Competitive sprint tops Sha Tin card

He Jiong

Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday for an exciting 10-race fixture with highly competitive action expected throughout the day.

The Class 2 Handicap (1200m) promises to be a fiercely competitive affair, with multiple contenders boasting strong winning claims.

Among the top-rated horses in the field, Copartner Prance and Flying Ace drop from Group company, bringing form lines tied to star sprinter Ka Ying Rising. A return to this grade could see both improve significantly. While some might argue that Wunderbaris yet to regain his peak form—when he defeated Ka Ying Rising last season—after returning from an injury-induced break, he remains a strong contender in Class 2. His luckless fifth last start, where he endured a wide trip, suggests he’s poised to make amends.

Raging Blizzard, coming off a well-earned victory, faces a stiffer task this time, carrying 3kg more, giving Gorgeous Win, who finished second to him in their last encounter, an excellent chance to reverse the result. On the rise is Swift Ascend, who has climbed swiftly from Class 4 to Class 2 in just four starts. Ideally weighted and in impressive form, he looks well-placed to deliver another strong performance.

With a drop in class, five-year-old Magnificent Nine looks well-placed to secure his first local win in the Class 4 Handicap over 1400m.

Trained by John Size, the Toronado gelding has been a consistent performer, with five placings from 14 local starts. He comes off a fast-finishing fourth behind the in-form Lady’s Choice in Class 3 two weeks ago, a strong effort that suggests he’s primed to break through dropping to Class 4. Despite carrying top weight, he faces a more manageable field this time and looks a strong contender to watch.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Silver Destiny did not disgrace himself on his Class 5 debut 18 days ago, and with Purton aboard, he is primed to break through from an inside draw. Country Dancer his recent runs have been encouraging and he looks always a threat in the cellar grade. Speedy Fortune has not been beaten far in his recent starts and do not dismiss. Miu Fa Fa he is better than his recent form suggests and could surprise at odds from a good draw. Woodfire Champ has what it takes to cause an upset in this field. Consider if his odds present value.

Race 2: Multisuper has trialled well for his return, and with an ideal draw over the straight trip, he must be rated a strong contender. Circuit Jolly went close in his latest outing over this distance and is edging closer to a win. Summit Cheers showed significant improvement dropping back to Class 4 last start and looks ideally placed with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim. Alluring Laos has trialled well since his debut win and remains a strong chance. Club Ace turned in a nice debut run and should continue to run well as he gains more experience.

Race 3: Sword Point appears highly suited by returning to the AWT surface, where he scored a 3.75-length win in this class three starts ago. Turin Mascot has a great record at this track and should deliver a strong performance with a lightweight. Capital Delight had excuses last start and could improve into the placings with a smoother run. Telecom Fighters a natural frontrunner, he could be hard to catch if given an uncontested lead. Bundle Of Charm capable of upsetting more fancied rivals at his best, he is definitely not without a chance.

Race 4: King Profit finished a solid second after sticking on well off a fast tempo last start. He looks one to follow dropping to Class 4. Hong Lok Golf scored a nice debut win in a race that has since yielded multiple subsequent winners. He is primed for back-to-back victories. Ka Ying Radiance is well prepared with several trials for his debut and the betting market will reveal the story. Elegant Life finished powerfully with the fastest final sectional time in a slowly run race last start and could secure a top 3 finish with a genuine pace. King Oberon showed good improvement last start and appears to be a chance.

Race 5: Thesis let down well to finish fourth on his Class 4 debut last time, despite being held up in the straight. He will go close to winning with better luck in running. Hakka Radiance with a more favourable jockey booking, he could finally break through in this wide-open field. Reliable Profit an all-weather track specialist, he must be included among the better chances, despite the widest draw. Happydearhappydeer with his tactical speed, he could be hard to run down if allowed a soft lead. Viva Chaleur storming home for a close third last start, he should run well again if the pace suits.

Race 6: Dream Winner resuming from a break, he has trialled impressively and a first-up win wouldn’t be out of the question. Ka Ying Victory the drop in distance should play to his strengths and he should be highly competitive with Purton aboard. Flying High a proven per- former in this class, he can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form. Holmes A Court a Group 3 winner in Australia, he should play a key role if he’s fit enough for his local debut. Red Elegance had genuine excuses last start and could place at odds with a better run in transit.

Race 7: Wunderbar had no luck last start when enduring a wide trip. He is poised to make amends with a low draw this time. Gorgeous Win let down well from a wide draw to finish second last time out, and from a better draw, he should map closer to the speed and be a strong chance. Raging Blizzard has been in consistent form this season and is now aiming for back-to-back victories in Class 2. Flying Ace drops from a Group feature and improvement is expected. Swift Ascend a progressive type, he should remain competitive with a lightweight on his back, despite rising to Class 2 for the first time.

Race 8: Pakistan Legacy unbeaten from two starts in Australia, he has trialled well for his local debut and a forward showing is expected, especially with Purton aboard. Super Legends scored an easy win Class 4 last time and remains a strong chance in this below-par Class 3 field. Mighty Stride with a genuine pace, he can make his presence felt late, despite carrying top weight. Righteous Arion finished a close third in this class last start, but the wide draw is a concern. Swagger Bro found the line well off a slow pace last time out and could sneak into the placings under the right race shape.

Race 9: Magnificent Nine following a few solid efforts in Class 3, he looks ready to run a big race in class 4, despite the awkward draw. Win Speed a fast beginner, he should map well from a decent draw and could be hard to run down with a well-timed ride. Gallant Epoch showed significant improvement last start and appears to be a chance in a race of this nature. Master Of All has been in consistent form and is always a threat in Class 4. Amazing Run caught the eye running home powerfully last start and could surprise at value.

Race 10: Kaholo Angel finished a solid second in a strong form race last start. He is primed to secure his fourth career win. Packing Angel having won by a clear margin in Class 4 last time, and with more upside, he is well placed to secure a double despite stepping up to Class 3. New Future Folks scored a strong on-pace win in Class 4 last start and should run well again despite rising to Class 3. Silo was narrowly beaten last start and must be respected with Bowman aboard. Light Years Charm was held up at a crucial stage on his local debut and could make amends with better luck in running.