Luke Middlebrook
Trainer Tony Cruz’s runners have been in good form recently and impressive last-start winner Beauty Glory is back at Happy Valley on Wednesday to provide the legendary trainer with a double in the Class 3 1200m Handicap (Race 7).
Beauty Glory, who arrived in Hong Kong a two-time winner from five in Ireland, failed to get on the board locally in 10 starts last term, but was far from disgraced and he managed to earn some minor money on several occasions.
As is often the case with Northern Hemisphere imports, they take benefit from the summer break and improve into their second campaign, which Beauty Glory did when he won impressively first-up at this track two weeks ago.
Coming with a withering late burst, Beauty Glory won comfortably by 1.25 lengths. With the penny seemingly to have well and truly dropped, the gelding seems capable of going on with it.
In the final race of the card, trainer Danny Shum will be hoping to get a win out of Comet Splendido in the Class 3 1800m Handicap.
Comet Splendido is at his fourth local start today and has acclimatised well since making his Hong Kong debut in early July, after arriving a three-time winner from five in the UK.
The four-year-old is second-up into this week's race after an eye-catching run into third place over 1650m at this track two weeks ago.
From barrier No 4 under jockey Harry Bentley, Comet Splendido will be looking to get out quickly, which can prove vital to his winning chances.
Elsewhere, reigning champion trainer Frankie Lor's eight-year-old Triple Triple is well placed to score a second-up win in the Class 4 1200m Handicap.
Triple Triple is at his fourth start back in Class 4 and hasn't raced with much luck since returning to the grade in early July.
You can simply put the pen through his last-start seventh place, as he was badly held up in the home straight and never got a clear crack at them. Second-up, with fitness on his side and with good pace engaged to suit, he looks capable of getting the win and should be a decent dividend.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Go Go Sixteen has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon and is always dangerous in this class. Jolly Honour looks ready to run a big race in Class 5 for a first time. He’ll get every chance from his low draw. Smiling Face nice horse who is a model of consistency at this level and looks a chance. Flash Famous will win in this grade very soon. Another who appears to get all the favours from his low draw. Handsome Veggie ran the second fastest sectional time last start and the rise in distance looks suited.
Race 2: Born The Same Day surprise tactics adopted last run when being ridden forward, he can improve with Purton in the saddle and with a quieter ride. Super Hong Kong good performance when storming home for a nice second last start, he’ll be mapping a winning chance from his low draw. Wonder Years nice 4yo with a good chance here first-up. Tailor Made form is good and must be rated a solid chance.
Race 3: Amazing Boy winner of last two starts and he looks to get all the favours in running to land a hat-trick. Free Foal has ability and is always dangerous in this grade, but barrier 10 might prove awkward. Rainbow Light has a better chance on this track and should run well. Kungfumaster Panda finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start and can take improvement into his second-up run here. Painter had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire, keep safe.
Race 4: Triple Triple had excuses last start when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race when first-up here two weeks ago. He is more than capable of bouncing back here with luck on his side. Compassion Super holding form with recent trial and can run well after a nice win at the end of last season, but the wide draw is the concern. Hercules last start placing was full of merit, nice effort and he can go close again. Exuberant has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade. Country Treasure can improve second-up from a break.
Race 5: Gallant Waking had genuine excuses last start when he raced wide first-up at Sha Tin and consider again. Capable of winning this on best form. Hero Star has early speed and can always surprise with the right run, which he should get by stepping away from barrier 1. Spicy Grill change of trainer recently and can improve and have to respect Purton taking the ride. Dragon Kingdom should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way.
Race 6: Yo Beauty remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here off the back of a nice trial while afforded barrier 1 for his first run of the season. Nicconi County overlook the last start effort as there were genuine excuses when he was held up and never got clean air first-up. Super Winner has early speed and can always surprise with the right run and it’s interesting to see Purton take the ride. High Rise Soldier will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well. Namjong Sings fresh up from a break and should run well.
Race 7: Beauty Glory was an easy last start winner and he seems to have points in hand. He can score a double. Super Eagle newcomer who has trialled well for debut and he will map ideally from his low draw to measure up first-up. Our Lucky Glory was an easy last start winner and must be respected first-up off an okay trial. Winning Icey rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. Igniting turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly but he can usually map closer to the speed.
Race 8: Comet Splendido nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance to shed his local maiden tag second-up off a good first-up effort into third. S J Tourbillon caught the eye last start running home powerfully and he should be an improver this campaign. Superbella last start winner who remains in the same grade, can run well for Purton. Super Oasis changed stables recently and has improved. Nearly Fine well supported last start and won accordingly and he looks competitive again here.