Lui’s Steed to strike at Happy Valley

Trained by Francis Lui, five-year-old gelding Mighty Steed looks ready to strike locally when he resumes at Happy Valley in Hong Kong on Wednesday in the Class 4 Handicap over 1650m.

Since dropping to Class 4, Mighty Steed has proven more competitive, finishing in the top four in two of his last three runs. Well-supported in betting at his most recent start, he adopted a positive tactic by going straight to the lead and fought on bravely, only headed inside the final 50m to finish a close second over this course and distance.

Resuming off a 63-day break, the son of Time Test has further underlined his readiness with an impressive trial win. In a field without much depth, he shapes as the leading contender first-up.

The Caspar Fownes-trained Super Sicario looks well placed to finally shed his maiden tag in the Class 5 Handicap over 1650m.

Although still winless after eight starts, Super Sicario showed promise at the tail end of last season in Class 4 company. Two runs back, the son of Tivaci finished strongly for fourth, before showing tactical speed last start when fifth in a fast-run race, where the in-form SJ Tourbillon stormed home from the rear to score.

Now dropping into Class 5 for the first time, Super Sicario strikes a far more suitable assignment. Based on his recent efforts in Class 4, he appears primed to make a winning return first-up. – iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Lucky Blessing his last two starts in Class 4 were encouraging, and he looks primed to make amends dropping to Class 5 for the first time. Super Charizzard will relish the drop in class and should be a strong contender with Purton, who has a perfect record aboard. Dan Attack was narrowly beaten last start, and now appears to be on a winnable mark. Ragnarr looks overdue for a win after two consecutive placings and must be respected. Talents Supremo caught the eye flashing home late in a slowly run race last start, and could place at long odds if the pace suits.

Race 2: Super Sicario making his Class 5 debut, he could be hard to run down if he crosses early from a wide draw. Wah May Wai Wai another galloper dropping to Class 5 for the first time, and the addition of Purton ticks another box. Foremost Teddy missed by a head after being heavily backed last start, and looks one to follow. Harry’s Hero nearing his last winning mark, he could make amends after finishing a luckless sixth last time out. Go Go Go the drop in distance should play to his strengths and could spark improvement.

Race 3: Happy Boys finished strongly into fifth despite being held up at a crucial stage last start. From a better draw, he’s poised to break through. Grand Nova caught wide but still ran well last time out. With a more favourable jockey booking, he shapes as a strong contender. Plentiful a track and distance specialist, he looks capable of bouncing back anytime. Super Sixty a proven performer at this level, he appears to get all the favours this time. Crystal Powerful capable but unpredictable, he is worth considering as a value choice.

Race 4: Mighty Steed led most of the journey last start and has since trialled well, suggesting a big first-up run is imminent. Prince Alex held up at a crucial stage last start and could improve into the Top 3 with a smoother trip. The Auspicious ran on late to claim third last start, and from a low draw, he should map closer to the speed and be highly competitive. Setanta has posted fast final 400m sectionals recently and can make a strong late surge in a genuinely run race. Soaring Bronco is better than his recent form suggests and can upset some more fancied rivals.

Race 5: Casa Rochester overlook the last start effort as there were genuine vet excuses. He deserves another chance based on his strong previous form. Highland Rahy a formidable frontrunner, he scored a narrow but impressive win last start, and a double looks within reach despite carrying a heavy weight. Harmony Galaxy produced his best effort in Class 3 last time out and must be included among the better chances. S J Tourbillon comes off a hat-trick in Class 4 and remains a strong chance despite stepping up to Class 3. Samarkand well weighted in this field and could run a cheeky race.

Race 6: Super Unicorn has not been beaten far in recent starts, and reuniting with Purton piques plenty of interest. Quantum Patch stuck on well for fourth in a fast run race in Class 3 last time out, making him one to follow dropping to Class 4. Sturdy Ruby back to Class 4 where his best form lies, he looks ready to bounce back. Firefoot should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and could place at value. Amazing Run secured back-to-back victories last start, and staying in Class 4 should give him every chance to complete a hat-trick.

Race 7: Bienvenue let down well to finish second last time out and must be considered a leading contender despite the wide draw. Vigor Elleegant overlook his last start, where a roarer condition occurred. Sectional data suggests his previous win was impressive. Charming Babe showed improvement back to Class 4 last start, and draws well to run another good race. Thunder Prince will make his presence felt if the pace suits and is worth considering as a value choice. Motoman had genuine excuses last start (raced wide) and can improve with a more economical run.

Race 8: King Of Fighters the drop in distance works in his favour and he should deliver a strong performance from a good draw. Storming Dragon looks overdue for a win after placing three times from his last five starts. Power Koepp always appears to be a threat in Class 3, and his strong recent form makes him hard to overlook. Dragon Four Seas will give them something to chase if he can get a soft lead from a wide draw. Regal Gem won at big odds last start; if he can repeat that performance, a double is possible.