The RM 160,000 Anniversary Cup (Race 5) will headline the six-race card of racing at Penang Turf Club on Saturday and will see the return of talented sprinter SHIMI GO, which is first up from a five-month break. The 6yo posted three wins from his first three runs in the country making rapid progress through the ranks prior to spelling. His first foray into group one racing came soon after with a 3rd in the G1 Tunku Gold Cup in April followed up with a 2nd in the G1 Ipoh Gold Vase back in June. He looks the class runner in the ten-horse lineup and will have the services of Brazilian born jockey, Andre Da Silva who is enjoying a good run from limited opportunities at present.
WECANDO has been a model of consistency for trainer Frank Maynard and the 10yo benefitted from the freshen up when finishing 3rd over 1300m in KL two weeks ago after being trapped wide throughout.
The form of mare XENA may have tapered off in recent months but her recent 4th in the Selangor Gold Cup keeps her under notice while KSATRIA has won twice from three starts in Malaysia and is worthy of consideration despite the wide gate. CHINESE TEA carries 59kg but is capable of scoring on best form also.
Race 5 Selections: 3: SHIMI GO 4: WECANDO 2: XENA 10: KSATRIA
The other feature on Saturday’s program is the RM 100,000 Penang Mile (Race 6), which will be the richest Class 4 race run in the history of the Malaysian circuit.
The HY Cheng trained 4yo LUCKY MAGIC enters the race in peak form with three wins from six starts and if anything is improving with experience since taking out his maiden back in August. The gelding is coming off a couple of soft Class 4 victories, winning by 3.75 lengths on each occasion and looks hard to beat at his first start on the Penang circuit.
GARUDAN hasn’t put a foot wrong in three Malaysian starts which included a 4.75 length win over the mile on August 24. The 8yo is a fast beginner and if he settles better than his last start performance, he could take some beating on the smaller circuit. SALAAM NAMASTEY is knocking on the door following three runner-up performances against maiden opposition. Although it’s a class jump, the 5yo when down by a short head behind the locally unbeaten Infinity Warrior last start which should prove to be a reliable form line when assessing his chances.
WISEMAN will break through in Malaysia soon and closed off well from a slow beginning to finish 2nd behind LUCKY MAGIC last start while NORTHERN STAR is one to watch first up from a short spell.
Race 6 Selections: 2: LUCKY MAGIC 5: GARUDAN 4: SALAAM NAMASTEY 8: WISEMAN
