PERAK RACE PREVIEW SUN 4 FEB
RACE 1 (3 – 1 – 2 – 9)
SUCCESS STREET (3) appears ready to strike in his fifth appearance back in Class 5 company. Drawing well, and with the positive booking of S. Ruzaini, the signs are favorable. MIEJ (1) boasts an impressive record of 3 wins from 4 races at this track and distance. He closed off well, securing 3rd place in KL over the mile just a fortnight ago. CHER (2) has shown consistent form recently and finally delivered over 1400m in her last start. Despite the challenge of the outside barrier, she is racing well. SIR ELTON (9) garnered market support when placing 3rd behind CHER (2) and emerges as a genuine contender with the distance rise and carrying minimum weight.
RACE 2 (2 – 3 – 1 – 4)
Despite a winless streak lasting 18 months and a recent setback, SHENG PROISIR (2) shows potential to break the dry spell. The 6-year-old displayed promising trials leading up to his third-place finish in KL, where he was strongly backed as the favorite two races ago. HELLO MONDAY (3) maintains consistent form and has previously triumphed over this track and trip. GOLDEN LIGHTNING (1), a former Class 3 performer, appears well-suited dropping back to the “B” division after being caught wide in his last two starts. TRINITY HONOUR (4) narrowly missed victory in the previous meeting here, and all three of his career wins have come over the mile.
RACE 3 (2 – 1 – 3 – 4)
Following consecutive placings in December’s two Group Ones, GOLDEN KING (2) appears to be well-handicapped under the race conditions and is likely to be a formidable contender. AHTIMS KLIS (1), the highest-rated horse in this field, enjoys a weight advantage over her rivals and displayed a strong finish in a Supreme B contest in KL during her last outing. TEOCHEW KID (3), having struggled in the 2000m G1 Penang Gold Cup, should find the mile more to his liking. SHOW HAND (4) steps up in grade after an impressive 3.25L victory in Class 4 just three weeks ago and is poised to be a competitive force in this higher class.
RACE 4 (2 – 1 – 7 – 10)
BLAZING KID (2) is set to be in even better shape after his commendable second-place finish here on January 13, and with the apprentice claim, he’ll be carrying less weight. QIJI DIAMOND (1) displayed promise against Class 3 rivals recently, and his impressive record of 2 wins from 3 attempts over 1300m positions him as a strong contender. SILENT BOSS (7) is staging a comeback and appears on the brink of a victory, evident from his rapid-finishing 2nd place in KL just two weeks ago. FIRE AWAY (10) possesses a remarkable turn of speed, evident from his significant ground gain in his 3rd-place finish in KL on January 21.
RACE 5 (5 – 1 – 3 – 4)
STRETCHY FOUR (5) is building an impressive Malaysian record under the guidance of the HY Cheng stable, boasting 2 wins from 3 starts. Despite a slow beginning leading to a 3rd-place finish in his last outing, the 5-year-old is anticipated to promptly make amends. CLARTON TREASURE (1), a nimble sit sprinter, appears in top form after four runs this preparation. VETRI (3), a victor off a 61 rating back in November 2022, has seen a decline in rankings to 50 points but is expected to show improvement based on recent efforts. MISS THYRA (4) secured a victory over 1100m in KL two races back and remains a trifecta contender despite the outside draw.
RACE 6 (5 – 7 – 1 – 3)
This race stands out as the most open on the program, showcasing a multitude of contenders with genuine winning prospects. RS DIAGO (5) demonstrated resilience in his recent KL trial, finishing 3rd, and maintains good form. The 5-year-old, now under the Nick Selvan stable, looks to bounce back after a Class 5 debut as the beaten favorite. PROVE IT (7), a reliable starter with two victories at this track last year, showed promise in his last outing, leading for most of the way and finishing 3rd over 1400m. Despite not securing a win in 12 local starts, MAGIC KID (1) drops back to Class 5 for the first time. GOLDEN HORSE (3), placed in a recent Class 4 contest, is poised as a likely improver in this competitive field.
RACE 7 (3 – 1 – 2 – 6)
LANKARAN (3) finished powerfully for an eye catching 3rd in KL two weeks back and should be a major player for his tenth run in the country. KING RAVANA (1) is a proven weight carrier who returned to his best form last start. The 7yo will require some luck but he does possess the early speed to overcome the outside draw. ZEUS PEGASUS (2) (formerly Quasar) struck immediately with a 1250m KL win after the name change and is a chance of going back to back. LOOKS GOOD (6) made up many lengths at his first run for the new stable when 4th over 1300m and drops slightly in the weights.
RACE 8 (1 – 3 – 4 – 7)
Despite a recent setback in KL as the beaten favorite, KNIGHT LOVE (1), carrying the top weight, remains noteworthy, especially considering his previous 1100m victory here. YES BOSSY (3), on an eight-day turnaround from his 2nd-place finish in Penang, is a rapid starter and presents a strong chance against this field. HARVEYWALLBANGER (4) faces a weight increase of 6.5kg after leading throughout for a 5.25L win here on December 17. The 9-year-old, while not known for consecutive victories, is worth considering for exotic bets. STARDICE (7) and KRATOS (5), showing consistent form in recent weeks, are both strong contenders in this open and competitive race.
RACE 9 (3 – 11 – 1 – 8)
FLYING SPIDER (3) dictated the pace from the start and claimed victory by 3.5L in Penang last Saturday, showcasing dominance and now enters another race where success is within reach. PROVOCATEUR (11), a swift starter with a favorable draw, seeks his first win since May 2021 on a quick seven-day turnaround. BEIHAI TURBO (1), despite not placing in four local starts, has the potential to improve, especially dropping to the “B” division of Class 5. KIPEH (8), while competitive at this level, might need to exert extra effort initially from the outside draw.
RACE 10 (6 – 7 – 2 – 5)
In this modest Class 5 race, the stage seems set for the 10-year-old grey, WINTERFELL (6), to potentially reclaim the winner’s circle. This seasoned campaigner secured a runner-up position in KL on December 23, and with Ruzaini retaining the mount, a return to form is anticipated. AYAAN (7), experiencing a gradual descent in ratings over the past months, is also in contention for victory. ASIAN JET (2) displayed success over this track and distance two races back but can be unpredictable at times. JAPAN CAPTAIN (5) narrowly missed victory by a head over 1000m in the last meeting after leading, showcasing speed but raising questions about the sustainability over the 1200m journey.
