Former Class 3 galloper NAUGHTY KID has been languishing near the bottom of Class 5 for several months now but does get his opportunity to break a fifteen-month winning drought in the 1020m Rebound Stakes (Race 1). Coming off three minor placings in a row, the nine-year-old should deliver with Jarrod Mallyon astride for the first time. CC (Jimmy) Wong returns to Malaysia with a handy book of rides and PACIFIC SOLDIER can start the day on a positive note for the former Penangite. PACIFIC SOLDIER is also due to strike and despite finishing out of the money as a beaten favourite last start, he has scored over the track and distance previously.
A couple of runners engaged in the 1020m Class 4B contest (Race 4) have got their hoof on the till with BANKER’S BABY and IRON SAMURAI drawn barriers one and two respectively. BANKER’S BABY has missed a place once in five local starts without a win but the mare receives a perfect opportunity to break her Malaysian duck. IRON SAMURAI has finished runner up at his past three outings and is bursting to break through. The seven-year-old has the early speed to lead but may be pressured early by OUR SECRET WEAPON which is also likely to roll forward over the shorter trip. RHYTHM OF ZEN received no luck on the upgrade last start but has won at this level before and is one to watch at good odds.
The 1400m NZB Ready To Run Graduate Cup (Race 7) will highlight the ten-race program with the Mega Stable represented by five of the twelve runners in the RM 150,000 Listed Feature. MEGA VALOR enters the race with perfect lead up form and if anything, has improved with race experience. With two wins from seven starts, MEGA VALOR was dominant in a Class 4 contest here three weeks ago when leading throughout by 2.25L. However, MEGA CRUSADER also possesses an abundance of early pace and will resume from a 78-day break. He wasn’t overtaxed in a recent trial and his initial preparation suggests he is one galloper capable of progressing through the grades. YES BOSS YES broke his maiden tag in unusual circumstances when leading all the way here on March 15. Jockey I Fikri lost the use of his iron soon after the start and took evasive action to release the opposite iron. Hence Fikri rode the entire race without a foot in the stirrups and displayed good horsemanship in guiding YES BOSS YES to a 1.25L victory over the 1200m trip. CAPETIAN won twice from three starts for his initial campaign and will strip fitter from his first up performance here three weeks ago. He looks better suited against his age group and should pick off a few more races for the Buffalo Stable. MEGA MAXIMUS has had the name change and is a galloper which has shown ability missing a place once from six runs. The horse formerly known as Maximus Pegasus is only a moderate beginner but his quick turn of acceleration is his valuable asset and could strike a blow if the pace is fast early.
Five-year-old RUMEUR put the writing on the wall with an encouraging second placing behind the promising youngster MEGA VALOR here on March 15 and is likely to go one better in the 1300m Class 4A contest (Race 9). Having its second run back in the grade, RUMEUR is drawn to settle on pace and should prove hard to beat with Jose de Souza on board the gelding for the first time. SAKURA resumes from an 84 day break and he does possess a handy first up record (3:1-1-1). The four old will gain a big weight advantage with 52kg to carry after the M Ekdihar apprentice claim and looks well placed for a comeback win. KIM EMPIRE won well from a wide gate over this track and journey two runs back and must not be left out of calculations.
