Dancing Classic for Sha Tin Success

Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday for an exciting 10-race fixture with highly competitive action expected throughout the day.

Impressive debut winner Dancing Classics will look to maintain his perfect record when he lines up in the Class 4 Handicap over 1000m.

A prime example of patience paying off, Dancing Classics made a successful debut three weeks ago, nearly two years after his arrival. Trainer Caspar Fownes acknowledged that the Aaron Kwok-owned gelding had faced numerous issues during that time, making the ongoing upkeep a costly commitment. That made the breakthrough win all the more rewarding for connections. Despite the setbacks, the four-year-old impressed with a convincing one-length victory over this track and distance on debut.

Jockey Hugh Bowman described him as “an exciting horse with a lot of improvement to come,” and Dancing Classics looks well-placed in Class 4 to continue his winning form this weekend.

Talented three-year-old La Forza can pick up where he left off when he returns to Sha Tin for the Class 3 Handicap over 1000m.

Unbeaten in two starts this season, La Forza has looked every bit a rising star. After an impressive first-up victory in Class 4, the Toronado gelding handled the step up in class with ease, unleashing a blistering turn of foot to score by 1.25 lengths over this same track and distance.

Now resuming from a 70-day break, La Forza has looked sharp in a recent trial win and appears primed to complete a hat-trick of wins. – iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: King Oberon has performed well at the bottom of Class 4 and looks ready to run a big race in class 5. My Flying Angel making his class 5 debut, he should be highly competitive in a field of this nature, especially with Purton aboard. Falcon Court caught the eye flashing home late last start and could secure a Top 3 finish with a genuine tempo. Modest Gentleman produced an improved effort last start and is worth considering if his odds still offer value. Ka Ying Power suited by the drop in distance and could sneak into the placings.

Race 2: Wonderstar a natural frontrunner, he comes off a close second over this track and distance and looks poised to go one better in this below-par Class 4 field. Lunar Dash has trialled well for his debut and must be respected with Purton aboard. Pejibaye has been improving as he gains experience and his recent trial suggests a strong showing is imminent. Perfectday recorded the fastest final 400m sectional time last start and will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Thunder Blink will likely find this field more manageable, which could spark a surprise.

Race 3: Only U stormed home for a slashing third in Class 4 last time out, and with a favourable draw, he’s primed to return to the winner’s list dropping to Class 5. Cashiscash ran his best race to date last time out and is on a highly winnable mark now. Young Horizon a proven performer at this level, he could cause an upset with a more favourable jockey booking. Lapras showed good early speed and found only one too good last start. He is well weighted to deliver another bold performance. The Concentration will make a strong late surge if the race unfolds in his favour.

Race 4: Ping Hai Comet scored a comfortable win in this class last start and a double looks within his reach, despite the drop in distance. Etalon Or appears overdue for a maiden win and his consistency could finally get rewarded. California Sun let down well to finish fourth from a wide draw on debut. With a better gate, he should secure a spot in the Top 3. Happy Universe settled too close to the speed last start and could make amends with a more patient ride. Bright Inheritance with a more conservative racing style, he needs a genuine pace to unleash a strong finish.

Race 5: Dancing Classics an impressive debut winner, he looks to have plenty of upside and is primed to secure back-to-back victories in Class 4. Lahore holding form with a recent trial, and from an ideal draw, he looks ready to make amends for his narrow last-start defeat. Moon Rocket scored a tenacious win last start and remains a chance, though the big weight is a concern. Cheval Valiant well placed with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim, he could steal the show if given a soft lead. The All Rounder has shown ability in trials and could surprise at value on debut.

Race 6: Max Que his recent runs have been encouraging, and from a decent draw, he looks set to break through. Quick Contribution ran on well late in a slowly run race last start and should be highly competitive in this field. Enjoy Golf looks overdue for a win and is well placed with the apprentice claim to continue his strong run. Riding Together showed tactical speed and was only caught late last start. With a more measured ride, he could go one better. Spirit Of Peace he will make a strong late surge if they overcook it up front and should not be overlooked.

Race 7: Light Years Charm a highly progressive type, he scored an easy win in Class 3 last start and looks primed to continue his winning ways, despite stepping up to Class 2. Young Champion boasts a strong record in this class and must be included among the better chances. Drombeg Banner with a great first-up record, he could prove hard to run down under the right race shape. Invincible Shield his last start was disappointing, but he could make amends based on his strong previous form. Dancing Code has ability and could be hard to run down if allowed an uncontested lead.

Race 8: Brilliant Express endured a wide trip last start, and with better luck in running, he should deliver a strong on-pace performance. Superb Kid let down well in a slowly run race last start, and from a low draw, he should map closer to the speed and produce an improved effort. Eighty Light Years a fast beginner, he will give them something to chase if allowed to dictate the pace. Glorious Success capable but unpredictable, he could cause an upset on his day. Dragon Joy is better than his recent form suggests, and from a favourable draw, he could surprise at odds.

Race 9: La Forza has trialled in emphatic fashion for his return and looks ready to pick up where he left off before the break. Metro Power turned in a strong performance on his local debut and could go one better with added fitness. We Are Hero flashed home late into third first-up and further improvement is expected as he strips fitter. Majestic Express finished a close second despite being held up at a crucial stage last start. Sparkling Fellow caught the eye running home strongly last start and looks suited by returning to the straight course.

Race 10: Little Paradise two from two to date, his untapped potential holds him in good stead to continue his perfect run, despite step- ping up to Class 3. Ahren a promising 3YO, he was narrowly beaten on his Class 3 debut last start and should be in the mix. Lifeline Express always a threat in this class, and from a good draw, he would not surprise if he returned to the winner’s list this time. Moduleconstruction has been in career-best form and now chasing for a hat-trick of wins. Aeris Nova will relish the drop in distance and could place at value.