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A terrific lineup of Malaysia’s premier four year olds will assemble for the RM200,000 4YO Sprint Championship (Race 9) at the Selangor Turf Club this Sunday.
The big question is can local star ANTIPODEAN (1) bounce back from his last start defeat in the Penang Farewell Trophy a fortnight ago where he missed the start and never recovered. Pound for pound he is the best credentialed horse in the fourteen horse lineup with the highest rating but has been vulnerable in recent months especially with the big weights and will carry 59kg again this Sunday. Korean based jockey, Jimmy Wong was aboard the gelding when taking out the Sports Toto Supreme Challenge Cup last year and also when finishing runner up in the G1 Tunku Gold Cup in April. The combination will be reacquainted for the 1200m listed feature.
One of the more progressive gallopers this season has been PACIFIC VICTORY (2) which has picked up five races since crossing the causeway. The Rubick gelding has been a leading light for the Jason Ong stable since arriving as a top end Class 4 performer towards the end of last year and continues to defy all challenges as he makes a rapid ascendency through the grades.
HONESTY (5) has also been flying for the Joseph Leck yard with three wins from four starts in Malaysia and his last start victory was arguably his most impressive to date. Taking on a smart Class 3 lineup, the horse was trapped wide throughout but still had the audacity take care of his rivals. His 4.5 length win prior to that was also inspiring when starting from barrier two. He may need luck from barrier twelve on Sunday but the horse is racing at his peak and is the value selection.
STOP THE WATER (6) has done little wrong with three wins from five starts locally and chased home smart sprinter Pacific Vampire here on May 18 when caught wide for most of the journey. The Headwater gelding is an honest and reliable beginner who cannot be left out of calculations.
The Buffalo stable pair of ERUPTION (7) and THUNDEROUS (8) are coming off handy form lines and are capable of measuring up in their toughest assignments so far while former Australian VALOIS (4) scored narrowly on his local debut but will derive benefit from that first up run here two weeks ago.
4YO SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIP SELECTIONS: (1) ANTIPODEAN (2) PACIFIC VICTORY (5) HONESTY (6) STOP THE WATER
The 1020m Korea Racing Authority Trophy (Race 4) has attracted a smart lineup of up and coming sprinters which have maintained good form in recent months. WITNESSIMPACT (1) created a huge impact on the local circuit when debuting in August last year winning five from his first six starts and resumes from two month break. The five year old seemed to train off towards the end of his last preparation and never appeared threatening at his final two runs prior to spelling. He can bounce back without surprising judging by his handy first up record.
BRANSOM (3) will head into Sunday's semi feature as one of the favourites based on strong performances behind a couple of smart sprinters including a last start 3rd behind Pacific Victory, a horse he actually beat three runs ago. A two time winner from three attempts over the track and distance, BRANSOM (3) will be the testing material in the eight horse field.
BRANSOMSNOW DRAGON (7) finished 3rd to BRANSOM (3) back in March but if anything, the six year old grey has probably further improved and was far from disgraced when placed in a Supreme A contest from a wide gate last month.
Chairman's Trophy winner PACIFIC PADRINO (5) is a versatile type rarely far off the mark despite not winning too often. Coming off a 4th in the Penang Farewell Trophy the five year old could provide the minor upset.
KRA TROPHY SELECTIONS: (3) BRANSOM (7) SNOW DRAGON (1) WITNESSIMPACT (5) PACIFIC PADRINO
