Golden Rise to shine at Happy Valley

He Jiong

Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley today with an exciting nine-race fixture and highly competitive action expected throughout the meeting.

Five-year-old gelding Golden Rise looks poised to secure his second career win as he lines up in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.

Trained by John Size, Golden Rise wrapped up his previous campaign with a close second to the in-form Spicy Gold. However, wide draws in his last two starts—barriers nine and beyond—have been key obstacles to breaking through this season.

The son of Written Tycoon resumed with a fast-finishing ninth in a slow-run race, followed by a wide trip last start, where he finished sixth over this track and distance, beaten just two lengths.

With two runs under his belt this term, Golden Rise should be primed to peak third-up. If luck goes his way, he’s well-positioned to make amends this week.

The Caspar Fownes-trained Glory Cloud looks primed to break through in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.

A four-time placegetter from nine starts, Glory Cloud has been knocking on the door this season, securing two placings in his last three outings.

Last time out, the Charm Spirit gelding delivered a strong performance over this track and trip, finishing a close second to the promising debutant Triumphant More, beaten by just a head after racing on the speed.

This week, Glory Cloud finds himself in an average Class 4 field, where his main rival appears to be Fatal Blow. The latter ran a solid third on debut and has room for significant improvement second-up, but Glory Cloud’s form gives him a strong edge.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Me Time has gone close at the bottom of Class 4 and looks ready to run a big race on his Class 5 debut, especially with Purton aboard from an ideal draw. Chateau Le Peche has shown improvement since dropping to Class 5 and worth considering. Turtle Again turned in a nice effort last start when finishing strongly into third. With a genuine pace, he can make amends. Go Go Go has shown consistent form in the cellar grade and must be included among the better chances. Running Ahead let down well with the second fastest final 400m last time out and could place at value.

Race 2: Flying Phantom resuming off an eye-catching trial, he looks a strong winning chance dropping to Class 5 for the first time. Modest Gentleman boasts a great record in Class 5 and is another likely to relish the drop in class. Speedy Fortune ignore his last start where he failed to show tactical speed. From a low draw, he should map well and go close to winning. Happy Horse hard to overlook given his strong record in this class and over this course. Ace Talent had excuses last start (mucus in trachea) and is worth giving another chance, despite the wide draw.

Race 3: Atomic Beauty unlucky last start when held up at a crucial stage. With the drop in ratings, he is close to his last winning mark. Dragon Delight has been in great form of late and is ideally weighted to be competitive in this race. Escape Route attacked the line strongly late in his last two starts, and with James McDonald on board, he is poised to return to the winner’s list. Turin Warrior has ability but is inconsistent, worth considering if his odds offer value. To Infinity let down well from a wide draw last start, and further improvement is expected if he can capitalize on the inside draw.

Race 4: Management Folks found the line well in a slowly run race last start, and with the step up in distance and Purton aboard, he looks a strong contender here. Charity Gain possessing a strong turn of foot, he can make his presence felt if the pace suits. Affordable caught the eye running home powerfully last start and must be respected. Arthur’s Kingdom a dangerous frontrunner who can be hard to catch if allowed a soft lead. Dragon Star is always a threat in Class 4 and should run well if he can see out the marathon distance.

Race 5: Glory Cloud was narrowly beaten last time out and looks well placed in a below-par Class 4 field to finally break through. Fatal Blow showed promise with a solid third on debut and is the other strong winning chance in this race. Gimme Five remains a maiden galloper but gets his chance to win in a race like this, with the inside draw another advantage. Bulb Emperor is better than his recent form suggests and could run a cheeky race. Northern Fire Ball may find this a bit tougher than those restricted races previously, but he could sneak into the placings with Purton aboard.

Race 6: Golden Rise can bounce back anytime in this class, and with J-Mac aboard, he’s primed for a strong performance. Gallant Valour finished powerfully with the fastest final 400m and cannot be ignored, despite carrying top weight. New Power wasn’t disgraced in his last run and is well placed with a 3-pound claimer from a decent draw. Sea Sapphire was the victim of an ill-judged ride last start and could make amends first-up with a better-timed ride. Roaring Bebe caught the eye with a fast-finishing sixth last time out and could place at odds.

Race 7: Lightning Bolt has dropped significantly in ratings and looks on track to return to the winner’s list after a strong fourth last time out. Beauty Destiny stormed home for a brilliant win last start and remains a strong chance despite the wide draw. Colonel has tactical speed and could be hard to catch if allowed an uncontested lead. Glory B ignore his last run, as it was declared “unacceptable” by stewards, and he has the ability to cause an upset here. Racingrace has not been beaten far recently and is not without a chance.

Race 8: In this wide-open field, Red Elegance should be highly competitive after a solid fourth-place finish in a slowly run race last start. Allgreektome produced an improved effort last time, racing on pace to finish runner-up. He looks to get all the favours with a 7-pound claimer aboard from an inside draw. Horsepower scored a tenacious win on debut but needs to improve to win again, given the increased weight and wide draw. Eternal Fortune has been edging closer to a win and deserves respect. Happy United had excuses last start (raced wide) and could cause an upset if he finds his best form.

Race 9: Illuminous likes to get back and charge home late. If he can position closer to the speed from an inside draw, he should run a big race here. Chain Of Gold has hit a purple patch of form but will need a good steer from Purton to win from a wide draw. Rocket Spade has shown encouraging recent performances and should run well again. Comet Splendido is returning from a break, and the betting market will be the best guide. Hameron is already below his last winning mark and could upset some more fancied rivals on his best form.