South African trainer Kevin Coetzee has once again fielded a strong contingent as the Perak Turf Club prepares for a 12-race meeting on September 20 in Ipoh. Coetzee’s stable, known for producing multiple winners, is set to compete with 18 runners, including key contenders Stop The Water and Winning Stride who will contest the Listed Charity Cup over 1,200 meters.

Both horses have been putting in solid work during training sessions ahead of the event. On the morning of September 15, Stop The Water recorded a finishing time of 42.7 seconds, while Winning Stride completed a similar distance in 42 seconds. Although not blazing fast, their efforts impressed Coetzee and indicated good form.

Stop The Water, a six-year-old gelding owned by Fairdeal Stable, is notable for his front-running style and is expected to benefit from the shorter sprint distance after a disappointing performance in the Group 1 Ipoh Ladies Gold Vase on August 23. Prior to that, he had delivered a dominant three-length victory over 1,300 meters in a Cosmo C race on August 1, showing his potential when conditions suit.

Winning Stride, also racing for Fairdeal Stable, faced some setbacks recently despite showing promise. He finished second in the same Group 1 race won by Lucky Magic, but was disqualified after the stewards found his jockey, Wong Chin Chuen, returned to the scales underweight. His last win, which came on August 8 in a Cosmo B and C race over 1,400 meters, demonstrated resilience despite drifting off course. At eight years old, Winning Stride is expected to finish strongly, though the shorter 1,200-meter distance could pose a challenge.

Coetzee’s training stable also highlights Joey, another veteran runner aged nine, who will compete in the Banded race over 1,300 meters. Joey's recent form has been consistent, with a win on July 25 and subsequent close finishes. His trainer remains optimistic that Joey can register a 10th career victory, particularly after a 600-meter workout completed in 39 seconds.

Baby Biscuit, trained by Yan Weng Kuan, is also one to watch in the Banded race category. The five-year-old New Zealand-bred son of Warburgh has secured two wins and notable placings in his last six outings. He recently clocked an impressive 600-meter workout in 37 seconds and will be aiming for a third consecutive win.

The meeting promises competitive racing with Coetzee’s well-prepared runners and others in fine form set to vie for honors at Perak Turf Club’s upcoming event.