CORONATION CUP PREVIEW FOR THIS SUNDAY

Four previous Group One winners will be contesting this year’s edition of the 1600m RM 250,000 Kawan ESG G1 Coronation Cup (Race 6) at Perak Turf Club on Sunday.

Last year’s Penang Sprint Trophy winner, BERRY BLISS (2) will go around as one of the favourites based on recent form and is coming off an excellent 2nd behind Antipodean in the G3 Sports Toto Supreme Challenge on October 13. However, the 60kg impost could really test the 6yo giving weight away to some progressive performers.  

GOOD FIGHT (4) took out the race last year and is back to defend his title on the seven day backup. The 7yo closed off well to finish 2nd in a 1200m Metro event last Sunday. If he recaptures the form he displayed this time last year, then he’s a chance of adding to his group tally.

CHEVAL BLANC (3) has been an honest campaigner and the duel Group One winner returned to his best form when placed 3rd in the G3 Sports Toto Supreme Challenge. Flashing home from near last at the 400m, the versatile 9yo showed he hasn’t lost that burst of acceleration and is a genuine with 56kg.

QUICKEN AWAY (5) is a progressive type which looked impressive in taking out the 1200m PRTC Community Shield on September 29, a race run under torrential conditions. The former Australian galloper is the lone local engaged in Sunday’s feature and is capable of striking at his first foray in group company.

RAGNAR (10) on the 50kg minimum could provide the best value as he drops 5.5 kg from his 4th in an 1100m Supreme B contest three weeks back. The 8yo is still eligible for Class 4 but his minor placing in the Penang Gold Cup last December keeps him under notice.

The interesting runner is former Macau galloper LADY POH (1), a ten time winner which makes its Malaysian debut with a rating of 107 points. Like BERRY BLISS (2), the 7yo grey carries 60kg and resumes after a seven month spell.

Coronation Cup Selections: (2) BERRY BLISS   (4) GOOD FIGHT   (3) CHEVAL BLANC   (5) QUICKEN AWAY

The second highest rated galloper in the country, GAMESTONKS (1) returns to Ipoh and will head the weights in the RM 100,000 Singapore Pools Trophy over 1300m (Race 8). The only galloper to lower the colours of local star Antipodean, GAMESTONKS (1) failed to fire from a wide barrier in the recent G3 contest on his home track but his record speaks for itself and can easily bounce back against the weaker lineup.

However, former Macau galloper ARIGATO (2) posted the winning hat trick back in March and the nine time winner can provide formidable opposition.

PEAKY BLINDER (8) and BURGUNDY BUBBLES (7) are two local gallopers which have displayed plenty of potential early in their careers and are ideally weighted at the 52kg. PEAKY BLINDER is a 3yo with three wins from four starts while 4yo, BURGUNDY BUBBLES (7) has chalked up two victories from three local runs.

SHANG CHI (5) was a narrow winner over 1300m in KL recently and could provide the trifecta value while VINCENT’S STAR (6) resumes and normally runs well first up.

Singapore Pools Trophy Selections: (1) GAMESTONKS   (8) PEAKY BLINDER   (2) ARIGATO   (7) BURGUNDY BUBBLES