He Jiong
After an impressive yet eventful debut victory, three-year-old Ever Luck appears well placed to record back-to-back wins in Sunday’s Class 4 Handicap over 1200m at Sha Tin.
Well touted after showing above-average ability in trials, Ever Luck was heavily backed on debut and ultimately delivered — though not in the straightforward manner many expected. The son of Capitalist shifted out abruptly near the 550m and covered extra ground around the turn, prompting doubts about whether he could still finish off. But once balanced, he lifted smartly at the 300m and drew clear to win by 1.75 lengths over this trip.
The drama continued after the line, with the connections of the runner-up lodging a protest over the mid-race interference. Stewards, however, dismissed it, noting the decisive winning margin. With natural improvement to come, Ever Luck shapes as a major contender again in Class 4.
The Manfred Man-trained four-year-old Super Strong Kid appears well placed to capture his third career victory when he lines up in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m at Sha Tin this Sunday.
A model of consistency with two wins and two seconds from just four starts, Super Strong Kid signalled he is ready to make an impact at Class 3 level with an eye-catching run last time out. Fresh off a facile Class 4 win over 1000m, he stepped to 1200m for the first time and settled just behind the speed, only to encounter traffic approaching the 200m. Once clear and balanced, he finished powerfully to be beaten only by a single rival.
He now meets a comparatively modest Class 3 field and looks the standout on exposed form. With champion jockey Zac Purton sticking with him, Super Strong Kid shapes as the runner they will all have to beat. – iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Smart Golf appears to be a talented newcomer who has won all four of his trials in fine style, and he should deliver a strong performance on debut. Cap Liner stormed home to finish third on debut, and from a favourable draw, he should be highly competitive. Sight Hermoso broke through easily second-up after a troubled debut run, and appears to have upside. Lucky Plus having shown improvement in recent trials, he looks to be an intriguing debutant. Packing Glory ran on well in a recent trial and is worth considering with Purton aboard.
Race 2: Colourful Winner has previously run well in Class 4, and with Purton taking the reins, he shapes as a leading contender on his Class 5 debut. Bling Bling Genius will relish the drop to the cellar grade and should be right in the mix. My Flying Angel finished strongly into third last time out and will make his presence felt again if the pace suits. Team Happy displayed tactical speed and stuck on for second last start. From pole position, he’s well placed to go one better. Young Horizon better than his recent form suggests and can upset more fancied rivals on his day.
Race 3: Rezeki was not beaten far from a wide draw last start, and his close second two runs ago suggests a much-improved performance is imminent. Thunder Prince appears to be overdue for a win after two consecutive placings, and looks one to follow. Glaciated on a seven-day back-up off a creditable fourth, he is likely to find this field more manageable. Day Day Victory scored an impressive win over 1000m at Happy Valley last start, but remaining unplaced from 10 starts over 1200m raises concerns. Robot Knight heavily backed but disappointed last start, and is worth considering if his odds offer value.
Race 4: Ever Luck won his debut in emphatic, albeit dramatic, style and looks the standout in this moderate field with many inexperienced newcomers. Enjoy Golf appears well weighted to secure a spot in the Top 3 after a fast-finishing fifth last start. Straight To Glory possesses a positive racing stye and should run well in a race of this nature. Robot Star has shown ability in trials, and with a good draw on debut, he looks one to watch. Golden Dream should derive plenty of benefit from his debut run and is open to improvement.
Race 5: Smart Fat Cat found the line well late in a slowly run race last start, despite encountering traffic in the straight. The booking of Purton and a low draw are both positives. The Golden Knight has shown significant improvement this season and is edging closer to a win. Oldtown his recent runs have been encouraging and he should play a key role with J-Mac aboard. Conspiracy Witness well backed but underperformed last start. He looks capable of bouncing back if things fall his way. Pearl Of Pang’s could be hard to run down if he can cross early from a wide draw.
Race 6: Mr Energia should be highly suited by the drop back in distance, and a repeat of his penultimate performance could see him return to the winner’s list. Blazing Wind finished a solid second after rising back to Class 3 last time out, and looks poised to go one better from pole position. Fun N Fun Together a dangerous frontrunner, he is well placed to run a big race up front with the apprentice claim. Sports Legend finished strongly in a slowly run race last start and must be included among the better chances. Victory Sky could prove to be a lightweight chance with the drop to 1200m.
Race 7: Hong Lok Golf boasting six wins from nine starts, he’s poised to make amends from a low draw after a luckless sixth last start. Steps Ahead has drawn wide in his last two starts, and a decent gate plus the booking of Purton should significantly enhance his winning chances. Sagacious Life a Brazilian import, he caused a big upset on debut, but the sharp weight rise could pose a challenge. Sky Heart narrowly beaten last start, and from a favourable draw, he must be considered a strong contender. Mickley his form has been patchy, but he has the ability to cause an upset on his day.
Race 8: Magic Control a track and distance specialist, he can prove a big winning chance after dropping back to his pet trip. Colourful King has placed four times from his last five starts and must be included in exotic bets. Crimson Flash has completed a hat-trick in Class 3 lately and remains a strong chance, despite the rise in class. Invincible Sage drops back from a Group feature, and his class should hold him in good stead in this field. Lady’s Choice tries 1000m for the first time after 35 starts, and his racing pattern suggests it could be beneficial.
Race 9: Super Strong Kid a progressive 4YO, he finds a winnable Class 3 race and shapes as the leading contender from a favourable draw. New Future Folks his last run was better than it looks, and he could cause an upset with a better gate. Alpha Strike has trialled well since his local debut win and should build on it if he sees out the 1200m trip. Lightness Of Music had vet excuses last start and deserves another chance after being freshened up. Triumphant More set the pace and stuck on well for second last start, though favoured by a slow pace. He looks more of a place chance.
Race 10: Pope Cody with a favourable weight swing and an inside gate, looks well placed to turn the tables on the likely favourite Beauty Bolt, who scored a narrow win in this class but must cope with an extra 6lb this time. Blazing Wukong let down well in a slowly run race last start, and based on his racing style, the rise in distance should work in his favour. Dazzling Fit badly held up last start, and with a smoother trip, he could make amends, though the widest draw remains a concern. Yuen Long Elite could surprise at value if he readopts a more positive tactic.