Reliable Profit has evolved into a serious player on Sha Tin’s dirt course and the Reliable Man gelding is chasing a fourth consecutive win on the alternate surface in the first section of Wednesday’s HK$1.17 million Class 4 Ngan Shing Handicap over 1650m.
Since finding his winning groove three starts ago on dirt, Hong Kong International Sale graduate Reliable Profit has worked his way up to Class 4, and a rating of 57, for trainer Danny Shum and jockey Hugh Bowman – who rides the six-year-old grey from barrier No 10.
“He’s found his niche on the dirt and his last three wins have been great – he’s enjoying his racing. I’ve ridden him since his last win and he’s working well, so I’d expect a similar performance to what we’ve seen,” Bowman said.
“This horse (Reliable Profit) actually appreciates the room and he does look after himself in the run, you just have to trust that if he is happy in the run that he will finish strongly, so I’m not to deterred by the draw – it suits his racing style.
“If they don’t go fast, he can be right up on the pace and if they do then I’ll give him a chance where he’s comfortable and trust that he’s going to finish strongly like he has in his last three races,” Bowman said.
Both Viva Chaleur and Yoda’s Choice raced last Sunday at Sha Tin. Bowman also seeks consecutive wins on the dirt aboard Talents Ambition in the HK$2.05 million Class 3 Yuen Chau Kok Handicap (1650m) for trainer Mark Newnham from stall No 10.
“He gave me a very good feel. I haven’t been on his back since his last win but I did ride him a couple of times prior to that, just in work, and he’s a really lovely horse.
“I think we’re far from seeing where his benchmark is. Whether he can transfer that form to the turf is another story but at the moment he has the ideal programme to continue on the dirt,” Bowman said.
Wednesday’s eight-race all-dirt meeting also features the HK$1.17 million Class 4 Prince Of Wales Hospital 40th Anniversary Cup Handicap (1650m), where Vincent Ho will aim to drive Excel Wongchoy to a second win for championship-leading trainer Pierre Ng.
“He’s very consistent. You just need a race to pan out well for him. I think he can handle both (1800m and 1650m). Hopefully the pace will be on a bit more than over 1800m, so he will be a bit more comfortable,” Ho said.
Four-time Group 1 winner Lucky Sweynesse – crowned Hong Kong Champion Sprinter (2022/23) for trainer Manfred Man – stepped out for his first barrier trial at Sha Tin on the grass over 1000m this morning (Tuesday, 17 December) as he aims to return from setbacks.
Jockey James McDonald rode the 132-rater and said: “He looks great and feels really good. He had a tendency to lay in last preparation when I last rode him, but he didn’t do anything up the straight there this morning, so he’s feeling really good in his action.”
Lucky Sweynesse was an untested last over the line behind a runaway Magic Control for trainer Cody Mo, who said: “He trialled nicely. It was good to see him relax, he’ll run in the Group 3 (Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap, 1000m) on 1 January.” – Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Silver Destiny making his class 5 debut, he has trialled well leading up to this week’s race, and with Purton aboard, he looks a strong contender. Sonic Boom has the ability and can bounce back anytime in the cellar grade. Worth considering. Woodfire Champ a proven performer at this level, his last run was better than it reads and he could surprise at odds. Speedy Fortune did not disgrace at his last run and must be rated a chance here. Excellent Daddy let down well to finish second last start, but needs luck from an awkward draw this time.
Race 2: Soaring Bronco has performed well in the bottom of Class 4 and looks ready to run a strong race dropping to Class 5, especially with J-Mac aboard. Go Go Go looks always a threat in Class 5 based on his record in this class, and must be included among the better chances. Precision Goal scored a narrow on-pace win last start and will run well again if given a soft lead. Colourful Baron has been in consistent form recently and deserves respect. Mr Aladdin likely found the 2200m too long first-up and could improve dropping to 1800m with added fitness second-up.
Race 3: Mark The Moment overlook his first-up run where he travelled wide. From an inside draw, he could be hard to run down with a better-timed ride. Dragon Air Force caught the eye running home strongly in a slowly run race last time out, and is well placed in a winnable race to break through. Nebraskan showed improvement last start, but needs a good steer from J-Mac to overcome the wide draw. Robot Knight his last run was much better than it looks, and he could surprise with a 10-pound claimer aboard. Hinokami Kagura still a maiden galloper but gets his chance to win in this wide-open race.
Race 4: Mojave Desert made a mid-race move but weakened late last start. He has since trialled well at this track and could make amends with better luck in running. Golden Long his form is coming good again and he has to be rated a top contender in this race. Lightning Bolt has dropped in the ratings and can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form. Vulcanus scored an effortless win in Class 5 last time out and remains a strong chance despite the rise in class. Chill Kaka a newcomer who has trialled well for his debut; it’s worth following the tote movement.
Race 5: Hakka Radiance ran on well late last start and is suited by returning to the AWT surface. He is ideally weighted to run a strong race. Excel Wongchoy his recent runs have been encouraging, and from an ideal draw, he should map well and go close to winning. Never Peter Out has shown a strong liking to the AWT track and should play a key role. Ariel possessing tactical speed, he could be hard to run down if given an uncontested lead. Thesis making his Class 4 debut, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him put in an improved effort.
Race 6: Reliable Profit a winner of his last three starts, he looks on track for a fourth straight win while remaining in Class 4. Jumbo Fortune looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. With better luck, his consistency will be rewarded here. Massive Action a natural frontrunner, he should map well from an inside draw and give them something to chase. Sight Supreme resuming from a break, he has trialled well for his return and could show improvement first-up. Yeah Buddy attacked the line strongly late in a slowly run race last time out, and could place at odds.
Race 7: Must Go should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and looks ready to break through in Class 3. Self Improvement was an easy last-start winner, and a double looks well within his reach. Dancing Code relishes the drop to Class 3, where he has a reliable record, and improvement is expected. Packing Bole a fast beginner, he will run well if he finds an easy lead, which seems likely with an in- side draw. Super Win Dragon turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly, and remains a strong chance despite the awkward draw.
Race 8: Fighting Machine has been in great form this season and looks set to receive all the favours in this race. Talents Ambition an AWT specialist, he is coming off a brilliant win in this class, making a double seem imminent. Perfect Team produced a solid performance when storming home for third place last start. He will make his presence felt with a genuine tempo. Luck Is Back checked into a fast-finishing fifth on his local debut, and the step up in distance should play to his strengths. Yellowfin with a reliable record in Class 3, he could surprise by dropping to this class.