He Jiong
Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday for an exciting 10-race fixture with highly competitive action expected throughout the day.
In-form sprinter Gummy Gummy looks ready to convert consistency into victory in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m on the All-Weather track.
Winless this season but back in great form since March, the Snitzel gelding has placed in his last three runs. Most recently, he finished a close second to AWT specialist Must Go over this course and distance. After jumping from a wide gate, Gummy Gummy tracked the leader and battled on gamely in the straight, going down by just a head.
While Zac Purton-ridden Gummy Gummy rates as the clear form pick, his main threats come from Mask Rider, Mojave Desert and Mr Energia — all of whom finished behind him last time out but had genuine excuses.
Talented three-year-old Rising Force looks well placed to notch back-to-back wins in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.
A standout in several trials leading into his debut in late March, Rising Force was well supported in the market—and he duly delivered. Settling just off the speed from an inside draw, the Deep Field gelding quickened impressively in the straight, sprinting clear to win by two lengths over this track and distance.
A highly progressive type with more to offer, Rising Force has since trialled well as usual and looks ready to continue his winning ways with another strong performance in Class 4 company.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Fairy Horse caught the eye running home strongly after a tardy start last time out. With a clean jump, he can make amends. Ka Ying Power will relish the drop in class, and from an inside draw, he should enjoy a smooth trip and show improvement. Cashiscash was not beaten far in Class 4 last start and could surprise at odds dropping to the cellar grade. Tsuen Wan Glory with a 10-pound claimer aboard, he could cause an upset with a bold on-pace effort. Timestorm his last run was better than it reads, and the booking of Purton is a positive sign.
Race 2: Hinokami Kagura signalled his readiness with a fast-finishing second on his Class 5 debut last start. With a favourable draw, he’s poised to go one better. Excellent Daddy likes the AWT surface and the drop in class also plays to his strengths. Cheer For South his recent runs have been encouraging and another strong performance is expected. Patch Of Watch with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim, he has a significant weight advantage over his rivals and must be respected. Falcon Court has trialled well leading up to this race, and a win wouldn’t be surprising.
Race 3: Rising Force an impressive debut winner, he has since trialled well and looks primed to secure back-to-back victories in Class 4. Fun N Fun Together showed tactical speed and was narrowly beaten last time out. With Purton staying aboard, he looks the second best here. Natural High has been in consistent form on the AWT surface and should play a key role. Robot Knight showed improvement last start when storming home into third over this track and distance. California Star with an explosive turn of foot, he could make his presence felt if the pace suits.
Race 4: A wide-open field where betting movement could offer a good guide. Oriental Smoke his recent runs have been encouraging and he has to be rated a leading contender. Volcanic Spark has the ability to cause an upset in this field and is worth considering if his odds offer value. S J Tourbillon attacked the line well late in his recent outings, and from a low draw, he should map closer to the speed and go close to winning. Joyful Prosperity a proven performer in Class 4, he is nearing his last winning mark and should not be overlooked. Kasa Papa well weighted and could surprise at odds on his day.
Race 5: Fun Elite has raced well in Class 3, and dropping to Class 4 gives him a strong chance to bounce back. Heroic Master a wide draw significantly hindered his winning chances last start. He could improve with more favourable conditions. Island Breezes was narrowly beaten two starts ago before a mediocre effort last time out. He could prove to be a value choice. Dancing Classics owned by Hong Kong star Aaron Kwok, the newcomer has trialled well for his debut, and the betting market will tell the story. Amazing Fun resuming from a break, he should run well with fresh legs first-up.
Race 6: Aurora Patch stuck on well for fifth off a frantic tempo last start, he is down to Class 4 and primed to break through, especially with Purton aboard. Rainbow Seven outperformed market expectations with a solid second on debut and looks one to follow. Lucky Mcqueen has trialled well for his debut but the wide draw remains a concern. Club Ace finished a luckless third after being held up at a crucial stage last start. He could make amends with a smoother trip. Elegant Life has recorded fast final 400m sectional times recently and could surprise at value.
Race 7: Gummy Gummy appears overdue for a win after three consecutive placings, and with a favourable draw, he shapes as the leading contender. Mr Energia well placed at the weights, he will make a strong late surge with a genuine tempo. Mask Rider had excuses last start (raced wide) and could cause a surprise if he can cross early from a wide draw. Mojave Desert was not beaten far despite being held up in the concluding stages last start. With better luck in running, he should secure a spot in the Top 3. Bundle Of Charm suited by the drop in distance and worth considering with Bowman aboard.
Race 8: Sugar Ball boasting a great record in Class 4, he is well placed to return to the winner’s list with the drop in class. With A Smile has trialled well to maintain his form since a tenacious win last start. A double looks well within his reach. Capital Legend is better than his recent form suggests and could surprise at odds. Quick Contribution finished strongly into third after a slow start last time out. With a clean getaway, he could finally break through. Across Da Universe endured a wide trip last start, and with a smoother run, he could sneak into the placings with the apprentice claim.
Race 9: Pakistan Legacy boasts strong recent form around horses like Lady’s Choice and looks primed to break through from a favourable draw. Super Infinity should be highly suited by the drop back in distance, and a Top 3 finish would not surprise. Blazing Wind produced a fair effort last start, and appears well weighted to deliver another commendable performance. Young Superstar could be hard to run down if he rediscovers his former brilliance. Moduleconstruction scored a narrow on-pace win last start and could repeat that performance under similar conditions.
Race 10: Star Mac finished a meritorious fourth despite being held up at a crucial stage last start. With better luck in running, he should be highly competitive. Magnificent Nine has been racing in career-best form and must be included among the better chances. Definitive a dangerous frontrunner, he could be hard to run down with a more measured ride, which looks likely as Purton takes the reins. Huge Wave has what it takes to bounce back anytime in this class, so do not underestimate his chances. Tourbillon Prince an inside draw and a 10-pound claimer could be the key factors to spark a surprise this time.