pick: FIGHTER (1)

Put his best foot forward over 2000m and the distance seems to be his go. Hoping to see a repeat performance here. If he delivers that, he’ll be hard to beat.

2nd Pick: GOLD REWARD (3)

Has a superb record over the track and distance. Gets some crucial weight relief and draws well enough, big threat.

3rd Pick: ISTATABA (2)

Has arguably been quite unlucky the last couple getting caught wide in the run. Duric goes on here so with a senior rider, she will carry more weight than she ever has before in a race. Top three chance.

4th Pick: ABSOLUTE RADIANCE (9)

This 2000m could be a plus for this son of Contributor who heads into his class 4 debut, expecting further improvement.

RACE 9

1st Pick: HENG XING (7)

Just a one-time winner in his career. Has a few placings to his name and holds consistent form in this class. Will look to threaten here at some point when they turn for home.

2nd Pick: TAVI WILL DO (3)

Despite still being a maiden after 13 starts, he had couple of placing on this surface and distance from a mile and above. Seems well placed here for this event, might be able to do it this time round.

3rd Pick: HELUSHKA (4)

He has 4 wins under his belt, 3 of which were at this distance. Still lightly raced on this surface, might just be able to surprise.

4th Pick: FORT MUSTANG (1)

He had managed to knock in 3 wins over 1700m on the poly track surface and a couple of times was carrying heavier weights. He’s the highest rated contender here, respect.

RACE 10
1st Pick: FIRST CHIEF (7)

He was once the 1200m track record holder of class 5 company. Still lightly raced here in this distance. He has done enough in past starts to be taking a race like this out.

2nd Pick: QAIDOOM (3)

She has only missed the top four twice in six appearances at this course and distance. She can be very competitive and gets her chance in this level field.

3rd Pick: BIONICS (1)

He had two wins under his name, all were on 1000m poly track surface. Was in all sorts of troubles of late. If things go his way and with his career stats, we can expect to see him flex his muscles again.

4th Pick: HAPPY FRIDAY (5)

Had 3 wins all in the Polytrack sprint event. Met with all sorts of trouble in his recent starts. If he jumps on terms, given his ability, he should be able to steer towards another win.

RACE 11

1st Pick: PENNYWISE (1)

Eight-time Polytrack winner stepping into a very winnable race. Should be able to control proceedings here and take some beating in favoured conditions with Duric on board.

2nd Pick: HARDCORE (6)

Light weight and recent form suggest he is the biggest threat to the top weight on paper. Run behind Prodigal last start had plenty of merit, keep safe.

3rd Pick: NOWYOUSEE (3)

Stepping up to the mile where he has raced before with no success. Happy to respect his last start second behind solid sprinting company but this is a very different race, top three chance only.

4th Pick: LUCK OF MASTER (4)

Will be a ways off them at the turn but if they stop, he’s the horse that could make ground late. You wouldn’t be counting him out here, even if he is a much better horse on turf. One for the exotics.

RACE 12

1st Pick: HARRY DREAM (4)

She is so consistent and is always among the hopes. Senior rider means she carries more weight here but looks up to the task on previous runs.

2nd Pick: CHARMINTON (1)

Looking to bounce back here following his worst run so far to date last start. That is saying something though considering he only got beaten 2.6 lengths and ran 5th. He’s a smart horse and could easily take this out with Yusoff back on who knows the horse well.

3rd Pick: FROM THE NAVY (2)

Would still prefer to see him on turf but back to 1200m looks ideal for him to still run a solid race this weekend, top three hope.

4th Pick: REVOLUTION (5)

Returns here after a last start disqualification. Plenty of boxes ticked here for him to run a great race and bounce back after the set back. A must include for exotic plays.