Latest news with #Class4
New Paper
6 days ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Outfit on a mission to make amends
Leading trainer Jason Ong has entered a strong team of 18 horses for the 11 upcoming races at Sungai Besi on July 27, and he could be looking for a good showing from - among others - Outfit. The Singaporean conditioner - who is sitting on top of the trainers' premiership with 63 wins, 28 more than the second-placed Simon Dunderdale - has entered Outfit for the Class 4B event (1,300m). On the morning of July 22, the Turn Me Loose six-year-old turned in a smart workout, running the 600m in 40.8sec. Outfit did not burn up the track at Sungai Besi, but the New Zealand-bred still served notice of his chances of landing a ninth win. Outfit won five races in Singapore, three with previous trainer Shane Baertschiger and two with Ong. After kicking off his career in Kuala Lumpur in 2025, he has clocked in three more victories. However, the Happy Baby Stable-owned galloper's last two runs were disappointing. At his second-last start in a Class 4B race (1,100m) on June 15, Outfit was obliged to race wide the entire trip and, in the end, he beat just two home. Then, at his last start in a Class 4B event (1,150m) on June 29, when ridden by Akmazani Marzuki, he again took the scenic route home and finished way out of the money in eighth. But do not be too hasty in dismissing his chances. Those two races were over shorter trips and Ong has picked a 1,300m event for Outfit. The extra distance might just do the trick. Over at Lawson Moy's yard, Lim's Sinai is slated as the first reserve in the competitive Class 5A sprint over the 1,150m on July 27, but should he get to race, he could be the one they have to beat. The five-year-old son of Sooboog is looking good for a winning show - and he showed us on the morning of July 22 when he turned in a really smart training gallop. On a track rated good, the handsome chestnut stopped the clock at 36.3sec for his sprint over the 600m. Lim's Sinai - who won three races and finished second on six occasions in 33 starts - is pumped up and ready to go. An impressive winner on April 20 when he beat Sky Eight by almost three lengths in a Class 5A race over the sharp 1,150m, Lim's Sinai has been marking time and waiting for another opportunity. Promoted to Class 4 level after that barnstorming win, he never could show his stuff in the subsequent four runs. But, now that he is back in Class 5, do accord him all the respect. Owned by Tan Cheong Soon, Lim's Sinai is in his comfort zone and Moy knows that he could be saddling a winner at the Kuala Lumpur meeting on July 27. In the same race, keep an eye on Super Manjung. She impressed with a 600m gallop in 39.4sec and is looking good to break that sequence of two third-placed finishes. Prepared by Tiang Kim Choi, the six-year-old mare has just two wins to show from 29 starts, but it is worth noting that she has finished second and third on 13 occasions. This American-bred by Vancouver is capable, but she also needs a patient ride. Two runs back, when running a close-up third to Lightning Girl in a Class 5A event (1,275m) on June 15, jockey Shafiq Rizuan explained to the stewards that she had a tendency to lose momentum when touched with the whip, and was best ridden hands and heels. The pair reunited in a Class 5A race (1,020m) on July 12, and Super Manjung ran home for a creditable third again, albeit behind Sky Eight. Storm Titan was also impressive on the training track. From trainer Richard Lim's yard, the three-year-old youngster clocked a nice and neat 37.2sec for his 600m spurt, and all things point to a forward showing from the son of Ace High. A New Zealand-bred, Storm Titan earned loads of admirers when he starred in three trials from May 14 to June 4. The Khor Chin Seng-owned galloper won all three hit-outs, which made him a hot favourite at his debut in a Restricted Maiden race (1,200m) on June 15. Storm Titan looked to be travelling well, but he lost steam over the concluding stages and finished sixth to Strong Dragon. His next race on June 29 was over the mile, and again, he finished down the field. However, on the strength of his three wins at the trials and on his good workout on July 22, Storm Titan deserves another chance. But, like Lim's Sinai, Storm Titan is also an emergency acceptor. However, should he get a spot in the starting line-up, he could turn out to be the pick of the pack. brian@
New Paper
12-07-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
July 13 Hong Kong (Sha Tin) form analysis
