Following successive wins in September, seven-year-old PLATINUM HARVEST (5) has maintained solid form is looks a winning chance in the 1600m Class 4B contest (Race 5) at Selangor Turf Club this Sunday. Caught the eye with a fast-finishing 3rd behind another back-to-back winner in Sir Ruby here two weeks back and draws the pole with Benny Woodworth aboard for the first time. SAKURA (2) has early pace and should settle on speed although his only victory came when leading throughout over 1200m back in July. Has placed up to 1400m and steps up to the mile for the first time. MENTAL (6) came from last to finish 4th over the 1200m first up and the step up to 1600m is a positive. The gelding’s second up record (4:2-0-0) also places him in good stead. ONG MARI (3) showed a return to form last start when runner up to Sir Ruby in that same race while four-year-old mare, LIGHTNING GAL (12) has dropped in the ratings and looks an outside chance with the 53.5kg.
Race 5 Selections: (5) PLATINUM HARVEST (6) SAKURA (6) MENTAL (3) ONG MARI
ASTRO NASCENTE (7) has shown positive signs in two Malaysian runs so far and is verging on a win for the Nick Selvan stable. The former Australian is a chance to break through in the 1200m Class 4A (Race 6) after his latest run when finishing 3rd behind the locally unbeaten Irish Goodbye on November 22, beaten 4.5 lengths. AI ROCKET (6) is another Aussie import debuting for the HY Cheng yard and will be first up since a maiden win on a wet track back in May. The four-year-old travelled up nicely in a trial here Tuesday week ago and a forward showing is expected on his resumption to racing. DRAGON CLAW (4) returned to winning form over 1020m on Track Two prior to his 1.75L defeat when held up at a crucial stage last start. BOSS BABY (3) has performed admirably against Class 3 and Class 4 opposition since breaking his maiden tag at Ipoh on September 7. BANKER’S GLORY (1) received no luck when resuming here last Sunday after being trapped wide throughout but can easily bounce back on the seven-day back-up.
Race 6 Selections: (7) ASTRO NASCENTE (6) AI ROCKET (4) DRAGON CLAW (3) BOSS BABY
BATTLE CRY (9) was heavily supported on his Malaysian debut when finishing 2nd on November 8 and can go one better in the 1200m Class 4A (Race 7). The four-year-old showed pace from barrier ten to lead and took a while to settle down and relax once he found his rhythm. The gelding used to race with a tongue tie in most of his Australian starts so he can tend to over race at times but the distance drop and better draw should enhance his chances. BANKER’S BABY (8) is another Aussie import and debutant for the Johnny Lim stable. The mare trialed very well behind stable mate Banker’s Glory earlier this month and is one to watch first up from a five-month break. PACIFIC HERO (5) and OUR SECRET WEAPON (12) are both fast beginners racing in good form and are worthy of playing in the trifecta. PLATINUM BOSS (6) finally delivered a win for connections recently providing Benny Woodworth his first victory since returning to race riding. Horse and jockey have been reacquainted for Sunday’s contest and may provide the value,
Race 7 Selections: (9) BATTLE CRY (8) BANKER’S BABY (5) PACIFIC HERO (12) OUR SECRET WEAPON
Race Eight (1200m Class 4B) is an open contest so there will be plenty of value if you can find the winner. OTAHUHU (11) is normally a reliable beginner but missed the start slightly before over racing when finishing out of the placings over 1275m on Track Two. The gelding has not handled the inner track in two outings recently so the return to the A6 course should be an advantage. PACIFIC COMMANDER (1) has been racing well with big weights and looks suited dropping back to the “B” division of this grade. Both Malaysian wins have been recorded over this track and distance also. FIRE (5) is another galloper which could improve on the more spacious A6 course following two unplaced efforts on Track Two. The five-year-old will strip fitter third up this campaign. YOU THINK SO (7) is nearing another win following his head defeat over 1275m last start while VGOR (2) will benefit from the H Haikal apprentice claim.
Race 8 Selections: (11) OTAHUHU (1) PACIFIC COMMANDER (5) FIRE (7) YOU THINK SO
