Luke Middlebrook
Singapore racing continues at Kranji Racecourse on Saturday, featuring an 11-race turf and dirt fixture.
Promising three-year-old Last Supper makes his eagerly awaited return to the races in the $50,000 Class 4 Handicap over 1200m on turf in the final race. Last Supper is coming off a three-month spell after creating a lasting impression with a smart debut win in a $75k Restricted Maiden at this track and distance in August.
The James Peters-trained gelding showed up in the expected form he had displayed in his trials prior to making his debut, demonstrating good gate speed to put himself into the race early and winning easily by 2.50 lengths on raw ability against an average field.
With seemingly plenty of upside, Peters was in no rush to push on with Last Supper but has brought him on nicely with three trials for his return. Peters, who reportedly will be staying on until the last day of racing in Singapore, will no doubt have the Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge high on Last Supper’s agenda next season.
The up-and-comer’s first foray into open company against seasoned, race-fit Class 4 competitors shapes up as good test for his prospects.
In the race prior, promising five-year-old Asif aims to extend his local winning record to three when he contests the $70,000 Class 3 Handicap over 1400m on turf. Formerly trained by Michael Clements and now under the care of Steven Burridge, Asif has done little wrong in his four-start Kranji career so far, picking up two wins and as many placings since making his local debut in mid-August.
In fact, the gelding has been a model of consistency throughout his career, racing 15 times in Australia prior to being sold to Singapore where he won twice and placed eight times in strong races on the Sydney circuit.
This week, Asif ventures into new territory by racing over 1400m for the first time locally. Despite this, he displays all signs of being able to handle the distance. Among his toughest competitors are stablemates Ghalib and Lim’s Craft, while trainer Dan Meagher's two runners also demand significant respect. - iRACE magazine
BEST BET
Race 11 No 5 Last Supper
VALUE BET
Race 6 No 5 Green Star
JACKPOT
R144
Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Leg 2: 1, 5, 7
Leg 3: 1, 2, 4, 9
Leg 4: 5
SINGAPORE RACE ANALYSIS – 25 Nov 23
RACE 1
1st Pick: LIM'S ZOOM (2)
Gets back to class 5 where he has a spectacular record. The last three times he has dropped back to this grade he has been victorious and the stable will have him primed again here.
2nd Pick: RICH FORTUNE (12)
Gains a start here although drawing wide for Kellady. His form has been solid this season including two wins and four minor placings at his most recent five starts. Don’t overlook him.
3rd Pick: BIG GREEN HAT (3)
Was tough to the line at his last outing behind Zygarde when beaten 1.5 lengths. Nunes booked to take the ride again and should get a good run from the inside barrier.
4th Pick: THE SHADOW (7)
He will likely settle back from the wide draw as he is accustomed to, but he will be hoping for strong early speed to attack the line late. Watch for any betting support.
RACE 2
1st Pick: LIM'S BIGHORN (11)
First starter by Better Than Ready for the strong Meagher stable. Looked sharp winning a trial by 3.8 lengths recently and has had three trials since October. Will be fit and ready.
2nd Pick: SMART GAMBIT (5)
Gets a nice draw in barrier 3 for Ronnie Stewart who is riding in good form. This horse was a bit green down the straight last run but stuck it out well behind Lonhro Gold last week.
3rd Pick: ANIKI (1)
Vlad Duric booked to ride as he drops back to Open Maiden grade after being beaten 4.6 lengths behind Win Win at class four level. There could be strong money for him late and one to follow.
4th Pick: STOP THE WATER (12)
On debut here for Steven Burridge fresh off a trial win back on the 2nd of November. Finished second in a trial at Hawkesbury before getting on a plane to Singapore. Looks a speedy type.
RACE 3
1st Pick: BIG DAY (11)
Gets in on a low weight for Harry Kasim and draws positively in barrier 3. He has two wins and nine minor placings at the distance. Could be a nice each way play against this field.
2nd Pick: MY BOSS (4)
He has been mighty impressive winning three of his last four starts including a minor placing in that other start. He is going up in the weights and has done plenty of racing in the last two months so keep him safe.
3rd Pick: SEAMLESSLY (5)
Wouldn’t be surprised to see him jump and dictate the pace from the wide barrier he has been dealt. If you go off his performance two starts ago, he can figure in the finish here with Duric booked.
4th Pick: FIREWORKS (1)
He is always dangerous at this distance, but his last run was well below par for him. If he can bounce back, then his best will see another win for this tough gelding. Has carried big weights in the past and won.
RACE 4
1st Pick: THUNDER (1)
From five starts at the track and distance he has two wins and two minor placings which shows he is right in this. Tough middle-distance galloper who has been a good money spinner for the stable.
2nd Pick: SUPER BOWL (4)
Not the most ideal draw in barrier 11 for Nunes so he has options to push forward or go back. Plenty to like about his run last start when making up good ground late.
3rd Pick: KSATRIA (7)
Comes out of the race taken out by In All His Glory earlier this month. Will carry no weight after the claim for Jamil and that will play a big part in his chances here.
4th Pick: ROCKY (2)
Had no luck at his most recent start where he copped a heavy bump and was forced to race wide throughout the event. That was his worst performance in his last six starts so give him another chance here.
