Copartner to keep Lui’s hopes alive

Luke Middlebrook

Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday with a nine-race fixture under lights.

Trainer Francis Lui is currently trailing Pierre Ng by just four wins on the premiership ladder as they head into the meeting. In-form four-year-old Copartner Prance could play a pivotal role in keeping Lui in the hunt as he aims for a fourth consecutive win in the Class 3 race over 1200m.

Copartner Prance has emerged as a standout performer for Lui’s flourishing stable this season, showcasing potential for further improvement.

After initially finding his footing, Copartner Prance has blossomed at this track and distance, securing victories in his last three outings with impressive margins of over 1.25 lengths each time. His recent triumph on the rise into Class 3 was particularly significant, proving his ability to handle tougher competition with ease.

However, Copartner Prance faces new challenges as he now carries a 4kg higher handicap, edging closer to Class 2 territory.

Among his competitors, Winning Icey, starting from barrier No 2, poses a significant challenge, alongside recent place-getters California Touch, Never Too Soon, and Solar Partner. Additionally, the return of A Americ Te Specso, who trialled well ahead of his comeback, adds another dimension to the race, although luck will be crucial starting from gate No 12.

Four-year-old gelding Noble Pursuit is poised to finally secure a long-awaited victory in the upcoming Class 3 race over 1800m.

Despite a big win at this track and distance four starts ago, Noble Pursuit has faced a string of unfortunate events in subsequent races.

His performance three races back at Sha Tin over 2000m was marred by a challenging run, as he battled wide throughout while maintaining an on-pace position, ultimately resulting in a weakening finish. Returning to 1650m at Happy Valley, he encountered further obstacles with a wide draw and had to rely on luck during the race.

In his most recent outing at Happy Valley over this week’s same track and distance, Noble Pursuit drew an advantageous barrier 1 position. However, he faced adversity during the race when he was steadied for an extended period passing the 700m mark, causing him to lose momentum and crucial ground, potentially costing him the win.

With a favourable run, he has the potential to return to the winner's circle.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Sonic Boom changed trainer from Jimmy Ting to Cody Mo and trialled very well recently. He can win for the new yard. August Moon good performance when returning to form last start and should be going on with it. Viva A La backing up quickly from last week, can run well. Timestorm caught the eye last start when running home well. He is a nearing a win in the grade. Wind Speeder well-placed and looks a chance in race like this, but the wide draw isn’t ideal.

Race 2: Quite a few chances here. Big Red had genuine excuses last start when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race. With clear running, he should acquit himself well. Snowalot had genuine excuses last start on a rain-affected track and can improve in this race. Strongest Boy has a better chance on this track and should run well from the low draw with Purton in the saddle. I Can last start winner who remains in the same grade. Fruity Warrior best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. Each-way chances.

Race 3: Noble Pursuit last start placing was full of merit after he was steadied some time from the 700m and lost momentum. No luck in prior runs and is itching to break through for another win. Gets his chance here. Flamingo Trillion well supported last start and won accordingly and looks to get all the favours again. Awesome Fluke changed trainer and trialled very well recently. Quantum Patch recent barrier trial was good suggesting a good run can be expected. Bravehearts blinkers added and trialled well wearing the gear – he could be on to improve.

Race 4: Big Two ultra-consistent galloper and who can play a part in the finish again. From barrier 4, Bowman should gain the gun run and get his chance to break through for an overdue win. To Infinity has a great record in this class and must be respected. Start to follow. Master Of Luck good performance when storming home for third place last start. Keen Unity drops in class here and finds a suitable race. He can give some cheek from barrier 1. Dragon Delight was an easy last start winner and must be respected.

Race 5: Winning Heart caught the eye flashing home late, nice effort. If he can show more gate speed from the inside draw here, he can bounce back for a win. Glory Cloud looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form after putting the writing on the wall with a slashing last-start second. Sunny Darling recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting a good run can be expected. Gimme Five drawn well and should gain a nice run in transit, which could spark improvement. Sight Hero a proven performer at this level and rates in the chances.

Race 6: The speed map will be crucial here. Despite being a 1000m race, there’s still a stack of pace on. Gorgeous Vitality should be finishing fast with an expected fast early speed. Sergeant Pepper last start winner who remains in the same grade and can run well again. One For All down in class in this race and should perform better, starts to follow again. Fortune Warrior last start placing was full of merit, nice effort. Ma Comet had excuses last start when racing wide without cover. He could be one to relish a hot tempo and improve here down in the ratings.

Race 7: Turin Warrior was an easy last start winner and must be respected again. From barrier 2, he should receive the same number of favours to win again. Setanta had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire – give him another chance. Dragon Star showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight which is the usual. He can give another good sight here. Holy Power faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. Mr Aladdin backing up quickly from last week, can run well again.

Race 8: Prime Mortar change of trainer recently and can improve based on his impressive all-the-way trial win recently. He has drawn barrier No 11 but should begin fast and find the front easily enough. Double Bingo go on solid previous effort where form looked good. He appeared to dislike the rain-affected track last start. Lapras change of trainer recently and can improve after trialling very well recently. Sight Supreme having second start and can improve with experience. Harmony N Home looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start.

Race 9: Copartner Prance winner of last three starts and looks a top chance to keep the picket fence growing here after he put paid to his rivals with ease on his Class 3 debut last start. Winning Icey has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. From barrier 2, he has what it takes to spring an upset. California Touch a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, which he should having drawn the paint. A Americ Te Specso resuming from a break and should be respected. Never Too Soon good performance when storming home for a nice second last start.