Hall wary ahead of Sage’s return

David Hall hopes Invincible Sage can again contend for Hong Kong’s elite sprint contests this season but believes lower-weighted rivals in the HK$4.2 million G3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m) at Sha Tin on Tuesday are better suited by the race conditions.

Invincible Sage will carry 61.5kg under Hugh Bowman and will concede 9kg to six of his eight rivals tomorrow – Whizz Kid, Nervous Witness, Beauty Waves, Call Me Glorious, Magic Control and Baby Crystal, who are all assigned 53.5kg.

Last season’s National Day Cup winner Stolz returns with 59kg, while Majestic Knight will carry 54.5kg.

With three wins and two seconds over the straight 1000m course, G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) winner Invincible Sage resumes from a spell, having finished eighth in the G3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m) behind Ka Ying Rising on 2 June.

“I'm really happy with his progress but Tuesday is just a starting point for him. It's a handicap race - it ticks a lot of boxes for a few others more so than it does for him. Tuesday is just a starting point,” Hall said.

“He's not going to be 110% fit on Tuesday, but it's a good place for him to kick off.

“I could go and trial him again but he loves the straight track. There's a race there for him which will bring him on for where he needs to be and he's done really well in the off-season. It will be interesting to see with a big weight on a fast track.”

Hall plans to target the G2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) on 20 October and G2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) before tackling the G1 Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on 8 December.

Beyond that, Hall might consider a tilt at the G1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m), won last season by California Spangle, at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai in April.

“If he can just improve a little bit on last year's form - he shows he's competitive with those horses - and he's a good straight horse, so there might be a Dubai option for him later in the season if his form stands up,” Hall said.

“But, of course, we want to be here on our home ground in the premier races.”

Hall’s fellow Melbourne Cup-winning trainer David Eustace will have his first starters at Sha Tin tomorrow when Noble Win and Jumbo Fortune debut for the city’s newest handler.

“I've taken my time and waited until the horses are ready and now they are, so I'm looking forward to it. I certainly wasn't in a rush or felt pressured to run horses but, of course, we all want to compete. It's nice to be able to put a saddle back on one in a competitive environment for the first time in a long time,” Eustace said.

“I'm happy with both of the horses and of the two, you'd have to favour (Jumbo Fortune). He's certainly down the weights compared to what he's won off and he's trialled up well.

“We've kept him reasonably fresh and Karis (Teetan) rode him in his trial. He quickened well, showed plenty of enthusiasm and I was keen to get Karis because he's the only rider to have won on him. He's probably not the most straightforward and he gets a good tune out of him.”

Eustace is Jumbo Fortune’s fourth trainer in Hong Kong after the gelding’s former stints with Tony Cruz, Caspar Fownes and Pierre Ng, while Noble Win transferred from John Size’s yard.

“He (Noble Win) done nothing wrong and his first trial was pleasing and probably caught me by surprise a little bit with how forward he was,” Eustace said.

“He was caught a bit flat-footed in his second trial so I think you can't read too much into that. I've been happy with him and his work was good with Jumbo Fortune on Monday 23 September.” - Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Aromatica narrowly beaten last start, and with Purton jumping in the saddle, he is primed to break through first-up. Medic Elite looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start and can make his presence felt if the pace suits. Link down in grade and trialled very well recently, he could surprise at value. Joyful Life a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, but the rise in distance is a concern. Noble Win recently transferred to David Eustace’s stable, with improvement expected.

Race 2: Chilli Baba finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start. An inside on the C+3 course gives him a golden chance to land his second career win. Same To You won well last start and looks on track for a double remaining in Class 5. Ho Ho Star Looks overdue for a win and enters in good form, but will need a good steer from Purton to overcome the wide draw. Commanding Missile bled last start and has since been rested. Now well rated in this class. The Good Deal did not disgrace at his last run and must be rated a chance here.

Race 3: New Future Folks debut run was good and has trialled well since. Despite the awkward draw, he is well placed in a below-par Class 4 field to break through. Less Is More solid first-up performance, and the extra distance should suit him second-up. Great Spirit will find this easier than last start and cold be placed at value. Enshine has been very well prepared with several trials, watch for betting support. Gluck Racer possesses a strong turn of foot and is ideally weighted. Commands respect.

Race 4: Geneva boasts strong form lines around horses like Rubylot and looks overdue for a win. Top Scorer overlook his last start as something was amiss. He has trialled well for his return and should play a key role. Silver Destiny produced a nice effort when storming home for third place last start. Keep safe. Cheerful World his debut run was honest despite racing greenly. Resuming from a break, the betting market will be the best guide. Patch Of Time not out of it and may be able to sneak for a place chance.

Race 5: Jumbo Fortune flashed home into second last start, and from an inside draw, he looks a good chance for new trainer David Eustace to get his first winner in Hong Kong. Enjoy Golf recent runs have been encouraging, and with some of his main rivals drawn wide, he should go close to winning from a low draw. Yuen Long Elite had genuine excuses (raced wide) last start and consider again as he draws well here. View Of The World recent barrier trials were eye-catching and he must be rated a chance with Purton taking the reins. Team Happy caused a surprise last start by winning at big odds. Worth considering if his odds still offer value.

Race 6: Special Hedge has been knocking on the door and Purton could be the final piece needed to secure his win. Sharpen Bright scored an easy win last start and a double is within his reach as he remains in Class 4. Intrepid Winner has dropped in the ratings and appears well placed in this class. Storm Winner was narrowly beaten last start and he looks a strong contender with Vicent Ho retaining the ride. Jubilation Stormed home for a brilliant win last start and must be respected.

Race 7: Beauty Waves has been ultra-consistent and boasts strong recent form. He is ideally weighted to secure his first Group success. Invincible Sage Group 1 winner resuming from a break, he has trialled well and deserves respect despite carrying top weight. Stoltz has a great record over this distance and should run well with champion jockey Purton on board. Call Me Glorious a promising sprinter, he possesses tactical speed and could be hard to run down despite meeting a top-class field. Magic Control was an easy last start winner and looks to have some ratings in hand.

Race 8: Patch Of Theta one of the most progressive horses last season, he has trialled well for his return and looks like one to follow this season. Sunlight Power fresh off an impressive first-up win, his blistering turn of foot will carry him a long way. Copartner Prance has been racing in career-best form and remains a chance despite tackling 1400m for the first time. Drombeg Banner a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Dancing Code resuming from a break, his recent trial was a pass mark. As a horse owned by Aaron Kwok, he has always attracted attention.

Race 9: Packing Power remains unbeaten from two starts, but this appears to be his biggest test yet as he rises in class and needs to cope with a wide draw. Stellar Express consistent performer of late and worth considering with Bowman jumping in the saddle. Gracious Express handy type resuming from a break, he looks ready to run a big race first-up. Glory Elite a dangerous frontrunner who will bounce straight to the lead and give them something to chase. Hasten Delight goes well second-up from a break and should be respected.

Race 10: Top Gun had excuses (blood in trachea) last start and forget the run. Boasting a perfect first-up record, he has to be rated a big winning chance. Fun Together weakened in a fast run race after racing on the speed last start, he could surprise at value. Lo Pan Spirit a dangerous frontrunner who could stay tenaciously in the lead under the right race shape. Mighty Steed showed big improvement last start when flashing home into third. Find My Love has ability but is inconsistent. His recent trial was good enough to suggest a commendable first-up run.