Expect an excellent run from Peers at Happy Valley

Luke Middlebrook

Ultra-consistent five-year-old Excellent Peers looks poised to score a second-up win in the Class 3 Longines Cup Handicap over 1200m at Happy Valley in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Excellent Peers is a two-time winner from 12 with a further six placings to his name and he resumed at this track and distance with a slashing second place 21 days ago. From barrier No 8, he got further back than he usually does and defied a slowly run race as the best horse to make up significant late ground on the leader who made all, missing by 0.50 lengths.

Excellent Peers can place handier stepping away from barrier No 1, which can prove a significant factor to his winning chances.

There are a few other live chances in the race. HZ Tourbillon had no luck in his last start at this track and distance when well supported, he can improve with clean air and an ideal map from gate No 3.

Igniting has been knocking on the door but needs a clean jump, while newcomer Starfire Gems has shown enough at the trials to suggest he can run a race on debut.

One of the most interesting runners at the meeting, unbeaten five-year-old Flying Ace, aims to extend his winning streak to five when he returns to the races in the Class 3 1200m Handicap in the final race of the card.

Flying Ace has taken all before him in four career starts since debuting in early December 2021. The David Hall-trained galloper has faced adversity more often than not as he has rarely been afforded a good gate. Drawn 10, 11, 6 and 10 so far, he has shown plenty of versatility to win his races, while also facing different race shapes along the way – just going to show the volume of talent the son of Swiss Ace possesses.

Off the scene for the better part of seven months due to injury, that will be the biggest query surrounding Flying Ace’s return. However, the manner in which he has trialled in the lead up suggests he’s in fine form – he showed good gate speed in his most recent hit out to suggest he can sit handy this week.

Elsewhere, eight-year-old gelding Triple Triple looks set to score third-up in the Class 4 1200m Handicap (race 4).

Triple Triple is at his fifth start back in Class 4, where he is best suited, and he has been racing well but with excuses since returning to the grade in early July. He is third-up into this race after he was badly held-up first-up before going on to make up good late ground second-up, checking home one length into fourth.

With Zac Purton back in the saddle and jumping from a nice low draw in barrier No 2, Triple Triple should be getting one of the runs of the race up against opposition where there’s no stand out.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Rainbow Light generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. He has had no luck in his first two runs this prep from wide draws but can relish and inside draw. On Excel Star last run suggested a win was near and he should be getting his chance under Purton. Darci Joy has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. His two fourths this prep have been good. Legion Of Merit needs further but has drawn well low and could surprise into the placings. Smoothies ran the fourth fastest sectional time last start and is always thereabouts.

Race 2: Lucky Archangel looks a solid good chance based on last start and with Purton back in the saddle, he looks a chance to pounce straight to front based on the last time he won when making all by a healthy margin. Spicy Grill generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. He was strong late first-up and should be again here. Chicken Dance change of trainer recently and trialled well recently. Chance on best form. Hercules last start winner who retains good form and can run well again. Kokushi Musou can improve 2ndup from a break.

Race 3: See U Again blinkers have been added and must be a big chance after he trialled strongly in them ahead of this race. He has shown ability and gets another chance to prove himself. Gold Gold Baby last start winner who rises in class but he can measure up. Sergeant Pepper consistent performer of late and worth considering. He can be on-pace for a long while. Super Commander should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Circuit Seven drawn well and can always surprise with the right run.

Race 4: Triple Triple looks a solid good chance based on last start and he’s ready to fire third-up from a low draw under Purton. A moderate race where he can bounce back in. Hero Star was not disgraced last start when beaten by a very smart horse. He can lead and prove hard to run down. Equilibrium Turbo dropping in class and will find this much easier than last start. Regent Glory had excuses last start and expect second-up improvement. Island Shine can improve second-up after a decent enough first-up effort.

Race 5: Cordyceps One will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well second-up from a break after an okay run over 1200m first-up. Exceptional Nice drops down in grade and start following. He should be shedding his long-standing maiden tag now into Class 4. Free Foal video replay showed last run was very good. Amigos Giggle every chance last start but still ran a good race when beaten as the odds-on favourite. He gets another chance. Super Hornet showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight.

Race 6: Excellent Peers nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a big chance to post another win, stepping away from barrier 1. Maps as the winner. H Z Tourbillon had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race from the good draw. Igniting has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. He just needs to jump cleanly. Starfire Gems newcomer who has trialled well enough for debut and he should acquit himself well. Power Koepp consistent form lately and can score here with the right run.

Race 7: Storm Legend looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. From his low draw, he should be going very close to getting his first local win. Super Mission nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance if he can handle the rise in distance. Maldives ran the second fastest sectional time last start. He will get back from his wide draw and be running on. Gift Of Lifeline finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start. Rising From Ashes a bit erratic and hard to follow but has ability and can surprise.

Race 8: Flying Ace quality type who remains unbeaten to date and will go close again. He showed plenty of gate speed in his trial, so it looks as though they might push forward here. He can get his fifth straight win. Smart Idea talented galloper who is resuming from a break and should be in the finish. Drops Of God go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay. He’s mixing his form now, but chance on best. Gallant Waking rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. Copartner Fionn change of trainer recently and can improve. Longshot chance.