Battle King ready to take on pretenders
Published on: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Published on: Sat, Apr 26, 2025 Text Size: Battle King with winning AB Stable. Kota Kinabalu: Race 1 (Initiation) over 1,100m sandtrack at Tambalang tracks this Sunday sees a heathy crop of promoted runners, Puteri Santubong III, Dynamite and Jelly Jelly with declared ambition to challenge incumbents. Of the three, Puteri Santubong III is highly regarded and looks sharp going into the race. Horse owner Chin Kui Sang is highly respected in the circuit, and always prepares his horses well. Resilient Battle King is tipped to win with Shahbandar Hero and Mountain Ace (Ex. Kante) in the mix. Race 4 (Class D) over 1,100m sandtrack is suited for Apin Apin Prince for a long overdue win. He should find Class D competition less intense. His lightning quick gate reaction and front leading style should lead him to glory. Hunter Champ is consistent-type and has capability to chase down Apin Apin Prince. Gold Dream and Kokorriko should be noticed. With leading jockey Firdaus in control, in-form Diva can surprise with an upset. Race 5 (Class D) over 1,100m sandtrack will be too close to call with as many as four runners legitimately fighting for top spot. Aqis is favourite with the slightest of edge followed closely by the well-trained Magic Blinks. Wawa's impressive runs of two second placings and a third placing qualify her as a strong contender. Go Tommy Go should be tracked even as he moves up to tougher Class D competition. Over at Selangor Tur Club this Sunday, Royal Sabah Turf Club's (RSTC) two representatives, Sabah Win and Vittoria Perfetta are scheduled to run Race 2 and Race 10 respectively. Sabah Win's excellent record of two consecutive second positions puts him as favourite. His career thus far at the Capital has been satisfactory and local racing fans will be rooting for Sabah Win for further success. He faces proven competitors in Kick, Ganbatte and Wan Legacy. Vittoria Perfetta in Race 10 over 1300m enters this race with modest expectation. A minor placing will be deemed assignment accomplished. Smoke and Mirrors is favourite with King's Gambit and Delilah rounding up the selections. This Sunday in Hong Kong sees the running of the Chairman's Sprint Prize (Race 5 - International Group 1) with international runners and jockeys participating. Ka Ying Rising, HK's sprint king undefeated with a sensational record of 11 wins since February 2024 is the horse to beat. Going after Ka Ying is Japanese horse Satono Reve. Satono Reve with jockey 'magic man' Moreira astride can pose a threat to Ka Ying Rising. Also in contention are Helios Express and Lucky Sweynesse. Race 7 Champions' Mile (International Group 1) over 1600m should see local favourite Voyage Bubble continuing his dominance over his usual nemesis in Galaxy Patch and My Wish. Mr Brightside and Royal Patronage, both Australian champions in their own rights, should be closely watched, in particular Mr Brightside. Race 8 is showpiece race - Queen Elizabeth II Cup (International Group 1) over 2,000m. This race will likely witness the emergence of a champion Japanese horse. Liberty Island (Japan) is installed as early favourite with Prognosis also from Japan, closely behind. Tastiera, another Japanese stayer, should be pencilled in but Goliath from France under famed Belgian jockey C Soumillon has every intention to gatecrash the Japanese party. Racing fans can look forward to a bumper weekend of on-course and off-course racing. Local races, Hong Kong, Australia, Selangor and Perak races are teleast 'live' at Tambalang Racecourse and RSTC's Off-Course centres in Tanjung Aru and Keningau. For the latest racing information and timings, visit https://www.royalsabahturfclub.com.my. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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