Light Years Charm sets out to prove capability at Sha Tin

Race-by-Race Previews

Light Years Charm has always shown plenty of aptitude and Thursday’s HK$4.2 million G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin shapes as a timely and suitable opportunity for the five-year-old to enhance his standing.

Seeking a first Group race win, Light Years Charm has progressively earned a 107 rating across 12 appearances in Hong Kong – highlighted by five wins over Thursday’s course and distance – for trainer David Eustace and owners Zhao Guoming & Xiao Bing.

Zac Purton has ridden the bay in all five of his wins and resumes riding duties this week aboard the earner of HK$10.87 million, drawn barrier six, after the pair was eighth in last month’s HK$5.35 million G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m).

“He’s continued to improve over the last 12 months – he’s done a really good job. He can’t run a mile (1600m) – he’s shown that on a couple of occasions now, so we’re back to 1400 metres, which suits him better,” Purton said.

Blocked for a run first-up this season in September’s HK$4.2 million G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) when racing along the inside rail, Light Years Charm trailed that effort with a quality Class 2 win on 9 November at Sha Tin before his latest outing.

“But once again, it’s just a matter of how he gets out of the gates. He just doesn’t begin, and usually by now they’ve figured it out, but he hasn’t,” Purton said. “He’s not making it easy for himself and that’ll be his next step. Now that he’s up to the rating that he is at, if he doesn’t start getting away with the field, then it’s going to be really hard for him.”

Leading the jockeys’ standings with 51 wins this term, Purton is nearing HK$100 million mark in stakes won with HK$99.54 million earned from 243 total rides. The Australian Racing Hall of Famer partnered Light Years Charm when second in a recent barrier trial.

Purton said: “He feels like he’s in good form and his trial was good. Hopefully, we get some speed on and he can chime in when he’s ready.”

Boasting an unmatched 1,929 wins in Hong Kong, Purton has previously won the Chinese Club Challenge Cup three times: Little Bridge (2011), Helene Spirit (2013) and Lucky Sweynesse (2023).

The Chinese Club Challenge Cup also features Tomodachi Kokoroe, Patch Of Theta, Packing Hermod, Beauty Eternal, Johannes Brahms, Aeris Nova, Capital Delight, Dancing Code, Sky Trust, Storm Rider and Gustosisimo. - Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race 1: Harry’s Hero finished strongly in a slowly run race last start and appears well weighted to make amends from a low draw. Gangnam Star showed improvement with a fast-finishing third last start and has since trialled well. Panda Legend suited by the return to Sha Tin and is worth considering as a value pick. Draco remains a maiden after 18 starts, but looks capable of breaking through anytime in the cellar grade if things fall his way. Windicator Family raced wide last start, and with a more economical trip, he could improve into the money.

Race 2: Prestige Hall stormed home for fourth despite being held up at a crucial stage last start. From pole position, he’s poised to break through against moderate rivals. Meowth his recent runs have been encouraging, suggesting another strong showing is imminent. King Oberon held up for the final 200m last start and deserves another chance, given his strong previous form. Beauty Gemini has trialled okay for his debut and looks one to watch with Purton aboard. Same To You possesses versatility in running but his mixed form raises concerns.

Race 3: Riding High looks overdue for a win after two consecutive seconds, and Purton could be the final piece he needs. Run Run Timing had genuine vet excuses last start and looks capable of bouncing back in a race of this nature. Legend Star surprised at long odds last start but repeating that performance remains a concern. Circuit Victory suited by the drop back in distance and is expected to produce an improved effort. I P O Bros comes off a slashing fourth in Class 4, and the drop in class should work in his favour.

Race 4: Light Years Glory trapped wide last start, and in a more manageable field, he looks well placed to show improvement from a good draw. Amazing Partners turned in a strong performance on debut when finishing third, but the wide draw poses a challenge. Smart Golf finished a creditable fifth on debut, and with natural improvement, he should be in the mix. Flowing Riches will find this field more manageable and could place at long odds. Speedy Smartie has struck a purple patch of form recently and looks well weighted to continue the strong run.

Race 5: Packing Hurricane recorded the fastest final 400m in a slowly run race last start, and with a more genuine tempo, he could make amends. Hakka Radiance has been in great form this season and must be considered a strong contender. Double Win his last run was better than it reads and he is suited by the rise in distance. Supreme Mastermind will relish the drop to Class 4, where he finished a close second two starts ago. Sharpen Bright now below his last winning mark, he could cause an upset on his day.

Race 6: Better And Better has not been beaten far in recent starts, and from a favourable draw, he should map well and be highly competitive. Proud Box has trialled well leading into this race and a low draw ticks another box. Sunday’s Serenade stormed home for second last start and the booking of Purton piques interest. Raging Rapids caught the eye with a fast-finishing fourth last start and will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Beauty Viva has dropped in the rating and should not be overlooked in this field.

Race 7: The Golden Knight has been knocking on the door of late and shapes as a leading contender, despite the wide draw. Etalon Or has shown consistent form in Class 4 and must be included among the better chances with the drop in class. ^Endued^1 finished a slashing second despite encountering traffic in the straight last start, and with a clearer passage, he could go one better. Gloriastar sporting blinkers for the first time, he has trialled well ahead of this race. Happy Universe had genuine vet excuses last start (blood in the trachea) and deserves another chance.

Race 8: Light Years Charm will relish the drop back in distance and must be considered a strong contender, despite meeting a top-class field. Patch Of Theta attacked the line strongly late in a G1 feature last start, and with the drop in class, he is well placed to make an impact. Tomodachi Kokoroe has shown rapid improvement this season and should play a key role. Packing Hermod boasts a great record over this distance and a low draw further enhances his winning prospects. Aeris Nova defied a wide trip to score a tenacious win in Class 2 last start, and remains a chance despite stepping up to this grade.

Race 9: Savvy Brilliant ran on well late last start, and with Purton taking the reins, he must be respected, especially from a low draw. A Time For Us caught the eye flashing home late on his local debut and looks one to follow. Matters Most made all last start in this class and could repeat the dose if he can cross early from a wide draw. Crossborderpegasus three from five to date, he looks a strong contender in this race, despite the wide draw. Call Me Glorious a natural frontrunner, he could surprise at odds on his return to Class 3 if allowed an uncontested lead.

Race 10: Charming Legend overlook his last run where he was trapped wide throughout. With a better-judged ride, he could show sharp improvement. With A Smile scored an easy win in Class 4 last start, and remains a strong chance despite rising to Class. Six Pack finished strongly into fourth from a wide draw last start, and with a better gate, he could show further improvement. Ka Ying Attack has ability and can upset more fancied rivals if he brings his A game to the track. Beauty Alliance resuming from a break, he could sprint well fresh, though the trip is a touch short of his best.

Race 11: Circuit Grand Slam scored an impressive win at long odds on his local debut and backed it up with a slashing third last time out. Infinite Resolve appears overdue for a win after three consecutive placings, and an inside draw ticks another box. Tourbillon Golfer proved his competitiveness with a close second on his Class 3 debut last start, and is well weighted to produce another strong showing. Quartz Legend Suited by the switch back to the turf track and could sneak into placings at odds. Pi Legend has trialled exceptionally well for his local debut, though his overseas form doesn’t read that strong.  - iRACE Magazine