Silo weighted to score Kranji hat-trick

Luke Middlebrook

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

Talented three-year-old Silo is primed to complete a hat-trick of wins when he returns to Kranji in the $70,000 Class 3 Handicap over 1400m.

Silo is undoubtedly the best three-year-old this season and has been a consistent type since day one with an impressive record of three wins and four placings from seven starts. Two starts ago he scored a tenacious win at his Class 4 debut before going back-to-back last time out, drawing away to win by 2.50 lengths over 1200m.

Despite the rise in class and the step up in distance, Silo’s untapped potential stands him in good stead, and can prove hard to beat with only 54kg on his back.

Elsewhere, quality galloper Elite Jubilation is set to make amends after narrowly missing victory last week in the $50,000 Class 4 race over 1800m on turf at Kranji. A slight tactical error in the early stages arguably cost him the race. Despite a clean jump and the opportunity to dictate the pace on his terms, the rider chose to sit on the leader’s back. This decision allowed the eventual winner, Black Storm, to easily cross to the rails, proving to be the winning move.

Elite Jubilation is expected to dictate the pace in a field lacking natural speed, making him a challenging competitor to run down under Vlad Duric, who also boasts strong winning claims aboard Foxship in the $50,000 Class 4 race over 1200m.

The promising type had no luck first-up when beaten 6.50 lengths into eighth to Silo. Held up and unable to obtain clear running between the 500m and the 250m, he then had difficulty obtaining completely clear running to the winning post.

He has since trialled well and looks good enough to win this week's race second-up in a moderate-looking Class 4 contest. - iRACE magazine

BEST BET

Race 7 No 7 Foxship

VALUE BET

Race 1 No 9 Lim's Force

JACKPOT

R32

Leg 1: 6, 12

Leg 2: 1, 5

Leg 3: 4, 7

Leg 4: 1, 2, 3, 7

SINGAPORE RACE ANALYSIS – 27 Jan 24

RACE 1

1st Pick: SUPER POSH (5)

Thrives at this distance and gets back in grade and doesn’t really stay here long when he reaches it. Stable apprentice will take 4kgs off and gets a solid draw in barrier five.

2nd Pick: PACIFIC ANGEL (2)

This mare has raced 28 times with 4 wins, 6 seconds, 1 third, and 5 other placings, earning S$142,420.50. She gets back into class 5 and secures Duric for a strong look here.

3rd Pick: SIAM WARRIOR (3)

Mixed results but has managed consistent mid-field finishes, including a recent fourth place at 1000m in December 2023. Is yet to score over this distance in six attempts.

4th Pick: OPUNAKE (1)

With 52 starts, this gelding has secured 6 wins, 7 second places, 3 third places including a narrow third place at 1100m last December. Watch for any betting moves.

RACE 2

1st Pick: OCTOBER (4)

7 starts with 2 second places and 1 third place. He has shown steady progress, with a second place at 1400m in January. Gets Curatolo from a good draw.

2nd Pick: FIRE (2)

More experienced with 9 starts, no wins but a solid record of 1 second, 3 thirds, earning S$47,691.00 particularly strong in shorter sprints. Consistent gelding who will score soon.

3rd Pick: SPIETH HEROINE (9)

7 starts, with one second and one third place has shown some ability in her races. Gets into a nice race to try and crack that maiden.

4th Pick: OCEAN JUPITER (5)

Steady progress has been shown in recent runs with a second place at 1400m in January. Looks an improver.

RACE 3

1st Pick: LION SPIRIT (3)

Finished second in class 5 last start, sat midfield, and worked to the front early in the straight after being wide. Could find this easier from barrier three.

2nd Pick: MR BIG BROTHER (4)

Loves the distance and will push forward from barrier eight. Will have a four-kilogram claim with Faiz in the saddle. Will be strong to the finish.

3rd Pick: PACIFIC SOLDIER (11)

Showed some promise, had a couple of starts and is still learning what racing is all about.

4th Pick: SHEESH (8)

Finished third last stat and sat on speed, now goes up another 200m in distance and will need to go forward from the wide barrier.

RACE 4

1st Pick: PACIFIC SONIC (6)

Won well last start on this track and distance, was caught wide and came from last to win. Has had a couple of weeks to freshen will go back from barrier ten. Good chance.

2nd Pick: GRAND SUPREME (10)

Hasn’t draw the best barrier, will need to go forward and get across. Ran third last start with some excuses and should be fit, might prefer 1000m.

3rd Pick: FIGHTING HERO (2)

Speedy type, went straight to the front last time out and just got ran down with a good speed over 1000m.

4th Pick: I AM SACRED (3)

Needs to improve. Last start he showed some fight finishing just outside the placings and has been struggling to find form. Can roll forward and sit on speed.

RACE 5

1st Pick: STARBOY (7)

Will go off as a short priced favourite for one of our leading stables. He has had eight starts with two second place and one third place. Demonstrated improvement in recent races, indicating some good ability recently.

2nd Pick: CENTRAL LUZON (11)

Four starts with no placings yet for this well-bred filly by American Pharaoh. Gets a low inside draw for the in-form Bruno Queiroz. Looks a key runner in this.

