AWESOME STORM (1) and XENA (2) finished 1st and 2nd respectively in last year’s G1 Tungku Gold Cup and both gallopers are set for a rematch in the 1200m Metro A contest (Race 6) on Sunday.
Despite being defeated from a wide barrier last start, AWESOME STORM (1) has a few points in his favour this time including a better draw, the 4kg apprentice weight relief and a race that is devoid of early speed. With a reliable beginning, the former Australian should be able to dictate the pace from barrier rise. Smart mare XENA (2) was responsible for a big performance last start at Ipoh when she was slow to begin before displaying her customary acceleration in finishing 2nd over 1200m. The six year old will be suited if the speed is genuine throughout and jockey S Ruzaini has won five times on the mare. HANDSOME BENZ (5) is another handy sit sprinter who should be ready to peak fourth up this preparation. The seven year old was crowded at the start last time and was unlucky last time after receiving heavy market support. ECLIPSE SPLASH (3) is gradually returning to better form despite not winning for over two years while GOOD MAN (7) looked impressive in his trial win on Tuesday and should be competitive at this level.
Race 6 Selections: 1 – 2 – 5 – 3
One horse which has really found his niche in Malaysia is PASIR PINJI (8), who looks hard to beat in the 1500m Class 4 event (Race 4). With 3 wins from 4 starts in the country, the gelding received no luck when trapped wide throughout to finish 2nd, beaten a neck in his first local defeat. LUPIN (9) drifted further back than anticipated at his most recent start over the mile and did finish a nose 2nd to PASIR PINJI (8) over the 1500m back in November. With 3 wins during this current preparation, LUPIN (9) should be a major player once again. HAIRY FIST (2) has been racing well without winning and is capable of picking up a Class 4 race in the near future while MR HANKS (3) has descended in the ratings and will be looking to break his winning drought.
Race 4 Selections: 8 – 9 – 2 – 3
