Leading owners the Pacific Stable will have two representatives who are both currently racing in peak form and are likely to head the markets in the 1800m Merdeka Cup (Race 10) which highlights the twelve-race card at Selangor Turf Club this Sunday.
PACIFIC WARRIOR (1) carries top weight and is aiming for the winning hat trick. In a race devoid of early pace, he looks the likely leader and will be hard to catch if able to dictate the speed from barrier rise.
His stable companion PACIFIC STAR (5) has made rapid progress and improvement after completing a hat trick of wins here two weeks ago over Sunday’s trip. He is one of only four runners engaged to have proven himself over 1800m with the Jason Ong – Andre Da Silva combination expected to continue their good run.
GOOD STAR (3) is a progressive type which has produced some huge performances recently including his runner up effort in the 4YO Selangor Mile last month. The former Australian galloper continues to be dealt blows with barrier draws as he will have started from either gates eleven or twelve in five of his past six outings, including Sunday. He does possess a powerful turn of speed however and can never be dismissed in this line up.
PLATINUM GLORY (6) is a model of consistency and is always one for the trifectas. A winner in three of his first four runs in the country, the five-year-old has maintained form since and is coming of minor placings behind PACIFIC WARRIOR (1) over 1600m and PACIFIC STAR (5) over 1800m. The gelding normally likes to race on speed and should receive all the favours in the run.
LATIN LEGEND (6) had a lameness issue last start but he defeated GOOD STAR (3) two runs back over the mile and will be seeking redemption while another former Aussie in VALVOIS (2) could improve on recent runs.
Of the lightweights, STRONG WHITE (11) displayed that familiar turn of acceleration when winning an 1800m Class 5 contest a fortnight ago and if he can replicate that, he may provide the value in his toughest test to date.
MERDEKA CUP SELECTIONS: (5) PACIFIC STAR (3) GOOD STAR (1) PACIFIC WARRIOR (6) PLATINUM GLORY
Despite a solitary win for the season so far, last year’s topliner ANTIPODEAN (2) can recapture his winning form in the 1400m Trinity Cup (Race 8). The five-year-old has not started since finishing 3rd in the 4YO Selangor Mile and is on track to defend his Selangor Gold Cup title coming up next month. ANTIPODEAN (2) has been back with original trainer Simon Dunderdale for several weeks now and remains unbeaten in four starts over the 1400m journey.
FILIAL DRAGON (5) chalked up four victories in a line when taking out the G1 Perak Gold Vase on July 13 and has maintained solid form since. Coming off minor placings in a couple of strong Supreme A contests, the six-year-old is racing in career best form and a revisit to the winner’s enclosure would not surprise.
CAVALRY (9) has bumped into talented sprinter Platinum Emperor in both Malaysian starts finishing runner up on each occasion. He is a reliable beginner with early pace and could figure in the finish with 53kg.
PACIFIC VAMPIRE (1) will no doubt provide the speed influence as displayed in his recent wins over shorter trips. The 1400m may test him back on the main course and against this type of opposition as well but he should still give you a good sight from the top end.
VINCENT’S STAR (4) has produced six wins from eleven starts locally with all bar two runs on the Ipoh circuit. The five-year-old has also been transferred to the Wayne Lim stable and is a promising type who should acquit himself quite well in the Selangor high grades. VINCENT’S STAR (4) has won two from three when produced second up so may be one to watch for the new camp.
TRINITY CUP SELECTIONS: (2) ANTIPODEAN (5) FILIAL DRAGON (9) CAVALRY (1) PACIFIC VAMPIRE
