Luke Middlebrook
Wednesday’s Hong Kong meeting at Happy Valley will be without champion jockey Zac Purton after he tested positive to COVID-19 on Sunday morning.
Also, star Australian jockey Hugh Bowman, who had a full book of nine rides for his first meeting of his three-month stint, must also isolate due to being a close contact to a positive case.
Nonetheless, the show must roll on, and we turn our attention to trainer Francis Lui and jockey Vincent Ho who combine with thriving five-year-old Gold Gold Baby, who is in search of a hat-trick of wins, in the Class 4 1200m Handicap (Race 5).
Gold Gold Baby showed little in most of his earlier career starts but ran his best race at the end of last season when an eye-catching third in a Class 5 over 1000m. Proving that run no fluke, the gelding resumed with a bang first-up in mid-September with a facile 2.75-length win before taking the rise in grade 28 days ago.
That night, Gold Gold Baby was steadied in the early stages, was hard ridden throughout, and ended up more than seven lengths off the speed at the 400m. He was also badly hampered at the 150m, before attacking the line late to score by a short head - a massive win under adversity.
Trainer John Size’s debutant Howdeepisyourlove warrants plenty of respect from barrier 1 after showing good promise at the trials. Class-dropper H Z Tourbillon will also prove competitive with some luck from gate No 10.
Elsewhere, a better-timed ride can see seven-year-old Hero Star go one place better in the other Class 4 1200m Handicap (Race 3).
Hero Star has been in good form without winning this preparation, though he was a winner at his final race of last season four starts ago, and arguably should have won his last race at this track and distance 28 days ago.
Given an uncontested lead under Silvestre De Sousa that night, he went for home at the 500m when it was unnecessary to do so, a brave move which eventuated in him being collared inside the 50m to check home 1.25 lengths into second.
Matthew Poon takes over the reins and knows the horse well with one win and three second placings from five rides.
Given an uncontested lead under Silvestre De Sousa that night, he went for home at the 500m when it was unnecessary to do so, a brave move which eventuated in him being collared inside the 50m to check home 1.25 lengths into second.
Matthew Poon takes over the reins and knows the horse well with one win and three second placings from five rides.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: U W Brother should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. The low draw can ensure he gets his chance. Carry The Diamond had excuses last start and forget the run, he can bounce back here. Hearty Wish last run suggested a win was very near and he has to be considered again. Flying On The Turf caught wide last start and still ran well, another bold run can be expected. Happily Friends change of trainer recently and can improve down in class.
Race 2: Universal Crown drops down in grade and start following, he looks hard to beat. Little Player had genuine excuses last start when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race, he might be able to improve here. Jazz Steed will win in this grade very soon and the low draw will provide all hopes. Encore ran the third fastest sectional time last start for an improved effort. Split Of A Second can improve second-up from a break, fitter now.
Race 3: Hero Star should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. He was used up on the lead last start when the jockey went for home too soon but was gallant in defeat. Juneau Flash newcomer who has trialled well for debut and looks primed for a big run. Joy In Joy has trialled well for debut and should be rated a chance, he can be in the finish from the low gate. Flaming Passion has a chance based on past form in this class of race, start to follow. Our Class Act had genuine excuses last start and consider again.
Race 4: Circuit Elite can lead in this race and be hard to run down under the 10lb claim of Angus Chung. A wide-open race, but if rated well, can get the win. Darci Joy never far away from the winner and could sneak a place under Bowman. Smiling Time last start winner who remains in the same grade, he can run well again. Red Impact every chance last start but still ran a good race as a beaten favourite, give another chance. Red Elysees showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight.
Race 5: Gold Gold Baby huge effort last start and must be rated a good chance to score a hat-trick of wins. Hard to oppose. Howdeepisyourlove has trialled well for debut and should be rated a a winning chance from the John Size yard. H Z Tourbillon looks ready to run a big race in Class 4 with some luck from a wide draw. Super Magic well prepared for debut and must be respected, watch the betting. Savvy Chic having second start and can improve with experience, fitter now and debut run was okay.
Race 6: Gallant Waking winner of last two starts and is a big chance here despite drawing wide. He gets back anyway but will be making a late bid in a race that boasts a few chances. Quadruple Double should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Adios was an easy last start winner and must be respected, however the wide draw will make him earn it here. Super Mission looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. California Concord had genuine excuses last start when caught wide, he can improve.
Race 7: Beauty Glory had excuses last start when racing wide without cover but he comes into barrier 1 here with the 10lb claim and can vie to make all in the run. Atullibigeal good performance when storming home for a nice second last start, he’s ready to win. Namjong Sings go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay, expect a return to form here. Excellent Peers more than capable of winning again in this race with a good run in transit. Our Lucky Glory is back in good form and must be considered a chance.
Race 8: Fa Fa video replay showed last run was very good and he should be ready to bounce back for a win third-up now and step- ping away from a low draw. The Irishman more than capable of winning again in this race after an eye-catching win at Sha Tin last start. The Rock video replay showed last run was very good. Packing Award talented galloper who is resuming from a break and can run well. Telecom Fighters last start winner who remains in the same grade, he’ll push forward and give a sight.
Race 9: Comet Splendido more than capable of winning again in this race and barrier 4 looks as though he’ll map with every winning chance. Never Too Soon looks a solid good chance based on last start. From barrier 2, he’s another who’ll map a winning hope. Rising From Ashes good performance when storming home for a nice second last start, he’ll do the same from a wide draw. E Legend had excuses last start and forget the run and expect improvement with a positive jockey change. My Ecstatic should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way.