RACE 5
1st Pick: WEDNESDAY (9)
He will carry the lightweight of 46kgs after the claim from Rozlan. His form has been okay since his win four starts ago and has since finished second in a fitness between runs trial. This gelding won’t feel anything on his back.
2nd Pick: MAZE (2)
Consistent in his last five outings including three second placings at this level. Duric will take the ride from barrier four and will be well supported in the market.
3rd Pick: HAPPY FRIDAY (4)
Interesting booking seeing Nunes take the ride on this four time winner. He is a tough horse to follow but Nunes will need to get him out of the barriers to figure.
4th Pick: DIAMOND RING (7)
Will look to press forward from a wide draw like he did last start being beaten just under half a length. From our leading stable and he looks to be an exotics player.
RACE 6
1st Pick: JIN SAKAMOTO (6)
His first few starts have been solid including three minor placings from his last few outings. After Seows claim he will carry 52.5kgs and looks like he will appreciate the step up to 1600m.
2nd Pick: GREEN STAR (5)
This now ten-year-old gelding is second up with Duric booked to take the steer. He was super first up hitting the line to be beaten 1.5 lengths behind Super Convince. Has won at this trip in the past.
3rd Pick: LIM'S BESTBREAKER (1)
There are a few negatives in his corner including a wide barrier and no winning stats at 1600m in his career. Form is solid at 1400m, and his best will see him around the mark.
4th Pick: ELITE JUBILATION (4)
This former UAE trained four-year-old comes here second up and rises sharply to the 1600m. His one career win was recorded at 1500m in Beverley in the UK.
RACE 7
1st Pick: SUN PALACE (5)
Gets back to class five where he recorded his last victory back in June. Stable apprentice takes the ride, and he has won on him in the past. All three of his wins have come at this trip.
2nd Pick: RED MANED (9)
He was tough finishing second behind Pacific Victory where he had to do plenty of work from a wide barrier. Duric will be looking to save as much energy as he can from barrier one.
3rd Pick: HARDCORE (2)
This four-time winner makes his class five debut after 36 career starts. He has shown glimpses of hope a win is near at class four and will appreciate racing at lower company.
4th Pick: CROWN DANCING (11)
He will be one of the speed influences in the event where he gets to carry 50kgs. He will look a threat at some stage down the straight but can be left a sitting duck.
RACE 8
1st Pick: FORTUNE STAR (6)
Gets a gun draw in barrier two for Vitor Espindola who will look to position up in the first few around the first bend. Yet to win at the distance but thrives on this surface.
2nd Pick: BLUE IDOL (1)
He will need plenty of luck from a wide barrier so Duric will have to be at his best to navigate a smooth path for the five-year-old. He was brave last start in similar conditions.
3rd Pick: KHAO MANEE (4)
He will have to get back from the wide draw and look to make a sweeping run. He has been difficult to tip on top but is more than capable of running into the money. Woodworth goes back on.
4th Pick: CENTURION (9)
He is racing in terrific form at his last three outings over distances ranging from 1000m to 1600m. He will be aided by a lightweight for a claiming apprentice.
RACE 9
1st Pick: SURREY HILLS (7)
This talented gelding has been knocking on the door to win a race this season including four solid minor placings. Wide draw is a concern and will need plenty of luck to score but he has the ability.
2nd Pick: ALWAYS TOGETHER (1)
Up and coming type Polytrack sprinter who is building a strong profile this season. Won’t have to do much work as he settles back and look for him to be storming home late again.
3rd Pick: NIMBUS STAR (5)
It was a nice performance to be beaten just under three lengths behind Bransom last start. This race isn’t as strong on paper, and he will be aided by a good position early in the run from barrier four.
4th Pick: AUGUSTANO (3)
First up this weekend since June where he was beaten two lengths behind Cosmic Dancer. Looked sharp finishing second to recent winner Taling Pling at his most recent trial.
RACE 10
1st Pick: LIM'S CRAFT (9)
Gets in well at the weights as he returns to class three off the back of a fourth placing at class four level. His course and distance stats are strong including (16:4-0-1) and a recent trial win. Big watch on him here.
2nd Pick: ASIF (1)
One of three Burridge runners who has started his career in terrific style. The distance is a question, but he looks an improving type. Keep him safe.
3rd Pick: REIGNITE (6)
Got back to winning ways last start over 1200m on the Polytrack surface. He has never won past six furlongs in his career but has proven form in class three in the past. One for each way players.
4th Pick: RAMBO (2)
Talented type who was good finishing fourth to the in-form Bestseller on Cup Day. It was a firm surface that day and he will appreciate the sting out of the ground with some recent rain.
RACE 11
1st Pick: LAST SUPPER (5)
Exciting three-year-old who has to take on the older and more experienced gallopers. First up from his maiden win back in August where he was ultra impressive. Looks a horse for the future.
2nd Pick: FROM THE NAVY (3)
Rises two and a half kilograms from his win on Cup Day where he was good to the line for Ronnie Stewart who retains the ride again this weekend. He can continue that winning form here.
3rd Pick: TRIBUTO (10)
Plenty to like about his run last start behind Axel where he was one of the quickest sectional recordings of that race. Will carry no weight and watch for him to be running on.
4th Pick: CHARMINTON (2)
Not the most ideal draw in barrier 12 after scratchings so he will need plenty of luck. He has strong course and distance stats that include two wins and three minor placings so that cannot be ignored.