The Group 1 Singapore Guineas day looks an absolute beauty and while the $500,000 feature is the obvious highlight, the good racing starts early and doesn’t stop until the lucky last.

And there is another Group race on the day - the Group 3 Saas Fee Stakes over 1400m - and while the race was always going to be a good one, the return of WAR AFFAIR makes it one not to be missed.

The former Singapore Horse-of-the-Year had his colours lowered by the current Champ - Debt Collector - in the Kranji Mile and the Raffles Cup late last year but can bounce back and show he has plenty to offer in 2017.

But the Guineas is one of the races of the year and all eye’s will be on the undefeated COUNTOFMONTECRISTO to see if he can clean-sweep the 3YO series.

The punters will probably say he can but JUPITER GOLD will also get plenty of tote attention and can turn the tables.

The Australian-bred rig never looked likely when placing in the Classic but Munro will make sure he gets every chance to make amends over what look his pet trip.

In saying that, the Guineas is certainly no two-horse race and whoever wins on the day, the race will be a beauty and one well and truly worth the admission price.

Best Bets: (JUPITER GOLD race 9, win), (MR FATKID race 10, win) and (SPLINTER race 11, value).

Bankers for Jackpots: Race 8 (1, 2, 3 and 6), race 9 (1), race 10 (1) and race 11 (1, 2, 3, 5, 9, 10 and 11).

Race cards and Larry Foley's synopsis follows and for updates on all runners go to www.kranjiracing.com

Please note the odds listed are "reference odds" only.


Race 1

Selections; 6 LIM'S SHOT - 1 DEMOLITION - 5 SNIP - 8 AMAZON GOLD

Plenty of winning hopes in the Opener on Guineas day and it may be LIM'S SHOT who can get his act together and wins this. The 4YO was disappointing last start in Class 4 Company but his form prior suggested he was ready to win again and happy to think he can show up from gate 5 with regular hoop D Beasley to ride. DEMOLITION (late Eclair Flash) showed first up after a spell he is back in good order and he will work into this late with support likely with G Boss up. Last start maiden winner SNIP is also one to follow and while he didn't beat much on that occasion, he improves for the run and can win again. AMAZON GOLD, EL CAMINO and the veteran WHITE COFFEE just three others that should figure in the winning mix on best form.

1 DEMOLITION *** Ran on well when resuming and this looks easier so can win with support likely. 6.00
2 AWATERE ** Nothing last start but usually thereabouts with this Company more suitable. 25
3 JUBILATION ** Wide gate a concern but excuses last start and recent win was in this Company. 12
4 WHITE COFFEE *** Veteran who can mix his form but showed last start he still has plenty to offer. 12
5 SNIP *** Broke maiden status in a weak field when resuming and can improve on that effort and be more than competitive here. 5.00
6 LIM'S SHOT *** Disappointing last start but did look due and can show up with tongue-tie off. 6.00
7 SILENT ARROW ** Back to a more suitable trip after poor run over 1700m and should be in the mix. 12
8 AMAZON GOLD *** In form and looks a solid each-way hope in this field. 6.00
9 EL CAMINO *** Can mix his form but excuses last start and can show his best from gate 1. 12
10 NOVA SPIRIT ** Prefer over longer but has ran on to place at his last two and have to respect. 12
11 VERBAL LINK * Easier to ignore. 50
12 POP GEMS * Not a mile away last start but still needs to show more before considering. 50
13 SING ROULETTE ** Competitive but love to see in Class 5. 20
14 HOT GOLD ** Racing well on the Poly but could appreciate switch back to turf so keep safe in exotics. 20


Race 2

Selections; 2 O'REILLY STAR - 6 HANGMAN - 1 WINTERFELL - 8 MILITARY MIGHT

Not a lot of depth to this Restricted Maiden but a few look ready to win including O'REILLY STAR who had traffic issues last start. The 3YO can and should race handy from gate 4 and with more luck expected in this small field, he can win. HANGMAN might be the one he has to run down to win. The Kiwi-bred gelding led them up on debut and battled on manfully and should be right in this with natural improvement expected. WINTERFELL returned not striding last start so pay to ignore that run as he was due prior while MILITARY MIGHT (who also returned not striding last start) will very much appreciate being back on the turf which looks his preferred surface.

