As one of the most prestigious events on Malaysia’s racing calendar, the RM250,000 Group 1 Piala Emas Sultan Selangor (2000m) draws a competitive field of 15 contenders to the Selangor Turf Club this Sunday. Here’s the preview from iRace:
No. 1 BERRY BLISS: As the highest rated horse in the field, BERRY BLISS has the edge on paper. However, the challenge of carrying top weight in a staying race, coupled with an awkward draw, makes this an uphill task for him.
No. 2 DREAM ALLIANCE: A strong contender making his Malaysia debut, DREAM ALLIANCE arrives with solid credentials. The former Singapore-based galloper impressed with a fourth-place finish in the Group 1 Grand Singapore Gold Cup in early October. Having already placed twice at the highest level, he should be hard to beat, provided his fitness is spot-on for his first-up run.
No. 3 CHEVAL BLANC: Although it’s been over seven months since this multiple Group 1 winner last tasted victory, CHEVAL BLANC has shown strong recent form. He impressed with a fast-finishing third in the Group 3 Sports Toto Challenge Cup two starts ago, followed by a solid fourth in the Group 1 Coronation Cup (1600m). If he maintains this level of performance, a Top 3 finish wouldn’t be surprising.
No. 4 MEGA GEMS: Previously racing in Macau, MEGA GEMS exceeded expectations when claiming the Group 1 Coronation Cup (1600m) at just his third start in Malaysia. With his established racing pattern, the step up in distance should pose no issues. He now aims for back-to-back Group 1 victories.
No. 5 GOLDEN PEGASUS: He has been in excellent form throughout this year’s Four-Year-Old feature races, notably finishing as the runner-up in the Group 1 Selangor Gold Cup in September. Known for his consistency, he looks like a strong contender in this week’s feature, especially with in-form jockey AK Lim aboard.
No. 6 GOOD FIGHT: This Group 1 winner’s recent runs suggest his form is coming good again. He has placed in three of his last five starts, including a brave second in the Group 1 Coronation Cup two runs ago. However, the step up to 2000m for the first time presents a significant challenge.
No. 7 SHANG CHI: After an effortless victory in the Singapore Pools Trophy (1300m) at Ipoh last time out, he comes into this week’s feature in career-best form. With an impressive record of four wins from nine starts at Selangor, he could offer great value if he handles the step up to 2000m.
No. 8 BLACK THORN: At 11 years old, it’s already a feat that he continues to compete at the highest level. This year, he has shown honest form, finishing in the placings twice in his last five starts. However, from barrier 12, it would take a miraculous ride from jockey I Saifudin for him to secure victory in this classic feature.
No. 9 EASY BREEZY: Despite a significant rise in class, the step up in distance plays to his advantage, as he is a three-time winner over 1800m. With only 53.5kg on his back, he could be a value place contender if he brings his A-game to the track.
No. 10 ARTHUR PEGASUS: An honest nine-year-old galloper, he last won with an apprentice in Class 4, which makes it extremely difficult for him to win this race given the class difference.
No. 11 CASTELO: Consistently in form lately, he carried 59kg to finish second behind RAGNAR three starts ago, who went on to place third in this year’s Group 1 Coronation Cup. As a result, CASTELO could be an outsider chance in this race.
No. 12 FAMILY DELIGHT: Another former Macau galloper with modest form, he may find the competition tougher on his local debut, given that he typically raced in Class 4 at Taipa. A place chance seems more realistic.
No. 13 LUCKY MAGIC: He looks like a quality horse in the making, having scored three wins and further placed two times from only seven starts. With jockey R Shafiq in the saddle and a favourable low draw, he could sneak into the placings.
No. 14 SKYDANCE ECLIPSE: He was placed at big odds in Class 4 just seven days ago, and it’s fair to say that he is likely outclassed in this top-class field.
No. 15 MONTANA FLASH: Though he has shown reliable form in Class 4, he simply appears outclassed in a Group 1 feature like this.
While DREAM ALLIANCE boasts strong form in Singapore and is likely to be the favourite, he is expected to attract significant betting support. For punters seeking value, CASTELO, EASY BREEZY, and LUCKY MAGIC present appealing alternatives. With less exposed form compared to rivals like CHEVAL BLANC, MEGA GEMS, and GOLDEN PEGASUS, these horses could be overlooked by the market, offering potential opportunities.
