Purton rides a real beauty in Hong Kong

Luke Middlebrook

Promising four-year-old Beautyverse aims to bounce back for a win when he steps out in the Class 2 1600m Handicap, the final race on Saturday’s 10-race card at Sha Tin in Hong Kong.

Beautyverse arrived well credentialed from Australia where he raced under the name Jungle Magnate and created a huge impression on debut when winning smartly at this track and distance in early November, leading all the way which was a surprise given he was a noted backmarker Down Under.

Second-up, Beautyverse disappointed as the race favourite but he did race ungenerously and would not relax throughout, fading in the straight after racing on-pace to finish six lengths into seventh place.

Beautyverse has since been back to the trials, where he was ridden quieter and caught the eye strongly late, so it appears as though those tactics will be adopted at his third Hong Kong start this week. From barrier No 3 under an in-form Zac Purton, he gets his chance to bounce back.

With Purton riding the crest of a wave at the moment, it’s almost seeming futile taking him on, and he looks a good chance to bookend the card as he partners trainer John Size’s three-year-old Fast Buck in the Restricted Class 4 1400m Handicap at Sha Tin.

Fast Buck is at his third career start and finds himself in a winnable contest, up against his own age group as the race is for three-year-olds only. Fast Buck showed good improvement last start when second-up, racing close to the speed and only fading late to cross the line 2.75 lengths into fourth.

He gets blinkers on for the first time, while the rise to 1400m appears ideal, and he should be going close to getting the win.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Fast Buck having third start and should improve here against his own age group as well as getting blinkers on first time. The rise in distance also suits. Forerunner has trialled well for debut and should be rated a chance in a weak race. Happy Won follow if sup- ported on the tote, he has shown enough in the past to be competitive. Lucky Banner well-placed and looks a chance in race like this. Glory Bo Bo has early speed and can give a sight in a race like this, stamina is his query.

Race 2: Star Of Glory should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and he won a recent trial well enough. Winning chance in a wide-open race. Sunny Baby generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home, he will get back and be running on strongly late. Pride Of Dragon showed improvement at a recent trial and can run well. Go Go Sixteen clearly has a better chance over this distance and expect a better run. This Is Charisma can upset some more fancied rivals on best form, each-way claims.

Race 3: Allgreektome solid effort last start and must be rated a big winning chance here. He looks the one to beat from the low draw. Golden Bull looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. With some luck from his wide draw, he will be going close. Compassion Super faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. Multisuper debut run was good and has trialled well since, a bug run looks likely. Romantic Laos well prepared for debut and is worth considering at an each-way price.

Race 4: Red Titan will win in this grade very soon and this race looks like a good race for him to break through. The wide draw is the query. Compassion Spirit has a great record in this class and looks a good chance despite being better over shorter. Infinite Power will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well from his low draw, he will likely try to lead all the way. Fire Ball faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. Solar Partner had excuses last start when racing wide without cover first-up, he can improve.

Race 5: Sun Of Makfi is worth giving another chance in this race after a moderate 1800m run last start, the drop back in trip suits. The Multiplier well supported last start and won accordingly. If he can handle the rise in distance, he can go on with it. Skyey Supreme showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight and expect the same here, he could go all the way. All Joyful showed no interest last start, forget the run and consider on best form at this track/distance. Green Laser caught the eye last start when running home well and he will do the same here.

Race 6: Kungfumaster Panda had genuine excuses last start when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race. Right As Rain had genuine excuses last start and consider again, chance on better form. Bright Kid changed stables recently and has improved after an easy last-start win. Wonder Years placed last start and looks a chance to run well again. Chater Pins racing well with good sectional time rankings recently and, despite being a long-standing maiden, has been knocking on the door.

Race 7: Texas Moon holding form with recent good trial and looks well placed to bounce back for a win. Solar Winds last start winner who retains good form and can run well again now the penny has dropped. Brilliant Way can improve second-up from a break. Majestic Knight good effort when narrowly beaten last start and will go close again. Speedy Mouse faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape and is better than recent form suggests.

Race 8: Majestic Colour has trialled well for debut and should be rated a winning chance first-up. Marado rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up as he has genuinely improved after a stable change. Let’s Do It looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form, good chance. Erimo looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form, give a chance to bounce back. Golden Artie ran the third fastest sectional time last start and can improve on his third start here.
Race 9: Handsome Twelve was an easy last start winner and must be respected to repeat the dose again given he has drawn the paint. Hava Nageela caught the eye last start when running home well. So We Joy track and distance specialist and appears suited here, good each-way chance. Everyone’s Victory caught the eye last start running home powerfully and can bounce back anytime. Yes We Can turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly under an ill-judged ride.

Race 10: Beautyverse recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting he can bounce back here with a change of tactics. Packing Treadmill winner of last two starts and is a big chance here if he can see out the mile strongly. Keefy more than capable of winning again in this race with some luck from the wide gate. Celestial Power finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start and is back in-form. Savaquin looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form after many recent placings.