BANKER’S EIGHTYONE (2) and COOL SIXTY-ONE (3) appear to be the major players in the 1200m Class 4B contest (Race 4) at the Selangor Turf Club’s meeting this Saturday. Both horses clashed in a 1200m event taken out by the talented Strong Dragon here a fortnight ago with COOL SIXTY-ONE (3) catching the eye with a fast finishing third, beaten one length. Following successive wins in November last year, COOL SIXTY-ONE (3) has maintained solid form since and is due to strike back. On the other hand, BANKER’S EIGHTYONE (2) looked a shade disappointing after racing on speed before weakening to finish last in the twelve-horse lineup. However, the five year old posted a winning hat trick towards the end of last year and gets in well after the G Farhan apprentice claim. YOU THINK SO (12) came within a head of beating COOL SIXTY-ONE (3) over 1275m here back on November 23 and must come into calculations despite suffering defeat as a beaten favourite at Ipoh last start. CIANGO (10) has descended in the ratings following seven runs in the country and his recent 2nd behind the inform Singha Bay keeps him under notice. FIRE (8) is back in form after five runs since a bleeding attack sustained in June last year and is a chance on the seven-day backup.
Race 4 Selections: 3 – 2 – 12 – 10
TAU KEH SOH (6) is always hard to beat in Class 4 grade she looks a major chance in Race 5 over 1200m. A winner over this track and distance three starts ago, the seven year old received no luck when trapped wide throughout to finish 4th (beaten 2.25L) in the race won by Strong Dragon on January 11. M Akmazani rode the mare to victory recently and the pair will be reunited for Saturday’s contest. Former Australian galloper AI ROCKET (4) is nearing a win following two encouraging efforts in this grade. The four year old closed off well, displaying a quick turn of foot to finish runner up here on January 11and will appreciate the better barrier draw. KOONDAKAARA (3) will race at this level for the first time and can bounce back despite failing as an odds-on favourite last run in an Open Novice here two weeks ago. STORM TO FINISH (10) is a two-time winner from four starts and will strip fitter second up from a spell while PANTONG (2) is expected to improve at his first foray in Class 4 company.
Race 5 Selections: 6 – 4 – 3 – 10
BANKER’S EMPRESS (1) will be on the six day backup and is on the verge of breaking the Malaysian duck in the 1600m Class 4A contest (Race 8). However, the mare will clash with the progressive four year old GURU FIGHT (6), already proven over the mile and on the road to a winning hat trick. GURU FIGHT (6) possesses a quick turn of acceleration and might prove hard to beat with the 53kg for South African born jockey Kayden Brewer. BANKER’S EMPRESS (2) seemed to hit a flat spot when staking a challenge in a Max Two Stakes race here last Sunday, going down by a head when she finally hit her straps. It should be an enthralling clash between the pair and they appear to be a safe bet for the quinella. KIM KIM (2) should provide the speed influence in the race and may take running down if the mare happens to relax better at the top end. BANKER’S CHAMPION (3) was far from disgraced on his Malaysian debut and will be suited by the distance rise while STAR NORTH (9) looks a genuine lightweight chance with 52kg.
Race 8 Selections: 6 – 1 – 2 – 3
Despite racing over the mile for the first time, Brazilian bred four-year-old IRISH GOODBYE (6) can make amends for recent defeats when he lines up in the 1600m Supreme B contest (Race 9). The Lawson Moy trained gelding posted three wins at his first three runs in the country and could go one better after running into an inform Singa Bay last start. FORTUNE TREE (2) led and was overhauled when placed 5th over 1500m here two weeks back and this will be the gelding’s third run over 1600m. He is yet to win beyond 1400m but he is building a good record locally and has placed previously at the mile. GRAND AVANTE (7) flashed home from near last at the 400m to finish 2nd behind classy performer Latin Legend over 1500m last start. The seven year old should be primed following three runs this campaign while KIM POWER (8) is still a query at this level but may provide value for the trifecta. BIG HEARTED (1) lacks early pace but is capable of surprising on best form and hasn’t enjoyed the best of luck in recent starts.
Race 9 Selections: 6 – 2 – 7 – 8