Race 1 (1,400m) 4 Sight Dreamer put the writing on the wall with a strong closing third on his Class 5 debut after drawing wide and settling near the tail. With any improvement off that, he looks a major player. 11 Fairy Horse continues to knock on the door despite remaining a maiden, and his honest profile keeps him in contention. 8 Smiling Collector maps for a much kinder run in transit, gets blinkers on for the first time in his second start in Class 5, and shapes as a knockout chance at odds. 7 Young Horizon is consistent at this level and this course and distance. Fast-finishing fifth last time suggests he is nearing another win. Race 2 (1,400m) 5 Apolar Fighter has been edging closer and now looks well placed to strike after back-to-back thirds over this course and trip. On the quick turnaround and from a low draw, he gets his chance. 1 Circuit Mighty was not beaten far on his Class 5 debut and, while drawn wide, has plenty of time to work across under Zac Purton. 3 Draco is suited by the rise in trip for his second try in this grade after making ground over 1,200m. 4 Gluck Racer did nothing from a wide gate last start but is capable of better and could surprise if he finds a more prominent position. Race 3 (1,200m) 9 Noble Fans was well backed last start and ran a close second to Lucky My Way, suggesting a win is not far off. He is improving with racing and can go one better. 8 All's Well is an improving three-year-old who has been finishing his races strongly and, if he can stay in touch early, shapes as a genuine threat at a price. 1 Fun N Fun Together makes his own luck on the pace and has been consistent on the all-weather, though he now needs to replicate that form on turf. 2 Goldentronicmighty closed off well into third last time despite a wide alley. Drawn wide again, but his recent form holds up in this. Race 4 (1,400m) 8 Loveisintheair has shown glimpses of ability and comes off a fast-finishing second over 1,200m. Still a maiden after seven starts, he is an improving three-year-old who looks poised to break through. 3 Devas Twelve returned to Class 4 last start, rolled forward from a wide draw and was only reeled in late for third. He will be hard to peg back under the right race shape. 9 The Auspicious continues to run well with his typical get-back-run-on pattern and can figure again. 10 Pejibaye has been closing off nicely over 1,200m and now rises to 1,400m fourth-up. A recent trial win has him in good order for this. Race 5 (1,600m) 10 Star Brose had no luck on his first try at the mile when held up at a key stage, yet still managed to run third. With even luck this time, he looks hard to beat. 1 Super Unicorn has been okay at the bottom of Class 3 since joining Mark Newnham and now takes a drop in grade that can sharpen his chances. 5 Etalon Or had every opportunity from barrier 4 last start but again found one better. He has been costly but should offer better value and remains a threat. 2 Frantanck is down sharply in the ratings, and will give them something to catch from the front. Race 6 (1,400m) 8 Smart Fat Cat is heading the right way after two eye-catching runs. He closed strongly for fourth last start despite the race shape being against him. Stronger tempo this time should suit. 1 Voyage Boss was a debut winner two back, then had a torrid trip from a wide gate last time. That is a complete forgive and he is worth another chance from a better draw. 9 World Hero is among the speed influences and his win over Sugar Ball two starts back rates well. 3 Do Your Part impressed two runs ago when taking a sit off the leaders and winning smartly, then backed it up with a solid third after setting a strong pace. Race 7 (1,200m) 6 Rainbow Seven is knocking on the door with three straight placings from as many starts and looks the one to beat. 5 Bulb General defied his odds on debut when charging home into third behind Crossborderpegasus, and his recent trial suggests he has come on since. 10 Winning Machine improved second-up despite a wide trip throughout. With a better draw this time, he can take another step. 2 Champion Instinct had a tough trip last start when trapped wide without cover. While he faces a similar draw again, his past form in this grade stands up. Race 8 (1,600m) 5 Patch Of Theta reunites with Hugh Bowman after closing off well for fourth against a slow tempo last start, and the rider change could prove decisive. 4 Happy Together returned to form with a narrow second to Copartner Prance over 1,400m. Will relish the step back up to the mile. 6 Massive Sovereign resumes off an eight-month break and runs first race for the David Eustace stable. Last season's Derby winner has trialled well. The mile is not his trip, but he can go well on class. 2 Chancheng Glory had excuses when caught wide last start over 1,800m, and the drop back in trip is a key positive. Race 9 (1,600m) 9 Pope Cody is edging closer to a win and, despite drawing poorly again, his recent runs have been full of merit. He finds the line well and gets another crack. 11 Mister Dapper has thrived since transferring to Eustace, chasing a hat-trick now as he steps into Class 3 from a handy draw. 6 Huge Wave returns to the mile, which suits better than the 1,400m last start where he closed off well for fourth. 