Finding a Hong Kong winner is Allgreektome

Luke Middlebrook

Progressive four-year-old Allgreektome is on track to score his second career win when he steps out in Race 9, the Class 3 1200m Handicap, at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

Allgreektome is having just his seventh career start this week and has shown plenty of ability, despite taking five starts to get his first win. Given a two-month rest after pulling up with mucus on his third start, Allgreektome has been doing all his racing at this track and distance in three subsequent races, narrowly beaten in a fast run race three runs ago before smashing his maiden in fine style two starts ago by two lengths.

Allgreektome lost no admirers last time when trying Class 3 for the first time, forced to work hard from barrier No 10 but still holding down second and beaten by a neck. Coming into barrier No 1 this time is a huge bonus, from where he should be able to lead easily and prove hard to run down.

In the other Class 3 1200m Handicap in Race 7, trainer Jamie Richards will be hoping three-year-old Magniac can score a first Hong Kong win.

Magniac has done little wrong in four local starts since making his debut in late January, posting three placings, one of them just last week at this track and distance when he was beaten a neck into third as the race favourite.

Despite Magniac seemingly having every chance to score, it was one of those races where the first three in the run crossed the line in that order and nothing really made ground. Interestingly, Magniac boasts two wins from three starts when raced on a 10-day or less turnaround when in Australia, which bodes well for his chances for this race.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Owners’ Star recent runs have been encouraging and can run well from his low draw. Gallant Hero finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start. On the class drop here, he can start to be followed. Splendid Star had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race at odds. Cable Speed has early speed and can always surprise with the right run, which he should acquire from gate 2. Foxhunter Way was a winner three starts ago and appears well placed here on true form.

Race 2: M M Nebula recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting a good run can be expected on the class drop. Sunshine Legendary change of trainer recently and can improve after looking okay in the same trial as M M Nebula. The Good Deal well supported last start and won accordingly. He has improved with a stable change. Aca Power looks a solid good chance based on last start and barrier 2 is ideal. Island Shine down in class in this race and should perform better. Follow.

Race 3: Star Contact showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight to hold down third in a tight finish. From barrier 1 in the small field of eight, he is hardest to beat. Viva Hunter video replay showed last run was very good and he looks the each-way play. Meaningful Star narrowly beaten last start and goes close here from a low draw. Up And Up has been very well prepared with several trials, watch the betting. Villa Fionn last start winner who rises in class but should be letting down well late.

Race 4: Quite a few chances here but Glory Bo Bo gets barrier 1 and that will suit his pattern. He should get every chance under Purton. Speedy Smartie last start winner who remains in the same grade and is well drawn in barrier 3 where he’ll map with favours. High Rise Soldier drops down in grade and start following. Awesome Treasure had excuses last start when racing wide without cover. Equilibrium Turbo eased early before going on to make late ground. He’ll appreciate it if the speed is on.

Race 5: Sight Hero was an easy last start winner and must be respected. Drawn well low in barrier 2, he will get his chance to repeat the dose. Smokey Bear placed last start and looks a chance to run well again. He’ll give a sight. Victory Scholars consistent form lately and is overdue for a win, but he just seems to find a couple better late in the finish. Exuberant showed improvement at a recent trial and Purton takes the ride, he should be returning to form here. Racing Fighter video replay showed last run was very good.

Race 6: June Planet looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Blinkers go on for the first time which also seems a positive. Happy Angel backing up quickly from last week, can run well again. Right As Rain last start winner who remains in the same grade and he is racing well after a stable change. Viva Popcorn video replay showed last run was very good due to a mid-race move. London Luckystar had vet excuses last start and forget the run, he can show up on true form.

Race 7: Magniac backing up quickly from a good last start effort here last week. Drawn well low in barrier 4 should prove ideal and he can get the win. Bundle Of Charm good performance when returning to form last start and he can figure in the finish again. Jolly Ruler fresh up from a break and should run well. Excellent Peers had genuine excuses last start when caught wide, chance to improve with a better run in transit. Kokushi Musou last start winner who rises in class but can measure up.

Race 8: Open race. Blissful Star looks a solid good chance based on last start and he has drawn well low to suit his pattern. Telecom Cheetah finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start when first-up. He can surprise at an each-way price second-up. Chiu Chow Brother has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. He will likely lead and play “catch me if you can”. Helene Wisdom Star go on solid previous effort where form looked okay. Chance to improve under Purton. Perfect To Great should be highly suited by the drop back in distance.

Race 9: Allgreektome highly promising horse who shows nice ability and looks the one to beat. He comes into barrier 1 from barrier 10 on his second try in Class 3 this week, from where he will be hard to get past. Lucky Eight more than capable of winning again in this race and he too has drawn well in gate 2. Brave Star well supported last start and won accordingly. He will map just off the speed and will love a bit of pace on. Nordic Dragon last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss, he’s better than that. Beauty Tycoon can bounce back a winner anytime in this class.