Promising four-year-old Storm Rider looks well-placed to notch his third career win in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m at Happy Valley on Wednesday.
The The David Hayes-trained son of Dracarys has continued to improve since making his Happy Valley debut four starts ago, finishing second on three occasions. He closed strongly to finish just 0.50-lengths behind Happy Fat two starts back, in a race where the winner dictated off a slow tempo.
At his most recent outing, Storm Rider again filled the runner-up spot, this time behind the in-form Crimson Flash, over the same track and trip.
With the strongest recent form among this week’s contenders, Storm Rider’s consistency deserves to be rewarded. His main threat appears to be Storming Dragon, who was 1.25 lengths adrift of him when they last met.
Last-start winner Bienvenue looks poised to make it back-to-back victories in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.
After flashing home for a fast-finishing second two starts ago, the Star Turn gelding went one better in emphatic fashion last time out. Showing a more positive racing pattern, he sprinted strongly in the straight to score by 1.25 lengths over this track and distance, clearly outclassing his Class 4 rivals.
Bienvenue remains in the same grade this week and faces no tougher test. With further improvement likely, he looks well placed to deliver again. – iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Super Hong Kong found the line well late from wide draws in his last two starts. With a better gate, he should map closer to the speed and produce an improved effort. Golden Fairy a natural frontrunner, he could be hard to catch if allowed an uncontested lead. Mr Aladdin flashed home late into fourth last time out, and with Purton aboard, he shapes as a strong contender. Leather Master his recent runs have been encouraging and he appears well weighted to extend his strong form, despite the wide draw. U S S Constitution has dropped in the rating and could place at value.
Race 2: Simple Hedge well below his last winning mark, so the rise in trip and inside draw could spark a surprise. Lean Hero suited by dropping to Class 4, where he is a three-time winner, and improvement is expected. Sunday’s Serenade with a more conservative racing style, he needs a genuine pace to produce a strong finish. Mission Strike looks overdue for a win after placing two times from five starts, but the wide draw remains a concern. Comet Splendido with a 7-pound claimer aboard, he could cause an upset from a favourable draw.
Race 3: Beauty Thunder held up at a crucial stage last start, and with Purton taking the reins, he must be considered a leading contender. Good Prospect finished strongly in a race with proven form, making him an intriguing runner to watch. Golden Friendship ignore his last start on the AWT surface and instead focus on his previous honest form on turf. Mega Bonus has tactical speed and should run well if he crosses early from a wide draw, which seems likely with the apprentice claim. Fortune Whiskey closed off strongly in his last two starts, but the wide draw and top weight pose a challenge this time.
Race 4: Setanta has drawn well and looks primed to return to the winner’s list, given his strong record in Class 4. Midori Fuji made a strong late surge to narrowly miss in his last two starts and deserves another chance with Purton aboard. Wrote A New Page has shown significant improvement recently and is edging closer to a win. Capital Legend ran on well late in a race dominated by frontrunners last start. He could surprise at odds with a more genuine tempo. Draco has not been beaten far in recent starts and could secure a Top 3 finish if he handles the rise to 1650m.
Race 5: Bienvenue scored a comfortable win last start, and with Purton staying aboard, he looks primed for a double in Class 4. Loving Vibes possessing versatility in running, he has been in great form and must be included among the better chances. Denfield will relish the drop to Class 4, where he is highly competitive, and the apprentice claim ticks another box. Amazing Kid a newcomer from the Size stable, he has trialled well for his debut, so watch for betting support. Bowser has shown consistent form in Class 4 and remains a chance despite the wide draw.
Race 6: Storm Rider has finished second three times in a row, and with a favourable draw, he’s poised to go one better this time. Storming Dragon let down well in a slowly run race last start and looks the second best here. Beauty Infinity caught wide last start but still ran well, and with a better gate, he could make amends. Ka Ying Cheer resuming from a break, he has trialled well and will give them something to chase if given a soft lead. Superb Capitalist weakened late in a fast run race last start and could improve into the money under more favourable conditions.
Race 7: Casa Rochester finished a luckless fifth last start when being held up for the final 100m. With a smoother run, he could make amends. Star Mac likes to get back and charge home late, so a genuine pace is crucial for him. Cambridge caused an upset at big odds last start and remains a chance, though that performance needs to be confirmed. Joy Of Spring produced a fair effort last time out and is worth considering if his odds offer value. Allcash raced wide last start and could place at long odds from a low draw this time.
Race 8: Sky Trust boasting strong Sha Tin form, he found the line well late last start and looks a leading contender with a favourable draw. Prestige Good comes off an effortless win in Class 4 last week, and a double is within his reach, despite stepping up to Class 3. Another World will find this easier than his recent starts at Sha Tin, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him score here. Harmony Galaxy has notched up a double in Class 4 recently and now aims for a hat-trick. Highland Rahy a dangerous frontrunner, he could be hard to catch under the right race shape.
Race 9: Horsepower stormed to an emphatic win in Class 3 last start, and with more upside ahead, he is primed to secure back-to-back victories despite rising to Class 2. Kaholo Angel scored a tenacious win in Class 3 last time out, and from a low draw, he should run well despite the rise in class. Colourful King has been in great form and should deliver another strong performance if he handles the 1200m trip. Aurora Lady did not disgrace at his last run and must be rated a chance here. Gustosisimo will find this field more manageable on his return to Happy Valley and could prove to be a value choice.