Patch Of Theta to turnaround last lost

Luke Middlebrook

Promising four-year-old PATCH OF THETA gets his opportunity to atone for a last-start defeat when he returns to Sha Tin on Sunday for the Class 3 race over 1400m.

PATCH OF THETA has been ultra-consistent in seven career starts since making his debut in December last year, though he often encountered hard luck in his earlier races over shorter trips. It wasn’t until trainer Francis Lui stepped the Zoustar gelding up in distance to 1400m three starts ago that he managed to post his first career win, which he did in style. Proving it was no fluke, PATCH OF THETA came out and won again.

Though he wasn’t able to pick up his hat-trick of wins in his most recent start, there was still a lot of merit to his third-place finish, as he found himself in a race where the leader was able to dictate the tempo and win. PATCH OF THETA was also involved in a bumping duel inside the final 400m, which didn’t help his chances. With the rail out widest in the C+3 position, PATCH OF THETA won’t want to stand too much ground at the 400m marker, however there might just be enough speed on to suit.

Elsewhere, another progressive four-year-old, VOYAGE SAMURAI, chases his third career win in the Class 3 race over 1600m.

The Frankie Lor-trained up-and-comer has so far won twice and placed runner-up twice more from four career starts. One of those second-place finishes occurred in his last race when he tried the mile for the first time. VOYAGE SAMURAI lost no admirers as he faced a rain-affected track for the first time, which he may or may not have handled well, yet he comfortably beat the rest of the field home after racing on pace throughout while the winner came from near last.

Though drawn wide, VOYAGE SAMURAI will have a long straight run to find a conducive position, as there doesn’t seem to be a lot of speed engaged.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Good View Glory had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire. Blinkers go on first time here and he gets another chance. Colonel has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. He will lead and give them something to run down. Tactical Command generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home . Mr Good Vibes has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Great Days recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting a good run can be expected.

Race 2: Super Infinity recent barrier trial was good suggesting a good run can be expected on his first local start. All his trials have been decent in fact and he has ability. The Winnabe has been trialling well and comes from an astute (John Size) stable. He is another who can show up on debut. Sky Song having third start and may improve here. Sakewin can bounce back a winner anytime in this class. Expect him to lead and he may be left alone. Happy For All turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and is an each-way chance here.

Race 3: With only six runners here, any one of them can win. Packing Treadmill showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight and should be getting the race run to suit his chances here. Atullibigeal nice effort last start when storming home, appears ready to bounce back for a win with Purton atop. Taj Dragon will find this easier than last start and can run well. He can push forward under the claim and give a sight. Wonder Kit nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance. Supreme Lucky last start winner who rises in class but can measure up.

Race 4: Many chances here, which is the theme of the day. Lucy In The Sky more than capable of winning again in this race as he has upside and has drawn ideally where he will map as the winner. Fun N Fun Together has trialled well for debut and should be rated a winning chance first-up. You’remyeverything looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. Bowman taking the ride piques interest and the low draw helps. Harold Win newcomer who has trialled well for debut. Solid Win well prepared for debut and must be respected.

Race 5: Joy Of Spring looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Drawn better for the first time in many starts, he gets his chance to post an overdue win. Romantic Fantasy a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead which looks entirely possible here. Flying Mojito always finishes close up and must be rated a chance at this level. He will get the right run from his draw. Ping Hai Comet has been steadily improving and do not dismiss. Satirical Glory has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. Overlook last start when vet excuses.

Race 6: Sky Trust form is good and is getting close to a win. Open race but he is itching to break through and will have every opportunity here. Volcanic Spark should be highly suited by the drop back in distance as well as returning to Sha Tin. Meepmeep fresh up from a break and should run well from his low draw. Ariel a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. War Of Courage has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon but the wide draw is his concern and he may be used up early.

Race 7: Voyage Samurai nice 4YO with a good chance to atone for a last-start defeat and bounce back to his winning ways. Though drawn wide, he has the early speed to find a position given the long run to the bend. Ching good performance when returning to form last start and he can now go on with it. Aeroinvincible holding form with recent good trial and looks well placed to improve on his fair effort last start. Stunning Peach having second start and can improve with experience after needing the run first-up. Helene Warrior had betting sup- port last start and where there is smoke there is fire.

Race 8: Lucky Touch handy three-year-old who is improving all the time and is holding form with recent good trial and looks well placed to break through for the win. Had excuses last start when up against it a slow-tempo race. Sunny Da Best was an easy last start winner and he has upside. If afforded a soft lead, he will prove hard to run down. Young Horizon backing up quickly from a good last start effort and can run well again. Super Unicorn turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly. Celtic Times well supported last start and won accordingly.

Race 9: Ultra-competitive race here with some handy types in good form and on the rise. Super Joy N Fun excellent return run last start and looks a solid chance to bounce back to his winning ways. Full Credit a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead which looks probable. Magnificent Nine every chance last start but still ran a good race. In fact, he has had many chances of late and has only been fair. Mojave Desert well prepared for debut and is worth considering. Captain Win turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly.

Race 10: Patch Of Theta nice 4YO with a good chance to return to winning form. So long as Bowman doesn’t get too far back in the run, he is the one they have to beat. Loyal Bo Bo should be highly suited by the drop back in distance as he up against it over the mile last start. Young Achiever caught the eye last start running home powerfully on debut – he can only improve second-up. Sky Heart good effort last start leading all the way to win and seemingly they will vie to do the same here. Sunlight Power recent runs have been encouraging and can run well.