The RM100,000 Perak Turf Club Community Shield (Race 5) will headline the ten-race program at Ipoh this Sunday commencing at 1.00pm.
Recent G1 Tunku Gold Cup winner NOAH KHAN (3) will be making his second visit to the Ipoh circuit and is set for an enthralling clash with another inform sprinter SUPER SALUTE (1), which is on the seven-day backup. NOAH KHAN (3) has struck career best form this year with two victories against high grade opposition with his most memorable defeating Malaysia’s best galloper Antipodean in the cup on March 16. The six-year-old finished runner up to dangerous frontrunner, Pacific Vampire in KL three weeks ago when coming off a five-week break.
Former Singapore Group Two winner, SUPER SALUTE (1) has finally recaptured his best form since crossing the causeway and is coming off an impressive win in the 1300m NZB Walter Vijay Trophy last Sunday. The six-year-old is also aiming for the hat trick as his only visit to Ipoh yielded a decisive 3.5 length over MEGA GEMS (4) two starts back. NOAH KHAN (3) has finished in front of SUPER SALUTE (1) in two previous encounters, however the gap between the pair may have narrowed on current form and they look the logical two to beat.
Ipoh’s highest rated galloper, VINCENT’S STAR (2) is aiming for five wins in a row and is unbeaten in four runs over the track and distance. The promising sit sprinter goes up against slightly harder opposition this time, but you cannot fault his endeavor and will to win as displayed this season.
FLAWLESS (8) has its first run on the Ipoh track and will be looking for his first win for the year. The six-year-old has only missed the place once in six Malaysian starts which included successive wins towards the end of last season.
FAITHFUL LEADER (7) is a fast beginner capable of winning if he can find the early lead and dictate the pace. He was eventually overhauled by Antipodean two runs back after leading when beaten 0.5L before finishing a close up fourth in Class 2 company a fortnight ago.
Last year’s G1 Coronation Cup winner MEGA GEMS (4) has chalked up a few minor placings since and is one for the trifectas.
PRTC Community Shield Selections: (3) NOAH KHAN (1) SUPER SALUTE (2) VINCENT’S STAR (8) FLAWLESS
GOLD EIGHTY-THREE is perfectly drawn for a return victory in the 1100m Class 5A contest (Race 7). Having its second run back in the grade, the gelding’s eight career wins have all occurred at Class 5 level and he could go one better following his second placing over 1100m here at the last meeting. Stable mate CAVALLA COURT finished third in that same race when resuming and will strip a lot fitter this Sunday while GURNEY DRIVE resumes for the new stable and looks a chance despite the outside gate.
BEST CHILLI attracted some market support at long odds when runner up over 1300m here two weeks ago and looks hard to beat in the 1400 Class 4B contest (Race 9). Despite rising 5kg after the claim from that performance, the eight-year-old is a three-time winner over the 1400m and strikes a winnable race.
