Chill Kaka looks a hot bet at Sha Tin

Chill Kaka looks a hot bet at Sha Tin

All-Weather track specialist Chill Kaka, with Zac Purton up, looks well placed to go one better in the Class 3 Handicap over 1650m at Sha Tin on Saturday.

Boasting a strong record of two wins and three placings from six starts on the alternative surface, Chill Kaka strung together back-to-back wins in convincing fashion before finishing a close second on his Class 3 debut 49 days ago.

On that occasion, the son of Shooting To Win was disadvantaged by a slow tempo but hit the line strongly, missing by just 0.75 lengths over this track and trip.

With a 2.5kg weight swing in his favour, he’s well positioned to turn the tables on Dragon Air Force, who narrowly denied him last start. Other notable contenders include Turin Mascot and Mojave Desert — the latter scoring an impressive win over 1200m in this grade last start, though the step up in distance poses a query.

Promising three-year-old Lucky My Way looks poised to secure back-to-back wins in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.

The son of Proisir ran a bold race at big odds-on debut in late April and confirmed that promise with an impressive victory last time out. Despite being held up between the 400m and 200m, he showed a sharp turn of foot to pull clear and score by two lengths over this track and trip.

Lucky My Way appears to be ahead of the handicapper and shapes as the horse to beat. His main danger is Solid Impact, who drops to Class 4 after a fast-finishing third in Class 3, and commands respect with champion jockey Zac Purton in the saddle.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Tattenham had genuine excuses (raced wide), and from a better draw, he should enjoy a nice trip and go close to winning. Circuit Fiery turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly into third. With Purton aboard, he looks one to follow. Lucky Gold having dropped in rating, he should show improvement from the inside gate. Team Happy will relish the drop to Class 5 and could cause an upset with a 5-pound claimer aboard. Gallant Crown has a reliable record in Class 5 and warrants respect.

Race 2: Draco has gone close in Class 4 and looks primed to break through on his Class 5 debut. King Oberon signalled his readiness to shed the maiden tag in this class last start and appears to get all the favours this time. My Flying Angel produced a fair effort at his first attempt in Class 5 last time out and further improvement is expected. Bingo Babe with a more conservative racing style, he needs a fast pace to suit but is worth considering dropping to Class 5. Fairy Horse suited by the drop in distance and should not be overlooked.

Race 3: Gentlemen Legacy edging closer to a win after two consecutive seconds; a favourable draw looks vital for him to break through locally this time. Fallon a proven performer at this level, he was held up at a crucial stage last start and could make amends with a smoother trip. Family Jewel copped a nasty check early last start, and with better luck in running, he should be in the mix. Bravehearts let down well from a wide draw in a slowly run race last time out and will make his presence felt with a more genuine tempo. Star Contact tends to mix his form but could prove to be a value choice.

Race 4: Copartner Fleet showed tactical speed and stuck on for a close second on debut. He’s poised to go one better against modest rivals. Better And Better showed improvement with a fast-finishing fourth last start and must be respected. Sunny Sing Spirit attacked the line strongly late last time out and could surprise with a favourable gate. Goldentronicmighty secured successive victories before a below-par performance last start. He looks capable of bouncing back in a race like this. Loveisintheair has not been beaten far in his recent starts and could place at value.

Race 5: Double Win his recent runs suggest a win is imminent, so it is no surprise to see Purton jump on board. Firefoot a strong frontrunner, he could be hard to catch with a well-timed ride up front. Management Folks always a threat in Class 4 and must be included in exotic bets. S J Tourbillon stormed home to score a brilliant win last time out, and with the apprentice claim, he is well placed to secure a double. Storm Runner has a lightweight advantage and should run well despite the rise in class.

Race 6: Lucky My Way showed a devastating turn of foot to score an emphatic win last start. He can prove hard to beat remaining in Class 4. Solid Impact drops to Class 4 after a fast-finishing third in Class 3, and shapes as a strong contender. Solar River the inside draw suits his positive racing style, making a strong on-pace performance imminent. Noble Fans have been hindered by awkward draws in his last two starts. He should improve with a better gate this time. No Other Choice is better than his recent form suggests and could surprise at odds.

Race 7: Fashion Legend the rise in trip will suit him better and he should be highly competitive with Purton aboard, especially from a good draw. Meepmeep has found the line well in his last three starts and will make a strong late surge if the race unfolds in his favour. Stormi has finally drawn a decent gate and could prove to be a knockout chance. Iconical should enjoy a smooth trip up front from pole position and could sneak into the placings. Charming Steed could surprise at long odds if he can cross early from a wide draw.

Race 8: Magic Control a track and distance specialist, he is ideally weighted with the apprentice claim and can prove hard to run down. Wunderbar returned to his best form last start, and a double is within reach if he repeats that performance. Horsepower boasts a strong record over the Sha Tin straight course and must be considered a strong contender. Beauty Waves drops from a group race and could sneak into the placings at odds. Full Credit resuming from a break, he has trialled well ahead of his first-up assignment.

Race 9: Ka Ying Glory despite a frantic tempo, he sat on pace to finish a solid second last start. With a favourable gate, he looks the one to beat. Riding Together has shown improvement recently and a win wouldn’t be surprising in this race. Audacious Pursuit ran on well late to finish fourth in a slowly run race on debut. With added experience and a better gate, he looks one to follow. Roman Crown stormed home for a strong second last start, but the wide draw remains a major concern this time. Only U with a lightweight on his back, his consistency could be rewarded this time.

Race 10: Chill Kaka has shown a great liking for the AWT surface and must be considered a leading contender despite the wide draw. Turin Mascot with the drop in class, he finds a more manageable field and will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Dragon Air Force scored a tenacious win last start and could still have more ratings in hand. Mojave Desert won with style over 1200m last start and remains a strong chance if he can handle the rise in trip. Ariel an underrated type, he could hang in there all day if allowed a soft lead.

Race 11: Top Dragon scored a narrow but impressive win last start, drawing clear with the runner-up from the rest. He should prove hard to hold out again despite the wide draw. Beauty Bolt looks to be a quality Irish import who has trialled well for his local debut. Ka Ying Attack made all to score an easy win last start, though favoured by a slow tempo. He could repeat the dose under similar conditions. Beauty Alliance resuming from a break, he should run well with fresh legs, though the distance is a touch short of his best. Rising From Ashes capable but unpredictable, he could cause an upset on his day. - iRACE Magazine