22 November 2024, Kuala Lumpur

Just over a week to go until the 2024 Pialas Emas Sultan Selangor and the Selangor Turf Club hosts a nine race program on Sunday the 24th of November with a few runners that seem to stand out.  

Smart One steps out in race 2 for the Charles Leck stable and is having his first run since relocating from Singapore. He wasn’t far off in the twilight of his Singapore career with his worst of his last five runs being a ninth placed effort but only beaten by 2,75 lengths. With that Singapore form behind him, he looks hard to oppose in the second race. Sayonara was a runaway winner in Penang two weeks ago when he won by a margin of eight lengths and he looks ready to win again in race 3. He’s received an eight point penalty for that win but, with the booking of apprentice T Ammar and the 3kg apprentice claim, he is well in here to run another big race in class five. The only concern would be the wide draw of gate ten. 

There was a lot of talk for Nozi Cyclone last time out when he stepped out for his local debut in Malaysia and was impressive in a barrier trial leading up to the race, however, he found one better on the day when Defoe was able to beat him with the run down to the wire. With improvement expected second up, a chance can be taken on him to go one better in race 6. Peaky Blinder represents the K Coetzee stable and is worth taking an each way play on him in the seventh. He loves the wet conditions and with a light weight of just 53kgs from gate 1, he should have the run of the race. His dangers are Lim’s Craft – who was beaten by a top ride on Sacred Judgement last time out – as well  as Wecando who seems to be under the radar despite improving in every one of his last three starts as his rating continues to drop. 

The first race is off at 13:30 local time.

Devon Pretorius