Singapore Sunday Preview: Manoel for Mani

Gary Crispe previews Sunday's action at Kranji.

Crack Brazilian rider Manoel Nunes has an excellent book of rides at Kranji on Sunday, but none better than the lightly raced Mr Mani in the open bench mark 74 handicap on the poly over 1200m...

Another galloper from the big Michael Freedman team, Mr Mani resumes from a spell but has been "tuned" up for Sunday's assignment with a recent barrier trial. Mr Mani has raced only seven times missing the frame just once but has three victories and as many placings to his credit. All but one of those runs have been on the poly, importantly all three wins have been on that surface so that will hold no fears for the gelding.

Last campaign Mr Mani debuted with a handy third before stringing together two wins and just going down to Feisty Leo at his fourth race start in Class 3 company, a good form reference for today's race. Two starts back Mr Mani consolidated himself as a strong class 3 horse by easily winning in that grade from Video Call over 1200m on the poly. Timeform rated 74 off that form, Mr Mani looks ideally placed for a successful return to racing. He has drawn well in six which gives Nunes options to track the speed or take a sit as there appears to be plenty of rivals who might prefer to take it up.

Normally a mount for Moreira who had ridden Mr Mani in his last win, Nunes takes over tonight and he and Freedman are building a formidable strike rate together which currently sits at a healthy 19%. Mr Mani will face plenty of opposition in a race deep for chances.

Moreira's mount Boundless Glory looks the main danger. Timeform rated 77 he has been in great form of late, two back under Moreira winning narrowly in class 4 grade over 1200m on the poly before just failing to catch Warspirit in class 3 company last time out, but this time on turf. Leading South African rider Greg Cheyne was aboard Boundless Glory last start so it is quite a pointer that Moreira jumps back aboard.

Incidentally Moreira is going for a trifecta of wins on the gelding from as many rides, but it may not be as straight forward as first thought. It will require some expert navigation from Moreira to overcome the extreme outside barrier 13 and he may well have to go back to find cover. All the same if he does get the breaks Boundless Glory will take plenty of holding out.

The rapidly improving Travertine from the David Hill stable cannot be overlooked. The gelding has returned to racing in great heart winning both starts both in class 4 company on the poly. Fresh up over 1200m after a slow start he led throughout to beat Danny Ricardo then last start dropping back in distance to 1100m sat off the pace before launching 350m from home proving too strong for Angry Cat. 

Admittedly Travertine rises in grade today but I am sure he can improve again on his 73 Timeform rating, especially as he comes in quite well at the weights. Barend Vorster who steered him home last start retains the mount and he will give the gelding a lovely ride from barrier five.

Foxtrot Hotel was slightly disappointing last start but has too good a record to dismiss entirely. Last preparation he had just two runs before going for another spell, indicating something was not right with him. Those two runs resulted in an impressive win fresh up by almost four lengths in class 3 company on turf then a second behind Valevole in benchmark 97 grade earning him a Timeform rating of 86. 

This campaign he has raced just once when well beaten on turf behind Huka Falls, a disappointment considering his trial form coming into that race. Because in the last of those trials Foxtrot Hotel had comprehensively beaten superstar sprinter Rocket Man. Trainer Cliff Brown has booked Steven King today and while he will improve second up today, he will need to return close to his best ratings to get into the finish.

If there is a surprise it could come from the handy mare Californian Girl prepared by Bruce Marsh. Her form book will show a win over the much improved Savannah Dancer four starts back followed by a second to another smart galloper in Devil's Cut. However on paper her last two performances look quite dismal, but closer examination of both runs will reveal she was unlucky in both.

The mare brings a Timeform rating of 74 into the race and if repeated would almost certainly see her fighting out the finish. Apprentice Zuriman has the ride today and he will reduce her weight further. Definitely one that could upset. 

Seize The Day is a model of consistency and is always a threat in this type of race. After three fourth placings in succession, Seize The Day finally broke through for a well deserved win over 1100m in Kranji Stakes C company. That was 42 days ago so there must be a slight fitness query plus he is yet to win at 1200m, further cause for concern.

Enjoy another battle between the Brazilian riders.

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