A small but select field will go around in the high grade 1200m Banded 62-89 contest (Race 4) at Penang Turf Club on Saturday where talented mare XENA (1) clashes with former Australian galloper and impressive last start winner BIG DOCTOR (3).
XENA (1), a group one place getter last season, possesses a racing pattern more adaptable to the wider expanses of Selangor and Ipoh where she can wind up slowly before producing her customary burst of acceleration. Hence the only query is that she is yet to win in five appearances on the northern circuit but the small field will suit when she targets career win number eight.
BIG DOCTOR (3) did not attract much market support at his only Malaysian start and belied punter’s expectations with a dominant all the way victory over 1200m here a fortnight ago. The six year old was first up for nineteen months and never looked like losing when defeating a handy Rapid Stakes A lineup by three lengths. He is likely to lead again and will prove a real stumbling block for his rivals.
CHINA CAPTAIN (4) was freshened up prior to winning over 1400m at Ipoh on February 12 and will perform best if a wet track prevails this Saturday. Seven of the gelding’s eight career wins have been recorded on wet surfaces so the state of the track should come into play when assessing his chances.
LIM’S DASHING (5) closed off well despite never threatening when finishing 4th behind BIG DOCTOR (3) in that same race and could provide the value for a place.
Race 4 Selections: 1 – 3 – 4 – 5
Local trainer, Ananthen Kuppan will be represented by three genuine chances in the 1300m Class 4 contest (Race 6). The inform LEGACY ROAR (3) has defied all obstacles so far on his steady climb up the ratings as he shoots for his fourth victory from as many starts in the country. The five year old chalked up the hat trick here two weeks ago winning by five lengths with 57.5kg, the same weight allotted for him on Saturday. Stable mate GOLD SKY BILLION (1) will strip fitter from his first up 2nd at the last meeting while OUD WOOD (6) is yet to spell since making his local debut in May but is still competitive at this level. Another worth noting is GOLDEN SARDINE (5), which has been freshened since finishing 3rd behind OUD WOOD (6) in January. Following a name and ownership change, BLAZE PEGASUS (7) (formerly Super Sixtyone) possesses a handy local record of 4 wins from 12 starts and is likely to improve from his last start defeat.
Race 6 Selections: 3 – 1 – 7 – 6
