Colours to shine in Hong Kong

Luke Middlebrook

In-form four-year-old Celestial Colours is poised to return to his winning form in the Class 3 race over 1200m at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

Celestial Colours has shown consistency in his six local starts, rarely finishing far behind. After encountering some bad luck three starts ago, he secured his first Hong Kong victory with a comfortable 1.25-length win at this track and distance. Despite a quick turnaround, Celestial Colours couldn't replicate his success in his subsequent race, starting poorly and getting crowded for room between runners. Despite finishing fourth, 3.75 lengths behind, he showed promise in the late stages of the race.

Since then, Celestial Colours has delivered an impressive barrier trial win, clocking a slick race-like time, indicating readiness for a rebound after a brief rest.

It's nearing the pointy end of the season, and with Francis Lui closing in on his heels after a triumphant three-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday, leading trainer Pierre Ng must make every race count. Four-year-old gelding Ka Ying Cheer holds promise to secure victory for Ng in the Class 4 race over 1200m.

Under Ng's guidance, Ka Ying Cheer has made five appearances, contributing to Ng's lead of five wins over Lui, totalling 55 wins for the season. Although Ka Ying Cheer hasn't claimed victory since his debut success in early October last year, he has consistently delivered solid performances. In his most recent outing, he finished a close-up fourth to Raging Blizzard back in late December, which is strong form.

Ka Ying Cheer is set to benefit from the drop in class as he returns to Class 4 this week, and he has shown promising form in two trials leading up to his return. With Hugh Bowman aboard from barrier No 3, he is poised to seize the opportunity to secure another win.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Super Axiom can lead in this race and be hard to run down on his second start in Class 5 while stepping back to his best distance of 100m. Hero Star will also show early speed and warrants plenty of respect on his Class 5 debut. King Invincible down in class here and can surprise. Island Surprise change of trainer to Pierre Ng recently and can improve. Timestorm turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and will be suited by a fast run race here.

Race 2: Northern Beast has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. He should get more favours in the run from a better draw here after he was badly held up last start. Medic Elite can upset some more fancied rivals on best form. Drawn well low and always a chance in a race like this. Smart Beauty nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance from barrier 4. Master Of Luck changed stables recently and has improved. Big Two has been placed last three starts, deserves a win soon.

Race 3: Parents’ Love faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. From barrier 1, he should begin fast and give a big sight. Dan Attack consistent performer of late and worth considering in a race lacking depth. He will be camped just of the speed and could prove too strong late. Exuberant good performance when storming home for third place last start. Phoenix Light last start winner who remains in the same grade. Glory Cloud improving all the time with race experience. Barrier 12 won’t make matters easy for Bowman however.

Race 4: Courier Magic winner of last two starts and looks a top chance to pick up the winning hat-trick. Plenty of speed on here to suit his pattern, which should also ensure he runs out the 1800m on his first try. Dragon Star a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Turtle Again video replay showed last run was very good after he was unable to be fully tested. Satirical Glory faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. Forever Glorious led and weakened last start.

Race 5: Celestial Colours go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. His last run was better than it reads and he has since turned in an impressive trial performance, suggesting he’s poised for a comeback win here. Wings Of War changed stables recently and has improved and is overdue for a win. Kaholo Angel looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Captain Win has been placed last three starts, deserves a win soon. Act Of Faith can upset some more fancied rivals on best form. Could sneak a place from the low draw.

Race 6: Ka Ying Cheer should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way on the class drop. Well prepared with two trials ahead of his return and Ng has found a winnable race for his charge. Country Dancer turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly. Drawn much lower here and should test the Ka Ying Cheer. Run Run Timing was a winner three starts ago and appears well placed to bounce back here. Glory B best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. Cheer For South never far away from the winner and could sneak a place.

Race 7: Brave Star resuming from a break and won a recent trial in good fashion. Lui’s runners are in red-hot form, and this 5YO has the form on the board to win first-up. Beauty Infinity nice 4YO with a good chance here and he will go close. However, he doesn’t appeal at a short price as he has had nearly every chance on his last two starts. Kyrus Dragon looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start, trialled nice and quiet since. Capital Delight fresh up from a break and should run well. Happy Fat Cat winner of last two starts and looks a top chance.

Race 8: Golden Darci go on his previous effort when checking in a third. Drawn well low to obtain a smooth run for Bowman in what is a wide-open race with plenty of chances. Jumbo Legend video replay showed last run was very good. He a big winning chance, however Ho generally gets too far back in the run from wide draws which costs him. Turin Warrior good performance when storming home for third place last start. Strongest Boy form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Comet Splendido second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve.

Race 9: Red Hare King more than capable of winning again in this race after a solid last-start win when he raced wide throughout. Barrier 4 should ensure all favours and he is a horse with some points in hand. Quantum Patch good performance when storming home for third place last start. Bowman can make better use of a lower draw here. Show Respect had no luck last start but keep following. Silver Sonic has shown ability and gets his chance to win here. Giddy Up generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. Barrier 11 isn’t ideal but form is strong.