Dragon Air Force 'must go' to win

He Jiong

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

The Class 3 Handicap over 1200m on the All-Weather track shapes as a wide-open contest, with several runners bringing strong winning credentials to the table.

Topping the list is Must Go, an undisputed AWT specialist, having scored all four of his local wins on this surface. The John Size-trained gelding is coming off a comfortable victory 25 days ago and looks well placed to extend his winning form.

However, Dragon Air Force, who finished just 1.50 lengths behind Must Go in that race, gets a significant 3kg weight swing and could turn the tables this time.

Gummy Gummy is another key player. He ran on strongly for third behind Must Go last start and now gets the chance to make amends under what appear to be more favourable conditions. Meanwhile, Mojave Desert is an intriguing runner, set to benefit from a return to the All-Weather surface, where he boasts a solid 60% Top 3 strike rate.

Impressive last-start winner Chill Kaka looks well placed to secure back-to-back victories in the Class 4 Handicap over 1650m on the All-Weather track .

Having stepped up to 1650m for the first time last start, Chill Kaka justified strong market support with a dominant win. After settling just off the speed from a wide draw, the son of Shooting To Win quickened impressively in the straight, drawing away to score by 3.75 lengths over this track and distance.

A progressive type with more to offer, Chill Kaka appears poised to continue his winning ways with another strong performance in Class 4 company. - iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Meepmeep showed improvement with a fast-finishing third on his Class 5 debut last time out. With Purton aboard, he is primed to break through. Yeaboi has not missed the frame in his last four starts and is expected to deliver another strong performance. Colourful Baron his last start, where he travelled wide, is forgivable, and he could improve with a smoother trip from a decent draw. En Perfecto with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim, he could surprise at long odds. Tradition ran on well late to find only one too good last start, but will need some luck from a wide draw this time

Race 2: Top Dragon had excuses (raced wide) last start and has since trialled well. From an inside draw, he should secure a favour- able trip and could finally break through in this below-par Class 4 field. Jolly Jumper appears suited by returning to turf and should run well from a low draw, especially carrying a lightweight. Gallant Epoch the drop in distance works in his favour, so an improved performance wouldn’t be surprising. Jubilant Winner likes to get back and charge home late. With a genuine pace, he can make his presence felt. Strathpeffer an underrated type, he could cause an upset on his day.

Race 3: Solid Shalaa boasting a reliable record on the AWT, he is well placed with a 7-pound claimer to deliver another strong performance. Natural High was outsprinted in a slowly run race last start. He will be hard to run down if he sets a fast tempo up front. Fun N Fun Together has tactical speed and should run well with Purton aboard. California Star caused an upset at big odds last start, and with a favourable draw, he should continue his strong run if his last-start win was no fluke. Handsome Blond ran on well in a recent trial, so watch for betting support.

Race 4: Happy Universe showed improvement last start and should get every chance to go one better from a good draw. Etalon Or looks overdue for his maiden win, and with some luck from a wide draw, he could finally break through here. Fortune Boy holding form with a recent trial, he should be highly competitive in a field of this nature. Raging Rapids did not disgrace in his last run and should not be overlooked. Mister Dapper capable but unpredictable, he will be hard to catch if he can cut across early from a wide draw.

Race 5: Chill Kaka scored a dominant win when stepping up to the extended mile for the first time last time out. He looks the standout remaining in Class 4. Run Run Timing showed good early speed and stuck on for second last start. He can go one better if allowed an un- contested lead. Precision Goal a fast beginner in great form, he should be included in exotic bets. Forever Folks attacked the line strongly in a slowly run race last start and could prove a knockout chance. Fashion Legend comes off an easy win in this class but it may not be easy to win again from a wide draw.

Race 6: Bundle Award finished s creditable seventh in the Hong Kong Derby last start. He looks ready to bounce back in Class 2, where he won easily two starts ago. Helene Feeling has struck a purple patch of form lately and should play a key role. Voyage Samurai made all in this class last time out and can repeat the dose if he handles the rise to 1800m. Winning Dragon has shown consistent form in Class 2 and must be respected. Steps Ahead the drop in distance should play to his strengths, and he is ideally weighted to make an impact.

Race 7: Beauty Waves resuming off a few eye-catching trials, he will relish the drop from a G1 feature to Class 2, where he boasts a great record of one win and one placing from two attempts. Bottomuptogether has tactical speed, which makes his AWT debut intriguing, especially with Purton aboard. Copartner Prance has been ultra-consistent in this class (6-3-0-2) and must be respected. Sing Dragon had genuine excuses last start (travelled wide) and could make amends with better luck in running. Capital Delight scored a tenacious win in this class last time out and a double is not out of reach.

Race 8: Must Go an AWT specialist, he is coming off a facile win in this class and looks poised to secure back-to-back victories. Gummy Gummy has regained his form recently and could finally return to the winner’s list with Purton in the saddle. Dragon Air Force has been in career-best form and looks primed to go one better, despite the awkward draw. Mask Rider can upset some more fancied rivals with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim and should not be overlooked. Mojave Desert appears highly suited by the return to the AWT and looks set to improve.

Race 9: Super Infinity with added fitness, he should build on his solid fourth-place finish first-up and secure a spot in the Top 3 second-up. Pakistan Legacy was beaten by a smart type last start, and with that form franked, he could go one better, though the wide draw remains a concern. Triumphant More his recent runs have been encouraging and he should run well again if the pace is not too fast. Young Superstar a dangerous frontrunner, he could be hard to run down with fresh legs first-up. Majestic Express let down well in a slowly run race last start and is worth considering if his odds still offer value.

Race 10: Another World scored an easy win last start in this class, and a double is well within his reach, especially with Purton remaining aboard. Juneau Pride has been racing in career-best form and looks primed to secure a hat-trick of wins. South Star appears to have more ratings in store and should measure up with the rise in class. New Forest a fast beginner, he could sneak into the placings under the right race shape. Sugar Ball well-placed at the weights, he can make a late surge if the pace suits.