2 Mickley is hard to catch but his last-start head second to Light Years Charm showed what he is capable of when things go right. Race 10 (1,200m) 6 Little Paradise had excuses last start after missing the jump, racing keenly, and being steadied mid-race. He has since won a trial impressively and can bounce back. 5 Super Infinity has been building towards another win and was unlucky last time when held up late, finishing third once clear. 2 Bundle Of Charm is winless for over a year but has run second in his past two and maps to get a favourable run again. 3 Celestial Hero, now third-up in Hong Kong, took a good step forward last time with a close fourth and can progress further. Race 11 (1,400m) 5 Beauty Bolt shapes as a strong second-up contender after a promising local debut, charging home late into second. 12 Spirit Of Peace made full use of a good draw last start to settle closer and win with something in hand. He faces a class rise but maps well again. 7 Flash Current plugged away over the mile last time. Drops back to 1,400m which suits better. 10 Riding Together was an easy winner in Class 4 last start and, while his previous efforts in Class 3 have not stood out, he is clearly improving with more racing. Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
New Paper
04-07-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
July 5 Hong Kong (Sha Tin) form analysis
Race 1 (1,200m) 4 Motor looks ready to win after an unlucky second to The All Out last start over 1,000m, where he was held up for room late. 9 Field Marshal, now third-up, should get every chance and looks the likely leader from barrier 1. 12 Winning Champion is also having his third start and is heading the right way. Back to 1,200m looks ideal after a strong third over 1,000m. 1 Light Years Glory surprised with a debut win at big odds and is worth respecting again despite the draw. Race 2 (1,200m) 1 Gimme Five looks ready to break through. He resumes off a pair of solid trials and returns to a course and trip where he has placed twice from two starts. 6 Lucky Generations is unplaced from 12 but has run some encouraging races. Freshened with 35 days between runs and a nice trial under his belt, he is worth a look at each-way odds. 12 Flying Phantom has not broken through in 22 starts but is often thereabouts. He will drop out early and look to finish over the top. 10 Sonic Boom was caught wide throughout first-up but was not beaten far. He is capable off this mark and in a race lacking tempo, he can roll forward and make his own luck. Race 3 (1,200m) 1 Mr Energia returns to Class 4 after starting favourite in a deeper Class 3 contest, where he was shuffled back and did well to finish fourth. That form reads strongly for this and he should be ready to strike. 2 Fashion Legend is on the quick turnaround after a comfortable win over the extended mile. He now drops in trip, but two runs ago he stuck on well for third over this course and distance. 5 Sight Happy did not have the best run last start from a wide draw when seeing this track and trip for the first time. He can settle closer from a better gate and is worth another look. 3 Smart Fighter is on debut on the all-weather under race conditions but brings in solid-enough trial form to be considered. Race 4 (1,600m) 1 Beautiful Win has the speed map in his favour and looks set to control things from the front. He has posted back-to-back placings over this course and trip since dropping to Class 5 and is well placed to break through. 6 Apolar Fighter was third in the same race and had excuses after being held up for much of the straight. With clear running, he can give this a shake. 5 Smart Beauty won that race and should map with every chance again. 9 Family Fortune closed well into sixth from a wide gate and the addition of blinkers for the first time catches the eye. Race 5 (1,200m) 1 Lucky Symphony had excuses last start after working hard from a wide draw to sit outside the leader in a strongly run race. He faded late into seventh but was not beaten far. Drawn slightly better this time helps. 2 Aerovolanic impressed on debut after some sharp trial work and looks to have more upside. 3 Patch Of Time is usually thereabouts and is better placed back at Sha Tin following a solid fourth at Happy Valley. 8 Spicy Spangle drops into a slightly weaker Class 4 and could show something here. He was caught wide last time, but his prior efforts over 1,000m were sound and he is a past winner over this course and trip. Race 6 (1,400m) 4 Endued has been trending the right way since the switch to Benno Yung and a slide in the ratings. From barrier 12 last start he gave away a big head start but closed off strongly for fourth. He is knocking on the door. 7 Amazing Duck is back from a break and while he is hard to catch, his recent trial was encouraging. He looks the likely leader and will give a sight first-up. 6 Strange Alert was green and held up briefly on debut. Showed enough to suggest he will improve with that run under his belt. 12 Colourful Winner adds more speed and, despite being a maiden, has put up back-to-back placings over this course and trip. Race 7 (1,200m) 2 Szeryng made full use of barrier 1 to break through stylishly at his third start, doing it with a bit in hand. He maps for another soft run. Should be right in it again. 