3rd Pick: JULY (6)

Comes into this race with some good form lines and if he can find some improvement off that last start fourth placing, he looks one for the exotics.

4th Pick: OTAHUHU (1)

Should look to take up a better position early with a good draw in barrier two. Gets the advantage of a three-kilogram claim for Jamil.

RACE 6

1st Pick: LONHRO GOLD (5)

This nine-year-old gelding, has been in consistent form including back-to-back wins. He has had 64 starts in his career, achieving 7 wins, 7 second places, and 4 third places. Has hit a good patch of form.

2nd Pick: FAST AND FEARLESS (2)

7yo CH NZ G, 56 starts with a record of 6-6-13-4, earning S$190,030.05. Gets a good draw in barrier one with Duric booked to steer.

3rd Pick: SUPERMAX (7)

36 starts with 2 wins and 3 placings, earning S$116,395.20. Shows ability with some success, but recent performances have been inconsistent. Needs luck from a wide draw.

4th Pick: GRAND FIGHTER (3)

An extended break of 469 days after having bled at his most recent start will be something to think about. Did have form behind Qaraat who was a strong winner last weekend.

RACE 7

1st Pick: WAR PRIDE (2)

Has fallen short on a couple of occasions but gets Nunes and a good barrier draw. Can be a likely improver. Has some form on both the poly and turf surface.

2nd Pick: ANIKI (1)

A formidable competitor that’s recorded two solid wins to date. Should be right in this with a good barrier. Well accustomed to the long course and will be the main danger.

3rd Pick: ENGINE START (11)

Ran well last start securing a minor placing in class 4 company. Comes back to 1200m and a very awkward draw. Watch for betting movements.

4th Pick: PACIFIC VICTORY (9)

Hard to place here with a terrible barrier. Could be a threat if he pushes forward, goes well over this distance and class with a record of 5-1-2-0.

RACE 8

1st Pick: BENBO (6)

Got back into the winner’s stall for a well-deserved victory last start. Queiroz retains the ride, and he steps out onto the turf which is an unknown for him. Can go on with it here.

2nd Pick: GAMELY (12)

Stable have really turned his form around and gets the services of Nunes in the saddle. Low draw and should take up a forward position.

3rd Pick: NATURE CHIEF (2)

On the quick backup after watching Qaraat fly by him last weekend. Switches to the turf where he has placed at in the past. Should gather support in the market.

4th Pick: CHARISMATIC (4)

She has some good form lines to her name and a great record on this course without a win but two minor placings to her name. Looks a nice each way play in this.

RACE 9

1st Pick: EASY BREEZY (1)

Last start winner that draws well in five. Nunes sticks aboard and gets a similar race from last starts win. Enjoys the long course and can go back-to-back.

2nd Pick: ELITE JUBILATION (5)

Came second in a slowly ran race last start, sat midfield, chased home the in-form Black Storm. Should be suited over this trip and might need to push forward from barrier nine. Vlad Duric now gets the ride which is a plus.

3rd Pick: TENNET TENTENNET (11)

Two narrowly victories in class 5 most recently and won win merit. Might prefer the poly surface but should get a soft run from barrier two. Harry Kasim looking for three straight wins on the 3yo.

4th Pick: SPLIT SECOND (7)

Was slow from the barriers last start but made up plenty of ground and took the shortest way home flew home to finished second behind the impressive Lightning Strike. Gets a good draw her and could be right in this.

RACE 10

1st Pick: RED DOT (4)

He is a progressive horse, gets a good barrier draw and has two good wins most recently on the poly track, now gets onto the long course. Comes up in class and distance, needs to reach its peak. Won a recent trial.

2nd Pick: TRIDENT (5)

Should be suited to these conditions, won honestly last start, and chased home Pacific Victory on the poly track. Has good experience on the long course over this trip and gets an okay barrier draw. Should be able to rise to class 3.

3rd Pick: SILO (7)

A 3yo with plenty of ability and form on the long course. Goes up to 1400m for the second time and will have his last race in Singapore before moving to Hong Kong. Gets a perfect barrier and can measure up to class 3. Very honest and is ultra consistent.

4th Pick: MAKIN (8)

Gets a good gate and always shows speed form the stalls, can roll forward and be on pace. Nunes is aboard is looking for the win. The rise to 1400m could be a concern but has a handy record from just seven starts.

RACE 11

1st Pick: SURREY HILLS (1)

Is tenacious and doesn’t like horses passing him. Found the front easily last time out and dictated all the way. Gets a solid barrier draw and will take a power of beating. Loves the poly track and distance.

2nd Pick: ALWAYS TOGETHER (2)

Has been chasing home some good performances so far, was behind Colonel Son two starts back finishing third off a slow tempo. Most recently had every chance and couldn’t chase down Surrey Hills. Will be competitive.

3rd Pick: COLONEL SON (5)

Dictated a slowly ran race last start and just defeated Condor. Can land on speed from barrier seven but will need to hurry across. Steps up to 1100m and had a recent trial with an okay speed.

4th Pick: PACIFIC MV (3)

A good value chance in this. Gets Duric from barrier nine and will most likely tuck-in for some cover. Can hit his straps late in the piece but takes time to wide up.