This year’s Hygain Horse City G1 Selangor Gold Cup (Race 10) has thrown up many questions following the barrier draw as numerous runners have genuine winning chances. Not assisted by the draw is the country’s premier sprinter, AWESOME STORM (1) who will come from barrier 14 after scratchings. The 2022 G1 Tunku Gold Cup winner will have to work hard initially but despite him racing over the mile for the first time with 60kg to carry, there is a long run into the first turn on the long course. Penang Sprint Trophy winner, BERRY BLISS (2) has fared much better with the draw and has been freshened since his group one victory. The 5yo is a fast and reliable beginner who can create his own luck as he did when winning last start from gate 13. Despite failing at his most recent run, SAN ANDREAS (8) can not be discounted based on his form prior including a memorable victory in the G1 Tunku Gold Cup followed by a 3rd placing in the G1 Penang Sprint Trophy in July. The 7yo is only a moderate beginner with a sharp burst of acceleration and can bounce back without surprising. KONG FU PANDA (11), which finished 2nd in this race last year, looks ideally placed to break into group one contention following his runner up performance behind BERRY BLISS (2) in the G1 Penang Sprint Trophy recently. Of the lightweights, progressive galloper PASIR PINJI (13) is the best performed with 8 wins from 10 Malaysian starts and is coming off four successive victories. The 7yo possesses a quick turn of foot and there is a likelihood of a generous pace generated which places the gelding in good stead for a forward showing. One to watch for value is SINCERELY (7) which has been competitive in the high graded events and attracted market support in previous meetings with some of his rivals in recent contests.
Former Singapore galloper, STRONG N BEST (5) will strip much fitter from his encouraging run in Penang on July 30 and can break his Malaysian duck in the Cup Consolation, the 1700m Tan Sri Nelson Tan Celebrities Trophy (Race 7). Finishing 4th first up behind the talented Gamestonks, STRONG N BEST (5) has won second up previously and will be hard to beat from pole position. SHOW HAND (7) has also been freshened up following four minor placings in a row and deserves a win. Handy mare, XENA (3) has racing a fraction below her best form but showed a glimpse last start that she may bounce back following an encouraging effort in a Metro A contest on the inner track last month. KHAN PEGASUS (10) lowered the colours of SHOW HAND (7) over the mile two runs back before finishing runner up over the unsuitable sprint trip last start. EYE GUY (2) pulled up lame last time so there were genuine excuses and wasn’t overly taxed in a trial win here Tuesday week ago. RESURGENCE (4) has won three races this season and is a handy sit sprinter likely to cause an upset on best form.
