Luke Middlebrook
There’s a decent amount of talent stepping out across the card at Sha Tin in Hong Kong on Saturday and all eyes will be on promising four-year-old Beauty Eternal in Race 10 as he aims for a first-up win in the Class 3 1200m Handicap.
Beauty Eternal created a huge impression after a smart debut win in early October, racing very wide and without cover from the 900m but still proving too good for his Class 4 rivals as he drew clear by two lengths.
Straight up into Class 3, the John Size trainee was sent off a $1.5 chance by punters, but he had excuses as he was checked and stumbled at the top of the straight before he began to close off strongly thereafter but was badly held up from the 100m and was unable to be properly tested. Beaten just a neck into third, he obviously should have bolted up with many deeming him “the best thing beat all season”.
Beauty Eternal has since trialled well on two occasions and finds an ideal race to get back to his winning ways as the majority of his opposition are not that good.
Another smart-looking four-year-old who is back for more is Excellent Fighter in the Class 4 1000m Handicap (Race 7).
Excellent Fighter made his racetrack debut on 18 December, sent out a well-backed even money favourite after impressing in multiple trials leading up to his first start.
The Ricky Yiu-trained gelding was able to justify the piles of cash placed on him, however some pundits may be wary of the official winning margin reading just a head in the form guide.
It was a win full of merit, though, as he was inconvenienced at the off and began awkwardly, settling back. He also failed to find complete clear running until approaching the 150m, attacking the line strongly thereafter.
It was a likeable win and he was only penalised five points because of the narrow margin. Probably a blessing in disguise. The up-and-comer looked the goods in a trial since and he finds himself drawn perfectly for the straight course. - HKJC
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Super Win Dragon racing in career-best form and must be rated a good chance to make it four wins on end. Ka Ying Master narrowly beaten last start and goes close here from his low gate. Ping Hai Galaxy looks a solid good chance based on last start and will be there fighting out the finish. Astrologer caught the eye last start running home powerfully on his first run for a new stable. You’remyeverything generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home, look from him late.
Race 2: Colourful Prince showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight to hold down third. He can give a sight again from barrier 1 in an open race. Handsome Guys had genuine vet excuses last start and can improve in this race. Golden Mission caught wide last start and still ran well. Third-up now, he is ready to figure. Touch Faith can bounce back a winner anytime in this class. Gold Comet good performance when returning to form last start, might be able to go on with it.
Race 3: Beauty Live backing up quickly from a good last start effort, but which he had excuses, and can run well again. All For St Paul’s can lead in this race and be hard to run down, he will give a big sight. Running Glory should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and can return to form easily here. Spirited Express go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. California Ten ran the second fastest sectional time last start for an improved effort.
Race 4: Strive For Glory can bounce back a winner anytime in this class and he should get a better run in transit than his first-up run, when favourite, when he raced wide. M M Johnny has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Purton takes the reins and they look a proper chance. Happy Trio drops down in grade and start following, improvement looks likely. Encore had excuses last start and forget the run, he could run a cheeky race from the low draw here. Little Player backing up quickly from a good last start effort and can run well again.
Race 5: Turbo Power ran the third fastest sectional time last start for an eye-catching effort. Barrier 2 could see him run a big race here. Stand Up narrowly beaten last start and goes close, but drawn out widest in barrier 12 may hinder his chances. Shining Fortune go on the win two starts ago and give a chance. Son Pak Fu showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight for third, he can do the same here. Flying Bonus should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way.
Race 6: Flying Mojito best run to date was last start and appears to be improving and getting close to a win, barrier 4 should provide every chance to Purton. Ching every chance last start but still ran a good race. If he can see out the mile strongly, he’s a genuine chance. Oscar Glory has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. Barrier 2 should ensure that. Dragon Pride good performance when storming home for third place last start. Turquoise Alpha had genuine excuses last start when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race. With luck from gate 11, he’ll be there in the finish.
Race 7: Excellent Fighter impressive debut winner who is hard to beat here. He has trialled nicely since his first-up success, and jumps from barrier 11, which is ideal for the straight course. Prince Of Porty newcomer who has trialled well for debut on a few occasions, he’ll be favoured by the market. Forte can upset some more fancied rivals on best form. Barrier 14 suits and Bowman rides. Cheval Valiant should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Noble One finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start for a strong and promising effort.
Race 8: Forerunner turned in a very nice debut run, winning easily over Fast Buck who won nicely last week, and looks to have good ability. He can win again given he should get all favours from barrier 4. Run Run Buddy turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability. From barrier 2 under Purton, he should get all the luck. Young Victory form is good and must be rated a solid chance. The Hulk has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade. Romantic Laos showed improvement at a recent trial and could run an improved second-up run from the low draw.
Race 9: Five G Patch turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly, however it was an ill-judged ride and he should have won. Give him another chance. Woodfire Bro nice four-year-old with a good chance here. Hit The Shot had genuine excuses last start when caught wide but still ran well, he will be thereabouts. Natural Storm was an easy last start winner and must be respected again. Champion Dragon every chance last start but still ran a good race – he can give a sight and should be on-pace for a long while.
Race 10: Beauty Eternal simply had no luck last start and overlook the run. He has shown plenty of ability and should be back to his winning ways this week. Youthful Deal good performance when storming home for third place last start, proving he’s up to this grade and can go on with it. Magniac well prepared for debut and is worth considering. The low draw should provide an ideal run on his first Hong Kong start. Jumbo Fortune down in class in this race and should perform better after trialling strongly recently. Like That caught the eye last start running home powerfully, suggesting he’s recapturing form.