Gummy Gummy to shed maiden tag at Sha Tin

Luke Middlebrook

Trainer Benno Yung can be confident three-year-old gelding Gummy Gummy is now ready to break his local maiden tag in Race 6, the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m, at Sha Tin on Wednesday in a Hong Kong meeting run under lights.

Gummy Gummy will be making his seventh start in Hong Kong and has been consistently finishing in second place in his last three runs. Despite being heavily backed as a $2.7 favourite in his last start at the same track and distance, Gummy Gummy failed to display his usual early speed and settled towards the rear from barrier No 9. He finished as the best of the rest, closing off fastest in the race, but was unable to catch the winner.

Gummy Gummy is coming into a much lower draw and is expected to showcase his usual early toe, putting him in a strong position in running and clinch a well-deserved victory.

Elsewhere, trainer Caspar Fownes' rich vein of form can roll on as four-year-old Galaxy Witness aims for a first-up win in Race 8, the Class 2 1650m Handicap.

Galaxy Witness resumes off a Four-Year-Old Classic Series campaign in which he acquitted himself well with a third place in the Classic Cup. In the Derby he jumped awkwardly, settled at the rear and was never a threat given the lack of speed engaged.

Still, he was just 4.50 lengths off the winner as he crossed the line in 10th place. The four-year-old form has been outstanding since, with multiple runners performing well subsequently. Galaxy Witness trialled nicely for his return and it will be worth taking a punt on him based on that.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: M M Nebula ran the third fastest sectional time last start when unsuited on turf at Happy Valley. He always trials well on the AWT, so it’s worth taking a punt on him. Starry Night drops down in grade and start following. Smart Folks has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Luck Star disappointing last start but worth giving another chance here. Aca Power video replay showed last run was very good as he was unable to be properly tested.

Race 2: Shining Fortune a bit erratic and hard to follow but has ability and can surprise. Barrier 1 should provide all hope in the run and the stable is flying. Lucky Banner had excuses last start when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race. Smokey Bear has dropped a lot in the ratings and can improve under Purton. Also, worth noting he is one from one on the AWT overseas. Noble One blinkers have been added and can surprise. Colourful Prince recent barrier trial was good, suggesting an improved run can be expected.

Race 3: Colourful Baron will win in this grade very soon after two consecutive placings in Class 5 and Class 4. Ready to win. Chiron had genuine excuses last start and consider again. However, the wide draw is the concern. El Valiente was an easy last start winner and must be respected if he has luck from a wide gate. Gold Comet good performance when returning to form last start, he can run well again if he shows up in the same form. Win Win Charity last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Chance to improve from a lower draw.

Race 4: Amazing Teens looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start, but still held down a spot in the placings. Ready to win again back up to his best distance. Gallant Hero was an easy last start winner, albeit in Class 5, but must be respected. He has what it takes to win in Class 4 and Purton does stay atop. Righteous Doctrine was slow to begin last start but made good ground late. With the right run, he’s a genuine chance. Billionaire Secret recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Mission Bravo showed good improvement last start and appears to be a chance.

Race 5: The Multiplier looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form as he has excuses. Under the 10lb apprentice claim, he could be hard to run down if given a good steer. Red Desert drops down in grade and start following. He is the class horse here on true form, gets Purton in the saddle but will need luck on his side from gate 12. Summit Cheers go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. Glory Bo Bo video replay showed last run was very good after he was held up at a crucial stage. I Give had excuses last start when racing wide without cover. Barrier 4 should ensure a better run.

Race 6: Gummy Gummy looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Hopefully he can show is prior good gate speed from barrier 4 here and that will see him break through. Last run into second place was huge against the race shape. Winning Icey nice effort last start when storming home for a brilliant win. That suggests he can run another big race here. Lightning Bolt can bounce back a winner anytime in this class. Everyone’s Victory last start winner who rises in class but can measure up. Mark The Moment looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form.

Race 7: s race is wide-open. Adefill nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance if he sees out the extra trip. Erimo placed last start and looks a chance to run well again. The lower draw could prove the winning factor. Fiery Diamond having first try at this distance but has the form on the board. Viva Hunter good effort last start leading all the way to win. From barrier 2, he will vie to do the same. Yes We Can has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. He should map ideally from barrier 4 and be getting his chance.

Race 8: Galaxy Witness goes well first-up from a break and trialled well for his return after his 4YO Classic Series campaign. That form has been excellent and he is another who can enhance it. Hava Nageela is the obvious danger. A winner of last two starts at this track and distance and should be handling the class rise. Handsome Twelve was slow to begin last start but made good ground late. He can bounce back anytime in a race like this. Apache Pass track and distance specialist and appears suited. Rise Brethren goes well second-up from a break and should be respected.