Makin looks hard to oppose at Kranji

Luke Middlebrook

Singapore racing continues on Saturday featuring an 11-race turf and dirt fixture.

In-form four-year-old Makin is primed to return to the winners’ list when he lines up in the $70,000 Class 3 Handicap over 1400m.

Makin has maintained steady performance, securing three consecutive minor placings in his recent races. Three starts ago he narrowly lost to Ace Of Diamonds who he is set to face again this week.

Makin 's recent two starts, when checking in runner-up, look to be the standout formline to bring to this week’s race, after narrowly losing to the standout three-year-old Silo, who is now set to continue his career in Hong Kong.

Makin has since turned in an impressive trial in which he effortlessly won by 12.50 lengths, recording a slick time of 59.68 seconds. From a favourable draw this week, he can prove hard to beat under champion jockey Manoel Nunes.

It would be daft to overlook any Jason Ong-trained runners on the card, as the leading trainer continues his red-hot form into the current season, and one runner who piques plenty of interest is Angel Baby in the $20,000 Class 5 1000m dash.

Angel Baby’s last-start performance was better than it might seem at first glance. Despite being drawn out in barrier No 11, he raced wide and without cover throughout but still managed to stick on well in the straight, finishing only 1.75 lengths behind.

In his most recent trial, although it was just a quiet hit out, he seemed to find the line well enough. With the change to a new stable, he could be one to watch for potential improvement. - iRACE magazine

BEST BET

Race 10 No 11 Makin

VALUE BET

Race 8 No 11 Angel Baby

JACKPOT

R96

Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Leg 2: 4, 6, 10

Leg 3: 11, 12

Leg 4: 5

SINGAPORE RACE ANALYSIS – 24 Feb 24

RACE 1

1st Pick: BENBO (2)

This gelding has had a bit of a resurgence from his last two wins. Bruno Queiroz has really got the best out of him and will look hard to beat here. Does carry extra weight so makes it tougher but gets a sweet draw.

2nd Pick: CIANGO (1)

Makes his class five debut the former USA trained galloper. Has slowly been working his way down the ratings and will appreciate the sharp drop in grade.

3rd Pick: SUN RECTITUDE (3)

Ran accordingly when back in class last start beaten three lengths to Starboy over this same distance. Should get a nice run and look a danger down the straight. Needs luck from the wide draw.

4th Pick: RETALLICA (11)

Will look to push forward from the wide draw and try to get a position early. Should he get some luck in the early stages his career best form can see him figure in the mix.

RACE 2

1st Pick: JUNE (2)

Never got a clear crack at them after being held up from the 500m to the 300m. He did attack the line late, but it was obvious it cost him being beaten only a neck to the winner. Has since trialed well and will look for clear ground.

2nd Pick: SUPREME LINER (1)

Led the field up over this trip and was amongst a close finish but had to settle for fourth. If he finds an easy lead for Jaden Lloyd, then a repeat performance can see him in the mix.

3rd Pick: SILVER STAR (5)

Hit the line well to finish third over 1200m where Fire was far too strong to draw away from the field. Watch for any betting support as he steps up in distance and draws the ace.

4th Pick: OCEAN JUPITER (3)

He is a get back and run on style galloper who has been met with betting support in his last few outings. Will need a strong pace early to figure here.

RACE 3

1st Pick: TIGAROUS (2)

Has won over a slightly longer trip of 1800m in the past which happened to be his last win back in 2022. Since then, he has shown glimpses of a near win including two recent minor placings.

2nd Pick: SHEESH (6)

Some solid runs at his most recent outings but hasn’t had much luck drawing wide barriers and being forced to race wide and doing too much work early. He isn’t far off winning again and finds an easier race here.

3rd Pick: CENTURION (5)

Has done plenty of racing in the last few weeks and is progressing well including a nice third two weeks ago. Was seen hitting the line nicely in a trial on Tuesday morning.

4th Pick: FORTUNE STAR (3)

Struggling to find the third win of his career lately but must be thrown into the mix especially in a lowly rated race such as this. Can bounce back with a best performance.

RACE 4

1st Pick: WAR PRIDE (1)

The 7yo gets a such better barrier draw this time and champion trainer replaces Nunes with Duric which is no disadvantage. Will have to carry top weight but will be very prominent and shows plenty of speed. Proven in class 4.

2nd Pick: STARBOY (6)

Broke his maiden after a couple of attempts and recently measured up again in class 5. Was going to be the horse to beat in class 5 but now he makes his class 4 debut. Obtains a great barrier and gets the leading jockey Queiroz onboard. Good chance again.

3rd Pick: LIM'S SARAMATI (8)

Won his maiden well last start racing wide and with excuses. Gets a good draw on this occasion and can continue to improve from only his four starts.

4th Pick: GREATHAM BOY (3)

Disappointing at face-value last time out on the poly track. Comes back onto the short course and should push forward from the wide alley.

RACE 5

1st Pick: PACIFIC DREAM (4)

Blew the start last outing and was a real eye catcher to be beaten just over a length to Starboy who had the advantage of leading. His run was massive and should have won If he jumped on terms. Will be out for redemption this weekend.

2nd Pick: BLACKBUCK (1)

Showed a slick pair of heels with the blinkers on last start but just found one better on the day. He was well supported in betting and expect support again here with a four-kilogram claim.

