General to take command at Kranji

Luke Middlebrook

Trainer Jason Lim has been thriving with his Australian imports in Singapore and of those, highly promising four-year-old General Command is primed to complete a hat-trick of wins when he returns to Kranji on Saturday in the $70,000 Class 3 Handicap over 1200m on turf.

There is a 12-race turf and dirt fixture to entertain bettors.

General Command had previously competed in quality races in Australia under the name Hunnam, where he scored once and was placed three times from 10 starts. The son of Shalaa has wasted no time franking the overseas form since starting his local racing career this year, winning both starts by a combined margin of three lengths, showing that he is much better than his Class 4 rivals and looking bound for something better.

General Command has since trialled impressively and despite rising to Class 3 for the first time this week, his untapped potential should be more than enough to make up the class gap, and he can keep his unblemished local record intact.

Elsewhere, Stephen Gray-trained Tributo can score an overdue win when he lines up in the $20,000 Open Maiden race over 1200m on turf.

Tributo has yet to miss the frame from six starts thus far, of which two were in Australia. The Capitalist four- year-old was unlucky not to win his last start when he travelled three-wide throughout without cover, but still let down well in the straight to run into second, going under by a head over this track and distance.

As the second highest rated horse, Tributo, is ideally placed under this week’s weight-for-age conditions. With four-time Singapore champion jockey Vlad Duric remaining in the saddle, he can prove hard to beat with even luck in running. - iRACE magazine

BEST BET

Race 11 No 1 General Command

VALUE BET

Race 10 No 6 Top Field

JACKPOT

R30

Leg 1: 1, 2, 8

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6

Leg 3: 1

Leg 4: 1, 3

SINGAPORE RACE ANALYSIS – 18 MARCH 23

RACE 1

1st Pick: THE WILD PRINCE (6)

 A horse who has been knocking on the door to win since returning to class 5. Hasn’t had much luck his last couple and shouldn’t be too far away from them here.

 2nd Pick: BENBO (1)

 Solid winner on debut who finds himself at the top of class 5 here instead of class 4. Good chance to capitalise and score again. Won well enough last start. Nunes on a bonus.

 3rd Pick: KSATRIA (3)

 Downgrades to class 5 where he has a solid record. Proven to carry weight at this grade and looks a genuine top three hope.

 4th Pick: ROCKY (4)

 Makes his class 5 debut in his tenth start in Singapore. Amongst this company, he cannot be left out of the multiple, keep him safe.

 RACE 2

1st Pick: SPEEDY BUCK (5)

 Has trialled only once but won in a slick time and looks like a nice horse for the future. Can win this.

 2nd Pick: GRAND SUPREME (2)

 Another Australian acquisition for Jason Lim out of the tried sales. He has been able to find multiple winners so far this year and these new horses stepping out always deserve respect. Proper each way claims.

 3rd Pick: DIAZ (1)

 Returning here for his second Singapore start following a little freshen up after his debut in late January. Never settled in that debut performance and hopefully we see an improvement this time around now he has experienced the race day atmosphere. Keep him safe.

 4th Pick: GROOVY (3)

Has the race experience on his side heading into this weekend with multiple starts already. Track work over the last fortnight has been solid enough to figure in an event of this calibre.

 RACE 3

1st Pick: VGOR (1)

 Rises to 1400m after finding one better at his last two starts. He has been beaten by lightweights on both occasions and will still carry a bit of weight after Krisnas claim.

 2nd Pick: TRIDENT (5)

 Nice form and course statistics for a race like this. Will be fitter after a couple of runs and the rise in distance is to his benefit. Don’t leave him out of your exotic bets.

 3rd Pick: SUMMER WIND (7)

 Loves to get out and get rolling early. No luck from the wide barrier last start and gets to a distance where he has one win and two minors from three appearances. One to watch.

 4th Pick: LIM'S DREAMWALKER (9)

 Lightweight chance who has been catching racegoers eyes in his last two starts. Can get himself stuck in traffic but with the long course in play he can be winding up late with no weight.

 RACE 4

1st Pick: BIZAR WINS (1)

Competes once again at his favourite distance of 1100m. Hoping to see him run well again despite the big weight.

2nd Pick: THE JUN (3)

First up for 2023 coming off a string of trials. Trials have been good enough to be a top three hope in this, one for the exotics.

3rd Pick: SIRIUS (2)

First up run wasn’t too bad. Made up good ground but peaked on his run at the 100m. Fitness should have improved heading into this start.

4th Pick: CASH OUT (7)

Last couple runs have been solid carrying no weight. Running better than his rating od 22 suggests, can figure in the money again.

 RACE 5

1st Pick: TRIBUTO (2)

Massive run last start where he was wide the trip due to a poor draw and only just got beat. Horse to beat here.

2nd Pick: OUR FINAL OFFER (4)

Made up good ground last start and will appreciate the rise in distance to 1200m, each way.

3rd Pick: STAR GLORY (9)

Led them up last start to only be beaten just over a length. Was off the rail the entire way so the run deserves respect. Looks one of the likely leaders in the race again.

4th Pick: GEMILANG (6)

Dislodged the rider on the way to the gates and still ran a solid race. Should have taken plenty from the first race day experience and be an improver here.

