The 1300m Independence Day Stakes (Race 6) will headline the Perak Turf Club’s nine race program this Saturday. ARC TRIUMPH (1) and SKYLIGHT (8), two winners emanating from the last meeting a fortnight ago are set to clash in the high grade contest. SKYLIGHT (8) has created a big impression on the local circuit since her local debut win back on June 4 and hasn’t looked back recording 3 wins from 4 Malaysian starts since then. The 6yo mare never gave the opposition a look in when she led throughout to win by 2.5 lengths at her first outing on home territory last start. Despite drawing the outside gate, SKYLIGHT (8) appears well placed with the weight advantage (53kg) compared to her higher rated rivals and her early speed should place her in good stead. ARC TRIUMPH (1) showed his versatility with an impressive two length win at his first run on the Ipoh circuit two weeks ago and will carry the 59kg. It was a positive ride by Jackson Low that day when he allowed the 9yo to work forward gradually from the outside barrier before he was able to outsprint his rivals in the closing stages. ARC TRIUMPH (1) will also take a power beating as he’s a proven weight carrier which has drawn well and is proven at this class. RESOLUTE (4) made one previous visit to Ipoh and it was a successful one when he took out the Charity Cup in November last year. The 7yo has failed to win a race since but has been competitive in Class 3 events recently. CHINA CAPTAIN (5) is a fraction short of the top bracket of horses currently racing but is still competitive at this level and the same could be said about EXDREAM (9), which looks an outside chance at the weights. The interesting runner is TEOCHEW KID (6), a galloper with ability but with various injury issues throughout his career. The 7yo resumes since successive Class 4 wins back in April but will strike this class for the fist time this Saturday.
Another competitive race should be the 1200m Hibiscus Handicap (Race 8) and despite not winning for over a year, SACRED TONIC (3) has a chance to bounce back. The 9yo showed a return to best form last start when finishing runner up behind the inform Golden Payout over 1100m in Selangor three weeks ago. RS DIAGO (6) finished 3rd in that same race following a 1200m victory at Selangor prior to that. The 5yo has won on the track previously and is currently holding good form. Following many unsuccessful attempts at Class 4 level, FAST AND SUPER (4) finally broke the hoodoo in Penang on May 20 and will win at this grade again very soon. The 6yo suffered a nose defeat at the last meeting and is arguably in career best form. The 10yo grey, KRATOS (10) hasn’t been far away in two runs for the Kevin Coetzee stable while DOCTOR GINGER (5) is the likely leader but the 1200m trip may be the limit at this stage of his career.
