Racing returns to the northern circuit for the first time since June 5 and some of Malaysia’s more progressive performers will be sent around in the Salisbury Racecourse Trophy, the main event on Saturday’s card.
The race features the former New Zealander and locally unbeaten five year old, GAMESTONKS who will be staring at four wins in a row. The Charles Leck trained gelding has created a big impression on the local circuit since making his debut here in April and is coming off a decisive six length win over 1250m in KL. He is a fast beginner and draws well in gate two as he races on the Penang circuit for the first time.
AHTIMS KLIS is a mare on the rise posting four wins in succession from six starts this season and looks well suited returning to home soil. The five year old will be freshened and will rely on her early speed to create her own luck from barrier 13 but she has won from a wide draw previously and her chances will be enhanced if a wet track prevails.
VIETNAM CAPTAIN built up a very good formline behind some handy types before finally breaking through over 1100m in KL earlier this month. The seven year old won with plenty in hand last start and a repeat performance would not surprise despite the wide barrier.
ALLIANCE CAPTAIN has won 3 from 4 in the country and the three year old faces his toughest assignment so far. The youngster should acquit himself well against his more seasoned opponents as he drops 4kg from his recent victory. GOLD SKY BILLION is yet to miss a place first up and is coming off two trials in successive weeks while GOOD MAN scored against a weaker lineup in KL a month ago and is one for the exotics.
The “A” Divison of the 1200m Class 4 contest includes last start winner, VALENCIA who is on target for the winning hat trick. The six year old had not raced since winning in Singapore in February last year but was able to lead throughout when resuming for the Ismadi Ismail stable at Ipoh on July 2. The margin was two lengths and he responded well when challenged over the concluding stages. D’GREAT JOURNEY, despite his last start failure, is always one to watch in Class 4 grade while the last visit to Penang for DESIRE SKY yielded a neck win over the 1200m trip. PURPLE RAIN was runner up in that race and has maintained solid form since. One to watch closely is the six year old, GOOD LUCK CHARM which has been off the scene for six months but does possess some handy formlines at Class 4 level in Kranji last year.
