Luke Middlebrook
There is plenty of talent stepping out at Happy Valley in Hong Kong on Thursday for an eight-race fixture under the lights.
In Race 1, promising three-year-old Golden Long aims to maintain his unbeaten streak second-up when he returns to Happy Valley for the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.
Trained by Frankie Lor, this emerging talent made a lasting impression on his debut at this track and distance just 22 days ago. Following a series of impressive barrier trials, the Brazen Beau gelding translated that form into a remarkable performance on race day.
He secured a favourable position among the leading pack and unleashed a strong finish over the concluding stages, claiming a convincing two-length victory.
The manner in which Golden Long secured the win suggests that he is likely to easily ascend to Class 3. However, it wouldn't be surprising to witness John Size, Lor's former boss, test the mettle of the youngster with four-year-old Beauty Infinity.
Beauty Infinity displayed promise in its debut, finishing third despite racing wide throughout. Drawn well in barrier No 2 for his second-up assignment, he will travel easily and is open to any amount of improvement.
Speaking of Size, another which he shall produce second-up is talented four-year-old Howdeepisyourlove in the Class 2 Handicap over 1200m in the final race.
Howdeepisyourlove resumed after a four-month break at this track and distance in late November, delivering a strong run by finishing third. Despite being positioned worse than midfield in a strung-out field, Howdeepisyourlove made a late bid, as usual, but encountered trouble in the late stages when checked and subsequently eased down.
It's not to say that he would have won, as it wasn't likely given the winning performance delivered by Son Pak Fu, but it marked a commendable return. Now fitter for his second-up appearance and having had an ideal trial between races, Howdeepisyourlove will have an opportunity to reclaim his winning form from barrier No 1.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Golden Long created a huge impression at local debut by winning smartly. Looks talented and should be much better than Class 4 company. Beauty Infinity turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability. From barrier 2, he can test the favourite. King Eccellente caught the eye flashing home late, nice effort and can play a part in the finish again. Triumphant Warrior checked in a good second on debut and holding form with recent good trial, looks well. Super Axiom should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way.
Race 2: Flying Phantom having second start and can improve with experience. His debut run was promising and, naturally, he will be much better produced second-up from the John Size yard. Lucky Symphony well prepared for debut and is worth considering. His trials have been sound. Shinkansen generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home, chance in a race like this. New Power having third start and may improve here. Travel Golf recent runs have been encouraging and can run well from a low draw in gate 2.
Race 3: One Heart One caught the eye last start when running home well. He should be a big improver coming into a low gate and gets his chance. Happy Jai Jai looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Always a chance in a race like this. Asian One drops down in grade and start following. Drawn awkward in gate 10, but is good enough to figure. Medic Elite always finishes close up and must be rated a chance at this level. Regency Happy Star has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone.
Race 4: Dragon Star winner of last two starts and appears to get a soft lead again. However, the speed maps in these types of races can be unreliable with plenty of mid-race moves occurring recently. Win Win Fighter good performance when storming home for third last start. He can get a soft run from barrier 1 to enhance his chances. Strongest Boy looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Noble Win caught the eye last start running home. Fortune President recent runs have been encouraging. He’s another who can make use of a better draw.
Race 5: Life Is Good changed stables recently and has improved, as seen last start when winning impressively. He should be able to go on with it. Beauty Destiny bit erratic but has a chance. Used up on the lead last start, so with a better-timed ride, he should improve. Harmony Fire is back in good form and must be considered a chance. Yee Cheong Spirit having second start and can improve with experience. His recent trials have been good. Kowloon East Star solid effort last start on-pace in a fast run race and must be rated chance here.
Race 6: M Unicorn winner of last two starts and is a big chance to post a hat-trick of wins despite the class rise. He should handle it and continue his winning way. Thesis form is good and is getting close to a win, good chance in a race like this. Gallant Waking looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He will get back and be running on late. Winning Dragon had excuses last start when racing wide without cover, can improve. Ivy League showed no interest last start, forget the run and go on prior good form.
Race 7: Beauty Waves looks overdue for a win and comes out of a very strong race at Sha Tin. This is his race to lose but, hopefully, Teetan doesn’t get involved in a early speed battle with some other noted front-runners. Excellent Fighter is back in good form and must be considered a chance here. Tomodachi Kokoroe video replay showed last run was very good. Champion Method nice 3yo who is well placed with light weight. Bon’s A Pearla backing up quickly from a good last start effort and can run well again. Will love a fast-run race.
Race 8: Howdeepisyourlove highly promising galloper who appears a great chance to win second-up from a break and off the back of a solid trial in between runs. Son Pak Fu winner of last two starts and looks a top chance to go on with it – he is flying. Majestic Knight a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, which he should. Wonder Kit nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance in a race likes this. Winning Icey talented galloper who is resuming from a break. May need the run, but one to follow as his preparation deepens.