Luke Middlebrook
Singapore racing continues Saturday for a 12-race turf and dirt fixture at Kranji Racecourse, highlighted by the running of the Group 3 Merlion Trophy over 1200m on the Polytrack.
The feature race sees multiple Group 1 winner Lim’s Kosciuszko kick off his 2023 campaign.
Lim’s Kosciuszko, who boasts an impressive record of eight wins from nine starts over 1200m, is undoubtedly the best sprinter at Kranji.
The only occasion on which the Daniel Meagher-trained gelding missed the frame over 1200m was his last start when he competed overseas in the Grade 1 Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin in December last year.
Prior to that, the Kermadec gelding had just completed a hat-trick of wins at Kranji, including the most prestigious sprint event locally, the Grade 1 Lion City Cup.
Lim’s Kosciuszko has always trialled well on the Polytrack, so trying this surface for the first time shouldn’t be a concern at all, while he is ideally placed under this week’s weight-for-age racing conditions to land his third Graded victory.
Elsewhere, talented three-year-old January can make amends for his narrow last start defeat when he contests the $50,000 Class 4 race over 1400m.
January has yet to finish out of the Top 3 in five starts since debuting in September last year. Three starts ago, the son of Swiss Ace opened his winning account in a restricted maiden race before going on to land a double at Novice level.
The Donna Logan trainee was last seen finishing a close second over 1100m on the Polytrack at his seasonal debut 21 days ago.
This week January is suited by stepping up to 1400m where he is two from three, and stripping much fitter second-up, can prove hard to beat in a field without much depth. – iRACE Magazine
BEST BET
Race 5 No 3 January
VALUE BET
Race 7 No 4 Sabah Star
JACKPOT
R198
Leg 1: 1, 2 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Leg 2: 4, 6, 8
Leg 3: 1, 2
Leg 4: 1, 3
SINGAPORE RACE ANALYSIS – 4 FEB 23
RACE 1
1st Pick: GOLD CUT (2)
Has his moments where he can miss away, but a repeat of last start where he jumped on terms sees him winning this again. Hopefully everything goes right.
2nd Pick: HAPPY FRIDAY (3)
Gap run over 1400m on turf last start saw him out of his depth environment wise. Back to sprint trip on poly, he should be able to find himself in the money.
3rd Pick: BIZAR WINS (5)
A little short of his pet distance of 1100m, but he has placed on multiple occasions. Must respect here as a place prospect third up.
4th Pick: OUR SECRET WEAPON (8)
Comes out of strong race over the same track and distance which should hold up form wise. Wasn’t given any favours in that race either and could go close in this with some race fitness already in the legs.
RACE 2
1st Pick: STAR LEGEND (6)
Strong debut run last year in behind what could be a nice horse in Foxship. Two nice trials since then when he has trialled against his biggest rival here in River Dragon. The only thing that separates them is Star Legend’s race day experience and that could be his edge.
2nd Pick: RIVER DRAGON (5)
Trialled superb in behind Star Legend and won a trial in good fashion on January 10th. Of the debutants, he is the clear pic and looks a smart type, big watch.
3rd Pick: SACRED ORDER (7)
Solid run behind Petrograd hitting the line nicely in her first Singapore run. The former kiwi should take plenty from the experience and be amongst the top hope here again.
4th Pick: TRIBUTO (1)
Looks the next logical pick behind the three above. Has had his chances but one could say he has also had excuses. Keep him very safe.
RACE 3
1st Pick: SABAH ACE (3)
Stepped up and delivered in his first run at class 4. Strikes a division two company race once again and looks a main hope this weekend.
2nd Pick: PACIFIC CHARM (6)
Recent trial winner in between runs after running a close second late last year. One track to put in a big first up run here.
3rd Pick: WECANDO (10)
Strong minor placing last start that was eye catching to say the least. Although he will be dangerous when he gets back to class 5, he carries no weight here and cannot be left out of the exotics.
4th Pick: ENGINE START (12)
Ran into plenty of trouble last start and still went close to the winner. Inquiry was opened into ride, rider warned. With more luck here, he could go close.
RACE 4
1st Pick: PER INCROWN (2)
Led them up and was forced to roll along faster than was required. Was all out late and just got beat, can win here, and comes into this fitter.
2nd Pick: FOUNTAIN OF FAME (4)
Didn’t get on the track last start, wide without cover most of the way. With some more luck he goes close.
3rd Pick: ST ALWYN (5)
Was smashed in betting late only to go down a slim margin. He will be giving them a start but if they roll along in this which the speed map suggests they will, he can flash late.
4th Pick: BLUE IDOL (1)
Comes into this at the top of the grade. Last start was a pass, and the claiming rider once again should assist his chances, top four player.
RACE 5
1st Pick: JANUARY (3)
Looks a standout in the race for Logan and Nunes. Last start wasn’t on his best surface and returns to the turf after benefiting from that first up run. He looks the one to beat at this distance.
2nd Pick: SACRED JUDGEMENT (2)
Drawn out for Woodworth but finds his way into a nice race where he can replicate some of his best form. Should press forward from the gate and if the race is run to suit may look the winner close to the line.
3rd Pick: STREET CRY SUCCESS (1)
Has done plenty of racing in recent weeks and headlines this race with Simon Kok booked to ride. Was caught wide last weekend and still finished off nicely. Each way claims.
