Local trainer, Kevin Coetzee will have strong representation in the high-grade Holland Lop Stakes (Race 4) over 1400m at Perak Turf Club on Sunday when he saddles up four of the eight runners.
The best chance from the stable quartet appears to be recent acquisition MANDRAKE (8), who was successful at this track in his Malaysian debut back in November. The seven-year-old has placed in his past two starts in Class 3 grade and caught the eye when powering home over 1400m in KL a month ago. QIJI ACHEEVA (6) is a progressive type recording 3 wins from 8 local starts and will be freshened since finishing a length second at his first run in Class 3 company. Following three unsuccessful attempts over the 1400m journey previously, he has rapidly improved this campaign and should not be underestimated. CHINA CAPTAIN (2) ascended through the grades with a personal best season in 2022 which produced seven victories. Six of the gelding’s seven wins were recorded on wet tracks so the going will be important when assessing his chances. Another Coetzee runner with claims is EXDREAM (7), which has chalked up four wins since joining the stable early last year. The seven-year-old is yet to break through in this class but does receive some weight relief after the apprentice claim. RELAU STAR (4) likes to track the speed and is always a worthy trifecta chance.
DISCRETELY RED (1) drops back to the B division of the Class 4 and will head the weights in the 1600m Angora Handicap (Race 3). A wet track specialist, DISCRETELY RED (1) will be first up since November and is coming off a sharp trial behind his higher rated stable mate, Relau Star here Tuesday week ago. RULE THE WORLD (4) has been a consistent performer and is on the eight-day back up following his 3rd in KL over 1500m from a wide draw. CAVALLA COURT (3) only started twice last preparation and will resume since leading throughout in Penang on November 27. He has placed at the mile previously and receives his chance to break through in Class 4 grade. TRIPLE ONE STAR (6) is getting on in years but is proven at this level while PURPLE RAIN LADY (5) can be hard to follow at times and was a beaten favorite here at the last meeting.
