Graduates of the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale will be displaying their wares in the RM 150,000 NZB Ready To Run 2023 Graduate Cup (Race 9) over 1400m at the Selangor Turf Club on Sunday.

DUMA enters the race with the highest rating and should grasp the opportunity of returning to winning form against his own age group. The Frank Maynard trained gelding appeared uncomfortable when trapped wide throughout last start but can be forgiven as his form prior should stand him in good stead. Although he is yet to win in three runs this campaign, DUMA does possess a quick turn of acceleration and from the better draw, he might be the one they have to beat in the set weights feature.

The high grade 1400m Supreme A contest (Race 8) has attracted only eight acceptors and a good clash ensues with handy former Singapore galloper, MR BLACK BACK pitted against talented local sprinter WITNESSIMPACT. MR BLACK BACK contested multiple group events when based in Kranji, including a Group Two win in 2023, and resumes since finishing unplaced in last year’s Singapore Gold Cup. The seven year old will debut for the Johnny Lim stable and is one to watch on his Malaysian debut. The form of WITNESSIMPACT has tapered off since winning five from his first six runs in the country with unplaced efforts in the Wilyah Silver Bowl and the G1 Tunku Gold Cup. The five year old is a fast beginner where he has had to sustain early pressure in recent defeats plus different tactics adopted in the Tunku Cup failed so no doubt will be rolling forward from barrier rise on this occasion.

The Ricky Choi has been firing this year with eleven winners so far striking at just over 20% and former Macau performer, PLATINUM FORT could add to the tally come Sunday. Engaged in the 1020m Supreme A contest (Race 10), PLATINUM FORT was far from disgraced when resuming in the G1 Tunku Gold Cup three weeks ago where he began fast from barrier eight and nearly led. Race fitness eventually gave way before he faded to finish 4th, beaten 5.5 lengths and he will strip fitter this time around. The horse which denied him the lead that day was PACIFIC VAMPIRE, who was able to utilize pole position and muster enough pace to lead initially. The five year old faded quickly after setting a genuine tempo from the start but like PLATINUM FORT, the small field will suit and he looks the logical leader. A quick form turnaround would not surprise as he yet to strike his best in three Malaysian runs so far.

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