Multiple Group One winning trainer, Frank Maynard is a chance of adding another trophy to the mantlepiece with the RM200,000 3YO Mile Championship (Race 9) to be contested on Sunday. The affable conditioner tasted success in this race last year with Trees Of Valinor and will be entering Sunday’s listed feature with the highly talented and inform New Zealand-bred MEGA SKYE (7).

MEGA SKYE (7), for the Mega Captain Stable owners, has already posted two wins from seven starts and possesses a sharp turn of acceleration as indicated in both winning performances and the rise to the mile for the first time should not pose a problem. The gelding treated his Class 4 rivals with contempt last start and is capable of rising through the grades.

The Mega Captain Stable will also be represented by recent winners MEGA MAXIMUS (6) and MEGA FIRST (13), which is only one of two runners which have scored over the mile previously. MEGA MAXIMUS (6) is another galloper with a powerful sprint and closed off well to finish third over 1500m last start. The grey gelding’s versatility is his main asset as he can normally relax in the run and accelerate off a genuine speed. The wide draw could be a hinderance but with luck in running, he can provide the value.

FORTUNE BANKER’S (12) and MEGA FIRST (13) are the only runners with previous success over the mile. However, FORTUNE BANKER’S (12) will need to improve on his local debut where he faded to finish unplaced in a 1600m Class 3 won by Anjou Crown a fortnight ago. MEGA FIRST (13) has drawn well in gate four and actually started equal favourite with FORTUNE BANKER’S (12) when placed 2nd in that same race. MEGA FIRST (13) has done a good job considering he won a lowly maiden on debut back in January when he was known as Mirage Pegasus at the time. The gelding has matured since the name change and keeps improving with race experience. From the favorable draw with inform jockey Bernardo Pinheiro aboard, they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Leading owners, the Banker’s Stable will have strong representation with five runners engaged, including the highest rated performer in BANKER’S BOSS (1) which heads the weights with 59kg. The gelding has stamped himself as the class runner in the field following a recent Class 3 win followed by a third placing in the 1200m 3YO Sprint Championship. He over-raced last start when finishing unplaced but pole position will suit as is drawn to receive the perfect trail.

BANKER’S WARRIOR (3), 5th in the 3YO SC from a wide barrier, was placed at Class 3 level two weeks ago and like stable mate BANKER’S BOSS (1), the blinkers have been removed and replaced with the visor.

The outsider to watch is SILENT MOVE (9), which failed on local debut but caught the eye when going down by a head in a 1400m Class 3 contest last Sunday. The former Australian galloper has only a maiden win to its credit but should pick up its share of races in the country.

3YO Mile Championship Selections: (7) MEGA SKYE   (13) MEGA FIRST   (9) SILENT MOVE   (1) BANKER’S BOSS

*(16) Summit Dominion (Vet Scratching)*

Although it is not a feature race on Sunday’s card, the 1400m Supreme A contest (Race 11) contains some quality performers which includes three of the top four rated horses in the country. The highly talented PLATINIUM EMPEROR (1) (115 pts) heads the weights and maintained his excellent first up record with a resounding victory in the 1200m KRA Trophy on June 14. The former Wilyah Silver Bowl winner has scored on five occasions from ten starts locally in an illustrious career which also includes eight victories in Macau.

ANTIPODEAN (2) (110 pts) is a distance specialist with six wins from eight starts at 1400m and returned to his best form when winning the Listed 1600m A-Plus Cup on June 28. The one-time Group winner will once again be partnered by Bernardo Pinheiro who has ben successful aboard the gelding seven times.

BANKER’S TWO SIX (4) has been the most progressive galloper on the Malaysian circuit this year climbing to 94 points and rated 7th in the country. The five year old may have went harder than expected when attempting to maintain the lead before winding up 4th in the A-Plus Cup last start. However, BANKER’S TWO SIX (4) has lowered the colours of ANTIPODEAN (2) previously which occurred in the 1600m Chairman’s Trophy back in May so the gelding could bounce back without surprising.

Three-time Group One winner, LUCKY MAGIC (3) (98 pts) will make his long awaited return to the race track and looks on target following his sharp trial at the end of last month. The five year old was without a doubt Malaysia’s premier performer last year which included wins in the G1 Selangor Gold Cup and G1 Perak Derby. This year’s G1 Selangor Gold Cup will be on the gelding’s agenda in September when his resumption to racing commences from the seven month break.

Race 11 Selections: (2) ANTIPODEAN   (1) PLATINUM EMPEROR   (4) BANKER’S TWO SIX   (3) LUCKY MAGIC

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