Malaysia’s highest rated galloper, GRAND CROSS resumes from a two month hiatus in the 1000m Spotted Dove Stakes (Race 6) which headlines the eleven race, one day program of racing at Perak Turf Club this Sunday. Now at ten years of age, GRAND CROSS has dominated the Enrich Stakes A races locally over the past couple of seasons, especially over the 1000m trip, and he will receive those conditions with the aid of a 4kg claim for apprentice SN Shiva. The Kevin Coetzee trained veteran will be pitted against some progressive types including stable mate, LIM’S DASHING who has been a consistent performer this year and goes well second up. He is coming off a placing in a strong Class 3 race at Kuala Lumpur three weeks ago and could upset his more seasoned stable companion. VETRI has raced well at this level before and can improve on his most recent defeat. Trainer Siva Subramanium prepared a personal best five winners at Selangor last week and SACRED TONIC on the minimum could provide the value in the high grade contest.
An interesting recent acquisition to the Kevin Coetzee stable is former Singapore galloper, ZHU CAPTAIN engaged in a 1200m Class 4 (Race 10). Formerly known as Atilla, the five year old with a record of 2 wins from 4 starts, hasn’t been produced at the local trials and will resume since winning a Class 4 contest at Kranji on June 26. He will experience some stiff opposition in the form of MAGNITUDE, who will race on the Ipoh circuit for the first time and is on track for a winning hat trick. HOWL is a proven Class 4 performer with a good record over the 1200m trip while GENERAL NIX backs up from his unplaced effort eight days ago and can bounce back despite the wide draw.
ROCK N ROLL should provide his followers with a return victory in a 1300m Class 5 event (Race 3), his fourth start in the country. The six year old won at his local debut here on August 7 and has maintained solid form since in two subsequent efforts. He produced an eye catching effort in soft going at Penang two weeks back after powering home to finish 2nd, beaten 1.5 lengths and looks hard to beat this Sunday.