1 WINTERFELL *** Returned not striding last start and may pay to ignore as was due prior. 4.00
2 O'REILLY STAR *** Excuses last start with traffic issues in straight and goes close with better run. 2.40
3 ENERGIZER ** Form reads badly but appreciates first up run and gets blinkers so can improve. 20
4 THE ONE * Prefer the other one. 100
5 BOURBON HARMONY ** Just battled on debut but should improve on trial form and tongue-tie added. 8.00
6 HANGMAN *** Led and battled on well at race debut and should be in this a very long way. 5.00
7 HOUSEBOAT HARRY ** Appreciates debut and extra 200m in his favour but may want longer again. 12
8 MILITARY MIGHT *** Returned not striding last start on the Poly and much better suited here on what he showed two back. 8.00
9 HERO IN THE WIND * No. 50
10 GASPARO DA SALO * No. 50


Race 3

Selections; 5 LIM'S ARCHER - 3 REALLY CAPABLE - 1 MARK ECLIPSE - 6 LINCOLN'S EXCUSE

It's safe to say that LIM'S ARCHER’s form is better than it reads and is due to win a race like this. The 4YO has had excuses and hasn't been far away at his last three starts but more importantly gets blinkers and his recent trial with headgear suggests he is good enough to win. The field has depth and REALLY CAPABLE has the most consistent good form under his belt and gets his chance again with Dan Beasley from gate 4. MARK ECLIPSE improves on a solid first up run and has trialled well subsequently so he can win what is a suitable affair while SARAB showed more than enough when just missing at his Singapore debut to win. LINCOLN’S EXCUSE had plenty of excuses last start to ignore and he goes close on form prior to that run while MR CROWE can show his best from gate 2.

1 MARK ECLIPSE *** Resumed with very solid run and subsequent trial good enough to win this. 12
2 PUSAKA ** Disappointing last start over 1800m but drops in grade and should work into this late at odds. 20
3 REALLY CAPABLE *** In very good form in similar affairs and will be prominent throughout from gate 4. 4.00
4 SARAAB *** Former Argentinean who just missed over 1200m on the Poly at local debut and can win stepping up to 1400m. 6.00
5 LIM'S ARCHER *** Is due and recent trial with blinkers good enough to win this with headgear added. 4.00
6 LINCOLN'S EXCUSE *** Plenty of excuses last start so ignore and a big show on form over this trip. 20
7 MR CROWE *** Just fair last start with support but goes mighty close on good form prior. 12
8 ZEUS WARRIOR ** This is tougher Company than last start win but hard to fault form and could sneak out to value. 12
9 PIONEER STEP ** Former Japanese galloper whose recent trial (albeit green) was good and market watch in order. 12
10 ZIGG ZAG * Winkers off but no. 100
11 DEADLINE DAY ** Gets tongue-tie after solid run last start without threatening over 1200m and pay to keep safe. 12
12 GANNET * Easier to ignore in this field. 100
13 LITTLE BIG MAN ** Wide draw a concern but always looks an each-way hope in races like this. 20
14 MINGS MAN ** Another each-way type drawn wide and can play a part with luck in running. 20


Race 4

Selections; 2 ATHENA - 6 JACKS SECRET - 1 ECLAIR SHADOW - 7 GROUND CONTROL

As usual on a big meeting like Guineas day, the fields are red hot and even this maiden is no exception. And while not well weighted for her age, ATHENA looks a horse that has a bright future in Singapore and happy to stay with her today. The 3YO filly has had two solid runs this campaign and should get every chance from gate 2 with M Rodd to steer. JACKS SECRET has been a frustrating horse to follow but he has to win a race like this sooner than later. The ride was queried last start and V Duric gets his chance to get the 4YO over the line for an overdue win. Plenty of others ready to win including ECLAIR SHADOW with blinkers added, SUPER DAN who can lead and give a sight, QINGDAO who will be running on back on his preferred surface, GROUND CONTROL who had excuses last start not to win and BLACK SWAN second up from a spell.

