He Jiong
Unbeaten four-year-old Fast Network is poised to achieve a hat-trick of wins this Sunday when he returns to Sha Tin in the Class 3 Handicap over 1000m with Zac Purton in the irons.
Fast Network has been nothing short of impressive in both of his starts to date, winning by a combined margin of three lengths over this track and distance. In each race, the son of Wrote displayed commendable early speed and drew away in the concluding stages, indicating that he has plenty of upside. Additionally, the form of his last start has held up well, with the second-place horse, Cheval Valiant, going on to secure a subsequent win.
Despite stepping up to Class 3 for the first time, Fast Network is ideally weighted. With his strong form and potential, he stands out as a top contender and remains a significant winning chance.
Talented four-year-old gelding Divano looks ready to score a first-up win in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m at Sha Tin this Sunday.
Divano has shown above-average ability since day one, with two wins and placings from four starts. The son of Brave Smash has strong form lines around promising types like Lucy In The Sky and Bottomuptogether, so it was no surprise to see him finish a close second at his Class 3 debut last time out.
Resuming off a three-month break, Divano has turned in an eye-catching trial leading up to this week’s race, while a not overly strong Class 3 field presents him with a golden chance to make a winning return.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Joyful Prosperity still a maiden galloper but has shown improvement since dropping to Class 5. Drawn ideally, he is well placed to break through with Bowman aboard. Fruity Warrior looks a good chance based on his encouraging last-start effort. Rates highly. Joyful Champion appears well placed at the weights and should be respected. Chateau Le Peche should be highly suited by the rise in distance and could surprise at value. Colourful Baron last start placing was full of merit, and a win wouldn’t be surprising.
Race 2: Young Horizon looks a standout after dropping back to Class 5, where he has a great record, especially with Purton in the saddle. Yoda’s Choice making class 5 debut, he should map well from a low draw and relish competing in this weak field. Island Golden showed good improvement last start and commands respect despite the awkward draw. Super Charizzard is better than his recent form suggests and could surprise at odds with the drop in class. Cervin has dropped in the ratings and could run an improved race here.
Race 3: Lucky Banner possesses tactical speed and is ideally placed with the apprentice claim. Excel Wongchoy has shown improvement since switching to the AWT and looks a chance in this race with Vincent Ho taking the ride. Forever Folks recent runs have been encouraging and should run well again in a race with plenty of speed. Blissful Star resuming from a break and not tested in recent trial. Watch betting. Floof won well last start at his second attempt on this surface and now aims for a double.
Race 4: Metro Warrior did not disgrace at his last run, and with the apprentice claim, he should play a key role in this below-par Class 4 field. Gusty Fighter resuming from a break and trialling well with winkers, improvement is expected. Ace Victory has trialled well for his return and could surprise at value at his second start back in Class 4. Worth considering. Brilliant Fire has been very well prepared with several trials, watch the betting. Happy Horse fast beginner who may be able to sneak a place.
Race 5: Majestic Express showed significant improvement last time out, flashing home late into second. With the added distance, he looks a big winning chance from an inside draw. Fun N Fun Together gave a good sight and stuck on well to finish fourth last start. He’s edging closer to a win. Lucky Eight resuming from a break and trialling well recently, he looks ready to run a big race with the drop in class. Mr Good Vibes turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and looks a lightweight chance. Robot Knight can be placed at odds with a 10-pound claimer and is not out of it.
Race 6: Aeroinvincible had excuses last start when racing wide without cover, and with Purton remaining on board, he should go close to winning from a low draw. Solid Win stormed home for a nice second last start. However, he needs the pace to suit from another wide draw. Golden Samurai resuming from a break, his recent trials suggest a solid first-up run is imminent. Gallant Crown has early speed and may sneak into the placings under the right race shape. Perfect Peach the lightweight will help and should run well despite the rise in class.
Race 7: Fast Network a highly promising type who remains unbeaten to date and will go close again despite rising to Class 3. Celestial Colours showed good improvement with a solid third last time out and rates as a good chance. Flying High caught the eye last start when running home strongly with the fastest final 400m sectional time. We Are Hero has a great first-up statistic and must be rated a chance over his preferred distance. Carroll Street likes the straight course and can improve second-up as he gains fitness.
Race 8: Sugar Ball a last start winner who remains in the same grade, so it is no surprise to see Purton taking the reins. Run Run Timing had excuses last start (raced wide) and should run well here with better luck in running. Sky Trust has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. With a good steer from Bowman, he could defy the wide draw and win. Lucky Fionn resuming from a break and his recent trial was okay. The betting market will be the best guide. Only U ran the third fastest sectional time last start and can make his presence felt if the pace suits.
Race 9: Divano a highly progressive type resuming from a break, he looks hard to oppose with Purton aboard. Mighty Stride down in grade and having trialled well recently, expect a strong performance on his return. Lady’s Choice likes to sit on the speed and could be hard to run down if allowed a soft lead. Hong Kong Hall another fast beginner, he should run well with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim. Young Superstar has shown little in his last two starts. However, he could improve from a decent draw this time.
Race 10: Ka Ying Generation one of the elite 4-year-olds last season, his recent trial was commendable, and he looks ready for a winning return with Purton aboard. Adefill an AWT specialist who is always a threat on this surface, he must be rated a chance. Moments In Time goes well second-up from a break and should be respected. Berlin Tango finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start. He will surge late if they overcook it up front. Apache Pass has transferred to Eustace’s stable during the off-season, so look for improvement first-up.