Georgian Sigma ready to strike at Sha Tin

He Jiong

After a luckless second on debut, three-year-old Georgian Sigma looks well placed to go one better in the Restricted Class 4 Handicap over 1200m at Sha Tin.

Trained by Pierre Ng, Georgian Sigma had trialled only fairly before stepping out three weeks ago, so it was no surprise that the market overlooked him despite the booking of champion jockey Zac Purton.

Settling behind Ever Luck – the eventual winner in a fast-run race – he was badly hampered near the 550m when the leader hung out abruptly. Despite losing momentum and covering extra ground around the turn, he picked himself up, balanced, and closed strongly to finish second.

Although the protest against the winner was dismissed, Georgian Sigma showcased above-average talent, and with natural improvement expected, he shapes as the horse to beat in what appears a modest field.

The Class 2 Lukfook Jewellery Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Saturday brings together a strong field, with three runners standing out as major chances.

Lady’s Choice heads the lineup. He resumed with a narrow second to rapidly improving Toodachi Kokoroe 34 days ago, and with that run under his belt, he commands plenty of respect despite the top weight. Four-year-old Patch Of Stars also warrants attention. He bounced back stylishly last start after a flat first-up effort and now looks to build on that win. However, the rise to Class 2 presents a genuine test of his progress.

Aeris Nova is another key player. Backing up just six days after a fast-finishing second over 1400m, he now drops back to his pet trip of 1200m — the distance of all four of his career victories — which shapes as a major positive. – iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Georgian Sigma copped a serious check at the turn on debut but still finished second. With Purton staying aboard, he’s primed to make amends. Super Dragon heavily backed on debut but raced greenly throughout. Resuming off a four-month break, he has trialled well for his return. Salon S has shown tactical speed in trials and appears well prepared to run a big race on debut. Elite Golf this newcomer has produced solid recent trials, making him one to watch this week. Light Years Glory will relish the drop in class, but carrying top weight remains a concern.

Race 2: Ninja Derby finished a meritorious third despite a wide trip last time out. From a low draw, he looks ideally placed to atone. Rosewood Fleetfoot has produced a few solid efforts in Class 4 and looks ready to run a big race dropping to Class 5. Yiu Cheung Victory showed improvement with a fast-finishing fourth on his Class 5 debut last start and looks one to follow. Gold Tack recorded the fastest final 400m last time out and should run well with a genuine tempo. Celestial Patch his form has been patchy but he looks capable of causing an upset on his day.

Race 3: Firefoot his recent runs suggest another win looks imminent and he shapes as a leading contender with a favourable draw. Serangoon caught the eye flashing home late last start and looks well weighted to make his presence felt. Sharpen Bright a proven performer at this level, he produced an improved effort despite a wide gate last start. Double Win stood flat-footed and missed the start last time out, and with a clean jump he could make amends. Good Good has good early speed and could hang in there all day if allowed an uncontested lead.

Race 4: Sparkling Fellow ran on strongly to place second last start. Drawn well over the straight course, he’s poised to go one better. Crimson Flash secured a double at Happy Valley towards the end of last season. His recent trial was quiet and the market will provide the best guide. Casa Of Honor narrowly beaten last start and could break through locally anytime in this class. Fast Responder capable but unpredictable, he is worth considering if his odds present value. Chill Buddy dislodged the rider last start and deserves another chance, given his solid effort two runs back.

Race 5: The Golden Knight finished strongly into third in a race with strong franked form last time out. He is edging closer to a win. Oldtown scored a tenacious win last start but the wide draw could make things tricky this time. All Round Winner placed at big odds last start and should run well again if he can repeat that performance. Zetta Force made a strong late surge last time out and could run a cheeky race against some more fancied rivals. Winning Data suited by the rise in distance and is expected to show improvement after a mediocre first-up effort.

Race 6: Mr Cool raced wide throughout but still finished a solid fifth last start. From pole position, he looks ready to return to the winner’s list. Shanghai Style showed improvement with a close second after returning to this track last time out. Supreme Agility stormed home to finish third last start, and the booking of Purton adds plenty of interest. California Star possesses a strong turn of foot and should be right in the mix with a clean jump. Fashion Legend well placed with the apprentice claim, he should deliver a strong performance from a favourable draw.

Race 7: Lady’s Choice a natural frontrunner, his recent form has been commendable and he must be rated a top chance despite the wide draw. Patch Of Stars appears to have more upside and should continue his strong run on his Class 2 debut. Aeris Nova comes off an eye-catching second six days ago, and a low draw gives him a good chance to go one better. Dancing Code had genuine excuses last start (crowded early) and could make amends with a smoother run. Aurora Lady has finished strongly in recent outings and will make his presence felt if they overdo it up front.

Race 8: Prestige Hall looks well placed in a field with plenty of speed and is expected to show improvement second-up. Emblazon appears to be the form choice on paper and should continue the strong run in this below-par Class 4 field. Packing King has shown above-average ability in trials and looks one to watch with Purton aboard on debut. Autumn Vibes was far from disgraced last start given the wide draw. From pole position, he should secure a Top 3 finish. Invictus Dragon ran his best race to date last time out and looks to be improving.

Race 9: Snowfield ran on well late in a slowly run race last start, and his previous AWT trials suggest he should be highly competitive this time, especially from a low gate. Dragon Air Force the return to the All-Weather surface looks a big plus, making him hard to overlook. Reliable Profit an AWT specialist, he looks capable of measuring up despite rising to Class 3. Ariel a one-dimensional frontrunner, he could be hard to run down if allowed a soft lead. Turin Mascot recorded the third-fastest final 400m last start and could place at long odds.

Race 10: Yuen Long Elite was used up early last start, and with J-Mac aboard, he’s poised to make amends from a low draw. Max Que has been in career-best form of late and must be included among the better chances. Beauty Bolt has been consistent since day one and always looks a threat in this class, but is often overbet. Pope Cody narrowly missed last time out and should go close again given his strong recent form. Spirit Of Peace with a more conservative racing style, he will need a genuine tempo to produce a strong finish.