One of the highlights on the Malaysian racing calendar, the RM200,000 Group 1 Meru Valley Resort Derby (Perak Derby) (2000m) has attracted a field of nine runners this Sunday, with several contenders bringing closely matched collateral form into the race.
Leading the charge is the Johnny Lim-trained BANKER’S TWO SIX, who has been in tremendous form and has climbed the ratings rapidly. Once a two-time placegetter from 15 starts in Australia, he has been a revelation since relocating to Malaysia. Four starts ago, he almost caused a major upset in the Group 1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor, charging home to be beaten only a neck over 2000m. While some may have questioned that performance, he has since franked the form with a hat-trick of wins. On current form and under Set Weights conditions, he shapes as a leading contender.
Reigning Group 1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor winner KIM EMPEROR saw his winning streak end two starts ago, but as a son of Highland Reel, the rise to 2000m—where he boasts a perfect record—should suit him well. He has trialled in style leading into this assignment and, as a standout on collateral form, should play a major role if he brings his A-game.
Another intriguing runner is LATIN LEGEND, who finished three lengths behind KIM EMPEROR when fourth in the Group 1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor three runs back. He subsequently won a Supreme B Stakes in effortless fashion before finishing sixth in the Chinese New Year Prosperity Trophy, where he returned lame. He has proven competitive at the highest level, including a narrow second in the Group 1 Coronation Cup last November, and could finally break through for a Group 1 victory if things fall his way.
Trained by Richard Lines, GOOD STAR has been disappointing in recent outings since claiming the Group 1 Coronation Cup (1600m) at this track in November. However, he could sneak into the placings at long odds in this relatively small field if he rediscovers his best form.
MAN OF ACTION has struck a purple patch of form since December, winning twice and placing once from his past three starts. While the step up to 2000m remains a query, he should acquit himself well, and a top-three finish would not surprise. The same could be said of WINNING STRIDE, who boasts strong recent form but may lack the class on paper. However, his record of three placings from four attempts over 2000m suggests he is not one to overlook.
Although the race conditions favour higher-rated runners, outsiders cannot be dismissed, as evidenced by the Group 1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor, where lower-rated runners filled the quinella. GUM KHOR, GURU FIGHT and MIST THE DEDLINE, though seemingly better suited to Class 4 company on ratings, could still spring a surprise if the leading contenders underperform.
While BANKER’S TWO SIX comes into this week’s feature in career-best form and is clearly the one to beat, there could be value elsewhere if he goes off overbet. KIM EMPEROR and LATIN LEGEND, both benefiting from favourable draws, look well-placed to challenge. GOOD STAR, to be ridden by top jockey Jose De Souza, shapes as a live outsider and shouldn’t be overlooked. Meanwhile, GURU FIGHT has been remarkably consistent; if he handles the 2000m trip, a Top 3 finish is well within reach, making him another appealing value option.
