Pacific Star looking for double at Kranji

Luke Middlebrook

Michael Clements-trained three-year-old Pacific Star will pique plenty of interest as he vies for back-to- back wins to remain unbeaten in Singapore when he steps out in the final race of the Kranji card, the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m, on Sunday.

Pacific Star finished runner-up at his sole start in Australia early this year, and it turned out to be a strong form race with the winner Ruthless Dame scoring a double at Flemington subsequently, so it was no surprise to see him being heavily supported at his local debut three weeks ago.

Simply proving too good for his rivals, the Boulder City gelding sprinted sharply in the straight to score by 3.75 lengths over this track and distance, recording a slick winning time of 1:10.64 seconds.

Based on the strength of his debut win, Pacific Star should have no problem handling the rise in class this week and with 53.5kg on his back, he looks on track to continue winning ways.

It could be a big day out for the Clements stable as he plays a strong hand across the card, with new acquisition Petrograd looking a stand-out in the $75,000 Restricted Maiden race over 1200m.

By thriving sire Russian Revolution, Petrograd has caught the eye with three consecutive trial wins (two in New Zealand) to date. The three-year-old gelding won his sole local trial in style when drawing away in the straight to cross the line first by 3.25 lengths despite lumping 71kg.

Petrograd looks a serious contender with champion jockey Vlad Duric on board this week while stablemate Ejaz, who let down well to finish a solid third in a slowly run race on debut, looks to have improved by leaps and bounds judging by his recent trial win and can run a big race second-up.

