KUALA LUMPUR:  Sep 22, 2024

BERRY BLISS stepped up on his creditable sixth in the Selangor Gold Cup two weeks ago to win the Metro A set- weight event over 1700m at Sungai Besi here today.

In the process, the New Zealand gelding outstayed the Cup place-getters GOLDEN PEGASUS and GOOD FIGHT to claim his 11th win in 25 starts.

GOLDEN PEGASUS fought tooth-and-nail with ANTIPODEAN before going down by a head in the Cup and not surprisingly started odds-on today.

BERRY BLISS went straight to the front from the start and he was joined by CHEVAL BLANC at the half way stage. GOOD FIGHT and GOLDEN PEGASUS were next.

GOOD FIGHT made a move round the bend to make it three in a line with BERRY BLISS and CHEVAL BLANC at the 400m with GOLDEN PEGASUS just behind them.

BERRY BLISS beat off CHEVAL BLANC and GOOD FIGHT at the 300m and kicked clear. GOLDEN PEGASUS threw out a challenge in the final 200m but unfortunately was inclined to lay in. He just failed to catch BERRY BLISS by half a length.

“I am extremely happy with his win today,” said trainer Joseph Leck who took over the gelding last April and won his first race with BERRY BLISS in his debut meeting.

“BERRY BLISS has a perfect record second-up, five-from-five.

“He gave me a good feel during track work on Friday.

“Going into the race today, I was certain that he would put up a good show. It was a ten-out-of-ten ride by Clyde (Leck). Kudus to him and the stable syce who looks after him (BERRY BLISS).”

“Good gutsy win by BERRY BLISS,” said Clyde.

“I expected him to run a good race considering how well he finished in his last run after missing the start.

“I brought him forward (to the front) and the horse did the rest. Always happy to be on him.

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