3rd Pick: GOLDEN EIGHTYONE (6)

Made good ground late to be beaten just under a length behind outsider Forest Gold. His last two placings are good form races, and that maiden win isn’t far off.

4th Pick: JULY (5)

Was a late scratching before his last outing but was supported and considered a chance in that event. Looks a progressive type who has been performing well at maiden level.

RACE 6

1st Pick: NINEONEONE (3)

Missed the kick last start and was dragged back, powered home late. Gets the in-form Queiroz from a gun barrier. Hard to beat.

2nd Pick: THE SHADOW (4)

Gets a good barrier on this occasion and has been consistent in class 5, must try and get cover before the turn out of the straight. Goes close. Should be fighting out the finish.

3rd Pick: TAVI WILL DO (6)

Ran okay two starts back on the poly track, has good ability against of a few of these. Continues to stick on and can be a little one-paced. Will need to drag back from the outside barrier.

4th Pick: RAGING RABBIT (10)

Big run last time out, began awkwardly and wanted to lay inwards under pressure, highlight performance and might be able to measure up again.

RACE 7

1st Pick: PACIFIC BAO BEI (1)

Gets a good barrier on this occasion and had a much-improved run last start behind King’s Gambit. He appreciated the rise to 1600m and now goes to 2000m. Can be a speed influence but shouldn’t have any excuses from the gate.

2nd Pick: WINNING STRIDE (3)

A model of consistency for connections. Has been behind some staying horses like Easy Breezy and Roda Robot. Shouldn’t get too far back from the barrier and needs to be respected over the 2000m.

3rd Pick: FEBRUARY (4)

Ran a nice 3rd last start in the same race as Winning Stride, put in a big performance from near last and has a powerful acceleration. Has the ability to kick up from the inside gate and finds a suitable race.

4th Pick: STAR EXPRESS (9)

He is going well in class 5, steps up on this occasion and will relish the longer trip. Finished off strongly a couple starts ago over 1800m and has a great record under these conditions. Must contend with an awkward gate. Had a couple of trials.

RACE 8

1st Pick: OUR SECRET WEAPON (3)

Scored a much-deserved win last start with a good ride from Ryan Curatolo and thrives at this distance. Ran a slick time well under the standard time for this grade. Yusoff will take two kilograms off and gets plenty of favors.

2nd Pick: SUPERMAX (7)

The blinkers seemed to do the trick last start where he found the front and won with good authority. Consistent galloper around this mark and will do no work from the wide draw.

3rd Pick: SUPER POSH (6)

He had a horror run last start where everything that could go wrong did go wrong. If you go off his career best stats, then he must be respected. Loves this distance.

4th Pick: BIG TIGER (1)

Drops to class five for the first time in his forty-two-start career that has five wins amongst them. Thrives on the poly track but has never won over this distance from three attempts.

RACE 9

1st Pick: NIMBUS STAR (3)

Raced keenly last time out behind Per Incrown, loomed up as a chance and got run down late. Should benefit from the two-week break and has always gone close from his five starts.

2nd Pick: WINS ONE (4)

Last start winner in class 4, lead all the way with a soft tempo. Gets Queiroz again from a perfect gate, should find this race easier and has a lot of tenacity. Goes well.

3rd Pick: V'INVINCIBLE (5)

Won well last start thanks to a terrific ride from Jerlyn Seow. Should push forward from barrier three and there will be plenty of speed in this race. Back onto the turf.

4th Pick: SACRED SKY (9)

Good run last start behind Wins One, sat behind the speed and stuck on well for a minor placing. Good value play and gets apprentice claims.

RACE 10

1st Pick: ANIKI (5)

He is an exciting prospect who is plotting a path towards the 4yo series, won his last three starts going through the grades and must push across from barrier nine. Will be on speed and steps up in class once again. Will go close.

2nd Pick: FLYING NEMO (2)

Won with merit last start in this class, sustained a very wide run throughout and keep building towards the finish line. He gets Curatolo onboard and will need to get cover from the outside gate. His run last start was huge and will be a main danger in this.

3rd Pick: RAISING SIXTY-ONE (1)

Put in a great performance finishing second behind Bestseller in the G3 Colonial Chief Stakes in early December. He will be returning off the back of two handy trials. Watch betting.

4th Pick: MAKIN (11)

He has been very consistent of late. Most recently finished second behind Singapore’s best 3yo Silo, didn’t have many favors and wanted to lay in when in the straight. He’s been in the placings for half his career and will get a great run from barrier two.

RACE 11

1st Pick: SURREY HILLS (4)

Keeps fronting up on race day, always on speed and is proven in class 4. Loves the poly track and will need to push across from the wide barrier. Seow sticks abroad and should be fit enough.

2nd Pick: FIGHTING HERO (7)

Gets the leading jockey Queiroz in the saddle and will pushing forward from the wide gate. Has an okay record on the poly track over this trip.

3rd Pick: STRONG N SMART (6)

Worked home rapidly last start and loomed up at the right time but just got defeated by Atlante Legend. Finds a similar race and will need to go back from the draw.

4th Pick: ATLANTE LEGEND (8)

Solid win last start took a wide run and continued to work home. Found a easy race but has to back-up this time. Hard to recommend.