Promising gallopers GOOD STAR and PACIFIC STAR are set to clash in what promises to be an enthralling renewal of the 1800m Merdeka Cup at Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
GOOD STAR, runner-up in the recent 4YO Selangor Mile, has made rapid progress since arriving from Australia and looks ready to break through after several eye-catching runs from wide barriers. The gelding possesses a sharp turn of foot and should relish stepping up to 1800m for the first time.
PACIFIC STAR comes into the RM100,000 feature in peak condition, having completed a hat-trick with a tough win at this track and trip against Supreme C company. He now faces a sterner test but his consistency makes him a leading contender.
Adding further intrigue, PACIFIC WARRIOR heads the weights and is expected to roll forward in search of his own hat-trick, while PLATINUM GLORY, who has previously lowered the colours of PACIFIC STAR, cannot be overlooked.
Talented performer ANTIPODEAN has only managed one victory this season but shapes as a strong contender to return to winning ways in the 1400m Trinity Cup on Sunday.
The gelding has been racing consistently in four-year-old feature events, most notably producing an eye-catching third in the Selangor Mile when charging home from the rear to finish just 2.75 lengths behind LUCKY MAGIC.
Crucially, ANTIPODEAN boasts a perfect record at 1400m, winning all four of his starts over the trip. He will, however, face a stern test against FILIAL DRAGON, the recent G1 Perak Gold Vase hero who put together four straight victories through June and July.