1 ECLAIR SHADOW *** Disappointing given the support last start but gets blinkers and Nunes and can improve enough to win. 7.50
2 ATHENA *** Two runs this campaign have been good enough to win sooner than later and hard to beat in this field. 6.00
3 QINGDAO *** Just fair on the poly last start but had been running on prior and looked due. 10
4 LAUGHING BUFFALO ** Wide draw a concern but very much appreciates being back in maiden Company and can win if luck in running. 12
5 SUPER DAN *** Hard to fault honest form and should go forward from the wide gate and in this a long way. 8.00
6 JACKS SECRET *** Ride queried last start and did look due prior in similar affairs. Duric a factor. 5.00
7 GROUND CONTROL *** Excuses not to win over 1400m last start and hard to hold out with more luck in running. 6.00
8 BLACK SWAN *** Ran on well when resuming on the Poly and this looks more suitable to show his best. 12
9 HAPPY START * Has a bit to learn. 200
10 WITHOUT PREJUDICE * No. 200
11 CHOSEN HARVEST ** Battles away and can include in exotics but a win would surprise in this field. 20
12 YU LONG EMPEROR ** Placed at his last two on the Poly but have to take on trust on the turf with wide gate an issue. 20
13 ORION ** Resuming and always some show with market best guide. 12
14 BOHEMIAN ** Improved at long odds in Class 5 to place last start but needs to back that up. 20
15 ALWAYS THERE * No. 200
16 DOUBLE WIN * No. 200


Race 5

Selections; 1 ELITE EXCALIBUR - 10 KOLOMBIA - 7 SOLARIS SPECTRUM - 4 KIRKS RYKER

An extremely tough race for punters with the top weight and our top pick, ELITE EXCALIBUR - first up after a mixed Dubai sojourn. The former Aussie left Singapore after just one run - which he won well - and given he was far from embarrassed in Dubai and has trialled well since returning, he can win again. KOLOMBIA is the interesting runner. The former Aussie won well when leading throughout at his second start in Singapore and while this is tougher than Class 4 Company, he could get a soft lead from gate 1 and the 1400m will suit. Plenty of others win without surprising including SOLARIS SPECTRUM who is in very honest form, KIRKS RYKER who is also overdue while FLAK JACKET and OXBOW SUN also play a big part in this finish.

1 ELITE EXCALIBUR *** First run back from a Dubai sojourn that included a placing over a mile. Won at Singapore debut and can win again. 8.00
2 FLAK JACKET *** Long time between wins but always in the mix and can consider each-way with blinkers removed. 8.00
3 ARES ** Returned not striding last start in similar affair but was due prior so keep safe. 8.00
4 KIRKS RYKER *** Hard to fault honest form and wins a race like this sooner than later. 5.00
5 SECRET MISSION * Rarely seen on the turf and have to take on trust on recent form. 33
6 SHANGHAI BUND ** Returned to some form last start and has to be considered on that effort from gate 2. 12
7 SOLARIS SPECTRUM *** Lack of recent winning form a concern but foot on the till and gets another chance here. 8.00
8 OXBOW SUN *** Can lead and in this a long way with 54.5kg. 12
9 TARAMEA * Blinkers off and back in trip so easier to ignore. 20
10 KOLOMBIA *** Led throughout when winning in Class 4 Company last start and worth a look each-way from gate 1. 8.00
11 WINNING CAUSE ** Just missed last start this trip in slightly easier Company and more than competitive here. 8.00
12 PARLIAMENT ** Never involved last start but was showing improvement prior. 20
13 MANGATOETOENUI ** Just fair last start this trip but will be doing best work late. 33
14 IKING * A win would surprise but honest as a rule and will be long odds. 50


Race 6

Selections; 6 AOTEAROA - 5 STAR INVINCIBLE - 8 CHANGBAI MOUNTAIN - 1 WINNING EXPRESS

A terrific field for a Kranji Stakes D and expect a very frenetic betting race. In fact three horses - STAR INVINCIBLE, AOATEAORA and SHANGHAI MOUNTAIN - probably would start close to even money favourites in similar affairs if not racing against each other and the field has depth as well. It's also hard to line up the form with AOATEAORA racing exclusively in Novice Company since her maiden win on debut but she looks progressive and can win. STAR INVINCIBLE is also a 3YO (gelding) and he picks himself on form in similar affairs to this, as does CHANGHAI MOUNTAIN who will go forward and be hard to run down. Plenty of others that can win (with value on offer) including WINNING EXPRESS, HUSSONATOR resuming and DICAPRIO.

