Richards to show off his Wit at Sha Tin

Luke Middlebrook

Hong Kong racing continues on Tuesday for a 10-race turf and dirt card at Sha Tin.

It’s an even card, as usual, with competitive handicaps throughout the day. Trainer Jamie Richards' exciting four-year-old, Seasons Wit, sparks considerable interest in the Class 2 Handicap over 1200m on the all-weather track (Race 3).

Having arrived in Hong Kong with a record of one win and four placings from five starts in Australia, Seasons Wit has notably enhanced his local winning strike rate, securing four wins from eight starts and finishing as runner-up twice over 1000m. However, as his rating continues to rise, finding suitable races has become more challenging, prompting Richards to step him out over 1200m in his most recent start.

In that race, he faced adversity due to a wide draw and a fast-paced event, weakening noticeably in the straight. Nevertheless, a smart trial victory over 1200m on the all-weather track indicates his potential to excel at this distance and surface come Tuesday. This upcoming race presents an opportunity for him to demonstrate that he's not merely a one-dimensional galloper.

In the final race of the card, thriving three-year-old Chancheng Glory looks well-placed to secure a fourth consecutive win in the Class 3 Handicap over 1600m.

The US-bred, trained by Francis Lui, showed promise last season as a Griffin. He easily won on debut and followed up with two third-placed finishes before his form tapered off in Seasons Wit his final run of the term in early July. Resuming in Class 4 in mid-September, Chancheng Glory drew barrier No 14, raced wide throughout, and was never a threat. However, with the blinkers on for the first time during his second run, his form completely turned around. Since then, he has been on a winning streak, securing a hat-trick of wins in his first run in Class 3 a month ago.

With the rail positioned at its widest in the C+3 position and considering the lack of apparent speed on paper in this race, Chancheng Glory will have the opportunity to make all in the running again. - iRACE magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Rattan World had no luck last start but keep following. Finds a suitable here but needs a clean jump. Super Joy good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Perhaps he can make better use of an in- side draw here. Miracles remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win after turning in several encouraging runs. Happy Tango showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Day Day Rich has early speed and can always surprise with the right run.

Race 2: Fire Ball good performance when storming home for third place last start. An open Class 5 contest, but he’s well-placed in Class 5 t break through. H Z Tourbillon will win in this grade very soon and should have all the favours from an inside draw. Noble One caught the eye last start running home powerfully. Blinkers go back on and he can be in the finish. Tsuen Wan Glory finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start. Compulsory had genuine excuses last start and consider again.

Race 3: Seasons Wit recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting a big run can be expected. Looks suited to the all-weather track and he gets his chance to prove himself over 1200m here. Majestic Star turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and another similar run can be expected. Youthful Deal has shown ability and gets his chance to win here if he runs up to prior winning form. Ping Hai Galaxy go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. Xponential could sneak a place in a race like this on the light weight and from a low draw.

Race 4: Baby Crystal resuming from a break and won a trial impressively. Drawn well for the straight course and he looks the one to beat. This is his second start for Lui, and he was favourite on his first run for the yard earlier in the season, so have to respect the market. Greenwich had excuses last start (blood in trachea) and forget the run. Manythanks Forever has been very well prepared with several trials, watch the betting. Lifeline Express has been trialling well and comes from an astute stable (John Size). Crazy Treasure has trialled well for debut and should be rated a chance, but keep an eye on the betting.

Race 5: Fortune Warrior down in class in this race and should perform better. Intentions looks pretty clear with the booking of 10lbclaiming apprentice, Wong. From the inside gate, he will try to make all. Super Goldi has trialled well for debut for the Frankie Lor and should be rated a chance. Top Scorer well prepared for debut from the John Size yard and watch the betting. Pingwu Sparkle newcomer who trialled okay and can run well. Improved big-time at the trials with blinkers on. Phoenix Light has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade.

Race 6: Cool Blue remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here with blinkers going on for the first time. Open race with many chances but he gets his chance. Lean Master looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Purton takes the ride and will give a sight. Judy’s Great more than capable of winning again in this race with luck from out wide. Diamond Flare should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Universal Pursuit showed improvement at a recent trial. Watch the betting.

Race 7: Super Wise Dragon last run suggested a win was very near and he looks well placed to break through here with J-Mac remaining in the saddle. Darci Joy should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and is always a chance in Class 4. Joyful Prosperity looks a solid good chance based on last start. He can map a chance from his low gate. Imperial Magee can bounce back a winner anytime in this class and barrier 3 can provide the right run. G Liner has dropped in the ratings and will find this easier. If he can stay in touch early from barrier 1, he is an each-way chance.

Race 8: Gorgeous Win rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. This is much harder than last start, but he could have much more to come. Raging Blizzard last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. He can bounce back from gate 1. Ka Ying Cheer faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape and he has shown good ability. Lady’s Choice last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Gold Gold Baby talented type resuming from a spell and can run well.

Race 9: Northern Beaches video replay showed last run was very good. He looks a good bet here with Purton jumping off, which should mean a better price. Cheval Valiant last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Better chance at this track and distance and expect second-up improvement. Heroic Master last start placing was full of merit, nice effort and can be followed. Summit Cheers well supported last start and won accordingly. Kyeema well prepared for debut and watch the betting Purton rides and could run a race first-up.

Race 10: Chancheng Glory winner of last three starts, top chance to win again. Has improved big-time in blinkers and could still have points in hand. Jumbo Fortune more than capable of winning again in this race despite the rise in class. Simple Hedge nice four-year-old with a good chance here on prior form. Blinkers go on first time, which should make a world of difference. Flagship Warrior has shown ability and gets his chance to win here. He, too, gets the shades on first time locally, but had a good record in them overseas. Billionaire Secret generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. Vincent could map handier from gate 1, however.