Friday Singapore Race Previews - November 23
  Story By Mike Lee     

Thursday, 22 November 2018: Singapore racing best bets, race by race analysis looking at the full Singapore card on Friday the 23rd of November with selections and information on all the main contenders.

Filibuster
Filibuster


RACE 1

LOVE ME TENDER (2) - Tried Class 5 last start for the first time and was only narrowly beaten. Isn't ideally drawn but will appreciate the journey on the Polytrack surface and gets the services of leading rider Vlad Duric. Major player.

DRAGON (4) - Hard to knock on recent efforts. Has recorded two wins in his previous four starts which has forced him to creep up in the ratings. Finds conditions to suit yet again and is aided by the inside draw. Consider.

MONGOLIAN CHIEF (8) - Has been racing well without winning in recent outings. Poorly drawn but is somewhat offset by the four-kilo claim from Hanafi Noorman. Worth including in the mix.

GALAXY EXPRESS (7) - Hard to ignore on his last-start effort. Steps up marginally in journey which will be no issue and gets the services of Marc Lerner. Worth thought on best efforts.


RACE 2

GEB WARRIOR (2) - Has been knocking on the door in recent outings. Peaked on his run last start so will be suited stepping back in trip. Vlad Duric takes the reins so expect bold showing.

ASHHAB (3) - Finished runner-up to Thomas De Lago last start who has since won again. Remains over the same track/distance so must be considered yet again. Major player.

GOOD LUCK CHARM (4) - Returned fairly after a three-month spell. Will strip fitter for this assignment and appears well suited from the good draw with Simon Kok Wei Hoong claiming three kilos. Consider.

ORIENT EXPRESS (1) - On debut in Singapore. Has only had the benefit of the one trial leading into this but brings respectable credentials from New Zealand. Watch parade/market.


RACE 3

OLIVER (10) - This six-year-old is long overdue another success. His only win here in Singapore came in April of last year off a mark of 51 and has since been well supported on more than one occasion and has come up short. Well handicapped on best form with placings this year off both 52 and 53 and his mark of 47 currently looks a nice one.

SUN PITTSBURGH (1) - From the wide draw it's expected she will get back and run home. This return to the Polytrack is not a bad one and this isn't the strongest of races. She can get competitive.
IMPEDIMENT (8) - Still a maiden from 14 lifetime starts. This son of Pivotal was not as bad as his SP would have suggested last time when finishing fifth and it would be no surprise to see him figure in a weak contest.

YULONG SHENG LONG (2) - All three wins in Australia were gain over this trip and the addition of blinker-pacifiers first time as well as Michael Rodd looks interesting.


RACE 4

RICH FORTUNE (5) - More often than not will catch the eye running on well at the finish of his races and did so again when last seen (23.30). This race looks to suit him nicely and may well get the strong tempo he'd like.

JUMPIN JACK (6) - Class 5 winner when breaking the maiden tag and could well have a little more upside than the main body of this field. Open to some improvement.

SPECIAL RAIN (8) - This 5yo is beginning to look very 'well in' on the pick of his form. He is on his last winning mark and even without winning this year, he has gone close off a 10-point higher mark on three occasions and is one to consider strongly especially if the market speaks in his favour.

SCARLET STAR (7) - Nice second-up run last time and gets Michael Rodd to do the riding this time and a good barrier is another positive.


RACE 5

FILIBUSTER (2) - This extremely talented mare has a nice strong level of form in this grade and a recent trial second behind the superstar Lim's Cruiser would have set her up well for this. She is a mare who looks capable of more improvement as she gets older.

NATIONALITY (5) - A good winner at only his second run here in Singapore over the course and distance (Class3). Last time, however, was a massive blot on his copy book when missing the start then running keenly through the race. He would need to settle better here but it is plausible he can be forgiven and given another chance.

WHISTLING WIN (10) - A nice third in this grade last time. Leticia Dragon has had eight horses finish in the first three in her last 25 runners and for all this four-year-old might not quite be up to winning a race of this nature, it is very possible a big run can be expected.

SOLDADO (7) - On the quick back-up after his solid all-the-way win last Friday. This is a lot tougher but astute trainer Shane Baertschiger would not have run him if he didn't think he would have a chance. In the mix for a long way.


RACE 6

STAR GENIUS (6) - Looks at a winnable mark rated 58 and getting in on 55.5kgs here. Finds Michael Rodd and there should be enough speed on upfront to see her running on well. Top pick in what looks an open race.

EFFORTLESS (3) - Honest type coming off a solid third placing behind Nimble on October 26 in a Class 4 Premier over 1000m. Looks one of the better chances here, definitely include.

ZMAN (7) - Steps out here for his debut in Singapore. Liked the trial leading in where he was held together and looked to be travelling well under Olivier Placais. That man will ride on raceday, worth keeping in mind.

BATTLE OF TROY (1) - Was scratched on raceday when found to be lame October 26. If he is fit enough off the setback this horse is well graded on his best. Keep safe and could be promoted if there's any market support.


RACE 7

NOVA VOCAL (4) - Was back to his best bolting in a Class 3 1000m race on November 4. He was disappointing prior when slow away but looks back on track now. Talented horse, and from the inside barrier, he will be very hard to beat.

JOMO (6) - Building a nice record winning his first two starts. Went slow in front and controlled the race last time, proved too good. He's a horse on the up and this is a good test for him. Barrier looks a problem, drawn 14, but will go forward.

MIGHTY CONQUEROR (3) - Racing well and was not far away last time behind Flak Jacket in a Class 3 over 1000m. Another horse needing luck from a bad gate but is going well enough to be competitive.

SUN DREAM (2) - Is first-up here from a soft gate. Only had one trial but if forward enough fitness-wise here, this horse is more than capable of having an impact. Monitor any betting moves.


RACE 8

ABSOLVIDO (3) - Really caught the eye last start finishing off strongly down the outside when off a freshen-up. He looks a horse that can measure up in this grade, top pick in a what looks a race with a few chances.

COUNTRY QUACK (1) - Is suited here from the inside barrier and should be able to hold a spot, may even lead. Gets Vlad Duric on board and looks a definite threat. Worth including.

BULL N RUM (6) - Overcame trouble to win back on October 5 in a 1400m Open maiden. Was heavily backed there and proved too good on the lightweight. This is tougher but worth keeping this horse safe.

DYNAMIC GENERAL (4) - Had too much to do last time after getting back in the field and making a long sustained run wide on the track. Tricky gate here but can improve.