Ruby to crack the ice at Happy Valley

Luke Middlebrook

Four-year-old Sturdy Ruby gets his chance to break through for his first win in Wednesday’s Class 4 race over 1650m at Happy Valley in Hong Kong.

The Manfred Man-trained gelding has been consistent in his 10 career starts, securing five places, one of those coming the last time he raced at this track and distance three weeks ago when he caught the eye late to finish second. Drawn wide in barrier No 9, he jumped awkwardly and seemed likely to be trapped out wide before being steadied near the 1400m, dropping to second last to find cover.

Trailing the leader by 6.75 lengths at the 400m mark, Sturdy Ruby made a strong burst up the rails to secure second place to Lovero, who narrowly missed out on victory in Class 3 last week. Starting from barrier No 4 this week, Sturdy Ruby should secure a handy run close to the speed and appears to be afforded every chance to emerge victorious.

Elsewhere, talented four-year-old Joyful Hunter makes his return to the city circuit as he aims to bounce back to his winning ways in the Class 3 race over 1200m.

Not since winning his first two career starts last year has the Francis Lui-trained gelding raced at Happy Valley. Instead, he has been tested at Sha Tin in six subsequent starts. Despite performing well, with one win and two third-place finishes, Joyful Hunter may find returning to Wednesday night racing easier than Sunday’s.

He was last seen finishing in fourth, a better result than it may seem at first glance. Initially well back in the running in an on-pace dominated race, he made up significant ground late.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Wide-open, moderate Class 5 to kick things off. Brilliant Pioneer good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Still a maiden but should be afforded every chance to break through from barrier 2. Palace Pal drops down in grade and start following. He could be too good for this lot. Colourful Baron form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Diamond Winner remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here after going close recently. Vincy old-timer who is always capable of surprising but he is better over further.

Race 2: Tactical Command good performance when storming home for third place last start when blinkers went on first time. He can go on with it. Fire Ball has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. Handy ride for Ben Thompson. Chiu Chow Brother has a great record in this class and must be respected. He can begin fast and give a sight. Millennium Falcon will win in this grade very soon and barrier 4 is favourable. Noir Rider never far away from the winner and could sneak a place from barrier 2 on the light weight.

Race 3: Beauty Destiny recent barrier trial was impressive but not unusual, suggesting a good run can be expected. Had excuses last start over-racing and he gets another chance here from barrier 3 in a winnable race. Super Charizzard has trialled well for debut and should be rated a winning chance first-up. Circuit Seven last start winner who remains in the same grade and should run well again under Purton. Super Fast Dragon go on the win two starts ago and give a chance to bounce back here. Lean Master recent runs have been encouraging and can run well from barrier 2.

Race 4: Sturdy Ruby last start placing was full of merit as he had excuses in the run, nice effort and he is ready to win this week. Should gain the gun run from barrier under Purton and will prove hard to hold out. Atomic Beauty nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks the horse to test Sturdy Ruby the most. Samarkand looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. Comes into a better barrier which will help his chances. Dragon Star a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Brave Witness looks a solid good chance based on last start but barrier 10 is awkward.

Race 5: Raging Blizzard faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. He has since trialled well and has a much better barrier in gate 3 after working overtime from barrier 12 last start. Healthy Healthy form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Will jump and run and give a sight. Sing Dragon video replay showed last run was very good when he was used up on the lead on debut. Wings Of War turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly into second. Power Koepp has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade.

Race 6: Super Joy N Fun turned in a very nice debut run when winning impressively and looks to have good ability. Could be one to be better than Class 4 ability. Crystal Powerful last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. He should relish coming into gate 1 and expect big improvement. Telecom Speed was an easy last start winner and must be respected if he can repeat the dose, which is questionable. Tattenham caught the eye flashing home late, nice effort and is back in form. Golden Bull caught wide last start and still ran well.

Race 7: Plenty of in-form runners here. M Unicorn nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a leading chance one again after picking up his fourth win of the season last start. Eighteen Palms was an easy last start winner and must be respected again. He should map ideally from barrier 3. Silver Sonic has shown ability and gets his chance to win here. Endeared caught wide last start and still ran well. He can ever draw and good gate but is super honest. June Planet had no luck last start when severely checked but keep following.

Race 8: Joyful Hunter track and distance specialist and appears suited here. He should find this race easier than recent Sha Tin assignments and creates plenty of interest returning to the city circuit. A Americ Te Specso well supported last start and won accordingly. He can be in the finish again from barrier 2. Denfield faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. Purton takes the ride. Chain Of Gold best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. One For All poorly judged ride last start and can improve. Another good pick up ride for Ben Thompson.

Race 9: Beauty Infinity narrowly beaten last start and goes close here. He’s the best horse in the race – hopefully Purton rides him that way – but just needs some early luck from barrier 7 and not stand too much ground by the 400m. King Eccellente had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race. Vantastic Choice well supported last start and won accord- ingly. Barrier 2 should ensure he’s competitive again. Jumbo Legend can bounce back a winner anytime in this class. Dan Attack last start winner who remains in the same grade but barrier 10 appears tricky.