1 WINNING EXPRESS *** Just fair with support in Class 4 after strong maiden win but should find this Company more to his liking. 12
2 ASPREY ** Back to winning grade in his favour and should improve with blinkers off. 20
3 BROTHER WIND * Resuming. Recent trial OK but prefer to just watch. 33
4 CHARLIES MISSILE * Shown little since arriving but could improve with fitness dropping to this grade. 50
5 STAR INVINCIBLE *** Foot on the till an depths race looks ideal to knock in another win. 4.00
6 AOTEAROA *** Filly who has ability and shown more than enough in Novice races to win this. 4.00
7 HUSSONATOR *** Resuming sans tongue-tie after breaking overdue maiden status over the mile. Worth thought with one eye on the market. 10
8 CHANGBAI MOUNTAIN *** In fine form and should go forward and be very hard to run down. 5.00
9 JUSTICE LASS ** Nothing at Singapore debut but may appreciate the turf with the run under his belt. 33
10 UNSURPASSED ** Good recent form is on the Poly but pay to respect with blinkers off from gate 1. 8.00
11 HIGH COUNCIL ** Thereabouts on a good day and will add value to skinny end of exotics. 20
12 DICAPRIO *** Last run and form better than it reads and could throw up a surprise at odds. 20
13 PROUD PINOY * Competitive on his day but draw wide and Class 5 beckons. 33
14 CAVATINA * Another who is competitive at best but should need easier. 33


Race 7

Selections; 1 WAR AFFAIR - 9 STORM TROOPS - 7 POSEIDON - 14 MAGNUM

With the two highest rated horses in the race - WAR AFFAIR and WELL DONE - both resuming after solid runs in the Raffles Cup in October last year, the form for this installment of the Saas Fee is hard to line up. We are hoping Class does prevail and not too long ago, WAR AFFAIR was the best horse in Singapore. Yes, he has had his issues of late but has shown enough at a recent trial or two to win this with 58kg. WELL DONE also wins without surprising on best form but a few horses on lighter weights also appeal with the likes of BEST TOTHELIGN, POSEIDON, NOVA STRIKE, STORM TROOPS and MAGNUM all some show. You could make a good case for all of them at the race conditions and the market may be a fair guide on the day.

1 WAR AFFAIR *** Star resuming after placing behind Debt Collector in the Raffles Cup. Trials good enough to win. 8.00
2 WELL DONE *** Derby winner who also resumes after the Raffles Cup and has to be respected. 6.00
3 BAHANA ** Gold Cup winner who ran on well last start this trip but should need longer to show his best. 20
4 BEST TOTHELIGN *** Appreciates first up run in Lion City and could play a part at each-way odds. 12
5 DANIEL ** Has been thereabouts with support over varying distances and exotics look best here with blinkers and tongue-tie off. 12
6 TWICKENHAM ** Honest and distance suits but need to be at his best in this Company. 20
7 POSEIDON *** Tested this Company but hard to fault winning form and 53kg looks ideal. 8.00
8 NOVA STRIKE *** Not at his very best of late but step up to 1400m is a good move and has to be respected on best form. 12
9 STORM TROOPS *** In form and shown previously he is more than competitive in this Company with a fair weight. 6.00
10 LASER STORM ** Wide gate a concern but can include in exotics on best form. 20
11 WONDERFUL * Turf form a query at this level. 20
12 DARCI CHARMER * Looks impossible at the weights but can work home strongly if having a good day. 33
13 MR FANTASTIC ** In honest form and should be in the mix with 51kg. 12
14 MAGNUM *** Very progressive and looks in well enough at the race conditions to give this a shake. 7.00
15 HIP HIP HOORAY * Blinkers off and appreciates lightweight but still tested this level. 100


