Black Russian on the prowl

BLACK Russian should ride on a demotion to take out the Class Two field over 1000M in Race Four at the Mile 8 Penrissen course here this morning.

The four-year-old has been downgraded after a less than impressive foray in top company, and up against a lower level field of six runners today, has a bright chance of giving punters their money’s worth.

With Maruf Wahab in the saddle and drawn in barrier five, the Beraya Stable’s brown colt should take the additional 13kg on his back in his stride. He is the one to run down.

The dangers should come from My Moon (Jasmi Kamar) and Geronimo (Roslan Bujang).

King De Lago looks a good each-way bet in Race Five (Class One – 1000M).

The six-year-old finished fourth in his last start but can up the ante by adding lengths to his performance today. To be ridden by Jasmi Kamar and with a handy 52kg, the roan racer can pass muster.

The challenge should come from Suaji (Othman Putit) and Wind Chaser (Roslan Bujang).

Cherokee can mount a strong challenge for honours in Race Three (Class Three – 1000M)

The six-year-old should run a good race in his first start after returning from a spell over the past couple of meetings.

With Roslan Bujang up and 58kg on his back, the W Stable’s galloper can make a belated appearance at the winner’s circle.

Sau Tugau (Othman Putit) and Bintang Kilong (Jasmi Kamar) are the main dangers.

Interestingly, track form notwithstading, the outcome of the races today will hinge largely on the start. With the starting gate out of commission, canny jockeyship will have a big say in getting a good take-off at the start, not forgetting plenty of luck as well.

Various starting alternatives have been suggested and hopefully, the one chosen will work out all right today.

With the new starting method, perhaps the racing distances can be varied. For example – 1000M on the First Day and 1200M on the Second Day instead of sticking to just one distance (1000M) every race meeting like what is happening now.

A variation will break the monotony of the hitherto onedistance racing programme and give racegoers something different to look forward to. Variety is, after all, the spice of life.