1 Igor Stravinsky produced his best effort yet with a close-up second following the drop in class and now gets Zac Purton aboard, which boosts his claims. 3 Tourbillon Golfer made the running on debut and was only collared late. A repeat performance looks likely from barrier 1. 5 Winning Cigar had the outside draw on debut at Happy Valley over 1,000m and was given a quiet ride, but he found the line well. With a better gate and the step-up to 1,200m, he is one to keep safe. Race 8 (1,800m) 3 Fortune Boy is a three-year-old trending the right way and steps up to 1,800m for the first time. He tends to get back and hit the line, as seen when narrowly missing back-to-back wins last start. 2 Beauty Viva has switched to Tony Cruz's yard and his close second over this course and trip two back is the run to go on. 9 Celestial Patch is improving with racing and his third over the extended mile at Happy Valley was backed up by a solid fourth. Drawn better, he maps to settle closer and see out the trip. 1 Wukong Jewellery backs up quickly, drops in grade, and comes off his best run yet when closing hard into fourth on the all-weather. Race 9 (1,200m) 6 Magnifique had genuine excuses when his winning streak ended in March, but his recent trials suggest he has returned in top order and can bounce back first-up. 5 Righteous Arion has been holding form well with back-to-back thirds over this course and trip in stronger races. Key player. 3 Lifeline Express will drift back as usual and if they go too hard up front, he will be the one finishing over the top. 8 Akashvani was made to work from a wide draw in a fast-run race last start and faded late. Although drawn awkwardly in 10 again, he has the potential to improve. Race 10 (1,200m) 4 Masterofmyuniverse steps into Class 2 after back-to-back wins that took his tally to four from nine, and he has trialled well between runs to suggest he can keep progressing. 5 Colourful King lost no admirers with a narrow defeat on his first 1,200m run. Back to Sha Tin presents a fresh test, but he is heading the right way. 2 Lady's Choice was not far away in Group 3 company behind Helios Express and now returns to a more suitable grade. 7 Call Me Glorious meets Masterofmyuniverse better at the weights and is worth another chance after a tough run wide throughout last time. Race 11 (1,400m) 1 Patch Of Stars is a three-year-old on the rise looking to extend his winning streak to four, and remains the clear benchmark. He made light work of them last start and will take plenty of beating. 10 Victory Sky chased him home last time and boxed on honestly, and again looks well placed to run into the placings. 3 Another World is better suited returning to this course and distance after a fair effort at Happy Valley. 7 Armour War Eagle got too far back from a wide gate last time but closed in late. From a better draw, he can settle closer and improve. Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
NDTV
26-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Exclusive: How Navy HQ Clerk Recruited By Pak Spy 'Priya Sharma' Was Caught
Jaipur: It was a crypto currency trail that led intelligence agencies to upper division clerk Vikas Yadav in Nau Sena Bhavan, the naval wing of the Defence Ministry. Mr Yadav was addicted to online gaming, sources said. A Pakistani woman identified as 'Priya Sharma' - clearly a fake name - befriended him on Facebook three years ago after seeing his addiction, and persuaded him into spying for Pakistan. Thereafter, she became her handler. After that, he switched to communicating with her on WhatsApp and Telegram. So, how exactly did intelligence operatives find out Mr Yadav, the upper division clerk in the Nau Sena Bhavan, was a spy? The case goes back to another one linked to a spy, Ravi Prakash Meena, a Rajasthan resident who was arrested in 2022. Mr Meena was a Class 4 employee in the Defence Ministry's Sena Bhawan. Investigators found that Mr Meena received money through a cryptocurrency channel in return for providing sensitive information like maps to his Pakistani handler. When intelligence agencies put Mr Meena's cryptocurrency channel under surveillance, they were led to two more people. One of them was Mr Yadav, the clerk in the Nau Sena Bhawan. They found that Mr Yadav had been getting money from the same cryptocurrency channel as Mr Meena. Thereafter, intelligence operatives put Mr Yadav under surveillance for over two years before finally arresting him. A large sum of money was being transferred from this cryptocurrency channel to Mr Yadav, who in turn used the money to feed his online gaming addiction. The intelligence agencies have got four-day custody of Mr Yadav. His mobile phone has been sent to a forensics laboratory. The police suspect that Mr Yadav was scanning sensitive naval documents and sending them to his Pakistani handler, 'Priya Sharma'. The method used by the Pakistani handlers is clear. They looked for clerical staff in the Defence Ministry and either lured them with honeytrap or offered money to give sensitive information. Intelligence agencies also suspect Mr Yadav gave sensitive information during Operation Sindoor.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Electric truck startup Bollinger exits court receivership after paying back founder who sued
Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly described the court status of Bollinger Motors. The company was in receivership in U.S. District Court. Electric truck startup Bollinger Motors has exited U.S. court receivership thanks to more financial aid from parent Mullen Automotive Inc., whose chief has ambitious plans for a rebound set in Michigan. California-based Mullen acquired an additional 21 percent of Bollinger, bringing its ownership stake in the suburban Detroit company to 95 percent, Mullen announced June 2 as it executed its second reverse stock split in as many months to stay compliant with Nasdaq rules on share prices. In tandem with Mullen's transaction, Bollinger was discharged from federal court receivership and case dismissed with prejudice, according to a filing in U.S. district court in Detroit. Mullen Automotive CEO David Michery said the company paid $11 million to Robert Bollinger. In March, Bollinger sued the company he founded, claiming it was broke and seeking to recover his loan. Sign up for the weekly Automotive News Mobility Report newsletter for the latest developments at the intersection of transportation and technology. Mullen, which has faced a host of financial issues beyond Bollinger, is all-in on the electric vehicle startup, Michery said June 4 in an interview with Automotive News and affiliate Crain's Detroit Business. Bollinger Motors — despite the spat with its namesake — will persevere as a brand that 'will outlast everyone,' Michery vowed at the startup's Oak Park, Mich., headquarters. 'You can't blame Bollinger for the current market, you can't blame Bollinger for tariffs, you can't blame Bollinger for the disruption that occurred with Robert filing this frivolous lawsuit,' Michery said. 'That hurt the company.' Now, Mullen is putting its chips on Bollinger Motors to weather the storm. Michery said production of Class 4 trucks would resume in eight to 10 weeks and that the company's staff of about 85 in metro Detroit would soon swell in line with a predicted increase in demand — though that remains in question with a stagnant market. Mullen will close its engineering base in Irvine, Calif., and consolidate it to the company's tech center near Detroit in Troy, Mich., where 40 to 50 employees will be added, Michery said. 'I want all engineering, all manufacturing, everything in the state of Michigan,' he said. While Michery serves as CEO of Bollinger Motors, the company's daily operations will be overseen by James Taylor. After departing in March, Taylor will return to the company as a consultant. One priority is cleaning up the company's supply chain. Bollinger Motors has been sued by several suppliers claiming they were being stiffed by the startup. Michery said he is in the process of paying debts, including to contract manufacturer Roush, which makes the Class 4 trucks for Bollinger. Mullen's earnings reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission seem to indicate big financial trouble. It lost $162 million on revenue of $7.9 million in the first quarter and the company posted a $115 million loss on revenue of $2.9 million in the prior quarter. In May, Mullen Automotive lost its 675,000-square-foot former AM General factory in Mishawaka, Ind., to settle a financial dispute with creditor GEM Yield Bahamas Ltd. However, Michery said Mullen has ample liquidity, including a $150 million equity line allowing the company to use its stock as currency — an instrument approved by the SEC and shareholders. 'Picture a credit card,' he said. 'Mullen has a $150 million credit card that it can use at will.' Mullen's 1-for-100 reverse stock split executed Monday was designed to bring its stock price above $1 per share to meet Nasdaq requirements. Financial adviser Alex Calderone said the move is window dressing and does not solve underlying business performance issues. 'I would not surmise that would impact company valuation at all or shareholder rights at all,' Calderone said. 'It just appears to be a cosmetic change to be able to adjust the share price. … It's like if I traded you a hundred dollar bill for a hundred singles.' On June 4, Mullen Automotive's stock shot up to above $16 per share, tripling its value over the course of a day, as Michery pointed out after pulling up the market summary on his phone. 'They knew we were coming out here to put Bollinger back in business,' he said. Have an opinion about this story? Tell us about it and we may publish it in print. Click here to submit a letter to the editor. Sign in to access your portfolio
