Fitzsimmons set for fruitful day at Kranji

Luke Middlebrook

Singapore racing continues on Saturday featuring an 11-race turf and dirt fixture. While it may not boast the same class as last week’s Grade 1 Gold Cup fixture, there are still some promising betting races on the day.

Four-year-old stayer King Of Sixty-One will relish returning to the 2000m journey in the $50,000 Class 4 Handicap. Trained by Tim Fitzsimmons, the gelding has been an honest performer in 10 local starts, winning twice and placing a further five times.

It's fair to say that the longer the distance, the better for this Irish-bred, but longer-distance races only come around occasionally.

In his second attempt over 2000m two starts ago, King Of Sixty-One led from start to finish, winning convincingly by 4.50 lengths. However, in his last start, a slow getaway over a shorter distance of 1800m saw him positioned off the pace but finishing well into third.

Returning to 2000m is pivotal for King Of Sixty-One 's chances in this event, and appearing as the natural leader will make him hard to run down, especially under apprentice S Jamil’s 3kg claim.

It could be a fruitful day for champion trainer contender Fitzsimmons, as the three-year-old gelding Fire aims to secure an overdue win in the $75,000 Restricted Maiden race over 1200m.

Fire will make his seventh attempt this week after securing third place on three occasions.

His last appearance showcased a promising run, finishing fourth at this track over 1100m. Starting from the widest position in barrier No 12 on that occasion forced jockey Vlad Duric to rely on luck from the back.

From the 600m mark, Fire had to race wide and without cover while navigating the bend, leaving him with too much ground to make up in the concluding stages.

The rise to 1200m augurs well for Fire's chances this week. Additionally, competing in a moderate Restricted Maiden contest positions him as the standout contender to beat. - iRACE magazine

BEST BET

Race 9 No 3 Split Second

VALUE BET

Race 6 1 King Of Sixty-One

JACKPOT

R16

Leg 1: 1, 2

Leg 2: 3

Leg 3: 1, 2, 5,11

Leg 4: 1, 2

SINGAPORE RACE ANALYSIS – 18 Nov 23

RACE 1

1st Pick: WAR STAR (2)

Continues his impressive form with another strong minor placing last start. Lines up for our leading jockey and trainer so you can expect plenty of market support here.

2nd Pick: THE STAR (5)

Back in the winners stall last start under Duric where he carried the topweight of 59kgs. This is a bit stronger than the field he met last start, but a repeat of last start will see him there at the end.

3rd Pick: WAR FRONTIER (1)

Hasn’t collected a win for a while even though he has been met with good betting support in recent starts. Has recorded one win and three minors at this course and distance.

4th Pick: FLAK JACKET (10)

Finally draws a better barrier to help his chances to record another win here for the thirteen-year-old gelding. His runs have been promising and all he needs is some luck to figure.

RACE 2

1st Pick: FLYING SUCCESS (2)

Has since trialed since his last start second placing behind Condor in September. Caught the eye hitting the line from well back and will continue to improve here at his third start.

2nd Pick: FIRE (6)

Had to get back from the wide draw over 1100m last start and was very brave to beaten 3.5 lengths behind Written Towin who made all the running from gate to wire. Nice type who will be winning soon.

3rd Pick: WINDFALL (8)

Has competed in a few of these maidens over the last few months and continues to string together nice performances. Will need luck from the draw but gets no weight and brings strong form.

4th Pick: RUBIK KID (3)

Comes into this race third up after a convincing minor placing behind Written Towin who looks a capable type. Well bred galloper here who could play a big role.

RACE 3

1st Pick: NATURE CHIEF (2)

Draws well for TH Koh in barrier four to put himself in a great position early in the run. Our leading stable should have him ready to fire here. Expect good market support.

2nd Pick: GALAXY STAR (8)

Returned to form last start under Ronnie Stewart who takes the ride again here from a positive draw. Course and distance stats are strong, and this isn’t the strongest opposition.

3rd Pick: FORTUNE WHEEL (1)

Make his class five debut after sixteen starts in Singapore that have resulted in one win back in May of this year over 1600m. Duric on and down in class is a big watch.

4th Pick: BENBO (9)

Came from midfield to record his best performance since he won on debut back in February. He promised plenty early on but last run was a big improvement. Each way claims

RACE 4

1st Pick: KING ZOUSTAR (1)

Back in grade will hopefully mean back in business for this ten-time winner. Duric is one for one on him in the past and the last time he was in this class he was victorious.

2nd Pick: YANKEE STAR (3)

Brings some strong form from his previous starts to be a key runner here. Nunes takes the ride again and will have to produce some of his piloting genius to get up. Has ability.

3rd Pick: COLONEL SON (5)

After three starts since arriving from Australia he ran a strong minor placing behind Akhtar who has since won again. He looks a bit of value for each way players in this.

4th Pick: CIANGO (10)

One of our newest jockeys takes the ride Vitor Espindola on this USA bred entire for CT Kuah. Draws a low barrier to put himself in a good running early on. His best can see him finish top four.

