Purton rides an Ace at Happy Valley

He Jiong

Consistent galloper Ace War looks on track to secure successive victories this Wednesday when he returns to Happy Valley in Race 6, the Class 4 Handicap over 1800m.

The penny finally dropped for Ace War last time out after placing in three consecutive starts. Drawn wide on that occasion, the son of Phoenix Of Spain settled patiently towards the rear before making a sustained move from the 400m.

Although the slow tempo didn’t work in his favour, he still circled the field effortlessly and drew clear in the concluding stages to score by two lengths over 2200m.

This week, Ace War, with Zac Purton up, looks well placed in a similar field to continue his strong run and can prove hard to beat despite the weight rise. The main dangers appear to be Noble Pursuit and Charity Gain, both of whom boast solid records in Class 4.

In-form sprinter Aurio appears ready to land his second local win when he contests the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m.

Since breaking through locally in fine style four starts ago, Aurio has continued to perform well despite facing strong Class 3 opposition at Sha Tin.

In his last two outings, he was disadvantaged by slow tempos but still attacked the line strongly to finish fourth on each occasion, posting fast final 400m sectionals of 22.30 seconds and 22.31 seconds.

The return to Happy Valley sees Aurio face a more manageable field this week, and he must therefore be considered a leading contender. Other runners with winning claims include Flying Wrote, Storming Dragon and Masterofmyuniverse. - iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Sterling Wongchoy showed improvement with a slashing fourth dropping back to Class 5 last time out and looks primed to make amends from a low draw. Telecom Power has been knocking on the door, though the wide draw may prove tricky. Carryon Smiling will make a strong late surge if the pace suits and is worth considering as a value pick. Dragon Sunrise another galloper who needs a genuine tempo to unleash a strong finish, especially given the awkward gate. Harry’s Hero has been in great form of late and looks ideally weighted to produce a strong effort, despite the wide gate.

Race 2: Armor Golden Eagle went close on his Class 4 debut last start, and with a further drop in the ratings, he should be highly competitive in this field. Mighty Steed will relish the drop to Class 4, and the booking of Purton is another positive. Fantastic Fun his recent runs in Class 3 have been honest and he should be right in the mix dropping to Class 4. Aestheticism has slid down the ratings and could cause an upset from a good draw. Inno Super won narrowly from an inside draw last start but faces a tougher task from a wide gate with a weight rise.

Race 3: Honest Witness had vet excuses last start and deserves another chance, given his solid form around promising types previously. Beauty Thunder was narrowly beaten in his last two starts and is likely to be the favourite with Purton staying aboard. Parents’ Love has tactical speed and is well placed to deliver a forward showing on his return to Class 4. Heroic Master let down sharply to finish third last start, and from a low draw, he should map well and go close. Savvy Twinkle finished a meritorious fourth despite a wide trip last start, and could make amends with better luck in running.

Race 4: Quartz Legend ran on well late in a slowly run race at Sha Tin last start and could finally break through locally on his return to Happy Valley. Very Grateful flashed home late into fourth on his Class 4 debut last time out and looks one to follow. World Hero gets in well at the weights after showing signs of regaining form last start. Superb King has good early speed and will give them something to catch if allowed to cross early from a wide draw. Goko Win better than his recent form suggests and can bounce back at any time in this grade if things fall his way.

Race 5: Rainbow Seven broke through in fine style last time out and has drawn well to secure back-to-back victories in Class 4. Swagger Bro his last run was better than it reads and he looks capable of causing an upset under a light weight. Winning Champion has not been beaten far in recent starts and could sneak into the placings at long odds. Sky Cap showed improvement last start and could be hard to run down if allowed an uncontested lead. King Oberon had excuses last start (raced wide) and has since trialled well ahead of his first-up assignment.

Race 6: Ace War overcame a wide draw to score a convincing win last start, and a Class 4 double looks well within his reach. Reli- able Dad comes off a fast-finishing third at Sha Tin and must be considered a strong contender. Charity Gain boasts an impressive record in Class 4 and is expected to show sharp improvement dropping to this grade. Noble Pursuit has posted fast final sectionals recently and will make his presence felt under the right race shape. Amazing Gaze has placed twice from his last three starts despite the wide draws and appears to be edging closer to a maiden win.

Race 7: Magic Control should enjoy a smooth run from a good draw and shapes as a strong contender with the in-form Jerry Chau aboard. Colourful King has been in career best form this season and appeals strongly with Purton aboard, though he is likely to be overbet. Romantic Son has completed a Class 3 double recently and remains a strong chance despite rising to Class 2. Crimson Flash highly suited by the drop back in distance and looks well weighted to figure in the finish. Brave Star his recent efforts in Class 2 have been solid, but he is more of a place chance.

Race 8: Aurio has shown marked improvement this season and must be considered a strong contender in this field, especially with Purton remaining aboard. Storming Dragon below his last winning mark, he should be highly competitive under a light weight from a decent draw. Straight To Glory should gain a smooth trip from a low gate and could cause an upset. Masterofmyuniverse with a more conservative racing style, he needs a genuine tempo to unleash a strong finish. Lucky Planet a natural frontrunner, he could be hard to peg back if allowed to dictate.

Race 9: Withallmyfaith appears to be edging closer to a win and should deliver a strong on-pace performance from a low gate. Max Que has been ultra-consistent and rates highly despite carrying top weight. Do Your Part boasts strong Sha Tin form and should continue the strong run if he handles the rise to 1650m. Viva Graciousness has mixed his form recently but looks capable of causing an upset on his day. Stormi has made all in three consecutive starts in Class 4, but the step up to Class 3 poses a challenge.