Patch Of Stars goes for three in a row

Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Saturday with an exciting 11-race twilight meeting that promises competitive action throughout the evening.

Manfred Man-trained three-year-old Patch Of Stars looks well-placed to complete a hat-trick of wins when he returns to Sha Tin in the Class 3 Handicap over 1400m.

The All Too Hard gelding has made sharp progress in recent outings, notching up consecutive wins in Class 4 after a fast-finishing second on the All-Weather track three starts back. He broke through with a determined victory two runs ago, then followed up with an impressive performance over this track and trip last time out.

Although stepping into Class 3 company for the first time, Patch Of Stars appears to have further improvement to come and shapes as a key player once again. Among the dangers are the in-form Victory Sky and Silvery Breeze, the latter trained by David Eustace and last seen finishing a slashing fourth.

Five-year-old sprinter Sea Sapphire looks well-placed to land his third career victory in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.

The Husson gelding has hit peak form of late, producing a gutsy all-the-way win two starts back before running a game second to the promising Little Paradise last time out. Despite being part of a fast early tempo, he sat on the pace and stuck on well, beaten only 1.75 lengths over this track and distance.

Facing what appears to be a modest Class 4 line-up this week, Sea Sapphire holds the standout recent form and shapes as a leading contender. His main threat looks to be the lightly raced Rainbow Seven, who has filled the placings in both career starts to date. – iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Winning Champion finished strongly in a slowly run race on debut despite a tardy start. With a clean jump, he could make amends. Quick Money with one win and two placings from three starts, his consistency holds him in good stead here. The All Out has trialled well since his narrow debut win, and with Purton staying aboard, a double looks within reach. Field Marshal showed tactical speed on debut, and the drop in distance should suit him. Motor was held up at a crucial stage last start and could finish in the Top 3 with a smoother trip.

Race 2: Beautiful Win likely used up early from a wide draw but stuck on well for third last time out. With a better gate, he’s poised to break through. Viva Chaleur making his class 5 debut, he should make his presence felt with a genuine tempo, though the wide draw remains a concern. Perfect Peach ran home strongly into fourth last start and must be respected with Purton aboard. Smiling Collector has shed a lot of ratings and could surprise on his Class 5 debut. Smart Beauty a proven performer in this class, he could cause an upset with an ideal gate.

Race 3: Sea Sapphire a dangerous frontrunner, he has been in great form recently and looks the leading contender in this below-par Class 4 field. Rainbow Seven has attacked the line well in both starts to date and looks one to follow from a good draw. Aerovolanic has shown good early speed in trials and looks well placed to deliver a bold front-running effort with the apprentice claim. Autumn Vibes returning from a break, his recent trial suggests a big first-up run is imminent. Northern Beaches had genuine excuses last start and could place at value.

Race 4: Robot Knight appears a standout on collateral form, so must be considered a strong contender. Fun N Fun Together made all last start, and from a decent draw, he is well placed to make it back-to-back, despite the weight rise. Hinokami Kagura a lightweight and an inside draw give him a golden chance to finally break through here. Euro Rocks is better than his recent form suggests and could cause an upset if things fall into place. Sight Happy possesses an explosive turn of foot and can make a strong late surge if they go too hard up front.

Race 5: Special Hedge has shown consistent form lately and looks to get all the favours to return to the winner’s list. Groovy Feeling from an inside draw, he is expected to settle closer to the speed and produce a bold effort, following a fast finishing sixth last start. Winning Data will relish the drop to Class 4, where he boasts a strong record, and the apprentice claim ticks another box. Star Brose finished strongly into sixth last start, and further improvement is expected as he gains more experience. Mighty Steed has not been beaten far in recent starts and could sneak into the placings.

Race 6: Perfect Pairing his recent runs have been encouraging, and with a weight swing in his favour, he could turn the tables on the likely favourite Ping Hai Comet, who secured back-to-back wins in emphatic fashion last week and is primed for a hat-trick. Midori Giant showed improvement with a solid fourth last start and must be included among the better chances. Ocean Impact capable but unpredictable, he is worth considering if his odds offer value. Hakka Radiance disappointed in his last outing, but remains a chance based on his previous solid form.

Race 7: Harold Win both the drop in class and distance are positives, making him an intriguing runner to watch this week. Lakeshore Hero let down well from a wide draw last start, and with a better gate, he should secure a spot in the Top 3. World Hero led from start to finish in a slowly run race last start and could repeat the dose under similar conditions. Strathpeffer has the ability to cause an upset on his day and could prove to be a value choice. Endued produced an improved effort at Happy Valley last start, but the wide draw poses a challenge this time.

Race 8: Tomodachi Kokoroe has performed well in both start this preparation and is edging closer to a win. Bottomuptogether a strong frontrunner, he could be hard to run down if he can cross early from a wide draw. Raging Blizzard will appreciate the drop in class and should run well with fresh legs first-up. Gorgeous Win is better than his recent form indicates and could cause an upset under the right race shape. Wunderbar drawn inside, he could bounce back, though his recent form has been a bit disappointing.

Race 9: Gentlemen Legacy let down well to finish second over 1600m last start, and with the rise to 1800m, he looks poised to go one better. Liveandletlive a dangerous frontrunner, he has drawn well and could be hard to run down if allowed a soft lead. Enthralled with a more conservative racing style, he can make a strong late surge if the pace suits. Joy Of Spring scored an easy win at Happy Valley last start, and with the apprentice claim, a double is well within his reach. Rocket Spade likes to get back and charge home late, so he needs a genuine tempo to suit his racing style.

Race 10: Mojave Desert has drawn well and looks primed to deliver a strong performance, after finishing strongly into fifth from a wide gate last start. Packing Bole sat on the speed to finish a close second last start and must be considered a strong contender. Gummy Gummy was disappointing last time out but could bounce back if he regains his previous strong form. Rising Force ideally placed at the weights, he should continue his strong run despite rising to Class 3. Mask Rider with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim, he could cause an upset from a good draw.

Race 11: Patch Of Stars a progressive 3YO in great form, he is primed for a hat-trick despite stepping up to Class 3. Silvery Breeze caught the eye running home powerfully last start and should be highly competitive in this field. Endeared showed little last start but could bounce back based on his previous strong form around horses like Hong Lok Golf. Young Achiever has trialled well for his return and should sprint well fresh, though the trip is slightly short of his best. Victory Sky his recent runs suggest a win is near, but the widest draw is a concern.