Kuala Lumpur : Jan 28, 2025

A classy lineup has been assembled for Friday’s feature, the 1600m Chinese New Year Prosperity Cup (Race 5) where no fewer than eight previous Group One winners will be contesting the RM 100,000 feature.

Headlined by Malaysian’s premier performer from last season ANTIPODEAN (2), the race also sees the return of last year’s Singapore Gold Cup winner, SMART STAR (7) making his local debut. ANTIPODEAN (2) will be seeking immediate redemption following his defeat at the hands of former stable mate Witnessimpact over 1200m three weeks ago. Connections will be hoping the gelding can emulate the performance from his one previous run over the mile, when successful in last year’s G1 Selangor Gold Cup.

The 4yo will clash with not only SMART STAR (7) but also MR BLACK BACK (4), a perennial group performer in Singapore who also raced against the best when based in Kranji. Both SMART STAR (7) and MR BLACK BACK (4) were given quiet runs when competing in the same trial on January 21 and both are worth consideration first up in the country.

BERRY BLISS (1) has raced well in a couple of group ones recently, including a solid 2nd in the 2000m Piala Emas two starts ago and does possess a good record at this level.

Evergreen 10yo, CHEVAL BLANC (3) will be aiming for his fifth G1 success while stable mate BIG HEARTED (5), a former Singapore Gold Cup winner, was far from disgraced when finishing 5th over 1200m first up here three weeks ago.

GOOD FIGHT (6) broke the winning drought when defeating MEGA GEMS (8) by 3.5 lengths and it seems he has recaptured that form which saw him take out the 2023 G1 Coronation Cup.

Race 5 Selections: (2) ANTIPODEAN   (4) MR BLACK BACK   (7) SMART STAR   (1) BERRY BLISS

Penang Gold Cup winner, LUCKY MAGIC (6) returns to home turf in the 1600m Class 3 contest (Race 4) and will clash with progressive 5yo ONG MARI (2) which is shooting for the winning hat trick. Both gallopers are in top form with LUCKY MAGIC (6) given the freshen up since his group victory and will be attempting to improve on his local statistics which read 4 wins from 8 starts as he goes up 3kg in the weights. ONG MARI (2) has darted up in the ratings following his successive victories but is a galloper which does possess a quick turn of acceleration and cannot be underestimated at Class 3 level.

FATAL ATTRACTION (7) is highly consistent and should be primed third up while ST TROPEZ (4) appeared one paced as a beaten favourite last start but is proven at this level and cannot be left out of calculations.

From the trials, former Singapore galloper PACIFIC WARRIOR (10) is aiming for the hat trick also and his recent trial suggests a forward showing is expected first up. The Jason Ong / Bruno Queiroz combination strikes at 25% so the 5yo is worth considering along with LUEN ON FEELINGS (9) steps up to Class 3 for the first time following his two wins in a row.

Race 4 Selections: (6) LUCKY MAGIC   (2) ONG MARI   (7) FATAL ATTRACTION (4) ST TROPEZ     

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