As the final feature event on the 2024 Malaysian racing calendar, the RM300,000 Group 1 Penang Gold Cup (2000m) attracts a small but competitive field of nine contenders. Here’s the preview from iRace:
No. 1 BERRY BLISS: After a lacklustre seventh-place finish in the Group 1 Coronation Cup three starts ago, this six-year-old has bounced back to form impressively. He showcased his class with an emphatic victory in a Metro A race two starts back, followed by a strong runner-up performance behind CHEVAL BLANC in the Group 1 Piala Emas in Selangor. With the advantage of a better draw this time, BERRY BLISS is well-positioned to reverse the result.
No. 2 DREAM ALLIANCE: A proven performer at the highest level, this two-time Group 1 placegetter in Singapore started as the favourite in the Group 1 Piala Emas on his local debut four weeks ago. However, he may have needed the run and could only manage a fifth-place finish. Now fitter and with the benefit of that run, DREAM ALLIANCE is poised to deliver a much stronger performance and will be a serious threat if he brings his A-game to the track.
No. 3 CHEVAL BLANC: The defending Penang Gold Cup champion is on a mission to secure his fourth Group 1 victory in just twelve months. The Irish-bred grey has hit peak form at the perfect time, as evidenced by his commanding win in the 2000m Group 1 Piala Emas earlier this month. With his stellar record and current form, CHEVAL BLANC is unquestionably the horse to beat in this year’s edition.
No. 4 MEGA GEMS: Formerly racing in Macau, MEGA GEMS achieved a remarkable feat by capturing the Group 1 Coronation Cup (1600m) at just his third local start. However, his subsequent performance in the Group 1 Piala Emas over 2000m was underwhelming, raising questions about his ability to handle longer distances. While his Coronation Cup win showcased his talent, consistency at this level remains a concern.
No. 5 GOOD FIGHT: A seasoned campaigner, this evergreen galloper continues to perform admirably at the top level. He finished a close second in the Group 1 Coronation Cup four starts ago and delivered a strong, fast-finishing fourth in the Group 1 Piala Emas in his penultimate run. Well-weighted against his rivals on collateral form, he shapes up as an appealing value contender.
No. 6 SAINT TROPEZ: This former Singapore galloper made an immediate impact with an impressive local debut win, followed by a strong tactical display to finish third at Supreme B level in his latest outing. With an impressive 75% Top 3 strike rate over 2000m, he remains a serious contender despite facing a significant rise in class.
No. 7 BLACK THORN: A veteran of Group 1 competition in his last three starts, his best recent effort was a fifth-place finish in the Group 1 Coronation Cup two starts ago. As an 11-year-old, his chances of winning this prestigious event appear slim, but in racing, surprises can never be entirely ruled out.
No. 8 EASY BREEZY: His sixth-place finish in the Group 1 Piala Emas carried more merit than it appeared. From a wide draw, he settled towards the rear but produced an impressive turn of foot in the straight, ultimately finishing 4.25 lengths behind the winner over this distance. With a better run in transit and a genuine pace up front, he could be a value contender to sneak into the placings.
No. 9 LUCKY MAGIC: With a rating of 59, he seems more suited to Class 4 company. However, this progressive four-year-old has shown promise with three wins and two placings from just seven starts, hinting at untapped potential. Despite his upward trajectory, the leap from Class 4 to Group 1 level is a daunting task, and he will need to prove he belongs to this elite group.
Based on recent form, CHEVAL BLANC is expected to start as the favourite, thanks to his consistent top-level performances and recent Group 1 win. However, DREAM ALLIANCE, now fitter after his first local run, could turn the tables if he reproduces his strong Singapore form. BERRY BLISS, with a more favourable draw this time, also poses a serious threat to the defending champion. Meanwhile, GOOD FIGHT, SAINT TROPEZ, and EASY BREEZY are well-weighted and capable of delivering upset results, making them intriguing value options in the field.
