PLATINUM FORT IS HOLDING STRONG

Trainer Ricky Choi's runner looks forward enough to win on his racing debut in KL

- Brian Miller

Trainer Ricky Choi, who had a relatively quiet day at the races on Feb 23, could be waiting to unleash another one from his "Platinum" team onto racegoers at the Selangor Turf Club.

He sent out two for the trials at Sungai Besi on the morning of Feb 25.

While newcomer Platinum Legacy was only out for a good stretch and finished seventh of eight runners in the third heat, his other runner, Platinum Fort, was in a mean mood and all-conquering.

Engaged in the first hit-out of the morning, Platinum Fort jumped well and quickly settled into the slipstream of the leading trio.

Nearing the turn into the home stretch, he still held fourth spot as Malakai, Eruption and Infinity Knight continued to trade blows up front.

It was only at the furlong mark that Platinum Fort got serious.

Urged on by Nuqman Rozi and travelling on the extreme outside of the pack of eight, the Deep Field five-year-old soon drew level and, in a show of strength, he swept to the lead to beat the Lawson Moy-trained Eruption by a shorthead.