Luke Middlebrook
Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday for a nine-race fixture under the lights.
As the end of season fast approaches, reigning champion jockey Zac Purton needs to make every ride count if he is to at least get level with Joao Moreira’s single season record of 170 victories in a campaign.
Purton has 10 meetings left to post 20 more wins.
Today at Happy Valley, progressive four-year-old Romantic Laos is a standout chance for Purton when he tackles Race 8, the Class 3 Handicap over 1650m.
Romantic Laos has found career-best form in recent starts, after having taken three races at Sha Tin to come to hand. The Jamie Richards-trained gelding shed his maiden tag most stylishly fourth-up a Sha Tin over 1400m, finishing powerfully in the concluding stages and going on to win easily by 2.50 lengths.
Since then Romantic Laos has done all his racing at this week's track and distance, checking in a luckless second place two starts ago before bouncing back for a convincing win most recently. Despite the narrow winning margin, the victory had plenty of merit as it was on a night when the majority of leaders won races and he defied the track pattern and was able to chase down the leader in his race with his trademark turn-of-foot.
Elsewhere, New Zealand jockey Mick Dee has been afforded a good opportunity from leading trainer John Size as he partners talented three-year-old Howdeepisyourlove in Race 5, the Class 2 Handicap over 1200m.
Dee has booted home two winners from 39 rides during his current Hong Kong stint, including a confidence-boosting win on his very first ride on 24 May. From four rides for Size so far, Dee’s best finishing position has been a fourth on 31 May, but none of the rides has been as good a chance as Howdeepisyourlove is this week.
Howdeepisyourlove has won four from 10 this term, placing a further five times. The talented sprinter found only one too good last start, going down by a head. Trialling sharply in between runs under Dee, Howdeepisyourlove gets his chance to atone and provide a first win for the Dee and Size partnership. - HKJC
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Beauty Nova looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form when ridden quieter. He has been knocking on the door a win since the class drop. Lifeline Vision drops down in grade and start following. Happy Jai Jai has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon, always a chance at this level. Concerto bled last start and has been rested, looked okay in his recent trial and can surprise. Medic Elite has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone.
Race 2: Management Folks nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a solid chance reuniting with Purton. To Infinity go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. He comes into barrier 1 after racing wide last start and can give this a shake. Forever Glorious a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Barrier 4 suits. Flying Silver has a chance based on past form in this class of race and start to follow again. Happy Angel showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. That’s his usual pattern and expect the same here.
Race 3: Fast Serve newcomer who looks a winning chance in this race after trialling very well numerous times. He should find the front and take catching. Lucky Gor was an easy last start winner and must be respected to run well again. Sergeant Pepper should be highly suited by the drop back in distance, and the low gate suits. Hearty Wish finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start but he can map handier from barrier 2 here. Savvy Delight had excuses last start when racing wide without cover. He can figure on true form at this level.
Race 4: Happy United well supported last start and won accordingly and he has since trialled nicely in between runs. Starry Night last start winner who rises in class but has drawn well low and can run well again. Multisuper has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone but he has been costly. However, his price should be greater here than in recent starts. Joyful Hunter has trialled well for debut and should be rated a chance with luck from out wide. Happy Trio form is good and must be rated a solid chance.
Race 5: Howdeepisyourlove nice three-year-old with a good chance to atone here and a great ride for M Dee to boot home another winner. Despite his winning streak coming to an end last start, he remains the one to beat. Eason nice effort last start when storming home for a brilliant win. A repeat performance would see him go close again. Nordic Dragon winner of last two starts and is a big chance here. Winning Icey has a better chance on this surface and look for improvement. Rewarding Together will find this easier than last start and can run well back in easier company.
Race 6: Galvanic change of trainer recently and watch betting. He trialled nicely and has shown ability to suggest a win is right around the corner. He looks a good bet. One For All winner of last three starts and looks a top chance to win again, though winning four straight is not an easy feat. He will begin fast and play catch me if you can. G One Excellent looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. He gets back and runs on, so needs things to fall into place. Juneau Flash finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start. Flaming Passion last start winner who remains in the same grade.
Race 7: Dancing Code looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Third-up in Hong Kong now and should be ready to win. A Americ Te Specso caught the eye last start running home powerfully after bad luck early. Son Pak Fu looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. Give him a chance to bounce back. Smart Idea placed last start and looks a chance to run well again from the low gate. Armour Eagle is capable of running a fast final 400m sectional time. Have to respect with Purton in the saddle.
Race 8: Romantic Laos rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up after a brilliant win last start. He looks a horse with plenty of upside and finds a winnable contest on the Class rise. Hameron recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Star Contact has a better chance on this track and should return to form here. He failed in the rain-affected going last start. Viva Hunter narrowly beaten last start and goes close here. All Are Mine newcomer who has trialled well for debut and should measure up.
Race 9: Atullibigeal was eased early before catching the eye late first-up over 1400m last start. He looks capable of winning second-up, rising in distance. The Irishman drawn well here and should be in the finish after he raced wide last start. He can he hard to catch, but he should get all the favours here. Encountered last start winner who remains in the same grade and can run well again. Winning Dragon the lightweight will help and can run well on-pace. Oriental Smoke having first try at this track surface and could surprise at odds.