Race 8

Selections; 2 GILT COMPLEX - 3 SONG TO THE MOON - 6 GOLDEN CURL - 1 LAUGHING GRAVY

On any other day this race would be the highlight of the card and still good enough to get the crowds attention although tucked between two cracking Group events. And the punters get a terrific form line through the Moonbeam Vase with the likes of GILT COMPLEX, SONG TO THE MOON, NEWLANDS and LAUGHING GRAVY (just to name four) all coming through that race. GILT COMPLEX ran a bold second to Infantry on that occasion and looks the obvious choice on both that run and form prior. In saying that SONG TO THE MOON had excuses in that race - his saddle slipped - and he gets a 2kg pull at the weights so must be considered. GOLDEN CURL didn't come through the Moonbeam Vase but his run in a very similar affair good enough to keep them all honest.

1 LAUGHING GRAVY *** Has plenty of weight to carry but back-to-back good runs suggests he is nearing his best. 5.00
2 GILT COMPLEX *** In very good form and hard to beat with any luck in running from widest gate. 2.00
3 SONG TO THE MOON *** Saddle slipped two starts back in similar affair and happy to follow with fair weight. 5.00
4 GURU-GURU ** Just battled in the Moonbeam Vase over this trip but some hope on form prior. 20
5 BLUE DANUBE * Struggles as a rule. 50
6 GOLDEN CURL *** Did very well to place last start given run in similar affair and should figure again with no weight. 12
7 NEWLANDS ** Might struggle to win at this level but honest and some hope each-way with 51.5kg. 20
8 MIGHTY KENNY * Always gives his best but tested in this Company. 33
9 EXCELLENCY ** Eligible for easier but has Group form from the UK to his name and is improving with racing. 12
10 SQUIRE OSBALDESTON * Excuses last start but should need much easier. 50
11 ZIP A DEE DOO DAH * Progressive stayer who gets blinkers added but another eligible for easier Company. 20


Race 9

Selections; 1 JUPITER GOLD - 2 COUNTOFMONTECRISTO - 3 COULD BE PEARLS - 5 DEIMOS

The Guineas always produces a terrific contest and while this installment looks a tad top-heavy at first glance, there is more depth to this field than meets the eye. Yes, JUPITER GOLD looks extremely hard to hold out over the mile and can turn the tables on the COUNTOFMONTECRISTO. In saying that, COUNTOFMONTECRISTO - or "the beast" as G Boss calls him - is undefeated in five starts and some would say he makes it six and a clean-sweep of the series. COULD BE PEARLS split the pair in the Classic and had excuses not to win, so gets his chance over the mile as does DEIMOS who looks the best of the rest from his Classic run with excuses. However, most others could run out of their skin to win including two NH-bred horses in FOREVER YOUNG and MAKANINI who get in with light weights while SIR ISSAC and SKYWALK are right in the mix. Great race.

1 JUPITER GOLD *** Left it too late over 1400m in the Classic and can make amends over best trip. 3.00
2 COUNTOFMONTECRISTO *** Trying the mile for the first time but is undated in five starts and can clean-sweep the series. 3.00
3 COULD BE PEARLS *** Excuses not to win the Classic and mile look ideal. 6.00
4 SKYWALK ** Missed the Classic but more than competitive in the Sprint and has won over 1400m. Value. 20
5 DEIMOS *** Excuses not to finish closer in the Classic and gives every indication the mile is his caper. Each-way. 12
6 SIR ISAAC ** Hard to fault honest form and in the mix. 12
7 I'VE GOT A FEELING ** Competitive without being a threat in this Company but has speed and can figure. 20
8 MR EXCHEQUER ** In winning form in easier Company and gets blinkers but tested this level. 20
9 LEON ** Broke maiden status last start after solid form but a big ask in this field. 20
10 FOREVER YOUNG ** Surprised a few with fourth placing in the Lion City Cup and gets in well as a NH 3YO at the weights. Value. 20
11 MAKANANI ** Last run better than the result and mile looks ideal with light weight a factor. 20


Race 10

Selections; 1 MR FATKID - 2 SUPER JOE - 5 SECRET WIN - 4 GOL GOAL

Another race with immense depth but on Guineas day, there looks a lot to like about the only 3YO in the race - MR FATKID. The NZ-bred gelding tried his luck in the Group 2 3YO Classic over 1400m last start and had excuses not to finish closer to Countofmontecristo. Given he won in this Company the start prior, this race looks ideal and he could be hard to hold out with M Rood to ride. He might have been a good thing bar the fact that most other look to have some show including SUPER JOE with V Duric riding for R Le Grange, SECRET WIN who has been improving with each run in Singapore, GOL GOAL who looks better than what he showed last start and ASTRO JET with blinkers added first time. CHAIRMAN can also win and plenty of other each-way options down the weights.

