Music to flow at Sha Tin

Promising four-year-old Lightness Of Music looks set to complete a cross-seasonal double this Sunday when he contests the Class 3 Handicap over 1000m at Sha Tin.

Lightness Of Music displayed above-average ability in several trials before his June debut, and it came as no surprise when he attracted heavy market support that day. Guided by champion jockey Zac Purton, the son of Press Statement made light work of his rivals, travelling on the speed and drawing away to score by two lengths over this track and distance.

The form has been subsequently franked, with second-place getter Amazing Galaxy following up with an effortless victory, which bodes well for Lightness Of Music to continue his winning ways, despite stepping up to Class 3.

After finishing runner-up at both career starts, four-year-old Tourbillon Golfer looks ready to break through in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.

Last time out, the son of Cosmic Force was unlucky not to score. He travelled strongly in the early stages but was badly held up from the 400m until the 150m. Once clear, he finished powerfully to miss by only a neck over the same track and distance.

Freshened up with a 71-day break, Tourbillon Golfer has trialled well in preparation for this first-up assignment. With a smoother run in transit, he shapes as the one to beat in a field that lacks depth. - iRace Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Circuit Fiery narrowly beaten last start and with Purton remaining aboard, he’s poised to break through. Windicator Family well placed with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim and rates highly from a low draw. Team Happy showed solid improvement last start and is now on a winnable mark, making him one to follow. Euro Rocks badly held up in his latest outing, and with a smoother run, he could cause an upset. Island Golden had genuine excuses last start (blood in the trachea), and deserves another chance.

Race 2: Jumbo Fortune has gone close in Class 4, and based on those efforts, he’s primed to make amends on his Class 5 debut. Only U has been knocking on the door recently, and with Purton taking the reins, he must be considered a leading contender. Verbier possesses tactical speed and could be hard to catch if allowed a soft lead. Fight Time two seconds from as many attempts in Class 5, he could bounce back anytime. Panda Legend flashed home into third on his Class 5 debut last time out, despite being held up from the 400m to the 200m.

Race 3: Blazing Wind turned in an impressive trial on the AWT surface recently, and looks ready to run a big race under Purton. Jolly Companion with the apprentice claim, he is expected to deliver a strong run up front, following a fast-finishing fourth last time out. Sight Happy raced on the speed and stuck on well for third last start, but the wide draw poses a challenge this time. Daily Trophy a bit unpredict- able but could run well on his day, making him more like a value choice. Gimme Five won by a clear margin in Class 5 last time out and remains a chance, despite stepping up to Class 4.

Race 4: Roman Crown has finished well in his recent starts despite encountering traffic issues. With a clearer passage, he could make amends. Raging Rapids surprised at big odds last start but the awkward draw makes things tricky this time. Sugar Ball boasting a strong record in this class, he must be included among the better chances. Second To None has trialled well for his return, and with Vincent Ho aboard, he is expected to show improvement, especially from a low draw. Top Time with a strong turn of foot, he can make his presence felt under the right race shape.

Race 5: Max Que has been in consistent form and is overdue for a win. He appears to find a highly winnable race. Forerunner he looks ready to return to the winner’s list, following two consecutive placings. Enjoy Golf faded badly in a fast run race last time out, and with a more measured ride, he could surprise at odds. Strathpeffer performed well despite a wide trip last time out. He is well weighted to produce another encouraging effort. Ragga Bomb showed improvement last start, and commands respect on his Class 4 debut, despite carrying top weight.

Race 6: Argento Ocean has finished well in strong form races in both starts, and must be considered a strong chance with Bowman aboard. Sea Emerald resuming from a bleeding attack in a trial, his previous form suggests a strong first-up run is imminent. Groovy Feeling aims for a quick double, which is well within his reach, after an impressive win last week. Lucky Mcqueen resuming off a nice trial, he could surprise at odds from a low draw. Sunny Q could sneak into the placings if the pace suits, though the wide draw remains a concern.

Race 7: Lightness Of Music an impressive debut winner, he looks to have plenty of upside and stands out as the leading contender, despite rising to Class 3. Fast Responder his recent runs have been encouraging, and with a 10lb claimer aboard, he is well placed to continue his strong run. Alsonso conceded a narrow defeat last start and is worth considering against some more fancied runners. Majestic Express should be highly competitive in this field, given his strong recent form. Lucky Eight has been hampered by wide draws in his last two starts and could place at long odds.

Race 8: Tourbillon Golfer narrowly beaten in both starts and appears primed to break through under Purton, despite the wide draw. Patch Of Time has drawn well and could cause an upset as a proven performer in this class. Club Ace produced an improved effort last start but needs to overcome a wide draw this time. Hot Air Ballon finished a solid fourth on debut and further improvement is expected as he gains more experience. Von Baer attacked the line strongly late last time out and looks a chance in this open field.

Race 9: Mask Rider from a low draw, he should enjoy a smooth run under Purton and could be hard to run down. Gummy Gummy highly suited by the switch back to the AWT surface, where his best form lies. Packing Bole with tactical speed as his best weapon, he is expected to deliver a strong performance, aided by Britney Wong’s 10lb claim. Mojave Desert always a threat in this class, he must be rated a strong chance. Solid Shalaa both the drop in distance and the return to the AWT surface are positives, making him one hard to overlook.

Race 10: Joy Of Spring secured back-to-back wins in this class towards the end of last season. Trialled well for his return and looks set to run a strong fresh sprint. Master Of All a dangerous frontrunner, he could hang in there all day under the right race shape. Superb Kid found the line well late last start and must be rated a strong chance. Winning Gold had genuine excuses in his last two starts and could improve into the money if things go his way. Snowfield will relish the drop in class and should not be overlooked with Bowman aboard.