PREVIEW FOR THE RM 100,000 COMMUNITY SHIELD THIS SUNDAY

Locally unbeaten 5yo, TOM’S LIGHTNING (4) will venture to the Ipoh circuit for the first time this Sunday to contest the 1200m PRTC Community Shield (Race 5) as he targets his fourth victory in succession. The former Kiwi galloper enters the race in career best form coming off three all the way wins, including his last two races against Class 3 opposition. The gelding drops 2.5kg from that run and will go around as likely favourite in Sunday’s feature.

QUICKEN AWAY (6) continues to race in consistent fashion this year, recently taking out the Dr Lim Ah Soo Memorial Trophy in Penang prior to finishing runner up in the Ipoh Charity Cup on August 25. The former Australian should attract market support as he searches for his first win on home turf.

CHINESE TEA (1) is coming off a last start 3rd in the Charity Cup after leading and the 9yo should appreciate the distance drop also. The gelding finished just outside the placings in a couple of Group Ones this year and is capable of winning on best form.

XENA (2) may be getting on in years but the 8yo mare delivered her familiar turn of speed with a fast finishing 4th in the 1600m G1 Selangor Gold Cup three weeks ago indicating she may be back to her best. Whether she can repeat that performance over the shorter trip is questionable but if the pace is genuine, she is a definite chance.

TEOCHEW KID (5) has been sluggish from the barriers his past two runs but did lower the colours of QUICKEN AWAY (6) over this track/distance back in July and possesses a good record over the 1200m (6 starts for 3 wins).

SKYLIGHT (7) is a speedy mare coming off four wins from her last preparation but hasn’t raced since February where she was beaten a short head behind TEOCHEW KID (5) over 1300m. The 7yo has the wide draw to overcome but she did score first up during that last campaign.

STORM EIGHTY-THREE (3) is coming off a couple of unplaced efforts against group one and listed company. However, the 8yo did score here over 1400m on June 29 in a race which contained QUICKEN AWAY (6) and TEOCHEW KID (5) which finished 4th and 5th respectively.

RAGNAR (11) looks the best of the lightweights after returning to winning form last start over the mile when resuming from a two month spell. Placed in the G1 Perak Derby earlier this season, the 8yo may find the trip a fraction short second up but can be placed at value.