BEST BET

Race 12 No 6 Pacific Star

VALUE BET

Race 10 No 7 The Brotherhood

JACKPOT

R48

Leg 1: 1, 3

Leg 2: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Leg 3: 3, 6

Leg 4: 6

SINGAPORE RACE ANALYSIS – 28 Aug 22
RACE 1
1st Pick: TOM CAT (3)
He was the eye-catching runner last start where he came from behind off a very slow tempo to record the fastest final sectional of that race. Gets his chance in this.
2nd Pick: ABSOLVIDO (1)
Makes his class five debut this weekend. The six-time winner hasn’t won since June in 2021 and this will be the easiest race he has contested. Watch for support.
3rd Pick: GALAXY STAR (2)
Three second placings from his last four starts in this grade. Last start dictated up front but couldn’t hang on. Strong course and distance stats put him up there for consideration.
4th Pick: EASTIGER (8)
Won last start by a big margin under Duric in a moderate class 5 field. This is rather tough compared to that, but winning form is good form. Keep him safe.
RACE 2
1st Pick: LUXURY BRAND (4)
Two close seconds from his last two appearances. He went down as a very short priced favorite last time so punters will tread carefully. He has experience on his side and that will be valuable in this race.
2nd Pick: EJAZ (2)
Finished third beaten two and a half lengths behind Fadaboy at his debut run. Has since won a trial in good time and will naturally improve off that run.
3rd Pick: PETROGRAD (5)
Three-Year-Old son of Russian Revolution having his first star. Easy winner of his trial by three lengths last week and one of many newcomers for the strong Clements stable.
4th Pick: TYPHOON (9)
Lines up for his first start after a mishap at the gates last start causing a scratching. Has since trialed well and could have some support in the betting market for our leading trainer.
RACE 3
1st Pick: BIG DAY (10)
Came from well back off a lightweight behind Global Spirit to go down by one length. Clocked the fastest last 400m of the race in 23.09. Could go one better here.
2nd Pick: GLOBAL SPIRIT (8)
Was a nice winner last start after placing the start before that. Looks to be nice form coming out of his races and gets his chance to feature again off a low rating.
3rd Pick: SEE YAH (5)
Had to settle for a minor placing behind Auspicious Day at the end of last month. Should settle up there on the speed and his best form can see him be in the finish.
4th Pick: EXCEED NATURAL (1)
Keeping his form honest at his last two starts with two placings. Must carry more weight this time around but this is easier than his previous contests. Watch market.
RACE 4
1st Pick: ISTATABA (3)
Form franked from last start with winner taking out class 3 the following start. Racing in good form and finds a nice race to win here.
2nd Pick: BINGO MASTER (6)
Another racing consistently well and should be figuring in the finish once again. Not far away from a win and gets aided by a light weight this weekend.
3rd Pick: REAL SUCCESS (2)
Copped nasty check early in the race last start but still managed to close off well. Top three hope.
4th Pick: GREEN STAR (1)
Had no luck at the top of the straight last start to obtain clear running and it was all too late when he finally did. Off recent form alone, he must be included amongst the chances, especially with the weight relief.
RACE 5
1st Pick: ROCKY (3)
The blinkers really sharpened him up last start. He finished a brave second behind the impressive Pacific Star. Good form lines and should start favourite here.
2nd Pick: LUCKY CHARM (7)
This four-year-old gelding lines up for his first start by boom Japanese sire Maurice. A lot to like about his winning trial under Duric last week.
3rd Pick: FORTUNE WHEEL (1)
Took out a trial on the Polytrack in a nice time of 1:00.99 under B.Pinheiro. Exceed And Excel has a good record for runners to winner here at Kranji and look for any market support.
4th Pick: HURRICANE (6)
One of many first starters in this race and has shown ability in his two trials to date. Always respect a new runner from our leading stable. Could be the surprise runner.
RACE 6
1st Pick: TONY'S LOVE (1)
Strong second last start coming from a minute back at the turn. Has been the runner up in his two recent runs since returning to class 5. It’s clear that a return to class 4 is not far away.
2nd Pick: DIAMOND MINE (7)
Has 2000m form at the grade unlike many of these in the race. Had excuses last start with the saddle slipping in the run.
3rd Pick: FATE TO WIN (3)
Beaten a nose last start. Two starts ago was a winner at the grade and distance, a must include.
4th Pick: KHAO MANEE (2)
Last start winner who won well making good ground late in the race to swarm over the top. Lacks 2000m form so whether or not he will get the trip is the big query.
RACE 7
1st Pick: ATLANTEAN (2)
Racing in great form in recent months. Doesn’t have to contend with Eastiger so should be one of the leading fancies. Will settle midfield and finish strongly.
2nd Pick: KNIGHT LOVE (1)
Jumped and led last start over 1400m to finish third. This distance should suit him better with a win and a minor placing from five starts over this track and distance.
3rd Pick: MY BOSS (10)
Comes out of the Global Spirit race where there are some strong form lines. With a comfortable run-in transit, he could fill the exotics and add some value.
4th Pick: TURF BEAUTY (12)
She may be the lowest rated galloper in the field but her recent runs are encouraging enough to say she could sneak into a top four spot.
RACE 8
1st Pick: NO MORE DELAY (7)
He has been a frustrating horse to follow in recent months. Last start looked his race to win but cost himself the race by racing to keen early. Extra 200m should assist in giving him a chance to settle, respect.
2nd Pick: FLASHFAST (3)
Back to class 4 after contesting the 3YO Classic last start. This looks a much more suitable target.
3rd Pick: LUCKY IMPERATOR (4)
Consistently running a place so must be considered. Despite having not won in a while, rarely runs a bad race so therefore he must be included in exotic bets.
4th Pick: HAPPY MOMENT (1)
Drops back to class 4 which is much more suitable for him. No form over 1400 is the concern but at this grade he shouldn’t be too far away.
RACE 9
1st Pick: SALAMENCE (3)
Makes class 5 debut this weekend. Racing under a new banner, now in the care of Richard Lim. Will give them a start early, but he should be closing off late.
2nd Pick: WECANDO (4)
Has been racing well enough in class 4 to make an impression here. Requires a solid tempo in the race much like Salamence and both should get that this weekend.
3rd Pick: FOUNTAIN OF FAME (6)
Beaten a half length last start and has been putting in consistent efforts in this grade. This looks one of his tougher contests in recent times, but of the horses who were in this grade last start, he looks the pick of the lot.
4th Pick: AUSPICIOUS DAY (9)
Gets in with a light weight yet again and is racing in consistent form. Could sneak in for a place with any luck, apprentice on board riding well.
RACE 10
1st Pick: HAPPY FRIDAY (3)
Huge run last start when drifting back in the field and flew home to record a slick timing. Should have finished closer and will improve sharply.
2nd Pick: QAIDOOM (2)
Consistently placing in her lightly raced career. She finished second to Coming Fast over this distance last start. Should show plenty of toe and look a danger turning for home.
3rd Pick: LIM'S WISH (1)
Won well under Marc Lerner over this trip last month. Both career wins have come on the Polytrack and looks a similar field to last start. Can hold his form with the rise in weight.
4th Pick: THE BROTHERHOOD (7)
Form has dropped off in recent months but can surprise from time to time. When he scores he is usually well supported in betting so watch the market.
RACE 11
1st Pick: PROSPEROUS RETURN (3)
Winner of his last two starts with a break in between. Second up here, he should take natural improvement from that first run and looks well weighted once again to figure in the finish.
2nd Pick: MR MALEK (1)
Carries the top weight here but is afforded the weight because he is the class horse in the field. Been racing well enough to put in a good run amongst this company, a must include.
3rd Pick: TIGER ROAR (6)
Last couple runs have been a bit of a let down but one could argue he hasn’t had any luck in those recent starts. On the shorter side distance wise of what he wants but still has the class on his side and must always be respected.
4th Pick: NEPEAN (5)
Requires a bit of sting out of the track to do his best work but 1400m is his best distance and on paper, he looks one of the likely leaders.
RACE 12
1st Pick: PACIFIC STAR (6)
Debut run was flawless. Meets proven company here this weekend but looks up to the task.
2nd Pick: KASSAB (1)
Recent trial suggests a forward showing this weekend coming off a freshen up. Amongst the main hopes.
3rd Pick: SACRED JUDGEMENT (2)
Last two runs have been right up to the mark and unfortunately, he has run into one better on the day both times. Place hope again.
4th Pick: CHARGER (4)
Racing well of late and was a solid winner last start despite the saddle shifting in the run. Could figure again with any luck.