Atzeni closes in on 100th win

Andrea Atzeni will be hoping last-start winner Crimson Flash can draw him one winner closer to his Hong Kong century at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

The Sardinian is just two winners away from raising his bat after two fruitful seasons in Hong Kong and victory on Crimson Flash could also draw him level with last campaign’s tally.

The Mark Newnham-trained three-year-old doubled his career total and got off the mark in Hong Kong with a very comfortable win in the Class 3 Violet Handicap over 1200m last month.

Ridden by Atzeni for the first time, he bombed down the outside after a midfield trip to score with plenty in hand and he is well drawn in stall No 6 for his return to the Valley.

That form has been boosted by Chateauneuf winning last Wednesday and despite going up 3kg in the ratings, he looks to be Atzeni’s best chance of the evening.

“He arrived in Hong Kong with only one run under his belt, so he’s very unexposed,” said Atzeni. “He was nicely on top over course and distance last time and still showed inexperience, so I think there is more to come from him.

“He has a nice draw to work with and a nice racing weight as well. I’m really hopeful he can run well again.”

The 34-year-old also has plenty of other chances to enhance his total, with the smart Nimble Nimbus hoping to snap a 14-month losing run in the feature Class 2 Choi Hung Handicap over 1650m.

Atzeni was on board when Nimble Nimbus won a red-hot Group 3 Centenary Vase (1800m) at Sha Tin last February, defeating the likes of Five G Patch, Straight Arron and La City Blanche with a power-packed finishing effort.

This season’s form has not quite scaled those heights, but he has now slipped down the ratings to a fairer mark and he was not disgraced when finishing fifth in the Class 1 Shan Kwong Handicap (1650m) at the Valley back in February.

“It’s a small field with only seven runners, but it’s still very competitive as you’d expect,” said Atzeni. “He’s not getting any younger, but he can definitely still run well in a race like this.

“He actually ran his best race of this season in a course and distance Class 1 in February when he finished off well and I’m hoping we can do the same again.”

After a trio of Hong Kong winners in 2014 before his two more recent full-time seasons, Atzeni sits on the cusp of a big milestone – as well ticking off his early season target of flashing past last season’s tally.

With 18 meetings to go and just one winner needed to equal last season, perhaps Atzeni can aim even higher, but a Group winner is something he desperately wants to cap off the campaign in style.

“I came into the season wanting to beat last season’s tally as my main goal, so it’s nice to be so close to doing that with time to spare,” said Atzeni.

“The one thing I’ve been missing this season is a Group winner – I had two last season with Taj Dragon and Nimble Nimbus.

“I’ve ridden lots of nice young ones and good types, but I haven’t had one in a big race yet. There’s still time, of course, and every winner counts.” - South China Morning Post

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Tradition ran on well for fourth in a slowly run race last start, and with a genuine tempo, he could finally break through. Kingly Demeanor a proven performer in this class, he could be hard to run down if allowed a soft lead. Gold Tack his last run was better than it reads, and from a better draw, he is expected to show improvement this time. Mr Aladdin found the line well late in his last few starts, but has to face another wide draw here. Flying Silver has dropped in the ratings and should not be overlooked with Purton aboard.

Race 2: Seasons Wit having shown signs of regaining form, he’s poised to go one better after a luckless second last start, where he travelled wide. Stellar Express boasts a reliable record in Class 3, and improvement is expected with the drop in grade. Parents’ Love a dangerous frontrunner, he has been in great form, making a strong on-pace showing imminent. Healthy Healthy caught the eye running home strongly last start and could cause an upset with an unfavourable jockey booking. Eternal Fortune the drop in distance and the ap- prentice claim are both positives, so do not underestimate his chances.

Race 3: Sure Joyful has drawn a better gate than his last two starts, which could spark a surprise. Courier Magic well placed at the weights, he will make a strong late surge if the pace suits. Sunday’s Serenade scored his last two starts impressively, though favoured by a fast pace. He could secure a hat-trick if the race unfolds in his favour again. Forever Glorious the victim of a poorly-judged ride last start, he could finish in the Top 3 with a more measured ride. Midori Fuji has shown improvement recently and is edging closer to a win.

Race 4: Helene Feeling can bounce back anytime in Class 2 and his last-start fifth place in a slowly run race was much better than it reads. Californiatotality a tenacious on-pace runner, he is well placed to secure a double in this small field. Soleil Fighter comes off an encouraging first-up effort at Sha Tin, and with added fitness, he shapes as a strong contender. C P Brave has what it takes to cause an upset and is worth considering if his odds offer value. Woodfire Bro with a lightweight on his back, he may sneak into the placings on his return to Happy Valley.

Race 5: Galaxy Witness boasting a perfect record in Class 4, he looks primed to return to the winner’s list with the drop in grade. New Power looks overdue for a win and a favourable draw could be the final piece of the puzzle. Sight Happy was held up at a crucial stage last start, and with a smoother trip, he could make amends, especially with Purton aboard. Fortune Whiskey produced a fair effort last start and must be respected. Mega Bonus has tactical speed and could be hard to run down if he crosses early from a wide draw.

Race 6: Bienvenue put the writing on the wall with a close second last start and looks poised to go one better with Purton staying aboard. Harmony N Home his recent runs have been encouraging and another strong performance is imminent. Know At Heart has dropped in the ratings and finds a winnable race, so he must be considered a strong chance. California Deeply will appreciate the drop in class and could cause an upset. Country Dancer with a conservative racing style, he needs a fast pace to produce a strong finish.

Race 7: Swagger Bro recorded the second fastest final 400m in a slowly run race last start, and a win wouldn’t be surprising this time with a more genuine pace. Great Spirit based on his strong recent form, he must be included among the better chances here. Glory B was narrowly beaten in his last two outings, and a favourable draw gives him a good chance to go one better. Beauty Thunder showed significant improvement last start and looks one to follow. Solar River likes to set the pace and will give them something to chase if allowed a soft lead.

Race 8: Chain Of Gold nearing his last winning mark, he has drawn well and looks ready to deliver a strong performance. Joy Of Spring will likely find this field more manageable compared to his last run at Sha Tin. He is well weighted to run a big race from a low draw. Excellence Value has struck a purple patch of form and should play a key role here. Rocket Spade resumed with a fast-finishing second and could go one better with added fitness, despite another wide draw. Money Catcher showed signs of returning to form last start, but carrying the top weight remains a concern.

Race 9: Nordic Dragon well below his last winning mark, he should settle closer to the speed from an inside draw and be highly competitive. Storm Rider a proven performer in this class, his recent runs have been encouraging and another win is just around the corner. Crimson Flash finished strongly to score a dominant win last start and a double looks within his reach. Northern Fire Ball made all in Class 4 last time out and could have more ratings in store, despite rising to Class 3. Lucky Eight his strong recent form is undeniable, but the wide draw and heavy weight pose a challenge.