Fownes to strike at the Valley

Luke Middlebrook

Hong Kong racing stage their meeting at Happy Valley today for a nine-race fixture.

In Race 8, trainer Caspar Fownes' facile last start winner Kokushi Musou can take beating as he vies for back-to-back wins in the Class 4 1200m Handicap.

Kokushi Musou did attract market support on debut five starts ago but raced greenly and ended up in ninth spot. Thereafter, he didn't show much in two subsequent starts but fourth-up, however, the Bullbars gelding turned in his best run to date when finishing nicely into third place behind unbeaten three-year-old sensation Lucky Sweynesse.

Kokushi Musou proved that run was no fluke at this track and distance 21 days ago, starting a well-backed 33-10 favourite and drawing away like a good thing by 1.75-lengths at the finishing post.

He meets a moderate Class 4 field this time where he looks capable of a repeat performance.

Elsewhere, in-form trainer and jockey Francis Lui and Zac Purton can continue their run of success when they team up with Star Brite in the final race of the nine-race card, the Class 3 1200m Handicap.

Star Brite has yet to win in six starts in Hong Kong after arriving a two-time winner and two-time placegetter from six races in Australia.

Last start, from barrier No 10 at this track and distance, however, Star Brite led and was up with the pace throughout, only collared late inside the final 50m and ended up running third, but just 0.25-lengths behind the winner. It was a solid run under the circumstances.

Star Brite should gain a worldperfect run under Purton from barrier No 1. They don’t necessarily have to lead this week as there are a few who can press forward and ensure a true-run race and enable Star Brite to catch them late.

Luke Middlebrook’s Selections:

R1: 2-4-5-1

R2: 3-2-6-4

R3: 3-11-7-5

R4: 2-3-1-7

R5: 5-11-8-6

R6: 7-3-2-8

R7: 6-2-8-3

R8: 2-9-1-10

R9: 4-2-6-3