The G1 Equine Sanctuary Gold Cup will headline the marathon card of thirteen races at Selangor Turf Club this Sunday commencing at 12.10pm.

Evergreen 10yo, CHEVAL BLANC (9) will be attempting to defend the title in the first leg of the Triple Crown Series as he aims for his fourth Group One victory. The grey gelding will be up against some progressive types including last year’s best credentialed performer ANTIPODEAN (3), who will be seeking redemption following two defeats this campaign.

The 4yo will be reacquainted with Jimmy Wong, who rode the gelding to a memorable win in the Sports Toto Supreme Challenge Cup in October last year.

Former stable mate, WITNESSIMPACT (11) laid claims to be one of the most progressive horses last season posting four successive wins at his first four runs prior to lowering the colours of ANTIPODEAN (3) at their last encounter in January. With Australian jockey Blake McDougall astride, the Star Witness 5yo should utilize his barrier speed from the good draw and will take some catching.

PLATINUM EMPEROR (4) create an immediate impression for his Malaysian debut when producing a sharp burst of acceleration to take out the Listed Wilyah Silver Bowl last start. Despite the class rise, if the 5yo can repeat that performance and carve out a similar sectional over the final stages, he may prove to be the longshot chance in the group feature.

PACIFIC VAMPIRE (10) also looks ready to perform following his two outings in the country. Being another fast beginner, the 5yo worked overtime from gate twelve last start before being overhauled over 1200m. He looks the leader in a race which contains an abundance of early speed and no doubt there will be early pressure applied upfront.

GOOD FIGHT (13) is an honest campaigner who can never be left out of calculations in these feature races. The 7yo has been placed in the past two Malaysian Group One staying contests (2000m), culminating in his Perak Derby 3rd here two weeks back, and his versatility is a major asset.

GOLDEN PEGASUS (14) resumes after a successful preparation which produced minor placings in the G1 Selangor Gold Cup (1600m) and G1 Piala Emas (2000m) last season. The 5yo is another versatile galloper which has thrived since joining the stables of Wayne Lim a year ago. He looked sharp in his trial behind PLATINUM EMPEROR (4) Tuesday week ago and is one to watch first up.

AWESOME STORM (1) and SUPER SALUTE (2) are both quick beginners but their chances have been dealt a blow with barrier draws of 13 and 14 respectively after scratchings. Both horses have been racing well but possess the class to overcome the wide gates.

G1 Tunku Gold Cup Selections: (11) WITNESSIMPACT   (3) ANTIPODEAN   (4) PLATINUM EMPEROR   (10) PACIFIC VAMPIRE       

Source :