Track Two will be used for Races 1 and 2 while Races 3 to 11 will be contested on the A6 course for this Saturday’s eleven race program at the Selangor Turf Club.
An enthralling clash is expected in the 1400m Max Two Stakes (Race 5) with last start winners CINNAMON BLAZE and CHEVAL PEGASUS expected to head the markets in the set weights contest. CINNAMON BLAZE has won twice from his last three starts and his Open Novice victory here three weeks ago suggests he will be hard to take down again. Leading throughout to score by 7.25 lengths, the five-year-old was never in doubt and he is likely to lead from pole position this Saturday. CHEVAL PEGASUS, unbeaten in two runs locally, does have plenty of promise also and is more of a sit sprinter. The three-year-old defeated a handy Class 4 lineup last start and will go up 6kg in the weights.
Recent G1 Perak Derby winner, LUCKY MAGIC returns in the 1600m Supreme B event (Race 7) and should continue the winning streak as he aims for his fourth successive victory. The two-time group winner is in career best form and with two from two at the track and distance, the four-year-old looks the testing material again. Last year’s G1 Singapore Gold Cup winner, SMART STAR should provide some stiff opposition after finishing fourth behind LUCKY MAGIC in the Derby and trainer Charles Leck will take over the gelding’s preparation.
An interesting runner going around in Race 8 is former Australian galloper, THUNDEROUS. Previously known as Das Kapital, the four-year-old was formerly trained by top conditioner, Ciaron Maher and will be first up since May last year. Breaking the maiden tag in January 2024, THUNDEROUS maintained solid form as a three-year-old against the older performers chalking three minor placings in succession prior to spelling. Selangor trainer Simon Dunderdale has enjoyed some success with these former Aussies in the past and THUNDEROUS is a newcomer to watch.
If the local punters are patient enough, THUNDER STAR on the downgrade may be worth following in Race 11 with inform jockey Carlos Henrique in the saddle. The six-year-old has posted two wins and two placings from five local runs and missed a place for the first time in Malaysia last start. Beaten for early pace on that occasion, he never looked comfortable. Now with the Sharee Hamilton stable, the return to Class 5 grade plus the booking of a more senior jockey should see the six-year-old bounce back to better form. The consistent LIM’S SINAI should never be left out of calculations on the six-day back up while SMOKE AND MIRRORS is a proven Class 5 performer when based in Kranji and is one to consider first up in the country.
