Luke Middlebrook
Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday for a nine-race fixture under lights.
Consistent four-year-old Red Hare King could cap off a big night in the saddle for jockey Hugh Bowman, as the pair chase their first victory together in the Class 3 event over 1650m.
Bowman partnered with Red Hare King for the first time in his last start but had the outer-most draw with which to contend, a hurdle that is never an easy task around the city circuit’s extended mile course.
On that occasion, the Australian jockey eliminated luck from the equation by going straight to the lead and setting a strong pace throughout. Despite this, Red Hare King held on well in the stretch as those coming from off the pace made their moves, but he was overtaken late and finished second, beaten by a neck.
Bowman will have more tactical options on this occasion as he breaks from an inside gate at barrier No 3. As demonstrated in the past, Red Hare King doesn’t need to lead and can be ridden more patiently if necessary, which stands him in good stead to bounce back to his winning ways.
Earlier on the card, it’s been over a year and a half since six-year-old Comet Splendido last won a race, but he looks poised to return to the winner’s circle when he competes in the Class 4 race over 1650m.
Comet Splendido will be making his fifth attempt in Class 4 this week and on paper seems well-positioned to make his mark with a rating of 55, especially considering his sole Hong Kong win came off a rating of 69 in Class 3.
His recent performances have been encouraging, including a third-place finish in his last start that held plenty of merit. He was unable to be fully tested late in that race, finishing 1.75 lengths behind.
He will also benefit from having a senior rider in the saddle, with Bowman taking over from claiming apprentice Angus Chung this week. Starting from barrier No 2 should also ensure they get the best run of the race.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Speedstar can bounce back a winner anytime in this class. Purton takes the ride from a low draw and it looks his race to lose. Viva A La a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, which looks probable here. He can give a big sight. Dragon Pride has ability and is always dangerous in this grade, he can start to be followed again. Charming Steed form is good and must be rated a solid chance under the apprentice claim. Master Of Luck has had no luck recently and could run a cheeky race.
Race 2: Comet Splendido last start placing was full of merit after he was unable to be fully tested late, nice effort and with Bowman taking the ride, he will get his chance to break through for an overdue win from the low gate. Dragon Star a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Drawn well low and will find the front easily. Joyful Prosperity remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here. Courier Magic had excuses last start when racing wide without cover.
Race 3: Plenty of chances here. Pegasus General showed no interest last start, forget the run. He has a low gate here, which should spark some tactical initiative and he is rated well enough to win race of this nature. Jubilation good performance when storming home for third place last start when first-up on the all-weather. Forever Glorious last start winner who remains in the same grade and will have every chance to run well again. Satirical Glory well supported last start and won accordingly. Me Time last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Unplaced but recent runs are encouraging.
Race 4: Another wide-open race. Amazing Ace looks a solid good chance based on last start, checking in third at this course and distance. Fifth attempt in Class 4 here and appears a win is imminent. Sweet Diamond winner of last two starts and looks a top chance to pick up the winning hat-trick. Happy For All looks a solid good chance based on last start when third. Spicy Gold good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Flying Wrote improving all the time with race experience and could run a good race third-up here.
Race 5: The speed map appears to be a significant factor here, with plenty who can press forward and set up a strong tempo. Yellow- fin doesn’t have to lead but he will have options from his low gate. Chill Chibi nice 4YO who will relish a true run race and gets his chance to resume a winner. Helene Feeling has a good record over this track and distance and the map suits. Moments In Time will find this easier than last start and can improve. Flaming Rabbit a fast beginner who can run well if he doesn’t face too much pressure.
Race 6: Sight Happy recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting a good run can be expected second-up. He needed the run first-up and should receive a sweet rails run from the paint here. Ma Comet will win in this grade very soon. Sergeant Pepper go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. Fortune Warrior has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. Parents’ Love poorly judged ride last start, forget the run. Drawn wide and is first-up but can run a race.
Race 7: Plenty of chances here. Super Joy N Fun has a better chance on this track and should run well despite the wide draw. Nordic Dragon drops down in grade and start following. Much better suited in this class and expect better. Golden Empire showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Young Arrow former Singapore galloper making local debut. Trials have been okay and he may run a race first-up from a good gate.
Race 8: Magic Control newcomer who looks talented and must be rated a good winning chance first-up from his good draw for Bowman and Richards. Midori Glory very impressive debut performance and looks to have plenty of talent. He should be running well again. Heroic Master caught the eye last start when running home well. Youthful Spirits showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Expect the same. Fast Serve a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead from his low draw.
Race 9: Red Hare King solid effort last start and must be rated a big winning chance here as he comes into a low draw after starting from barrier 12 last start. Jumbo Legend generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home but he could make better use of a low gate. Ivy League last start placing was full of merit, nice effort. Star Contact has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Beauty Infinity having first try at this distance and may enjoy it. Has shown ability and is always close up.