Patch Of Stars to win again on Hong Kong

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

Highly progressive three-year-old Patch Of Stars appears well-placed to notch a fourth consecutive victory in the Class 3 Handicap over 1400m.

Since things finally clicked three starts ago, Patch Of Stars has been unstoppable, stringing together a hat-trick of wins. On his Class 3 debut last time out, the All Too Hard gelding was even more dominant than in his previous two Class 4 victories, powering away late to score by 1.50 lengths over this track and distance.

With the season nearing its end, Patch Of Stars lines up against a below-par Class 3 field with Zac Purton up and shapes as the clear standout — both on form and potential. He looks the best horse in the race, and possibly one to follow well beyond this level.

Debut winner Aerovolanic looks poised to extend his unbeaten run in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.

The Frosted gelding impressed on debut three weeks ago, having shown promise in his lead-up trials. Despite a betting drift and some in-race mishaps — including his rider dropping the whip near the 200m and needing to steady Aerovolanic responded gamely, regaining momentum and producing a sharp late burst to claim victory.

He remains in Class 4 this weekend and doesn’t face a significantly tougher field. A progressive three-year-old with clear upside, Aerovolanic looks well placed to make it back-to-back wins. - iRace Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Super Dragon has shown above-average ability in trials and looks primed to deliver a strong performance on debut. Motor had genuine excuses in his last two starts and could make amends with a smoother run. Light Years Glory caused an upset on his debut but the wide draw and top weight pose a challenge this time. Just Follow Me ran on well in a recent trial and is worth considering on debut. Field Marshal possesses good early speed and could sneak into the placings.

Race 2: Gimme Five signalled his readiness on his Class 5 debut last time out, and the switch to the AWT surface only enhances his winning chances. Island Golden endured a tough trip but still finished strongly into third last start. He looks one to follow. Excellent Daddy a proven performer at this level, he can make his presence felt in a genuinely run race. Flying Phantom has found the line well late in his last two starts and must be respected with Purton aboard. Solar Up with the drop in rating, he could place at odds switching to the All-Weather track.

Race 3: Mr Energia has gone close in Class 3, and with the drop to Class 4, he’s poised to return to the winner’s circle, especially with Purton taking the reins. Yee Cheong Raider flashed home into second at big odds last start and should run well again if the pace suits. Fashion Legend aims for a quick double after a facile win last week. Sight Happy caught the eye charging home strongly last start and could surprise against some more fancied rivals. Beauty Formula showed good early speed in a recent trial and improvement is expected, especially if allowed a soft lead.

Race 4: Smashing Express with a better draw, he should endure a more economical run and could finally break through. Celtic Times did not disgrace last start and should not be overlooked in this race. Perfect Peach has recorded fast final sectional times recently and should deliver a strong performance from a low draw. Medic Elite with a lightweight on his back, he should produce an improved effort from a favourable draw. Family Fortune closed strongly last time and could make a late move if the pace is right.

Race 5: Aerovolanic an impressive debut winner, he appears to have plenty of upside and is primed for a double, despite the awk- ward draw. Lucky Symphony scored easily two starts ago but underperformed last time; worth a look if odds offer value. Club Ace has not been beaten far in his recent starts and will likely find this field more manageable. Patch Of Time a fast beginner, he could run a big race up front if given an uncontested lead. Ka Ying Resilience with his early speed, he could secure a spot in the Top 3 under the right race shape.

Race 6: California Bay his recent efforts in Class 3 have been honest, and with the drop in class, he must be considered a strong contender. Colourful Winner was narrowly beaten last start and should deliver another encouraging performance if he can cross early from a wide draw. Forerunner showed improvement with a fast-finishing second last start, and could go one better if the pace suits. Amazing Duck has trialled well for his return and should run well fresh. Endued caught the eye running home strongly last start and must be respected with Bowman aboard.

Race 7: Szeryng defied market expectations with an easy win last start, and from a favourable draw, he looks on track for a double. Sea Sapphire ideally placed with a 5-pound claimer, he could prove hard to catch with a well-timed ride. Igor Stravinsky showed big improvement last start, and with Purton taking the reins, he may go one better. Tourbillon Golfer showed tactical speed and finished second on debut, though aided by a slow tempo. He should perform well again under similar conditions. Wiseman better than his recent form suggests and could place at odds.

Race 8: Fortune Boy let down sharply to finish second last start, and from a low draw, he’s poised to go one better. Wukong Jewellery ran on well in a slowly run race last time out, and with the drop to Class 4, he must be respected. Joyful Prosperity showed signs of regaining form last time out, and a win wouldn’t be surprising. Forever Folks his last run was better than it reads, given a slow start. With a clean jump, he could cause an upset. Kasa Papa appears well weighted to continue his strong run, following two consecutive placings.

Race 9: Super Legends an underrated type, he is well placed with the apprentice claim and could cause an upset in a race of this nature. Lifeline Express with a fast tempo expected to suit his racing style, he should make a strong late surge. Magnifique has trialled well since his disappointing last start and could make amends with a favourable draw. Akashvani highly suited by the drop back in distance, he should deliver an improved effort, despite the wide draw. Righteous Arion encouraging form of late; still rates as a strong contender.

Race 10: Dancing Code has been competitive at this level lately and should run a big race up front with the apprentice claim. Lady’s Choice will relish the drop to Class 2, where he made all two starts ago. Masterofmyuniverse has secured back-to-back wins in Class 3 and remains a chance, despite the rise in class. Colourful King boasts consistent form at Happy Valley and should not be overlooked, though facing a stronger field. Call Me Glorious a natural frontrunner, he may sneak into the placings under the right race shape.

Race 11: Patch Of Stars an exciting 3YO, he won in style on his Class 3 debut last time out and looks primed to secure a fourth straight win. Armour War Eagle a proven performer at this level, he could show improvement with a low draw, and a Top 3 finish is not out of reach. Victory Sky looks overdue for his first local win, but faces a wide draw again. Solid Shalaa has been in great form on the AWT surface, and the switch to turf, where he is a three-time winner, should not be a concern. Another World a consistent performer in Class 3, he could place at odds despite the awkward draw.