As one of the marquee events on Malaysia’s racing calendar, the RM400,000 Group 1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor (2000m) has drawn a competitive field of 14 runners to the Selangor Turf Club this Sunday. Here’s iRace’s preview of the feature:
No. 1 ANTIPODEAN: Arguably regarded as Malaysia’s best performer at the moment, he was a solid fourth in the G1 Selangor Gold Cup three runs ago before cruising home in a 1400m Open race. His fast-finishing second last time out suggests he’s hitting peak form, and he shapes as a major player here.
No. 2 LUCKY MAGIC: A standout performer with a perfect three-from-three record at G1 level, highlighted by a commanding Selangor Gold Cup win in September. Although he fell short of expectations last time out, the step up from 1400m to 2000m, where he remains unbeaten from two attempts, should suit him far better. Well placed to chase a fourth G1 victory.
No. 3 SHIRVO: He posted back-to-back wins in Enrich Stakes A company in September and October but has found the rise in class much tougher since. While there’s no doubt he has talent, this G1 test looks beyond him, and a Top 3 finish would be a surprise.
No. 4 BIG HEARTED: The 2020 Singapore Gold Cup champion has managed two wins from 12 starts since moving to Malaysia, though both came in lower-grade races. He was well beaten when ninth in the G1 Coronation Cup last time out, and on current form he profiles more as a place hope than a winning threat.
No. 5 GOOD STAR: He lost his rider in the G1 Selangor Gold Cup three starts ago but has bounced back in style with consecutive wins since, including a gritty victory in the G1 Coronation Cup last time out. Having only missed the frame once from nine local starts, he looks well placed to chase successive G1 triumphs, especially from a favourable draw.
No. 6 PACIFIC PADRINO: A reliable customer whose best form has been between 1200m and 1600m. The obvious question stepping into this G1 feature is whether he can cope with the sharp rise in distance. If he stays the trip, he’s an outside chance of sneaking into the placings at big odds.
No. 7 ALWAYS A GENTLEMAN: Previously outclassed in Hong Kong, he was expected by many to hold an edge over local opposition in Malaysia. However, he has yet to break through after four starts here. Stepping straight into G1 company now, he’ll need to find significant improvement to feature.
No. 8 PACIFIC WARRIOR: A catch-me-if-you-can type, he made the running and battled on gamely for third in the G1 Coronation Cup last time out. However, he has yet to place in two attempts over 1800m, raising questions about whether he can see out 2000m at his first try. From a wide gate, he could inject genuine tempo.
No. 9 LATIN LEGEND: A consistent performer in handicap company, he elevated sharply when finishing a brave second in the G1 Coronation Cup last start—his first attempt at the elite level—firmly establishing himself as a genuine G1 contender. With proven form over 1800m, he commands plenty of respect in this week’s feature.
No. 10 KIM EMPEROR: He has rediscovered his form since dropping back to Class 4 three starts ago, recently stringing together back-to-back wins. However, the notion that a horse who struggled in Class 3 can suddenly measure up in a G1 feature this week feels counterintuitive, and he appears out of his depth.
No. 11 FLYING NEMO: This light-framed galloper has yet to win from 11 starts in Malaysia, and all six of his career wins came below 1600m in lower grades in Singapore. On that profile, it would take a near-miracle for him to feature in this week’s G1 event.
No. 12 SOUSUI: A consistent performer in Class 4, but this sharp rise to G1 company looks beyond him, even with a light weight in his favour.
No. 13 BANKER’S TWO SIX: He caused an upset at big odds in Class 4 two starts ago, but couldn’t reproduce that effort in the same grade next time out. On exposed form, others make stronger appeal.
No. 14 NAVY SEALS: He has the stamina to handle 2000m, as his 6:3-0-2 record at the trip shows, but he may simply lack the class for this level. With a rating of 58, Class 4 looks a more suitable grade for him.
Given the current form lines, it’s difficult to separate ANTIPODEAN, LUCKY MAGIC, GOOD STAR, and LATIN LEGEND—all four bring compelling credentials into the race. However, both GOOD STAR and LATIN LEGEND have come up with favourable draws, and that could prove a decisive advantage. From a value standpoint, leaning towards whichever of the pair starts at more attractive odds may be the smartest play on race day.