RACE 5

1st Pick: LONGEVITY (5)

Steps up to the mile for the first time. The Duric and Le Grange combination has been in fine form in recent months, and this looks well within his reach at start number four.

2nd Pick: LIM'S EVEREST (4)

Two minor placings at his last two starts shows he will be ready to win one soon. Our Gold Cup trainer and jockey combo combine here and if the money comes for him, you can be confident of a strong showing.

3rd Pick: SHIHAB (2)

Had no option but to press forward from the wide draw over this track and distance lasts start. Has had his chances in the past and with Nunes on will be well supported in betting.

4th Pick: BINTANG SIXTY-ONE (7)

This will be his first start on the Polytrack surface after nine starts on the turf. He should position up just off the speed from his inside draw.

RACE 6

1st Pick: WINNING STRIDE (2)

Stuck it out well to the line behind Prioritize last start who he faces again this weekend. He should sit up there in the first four and look a big threat when they turn for home.

2nd Pick: KING OF SIXTY-ONE (1)

Loves to be up there on the speed and give the field something to catch. Stable have booked an in-form apprentice to take 3kgs off. Just needs to be rated well in front.

3rd Pick: TOP FIELD (6)

Needs to be good if he is going to bring that class five form here up in grade. He has been a real improver this season that has recorded four wins from twelve starts. Lightweight hope.

4th Pick: PRIORITIZE (5)

His form is much better on the Polytrack surface but his win two starts back against similar opposition was mighty impressive. If the track favors him nothing saying he can’t do it again.

RACE 7

1st Pick: OUR SECRET WEAPON (1)

Returns to class five after some strong class four performances since his most recent victory. Expect strong early speed from those drawn wide and he will be one of them.

2nd Pick: LONHRO GOLD (9)

Racing in strong form that saw him claim his last race with a great front rated steer from Bruno Queiroz who has been booked again. Will be a nervous watch the last 100m.

3rd Pick: SUPERMAX (4)

He will be one of those runners that will look to be in the first four early after jumping. His best career stats have come at this distance including both of his victories and two second placings.

4th Pick: SIRIUS (5)

Yet to win at the short trip of 1000m but has had a promising season including two wins at 1100m and an average beaten margin of 2.5 lengths from his last three starts. Looks value.

RACE 8

1st Pick: TALING PLING (11)

Just the one win in his eight-start career so far back in January. Showed plenty of promise early but failed to step up. Looked sharp winning a trial last week and looks fully tuned up.

2nd Pick: HURRICANE (2)

He should show plenty of early speed as he likes to do and has drawn perfectly in barrier two for the stable apprentice who takes four kilograms off. Can win if speed suits.

3rd Pick: LUCKY BABY (1)

Not the most ideal draw for a horse who has been racing in consistent form of late including back-to-back minor placings. Have no doubt he will be attacking the line late off the hot speed.

4th Pick: SOUTHERN SPEED (4)

Comes into this off the back of a last start win where he jumped and led throughout off a rating of 55. He will be met with some tough early speed and find this tougher.

RACE 9

1st Pick: SPLIT SECOND (3)

This is his second run back in class five since his last victory back in February this year. Loves the distance and will be hoping for rain on race morning.

2nd Pick: TONY'S LOVE (1)

Draws well in five to settle nicely as they cross the line on the first lap. Proven at the class and distance and with a top jockey booked he will right in this.

3rd Pick: NINEONEONE (6)

Will settle back and hope for some genuine early speed. Has had six starts at this course and distance for a win and one minor placing in the past. Each way player.

4th Pick: LIEBESTRAUM (8)

This Argentinian bred galloper is always looking for further, but he has to be contempt with 2000m where he has been placed on two occasions from four starts. Can improve.

RACE 10

1st Pick: GRAND SAGE (5)

Huge run last start to finish second in a very muddling run race where he finished second to Axel who he lines up against this Saturday. Talented type who can score again.

2nd Pick: SABAH STAR (1)

Boasts an impressive record at this course and distance that includes eight of his nine career victories. Second run back in class four and lost no admirers at his most recent start.

3rd Pick: AXEL (6)

Got all the favors when riding for luck up the inside fence under Nunes for another 1400m win. He thrives at this class and distance.

4th Pick: SUPER CONVINCE (11)

Lightweight chance who draws well in barrier four for our leading stable. Brings strong form from his most recent win and expect more wins to come from this gelding.

RACE 11

1st Pick: PACIFIC HERO (1)

Gets back to class four and draws favorably in barrier six for Queiroz and Ong who have a partnership strike rate of 34.21%. That’s a strong combination. Watch for market support.

2nd Pick: RED DOT (2)

Lines up for his third start here in Singapore and gets Duric on his back. Looked in nice condition winning a trial in 59.74 to have him tuned up for this test. Big player.

3rd Pick: SUMMER WIND (7)

Draws well for Kellady here coming off the back of a winning trial where he clocked 60.99. Yet to win on the Polytrack surface but has been beaten in a tight finish over 1000m. Value player.

4th Pick: WRITTEN TOWIN (8)

Impressive win at Maiden level last start where he rolled along in front at a very quick gallop. Held on for the tightest of wins and he has more to offer. Big test now