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Singapore racing best bets, race by race analysis looking at the full Singapore card Sunday 20 January with selections & information on all the contenders
RACE 1
ASTRA (1) - Showed improvement last start when finishing runner-up at his first try at Class 5. Well drawn to be hard on the speed again and is capable of fighting out the finish. Respect.
GRIDIRON (5) - Produced his best run to-date last start. Isn't ideally drawn but recent trackwork indicates a bold showing yet again. Capable of contesting the business end.
HIPPO VENTURA (7) - Has been knocking on the door in recent outings and finds another suitable assignment. Will likely race off the speed from the wide draw so will definitely appreciate a genuine tempo. In the mix.
PARKER (6) - Experienced campaigner who has been tending to mix his form in recent outings but finds a suitable task to make amends. Well drawn to perform. So don't ignore.
RACE 2
SUPER EMPEROR (2) – Travelled in a four-wide position on the speed last start on November 20 and still found the line well. Trial winner since and with any luck can be in the finish here. Top pick.
RUN THE DAY (1) – On debut here in Singapore and wasn’t knocked around in a recent trial. Finds Vlad Duric and warrants respect.
LOOKS GOOD (4) – Racing well and should be up on the speed again here. From the good draw shouldn’t do any unnecessary work and will be competitive in this grade. Chance.
EDDIE GRAY (5) – May want a bit more ground but should be running on well in the straight and could sneak into the top four at decent odds.
RACE 3
SPIRIT OF D’WIND (3) – Was a nice effort behind Mon Energy last time the horse raced on December 9. Can get very warm in the parade ring. So monitor this horse’s behaviour pre-race – has the ability. Top pick on form.
SMASH (8) – Looks suited here following a nice third behind Federation on New Year’s Day. Drawn to get a perfect run with Glen Boss taking the mount – definite danger.
SOTHISTHEONE (4) – Struggling to win but has placed in three of his eight starts. Looks set to be competitive here, can forgive last start when beaten by 7.8 lengths.
CATCH THE TIGER (2) – Is drawn a bit awkward in barrier 8 but has shown enough in his career to be included among the selections. Has had a trial since the horse last raced to keep his fitness up to the mark.
RACE 4
TUN O'REILLY (7) - Had no luck last start from the wide draw but is capable of making amends here from the good alley. Has been racing well without winning. So expect bold showing.
CAI POH WANG (8) - Showed improvement last start when beaten in a thrilling photo finish. Trackwork since has been pleasing and will appreciate the services of Michael Rodd. Major player.
SORBETA (6) - On-pace type who hasn't been far from the mark in recent outings. Will race handy again and is capable of giving a sight on best efforts. Must be considered.
HAPPY SAGA (4) - Got a long way from the pace last start in a race that wasn't run to suit. Capable of settling closer from the good draw and will appreciate a genuine tempo. Include.
RACE 5
SOLO SUN (4) – Got too far back last time but ran on strongly into second place behind an in-form Shahbaa. Smaller field here suits and with any luck in running can finish over the top of these. Top pick.
KIRKS RYKER (1) – Strong win this track and distance two starts back and was not disgraced last time in a strong Kranji C. From barrier 1 has options, can hold a spot forward of midfield. With a run at the right time will be in the finish.
PANACHE (5) – Likely leader that can give a bold sight up on the pace here. Honest effort on New Year’s Day behind Letitgo and should get a nice run in front here. Will prove hard to get past.
MIGHTY EMPEROR (3) – Is coming out of the same race as Panache last time and although this horse was safely held at the finish, he will be fitter for that run and can improve.
RACE 6
ALAMAK (7) - Caught the eye from the tail end of the field last start and looks well suited stepping up in trip to 1800m. Isn't ideally drawn but has the ability to overcome and contest the business end.
MAJESTIC EMPRESS (4) - Yet to break through but recent runs have been encouraging. Capable of making amends from last start with the good draw. So don't ignore. Major player.
O'WHAT A FEELING (1) - Rarely wins but is never far from the mark. Vlad Duric retains the ride which is a push in itself and gets conditions to suit. Expect bold showing.
WONDERFUL PAINT (3) - Has developed a handy record in a short career. Returns to the scene of the crime where he won his last start. So must be respected. In the mix.
RACE 7
MIGHTY CONQUEROR (1) - Should get a lovely run here from gate 4 sitting just behind the leaders. They will run along at a good speed in this 1000m affair and he will be strong late. Can finish well.
INVINCIBLE RYKER (3) – Was disappointing last start but proved himself a decent 1000m horse when winning here on December 7. On his best form can be in the finish. Worth another chance.
FULIFE KING (7) – Has his second run up here in Singapore after a pleasing second to The Big Easy 19 days ago. Can improve off that run and will definitely be hard to beat, likely favourite.
AWESOME (8) – Has been racing consistently and will be running on well at the end of the 1000m. If they overdo it upfront he could be pouncing late, worth including.
RACE 8
MY GOLD (4) – Will be fitter here second-up. Resumed with a decent effort when fourth behind Effortless but was only narrowly beaten for second and third. Finds Michael Rodd here from a good barrier and will be on the speed. Great winning chance.
THOMAS DE LAGO (2) – Honest horse that rarely runs a poor race. Will spring out of the gates and look for the lead. Will be in it for a long way. Can win.
AUTUMN CENTURY (3) – Has not raced since October 2017 so has been off the scene for a long break. Looked strong in his trials and if there is any support for this horse, be very wary. Has ability.
STOCK BROKER (1) – Is back to Class 4 here for the first time in a while and could run an improved race. Worth keeping safe if fancied.
RACE 9
CIRCUIT MISSION (8) - Talented type on debut in Singapore. Brings serious credentials to this affair and recent trial indicates a bold showing fresh. Will take beating.
FIRST CHOICE (6) - Hasn't been far from the mark in recent outings. Isn't ideally drawn but is capable of contesting the business end on best efforts. Major player.
NATIONALITY (3) - Didn't have a lot of luck last start. Returns to the turf surface and is well drawn to perform. Can fight out the finish on best credentials so consider again.
NIMBLE (2) - Consistent performer who is unbeaten from two starts in Singapore. Has the upside to continue to improve but looks to get no favours from the wide draw. Needs the right breaks.
