Luke Middlebrook
Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday for a nine-race fixture under lights.
Progressive four-year-old Beauty Waves has what it takes to secure back-to-back wins in the Class 3 race over 1000m.
Beauty Waves has demonstrated promising ability since arriving in Hong Kong but struggled to clinch that elusive first win after five starts, despite securing placements on four occasions. However, a change in stables appeared to be just what the Irish-bred four-year-old needed to break through.
In late March, on his first outing under the guidance of leading trainer Pierre Ng, Beauty Waves emerged victorious at this track and distance, comfortably justifying his status as the $1.6 market favourite.
With solid trial performances between races, Beauty Waves enters this race in peak form, poised to capitalise on his momentum and secure further victories.
Quality four-year-old Noble Pursuit will be hard to beat in the final event, the Class 3 race over 1800m.
The Caspar Fownes-trained gelding has demonstrated plenty of ability in his eight-start career by securing three wins, but he is overdue for some good fortune after encountering plenty of hard luck tales in his two most recent starts.
Two starts back over this distance at Sha Tin, despite being drawn well in gate No 2, he ended up racing four-wide and without cover, which led to him to weaken badly in the straight. Last start he was ridden too conservatively from a midfield draw, but did his best work late to finish fourth, beaten just 0.75 lengths.
From barrier No 1 on this occasion, jockey Andrea Atzeni will be given the opportunity to be closer in the run, which will prove a winning factor. And with Fownes fresh off a three-timer at Sha Tin at the weekend, momentum can be carried into Wednesday’s meeting.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Beauty Waves more than capable of winning again in this race after breaking through well last start which was his first run for Pierre Ng. Harmony Fire should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way under the apprentice claim. Heroic Master good performance when storming home for third place last start. He will relish a fast-run race and could be too strong late. Majestic Express well prepared for debut for the John Size yard and watch the betting. Happy United looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form.
Race 2: Amazing Boy backing up quickly from last week, can run well on his second start back in Class 5 where he is always a chance. Michael Chang needs every runner to count to avoid a third strike. Splendid Star has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. He can begin fast a give a good sight. Go Go Go last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Circuit Elite looks a solid good chance based on last start. Loyal Ambition can upset some more fancied rivals on best form is always close up in a finish.
Race 3: Mr Good Vibes best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. From his low draw, he should get the greatest number of favours and can be hard to beat. Tactical Command has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. Hero Icon should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and has dropped a lot in the ratings to suggest he can bob up for a win soon. Beau Gosse will win in this grade very soon. Noble One can bounce back a winner anytime in this class.
Race 4: Grand Nova has trialled well for debut and should be rated a winning chance first-up. Not the strongest of races here and he appears to have enough ability to prove a formidable contender. Ma Comet down in class here and can surprise here given the lack of depth. Sergeant Pepper should be highly suited by the drop back in distance. Lean Master go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay. Will need luck from the wide draw however. Circuit Seven can upset some more fancied rivals on best form.
Race 5: Seasons Wit should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and this is the first time he returns to his happy hunting ground in a while. Competitive race, but he is well placed here. Humble Star winner of last two starts and looks a top chance. However, he is first-up off an injury, so there are concerns. Carroll Street goes well first-up from a break and he should relish the anticipated fast tempo. Majestic Knight showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Whizz Kid had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race as it is a much easier assignment.
Race 6: Pegasus General has finished close up recently and can run well. The low gate suits and Jimmy Ting is another trainer who needs to make every runner count so he avoids his first strike. Can’t Go Wong form is good and must be rated a solid chance in a race like this. Snowalot last start winner who remains in the same grade and can run well again. This is no tougher task. I Can has dropped a lot in the ratings and can improve here. Viva Hunter has a good record over this track and distance but needs luck from the wide draw.
Race 7: Glory Cloud backing up quickly from a good last start effort when closing off very well into the placings and can run well again. Our Lucky Glory well supported last start and won accordingly and he could very well go on with it. Winning Heart video replay showed last run was very good after he has excuses. His win prior was solid. Sight Supreme has been trialling well and comes from an astute stable. Golden Luck go on the win two starts ago and give a chance to improve here.
Race 8: High Percentage well supported last start and won accordingly and he has drawn well low to get favours again. He looks to have what it takes to win back-to-back races. Golden Long down in class in this race and should perform better after failing to measure up in Class 3 but without being disgraced. Lucky Quality had excuses last start and forget the run. The Perfect Match had genuine excuses last start on debut and consider again. Trials well and appears to have some ability. Righteous Arion drops down in grade and start following. He will get back in the run and make a late bid.
Race 9: Noble Pursuit video replay showed last run was very good after he was ridden too quietly in the early stages. Comes into barrier 1 here, should map closer and can break through for an overdue win. Eighteen Palms had genuine excuses last start and consider again. Flamingo Trillion is better than recent form indicates and can improve. Gallant Waking generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. Berlin Tango caught the eye last start when running home well.