Nunes looks generally in command at Kranji

Luke Middlebrook

Singapore racing continues on Sunday for a 12-race turf and dirt fixture at Kranji Racecourse.

Talented sprinter General Command look set for a return to the winner’s list when he lines up in the $85,000 Class 2 Handicap over 1100m on the Polytrack.

Talented five-year-old Silent Is Gold from the in-form Stephen Gray yard, should be giving him the most work to do as he resumes off a handy barrier trial performance.

In the lower graded races, keep an eye on No More Delay in the opener, the $30,000 Class 5 Handicap over 1000m on the Polytrack.

No More Delay had his first try in Class 5 at this track and distance 36 days ago, which was littered with excuses.

From barrier No 10, he was slow into stride and blundered shortly after the start after clipping heels, losing ground and settling well back in the field. He also raced wide and without cover, but still closed off the third fastest in the event to secure fifth position.

He would be more effective over 1200m but does have enough class to measure up in a race like this, and he should run a solid race with each-way value. –

BEST BET

Race 12 No 3 Asif

VALUE BET

Race 1 No 5 No More Delay

JACKPOT

R16

(Races 9 to 12)

Leg 1: 2, 5

Leg 2: 2, 4

Leg 3: 1, 3, 4, 5

Leg 4: 3

SINGAPORE RACE ANALYSIS – 13 AUG 2023

RACE 1 
1st Pick: FIRST BOWL (3)
Not seen in this grade since 2021 where he won over this same course and distance. Stable are very good at getting them to score when they reach this grade. Big player here.

2nd Pick: NO MORE DELAY (5)
He was huge after blowing the start and clipping heels. Rocketed home into fifth and if he breaks cleanly is more than capable of scoring here.

3rd Pick: THE BROTHERHOOD (6)
On the quick backup after a lack luster performance where he missed the jump behind Elliot Ness last Sunday. Willing to give another chance in this lineup.

4th Pick: LIM'S WISH (7)
First up since November last year where he finished third in similar conditions. Should have plenty of fitness with three trials under his belt for this assignment.


RACE 2
1st Pick: SMART ONE (1)
Drops back to Open Maiden after being beaten two lengths to Rambo at class four grade. That is a massive class drop and he will look a big danger on turning for the judge. Clyde Leck ttake the steer.

2nd Pick: GOLD GOVERNOR (2)
Was beaten as a very short priced favorite two starts ago before a much-improved run in Novice grade. Brings good form lines into this event. Duric a key booking from inside gate.

3rd Pick: RODA ROBOT (4)
Lines up for start number ten on the quick backup after going down three lengths to Golden Brown. Had to burn petrol early from the wide draw and looks like he has come through that run well.

4th Pick: SIRBRING COLT (5)
Was well supported in betting at a big price last start but failed to fire a shot. Must keep an eye on him after that betting move over his next few runs.


RACE 3
1st Pick: WAR WARRIOR (6)
Big return to form last start pinging to the front from the gates. His best runs have been when he can find the front and if he can do that here he holds strong claims.

2nd Pick: OUTFIT (8)
Strong performance to win last start carrying the 58.5kgs. Strong form lines coming out of that race with Sirius who finished runner up claiming his first win last weekend. Needs luck from wide gate.

3rd Pick: TANTHEMAN (1)
Hasn’t been able to record a win in nine starts at both Restricted and Maiden grade so far. Connections trying their hand at class five for the first time and watch for any betting support.

4th Pick: BEN WADE (10)
Goes very well for the stable apprentice R.Azhar who scored aboard this gelding last start after a few months on the sidelines. Doesn’t usually string two wins together but can finish in the money.


RACE 4
1st Pick: CHARMINTON (3)
Strong second behind Bestseller last start to go down 1.3 lengths. That form looks really good for this and with the two kg claim on top getting him to 53.5 again, he looks a big chance.

2nd Pick: TEARDROPS (1)
Inside gate for this mare once again who rarely runs a bad race. Hasn’t run out of the top three for quite a while so hard to overlook as a top three hope here again.

3rd Pick: MAKIN (6)
Makes Singapore debut this weekend, may need the run but Nunes on is confidence in itself, could surprise.

4th Pick: CHEVAL MAGNIFIQUE (7)
Gets in with 49kg after the apprentice claim here and has had genuine excuses the last couple of start being caught wide and copping checks. Would need to be good to win but any luck would see him running top four on his day.



RACE 5
1st Pick: SUN POWER (1)
Has trialled in between runs and caught the eye on that occasion. Draws the ace and gets Nunes this weekend, wouldn’t shock to see him be positive and control it. Respect.

2nd Pick: THUNDER (2)
Copped interference in his return run back to class 5, genuine excuses. Good chance to bounce back this weekend under Vlas Duric who was on board for his trial in between runs.

3rd Pick: KHAO MANEE (3)
Back to an ideal trip of a mile this weekend. Turf underfoot would have been more ideal for this son of Remind, but the distance should give plenty of each way confidence.

4th Pick: CENTURION (7)
Has faced easier opposition and better gate draws in recent starts but gets the ideal track and trip to run a good race here. Wide draw should see him go back to the end of the field and begin his looping run at the 600m mark, each way prospect.


RACE 6

1st Pick: KNIGHT LOVE (3)
Has one of the strongest course and distance stats in this field that reads (9:3-0-1). He has the ability, but if he can’t improve here it’s going to be tough in the future for him. Good draw and strong jockey on.

2nd Pick: DECRETO (8)
Not the worst performance behind Outfit where he hit the line for a minor placing after being caught wide throughout. It’s been some time since his last win but can atone here.

3rd Pick: WEDNESDAY (9)
Has moved from the Logan stable to the care of Daniel Meagher since his most recent run. Looked sharp in a trial last week but tread carefully for this one-time winner.

4th Pick: BIZAR WINS (5)
Has been rather disappointing since his last victory four runs ago. Does hold a good record over these sprint trips on this surface. One for the exotics.


RACE 7

1st Pick: LIM'S STRAIGHT (3)
Gets a decent gate advantage over a few of his major opposition in this race. Has been super impressive since his return and well managed by Daniel Meagher, winning chance.

2nd Pick: KNIPPENBERG (1)
Carries the top weight in this weekends event which is a slight concern. Despite the big weight and wide gate, his class should take him a very long way in this event with Duric booked to ride.

3rd Pick: GALAXY BAR (10)
Hasn’t raced since his open maiden victory on the 2nd of July but has trialled since. Gets a super light weight for this weekend’s assignment against proven company, each way hope.

4th Pick: TRIBUTO (7)
Worked well during the week and a solid performance by him wouldn’t shock. Louis Beuzelin knows this horse well and can hopefully get the best out of him.


RACE 8

1st Pick: DAVID'S SLING (10)
Worked well during the week and a solid performance by him wouldn’t shock. Louis Beuzelin knows this horse well and can hopefully get the best out of him.

2nd Pick: WINNING POWER (8)
Finds himself in a poor-quality race this weekend. He will be looking to improve off his last start where he was caught wide and if you go off his win two starts back he looks a key player.

3rd Pick: RICH FORTUNE (7)
Hasn’t been beaten far since his most recent victory four runs ago. Likes to get back and finish strongly and he should get good early speed in this event.

4th Pick: CONFLAGRANCE (6)
Had to settle a bit further back than anticipated from the wide draw but caught the eye hitting the line late. Market support is the best guide with him.

RACE 9

1st Pick: FIREWORKS (5)
Course and distance specialists how comes here as the one to beat. Didn’t have the best of luck in the straight last start but his best will see him take this out.

2nd Pick: DANCING TYCOON (2)
Yet to record a win since dropping to class five three starts ago. Hasn’t been beaten far in those runs and boxed on solidly last start in similar conditions.

3rd Pick: STAR VICTORY (4)
Was supported in the market last start finishing fourth beaten 1.6 lengths. Copped a bump on jumping but all in all was a good performance. Should settle up off the speed. Each way chance.

4th Pick: BLUEJAY (1)
Makes his debut in class five this week with some mixed performances since his Restricted Maiden win back in February of this year. Must be respected on the class drop.


RACE 10

1st Pick: GENERAL COMMAND (2)
Has his first start for the new stable having won four from seven already and never missing the top three. Nunes sticks and from a middle alley, he’s the one to beat.

2nd Pick: SILENT IS GOLD (4)
Racing well enough at the moment and returns from G3 company. Shafrizal’s claim will see him carry 52.5 and this should see him in the finish with the right run.

3rd Pick: LUCKY JINSHA (1)
Draws the ace alley here which will be ideal for him to find his favourite role in front. Faded away last start quite quickly, but the return to poly should see him feel more at home, top three contender.

4th Pick: ILLUSTRIOUS (3)
Trialled up in fast time with fellow competitor General Command who has beaten him on race day in the past. Going to need to jump well from the wide gate to find a forward position, hopefully won’t cop too much pressure as we know this is his downfall if any, keep safe.


RACE 11 
1st Pick: COSMIC DANCER (3)
Having first start for new stable after a very successful start to 2023. Draws the ideal gate in barrier 1 and has a 3kg claimer on board. Will be leading at the turn and could be hard to catch, respect.

2nd Pick: JANUARY (4)
Got crowded at the critical stage of the race last start and went down a narrow margin to Sabah Ace. Racing well enough to win this, already a group 3 winner at the distance.

3rd Pick: FIGHT ON (12)
Lightweight hope this weekend after winning a Novice over the same trip with no favours in the race whatsoever. He was wide, a long way back and looked no chance but made up enormous amounts of ground to win. Has ability, respect.

4th Pick: KING ZOUSTAR (9)
Such a consistent galloper but looks to be right at his mark in the bottom of class 3. Will find this difficult to win but looks a top four hope every day of the week.


RACE 12
1st Pick: ASIF (3)
Singapore debut for NSW galloper who was initially with Chris Waller. Two trials in the country have been solid, Nunes stays on for the race day start, respect.

2nd Pick: FADABOY (10)
Jamil sticks on this running claiming 4kg again which will see him have a featherweight once again. Last two starts have been super and the jump out to 1100m should only improve his chances to perform here.

3rd Pick: OPUNAKE (7)
Won immediately heading up to class 4 and confirmed that he is in great condition at the moment. Draws barrier 2 so expect him to roll forward from there and control from the front again, place hope.

4th Pick: ENTERTAINER (1)
Will appreciate the drop to 57kg here with the claiming rider on board. Back to class 4 should see him being super competitive this weekend, each way.