Banker’s Smile cemented his participation in the RM1mil Selangor Mile (1600m) in July with a top-class performance in the Visit Malaysia – KL – National Textile Museum Stakes at Sungai Besi today.

After his last-start run over 1400m at Ipoh two weeks ago in which he soundly defeated the Perak Derby runner-up Winning Stride, the Justify galloper was pitted against even tougher opposition in the Supreme A contest over the same distance today which included the likes of Platinum Emperor, Antipodean and Pacific Vampire.

But Banker’s Smile was more than up to the task.

Former Ipoh galloper Vincent’s Star, racing after a long spell, was the early leader from Pacific Vampire and Banker’s Smile.

Pacific Vampire then took over the running and streaked away to a clear lead turning out of the back straight from Vincent’s Star. Banker’s Smile stayed third, ahead of Arigato and Platinum Emperor.

Pacific Vampire was three lengths clear of Vincent’s Star at the 400m. Banker’s Smile was next followed by Platinum Emperor and Antipodean who travelled much closer to the pace than usual today.

Banker’s Smile slowly but surely cut Pacific Vampire’s lead from thereon and was just one length away from the leader at the 200m. Platinum Emperor was also closing in. Vincent’s Star had run its race and Antipodean had yet to hit top gear.

Pacific Vampire was soon ‘gone’ and Banker’s Smile quickly took over the lead and drew away to win by 2-3/4 lengths. Platinum Emperor battled on under a 59.5-kg impost to run second while Antipodean came home late to take third placing.

Yes, Banker’s Smile had a postage stamp weight (51kg after claim) on his back but the way he was able to settle behind the pace and come home strongly suggests he is a top mile/stayer in the making.

“I wasn’t able to get to the lead today like his last two runs so I had to sit behind the pace,” said apprentice Farhan Ghazali. “He finished well.”

Banker’s Smile completed a hattrick with the victory from six runs in the country.

“He (Banker’s Smile) is a promising horse and the light weight made the difference today,” said trainer Johnny Lim.

“The (fast) pace was set the other horses and the boy (Farhan) just had to sit behind the pace. It was a good ride from him.”

Lim and Banker’s Stable had a second winner when odds-on Banker’s Baby (Nuqman Faris Rozi) duly obliged in the Visit Malaysia – Penang – Batik Painting Museum Stakes (Class 4A – 1150m) before the final four races were called off due to the adverse weather conditions.