Lor to make a point at the Valley

Luke Middlebrook

Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday for a nine-race fixture under the lights.

Trainer Frankie Lor should be confident a second Hong Kong win looms for consistent four-year-old Sword Point as he tries Happy Valley for the first time in the Class 2 Handicap over 1800m.

Sword Point has been a solid performer since his move to Hong Kong from Australia, where he raced under the same name and was a two-time winner from eight starts, winning smartly by close to three lengths over this distance third-up before going on to contest the Four-Year-Old Series.

Finishing a fair sixth in the Classic Mile, Sword Point went on to finish runner-up in the Classic Cup before a sixth-place finish in the Derby.

Since then, he has finished runner-up to the in-form Straight Arron, which is formidable form to bring to this race.

Elsewhere, in-form trainer John Size can continue his run of success with five-year-old Savvy Delight in the Class 4 Handicap over 1000m.

Savvy Delight is on his fourth start back in Class 4 and is coming into this race off the back of a strong run into second place at this track and distance two weeks ago.

It was a funny old night at the city circuit, as four leaders from nine races won while it generally favoured to be on-pace throughout the meeting.

Savvy Delight, sent off a $4.1 favourite, was back in the field in his race, standing off the leading runner by 5.25 lengths at the 400m but narrowing the gap to 0.75 lengths as they hit the line.

It was a big run against the race shape and track bias, suggesting he’s ready to win another race, and any Size runner has to be highly respected given their current rich vein of form.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Angels Hunter video replay showed last run was very good and now Purton takes the ride. He looks primed for improvement. Charizard will win in this grade very soon, and barrier 1 should ensure a world-perfect run. Medic Elite good performance when storming home for a nice second last start, he can follow up on that. Happy Jai Jai has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. He just needs luck from barrier 10. Hang’s Choice looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Solid each-way claims again.

Race 2: Reach Goal was not disgraced last start when beaten by a very smart horse, Packing Hurricane, who won again on Sunday at Sha Tin. Gallant Hero racing in career-best form and must be rated a good chance. His first try at the trip is the query. Wonder Years appears to be very well suited by the track and distance of this race and can improve. Happy Angel has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. He has placed over the trip. Legion Of Merit will appreciate the extra distance and can improve in this race second-up.

Race 3: Splendid Living nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance to score an overdue win with Purton taking the reins. Asian One last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Ariel faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape, and he’s well rated now in Class 4. Turin Warrior was eased early before catching the eye late last start. He should appreciate switching to Happy Valley. Get The Monies looks a longshot chance in a race like this as he has finished close up recently.

Race 4: Open race, not much separates the leading chances. Juneau Flash drops down in grade and start following. He should map ideally from barrier 4 under M Dee but does have to improve on his 1200m stats. Charming Steed has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Drawn low, should get the right run and get his chance. Summit Cheers will be suited by the switch back to the turf track and expect better. Flaming Eagle looks a solid good chance based on last start. Hercules can figure in the finish on true form. Purton rides, so that’s a bonus.

Race 5: Savvy Delight last run suggested a win was very near as he stormed home into second place against the race shape/track bias on that night. Ace Talent last start winner who remains in the same grade and has trialled well since, he can go on with it. Nicetobemet holding form with recent good trial and looks well. Barrier 1 will provide every chance. Super Axiom should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Oversubscribed finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start, which is usual. With the race run to suit, he can surprise.

Race 6: A wide-open race with many of the leading chances drawn wide, which makes for an interesting contest. Solar Partner remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here. Young Life Forever looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Travel Golf had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire. Flying On The Turf fresh up from a break and should run well. Circuit Booming ran out of condition last start when first-up off a long break and will be fitter now.

Race 7: Party Warrior good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. From barrier 4 under Purton, he should map with every chance to bounce back for a win. Lucky Eight had genuine excuses last start when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race, he can bounce back with the right run. Heroic Master last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Victory Scholars has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. Smokey Bear last start winner who rises in class but can measure up.

Race 8: Sixth Generation racing in career-best form and must be rated a good chance to go on with it, despite the rise in class. From barrier 1 he won’t have many excuses. Loyal Baby should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way with Purton. Zone D backing up quickly from last week, can run well with some luck from the wide draw, which is the big query given his racing pattern. Top Top Tea looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start. Royal Pride nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance.

Race 9: Sword Point looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He will find this race much easier and his Four-Year-Old Series form, which has been strong, has to be respected. Alacrity well-placed and looks a chance in race like this. He just needs luck from barrier 12 and may be well back in the run. Nimble Nimbus nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance. Barrier 3 suits. Handsome Twelve turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly into second. Savaquin has a better chance on this track and should run well, while he looked well in a recent trial.