Kuala Lumpur : Feb 27, 2025 

Trainer Ricky Choi, who had a relatively quiet day at the races on Feb 23, could be waiting to unleash another one from his “Platinum” team onto racegoers at the Selangor Turf Club.

He sent out two for the trials at Sungai Besi on the morning of Feb 25.

While newcomer Platinum Legacy was only out for a good stretch and finished seventh of eight runners in the third heat, his other runner, Platinum Fort, was in a mean mood and all-conquering.

Engaged in the first hit-out of the morning, Platinum Fort jumped well and quickly settled into the slipstream of the leading trio.

Nearing the turn into the home stretch, he still held fourth spot as Malakai, Eruption and Infinity Knight continued to trade blows up front.

It was only at the furlong mark that Platinum Fort got serious.

Urged on by Nuqman Rozi and travelling on the extreme outside of the pack of eight, the Deep Field five-year-old soon drew level and, in a show of strength, he swept to the lead to beat the Lawson Moy-trained Eruption by a shorthead.

Platinum Fort stopped the clock at 1:00.69sec, a really smart time especially since he was always kept on a tight hold by Nuqman.

Yes, Platinum Fort could be something else when his former Macau-based trainer does decide to send him to the races.

That trial on Feb 25 was Platinum Fort’s third hit-out in 2025. It followed another good trial win on Feb 12 when he clocked an even flashier time of 1min 00.54sec.

As for the beaten brigade, Eruption lost no marks.

Formerly with Tim Fitzsimmons at Kranji, the Xtravagant four-year-old moved to Moy’s yard in the latter half of 2024. After two trials at Sungai Besi, he got off to a flier on his Selangor debut on Jan 26.

Ridden by Blaike McDougall and sent off as the second pick in the field of 10, Eruption took control of things at the 600m mark of the 1,400m race and held off Rocky Bhai to win by a ½-length.

Right now, Eruption is a four-year-old learning the ropes and his owners – the Buffalo Stable – must know that there are a few more wins in that lean frame of his.

Another good winner at the trials was Mission Five.

One of many which trainer Richard Lim brought over from his Kranji stables, Mission Five was having a regular barrier practice and he did not put a hoof wrong.

Ridden by Aify Yahaya, the Invader four-year-old was neatly into his stride and led them to that first turn on the far side of the Selangor track.

A furlong out and Aify said go. Mission Five responded, took the bit and, lengthening strides, he cruised in by 2½ lengths.

Fire, the mount of Laercio de Souza, had no reply to that bit of acceleration and settled for second spot. Leopard Eclipse was third.

A one-time winner from five starts in Kranji, Mission Five is coming along nicely at his new home, with that win on Feb 25 his second in as many trials.

Yes, this fine-looking chestnut has a good future and it will be no surprise to see him win on his Malaysian debut.

As for the easiest win of the day, the prize must go to Genrich. Under Saifudin Ismail, he coasted in a five-length winner in the fourth trial, leading from the get-go.

Genrich clocked a far from awesome time of 1min 01.85sec for the sharp trip – but, in his defence, he was never asked to do more than what was necessary.

A Your Song four-year-old who was formerly with Mahadi Taib but is now trained by Ooi Chin Chin, Genrich has only a fourth to show from his six starts.

Given time to mature and, with more trials like the one just completed, Genrich could start paying for his keep.

Watch out also for one-time Kranji winner Legend Sixty-Three. Another one from Lim’s yard, he was doing his best work late when charging home under Nuqman to take second spot.

It was the Shalaa three-year-old’s second trial at Sungai Besi and he looks to be coming along well.

Source :

Brian Miller

brian@sph.com.sg