1 MR FATKID *** Excuses not to finish closer in the 3YO Classic and that form more than holds up here. 4.00
2 SUPER JOE *** Just missed last start on the Poly over 1700m but handles the turf and can win with gate 1 a factor. 6.00
3 ASTROJET *** Honest and can race handy with blinkers added an interesting move. 8.00
4 GOL GOAL *** Never looked comfortable last start and happy to give another winning show on maiden form prior. 12
5 SECRET WIN *** Has been running on well and improving with each run. Trip suits so can win. 10
6 CHAIRMAN *** Drawn wide and just battled away last start on the Poly but previous turf form has him under notice with tongue-tie added. 10
7 ARIF ** Disappointing two starts back on the turf but showed last start he has more to offer. 12
8 MAGNETISE ** Form better than it reads and the type who could show up at odds. 33
9 MILLENNIUM'S RULE ** Solid without being a threat of late but gets blinkers so keep safe. 20
10 MURDOCH * Struggling. 100
11 CITY OF KIRKWALL ** Always puts himself in with a chance and will battling away manfully late. 12
12 PRECIOUS GEM ** Another Gray runner who is always an each-way hope in race like this. 12
13 HIDDEN PROMISE ** Broke maiden status in Class 5 three starts back and very competitive since. Each-way. 12
14 MOON CHARM ** Like to see in Class 5 but will battle away at odds. 20


Race 11

Selections; 11 SPLINTER - 9 RED DUKE - 3 SPLICE - 1 MORITZ ECLIPSE

The previous event could give a good guide to this race with some form around Mr Fatkid with REDMAYNE and SPLINTER. And it might be the latter who comes into serious consideration given he led them up in the 3YO Classic and while well beaten into ninth, that form may hold up here. REDMAYNE finished second to Mr Fatkid two starts back in a similar affair to this and again, that form should hold up here. But this race has incredible depth and a horse like SPLICE may show up again while MORITZ ECLIPSE and RISKY ROCKEFELLER both win in this Company sooner than later. EASTER MATE, last start maiden winner RED DUKE and the first emergency, SHOW FAR SHOW GOOD, all in the mix with value the key.

1 MORITZ ECLIPSE *** Showed last start he wins in this Class again sooner than later. 6.00
2 RISKY ROCKEFELLER *** Foot on the till and wins with any luck in running. 5.00
3 SPLICE *** Last start better than the result and won similar affair two starts back. Can win again with nice recent trial a pointer. 8.00
4 ANCIENT WARRIOR ** Gate a concern and stepping up in grade after KSD win but should be competitive. 12
5 EASTER MATE *** Singapore debut a lot better than the result and step up to 1400m looks ideal so keep safe. 12
6 FUEGO ** Former Japanese galloper who has had numerous local trial but should need longer to show his best. 33
7 TARGET * US-bred 4YO who won over the mile in Ireland. Market only guide on exposed trial form. 33
8 ISANOTHERONE * Gets blinkers but struggling. 100
9 RED DUKE *** Turned some good form into strong maiden win this trip last start and pay to keep following. 4.00
10 REDMAYNE *** Looks better suited back on the turf and a big show on effort behind Mr Fatkid two starts back. 8.00
11 SPLINTER *** Smart enough 3YO who lead them up in the Classic and could give a sight in this field. 12
12 TAICHI BELT ** Gets tongue-tie added after dead-heating to break maiden status last start. In the mix. 12
13 SWIFT * Needs easier. 100
14 METTLESOME * Reassess in Class 5. 200
15 SHOW FAR SHOW GOOD *** Form looks patchy but appreciates extra distance and turf. Value. 20
16 SUN SEEKER * Gets home well enough on occasion to keep safe in skinny end of exotics at long odds. 33