He Jiong
Impressive last-start winner Mr Energia looks well placed to record back-to-back victories in the Class 3 Handicap over 1650m on the All-Weather track at Sha Tin on Thursday.
The son of Swiss Ace has always shown a strong affinity for the All-Weather surface. After relishing a drop in grade last season, he ended his campaign on a winning note in Class 4 and has carried that form confidently into Class 3 this term. First-up, he flashed home for a fast-finishing second before producing a dominant performance last time out — travelling wide throughout yet still powering away to score by two lengths over 1200m.
Stepping up to 1650m for the first time, Mr Energia’s racing style suggests the extra distance should suit perfectly. Even with an eight-point rise in the ratings following his latest win, he looks well placed to continue his winning run under champion jockey Zac Purton.
His main danger could be Mojave Desert, another specialist on the All-Weather track, though he faces the challenge of a wide draw this time.
Having shown strong form on the All-Weather surface, six-year-old Daily Trophy looks poised to extend his winning streak in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.
A four-time winner from 21 starts on the surface, the Tarzino gelding returned to winning ways last time out over this track and distance, following three consecutive placings. From a tricky draw on that occasion, Daily Trophy was forced to race without cover for most of the trip after settling patiently in midfield. Despite the wide passage, he travelled strongly into the straight and produced a powerful, sustained finish — sweeping to the front at the 150m mark before drawing clear to score by an authoritative 2.75 lengths.
Trainer Caspar Fownes has him in fine order, and while he again faces a wide draw, his proven ability to overcome adversity makes him the one to beat. With Lyle Hewitson retaining the ride, Daily Trophy stands out as the in-form runner and looks well placed to secure back-to-back wins.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Night Purosangue showed significant improvement on his AWT debut last time out and looks one to follow in this moderate field. View All Things dropping to Class 5 for the first time, he should relish a more manageable field, especially with Purton aboard. Courier Magic has placed in both starts since returning to Class 5 and appears to be edging closer to a win. Yee Cheong Raider found the line well late in a sprint race last start, and the extra distance could spark further improvement. Foremost Teddy still a maiden after 23 starts, but looks capable of causing an upset if things fall his way.
Race 2: Lucky Blessing gave a good sight and stuck on for second last start. The switch to the AWT surface could further boost his winning chances. Notthesillyone given his consistent form recently, he must be considered a strong contender in this race. Glory Cloud his last run was better than it reads, and with a more measured ride, he could finally break through. Double Bingo looks overdue for a win after three consecutive placings. From a low draw, he is well placed to make amends. Excellent Daddy suited by the return to the AWT surface and will make his presence felt if the pace is genuine.
Race 3: Watch This One turned in an impressive trial win at this track with blinkers on recently. He looks one to watch closely this week. New Power disappointed last start, but his prior form suggests he could bounce back anytime in this class. Jolly Companion with Britney Wong’s 7lb claim, he should produce an improved effort from a decent draw. Hinokami Kagura endured a wide trip but still finished strongly into sixth last start. An inside draw gives him a good chance to reverse the result. He Was You scored an effortless win in Class 5 last start and remains a strong contender despite the rise in class.
Race 4: Supreme Agility has raced well since dropping to Class 4 and looks primed to open his local winning account against moder- ate rivals. Reliable Profit narrowly beaten last start, and with Purton taking the reins, he should run well again, though the wide draw remains a concern. Special Hedge produced a tenacious on-pace win last start, and a double looks likely if he can repeat that effort. Super Sicario has tactical speed and could be hard to run down if allowed an uncontested lead. Kasa Papa produced a fair effort last start and appears ideally weighted to deliver a strong performance.
Race 5: Daily Trophy defied a wide trip to score an impressive win in this class last start. He’s primed to secure back-to-back victories in Class 4. Know At Heart was heavily backed and finished fourth last week. He deserves another chance in this below-par Class 4 field. Fortune Warrior with added fitness, he could improve into the money second-up after a mediocre first-up effort. Vulcanus let down well from a wide draw last start, and with a smoother trip, he could surprise at odds. Fortune Whiskey appears well placed with the apprentice claim and should not be overlooked.
Race 6: Prestige Ricky finished strongly from a wide draw in a slowly run race last start. With a favourable gate, he should map closer to the speed and show improvement. Luck Is Back finished a close second despite a wide trip last start. With better luck in running, he could make amends. Fashion Legend a proven performer in this class, he shapes as a strong contender with Purton staying aboard. Shanghai Style will relish the switch back to the AWT surface and improvement is expected California Star possesses a strong turn of foot and will make a strong late surge if they go too hard up front.
Race 7: Wonder Kit finished a solid fifth to recent Group 2 winner Tomodachi Kokoroe last start. He looks one to follow dropping to Class 3. Lucy In The Sky resuming from a break, he has trialled well and looks raring to go first-up. Dragon Four Seas had genuine excuses last start (raced wide) and could improve with better luck in running. Giant Leap possesses versatility in running and could show further improvement after a fast-finishing third last start. Super Joy N Fun his form is patchy but he could cause an upset on his day.
Race 8: Mr Energia couldn’t have been more impressive last start when defying a wide trip to score an effortless win. He looks the standout of the card. Mojave Desert an AWT specialist, he has been in great form and must be considered a leading contender. Young Achiever found the line well in a slowly run race last start and could spring a surprise under the right race shape. Noisy Boy will appreciate the drop in class and should run well, though the trip is sightly short of his best. Ariel a one-dimensional frontrunner, he could hang in there all day if allowed a soft lead.