IPOH GOLD VASE PREVIEW – SUNDAY, JUNE 16
The G1 BYD Ipoh Gold Vase, held over 1100 meters, makes its return to the Malaysian turf calendar after a hiatus since Volcanic General’s consecutive wins in 2019. This year’s race features the nation’s top sprinters, including the top four finishers from the G1 Tunku Gold Cup (TGC) in Selangor this past April.
CHEVAL BLANC (4) will make his first appearance since winning the TGC, seeking a second group victory in only his sixth start in Malaysia. The 9-year-old returned from a two-month break to win the TGC and enters Sunday’s race with a similar preparation. Trainer Frank Maynard, a three-time Gold Vase winner, also fields CHINESE TEA (5), a contender for group race success.
CHINESE TEA (5) faced tough barrier draws in his first two G1 races but managed to lead for much of the way, finishing a close fourth in the TGC from gate 10.
KONG FU PANDA (10), the TGC runner-up, has placed three times at the group level and will make his debut over 1100 meters. The 5-year-old, bred in New Zealand, has an excellent first-up record (5 wins in 9 starts), and the KC Tiang stable is currently in good form.
Stablemate SUPER HAPPY (9) is on a four-win streak, showing dominance in higher grades in Kuala Lumpur. This will be his first group race, and he is expected to perform well.
SHIMI GO (11), a progressive 5-year-old, was a top contender in the TGC and placed third after a strong run. Trained by HY Cheng, this quality galloper’s early speed is an asset.
AWESOME STORM (1), although carrying a hefty 59kg, possesses the class to win on his best form and should not be overlooked.
GAMESTONKS (2), a fast runner with 8 wins from 14 starts in Malaysia, is yet to prove himself at the G1 level. He finished mid-field in the TGC and won his last race in Ipoh on May 11.
GOOD FIGHT (3) had an outstanding 2023, winning the G1 Perak Coronation Cup, the Listed Sports Toto Supreme Challenge in Kuala Lumpur, and the Listed Ipoh Charity Cup. The 6-year-old, third up this campaign, will race again after an unplaced finish in KL last Sunday.
SENGON SOLOMON (6), formerly known as The August in Singapore, will debut for the SY Lim stable. The 8-year-old resumes after placing third in a Kranji Stakes race on April 13 and could be a surprise contender at good odds.
Ipoh Gold Vase Selections: (4) CHEVAL BLANC, (11) SHIMI GO, (5) CHINESE TEA, (9) SUPER HAPPY
