Cruz’s stunner looks a peach of a bet

Luke Middlebrook

Hong Kong racing continues on Saturday featuring a 10-race fixture.

Three-year-old colt STUNNING PEACH appears poised to break through for his first Hong Kong win in the Class 3 race over 1800m.

The Tony Cruz-trained Irish-bred import arrived in Hong Kong boasting a promising record of two wins and three second-place finishes from five starts, with two of those runner-up runs in Group One races for two-year-olds at the Curragh and at Saint-Cloud, France.

STUNNING PEACH has done little wrong since his arrival, checking in eighth on a fitness-needing debut before improving second-up with a fast-finishing second behind VOYAGE SAMURAI after breaking from barrier No 12.

STUNNING PEACH should relish the rise to 1800m this week, having placed up to 2000m overseas. Coming into barrier No 2 should ensure he enjoys a smothered-up trip to ensure every chance when popped the question under jockey Zac Purton, who remains in the saddle for a third time.

Elsewhere, three-year-old John Size-trained gelding THE WINNABE can secure back-to-back wins in the Class 4 race over 1200m.

THE WINNABE had shown promise at the trials prior to debuting three weeks ago at this track and distance, so it came as no surprise to see him win and win well, considering the camp he hails from. On that occasion, he endured a world-perfect run from barrier 2 under Hugh Bowman and accelerated nicely once asked to go in the home straight.

Bowman must have known what he had under him, as despite having to stave off a closing SUPER INFINITY from the 200m, he was soft on him inside the final 50m as THE WINNABE coasted clear to win with something in hand, looking like he is a horse with plenty of upside.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Hearty Wish resuming from a break and trialled well recently. Typical Class 5 race where there appears to be plenty of chances but he will get his chance with Bowman taking the reins. The Concentration backing up quickly from a good last start effort when winning well at odds and can run well again. My Intelligent consistent form lately and can score here with luck from the wide draw. Jazz Club backing up quickly from last week, can run well. Tsuen Wan Glory looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. He can bounce back from barrier 1.

Race 2: Fast Network has trialled well for debut and should be rated a winning chance first-up with Purton and Yip combining. Talents Supremo bit erratic but has a chance in a race like this if he jumps cleanly. Plenty of pace on to suit his pattern. Aurora Lady turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly on debut and can only improve. Flying Luck looks well prepared for debut and must be respected. Cheval Valiant has early speed and can always surprise with the right run in Class 4.

Race 3: Ka Ying Victory well supported last start and won accordingly. He should be able to go on with it as he seems to have found his nice at this course and distance. Baby Crystal track and distance specialist and appears suited here under the apprentice claim. Super Love Dragon video replay showed last run was very good. Flying High a proven performer at this level and rates in the chances. We Are Hero has a great record in this class and must be respected, he can start to be followed again.

Race 4: The Winnabe created a huge impression at local debut when he won with plenty in hand and looks talented. This is a weak race and he should be putting his rivals away easily here. Scotch Tycoon looks a solid good chance based on last start and he looks the biggest danger to the favourite. Super Highway backing up quickly from last week, can run well and this is the type of race where he can bob up. Vantastic Choice has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. Winning Heart has shown ability and gets his chance to win here.

Race 5: Patch Of Time change of trainer recently and watch betting. Trialled well enough leading into this race and he has drawn well low where he will map a chance. Master Of All winner of last two starts and looks a top chance to go on with it despite the rise in class. Dream Pursuer had genuine excuses last start and consider again. Enjoy Golf has been steadily improving and should be improving more third-up here. The Khan looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start.

Race 6: Lo Pan Spirit nice three-year-old with a good chance to bounce back for a win here. Won well first-up at odds but backed it up second-up with a good third. Super Infinity debut run was good and has trained on well since. Drawn slightly wide in barrier 9 and may need a touch more luck than other in the run. Harold Win having second start and can improve with experience. Bowser showed improvement at a recent trial and should gain a sweet run from barrier 3. Gluck Racer well-placed and looks a chance in race like this. Racing well after a stable change.

Race 7: Copartner Prance highly promising galloper who appears a great chance to win. This race, however, is by far his biggest test to date. Gorgeous Win comes out of a strong form race when third to Ka Ying Rising and looks suited here on the light weight. Gummy Gummy ultra-consistent galloper and who can play a part in the finish. Reward Smile well-placed and looks a chance in race like this on an each-way basis. Duke Wai video replay showed last run was very good after he was unable to be properly tested.

Race 8: Stunning Peach last run suggested a win was very near when he checked in an eye-catching second over the mile second-up in Hong Kong. The rise in distance suits third-up here and coming into a low draw should see him win. Flamingo Trillion can lead in this race and be hard to run down as there doesn’t appear to me much pace. Star Mac video replay showed last run was very good. Escape Route had excuses last start when racing wide without cover. He can run a race from barrier 3. Samarkand last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss.

Race 9: Californiatotality showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight after starting from a wide draw. Comes into a better barrier 3 and this isn’t an overly strong race compared to recent starts. Super Unicorn good performance when storming home for third place last start. Lucky Touch had no luck last start but keep following. Ariel consistent form lately and can score here from the low draw under the apprentice claim. Celtic Times go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here.

Race 10: Super Goldi has had no luck recently and could run a cheeky race as he comes into a lower draw for the first time since his debut win. The Heir looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. From barrier 1, he won’t have excuses. Mojave Desert having second start and can improve with experience after running well first-up. Beauty Glory go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. Eighty Light Years will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well.