Luke Middlebrook
Trainer John Size heads to Happy Valley in Hong Kong on Wednesday with a couple of impressive last-start winning four-year-olds in the Class 3 races over 1200m.
Raging Blizzard has raced seven times, securing three wins and two runner-up spots since his debut in July last year. However, trainer John Size only shifted the son of Per Incanto to this track and distance three starts ago. Although he didn’t secure an immediate win at the city circuit, or on his second try for that matter, he displayed honesty with narrow defeat before encountering some difficulties due to a wide draw two starts ago, resulting in a fourth-place finish.
Size introduced pacifiers for the first time to Raging Blizzard in his last start, while securing barrier No 3 provided the gun run throughout. Raging Blizzard capitalised on the advantageous position and won comfortably, finishing 2.50 lengths ahead of his nearest rival. Although this week’s race appears tougher on paper, Raging Blizzard has once again drawn well in gate No 3, suggesting another favourable run is in store.
The other – Beauty Infinity tests his mettle on the upgrade as he steps up into Class 3 for the first time.
Beauty Infinity returns to the races just two weeks after securing his second career win in five starts. The John Size trainee will start from gate No 7, the same barrier as his last race, but handled it perfectly under Zac Purton. He proved too strong when push came to shove, kicking clear by 2.25 lengths ahead of the second-place finisher.
With only a small field of eight going to post, Beauty Infinity’s task should be easier. However, in-form runners, such as Celestial Colours, who is making a quick return after breaking through just last week, and Nicconi County, who should benefit from starting in barrier No 1, will provide formidable competition.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Ace Talent drops down in grade and start following. From barrier 2, he should be in the right position to strike in the straight. Great Days showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight but he should be more affective with a quieter ride. Happy Horse a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Mr Good Vibes down in class in this race and should perform better, start to follow. Goodmanship can upset some more fancied rivals on best form. Chance to improve here.
Race 2: Beauty Infinity scored a big win last start and it will pay to keep following despite the class rise. He should have more wins to come and is a horse on the up. Celestial Colours was an easy last start winner just last week and must be respected again. Nicconi County form is good and must be rated a solid chance as he has drawn perfectly in barrier 1 to get the gun run. Superb Capitalist has early speed and can always surprise with the right run, he’s trending in the right direction. Hong Kong Hall likes to jump and run and should be in the leading division.
Race 3: Wide-open race here with luck in the run to prove pivotal. Mighty Star nice effort last start when storming home, appears ready to win as he comes into a mid-draw after overcoming wide gates in his last two runs. Happy Jai Jai had excuses last start when racing wide without cover. He should be able to improve under Purton from barrier 3. Master Of Luck good performance when storming home for a nice second last week. Medic Elite backing up quickly from last week, can run well. Beau Gosse drops down in grade and start following.
Race 4: Copartner Prance faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. He is improving with racing and getting close to a win. Looks a great chance here. Street Conqueror down in class here and can surprise. Trialled well recently and start to follow. Hercules old-timer racing in good form and maps to be in the finish. Great Achiever video replay showed last run was very good. Valhalla turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly. Might not be classy enough to win a Class 4, but his form is consistent.
Race 5: Super Eagle racing consistently of late and expect another big run. Drawn perfectly in barrier 3 and gets the gun run on the 7-day turnaround. He looks the most likely winner. Colonel last start winner who rises in class but should give a sight from barrier 1 on the quick back up. King Eccellente had no luck last start but keep following. Multidarling narrowly beaten last start and goes close here again. Hoss down in class in this race and should perform better. Expect improvement on the downgrade.
Race 6: Raging Blizzard scored a big win last start and it will pay to keep following. He should get the same run as last time, stepping away from barrier 3, and looks hard to hold out from there. Watch Buddy backing up quickly from last week, can improve after he raced poorly. He can make use of barrier 1 and improve. Sugar Sugar winner of last two starts and looks a top chance to pick up a hat-trick of wins here. Captain Win good performance when storming home for a nice second last start and is back in form. Denfield can upset some more fancied rivals on best form. Could sneak a place at odds.
Race 7: Mr Aladdin form is good and is getting close to a win. He comes into barrier 1 from 10, which should make a world of difference, and the drop back in distance suits. Sturdy Ruby every chance last start but still ran a good race and he is nearing a win. But he’s also had plenty of chances. Atomic Beauty nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance again this week. Joy Of Spring caught wide last start and still ran well into third. Drawn wide, and will need luck, but form is good. Brave Witness had excuses last start when caught wide. Comes into barrier 2 here and can improve.
Race 8: M Unicorn ultra-consistent galloper and who can play a part in the finish after he has excuses last start when he lost ground at the start. Berlin Tango good performance when returning to form last start and the class drop should see him improve further. Turin Mascot has been placed last two starts and another win seems to be near if he can secure the right run. Gallant Hero was eased early before catching the eye late last start, which is typical of him, and another similar run is likely. Majestic Victory a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead.
Race 9: Highly competitive race to end the night. Tomodachi Kokoroe scored a big win last start and it will pay to keep following. He is thriving and could have more to come. Wonder Kit consistent performer of late and worth considering from barrier 1, from where he should get the right run. Copartner Ambition ultra-consistent galloper and who can play a part in the finish with any luck from barrier 10. Bon’s A Pearla last start winner who rises in class but can measure up. Beauty Charge last start placing was full of merit,