Luke Middlebrook
Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday for a nine-race fixture under lights.
In-form COPARTNER PRANCE looks all set to take the next step and secure a hat-trick of wins as he rises to Class 3 in the 1200m race.
The Francis Lui-trained gelding had some excuses in his early career, but coming to Happy Valley from Sha Tin has been exactly what the doctor ordered, as he has effortlessly dispatched his rivals in his two most recent outings. On each occasion, he has won with authority by 1.25 lengths, and now he appears poised for more.
Lui trails premiership leader Pierre Ng by seven wins heading into Wednesday night’s meeting, so every runner will count more than ever as racing enters the critical stage. COPARTNER PRANCE’S biggest threat will be trainer John Size’s handy four-year-old, BEAUTY INFINITY, who has drawn well in barrier 1 and won’t have any excuses from there.
Elsewhere, promising four-year-old SIMPLY MAVERICK seeks redemption in Wednesday night’s Class 3 race over 1650m after a narrow defeat in his last start.
SIMPLY MAVERICK wasn’t able to measure up in the Hong Kong Classic Cup over 1800m two starts ago but has proven to be a formidable contender at the city circuit’s extended mile course. He boasts three wins from six attempts at this distance. Expected to add a fourth win to his record three weeks ago, SIMPLY MAVERICK was competitive in defeat after getting too far back in a slowly-run race but charging home late to miss victory by a nose on the wire.
Wednesday’s race shapes up as a good opportunity for the Ricky Yiu-trained chestnut to bounce back, with a more favourable speed map appearing to be in his corner.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Tactical Command backing up quickly from last week, can run well with a change of tactics after he was used up on the lead last week. Modest Gentleman turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly into second. King Invincible second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve. The Good Deal video replay showed last run was very good. Diamond Soars faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape, but needs luck from the wide draw.
Race 2: Volcanic Spark turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly into fourth. With strong Sha Tin form, he could be too good here. Setanta good performance when storming home for third place last start and seems to be back in form. Not A Few looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start. He could surprise with a clean run. Cordyceps One badly checked last start and then weakened. D Star go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay. Drawn wide but has what it takes.
Race 3: Big Two looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. From his low draw, he will get all the favours and can win. Yee Cheong Warrior good performance when storming home for third place last start. Will need luck from the draw, but his form is there. Eagle Run last run suggested a win was very nearby. Rattan World generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. Master Of Luck turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and has improved since a stable change.
Race 4: Super Sixty resuming from a break and trialled well recently. Second start here and he should get a sweet run from barrier 3. Double Bingo good performance when storming home for a nice second last start when on debut. Flying Wrote has trialled well for debut and should be rated a chance but the betting market could be telling. The Azure another well prepared for debut and is worth considering. Mega Bonus has ability and is always dangerous in this grade and could give a big sight.
Race 5: Lyrical Motion form is good and must be rated a solid chance in a race like this. From the low draw - which he should appreciate after a series of mid-draws - and under the 10lb claim, he looks mighty hard to oppose. Easy Snip had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this. Diamond Flare should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Shinkansen resuming from a break and won a recent trial nicely. He should run a race fresh. Golden Link well supported last start and won accordingly.
Race 6: Kasa Papa change of trainer recently, from Benno Yung to Tony Cruz, and can improve after he trialled very well recently. Fighting Machine had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race. Joyful Prosperity had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire. Barrier 1 should provide him every hope. Jumbo Legend good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. But again, he will be dictated by the wide draw. Gallant Crown had genuine excuses last start when caught wide.
Race 7: Copartner Prance winner of last two starts and is a big chance to post the winning hat-trick despite the rise in class. Beauty Infinity ultra-consistent galloper and who can play a part in the finish. From barrier 1, he will get every single hope to bounce back for an overdue win. Ka Ying Cheer a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Celestial Colours faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. They will probably ride him cold from the gate. Never Too Soon has a better chance on this track and should run well at odds.
Race 8: Simply Maverick narrowly beaten last start and goes close here with an expected change in race shape to suit his chances. Galaxy Witness has a great record in this class and must be respected. Winning Dragon had genuine excuses last start when suffering interference, forget the run and consider again. Ivy League well supported last start and won accordingly – market watch again here. Glorious Journey caused a surprise last start when winning at big odds but may be able to go on with it.
Race 9: Kaholo Angel was an easy last start winner and must be respected again. The wide draw is the obvious concern but there could be a decent amount of speed on to suit him here, which will help his chances. Colourful Emperor a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, which he should. California Touch last start winner who rises in class but could measure up. Armour Eagle turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and Purton jumps back in the saddle – he could be ready to bounce back. My Flying Angel showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight.