Light Years Charm chases HK hat-trick

Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Tuesday for an exciting 10-race fixture with highly competitive action expected throughout the day.

Talented four-year-old Light Years Charm looks poised to complete a winning hat-trick in the Class 2 Handicap over 1400m.

A bargain yearling purchase at just A$3,750, Light Years Charm has proven to be an outstanding investment, notching three wins in Hong Kong and amassing over HK$7.5 million in prize money. After scoring a narrow but impressive Class 3 win two starts ago, the son of Rubick made a seamless transition to Class 2, winning by 1.50 lengths on debut in the grade—suggesting he is bound for feature races next season.

Despite receiving an 8-point penalty for that effort, Light Years Charm remains in Class 2 and looks well placed to continue his strong run. His main threat appears to be Young Champion, who meets him 4kg better off for a two-length defeat in their last clash and may be capable of turning the tables.

The Class 4 Handicap over 1200m likely to develop into a head-to-head battle between two standout frontrunners.

Trained by Mark Newnham, three-year-old Lunar Dash was well supported on debut 23 days ago, tracking the pace before sticking on gamely for a close third. With natural improvement expected, he shapes as a strong winning chance. In the same race, former Macau galloper Wonderstar made the running and was only collared in the final stride, beaten a head into second over this track and trip.

Given how closely they matched up last time, it is difficult to separate them, although Lunar Dash is 0.5kg better off. With both possessing early speed, the barrier draw could prove decisive in determining the outcome. - iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Strongest Boy looks suited by the drop in distance and well placed with the apprentice claim. From an inside draw, he can return to the winner’s list. Super Hong Kong showed signs of regaining form last start when charging home strongly into third. Gold Tack his form is coming good again, and with Purton aboard, he should be in the mix. Leather Master has been competitive in his recent starts, but the wide draw is a major concern. Lapras possesses good early speed and could sneak into the placings.

Race 2: Amazing Galaxy showed significant improvement with a solid second last start. Sectional time data suggests it may not have been a fluke. Heroic Master suited by the drop in distance and must be considered a strong contender with a 5-pound claimer aboard. Robot Lucky Star has trialled well for his debut, watch for betting support. Straight To Glory was narrowly beaten last start, and a field lacking depth gives him a good chance to break through. Rising Phoenix capable of causing an upset in this race and worth considering if his odds offer value.

Race 3: Mighty Steed finished a close fourth last start and is edging closer to a win. With a favourable draw, he could finally secure his first local victory. Spirit Of Peace has raced well with fast final sectional times recently. If he can map closer to the speed from an inside draw, he should play a key role. Fortunate Son will relish the drop in class and should produce an improved effort. Lakeshore Hero can make his presence felt late if the pace suits. Lucky Year a newcomer who ran on well in a recent trial, and could surprise on debut.

Race 4: Lunar Dash showed tactical speed and finished a close third on debut. With natural improvement, he looks one to follow. Wonderstar a dangerous frontrunner, he is on a winnable mark and could be hard to run down with a well-timed ride. Autumn Delight scored an easy win at Happy Valley last start and remains a chance despite facing a slightly tougher field at Sha Tin. Diriya was held up at a crucial stage last time out and could make amends with a smoother run. Brownneedsfurther is well prepared with several trials for his debut and the market will reveal the story

Race 5: Light Years Charm a feature race contender in the making, he scored an easy win on his Class 2 debut last start and is poised to continue his strong run. Young Champion let down well to finish third last start and should deliver another strong showing from a favourable draw. Soleil Fighter has been in career-best form lately and must be included in exotic bets. Lo Rider resuming from a break, he finished fourth in this year’s Hong Kong Derby and should run well fresh. Mickley finished strongly despite being held up at a crucial stage last start and could be a value choice.

Race 6: Beauty Glory boasting an impressive record in Class 4, he is expected to deliver a strong on-pace performance and could prove hard to run down. Ka Ying Radiance had no luck last start enduring a wide trip. With better luck in running, he could make amends. Know At Heart dropping in rating, he could upset some more fancied rivals on his best form. Solid Win finished a solid fourth on his return to Class 4 last start, and further improvement is expected. Simple Hedge had genuine excuses last start, when being held up from the 300m to the 200m, and deserves another chance this time.

Race 7: La Forza performed below expectations last start, but his previous strong performances suggest it may have been a one-off. Whizz Kid both the drop in class and distance work in his favour, making him an intriguing runner to watch. We Are Hero with a strong turn of foot, he has the ability to cause an upset in this field and should not be overlooked. Fast Responder returned to form last start and must be considered a strong contender. Majestic Express scored a tenacious win last start, and a double looks within his reach.

Race 8: Winning Data after enduring a wide trip last start and finishing just 3.5 lengths behind, he could bounce back with a more economical run, which looks likely from a better gate. Happy Universe finished a luckless fourth last time out and an inside draw provides him a good platform to make amends. Star Brose finished strongly late despite a tardy start last time out, and should improve with a clean jump. Quick Contribution caught the eye running home strongly last start and will make a strong late surge if the pace suits. California Sun with added experience, he could place at odds in his third career start.

Race 9: Pakistan Legacy from pole position, he should enjoy a smooth trip and finally secure his first local win against a below-par Class 3 field. Young Superstar possessing tactical speed yet inconsistent, he can be tough to catch when at his best. Infinite Resolve sat on the speed and finished a close second last start, though aided by a slow tempo. A win in this field wouldn’t be surprising. Matters Most won by a clear margin in Class 4 last start and remains a chance despite the rise in class. Goko Win his recent runs have been encouraging, and with a decent draw, he should extend his strong form.

Race 10: Glorious Success finished a slashing third last start, with the form since being franked. Flying Luck likes to get back and charge home late, so he needs a genuine tempo to suit his racing style. Magnificent Nine has shown consistent form in Class 3 and a break- through looks only a matter of time. Excellence Value with Purton aboard, he may sneak into the placings, though he generally performs better at Happy Valley. Yuen Long Elite likes to dictate up front and could prove hard to catch if allowed an uncontested lead.