Fresh from a Happy Valley double on Thursday night (4 July), Hugh Bowman is optimistic unbeaten The Winnabe can continue an impressive debut campaign with a strong performance in the Class 3 Chow Silver Plate Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Saturday.
Stepping to 1400m for the first time after a pair of 1200m victories, The Winnabe faces 12 rivals including a string of recent winners led by Lovero (133lb), Gracious Express, Galvanic, King Miles and Greenwich.
The Caravaggio three-year-old shapes as one of master trainer John Size’s most exciting prospects next season and Bowman is confident the gelding has what it takes to build on an impeccable start to his career.
“There’s no doubt he (The Winnabe) is up to it, but he’s still relatively young and inexperienced,” Bowman said. “But he’s very natural and he’s shown he’s got an engine. It’s going to be an interesting test to see where he’s at but he’s an exciting horse.”
The Winnabe finished powerfully from midfield to down Vantastic Choice at Sha Tin on 8 June after a similar display when defeating Super Infinity – also over 1200m – on 19 May with both wins coming from barrier No 2. The grey jumps from gate No 5.
With 65 winners so far this season, Bowman also partners Top Scorer for Size in the Class 4 Arculli Trophy Handicap (1200m).
“He’s a consistent horse and it’s only a matter of time until he wins and hopefully it’s this weekend,” Bowman said, referring to the gelding’s four seconds, two thirds and a fourth from seven starts.
Echoing Bowman’s ambitions for The Winnabe, Jerry Chau hopes Thunder Blink can maintain his unbeaten run with success in the Class 3 Stevenson Cup Handicap (1400m).
Triumphant in Griffin company over 1000m on 14 April and again over 1200m on 26 May for Jimmy Ting, the Ribchester three-year-old rises in class and distance and meets 12 more seasoned rivals.
“Before he raced, he trialled very well and he’s won twice since and I feel like he’s kept improving and I think he can handle Class 3,” Chau said.
“He’s still immature and green, but I think he can get better. Class 3 will be tough, but with a good draw he can be competitive.”
Thunder Blink will start from gate No 6 six against a string of recent winners headed by Hasten Delight, Beauty Glory, Beauty Fit, Super Goldi and Our Lucky Glory.
Chau, 24, has 33 wins for the season and hopes to finish with a flourish with only three meetings left.
“It’s been a good season. Everything has gone pretty well,” he said. “I’ve had more support and that’s been very good for me, especially getting nice horses like James Tak and Fun Together. I’ve enjoyed the season.”
With Zac Purton (122 wins) assured of a seventh Hong Kong jockeys’ championship, the battle for training honours continues between Pierre Ng (67) and Francis Lui (65).
Ng has eight entries while Lui has 12.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Karate Express turned in a very nice debut win three weeks ago and the extra distance will suit him even better. Ka Ying Resilience produced a solid effort last run when finishing strongly, looks the second best here. Santorini consistent performer of late and worth considering. California Moxie caught the eye last start running home powerfully, can make his presence felt under the right race shape. Always My Folks newcomer who trialled okay and can run well.
Race 2: Speedy Fortune showed big improvement when dropping back to this class last start, he should map well from a low draw and can prove hard to beat with Purton remaining on board. Daily Trophy a proven performer at this level and he appears to be always dangerous in the cellar grade. Cool Blue good performance when storming home for third place last start. High Rise Power making class 5 debut and watch the betting, his previous runs in Class 4 suggests a win in Class 5 is highly achievable. Beat Hollow a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead.
Race 3: Smart Beauty has ability and is always dangerous in this grade, he draws well for Purton and commands plenty of respect. Asian One did not disgrace at his last run and must be rated a chance here. Charmander ran the third fastest sectional time last start, he has dropped a lot of ratings and could surprise at odds here. General Winner still a maiden galloper but gets his chance to win against moderate rivals. Star Of Glory a fast beginner who can run well given a soft lead.
Race 4: Robot Knight recent runs have been encouraging and he has shown versatility in running at his last two starts. From an inside draw, he looks the one to beat. Aca Power last start winner who remains in the same grade, a double is within his reach. Spangle Fortune not out of it and may be able to sneak for a place chance. Hinokami Kagura did not disgrace at his last run and must be rated a chance here. Sky Song can upset some more fancied rivals on best form but will need to overcome a wide draw.
Race 5: Top Scorer consistent performer of late and worth considering with Bowman remaining in the saddle. Fun N Fun Together showed good improvement last start and appears to find a highly winnable race. Courier Aladdin newcomer who has trialled well recently and he has to be respected with Purton jumping on board. Dragon Joy caught the eye last start when running home well. Sea Sapphire fast beginner who may be able to sneak a place.
Race 6: Let’s Do It ran the second fastest sectional time last start, he has dropped in ratings and appears to be well placed to score. Lucky Touch holding form with recent trial and can run well, he will need a good steer from Purton to defy a wide draw. Laugh Tale caught the eye last start when running home well. Mission Voice had genuine excuses last start and consider again, he could surprise at odds if he finds a soft lead. Joyful Prosperity still a maiden galloper but gets his chance to win.
Race 7: Sunlight Power nice effort last start when storming home for a brilliant win in this class, he looks to still have some ratings up his sleeve. Beauty Fit turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly. From a decent draw, his consistency could get rewarded here. Thunder Blink nice 3yo who is unbeaten from two starts to date and remains a winning chance despite the rise in class. Super Goldi had genuine excuses last start and consider again. Leslie good performance when storming home for a nice second last start.
Race 8: Chateauneuf holding form with a recent trial and can run well. He looks well-placed in a field with plenty of speed, which should suit his style of getting back and charging home late. Enjoy Golf was an easy last start winner and must be respected. Ballistic Win good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. All Riches last start winner who remains in the same grade, he can be hard to run down under the right race shape. Ruby Sailing showed good speed to lead last start and looks to be a lightweight chance here.
Race 9: The Winnabe unbeaten from two starts to date, he looks capable of defying the rise in class and continue his winning ways. King Miles rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. Gracious Express recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Greenwich was an easy last start winner and must be respected despite rising to Class 3. Not Usual Star showed signs of regaining form when charging home strongly for a solid fourth last time out.
Race 10: Lo Pan Spirit scored a comfortable win in Class 4 last start and he looks to have what it takes to win again in Class 3. Moduleconstruction consistent form lately and must be rated a chance in a very open race. Ima Single Man possesses versatility in running and caught the eye last start running home powerfully. Star Club recorded the fastest sectional time ranking last start. From pole position, he should enjoy a nice run under Purton and go close to winning. Eighty Light Years clearly has a better chance over this distance and expect a better run.