SMART CAT (4) will be relatively inexperienced going into Saturday’s contest, a 1275m Class 4B (Race 3) but he does look a likely prospect of winning in the higher grades judging by his fighting victory over 1200m three weeks ago. The four-year-old had previously shown potential prior to breaking through at his third race start and is a chance of going back-to-back. ELLIOT NESS (1) took a while to adapt to the Malaysian circuit but finally delivered a win back in August over Saturday’s distance and the eight-year-old has closed off well, filling minor placings at his past two runs. CHEERFUL BABY (3) does mix his form but is better suited dropping back to the “B” division of this level while IMPERIAL GENIE (5) scored over this track and distance in September and powered home to finish 3rd last start.
Race 3 Selections: 4 – 1 – 3 – 5
It took six runs in the country before SANTINO (8) could return a victory for trainer Simon Dunderdale and is on target for successive victories in the 1020m Class 4B (Race 4). The five-year-old raced much closer to the speed here a fortnight ago which belied his normal racing pattern. In previous runs he has been a fraction slow from barrier rise, hence giving away big starts and generally takes time to wind up at the end of his races. With a similar run this weekend, he can defy the class rise and double his Malaysian win tally. PACIFIC ANGEL (5) has scored three times over the 1020m and all four Malaysian wins have been recorded on Track Two. The mare has maintained form with a quiet trial during the week and is definitely a major player. AFTERMATH (2) should be primed following five runs this preparation and caught the eye with a fast-finishing 2nd here a month ago. STAR EIGHTY THREE (3) was runner up at big odds for his fifth run in the country, his best performance so far and is on the verge of breaking through.
Race 4 Selections: 8 – 5 – 2 – 3
The high-grade contest will be the 1200m Class 3 (Race 7) and the two prominent figures look to be STOP THE WATER (3) and PACIFIC ENERGY (12). Finishing 3rd and 4th in a strong contest won by Yes Man here two weeks ago, the pair are set for an enthralling clash for the rematch. Because of the weights, there is a slight leaning to PACIFIC ENERGY (12) who reeled off the fastest sectional in that race coming from second last at the 400m to finish. With 52.5kg, the former Australian galloper looks ideally placed to open his Malaysian account. STOP THE WATER (3) finished 0.75L in front of PACIFIC ENERGY (12) that day after receiving a cheap run in transit and is well drawn to be prominent again fourth up this time in. BANKER’S BEAUTIFUL (9) was well supported on local debut and duly delivered a victory which seemed unlikely during the race. The mare travelled awkwardly for most of the trip and settled a long way back before unleashing a sharp turn of acceleration to win running away by 2.25 lengths. It was only a Max Two Stakes race but the manner in which the mare won suggests she should be competitive against the high graders. HURRICANE (5) and JANUARY (6) are both trifecta chances also.
Race 7 Selections: 12 – 3 – 9 – 5
The best bet for the day comes up in the 1400m Class 4A contest (Race 8) as Brazilian bred performer IRISH GOODBYE (3) will be attempting to maintain his unbeaten record. Debuting with a win against Class 4B company on September 14, the four-year-old produced another impressive display taking out the Safar Gemilang Cup on October 26. The gelding is a progressive type and is capable of notching the winning hat trick. The horse which finished a length behind IRISH GOODBYE (3) in that cup race is RED SUN (10), a rapid improver this season and is looking to reverse the result. The six-year-old has since finished a nose 2nd over 1500m here at the last meeting and is a three-time winner at the track and distance, including his most recent victory on October 12. ASTRO NASCENTE (4) is a former Australian galloper who will strip fitter following his 5th on local debut over 1020m on November 2, beaten 2.25 lengths. The four-year-old entire broke his maiden tag over 1300m in Australia back in May so the distance rise should suit. SOUSUI (1) steps up to the “A” division following successive wins over 1300m and 1400m at Ipoh and KL and must give given claims again despite carrying the top weight of 59kg from the outside gate.
Race 8 Selections: 3* – 10 – 4 – 1
