Malaysian racing returns to the Kinta Valley this Sunday where a ten-race program will be staged at Perak Turf Club commencing at 1.00pm.
The 1600M Malaya Garnet Stakes (Race 3) will headline the card where the higher rated performers will gain a weight advantage on their lower rated rivals due the vast ratings span (44-74). Under the handicapping conditions, recent acquisition to the Kevin Coetzee stable CHINA CAPTAIN (2) looks well placed to notch his tenth career victory. Returning from his unplaced effort in the G1 Selangor Gold Cup last start, the 7yo should appreciate the drop in class despite not scoring in four previous attempts at the mile. However, CHINA CAPTAIN (2) has won 4 from 9 on the Ipoh circuit and he does possess the class to prevail. Stable mate DANCING RAIN (1) was placed behind smart mare Xena here at the last meeting and is a three-time winner over the mile. The 9yo will benefit from the 3kg claim for apprentice SN Shiva and will prove hard to hold out also. HEARTS OF GOLD (4) is a progressive type who will strip fitter from his first up 2nd behind MANDRAKE (5) at the last meeting. The 6yo produced a winning hat trick last preparation and will no doubt attract market support for new trainer William Looi, who enjoyed instant success with his first runner recently. SILENT BOSS (3) had no luck over the sprint trip last start and is capable of measuring up in this grade on best form. MANDRAKE (5) broke a winning drought when defeating HEARTS OF GOLD (4) here on October 1 while SAHM (7) is a model of consistency and is a chance on his first Ipoh visit.
Race 3 Selections: (2) China Captain (1) Dancing Rain (4) Hearts Of Gold (3) Silent Boss
The 1100m Rainbow Of Opal Stakes (Race 8) is an Open Novice event where three of the ten starters have won a race. One of those is former Kiwi galloper SHIMI GO (5) which dominated an Open Maiden in KL last month scoring by nearly six lengths. The 5yo will prove hard to beat despite the outside barrier. ARAGON PEGASUS (9) has chalked up six minor placings this year, four times as a beaten favourite and is due to break the maiden tag. Another previous winner, YOUARETHEBEST (1) worked overtime from gate nine and finished out of the placings in a Class 4 contest last start after breaking the maiden status back in August. GALAXY LAW (2) also raced well without winning last preparation and is one to watch first up. CAVANA (6) is coming off successive placings and will improve further with race experience.
Race 8 Selections: (5) Shimi Go (9) Aragon Pegasus (1) Youarethebest (2) Galaxy Law
