Former Irish galloper, JINLING STARBLITZ (1) captured the attention of local race goers with a sterling victory on his Malaysian debut three weeks ago and is capable of going back-to-back in the 1400m Open Novice (Race 4) this Sunday. The four-year-old closed off well from midfield to defeat subsequent winner, Aquitaine by 0.75L in an Open Maiden contest over 1250m. The Ricky Choi trained gelding strikes another winnable race and looks hard to beat with the top weight of 59kg. PACIFIC FIGHTER (2) has been performing well against Class 4 opposition recently, coming off three minor placings in succession and is due to break his Malaysian duck at start number four in the country. HELLO HERO (4) has chalked up a couple of thirds in Open Maiden company and received no luck when checked mid-race in the contest won by JINLING STARBLITZ (1) last start. BANKER’S CUTE (7) has been racing against tougher opposition in three local starts but is due to improve on the distance drop.
Race 4 Selections: 1 – 2 – 4 – 7
Talented sprinter YES MAN (2) progressed rapidly through the grades and struck career best form recording six wins during the 2025 racing year and will strip much fitter second up in the 1200m Supreme A (Race 7). The four-year-old resumed and led from gate eleven in the G1 Tunku Gold Cup to finish 7th, but was only beaten 2.75L. There is no doubt YES MAN (2) will benefit from that performance and should find the lead from barrier three with Jose De Souza on bored for the first time. However, he strikes a horse in peak form and that is recent Tunku Gold Cup place getter PACIFIC ENERGY (8), which is coming off an impressive Class 3 victory on April 11. The David Kok trained runner has already established himself in the high grades locally with four wins from ten starts and with the advantage of race fitness on his side, the gelding also carries 3kg less from that last start win. BANKER’S FIRST (7) scored at big odds for his Malaysian debut when leading throughout over 1200m from pole position and will need to repeat the dose from the ten barrier on this occasion. BIG UNION (6) only produced the one win from his first Malaysian preparation and normally goes well second up from a spell. The five-year-old had no luck when resuming from the outside draw on March 29 when trapped wide all the way. BIG HEARTED (9) is a moderate beginner which may be preferable over the longer trip. However, the nine year old still possess that quick turn of speed and has proven to be quite versatile throughout his long career.
Race 7 Selections: 2 – 8 – 7 – 6
An enthralling clash is expected in the 1200m Class 3 contest (Race 8) as recent G1 Tunku Gold Cup runner up, DUMA (1) will clash with the talented three-year-old STRONG DRAGON (11) and the speedy inform four-year-old NAVARRE (4). DUMA (1) has already proven himself in the grade with two wins from three starts and his eye-catching effort in the group feature from barrier fifteen suggests the Frank Maynard trained gelding can quickly atone for his narrow neck defeat. However, STRONG DRAGON (11) will carry 6kg less than his more seasoned opponent and is capable of scoring second up. The New Zealand bred juvenile does possess a sharp turn of acceleration and finished runner up at this level back in December. NAVARRE (4) will be facing his toughest assignment at start four in Malaysia but the manner in which he has taken care of his rivals suggests another forward showing is expected. Scoring comprehensively by 7.25L in a 1300m Max Two Stakes race here four weeks ago, NAVARRE (4) will utilize his early pace and could prove hard to beat at his Class 3 debut. Others worth considering for the exotics are HASTEN (3) and BANKER’S SWEETHEART (2), which finished 3rd and 4th respectively in a 1200m Class 3 won by Banker’s First on April 12.
Race 8 Selections: 1 – 11 – 4 – 3
