Luke Middlebrook
Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Thursday for a nine-race fixture under the lights.
Promising three-year-old Golden Long can bounce back to his winning ways when he returns to Happy Valley in the Class 4 race over 1200m in Race 4.
Golden Long made his racetrack debut at this course and distance two starts ago in mid-December, backing up a series of impressive barrier trials by winning straight up with ease.
The Frankie Lor-trained gelding mapped in midfield on that occasion and let down with purpose late to win convincingly by two lengths. This went awry second-up, however, as he was slow to begin and suffered interference at the 1000m which diminished his chances.
Golden Long has since been back to the trials and won his heat smartly by six lengths and in good time. Finding a winnable contest third-up, he appears poised to rebound.
In the opening race, improving four-year-old Great Days gets his chance to break through on the quick back in the Class 5 race over 1200m.
The Pierre Ng-trained gelding has been improving with race experience and returns to the races on a three-day turnaround after finishing runner-up at Sha Tin on Monday, beaten by a length by the all-the-way winner Happy Tango.
Great Days will be afforded every chance by stepping away from barrier No 1 on Thursday under in-form jockey Karis Teetan. From there, he should be close to the speed and in a favourable position turning for home. – iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Great Days backing up quickly from a good last start effort and can run well again. Drawn well low and gets his chance to win if he handles the quick turnaround. Wind Speeder will win in this grade very soon while with Purton jumping in the saddle he will be favoured. Goodmanship had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire. Trialled well since and maps well. Tactical Command blinkers have been added and can surprise. August Moon has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. Just needs luck from the wide draw.
Race 2: Atomic Beauty nice horse who is a model of consistency and stands out as the form choice here. He will just need early luck from the wide draw but Purton should push the button early and find a spot. Red Majesty has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade, can bounce back anytime. Charity Bingo second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve off the back of an improved trial. Club Soda has been steadily improving and do not dismiss. Invincible Missile can bounce back a winner anytime in this class. The low draw favours him.
Race 3: Fight Time good performance when storming home for third place last start when on debut. He will likely get back in the run from the wide draw and make another late bid. Joyful Prosperity still a maiden galloper but gets his chance to win here. Legion Of Merit has had no luck recently and could run a cheeky race with better luck in the run. Capital Legend down in class in this race and should perform better under the apprentice claim. Brave Witness had betting support last start. Purton takes the ride here.
Race 4: Golden Long recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting a good run can be expected after he had excuses in the run last start. Prior, he was an impressive debut winner and showed he could be better than Class 4 company. Flying Phantom nice effort last start when storming home into, appears ready to win. Super Eagle has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. He will map ide- ally from his low gate. Talents Supremo always finishes close up and must be rated a chance. Racing well after a stable change. High Rise Soldier has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade.
Race 5: Colourful Emperor showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight, checking in third to Gorgeous Win which looks handy form for a race like this. He could get a soft lead and be hard to run down. A Americ Te Specso recent runs have been encouraging. He will get back and run on as usual. Denfield had genuine excuses last start when caught wide. He could easily rebound in a race like this. Togepi could easily surprise in this race with a light weight from the low draw. Kyeema caught wide last start and covered extra ground before weakening.
Race 6: Molly’s Witness well prepared for debut and is worth considering. He appears to be good enough to win first-up under Purton from the low gate. Parents’ Love having second start and can improve with experience. He was favourite on debut and warrants respect. Harmony Fire has ability and is always dangerous in this grade, can bounce back anytime. Fortune Warrior should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Fun Elite had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race.
Race 7: Ernest Feeling good performance when storming home for a nice second last start when drawn wide and ridden for luck. He comes into a lower gate here which should enhance his chances. Yoda’s Choice well prepared for debut and looks like a big chance to run a race on first-up from a low draw under Purton. Country Dancer last run suggested a win was very near. Crystal Powerful winner of last two starts and looks a top chance to run well again with a touch of luck from out wide. Lyrical Motion changed stables recently and has improved while he had excuses racing wide last start.
Race 8: Act Of Faith turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly. Avdulla knows him well and barrier 2 is key to his chances here in an open race. Nicconi County more than capable of winning again in this race if the race is run to suit. Prince Of Porty caught the eye flashing home late, nice effort and is back in-form and nearing another win. Just needs luck from out wide. Righteous Arion good performance when storming home for third place last start. Oriental Smoke good performance when returning to form last start and could run a cheeky race at odds.
Race 9: Plenty of chances here in the final race. Noble Pursuit rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. Drawn nicely low and could be too strong late. Flamingo Trillion looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He will map a winning chance. Lean Hero looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form, expect better as he steps away from a better gate. All Beauty last start placing was full of merit, nice effort. Nicholson Returns scored a big win last start and it will pay to keep following if he can repeat the dose.