Expect a Chill in Hong Kong

Luke Middlebrook

In-form four-year-old Chill Chibi is expected to extend his winning streak in Race 7, the Class 3 Handicap, over 1800m at Happy Valley in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Trainer Danny Shum seems to have a promising talent in Chill Chibi, evident from his record of three wins in four starts. His strong performance speaks volumes about his ability. After a surprising second-place finish on debut in early January, Chill Chibi secured a victory in his second outing before taking a nine-month break.

Upon his return, he delivered a commanding first-up win at this track, capitalising on a fast-paced race to surge clear by over two lengths. In his subsequent race, facing a similar race setup with a rapid tempo, Chill Chibi displayed his class once again. Despite the rise in distance signalling a potential challenge, Chill Chibi gives every indication he will run it out.

In Race 8, can the 'J-Mac factor' turn luck around for trainer Danny Shum’s Nordic Dragon? Connections will be hoping so as the four-year-old tackles the Class 2 Handicap over 1200m under the guidance of James McDonald.

The Kiwi enjoyed a positive start to his short-term stint at Sha Tin on Sunday by securing a double and the champion rider is set to compete in seven races this time with Nordic Dragon being a strong contender to bounce back for a win in the final race following a luckless sixth-place finish at this track and distance three weeks ago.

That night, Nordic Dragon was finishing strongly and appeared a live chance at the top of the straight before being checked when crowded for room at the 200m mark, resulting in a loss of all momentum. Perhaps starting from a lower draw with McDonald taking over the reins will turn things around for this promising sprinter.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Strive For Glory drops down in grade and start following. Has a great record in the class and Purton takes the ride – hard to hold out. Happily Friends has a top jockey in the saddle (McDonald) and that will help. He has been knocking on the door. Happy Horse video replay showed last run was very good. Trialled well in between runs and is a chance. Fighting Star backing up quickly from a good last start effort and can run well again. Multimore has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Drawn wide but will be fast away and give a sight.

Race 2: Small and competitive field here. Heroic Master caught wide last start and still ran well. Comes into gate 1 which should enhance his chances big time and he can bounce back. Humble Star was an easy last start winner and could very well go on with it. Remains the hard to beat for Purton and in-form Ng. Explosive Witness has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Gets back in the run but will be strong late under J-Mac. California Deeply generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. Grateful Heart has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon.

Race 3: Kyrus Unicorn backing up quickly from a good last start effort over 1650m last week and can run well again. Easy winner over 2000m in Class 5 prior and should relish the 2200m first time here. Management Folks will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well in an open race. Flying Silver finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start, gets the J-Mac factor. Jubilation consistent performer of late and worth considering. Wonder Years had genuine excuses last start when caught wide. Loves the distance, can improve.

Race 4: Turtle Again good performance when storming home for third place last start. Comes into barrier 1 and can win if the jockey makes use of it. Happy Hero changed stables recently and has improved as evidenced by his two wins from three starts this term. Sun Of Makfi will win in this grade very soon, each-way chances. Colourful Baron caught wide last start and still ran well. Joyful Champion last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. He should run a big race from gate 3.

Race 5: Talents Supremo well supported last start and won accordingly. Racing well after a stable change, gets barrier 1 under J-Mac and remains well-rated in Class 4. Can win again. Rubylot looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form, goes close with a good run from barrier 8. Flaming Eagle recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Act Of Faith can bounce back a winner anytime in this class and barrier 2 affords every hope. Kokushi Musou surprise tactics adopted last run when being ridden forward.

Race 6: Happy Fat Cat go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. From barrier 3, he should map perfectly on-pace under J-Mac and will be a winning chance if good enough late. Watch Buddy resuming from a break and won a recent trial nicely. Barrier 1 should see him run a race. Regent Glory form is good and is getting close to another victory. Winning Heart caught the eye last start when running home well on the class drop. Seems to be improving. Sight Victory from astute yard and watch betting support on debut.

Race 7: Chill Chibi winner of last three starts and looks a top chance to win four-straight. His ceiling looks far from reached yet and he should be winning his way into Class 2 here. Romantic Laos consistent performer of late and worth considering, racing well after a stable change and will be getting all the favours from barrier 3. Lean Hero nice four-year-old with a good chance here to win again here. Big Red remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here. Frantanck last run was better than it reads as he was used up on the lead. Can improve with a better-timed ride and could be a very good bet.

Race 8: Nordic Dragon had genuine excuses last start when suffering interference, forget the run and give him another chance here with McDonald in the saddle. Gets his chance to bounce back here. Wonder Kit well supported last start and won accordingly in Class 3. Rises in class here but can measure up. Howdeepisyourlove talented galloper who is resuming from a break, should run a race from barrier 1. Seasons Wit highly promising galloper who appears a great chance to win but 1200m and a wide draw is his query. Reward Smile nice 3yo with a good chance here at an each-way price.