Luke Middlebrook
Arguably one of Hong Kong’s most improved horses, thriving five-year-old Gold Gold Baby looks all set to complete a hat-trick of wins when he returns to Happy Valley in Race 9, the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m on Wednesday.
Gold Gold Baby did not start shorter than 50-1 in his first six starts after making his racetrack debut in late June 2021, subsequently sliding down the ratings to a mark of 38 and well into Class 5. The Francis Lui-trained gelding, however, has won his way up to a rating of 70 this season, thanks to posting four wins from five starts at the city circuit with his trademark turn-of-foot something to behold.
Last start was Gold Gold Baby’s first try in Class 3, and though he only began fairly and got back to second last in the run, he came home with his usual late withering burst up the rails to score comfortably by 0.75 lengths. The big brut of a horse, who tips the scales at well over 550kg, has shown no signs of reaching his ceiling just yet and appears on track to head higher up the ratings.
Gold Gold Baby is just one of a few strong winning chances for in-form jockey Vincent Ho.
In Race 7, a Class 4 Handicap over1200m, he partners three-year-old gelding Righteous Arion who looks on track to shed his maiden tag.
Righteous Arion is on his fifth career start and has been a big improver at his last two outings when filling the placings on each occasion. Two starts ago, he flashed home from the rear into second place behind King Eccellente, who was a subsequent winner, while last start he attacked the line late into third behind Sugar Sugar who should be competitive in Class 3 this week.
Righteous Arion should gain the gun run from barrier No 2 while with Ho taking over the reins, all signs point towards a big run in a race where he clearly will be getting his chance to break through.
Big respect must be given to Zac Purton’s mount, Racing Fighter, with whom he has had a strong association. He is ideally rated these days but hasn’t won since 2021. However, he turned in a promising run into second last time on his first Class 4 run. - HKJC
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Heavenly Thought has been knocking on the door, placing on his last two runs, and he comes into a low draw for once. Euromissile video replay showed last run was very good and Purton remains on board. He can improve. Loriz will win in this grade very soon and should he gain a good run from barrier 9, he can figure. Travel Glory is capable of running a fast final 400m sectional time, solid each-way claims here. Miracles drops down in grade and start following.
Race 2: Loyal Ambition showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Expect a similar run with the 10lb claiming apprentice on from barrier 1. Dazzling Fellow always finishes close up and must be rated a chance at this level. He will be making a late bid. Ballistic Man drops down in grade and start following. Glorious Lover will win in this grade very soon after catching the eye late into third last start. Moonluck had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire.
Race 3: All Is Good good effort when narrowly beaten last start and from barrier 3, he should derive every chance to go one place better. E Legend has a great record in this class and must be respected, start to follow again. Young Life Forever has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. A good run from barrier 9 will prove him competitive. Villa Fionn is capable of running a fast final 400m sectional time and he could upset at odds. Rainbow Light looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form.
Race 4: Packing Succeeder debut run was good and has trained on well since. He finds himself in an even contest second-up, but looks to have some ability and gets Purton taking over the reins. Legion Of Merit well supported last start and won accordingly and he will be favoured again. Copartner Fionn ran the second fastest sectional time last start for a much-improved fifth place. Chill Chibi turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability, chance again. Viva Popcorn go on the win two starts ago and give a chance.
Race 5: Solar Partner simply had no luck last start and overlook the run. Mr Fun had no luck last start, used up on the lead, but keep following. Hoss caught the eye last start when running home well when third but at a massive SP. Purton take the ride here and will be over-bet. Kokushi Musou turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly into second. He should run well again. Hearty Wish always finishes close up and must be rated a chance at this level.
Race 6: Hava Nageela video replay showed last run was very good, with the jockey making a mid-race move in the fast-run mile race which Classic Mile winner Voyage Bubble won. Rocket Spade last run suggested a win was very near and he’ll prove the testing material. Tianchi Monster will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well. Prime Minister looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start, drawn well low he can easily bounce back. Comet Splendido was eased early before catching the eye late.
Race 7: Righteous Arion has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. The low draw should ensure all the favours in the run and he looks hard to hold out. Racing Fighter will win in this grade very soon and reuniting with Purton for the first time since March 2021 is intriguing. King Eccellente winner of last two starts and is a big chance here. Act Of Faith recent barrier trial was good, suggesting an im- proved run can be expected. Cordyceps One good performance when returning to form last start and he has drawn well low to go on with it.
Race 8: Howdeepisyourlove narrowly beaten last start and goes close here. The wide draw is the concern, so Teetan will need to be at his tactical best, but the three-year-old looks to have plenty of points in hand. Adios had excuses last start when racing wide without cover, he can improve from gate 4 under Purton. Sugar Sugar rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. Majestic Knight showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight, he will do the same here. Humble Star form is good and must be rated a solid chance third-up.
Race 9: Gold Gold Baby talented sprinter who looks very hard to beat as he chases a hat-trick of wins and his fifth win of the season. He is simply flying! Excellent Peers was not disgraced last start when beaten by a very smart horse and he can test the favourite here with some luck from barrier 11. Armour Eagle changed stables recently and has improved, but Purton has jumped ship after his last-start win. Stormtrouper is capable of running a fast final 400m sectional time and he can always surprise with the right run. Golden Link has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon.