Malaysia’s highest rated galloper, GRAND CROSS appears well placed for a winning return back on home turf in the 1000m Lusitano Stakes (Race 5) at Perak Turf Club on Saturday. The small field also suits as the ten year old relies on his early pace but has been plagued with wide draws in recent starts. With 14 wins locally, GRAND CROSS (1) is unbeaten in five runs over the 1000m trip on the Ipoh course so he will prove hard to run down with HS Gill astride. The Richard Lines trained MOONGATE LIGHT (2) has been competitive in the high graded races in KL and will be fourth up this preparation. The nine year old has previously lowered the colours of GRAND CROSS (1) in a Penang contest back in November 2021 and should be a worthy adversary if the breaks go his way. LIM’S DASHING (5) doesn’t win too often but receives a 6kg drop from his placing in Penang last start while RELAU STAR (6) finished 5th in that same race and gains a similar advantage. TITAN PEGASUS (8) may be the lowest rated performer in this contest but was an impressive Class 4 winner at his local debut and should not be underestimated.
Local trainer, Keven Coetzee has a handy contingent of starters for Saturday’s 10 race card and his recent acquisition, MANDRAKE (3) can bounce back to winning form in the 1400m Appaloosa Handicap (Race 7). The seven year old strung three placings in a row in Class 3 company earlier this season and looks well placed to break through for the first time since scoring at his local debut in November. Despite not winning for 15 months, MR G (4) has not finished further back than three lengths from the winner in his past six outings. The eight year old’s two local wins were both recorded on the Ipoh circuit and a forward showing is expected coming off a short break. SILENT BOSS (1) closed off well in a Benchmark 74 contest at Penang a fortnight ago and appears suited back in Class 4 grade while TEOCHEW KID (2) produced a sharp sprint to score over 1200m here second up on March 12. TEOCHEW KID (2) has finished unplaced in three tries over the 1400m journey so the distance can be the only query in regards to his chances. GALAXY LAW (6) has been improving and a Class 4 win is looming for the former Kiwi galloper.
