If the results of the Visit Malaysia – Johor – Recreational Park Taman Merdeka Stakes (1800m) at Sungai Besi today is anything to go by, then potential challengers to Banker’s Two Six in the Perak Derby (2000m) in two weeks’ time need to raise their game by several notches to stand any chance of taking home the trophy in Ipoh.

Banker’s Two Six was hardly out of first gear when he cruised home in the Stayers’ Stakes A race today to make it three wins on the trot.

Since surprising most people with a second-place finish to Kim Emperor in the Piala Emas Sultan Selangor (2000m) in December while still in Class 4, the Toronado galloper has improved by leaps and bounds.

A second success in Class 4 in January was followed up by a runaway win in the Chinese New Year Prosperity Trophy (1600m) last month when he defeated Big Hearted and Platinum Emperor.

With regular rider Farhan Ghazali suspended for the day, follow apprentice Tuan Ammar was tasked with the piloting the five-year-old for the first time.

Banker’s Two Six jumped well and was amongst the early frontrunners.

A very eager Irish Goodbye eventually took the lead ahead of Arigato with Zed Or Alive moving up third. Ammar eased Banker’s Two Six back to sit in fourth.

Irish Goodbye broke away from the 1000m to be six lengths clear of Arigato at the 800m. Zed Or Alive was a length away third with another two lengths to Banker’s Two Six.

Irish Goodbye was three lengths clear coming intoo the straight at the 400m. By now Banker’s Two Six had moved up to second, just ahead of Zed Or Alive. Arigato was ‘gone’ at the home turn and the rest of the field was closing the gap behind Banker’s Two Six.

Ridden hands and heels by Ammar, Banker’s Two Six hit the front at the 300m and drew away to win by 2-1/4 lengths without being extended.

Big Hearted again had to play second fiddle to Banker’s Two Six. Third was Pacific Star.

“I just followed the trainer’s instructions to sit where I am comfortable and was wait for the straight to make my move,” said Ammar. “He (Banker’s Two Six) was just too good for them.”

“I have trained many big race winners in the past and he (Banker’s Two Sixty) reminds me of Kiko’s Return,” said trainer Johnny Lim.“I hope he measures up to what I think he can be.”

Kiko’s Return, a New Zealand gelding by Minardi, won the Perak Derby (then run over 2400m) in 2008 and returned to Ipoh to win the Coronation Cup (1600m) the following year.

Kiko’s Return also triumphed in the Selangor Gold Cup (1600m) in 2009