Track Two (inner track) will be utilized for the first time since the September 25 race meeting where it was quite evident that on speed runners gained a big advantage compared to previous races run on the circuit this season. All winners in the eleven races that day were placed in the first three from the half mile while most place getters settled in the first five from the same point.
Apprentice Clyde Leck once again has a good book of rides with genuine winning chances as he teams up with the inform stables of his father Charles and Simon Dunderdale.
Leck and Dunderdale join forces in the 1275m Max Two Stakes (Race 5) with impressive last start winner, THE MAREEBA MANGO (2). The lightly raced six year old has obviously had some injury issues with only seven race starts for two wins at this stage of his career. He will be pitted against the AB Abdullah trained KHAYYAM (3), which is on track for the hat trick and will be looking to maintain its unbeaten local record. With two wins from as many starts in Malaysia, the former Kiwi galloper appears well placed to strike again. GOOD MAN (1) carries the top weight of 59kg but has been contesting harder races recently since winning an 1100m Open Novice here back in June.
The 1775m Stayer Stakes A event (Race 7) appears wide open with seven of the ten candidates receiving apprentice claims. BERRY BLISS (3) for Team Leck has the best lead in form for the race but rises to this distance for the first time. TELLER (5) steps up to a more suitable journey and could provide the value after flashing home when placed at huge odds last start. Had this race been run four years ago, KIRIN (1) would have been a certainty as the 2018 Singapore Gold Cup winner, formerly known as Elite Invincible, resumes his racing career after a five month break. TARGET (2) also possesses a handy record over the middle distances as he drops back from his unplaced effort in the G1 Selangor Gold Cup last month. The best of the lightweights would be ATTENTION (8), a track and distance winner here at the September meeting and is a worthy trifecta chance as he drops 5kg from his recent 3rd in Class 4 company.
