Four-year-old clash in Sha Tin thriller

He Jiong

An exciting clash awaits in the Class 3 Handicap over 1400m at Sha Tin, as two highly promising four-year-olds prepare to go head-to-head in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

Charming Legend, unbeaten in two starts in Australia, made a strong impression on his local debut, scoring a comfortable win in Class 3 in mid-November. However, his second-up run presented a tougher challenge.

From a wide draw, the Deep Field gelding had to be urged early to secure a position near the speed. The extra effort early on took its toll in the closing stages, allowing Markwin, the other standout four-year-old in this week’s field, to edge past him for victory.

On the other hand, Markwin, a yearling purchase for A$550k, has lived up to his lofty price tag with an impressive record of two wins and two placings from four starts. He heads into this race in top form, having secured back-to-back victories, including an emphatic win last time out when rising in class.

The dynamics of this rematch are even more intriguing, with Charming Legend, to be ridden by Hugh Bowman, benefiting from a 3kg weight swing in his favour. With both runners in excellent form, the stage is set for a captivating showdown between these two talented contenders.

Three-year-old Masterofmyuniverse looks set to break through in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m at Sha Tin this Sunday.

After a narrow second-place finish on debut, Masterofmyuniverse repeated the result last time out, his chances compromised by a wide draw. Now third-up and standing out as the most promising horse in the field, he appears primed to make amends and secure his first victory.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Ace Talent draws well over the straight trip and looks ready to make amends with Bowman aboard, following a series of poor barriers in recent runs. Ho Ho Star found the line well late last time out, and with Purton taking the reins, he could finally break through. Cosmo Navigator having dropped in the ratings, he looks well placed to run a big race in Class 5. Country Dancer scored a last-to-first win last start and remains a strong chance with the anticipated fast pace. Gorgeous Vitality appears well rated in the cellar grade and can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form.

Race 2: Manythanks Forever comes off an easy two-length win over this track and distance. With a low draw, a double is well within his reach. Flying Phantom showed improvement with a fast-finishing second at his second start in Class 5. With the in-form Purton aboard, he can go one better. Gallant Crown possesses early speed and is well placed with the apprentice claim. Consider if his odds offer value. Gangnam Star has a great record in this class and improvement is expected. Fire Ball backing up quickly from his last-start win, he seems to get all the favours to secure a double.

Race 3: Bravehearts has been in career-best form this season and looks well weighted to score despite the rise in class. Awesome Fluke overlook his last run, where he raced wide, and should play a key role dropping to this class. Winning Dragon capable but unpredictable, he can upset some more fancied rivals if he brings his A-game to the track. Money Catcher is better than his recent form suggests, and could be hard to run down if given a soft lead. Naval Force his overseas form reads strong and he should run well on his local debut.

Race 4: Endeared stormed home for a strong third last start, so it is no surprise to see Purton taking the reins. Rates highly. Master Phoenix has shown ability and gets his chance to win in this wide-open field. Beauty Missile with the drop in ratings, he should deliver an improved performance from an ideal draw. Great Spirit caught the eye running home well last start and should map well from a good draw and go close to winning. Pearl Of Pang’s a natural frontrunner, he could sneak into the placings at a good price.

Race 5: Masterofmyuniverse has finished runner-up at both starts and looks poised to break through in this below-par Class 4 field, despite the wide draw. Newborn Miracle comes off a close second over this distance and should be highly competitive in a race of this nature. Travel Golf showed little first-up but can improve with a much better draw second-up. Galvanic the drop in distance could spark a surprise, especially with a more favourable jockey booking. Good Prospect showed good improvement last start and has since trialled well. Commands respect.

Race 6: Mr Energia is highly suited by returning to the AWT surface and will make his presence felt with an anticipated fast pace. Shanghai Style has shown consistent form on dirt and must be included among the better chances. Offroad Master scored an impressive win on his AWT debut last start and looks one to follow. Sunny Darling a fast beginner, he should run well if he finds an easy lead. Chill Kaka turned in a very strong debut performance, and with that run under his belt, further improvement is expected.

Race 7: Ballistic Win has been in consistent form and is primed to return to the winner’s list with the apprentice claim. Dragon Four Seas still a maiden galloper but gets his chance to win in this open field, especially with Purton aboard from a good draw. Forerunner returning from a break, he has previously gone close in this class and a first-up win wouldn’t be surprising. Panda let down well to finish third last time out. He should run well again if the pace suits. Strathpeffer scored a narrow win last start, but it won’t be easy for him to go back-to-back given the wide draw.

Race 8: A very competitive field, with multiple contenders having strong winning chances. Heroic Master his recent runs have been encouraging and must be respected with Purton aboard. Healthy Healthy dropping to Class 3, where he boasts a great record, he should play a key role. O’liner his last run was much better than it looks and he could surprise at odds. Grand Nova looks to have upside and remains a strong chance despite rising to Class 3. Cheval Valiant likes the straight course and could place at value with a 10-pound claimer aboard.

Race 9: Full Credit boasting strong recent form, he looks a standout here, especially with his versatility in running. Must Go can bounce back anytime in this class, and an inside draw gives him a good chance. Self Improvement his recent runs have been encouraging, and he should be included in your place forecast bet. Gummy Gummy a handy type resuming from a break, the betting market will be the best guide. Packing Bole made all last start, and with the apprentice claim expected to offset the added weight, he should run well again.

Race 10: Charming Legend conceded his first defeat in four starts to date, and with a favourable weight swing, he could turn the tables on Markwin, who has lived up to his lofty price tag and is poised to secure a hat-trick from a decent draw. Beauty Crescent looks overdue for a win and enters this race in great form. His consistency could pay off with a good draw. Leslie likes to get back and charge home late. So a genuine pace is vital for him. Tourbillon Prince led all the way to win at big odds last start, but a repeat of that run is challenging give the depth of the field and the wide draw.