He Jiong
Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Wednesday with an action-packed 10-race card headlined by the Group 3 National Day Cup over 1000m.
It appears to be a wide-open contest.
One to note is Beauty Waves, who looked flat when seventh first-up in a Class 1 over 1200m. However, the figures say otherwise. He was forced to absorb a brutal 44.57-second first 800m on speed, so fading late was no disgrace.
Back to 1000m and against just seven rivals, he’s poised to hit back. Right alongside him is Bottomuptogether, who endured the same hot tempo before boxing on for fifth — and he’s no less dangerous.
The cutback in trip plays right into the hands of Fast Network and Magic Control, both specialists over the Sha Tin straight. Wunderbar also warrants close attention, having closed out last season in strong fashion and shaping as a genuine threat in this feature sprint.
Exciting four-year-old Lucky My Way will chase a hat-trick of wins when he lines up in the Class 3 Handicap over 1400m.
From just four starts, Lucky My Way has already returned two wins and a placing. He broke his maiden at big odds two runs back and quickly proved it was no fluke, following up with another emphatic victory when strongly supported in the market last time out.
On both occasions, he unleashed a sharp turn of foot to sweep past his rivals over 1200m.
Lucky My Way resumes off an eye-catching trial, running on strongly late without being pressured. Although tackling Class 3 for the first time, his untapped potential should stand him in good stead to keep his winning run going. – iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Young Horizon a proven performer in this class, he has trialled well for his return and should play a key role from a favour- able draw. Windicator Family finished a strong third despite being held up at a crucial stage last start. With Purton aboard, he could make amends. Cashiscash his recent efforts suggest he is edging closer to a win, and he looks one to follow. Panda Legend produced a fair effort last run and is worth considering if his odds present value. Lapras has a lightweight advantage and could sneak into the placings at long odds.
Race 2: Autumn Vibes won a recent trial and looks raring to go first-up, especially with Purton aboard. Aurora Patch let down well from a wide draw to finish second last start and appears poised to go one better from a low gate. Sea Emerald resumed with a fast-finishing third and is open to further improvement with added fitness. Master Phoenix returning from a break, he should not be overlooked despite the wide draw, given his solid record in Class 4. Sky Song has not been beaten far in his last two starts and could place with a lightweight.
Race 3: Lucky Blessing was heavily backed last start but weaken late in the straight. With the removal of blinkers, he deserves an- other chance. Ragnarr looks overdue for a win, and a more favourable jockey change could be the last piece he needs. You’remyeverything stormed home to win in style last start and looks primed for a double in Class 5. Noble Deluxe remains a maiden after 10 starts, but his recent runs suggest a breakthrough looks imminent. Riding High the drop to Class 5 for the first time could spark improvement. Keep safe.
Race 4: A wide-open field with several winning chances, where Rewarding Twinkle caught the eye flashing home late last start and looks ready to make amends first-up, following an impressive trial win. Club Ace has drawn well and could improve second-up with added fitness. Do Your Part could be hard to run down if he crosses early from a wide draw. Dancing Classics resuming from a break and the betting market could provide the best guide. Groovy Feeling his recent runs have been encouraging and he must be included among the better chances.
Race 5: Beauty Viva went close last start despite encountering traffic in the straight. With a clearer passage, he’s well placed to make amends. Forever Folks scored a last-to-first win last time out and remains a strong chance despite weight increase. Oriental Smoke the drop to Class 4, where his best form lies, appears a big plus. Northern Beast an underrate type, he can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form. Double Win has a lightweight advantage and must be respected, though the wide draw remains a concern.
Race 6: Invincible Ibis has placed at all three starts and shapes as a leading contender with Purton jumping aboard. Rainbow Seven the form of his last start has since been franked, making him one to follow this time. Sunday’s Serenade will appreciate the extra distance and improvement is expected. Raging Rapids caused an upset two starts ago and backed it up with a solid third last time out. Command respect. Victory Champion placed at huge odds on debut and has since trialled well. From a low draw, he should be highly competitive.
Race 7: Magic Control a Sha Tin straight course expert, he gets in well at the weights and shapes as a leading contender with Vincent Ho aboard. Wunderbar has reembraced his former brilliance in his last two starts and looks ready to strike first-up. Bottomuptogether has tactical speed and could be hard to run down under the right race shape. Beauty Waves his last run was better than it reads given the frantic tempo. Look for improvement second-up. Invincible Sage has won a recent trial in emphatic fashion leading into his first-up assignment.
Race 8: Steps Ahead appears to be a standout on collateral form, so it is no surprise to see Purton taking the reins. Hong Lok Golf boasts an incredible record of six from seven, including four straight wins. He looks a serious contender for feature races this season. Mickley will make a strong late surge if the pace suits and could prove to be a knockout chance. Chiu Chow Spirit should run well if the roarer condition doesn’t recur. Healthy Happy has good gate speed and could be hard to peg back if allowed an uncontested lead.
Race 9: Akashvani beaten by a smart type last start and looks ideally placed in a below-par Class 3 field to make amends. One More showed improvement last start, and from a low draw, he should enjoy a smooth run and secure a spot in the Top 3. New Future Folks resuming from a break, he could sprint well fresh, though the distance is a touch below his best. Holmes A Court trialled well for his return and could place at odds in a field of this nature. Super Legends well placed with the apprentice claim and could cause an upset.
Race 10: Lucky My Way won his last two starts in Class 4 easily, and with more upside to come, he’s primed for a hat-trick, despite rising to Class 3. Top Dragon badly held up last start and could make amends first-up, following an eye-catching trial. Silvery Breeze with a strong turn of foot, he will make his presence felt under the right race shape. Superb Kid recorded the second fastest final 400m in a slowly run race last start. He could place at odds if the pace suits. Ka Ying Superb comes off a strong second over this track and distance, but the wide draw poses a challenge.