King aims to rule Happy Valley again

In-form David Eustace hopes Colourful King can continue to advance when the three-year-old contests the Class 3 Hong Kong China Rugby Cup Handicap (1000m) under Andrea Atzeni on Wednesday at Happy Valley.

Eustace revelled in a first Hong Kong treble last Sunday at Sha Tin and the 32-year-old is eyeing more momentum when he saddles four runners – Brave Witness, Colourful King, Jumbo Fortune and Charity Together – at Wednesday’s nine-race card.

Sired by Blue Point, Colourful King has raced twice in Hong Kong, winning his most recent effort by a nose over Youthful Spirits, who he reopposes from barrier No 4 following that victory laden with courage and aptitude on 19 March.

“He did by the barest of margins. It certainly looked like luck went our way that night and it’s good to get the win obviously. He’s a horse who I think will continue to improve.

“He’s the type of horse who is a still a bit nervy and a bit unsure of himself, so I think he can gradually improve with the more racing he has,” Eustace said. “It was great to get the win and hopefully he can keep progressing.”

Youthful Spirits steps away from gate No 8. Harmony N Blessed, Eternal Fortune, Casa Of Honor, Seasons Wit, Basic Instinct, Watch This One, King Eccellente and Multidutch complete the field.

“It does look like they’ll go fairly quick and he has a nice gate to stalk and be strong late. The encouraging thing for me as well is that he looks like he’ll get 1200 metres, especially around the Valley when asked to. It does just give us options,” Eustace said.

Eustace has 23 wins through his first season training in Hong Kong. His treble last weekend came via Regency Happy Star, Good Luck Babe and Sea Sapphire.

“You obviously don’t go expecting that by any means, but I thought we had a strong hand and the horses were racing well. Hoping to get one, maybe two but to get three was a great thrill. It shows the horses are in good form and the staff are working hard and well,” Eustace said.

Jerry Chau seeks wins at consecutive fixtures when he gets the leg up on Super Joy N Fun in the Class 3 Ho Man Tin Handicap (1200m) for trainer Benno Yung. The pair missed by 0.75 lengths last start on 19 March.

“Last time he had a good draw and we found the perfect position. He finished well and he always tries hard,” Chau said. “Before last time we put him at Sha Tin and tried the 1400 metres – he didn’t show better (form) than at Happy Valley, that’s why we’re back to his best distance and course.”

Karis Teetan also celebrated a three-timer on Sunday. He goes for a first win with Triumphant Warrior for trainer Danny Shum in the third section of the Class 4 King’s Park Handicap (1200m).

“I thought he ran a good race last time from where he came from (barrier No 11). He seems to be running well lately. I am looking forward to riding him,” Teetan said. “Danny has the horse in really good form – I galloped him on Monday, and he felt good.” – Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Ninja Derby is suited by the drop to Class 5, where he has a great record, and must be considered a leading contender from a good draw. Smashing Express still a maiden galloper but finds a highly winnable race and a win wouldn’t be surprising. Tradition likes to get back and charge home late. He needs a genuine pace to suit his running style. Cervin should be highly competitive with the drop to Class 5, but the wide draw remains a concern. Strongest Boy has dropped in the ratings and could surprise at odds in his second run down to Class 5.

Race 2: Glory Cloud had genuine excuses last start (raced wide) and is capable of bouncing back with a smoother run. Loveisintheair has attacked the line late in both starts and could secure a Top 3 finish as he gains more experience. Triumphant Warrior his recent runs have been encouraging but he will need luck again from a wide draw. Giddy Up should be highly suited by the rise in distance and could cause an upset, given that he is already below his last winning mark. Northern Fire Ball has tactical speed and should perform well if allowed to dictate the pace.

Race 3: Harmony Galaxy backing up quickly from a solid effort last week, he is ideally placed in a moderate field to break through. Can’t Go Wong will find this easier than his last start and should deliver a strong performance with a favourable draw. Me Time caught the eye running home strongly last start and appears well weighted to make amends. Firefoot the inside draw suits his positive running style, so expect a strong on-pace performance. Yoda’s Choice won by a clear margin in Class 5 last time out and remains a strong chance as he returns to Class 4.

Race 4: Sovereign Fund showed improvement with the drop in distance last start and could be hard to run down in a field that lacks front-runners. Gameplayer Elite stormed home to finish second last time out and must be considered a strong contender with Bowman aboard. Good Prospect has been in consistent form and could finally break through if he makes full use of an inside draw. Excellent Peers could upset some more fancied rivals on his best form and should not be overlooked. Harmony N Home brilliant winner last start and can repeat the dose if the pace works in his favour again.

Race 5: Youthful Spirits a distance specialist, he must be considered a leading contender despite the wide draw. Harmony N Blessed his recent runs in Class 2 were better than they appear, and he could surprise at odds dropping to Class 3. Colourful King scored a narrow win in this class last start and is worth considering if his odds still present value. Eternal Fortune looks well placed in a field with plenty of speed and will make his presence felt late. Seasons Wit highly suited by the drop in distance, he can prove a knockout chance.

Race 6: Bowser a consistent performer of late, he finds a below-par Class 4 race and looks ready to return to the winner’s enclosure, especially with a favourable draw. Stellar Swift finished a solid fourth on his return to Class 4 last start and looks one to follow. Club Ace has shown ability and gets his chance to win in a race without much depth. Ace Power returned to his best last time out and a double looks within his reach. Galvanic has showed signs of regaining form recently and should not be overlooked despite the wide draw.

Race 7: Casa Rochester endured a wide trip last start, and with better luck in running, he can make amends with Bowman aboard. Gallant Epoch a strong front-runner in great form, he could be hard to run down if given an uncontested lead. Sky Vino has struck a purple patch of form and must be respected, though the wide draw may pose a challenge. Jumbo Fortune looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He should be included in exotic bets. Turin Warrior a moody horse, he could surprise at long odds on his day.

Race 8: Good Luck Win couldn’t have been more impressive last start when defying a wide draw and fast pace to score a dominant win. He looks hard to run down despite rising to Class 3. Star Contact ran on well in a slowly run race last start and could cause an upset with the rise in distance. Flying Fortress did not disgrace in his last run and must be rated a chance here. Ivy League backing up quickly from last week, he could sneak into the placings at odds. Rocket Spade resuming from a break, his eye-catching first-up record holds him in good stead to run a good race.

Race 9: Golden Rise finished a close third on his Class 3 debut last time out, despite being held up at a crucial stage. With a smoother run, he is poised to secure another win. Super Joy N Fun a fast beginner, he can hang in there all day if allowed a soft lead. Storm Rider possessing versatility in running, he is expected to race closer to the speed compared to his recent starts, where he drew wide. Golden Empire has the ability and is worth considering if his odds offer value. Prestige Always will find this field more manageable on his Happy Valley debut and could cause an upset.