Luke Middlebrook
Thriving three-year-old Howdeepisyourlove tops the bill at Happy Valley in Hong Kong on Wednesday and can continue his rich vein of form in Race 8, the Class 2 Handicap over 1200m.
The John Size-trained talent has been a shining light for the stable this season by winning four of his nine starts while finishing in the placings a further four times. The only occasion he missed the frame was on his second-up run on International Jockeys' Championship night, when he had a whole lot go wrong in the run and finished a luckless ninth place.
Since then, Howdeepisyourlove has been on a rampage which has seen his rating soar from 52 to 93. His last start win at this track and distance had plenty of merit to it as he copped a nasty check at the 600m, before letting down with his trademark turn-of-foot to score narrowly but impressively.
The in-form four-year-old Son Pak Fu is another highlight on the card, and his winning streak looks capable of remaining intact when he contests the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m in curtain-closer.
Last start Son Pak Fu continued his domination of the 1200m course at Happy Valley this season, securing his fourth consecutive victory as the first horse to achieve this feat in the current season. He left his Class 3 rivals trailing behind him by an impressive margin of three lengths, his biggest winning margin so far.
Smacked 12 points in the handicap because of that galloping lesson, Son Pak Fu does have to defy the handicapper yet again as well as barrier No 11. In his favour, however, is the fact it should be a hot-run race.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Theta Hedge had genuine excuses last start when checked and can improve in this race. The drop back in distance in the query, but he has drawn nicely low. Birdsville second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve if to overcome the wide barrier. Jack Win last start winner who remains in the same grade and can run well again. Valhalla eased early before going on to make late ground last start. He is on the improve. Double Show resuming from a break and recent trial was fair.
Race 2: Romantic Laos last-start placing was full of merit, nice effort and he can bounce back for a win here having drawn well low in barrier 2. Palace Pal drawn well here in barrier 1, and that should provide all hope to be in the finish under Bowman. Blissful Star always finishes close up and must be rated a chance in a race like this. Fearless Fire placed last start and looks a chance to run well again. Barrier 3 should ensure the perfect map. Perfect To Great go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay.
Race 3: E Universe holding form with recent good trial and looks well place to land his first win here after missing by the narrowest of margins last start. Harmony N Home go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay. Big chance to improve with Purton back in the saddle from barrier 3. Travel Golf good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Drawn nicely in gate 4 and will have every hope. Young Life Forever has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Like That can bounce back a winner anytime in this class. Barrier 2 should see him competitive.
Race 4: Holy Power has shown ability and gets his chance to win here. He has the most upside and from barrier 3, he should be getting all the favours in the run under Purton. Nice Birdie had excuses last start when blood in the trachea and forget the run. He can run a race from his low draw provided good health. V Chevaliers go on previous solid form and give a chance as he comes into a low draw. He raced wide last start. King’s Capital has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade. Management Folks fresh up from a break and should run well at a price.
Race 5: G One Excellent racing in career best form and must be rated a good chance to bounce back for a win. He still seems to be in touch with the handicapper. Savvy Delight ran the second fastest sectional time last start for a good run. Barrier 2 should provide a world-perfect run. King Invincible has been steadily improving and do not dismiss. Oversubscribed good performance when storming home for third place last start. Super Commander a fast beginner who should gain a good run from barrier 1.
Race 6: Not much separates this lot and it’s an even race. Snowalot well supported last start and won accordingly. He’s improved after a stable change and may still have points in hand. Hercules placed last start and looks a chance to run well again if he shows up in the same form. One For All winner of last two starts and looks a top chance but drawn horribly wide. Diamond Flare recent barrier trial was a big improvement, suggesting a good run can be expected. Top chance for Avdulla to break through. Circuit Booming drawn well and should gain a nice run in transit. The query is the long break.
Race 7: Up And Up having second start and can improve with experience after a promising local debut. Meaningful Star consistent performer of late and worth considering. He should be there fighting out the finish. Pegasus General consistent performer of late and worth considering from his low barrier. Majestic Victory has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Rocket Spade remains a maiden galloper but should be close up in the finish.
Race 8: Howdeepisyourlove smart three-year-old from the John Size yard who remains the one to beat. It gets harder for him as he continues to rise in the handicap, but he still seems to have points in hand. Adios appears to be very well suited by the track and distance of this race. Packing Treadmill looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. Astrologer last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Majestic Star bled last start and has been rested. Chance to surprise at odds first-up.
Race 9: Son Pak Fu a 4-time winner that is well placed after a demolition job last start. Drawn wide, but there’s plenty of speed on and he should be going close to winning again. Brave Star form is good and must be rated a solid chance. He’ll love a fast tempo and will be coming home hard and fast. Excellent Peers well-placed and looks a chance in race like this. Allgreektome has shown ability and gets his chance to win here and you’ll be getting a better price than in recent starts. Juneau Flash turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and will do the same here.