Exciting four-year-old Wunderbar is primed to secure a fifth straight win in the Class 2 Handicap over 1000m at Sha Tin on Saturday.
Regarded as one of the best four-year-olds alongside Ka Ying Rising, Wunderbar boasts an impressive record of six wins from seven starts and possesses all the traits to become Hong Kong's next star sprinter.
The Rich Enuff gelding, trained by John Size and ridden by Zac Purton, has demonstrated remarkable tenacity since day one, achieving many narrow victories as he advances through the grades. Notably, he is the only horse to have defeated Ka Ying Rising thus far.
While Wunderbar remains unbeaten in two starts over the Sha Tin straight course and appears set to continue his winning streak in a small field of nine this week, his main rival looks to be Magic Control. After finishing a commendable second in the Group 3 National Day Cup last time out, Magic Control will relish the opportunity to drop to Class 2.
The in-form five-year-old Voyage Samurai looks primed to go one place better in the Class 3 Handicap over 1600m.
A model of consistency, Voyage Samurai has hit the frame in all six starts to date, securing three wins along the way. Resuming 42 days ago, the Dissident gelding put in a strong second-place performance, working hard early to secure a forward position from a wide draw and battling on to finish just a neck behind over this track and distance.
Having since impressed in a trial, and now drawn ideally, Voyage Samurai is well-positioned for a perfect run and looks set to make amends for his narrow last-start defeat. – iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Superb Move having trialled well for his return, he should be a strong contender from a decent draw. Colourful Baron scored an easy last-start win despite travelling wide. He looks on track for a double remaining in Class 5. Precision Goal a fast beginner who can run well with a well-timed ride, which looks likely under Purton. Joyful Champion appears well placed at the weights and can be in the finish. Vulcanus backing up quickly after a fast-finishing second at Happy Valley three days ago, he should run well again.
Race 2: Juneau Pride turned in a very nice debut run when finishing second over this distance. Now fitter, he is primed to break through. Etalon Or has gone close at both starts this season and will shed his maiden tag very soon. Circuit Jolly settled on speed to finish third on debut though the pace favoured him. From an inside draw, he should map well and go close again. Ka Ying Attack checked into a close fourth on debut, and with natural improvement, he should play a key role. Sonic Pursuit a newcomer who has trialled well for debut, and it pays to follow tote movement.
Race 3: Master Trillion showed a strong turn of foot to score an impressive debut win over 1000m. He will be hard to beat in this field if he can handle the rise in trip. Monarch County his debut run was much better than it looks and with added experience, he could secure a spot in the Top 3. Patch Of Time won well in this class last time out, however, the wide draw is the main concern here. Roman Crown showed improvement at a recent trial, and with Purton taking the reins, he may improve at his second start in Class 4. Euro Rocks has dropped in the ratings and looks capable of causing an upset.
Race 4: Charity Gain broke through in fine style last time out and looks to be a quality stayer in the making. Jubilation a proven performer at this level, he will make his presence felt with a genuine pace. Arthur’s Kingdom with tactical speed and good stamina, he could be hard to run down if allowed a soft lead. Joyful Prosperity won by a clear margin in Class 5 last start and remains a strong chance rising to Class 4. Confringo endured a wide trip last time and should improve with better luck in running.
Race 5: Excel Wongchoy a consistent performer of late, he should receive every chance from a good draw and finally break through in Hong Kong. Forever Folks boasts an impressive record on the AWT surface and appears always a threat in Class 4. Highland Rahy a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Foremost Teddy looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Consider if his odds are justifiable. Never Peter Out scored a facile win on this surface last time out despite travelling wide, and should have more ratings in hand.
Race 6: Wunderbar an exciting four-year-old with an incredible record of six wins from seven starts, he looks the standout of the card. Magic Control finished a close second in a Group 3 feature last time out and he should be highly competitive dropping to Class 2. Whizz Kid likes the straight course and could cause an upset if he finds his best form. Tomodachi Kokoroe caught wide last start and still ran well, and the drop in distance could work in his favour. Dancing Code is not out of it and may be able to sneak for a place chance.
Race 7: Packing Hermod remains unbeaten from three starts, but this looks to be his toughest test yet, as he faces a few highly progressive gallopers. Sunlight Power finished a luckless third last start after being held up for the final 150m, and could make amends with a smoother run. Green N White rises in class but can measure up given his strong form lines. Rubylot scored a brilliant win last start, and looks to be a lightweight chance despite rising to Class 2. Bottomuptogether a consistent frontrunner, he could give them something to chase if he crosses easily from a wide draw this time.
Race 8: Fight Time finished a solid second despite being held up in the concluding stages last start and he could make amends with better luck in running. Legend St Paul’s turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability. Jubilant Winner holding form with a recent good trial, he looks a strong contender with Purton remaining on board. Sunny Da Best could cause an upset if he reverts to his positive racing style. Strathpeffer last run was better than it reads as he was caught wide, and may surprise at odds.
Race 9: Captain Win produced an honest effort from a wide draw last start, drawn well this time, he can go close to winning based on his collateral form lines. Savvy Brilliant has trialled well since his last-start win in this class and is primed for a double with Purton retaining the ride. Super Infinity has shown consistent form since day one and can bounce back anytime. Solid Impact resuming from a break, his great first-up record will definitely catch the eye. Magnificent Nine has ability and can improve second-up from a break.
Race 10: Voyage Samurai a strong on-pace runner, he is primed to go one place better after finishing a meritorious second from a wide draw last time. Star Mac turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly, and could make amends if he can take advantage of an inside draw here. Silo formerly racing in Singapore, his recent efforts suggest a win is just around the corner. Turin Starspangled did not disgrace at his last run and must be rated a chance here. Ching has a great record in this class and must be respected.