Luke Middlebrook
California Deeply stands out as the best bet on the eight-race card at Happy Valley in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
The quality three-year-old, who lines up in Race 8, is aiming to score a hat-trick in the Class 3 Handicap over 1000m.
California Deeply has hit the ground running in Hong Kong after he arrived a one-time winner from two starts in Australia, where he raced under the same name and looked a horse on the up.
Doing all his racing at this track and distance so far, the son of Deep Field ran home powerfully late into fifth first-up before putting it all together second-up with a big win from gate No 11 to get his nose down on the line when it mattered. On his third local start 35 days ago, the up-and-comer won with authority by 1.25 lengths after being placed midfield and running on swiftly once popped the question.
Holding his form with an impressive trial win, California Deeply doesn’t seem to want to slow down anytime soon, while drawn low in barrier No 1 should ensure a smooth one in transit from where he can be hard to hold out again.
Luke Ferraris rode him to victory last time and he will be on board for this run
Elsewhere, improved five-year-old Rattan Kingdom is another who looks on track to score three wins in succession when he steps out in Race 5, the Class 4 1200m Handicap.
Rattan Kingdom has shown vast improvement this season after joining trainer Jamie Richards’ stable, yet to finish outside of the top two in four starts after placing just once from six starts with Richard Gibson last season.
The addition of blinkers has looked a contributing factor to his form reversal and after winning his last two races most impressively, the Per Incanto gelding looks on track to win his way out of Class 4.
With Zac Purton remaining in the saddle, while remaining well drawn over some of his key rivals, he should be getting all the favours as he searches for that hat-trick of wins.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Fortune Master video replay showed last run was very good, after he was unable to be properly tested. He has since trialled well and is ready to win. Concerto drops down in grade and start following, he’s well-placed in Class 5 now and can improve. Dazzling Fellow last run suggested a win was very near and will go close. Daily Beauty last start winner who remains in the same grade, can run well again. Glorious Lover down in class here and can surprise.
Race 2: Our Creed every chance last start but still ran a good race and he gets another chance from barrier 1 here. Medic Elite had genuine excuses last start when lame and consider again. London Luckystar finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start for a big run. He can win this, but needs luck from barrier 10. Vukan unbeaten in this class and must be a big chance again. Joy Master looks a solid good chance based on last start and consider for exotics.
Race 3: Winning Steps has been improving with racing and this race looks the right time to have a bet on him as SDS takes the ride. Happy Angel having first try at this distance but could be suited. He did go off favourite last start and is on the improve. Management Folks last start winner who rises in class but Purton rides. Kowloon Great last start placing was full of merit, nice effort. Vincy well-placed and looks a chance in race like this on true form.
Race 4: Flying On The Turf easy last start winner who rises in class but can measure up in a race without much depth. Faribault winner of last two starts and looks a top chance again, but 1200m is the query. Telecom Speed drops down in grade and start following, he showed nice improvement in a recent trial. Young Horizon showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight and he can do the same here. Fortune Carrier turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly.
Race 5: Rattan Kingdom winner of last two starts and is a big chance here to score his hat-trick of wins. He can win his way out of Class 4. Sugar Sugar video replay showed last run was very good. Mr Fun last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss, he just needs some luck from the wide gate. Righteous Arion best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. Flaming Passion was eased early before catching the eye late, but again he may be ridden for luck here.
Race 6: Overall, a strong race here with many genuine winning chances. Young Life Forever best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. Star Contact good effort when only narrowly beaten last start and he will be getting his chance to get the win. Be wary if he’s $2.1 again however. Flying Silver winner of last two starts and is a big chance here to get a hat-trick. Copartner Era last run suggested a win was very near. Viva Popcorn last start winner who remains in the same grade and can run well again from gate 1.
Race 7: Jumbo Legend nice four-year-old with a good chance here if he handles the rise in distance. From gate 4, he looks to map softly and his turn-of-foot holds him in good stead. Zone D had vet excuses last start and forget the run. Resuming off a decent trial, and with Purton riding, he will go close. Dynamic Spirit had genuine excuses last start and consider again. Master Tornado caught the eye last start when running home well and he is on the improve. Happy Daily turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly.
Race 8: California Deeply winner of last two starts and is a big chance here to get three wins on end. He has trialled superbly in between runs and, from barrier 1, should take a power of beating. Gorgeous Vitality is by far the main danger. He turned in a nice effort last run when third to California Deeply but was first-up off a lengthy break and will be much fitter now. Pretty Queen Prawn nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance. Special M always finishes close up and must be rated a chance at this level. Harmony N Blessed can upset some more fancied rivals on best form.