He Jiong
Promising four-year-old Light Years Charm looks primed to notch his second local win in the Class 3 Handicap over 1400m at Sha Tin on Saturday.
Light Years Charm has compiled a consistent record, with one win and three placings from six local starts. Since breaking through in impressive fashion three runs back, the son of Rubick has continued to perform admirably in defeat.
Two starts ago, he was slow to begin but stormed home for third over 1600m. Most recently, he endured a wide run throughout and was narrowly beaten by the highly progressive Hong Lok Golf, finishing a luckless second over this trip.
Based on recent form, Light Years Charm, with Zac Purton up, looks the clear standout in this week’s field. With even luck in running, he shapes as the best bet on the card and can prove extremely hard to beat.
The Ricky Yiu-trained three-year-old Ahren looks primed to secure back-to-back victories in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m at Sha Tin this Saturday.
Ahren made an immediate impression on debut in late February, finishing a close second to Crossborderpegasus, who has since scored in Class 3. A wide draw proved costly at his next outing, where he endured a luckless run to finish fourth. Last time out, despite another awkward gate, the Hellbent gelding atoned in style—tracking the speed and powering clear to score by 2.75 lengths over this track and trip.
Boasting strong form around quality horses, Ahren appears to be ahead of the handicapper and is ideally weighted to continue his winning ways, despite stepping up to Class 3 this week.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Jolly Jumper appears well placed with the apprentice claim on his Class 5 debut and should deliver a strong on-pace performance. Beautiful Win another galloper who should relish the drop to the cellar grade, he will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Family Fortune has shown significant improvement recently and looks one to follow. Casa Legend has what it takes to bounce back anytime in this class and should not be overlooked. Smashing Express remains a maiden after 13 starts, but could cause an upset in a race like this.
Race 2: Cheval Valiant has tactical speed and will find this field more manageable, making him a strong contender. Island Breezes stormed home to finish third off a slow tempo last start. He could make amends if the pace is more genuine. Alsonso was narrowly beaten last start, and with Purton aboard, he’s poised to go one better. Alluring Laos held up at crucial stage last time out and could surprise at value with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim. Moon Rocket caught the eye with a fast-finishing fourth on debut, and could secure a Top 3 finish as he gains more experience.
Race 3: Flash Current a tardy start and wide trip significantly hindered his winning chances last time out. With a smoother trip, he can bounce back to the winner’s list. Excel Wongchoy has drawn a favourable gate and must be respected with Bowman aboard. Riding Together stalked the speed and finished fourth in a fast run race last start. He could surprise at odds if allowed an uncontested lead. Zetta Force could sneak into the placings and should not be ruled out. The Auspicious capable but unpredictable, he is worth considering if his odds present value.
Race 4: A wide-open contest where multiple runners have winning claims. Lucky Impact finished strongly into fourth in a slowly run race last time out. With a better draw, he could finally break through. Forever Folks boasts a strong record over this track and distance. He should play a key role. Spangle Fortune stuck on well for second last start and must be respected. Fashion Legend raced wide early last time out and could make amends with better luck in running. Precision Goal with the apprentice claim, he could sneak into the placings.
Race 5: Fun Together comes off a strong form race and is expected to deliver a bold on-pace showing. Lucky Fionn should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him return to the winner’s circle. Patch Of Stars scored a tenacious win last start and looks to get all the favours to secure back-to-back victories. Never Too Soon returned to form last time out and should run well again from a low draw. Fortune Star attacked the line strongly in both starts and could finish in the Top 3 at long odds.
Race 6: Pejibaye let down well off a slow pace on debut. From a better draw, he should settle closer to the speed and be a strong contender. Sea Sapphire led from start to finish last stat and could repeat the dose if the race unfolds in his favour again. Enjoy Golf looks overdue for a win after finishing as runner-up in five consecutive races. Mount Everest has trialled well since his third-place finish last start and should be highly competitive despite the wide draw. Little Paradise made all from a wide draw on debut, but faces a tougher challenge with several frontrunners this time.
Race 7: Chill Kaka won his last two starts in emphatic fashion on this surface and looks primed for a hat-trick, despite stepping up to Class 3. Talents Ambition boasting an impressive record on the AWT, he must be considered a leading contender with Bowman aboard. Never Peter Out comes off a close second over this track and distance. He could go one better under the right race shape. Dragon Air Force his recent form is undeniably strong, but the rise in trip raises concerns. Fighting Machine needs a fast early speed to produce a strong finish and could prove to be a value choice.
Race 8: Light Years Charm endured a wide trip and finished a luckless second last start. With even luck in running, he can prove hard to beat. Juneau Pride has been ultra-consistent since day one, and could bounce back anytime in this class. Another World his recent runs have been encouraging and he has to be included among the better chances. New Forest has good early speed and could place at value if given a soft lead. Top Gun resuming from a break, he has trialled well ahead of his first-up assignment, and improvement is expected.
Race 9: Ahren a progressive 3YO, he scored a strong on-pace win last start and looks primed to continue his winning ways, despite rising to Class 3. Super Legends ideally placed with a 10-pound claimer, he should run a bold race from a decent draw. Lifeline Express with an explosive turn of foot, he can make a strong late surge if the pace suits. Call Me Glorious showed improvement with a close second last start and is expected to run well again, despite carrying top weight. Regal Gem has had no luck in his recent outings and could sneak into the placings with a smoother run.
Race 10: Fast Network has found his niche since dropping to this distance two starts ago, He’s poised to secure a third straight win. Invincible Shield completed a hat-trick last start and must be considered a leading contender based on his recent form. Wunderbar has trialled well for his return and will be competitive if he is anywhere near his best. Bottomuptogether a natural frontrunner, he could hang in there all day under the right race shape. Lady’s Choice another strong on-pace runner, he may cause an upset against more fancied rivals