Luke Middlebrook
Progressive three-year-old Reward Smile can continue his good form, contesting the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m, at Happy Valley in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
Reward Smile, from the John Size yard, hit the ground running in Hong Kong by surprising with a first-up win at 27-1 over this distance at Sha Tin. The one-time winner from six in the UK, where he raced under the same name, proved that win no fluke with another solid second-up performance, even if he didn't win.
Contesting a slow-run race in which winner Lucky Encounter led and made all under cosy sectionals, Reward Smile closed off strongly late against the race shape to finish in 0.75 lengths in second place.
Bringing strong Sha Tin form to Happy Valley looks pivotal to Reward Smile’s chances and given his consistency thus far, he should prove too good.
Elsewhere, up-and-coming three-year-old Seasons Wit will get all favours to post successive victories around the 1000m track at Happy Valley in the Class 3 Handicap.
Seasons Wit arrived in Hong Kong as a one-time winner and four-time placegetter in Australia and was fast away locally after finishing a promising second place on debut in early March. The Jamie Richards-trained youngster switched to Sha Tin second-up, crossing the line a fair fourth, before being beaten by the barrier third-up back at Happy Valley.
Fourth-up, everything fell into place and he broke through for a solid win. From barrier No 1, and remaining well handicapped because of the extended ratings band, Seasons Wit should be hard to beat again. - HKJC
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Classic Archi on the improve could sneak a place in a race like this, not out of it and each-way claims. Cable Speed can upset some more fancied rivals on best form. Chiron video replay showed last run was very good. Any luck from the wide draw and he can figure in the finish. All Is Ready backing up quickly from a good last start effort and can run well again. Owners’ Star drawn well low and is suited by the track and distance.
Race 2: Super Hornet change of trainer recently (D Whyte to J Richards) and can improve, based on his recent trials under Purton. They looked good and he should map with all favours from gate 4. Fingers Crossed will win in this grade very soon after a nice effort into second place last start. Happy Gathering has a chance based on past form in this class of race, start to follow. Theta Hedge has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. Jack Win recent runs have been encouraging and can run well again. Last start had merit to it in a slow- run race.
Race 3: Wide-open race with many chances here. M Unicorn best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. The low gate should provide all hope. Joyful Genius well supported last start and won accordingly, has to be considered again. Fearless Fire showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight, expect the same here. Gang Of Brothers form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Gallant Crown has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade; he could surprise on the class drop.
Race 4: The Runner has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade. From barrier 1 under Purton on the class drop, he is hard to oppose. Red Desert has dropped a lot in the ratings and can improve with luck in the run. Snowalot racing well with excellent sectional time rankings, form is good and must rate a chance. Cheer For South placed last start and looks a chance to run well again from his low draw. Speedy Chariot improving with race experience.
Race 5: Beauty Mission ran the second fastest sectional time last start for a much better run than it reads. Coming into a low draw can make a world of difference. Sharpen Bright caught the eye last start running home powerfully on debut, nice run and he can be followed. Nice Birdie placed last start and looks a chance to run well again with luck in the run. Lean Hero goes well third-up from a break and should be respected. Ready Player One recent runs have been encouraging and can run well.
Race 6: Always Awesome having third start and may improve here coming into a low draw. That should prove key to his chances. Sight Hero good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. His form is excellent. King Invincible has been steadily improving and do not dismiss, he has shown ability. Golden Luck gets Purton in the saddle and is a good chance to improve. Colonel well supported last start and won accordingly, chance to run well again if he finds the front
Race 7: Wide-open contest here. Majestic Victory always finishes close up and must be rated a chance at this level. Purton jumps in the plate and should make a big difference. Rocket Spade has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone, but his record speaks for itself. S J Tourbillon last start placing was full of merit, nice effort and a good chance to run well again. Comet Splendido had excuses last start when racing wide without cover. Hit The Shot narrowly beaten last start and goes close here if the drop back in trip suits.
Race 8: Seasons Wit more than capable of winning again in this race after a nice last-start win, his first in Hong Kong. From barrier 1 and actually carrying less weight than last start, he should be getting all the favours. Harmony N Blessed form is good and must be rated a solid chance. He won over the favourite two starts ago. Atomic Force has a chance based on past form in this class of race, start to follow. Atomic Energy nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance to run well again. Keep You Warm can bounce back a winner anytime in this class.
Race 9: Reward Smile nice three-year-old who is well placed coming to Happy Valley here. From barrier 2 and Bowman taking over the reins, he is the standout here on his Sha Tin form. E Universe rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up after an easy last-start win in Class 4. Wonder Kit has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Superb Capitalist was an easy last start winner and must be respected. Phoenix Light good performance when third place last start but, again, he may be dictated to by the wide draw.