Hall double-handed in Bauhinia Sprint Trophy

David Hall is cautiously optimistic Invincible Sage can extend a meteoric rise when the emerging speedster contests the HK$4.2 million G3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap (1000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Unbeaten in three starts this season over the course and distance, Invincible Sage faces nine rivals under Alexis Badel as the gelding rises from Class 2 company to take on seasoned opposition in the most serious test of his career.

Victor The Winner heads the weights from Super Wealthy, Duke Wai, Packing Treadmill, Kurpany, Seasons Wit, Flying Ace, Invincible Sage, Whizz Kid and We Are Hero.

Hall has plotted a conservative path with Invincible Sage since the gelding arrived in Hong Kong in January last year after winning three times in Australia as Thron Bone and believes the four-year-old’s form warrants a tilt at Group company.

“He’s had three (wins) for three (starts) this season and he’s becoming a bit of a straight track specialist and each of his wins have had different sort of merit in it. He’s had to overcome an awkward spot (first-up), the pace wasn’t as we thought it would be the next time and he’s carried the big weight (61.5kg) and then the light weight (54.5kg) and up in grade, but he kept answering the call,” Hall said.

“He’s got another big step to take now but it’s the perfect race for him in that he carries the light weight and it’s his favourite track and trip, where his stats look exceptional – I’m looking forward to seeing how much of a step he can take.”

Invincible Sage has risen 20 points in the ratings after his trio of 1000m wins, winning twice under Hugh Bowman and last start for Zac Purton. With Bowman unable to ride at 52.5kg and Purton on a short leave of absence, Badel takes the plate for the first time.

Hall is also represented by Flying Ace, a four-time Sha Tin 1200m winner who makes his debut over the 1000m straight course on Sunday under Matthew Poon.

“He’s another who’s had winning performances without winning so he does deserve a win,” Hall said of the gelding who has slotted three seconds and a third from four starts this season.

“It’s a bit of a different game for him – the straight 1000 as against getting out the back in 1200 metre races, but that’s probably been because of the barriers he’s been drawing.

“His performances are there for everyone to see – they’ve been quite eye-catching and he also deserves his place in the field. It’s going to be an interesting race for him. His form is good, he’s trialled well since and I expect him, with a good speed on down the straight 1000, to be very strong late again.”

Victor The Winner reappears after a last-start fourth behind Lucky Sweynesse in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on 10 December and reunites with Bowman for the first time this season.

“He’s doing well. Everything is okay,” trainer Danny Shum said. “The only thing is the weight, that’s the worry but he’s got a good jockey and hopefully he can run well.”

Shum has previously won the feature with Scintillation (2007) and Little Bridge (2012). - Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Super Joy looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Had excuses last start, can win this with a clean jump. Beat Hollow should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way, and looks to get it soft enough. Prestige Moochi best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. Island Surprise recent runs have been encouraging and can run well under Bowman. All Is Ready changed stables recently and has improved. Go on prior form as last start was better than it reads.

Race 2: Intriguing race with newcomers who have shown promise as the trials, and exposed types with good form. Bowser has trialled well for debut and looks good enough to win. Patch Of Theta turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability. The wide barrier is of some concern. Hong Kong Hall recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting an improved run can be expected. Silver Destiny has trialled well for debut and should be rated a chance from barrier 1. Sky Heart has been trialling well and comes from an astute stable, watch the betting.

Race 3: Winning Data winner of last two starts and is a big chance here despite the wide draw. It’s a weak race and he appears to have more to come. Aoraki Summit second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve in a race like this. Californiatotality caught the eye last start running home powerfully on debut, fitter now second-up and naturally should improve further. Sky Forever drops down in grade and start following. May need a run or two after the class drop, but has a class edge here. Solid Shalaa never far away from the winner and could sneak a place.

Race 4: Mister Dapper disappointing last start but worth giving another chance here with Bowman jumping in the saddle from a low gate. Give another chance. Jubilation was an easy last start winner and must be respected again. He will map with every chance to score two wins on end. Special Hedge well-placed and looks a chance in race like this from barrier 1. Super Contented changed stables recently and has improved. Rises in class but could measure up. Sharpen Bright blinkers have been added and can surprise off a quiet but decent trial in the head gear. SPd 3/1 last start, respect here.

Race 5: Wide open race. Northern Beaches more than capable of winning again in this race as he should get the race run to suit. California Touch narrowly beaten last start to Northern Beaches and goes close again here. O’liner should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way, but there is plenty of other speed engaged. Cheval Valiant recent runs have been encouraging and can run well from a good gate with the apprentice claim.

Race 6: Magic Supreme has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. Comes into a much lower gate which could be the difference between winning and losing. Diamond Flare was an easy last start winner and could repeat the dose, but all-weather form is always fraught with danger. Regent Glory well supported last start and won accordingly, questions remain if he can repeat the dose. Colourful Prince had excuses last start (blood in trachea) and forget the run. Lean Master every chance last start but still ran a good race, gets his chance again here and will be greater value.

Race 7: Intriguing clash between emerging talents and established top-class performers, set under handicap conditions and featuring an anticipated fast-run race, which makes for a fascinating race. Invincible Sage top class four-year-old who looks hard to beat in this race at the weights. Victor The Winner top class performer who downed Lucky Sweynesse first-up this season. Tries the 1000m straight first time, lumps top weight and could face early pressure – the queries. Super Wealthy goes well second-up from a break and should be respected in a race that suits his chances. Seasons Wit should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and expect a big run. Flying Ace nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance. He should relish a fast run race and will be closing off fast.

Race 8: Call Me Dandy good effort when narrowly beaten last start. Drawn well low and can get his nose in front when it matters here. Toronado Phantom last start winner who remains in the same grade and remains a live chance. Capital Delight surprise tactics adopted last run when being ridden forward, expect quieter tactics and improvement. Lightning Bolt drawn well and should gain a nice run in transit for Bowman. Self Improvement looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form at this track and distance, can bounce back.

Race 9: Blue Marlin no luck recently from wide draws but comes into gate 4 here on the 6-day back up. An open race, but he should be there in the finish. Master Of Fortune simply had no luck last start and overlook the run. Blinkers go on first time, but he was slow to begin in them in a trial. The Heir nice 4YO with a good chance here with early luck from barrier 10. Superb Boy down in class in this race and should perform better, start to follow again. Pins Prince looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. Each-way chance in a race like this.

Race 10: Helios Express top class 4YO who looks hard to beat in this race if he sees out the mile. His performance here will be a good guide on his 4YO Classic Series chances. Super Sunny Sing has had no luck recently and give another chance here. Barrier 11 is far from ideal, however. Dancing Code racing consistently of late and expect another big run. Tricky gate in barrier 12 for Atzeni, though. Alacrity will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well from a low draw. The Golden Scenery go on the win two starts ago and give a chance to rebound.