Frankie Lor and David Hayes will use the Class 1 Panasonic Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on Saturday to gauge the Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) prospects next month of Healthy Happy and Fantastic Treasure, respectively.
Reigning Hong Kong Champion Trainer Lor will saddle Healthy Happy in the HK$3.465 million contest and is optimistic the six-year-old can return to the winners’ enclosure for the first time since he landed the G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m) on 1 January.
To face eight rivals, Healthy Happy will start from barrier seven under Silvestre de Sousa, who is in the midst of a hot streak with six wins from his past 14 mounts.
“Healthy Happy’s in good form, he worked well in his gallop on Wednesday morning (9 November),” said Lor, who has 14 wins for the season. “He’s got a big weight, but if he won on Saturday maybe he can get a few more (handicap) points and then maybe we could look at Hong Kong International Races.”
Healthy Happy is currently rated 107 and is entered in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile (1600m).
Dual Hong Kong Champion Trainer Hayes will use Saturday’s race to decide if Fantastic Treasure, rated 99, warrants pushing towards either the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) or the Longines Hong Kong Mile (1600m) – or a race on the meeting’s undercard.
“The race will decide which way we go. If he wins, he’ll probably be eligible for one of the big races – if he doesn’t win, there’s an easier race for him on International Day,” Hayes said.
“I just thought he got in the wrong spot last start (when eighth behind Wellington in the G2 Premier Bowl Handicap, 1200m on 23 October) and he couldn’t pick up the good sprinters but it looked like a horse to me who was looking for more ground and the 1400m should be ideal.
“His trackwork and trials have been very good, so I think he’ll run a good race. His final gallop for this race on Wednesday morning was very good.”
Fantastic Treasure is drawn in gate No 2 for Matthew Chadwick.
Angus Chung takes the mount on Tony Cruz’s last-start winner Circuit Stellar (115lb), hopeful of capitalising on a Class 1 opportunity.
“The horse performed well last start, I’m not sure what level he can get to and the move to Class 1 will be a tough challenge for him,” the apprentice said. “He has drawn a good barrier so hopefully he can sit behind the leaders and put in a good performance.
“It’s good to have a ride (at Class 1 level) and to win that would be very good for me. Just to have a chance to feel the bigger races is good for me. Things have been pretty good so far, I’m glad to get some winners (six wins and 13 placings from 68 rides) and hopefully I will continue to get opportunities from owners and trainers.” – Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Superb Capitalist talented newcomer who looks ready to win here after trialling smartly for his debut. He can lead and prove hard to catch under the 5kg claim. Happy Won narrowly beaten last start and goes close here first-up under Purton. Multisuper has trialled well for debut and should be rated a chance, he looks progressive. Super Fast Dragon has looked very good in recent trials and is rated a chance. Young Sparkle looks a solid good chance based on last start and has race experience on his side.
Race 2: Superb Daddy finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start, huge run and he can prove hard to hold out here. Loyal Ambition remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here after going close in recent starts. Run Des Run looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form, another good winning chance. Star Of Glory showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight, he’ll do the same here. Fortune Patrol has a good record over this race distance and can upset on best form.
Race 3: Golden Bull has trialled well for debut and should be rated a chance to get the win first-up from a good draw. Fast Buck newcomer from the John Size yard who has trialled well for debut and appears ready to go first-up. California Forest has dropped a lot in the ratings and can improve in a race like this. Young Life Forever ran the third fastest sectional time last start for an improved run, he can improve even more here. Dragon’s Luck well prepared for debut and is worth considering.
Race 4: Righteous Doctrine has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. From barrier 1, he can map to get all the favours. Sun Of Makfi clearly has a better chance over this distance and expect a better run, no surprises to see Purton take the ride. Green Laser has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone, just needs luck from a wide draw. Lucky Victor video replay showed last run was very good and he can improve from a nice draw here. Skyey Supreme has a chance based on past form in this class of race.
Race 5: Flying Dragon narrowly beaten last start and goes close here under the 10lb claim and from a good draw suited to the straight course. Wonderful Unicorn has trialled well for debut and should be rated a winning chance with Purton riding. Speedy Mouse talented galloper who is resuming from a break. Mr Majestic had genuine excuses last start when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race, he can improve. Metro Warrior has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone.
Race 6: Adefill caught the eye last start when running home well. He comes into a low draw here and looks a solid chance for newcomer jockey Jye McNeil. Casa Legend video replay showed last run was very good. Marado improving with racing and getting close to another win, gets his chance under Purton. Perfect Peach form is good and must be rated a solid chance, just needs luck from a wide gate. Speed Fay Fay placed last start and looks a chance to run well again under red-hot SDS.
Race 7: Healthy Happy was not disgraced last start when beaten by a very smart horse in California Spangle. He should be up on the pace and prove hard to run down. Beluga goes well second-up from a break and should be respected at the weights under Purton. The Golden Scenery recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Cheerful Days drops back from a Group race and looks a good chance. Circuit Stellar rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up and can give a sight.
Race 8: Open race but Yes We Can winner of last two starts and is a big chance here if he can handle the rise in grade. Maximus last run suggested a win was very near and he will be going close. True Legend good performance when returning to form last start, he can improve more here. Amazing Teens showed improvement at a recent trial and barrier 1 gives him a chance. Viva Hunter narrowly beaten last start and goes close here with the right run.
Race 9: Lucky Eight recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting an improved run can be expected. He should bounce back to winning ways here. Bundle Of Charm faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape now that he should be rock-hard fit. Enchanting Ibis good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Ready To Win had excuses last start when racing wide without cover, he can relish a low draw. California Vanes looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form, last start was too bad to be true.
Race 10: Voyage Bubble nice four-year-old with a good chance to continue his winning ways first-up here. Sweet Encounter quality type who remains unbeaten to date and will go close again, despite the rise in class. Beauty Charge a last start winner who trialled well since, he looks on an upward trend. Sword Point well prepared for debut and keep safe with Purton picking the ride. Happy Daily last start winner who remains in the same grade, drawn well low to be competitive again.