Luke Middlebrook
Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Wednesday for an all-dirt eight-race fixture under lights.
Talented four-year-old Youthful Deal can bounce back to his winning ways when he steps out in the Class 3 1200m Handicap in Race 7.
Frankie Lor-trained Youthful Deal has been an honest campaigner in his eight-start career so far, posting one win and four placings. Youthful Deal has been measuring up without winning since rising to Class 3 after shedding his maiden tag four starts ago at the top of Class 4, with his second place to Beauty Eternal two starts ago top form for a race like this.
In Youthful Deal’s corner is the fact he is switching back to the alternative racing surface – where he has best performed – while with Zac Purton back in the saddle and on the back of a handy trial, it bodes well for his winning chances.
Elsewhere, former boom horse Nervous Witness piques plenty of interest as he races on the all-weather track for the first time in the final race of the card, Class 2 1200m Handicap.
It's coming close to nearly one year since four-time winner from 13 starts Nervous Witness last graced the winner's enclosure, though he did have six months on the sidelines and resumed in early January this year.
The David Hayes-trained speedster returned to form last start third-up when third in a Class 1 Handicap. Since then, he has turned in an impressive trial win on the all-weather track - in fact he has always trialled ideally on the dirt - so it gives the impression he will relish it on race day for the first time.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Aca Power racing well with good sectional time rankings recently but the low draw can enhance his chances back up in trip here. On Excel Star has ability and is always dangerous in this grade, have to consider it despite the unfashionable jockey booking. Apex Top looks a solid good chance based on last start, which was his first race for a new trainer. Zacian showed no interest last start, forget the run and consider again. Touch Faith had genuine excuses last start when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race.
Race 2: I Give showed huge improvement in a recent trial on this surface, winning his heat by a big margin stylishly. He’s worth taking a punt on here. Summit Cheers was an easy last start winner and must be respected to run well again. Awesome Treasure looks a solid chance based on last start when second place. He tries the AWT for the first time, but should enjoy it. Stormtrouper has a chance based on past form in this class of race and start following again. The Best Hero fresh up from a break and should run well.
Race 3: Colourful Baron had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race from barrier 1 under Purton. Green Laser down in class in this race and should perform better, start to follow. El Valiente has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon, but the wide draw will make him earn it. Superb Daddy has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade. On the quick back up and could prove too good. Lucky Victor can bounce back a winner anytime in this class. He’ll jump and run and try to run them ragged.
Race 4: Shining Fortune bit erratic but has a winning chance and he should benefit from a low draw for once. If Teetan can map handy from there, he looks hard to hold out late. The Multiplier well supported last start and won accordingly. If he can show up in the same form, he’ll be in the mix again. Everyone’s Victory drops down in grade and start following. No trial to go off in between runs, but he can show up on true form. California Concord will win in this grade very soon. Crown Of Star showed improvement in a recent trial, he might be able to improve on his second-up start here.
Race 5: A wide-open race this one but Killer Instinct always finishes close up and, importantly, he has a low draw, contrary to prior efforts at the track and distance when in the market. Emerging good performance when storming home for third place last start and he should be right in the mix again. Amazing Teens surprise tactics adopted last run when being ridden forward. Nice Birdie is better than recent form indicates and can improve. Asian One form is good and must be rated a solid chance on the light weight.
Race 6: Hava Nageela last start placing was full of merit, nice effort and he is ready to win with a positive ride. This is his best chance to break through in Hong Kong. Royal Bomb caught wide last start and still ran well and he has the form on the board to test Hava Nageela. Romantic Combo fresh up from a break and should run well. Skyey Supreme should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way under the 10lb apprentice claim. Yes We Can is capable of running a fast final 400m sectional time.
Race 7: Youthful Deal every chance last start but still ran a good race. He’ll love returning to the AWT as well as reuniting with Purton. Drawn wide but has the early speed to put himself into the race early. Lightning Bolt looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. On true form, he’ll be the testing material. Czarson appears to be very well suited by the track and distance of this race and can improve anytime at this level. Humble Star finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start. Man Star good performance when returning to form last start and the low draw helps.
Race 8: Nervous Witness recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting a big run can be expected as he tries the all-weather track for the first time in his career. He has always trialled well on the surface, so he should be lapping it up here. Super Win Dragon track and distance specialist and appears suited here on best form. Campione can upset some more fancied rivals on best form and he has the stats on the board around this track and distance. Adios showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Astrologer last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss, good each-way claims