An enthralling clash should develop in the high-grade contest as part of the marathon eleven-race program to be conducted at Selangor Turf Club on Saturday.
Two of Malaysia’s standout performers this year, Penang Sprint Trophy winner CIRCUIT MISSION (3) and the unbeaten ANTIPODEAN (5) will go head-to-head in the 1300m Supreme A event (Race 5).
ANTIPODEAN (5) will be coming off a faultless three-year-old campaign which yielded seven wins from seven starts, culminating in his domination of both heats of the SLTC 3YO Series. The Simon Dunderdale trained gelding will face his toughest assignment so far against his more experienced and seasoned rivals but he still may possess the class to maintain his unbeaten record and go eight on the bounce.
CIRCUIT MISSION (3) has carved out a big reputation on the local circuit with three wins from four starts and was deserving of a Group one feature victory in Penang last month. The Frank Maynard trained 9yo will be aiming for his fourth successive win and while he has proven himself against the best, his younger progressive counterpart will provide some stiff opposition.
GAMESTONKS (1) is now the third highest rated galloper in the country and the talented sprinter has won two from three over the 1300m trip. Always competitive at this level, the 8yo was a beaten favorite in Penang last start but does look suited returning to home territory. The gelding is a fast beginner and will settle in the leading group for a long way.
CHEVAL BLANC (3) is a two-time Group one winner and should never be left out of calculations. This year’s G1 Tunku Gold Cup winner does require a dry track however but is still capable of winning on best form.
Race 5 Selections: (5) ANTIPODEAN (2) CIRCUIT MISSION (1) GAMESTONKS (3) CHEVAL BLANC
Trainer Simon Dunderdale is experiencing his best season so far and a relative newcomer to the stable struck a huge impression with local race goers recently. Former Australian galloper, WITNESSIMPACT justified the RM6 quote when he demolished an Open Novice lineup here three weeks ago when leading throughout by nine lengths. The 5yo steps out in the 1200m Max Two Stakes (Race 4) and looks the likely favorite.
Stable mate, BUCEPHALUS broke his maiden tag on August 10 when returning from a bleeding attack and looks a genuine chance despite accounting for a weaker Class 5 field last start. BEIHAI CAPTAIN finished runner up to WITNESSIMPACT and will strip much fitter second up from an eighteen-month spell. TOP SHOW is a moderate beginner but can display a quick turn of speed as displayed in his only career win back in February.
Race 4 Selections: (3) WITNESSIMPACT (7) BUCEPHALUS (2) BEIHAI CAPTAIN (8) TOP SHOW
