Hong Kong racing continues on Saturday for a mixed turf and dirt 10-race fixture.
Unbeaten four-year-old Bottomuptogether is primed to extend his winning streak first-up, when he returns to Sha Tin in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m.
Bottomuptogether won his first two starts in impressive fashion on the 1000m straight course, but some may have questioned whether he could handle the rise to 1200m and navigate a race with turns before his last outing.
However, the market disagreed, heavily backing him into odds-on favouritism. The son of Shamus Award rose to the occasion, leading all the way to win by 2.75 lengths over this track and distance in his best performance to date.
Well-prepared with two strong trials, where he travelled smoothly without being extended, Bottomuptogether, with Zac Purton in the irons, looks extremely hard to beat as he remains in Class 3 first-up.
Quality galloper Voyage Samurai can pick up where he left off last season, when he returns to Sha Tin in the Class 3 Handicap over 1600m.
As a lightly raced five-year-old, Voyage Samurai exemplifies the adage that quality outweighs quantity, with three wins and two seconds from five starts.
After a solid second-place finish on his Class 3 debut two starts ago, the son of Dissident not only broke through in this class last time out but did so in style. He overcame a wide draw to lead from start to finish, drawing away to win by 1.50 lengths over this track and distance.
Voyage Samurai has trialled well as usual for his return and stands out as the one with the strongest form in this week’s field. A cross-seasonal double is within his reach. - HKJC
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Smart Leader a proven performer in Class 5, and with Purton retaining the ride, he looks ready to return to the winner’s list. Daily Trophy suited by the switch back to the AWT and should run well from an inside draw. Super Joy another runner who will appreciate returning to the AWT and could factor in the finish. Spangle Fortune drops in class and drawn well here, improvement is expected. High Rise Power had genuine excuses (mucus in trachea) last start and may cause an upset as he drops in the ratings.
Race 2: Charmander last start winner who remains in the same grade, he could still have room to improve in the ratings, so a double wouldn’t be surprising. Invincible Missile did not disgrace at his last run and must be rated a chance here. Casa Legend has what it takes to score in Class 5, but needs the pace to suit his racing style. Nice Birdie drops in class and meets weaker opposition, he could place at value. Go Hero has early speed and could sneak into a placing at the finish if given an uncontested lead.
Race 3: Colourful Winner his last run was much better than it looks as he was held up in the concluding stages. This week’s below-par Class 4 field presents him with a good chance to break through. Super Legends finished a solid second first-up and should play a key role here. Yee Cheong Raider had genuine excuses last start and worth considering again. Winning Heart generally gets back and charges home strongly, he could surprise at odds. Pochettino let down well to finish fifth on debut and is open to any amount of improvement second-up
Race 4: Regent Glory possesses tactical speed and has been racing in consistent form, so it is no surprise to see Purton taking the reins. Robot Knight has been placed at this level before and is well-rated to score from a good draw. Shanghai Style resented the kickback last start, so he needs to lead like he did when winning two starts ago. Cosmo Navigator still a maiden galloper but gets his chance to win in his open field. Jolly Companion suited by the drop back in distance and with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim, he should run a big race.
Race 5: Fighting Machine looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. From a better draw, he can prove hard to hold out with Purton remaining on board. Affirm the lightweight and extra distance both work in his favour, he has to be rated a chance. Foolish Heart resuming from a break and trialled well recently. He looks a value choice in this race. Mr Energia was an easy last-start winner on the AWT, and must be respected despite returning to turf. Majestic Colour will relish the drop in class and rise in distance, as his record suggests.
Race 6: Gangnam Star attacked the line well in a slowly run race last start. From a good draw, he is well weighted to be a strong contender. Circuit Mighty a proven performer at this level, he could cause an upset with his best form. Jumbo Legend ran the third fastest sectional time last start and can make his presence felt if the pace suits. Harmony N Home has caused two big upsets in a row and is aiming for a hat-track. Northern Beast winner of his last two starts, he resumes from a break, and the betting market is the best guide.
Race 7: Bottomuptogether highly promising type with a perfect record of three from three. He is the standout of the card. Rubylot produced a nice effort last start when storming home for a brilliant win. He looks the second best in this field. Goko Win resuming from a break and trialled well recently. His last-start fourth place finish was better than it reads, as he raced wide throughout. Polaris goes well 2nd up from a break and should be respected. Elegant Life ran home strongly last start and further improvement is expected.
Race 8: Everyone’s Classic has trialled well for his debut, and with Purton in the saddle, he should be highly competitive in this field. Harold Win was narrowly beaten last start, and he could make amends from a better draw. King Oberon recent runs have been encouraging, and he is on the verge of breaking through. Glorious Expert turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly. He should run well again with an inside draw and a 4kg claimer. Lucky Touch resuming from a break and not tested in recent trial. Watch for betting support.
Race 9: Voyage Samurai boasts an impressive record of three wins and two placings from five starts. Resuming from a break, he is primed for a cross-seasonal double. Second To None ignore his last run where he was held up late. He’s worth giving another chance. Fortunate Son stormed home strongly to finish second in a fast-run race last start. He should run well again if the pace favours him. Ching has a great strike rate in this class and must be respected. Frantanck likes to jump and run, he could be hard to run down if given a soft lead, which looks likely.
Race 10: Endeared well placed at the weights and can be in the finish. Prestige Always showed improved with a fast-finishing third last start. He has trialled well for his return and should play a key role with Purton aboard. King Miles winner of last two starts and remains a chance despite the wide draw. Super Goldi had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire. Not Usual Star ran on well to grab fourth first-up