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Handy galloper California Star looks poised to secure back-to-back victories when he returns to Sha Tin for Sunday’s Class 4 Handicap over 1650m on the All-Weather track.
California Star has shown a clear liking for the alternative surface, where he has recorded two wins and two minor placings from 11 starts. After a luckless third two runs ago, when encountering traffic in running, the Tony Cruz-trained gelding made amends in style last time out. Despite a tardy start, he settled in midfield before unleashing a strong turn of foot in the straight to overhaul his rivals and score by 1.5 lengths over this track and distance.
On the strength of his current form, California Star shapes as the runner to beat despite the rise in weight. However, Happy Universe, who finished 1.50 lengths behind him at their last meeting, looms as the main danger with a favourable weight swing.
Impressive debut winner Papaya Rose looks well placed to maintain his winning form when he returns to Sha Tin in the Class 4 Handicap over 1400m.
Despite being overlooked by the market on debut 24 days ago, Papaya Rose produced an impressive performance to score convincingly over 1200m at this track. Settling off the speed from a slightly awkward draw, the Zousain gelding unleashed an explosive turn of foot from the 400m to overhaul his rivals in emphatic fashion, crossing the line 1.50 lengths clear.
Based on his racing pattern, the step up to 1400m should suit him even better and, with top jockey Hugh Bowman remaining aboard, a Class 4 double looks well within reach. - iRace Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Wiseman finished a creditable sixth after enduring a wide trip last start, and with a smoother run, he could make amends. Phantom Cyclone stormed home for second from a wide draw last start and looks poised to go one better with a better gate. Meepmeep attacked the line strongly last start and the switch back to the AWT should work in his favour. Courier Magic looks capable of bouncing back at any time in this grade and must be included. Celestial Harmony won well in this class last start, but the wide draw and weight rise pose a challenge.
Race 2: Majestic Delight has been knocking on the door and shapes as a leading contender with a favourable draw. Dash has performed honestly in Class 4 and the drop in class could see him produce an improved effort. Yee Cheong Raider charged home late into fourth last start and has drawn well to finish in the money. Winning Cigar should relish the drop to Class 5, where he faces a more manage- able field, and is worth considering as a value pick. Verbier well backed and duly saluted last start, and it could pay to follow the betting market again.
Race 3: Crossborderdude has been in consistent form of late and doesn’t need to improve much to win against moderate opposition. Master Phoenix could cause an upset and is worth considering if his odds offer value, despite his patchy form. Malpensa made a strong late surge to finish second last start but the wide draw on the C+3 course remains a concern. Russet Glow placed at long odds last start and has drawn well to improve further, though repeating that effort is still a query. Perfect Triumph has shown ability in trials and looks one to watch on debut.
Race 4: Mr Incredible Brett Crawford’s new acquisition has trialled well ahead of his debut and is expected to deliver a strong performance. Happy Brethren found the line well late on debut despite copping an early check, and should be right in the mix with added fitness second-up. Alabama Song had genuine excuses last start (raced wide) and deserves another chance. Flying Sniper his recent trials have been okay, and with Purton aboard, he appears one to watch. Nyx Gluck let down well in a slowly run race last start and will make his presence felt again if the pace suits.
Race 5: California Star scored a convincing win in this class last time out and remains a leading contender despite the wide draw. Happy Universe has been consistently competitive in this class and should play a key role from a low draw. Bull Attitude showed improvement with a fast-finishing fourth last start and is well weighted to make an impact. Firefoot possesses a versatile running style and should continue the strong run after two consecutive placings. Super Love produced a fair effort last start and could sneak into the placings from pole position.
Race 6: Looking Bright narrowly beaten in a race with franked form first-up and could go one better with added fitness second-up. Turquoise Velocity a progressive 4YO, he comes off a narrow yet impressive win on his Class 3 debut and looks to have more to offer. Together We Value the drop back in distance and the booking of Purton are both positives, making him one to watch closely. The Unique Star his last run was better than it reads and the step back to 1000m may spring a surprise. Fast Responder has not been beaten far in recent starts and should not be overlooked.
Race 7: Papaya Brose scored an impressive debut win and looks poised to secure back-to-back victories in Class 4 with more upside to come. Light Years Glory has raced well since dropping back to Class 4 and must be respected. Endeared looks well placed to run a big race on his return to Class 4, especially with Purton aboard. Amazing Fun his unplaced last start is best overlooked as it was deemed an unacceptable run by the stewards, and he could surprise at long odds. Just Follow Me has been improving with each run and is edging closer to a maiden win.
Race 8: Romantic Thor a standout on collateral form, he should get every chance to break through locally from a low draw, especially with Purton staying aboard. Telecom Fighters could be hard to run down with a claiming rider aboard if allowed to dictate. Allcash will make a strong late surge under the right race shape and looks a lightweight chance. Dragon Air Force has been in great form of late and must be included among the better chances. Sky Vino suited by the drop back in distance but the widest draw could prove tricky.
Race 9: Happy Boss finds a highly winnable race and should map well from a low draw. He must be considered a strong contender. Amazing Duck with his positive racing style, he will give them something to chase if allowed an uncontested lead. Eighty Light Years boasts a strong record in this class and looks one to follow with the drop in grade. Big Return has shown improvement with the drop in the ratings and a win wouldn’t surprise here. Devas Twelve stuck on well to finish fourth from a wide draw last start, and with a low gate, he should be right in the mix.
Race 10: Smart Golf looks to be a progressive type and is primed to secure a double, despite the rise in class and wide draw. Red Sea turned in an encouraging local debut, and with Purton staying aboard, he should run well again from an inside draw. Helene Supafeeling posted the second fastest final 400m in a slowly run race last start and could figure in the finish with a more genuine tempo. Thunder Kit showed improvement with a slashing third last start and commands respect. All Out For Six should run well with the drop to Class 3, though the wide draw raises concerns.
Race 11: New Future Folks has ability and should be highly competitive if the roarer condition doesn’t recur. Mighty Masts suited by the step back in distance, and with Purton staying aboard, he shapes as a strong contender despite the awkward draw. Packing Glory his recent runs have been encouraging and he should be right in the mix if he handles the rise to 1400m. Ghorgan finished a solid second despite encountering traffic last start, and with a clearer passage, he could make amends. Riding Together won at long odds last start and could repeat the dose if allowed an uncontested lead again.