 RACE 6

 1st Pick: REAL EFECTO (1)

 Fought back hard to hit the line for a minor placing when well supported in betting at his most recent run. Races very well around this distance and will be there in the finish.

 2nd Pick: MESMERIZING (2)

 Freshened up for this after scoring well back in February over the mile. Has since trialed nicely in good time and freshness looks to be this gallopers preference.

 3rd Pick: STAR JACK (5)

 Could be the forgotten horse in this. Small field and his last win was two rating points lower than what he has now. Good course and distance stats in the past. Don’t dismiss.

 4th Pick: PRIORITIZE (8)

 Last time he contested this distance he was heavily backed and scored under Duric albeit in a lower class. Proved he can mix it in this grade with a strong third a few weeks ago.

 RACE 7

 1st Pick: CAPTAIN SINGAPORE (1)

 Has struggled to win despite flashing late all the time. Frustrating horse to follow but amongst division two company, he looks a lock once again for a top three finish at the worst.

 2nd Pick: SUPER TALENT (5)

 Was the best of the beaten brigade in behind a very dominant Big Day. Can figure again here.

 3rd Pick: RETALLICA (4)

 Has been super honest his last few starts for multiple minor place finishes. Could be among the top three once again with any lucky in running.

 4th Pick: WILD BEE (3)

 Last two starts have been fair since his breakthrough win but with a positive ride just in behind the speed, another win wouldn’t be out of the question. Don’t overlook.

 RACE 8

 1st Pick: BLUEJAY (8)

 Very impressive win on debut over this distance a few weeks ago. Gets in very well at the weights and will carry 51kgs. If he repeats that performance, he can make it two from two.

 2nd Pick: SHANGHAI STAR (2)

 Horror watch last start where he settled back and when he went to make the run the doors closed and never got a crack at them. Has ability this guy but plagued by bad luck in his races.

 3rd Pick: PACIFIC CHARM (1)

 Has done some racing this year and has been around the mark. Gets back to horses in his own range and his class 4 form is solid to be in the money here. Good stats

 4th Pick: HOLE IN ONE (4)

 Looks to be a nice horse that hasn’t fully put it together yet. The form from his previous Novice races are strong and with the right run he can improve this weekend. One to follow.

 RACE 9

 1st Pick: FLAK JACKET (2)

 Getting on now but the old boy is an exciting horse at this grade. As long as he jumps and finds himself close to the speed, he should be running very well here, respect.

 2nd Pick: OUR SECRET WEAPON (1)

 Winner of his last two starts and has run is good time for the grade. Recent winning form here sticks right out and should be in contention once again.

 3rd Pick: FAST AND FEARLESS (5)

 On the quick back up here after a solid run last weekend over 1000m where he was beaten less than a length. The jump to 1100m should improve his chances.

 4th Pick: STRONG ACE (8)

 Bumped on jumping and was wide the trip last start, complete forgive. Hoping for more luck in running this start.

 RACE 10

 1st Pick: FREE FALLIN' (2)

 Caught the eye at his most recent run over a shorter trip where he hasn’t usually performed in before. Gets up in distance and has nice previous form around these distances.

 2nd Pick: SKY EIGHT (1)

 All the way win and everyone was surprised to see him lead the way he did. However, the change of tactics worked and if we see a repeat performance he must be considered.

 3rd Pick: FORTUNE STAR (3)

 Given a smooth ride last start when he switched to the turf surface and had the blinkers applied. This is a similar race on paper and has career best stats at this course and distance.

 4th Pick: HELUSHKA (7)

 He has really dropped in the ratings for a horse who was once a course and distance specialist. Keep following him because he has a win up his sleeve left somewhere.

 RACE 11

 1st Pick: GENERAL COMMAND (1)

 Looking to make it three in row after scoring in nice fashion on the Polytrack. Switches to the turf this weekend but shouldn’t be an issue due to his overseas form.

 2nd Pick: SILENT IS GOLD (4)

 Honest run last start but couldn’t measure up to the winner Super Salute after having a trouble-free run. He will win more races as he goes on and looks a genuine top three player.

 3rd Pick: QUADCOPTER (6)

 Scored a swooping run on the Polytrack last start to get back in the winner’s stall. Has been a problematic horse in his career and now he has a taste of success again can continue that form.

 4th Pick: GREATHAM GIRL (10)

 First up since November after a good 2022 that saw her score a few times. Can perform well on both surfaces and has the fitness from two trials. Watch betting.

 RACE 12

 1st Pick: LAST SAMURAI (1)

 Starting to race more generously and not breaking the speed radar guns in his last couple of starts. Has the form on the board and with a steady tempo can be there in the end.

 2nd Pick: PER INCROWN (5)

 Scored a win on a lightweight of 51kgs in this grade. Rises up in the weights but when he races over this distance and on this surface, he must be in play. Watch any betting moves.

 3rd Pick: ROMANTIC (3)

 Slowly into stride last start and gave himself too much work early on. Rocketed home to go down by a length. If he steps with them, he can be there when the judge sees them crossing the line.

 4th Pick: THE SHADOW (8)

Very strong win last start when heavily supported in betting in this grade at his most recent start. Doesn’t really show up at his following start but his win was too strong not to take notice.