4th Pick: BIG GREEN HAT (4)
Form is strong in recent months resulting in a win and a minor placing. His best performances have come on the Polytrack surface but seems to be racing well enough to give a mention.
RACE 6
1st Pick: SAYONARA (6)
Track and distance winner who seems to improve when over more ground. Gets a nice 7.5kg weight swing on his stablemate here and should go close in this.
2nd Pick: ZOFFSPEED (2)
Last start winner looking to continue his form. Getting to the top of the class but the winning form stands out in a field like this.
3rd Pick: ANYWAY (8)
Runner up first up catching the eye. Hasn’t won over more than 1700m but should take natural improvement with a run under his belt.
4th Pick: KSATRIA (1)
Winner at only attempt track and distance. Held up last start, will appreciate the rise in distance second up with 55kg after the claim.
RACE 7
1st Pick: HERO (1)
Drops sharply in grade from last year where he competed in group level in his own age group. Has been on the side lines for some time but looks the class horse and Nunes on is a bigger push.
2nd Pick: HARDCORE (3)
Duric jumps on this galloper who hasn’t won for quite a while but has had some decent runs this preparation to show a win isn’t far away. Will need some luck from the wide draw and has the right jockey onboard for that.
3rd Pick: AXEL (5)
Gets back to the turf where he has a strong C/D record of (8:3-0-2). Does find it hard to win but his best can see him in the finish. One for the quartet.
4th Pick: SALAMENCE (6)
Strung together two wins in a lesser grade before an honest fourth placing in this grade last start. Not the worst one in this race and shouldn’t be ignored.
RACE 8
1st Pick: ATLANTEAN (2)
Needed the first up run it seems. Racing off a very attractive mark, a win isn’t far away.
2nd Pick: LIM'S SHOT (3)
Getting on now but showed plenty of tenacity last start. Amongst division two company, he can always be a chance to figure in the finish.
3rd Pick: BEN WADE (1)
Claiming rider back on board should assist this weekend. Prefer him over 1100m but with a decent run in transit he should be looming late. Can be wayward late in his races so hopefully that doesn’t bring him undone here again.
4th Pick: WEDNESDAY (4)
Field he faced last start wasn’t strong by any means. Although this is tougher company, his first run for the years was classy enough to entertain as an addition for the multiples.
RACE 9
1st Pick: SATURNO SPRING (2)
Failed to land the win last start in a thrilling finish behind impressive winner Pacific Bao Bei to go under by a neck. He steps up to 1800m on the turf and looks to want every piece of it. Big watch.
2nd Pick: REAL EFECTO (1)
The last time we saw him in this grade was back in September of 2021 where he scored over this distance. Since then, has won and placed at a higher mark and Duric on should see plenty of market support.
3rd Pick: GOLD REWARD (4)
Should strip fitter for this distance where he has two wins and some nice minor placings at the course and distance. At his peak he can be right in the mix.
4th Pick: PRODIGAL (6)
Get back and sprint style galloper who needs an even run tempo to do his best work late. Rises to this trip for the first time and if he settles early could be the one to watch late. Each way.
RACE 10
1st Pick: ENTERTAINER (1)
Drops back in class where he last scored over 1000m by a nose in September of last year. Holds one of the best course and distance records here with seven wins from thirteen starts. The claim for Jamil a big plus.
2nd Pick: LORD JUSTICE (4)
Draws nicely in barrier two for Kasim who steers for the first time. He has rocketed his way up the grades and keeps raising the bar. Has trialled nicely in good time for this assault.
3rd Pick: GOLD TEN SIXTY-ONE (6)
In-form rider CC Wong jumps aboard this consistent gelding who races well on this surface. Finished second to boom galloper Street Of Dreams and was catching the eye late.
4th Pick: CASH COVE (8)
Did hold a nomination for our Group Three feature but has elected to tackle an easier race. Nunes sticks in the saddle on one of our leading three-year-olds. This is tougher than recent runs.
RACE 11
1st Pick: LIM'S KOSCIUSZKO (1)
No contest that he is Singapore’s premier galloper who competed on the world stage in Hong Kong last start. Wasn’t the fairy tale finish but the multiple group one winner has trialled in strong order for his first test on this surface.
2nd Pick: KING ARTHUR (2)
Continues to run well in our premier sprint races over the last six months. He gets to a surface where he has a very strong record and could give the favourite a few scary moments.
3rd Pick: ROCKET STAR (3)
Draws the ace for Lerner who will drift back and find his feet early. If the speed is hot and the leaders are stopping, he could be the one finishing over the lot of them. Each way claims.
4th Pick: SURPASS NATURAL (4)
Duric jumps on this lightly raced galloper who has shown plenty of ability in his short career and will just need some luck from a wide draw. Continues to improve this gelding.
RACE 12
1st Pick: VGOR (1)
Finished hot on the heels of boom galloper Street Of Dreams in class 3 last start. Gets back I class where he last scored in July of last year. Big drop here and looks primed to score.
2nd Pick: KING ZOUSTAR (3)
Ultra-consistent galloper who races well around this mark. From barrier two Nunes should have him in the perfect spot. Five wins over the course and distance is a big plus.
3rd Pick: BUURAQ SIXTY-ONE (5)
Failed to fire last start when a disappointing tenth over this distance last start. He is better than that and will appreciate the inside draw for CC Wong.
4th Pick: REVOLUTION (2)
Get back and finish strong style sprinter who loves the synthetic surface. If they go quick early it will play to his favour but will need to be at his best in this affair.