The RM100,000 Three Year Old Pacific Cup (Race 8) headlines an eleven-race card at Selangor Turf Club this Sunday, with racing action commencing at 12:45 PM.
Leading trainer Simon Dunderdale holds a strong hand with two of his top-rated stable stars set to compete in the set weights contest. The unbeaten ANTIPODEAN (1) is expected to be the likely favorite as he aims for his sixth consecutive victory. With in-form jockey Bernardo Pinheiro retaining the ride, ANTIPODEAN’s recent performances have been impressive, particularly his dominant win against seasoned rivals, including recent G1 Derby winner Trumpy, just a fortnight ago. He is undoubtedly the horse to beat in this age-restricted field.
Stablemate MILITARY FLAG (2) is another talented contender, boasting four wins and three placings from seven starts. The US Navy Flag gelding possesses a sharp turn of acceleration and is capable of rebounding to winning form, especially after finding himself further back than anticipated in his last outing, where the race was won by the frontrunning Heart Of Fire on May 26th. With a freshened approach, he is a serious threat.
VINCENT’S STAR (3), a former Australian galloper, also holds a strong position on the weight scale. His second local run was particularly notable, resulting in a 3.5-length all-the-way victory down the 1100m straight course at Ipoh on May 19th. Based on his overseas credentials, where he competed in higher-standard races in South Australia, he cannot be overlooked in this field.
STARLIGHT GLIMMER (4), who finished second to VINCENT’S STAR in their previous encounter, is building a commendable record despite not yet securing a win above Class 4 grade. Meanwhile, LAXON (6), who broke his maiden in impressive fashion with a 5-length victory over CHARMING WIN (8), could be a contender for trifecta bettors.
Race 8 Selections:
- ANTIPODEAN (1)
- MILITARY FLAG (2)
- VINCENT’S STAR (3)
- STARLIGHT GLIMMER (4)
The semi-feature race is the RM50,000 TNI Charity Cup, with G1 Perak Derby winner TRUMPY (1) heading the weights and retaining the services of jockey Ryan Curatolo. The eight-year-old has yet to finish outside the top two in his five Malaysian starts, which include two wins. He finished strongly as a runner-up to the impressive Antipodean on June 9th, positioning him as a top contender.
CHONKY POTATO (3) is another key player, coming off a freshening period following a first-up victory over 1020m on Track Two. The rise in distance suits him well. G1 Selangor Gold Cup winner PASIR PINJI (2), unbeaten in two starts over 1300m, had no luck in his last outing and is poised for a strong performance in what appears to be an easier assignment.
BLACK THORN (6) has demonstrated a sharp turn of foot in recent races and, as a former group winner, is capable of victory on his best form. SPEEDY MISSILE (7), a handy sit-sprinter, won at Class 3 level before his fast-finishing fifth in the G1 Tunku Gold Cup in mid-April, making him a viable contender as well.
Race Selections:
- TRUMPY (1)
- CHONKY POTATO (3)
- PASIR PINJI (2)
- BLACK THORN (6)
