Perak Race Preview Sat 20 March: No features to speak of on the eight-event program at Perak Turf Club this Saturday, with the high graded events being two Class 4 races over 1600m and 1200m.
Division One of Class 4 (Race 3) over the mile should see the HY Cheng-trained NORTHERN STAR (2) return to the winner’s stall following his narrow defeat here at the last meeting on March 3. Going down by a nose to handy performer Hearts Of Gold, the 5yo attempted to lead throughout when produced second up.
Outclassed over the unsuitable sprint trip when resuming in the Selangor Wilyah Silver Bowl, NORTHERN STAR (2) should be nearing peak form this preparation.
Penang visitor, BIG MONKEY (8), looks well-placed on the minimum as he searches for his first win in this grade. Placed twice over the mile previously, the 4yo has raced consistently for the duration of his first campaign in the country.
LEGEND WAR (6) was a Class 1 galloper at one stage in his career but has been descending down the handicaps and should strike soon. Now an 11yo, LEGEND WAR (6) ran 3rd to group performer Golden King two starts back and could provide some value for the exotics.
KING RAVANA (11) held on to score narrowly last start and is on the upgrade from that Class 5 win. The 7yo has a good record at the journey but has never won in nine tries at Class 4 level. With the class upgrade, he drops 7kg which keeps him under notice.
Like KING RAVANA (11), HARVEST (10) is also upgraded following his victory at big odds here on March 3. He recovered from a moderate beginning to score from barrier 11 on that occasion and is back in form.
Race 3 Selections: (2) Northern Star (8) Big Monkey (6) Legend War (11) King Ravana
Division Two of Class 4 (Race 6) appears more open with STRETCHY FOUR (5) and SUSPICIOUS MIND (3) set for a rematch after finishing 1st and 2nd, respectively, here at the last meeting.
Only a nose separated the pair, with STRETCHY FOUR (5) having to survive an objection which was eventually overruled. In fact, STRETCHY FOUR (5) is building a good record in Malaysia with 3 wins and 2 placings from 5 starts and goes up 4kg.
SUSPICIOUS MIND (3) powered home from a rearward position when falling short and draws much better this time around.
One galloper who has been competitive at this level is GHOST MARI (2), who has been specked in the markets recently and should run a forward race.
STRAIGHT N ARROW (10) is gradually regaining his better form, coming off two minor placings in a row, and is well-weighted with the 52.5kg less the claim.
Another lightweight chance is HAPPY THIRTYNINE (12), visiting the Ipoh circuit for the first time and is also coming off successive minor placings in KL.
Race 6 Selections: (5) Stretchy Four (2) Ghost Mari (3) Suspicious Mind (10) Straight N Arrow
