Luke Middlebrook
Leading trainer Pierre Ng aims to keep the ball rolling on the all-weather track at Sha Tin on Wednesday as five-year-old Frantanck seeks to secure his first local win in the Class 3 race over 1650m.
This week marks Frantanck 's eighth local start, and he looks to overcome two successive minor placings with a victory in Hong Kong. Trying this track and distance for the first time a month ago, Frantanck drew barrier No 11 and was forced to do more early work than the eventual winner, Adefill, who enjoyed all the favours from barrier No 3.
Despite the early exertion, Frantanck put up a good fight in the straight, with Adefill only overtaking him in the shadows of the post to win by a neck. From barrier No 4, Frantanck should secure a more energy-saving run in the early stages, hopefully reversing the finishing position against Adefill, who will start from one barrier inside of Frantanck.
Elsewhere, in-form five-year-old Diamond Flare aims to make amends for a luckless last-start defeat when contesting the Class 4 race over 1200m.
Diamond Flare secured an easy three-length all-the-way win at this track and distance two starts ago. However, in his subsequent attempt to repeat the performance, things went awry as he jumped only fairly, settling ninth in the run – an uncommon sight for this galloper. Nevertheless, he still managed to run a big race, finishing strongly to claim second place.
With winning jockey Luke Ferraris back in the saddle and anticipating a clean jump, Diamond Flare is favoured to bounce back to his winning ways.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Amazing Teens looks a solid good chance based on last start while stepping away from barrier 1 and rising to his best distance holds him good stead to be hard to beat. Kimberley down in class here and can surprise, start following. Samarkand form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Just needs some early luck from barrier 11. Blissful Star has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. He should map softly from gate 4. Harry’s Hero has dropped a lot in the ratings and can improve from gate 2 under Bowman.
Race 2: Mr Ascendency caught the eye last start running home powerfully. He races on Sha Tin’s all-weather track for the first time but had good form on the Polytrack in the UK, so could be a big improver here in an open race. Apache Pass resuming from a break and trialled well recently. Chancheng Prince will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well. Berlin Tango finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start. All For St Paul’s should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way as he likes to do. If left alone, he will take catching.
Race 3: Lucky Banner narrowly beaten last start and goes close here again. He will be afforded every winning chance this week. G Liner place chance at value in a race like this. Gets a good gate with Teetan in the saddle and will be on-pace for a long while. Legion Of Merit nice effort last start when finishing nicely into fourth and has since trialled well. Noble Win well-placed and looks a chance in race like this. Viva Hunter down in class in this race and should perform better. Has early speed and can give a sight.
Race 4: Plenty of chances here in this Class 5 but with some key chances drawn wide. Starship Eighty looks the one to beat based on current form. But he will need some early luck from gate 11. Big Two turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly into fifth on his first run in Class 5 but also racing with excuses. Drawn okay in gate 5 and should go close. Super Joy looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Just needs to jump cleanly. Precision Goal showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Asian One can bounce back a winner anytime in this class.
Race 5: Open Class 4 race here with plenty of chances. Flying Dragon a proven performer at this level and rates a winning chance back at his track and distance under Bowman. Aca Power has a better chance on this surface and look for improvement. If not for barrier 12, he would be the on top selection. Colourful Prince a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Regent Glory can upset some more fancied rivals on best form, go on the win two starts ago when the money came pouring in late. Cool Blue remains a maiden galloper but gets his chance.
Race 6: Diamond Flare last start placing was full of merit after he began fairly and settled back in the field, nice effort to close off strongly late into second. Gets a jockey upgrade and can bounce back to his winning ways. Judy’s Great recent barrier trial was handy, suggesting a good run can be expected. Purton rides and expect a competitive performance. Mayhem turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly. Well rated now is a chance. Jolly Companion down in class in this race and should perform better. Top Top Tea can bounce back a winner anytime in this class.
Race 7: Campione had excuses last start when racing wide without cover. Drops to a more suitable class here, trialled well recently and should give a sight. Magniac recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting a good run can be expected as Purton jumps back in the saddle at seemingly the right time. Smokey Bear had excuses last start (blood in trachea) and forget the run. Mark The Moment showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight but the wide draw is awkward here. Good Buddy has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone but he too needs luck from a wide gate.
Race 8: Frantanck has been knocking on the door. This looks his chance to break through as he comes into a low gate, which should mean better luck in the early stages compared to last start when he was forced to work early. Adefill well supported last start and won accordingly over Frantanck. Drawn well again and there’s no reason why he won’t go close again. Yellowfin should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way based on prior winning form. Nordic Star last start winner who rises in class but can measure up. Romantic Charm has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon.