Dragon to storm home at Happy Valley

He Jiong

Quality sprinter Storming Dragon is well placed to chase back-to-back wins in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

The consistent Star Turn gelding has been in fine form since May, returning a win and three placings from his past five runs. He closed out last season with a narrow second at this track before resuming four weeks ago with an emphatic victory.

As is his pattern, he settled off the speed before unleashing a powerful turn of foot, storming clear to score by 2.25 lengths over this course and distance.

Remaining in Class 3, Storming Dragon meets a similar field and looks the clear form choice. Even with a weight rise, he appears hard to oppose and is primed to complete a double.

Four-year-old gelding Storm Runner looks well placed to finally shed his maiden tag in the Class 5 Handicap over 1800m.

Trained by Pierre Ng, Storm Runner has been edging closer to a breakthrough, with three consecutive placings prior to an unlucky fourth last start. Drawn widest that day, he was pushed forward to race on the speed but was trapped three wide throughout. Despite the tough run, he stuck on gamely to finish only 1.25 lengths adrift over this trip at Sha Tin.

Back to Class 5 company and with a kinder run in transit, Storm Runner finds a winnable assignment and has every chance to strike at the 12th time of asking. - iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Storm Runner finished a meritorious fourth despite a wide trip last start, and with better luck in running, he could finally break through, especially with Purton taking the reins. Hakka Radiance scored a strong on-pace win last start and has drawn well to complete a double. Wah May Wai Wai showed improvement on his Class 5 debut last time out and looks one to follow. Harry’s Hero has ability and can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form. Yeaboi placed at big odds last start and appears well weighted to deliver another strong showing.

Race 2: Quantum Patch looks overdue for a win and must be considered a leading contender in Class 4. Sturdy Ruby caught the eye flashing home late in a slowly run race last start, and from a low draw, he should be highly competitive. Atomic Beauty with added fitness, he could improve into the money after a mediocre first-up run. Amazing Award a proven performer in this class, he should not be overlooked despite the wide draw. Take Action finished strongly into fifth last start but the widest draw remains a concern.

Race 3: Lunar Dash had vet excuses last start and has since trialled well. Boasting form around Class 3 winner Wonderstar, he looks primed to run a big race first-up. Nebraskan a dangerous frontrunner, he could be hard to run down if allowed an uncontested lead. New Power has been in consistent form of late and must be included in exotic bets. Loving Vibes will find this field more manageable on his return to Happy Valley, and improvement is expected. Know At Heart has drooped in the rating and could cause an upset under the right race shape.

Race 4: Mighty Steed was narrowly beaten last start, and with Purton aboard, he looks poised to go one better despite the wide draw. Fortune Star stormed home into second last time out, and from a low draw, he should map closer to the speed and shape as a strong contender. Forerunner his last run was better than it reads and he could surprise at odds. To Infinity caused an upset last start and is worth considering if his odds still present value. The Azure resumes with an eye-catching trial and should run well fresh.

Race 5: Sergeant Pepper caught wide last start and still ran well. From pole position, he should enjoy a smoother trip and go close to winning with Purton aboard. Parents’ Love has tactical speed and could be hard to run down if allowed a soft lead. Lucky Twenty scored at big odds on debut and could have some ratings in hand. Happy United finished strongly into fourth last start despite being held up at a crucial stage. Super Sixty his last run was better than it looks, and with a more favourable jockey booking, he should not be overlooked.

Race 6: Star Contact has produced two strong on-pace efforts recently and looks a strong contender in this wide-open field. Another Zonda possesses tactical speed and will give them something to chase with a well-judged ride. Embraces with an explosive turn of foot, he will make his presence felt if the race turns into a sit-and-sprint contest. Casa Rochester let down well late last start, and a Top 3 finish wouldn’t surprise. Harmony Galaxy as a natural closer, he was significantly disadvantaged by the slow pace last time out. He deserves another chance.

Race 7: Gameplayer Elite has shed a few rating points during the off season and is expected to run well fresh. Ace Power his recent runs have been encouraging and he will make a strong late surge if the pace suits. Grand Nova has not been beaten far in his last two outings and looks capable of returning to the winner’s list anytime. Charming Babe showed improvement last start, and an ideal draw makes another encouraging effort imminent. World Hero a consistent frontrunner, he could be hard to run down if he crosses early from the wide draw.

Race 8: Regal Gem scored at big odds two starts ago and backed it up with a slashing second last time out. Bundle Of Charm has been in consistent form recently and could secure a spot in the Top 3 from a good draw. Young Emperor boasts a great first-up record and is worth considering as a value choice. Never Too Soon will make his presence felt if the pace suits and commands respect with Purton aboard. Spicy Gold could surprise at odds if he reverts to his positive racing style in this field that lacks speed.

Race 9: Storming Dragon won by a clear margin last start in this class, and from a favourable draw, he’s poised to secure back-to-back victories. Victory Sky will relish the return to Happy Valley and deserves another chance, given his previous reliable record here. Bienvenue defied a wide trip to score an easy win in Class 4 last time, and remains a chance despite stepping up to Class 3. A Americ Te Specso with a more conservative racing style, he will make a strong late surge under the right race shape. Victor The Rapid suited by the drop back in distance and could prove to be a value choice.