Friday, 4 January 2019: Singapore racing best bets, race by race analysis looking at the full Singapore card on Sunday the 6th of January with selections and information on all the main contenders.

Augustano

RACE 1

HALLELUJAH (10) - Steamed home last time out. Can be an unpredictable mare but if she repeats her last-start performance, she can have a crack at this, especially in this weak field.

TAVITO (8) - Switched back to hold-up racing pattern last time out and ran on pleasingly. There is race for him soon.

HERO KING (3) - Showed pace two runs back. Could not show the same toe from a wide alley last time out but has drawn in this time. Threat if he steals the lead early. Keep safe.

SPOKESMAN (7) - Unsighted thus far, but was not completely outclassed at his last couple. Senior jockey jumps back on. Marble one. Can surprise.


RACE 2

DARK NECESSITIES (1) - Impressive at his two barrier trials, especially the last one on November 27 when he gapped his rivals. Donna Logan may well continue on her rich vein of form. Watch tote for stable confidence.

JK FORMIDABLE (8) - Was being hailed the winner but Looks Good wore him down late. Has done nothing wrong in two outings and commands plenty of respect, especially from barrier No 2.

MAI DARKO (3) - Still a maiden but has been knocking on the door of late. Has enough space to dictate terms in this. Can go all the way if he gets a soft lead.

EVIL ROADSTER (4) - Produced best run to-date at his last start. Won't be at long odds anymore.


RACE 3

EFFORTLESS (1) - Hard to knock on recent efforts. Has been racing well and finds conditions to suit again from a handy draw. Expect bold showing on best credentials.

THE GOLDEN GOAT (5) - Returns to the racetrack after a freshen-up when narrowly beaten last time out. Well drawn to be hard on the speed and can certainly give a sight. Major player.

ELENA OF AVALOR (11) - Has been knocking on the door in recent outings and finds a suitable race from the inside draw. Capable of fighting out the finish on best efforts. So don't dismiss.

MY GOLD (3) - Returns from a long layoff but has trialled well leading into this affair. Will need the right breaks from the wide draw but is capable of figuring. Monitor parade/market.


RACE 4

METTLESOME (3) - Consistent without winning in recent times but at a mark of 51 from the inside draw, he is capable of performing. Will race handy to the pace and can prove hard to get past.

POET'S RYKER (2) - Has performed well over the track/distance in two most recent outings. Will appreciate the claim of stable apprentice Ismail Amirul and can fight out the finish with a repeat dose.

RED RIDING WOOD (4) - Has performed below expectations in recent times but commands respect on best efforts. Vlad Duric onboard from a good alley will see a bold showing from this customer.

BOUNCEBACK ABILITY (6) - On-pace winner last start but climbed up in ratings points from that victory. Well drawn to be hard on the speed but can repeat the dose. In the mix.


RACE 5

YABADABADOO (4) - Has been hitting around the mark of late. Looks in fine fettle on the training tracks. Can bounce back to winner's circle.

IRONSIDE (6) - Steps up in grade after a win and a second in two runs. Improving sort who can measure up here. Drawn awkwardly, though.

BOY WONDER (1) - Scored when eased back down in class last start. Goes well for Vlad Duric. Gives weight all around but is a gutsy sort who won't go down without a fight.

WIJAYA (7) - Flew home for third first-up from a long eight-month break. Faces tough opposition, but will strip fitter for this and looks the goods for a placing.


RACE 6

KUBERA'S CHIEF (4) - Has struggled to perform in recent outings but recent work on the training tracks indicates he is ready for a bold showing. The booking of Michael Rodd is a big tick of approval.

GANGNAM CLASSIC (8) - Has been knocking on the door in recent outings. Isn't ideally drawn but is capable of contesting the business end with the right breaks. Respect.

MIGHTY PHOENIX (1) - Hasn't been far from the mark and gets in relatively well at the weights with the three-kilo claim of Zyrul Nor Azman. Worth thought on best credentials.

CASSIS OOLONG (5) - Experienced campaigner who has been racing well in recent times. Needs luck from the alley but is worth considering. In the mix.


RACE 7

NATIONALITY (2) - Narrowly beaten last time out and has since trialled well for this affair. Well drawn to get an economical run and is capable of fighting out the finish. Commands respect.

PENNYWISE (1) - Consistent performer who has developed a serious record on the Polytrack surface. Drawn to work hard but with even luck, he is capable of fighting out the finish. Major player.

INVINCIBLE RYKER (3) - Fought hard to break through in Singapore last start. Looks well suited stepping up in trip. So expect a bold showing with a repeat dose. Serious contender.

TIME LORD (6) - Was well beaten on debut in Singapore but appears a big improver stepping up in trip second-up from a long break. Must significantly lift to be a winning factor but don't ignore.


RACE 8

AUGUSTANO (3) - Hung on gamely to score last time out. Faces similar opposition. Can double the dose.

AUTUMN RUSH (1) - Finds life easier in this company. Will take some beating if he reproduces his last-start run when he ran on for second to Darc Bounty.

SIR ISAAC (9) - Lost no marks at his last outing when he made ground late for fifth to Rafaello, only four lengths astern. Chances enhanced if the speed is on.

GOLDEN SWORD (6) - Will be powering home as usual but the question is whether he will arrive on time over 1100m. Just like stablemate Sir Isaac, will relish a genuine tempo.


RACE 9

SUN ARES (6) - Probably came to the end of his prep last year. Break seems to have done him a power of good. Sparkling winning barrier trial on December 24. In the firing line.

BEST WISHES (1) - Switch to leading tactics nearly paid off last time out. May elect for the same pattern from the low draw. Won't be easy to reel in if he gets away cheaply.

TAICHI BELT (4) - Nearly came through when stepped up in class last time. Can hold his own in this company. Include in calculations.

THOMAS DE LAGO (2) - Went all the way after overcoming wide alley two runs back. Has drawn off the track again. This is harder but he can still finish in the money.