He Jiong
Unbeaten three-year-old Salon S looks primed to keep his perfect record intact this Sunday when he returns to Sha Tin in the Class 3 Handicap over 1400m.
Three from three to date, Salon S won his first two starts in Restricted Class 4 company in dominant fashion before stepping up in grade and producing an even more impressive performance last start. Despite facing a strong field on his Class 3 debut, the son of Zousain jumped well to lead from a slightly awkward draw and put the race beyond doubt near the 200m, drawing clear to score by two lengths over this course and distance.
He has since recorded a strong trial win and looks hard to oppose remaining in Class 3 this week, despite carrying top weight. The main danger may be Lucky Sam Gor, who should relish a return to Class 3, where he is a two-time winner, after being outclassed in the Hong Kong Classic Cup.
Highly promising sprinter Bulb General looks poised to pick up where he left off when he returns to Sha Tin this Sunday in the Class 2 Handicap over 1200m.
The Jamie Richards-trained gelding heads into his comeback on the back of a three-race winning streak, last seen delivering an emphatic victory against a strong Class 3 field in October. Despite an awkward draw on that occasion, he settled patiently off the pace before unleashing his trademark turn of foot from the 400m, surging past his rivals to score comfortably by 2.75 lengths over this trip.
Resuming from an injury-enforced break, Bulb General has been solidly prepared with two trials and appears well weighted to continue his winning run, even stepping up in grade. That said, ultra-consistent Patch Of Stars looms as a serious danger. With a favourable draw and proven reliability, he could capitalise if Bulb General shows any lingering effects from his layoff. - iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Bling Bling Genius went close from a wide draw last start, and with a better gate, he looks primed to break through. Winning Machine flashed home late into second despite a tardy start last time out, and could go one better if he jumps cleanly. Ace has not been beaten far at the bottom of Class 4 and should be right in the mix on his Class 5 debut. Manythanks Forever capable but unpredictable, he can bounce back at any time in the cellar grade. Double Show suited by the drop in distance and has drawn well to produce an improved effort.
Race 2: Invictus Dragon finished strongly for a close third despite encountering heavy traffic last start, and with a smoother run, he could make amends with Purton staying aboard. Shotgun could be hard to run down if able to cross from the wide draw and dictate. Strathpeffer had vet excuses last start and deserves another chance, given his strong previous form. Russet Glow held up at a crucial stage last start and could sneak into the placings with better luck in running. So My Folks maps to lead from the inside and will give them something to chase if he sees out the 1400m.
Race 3: Volcanic Spark should enjoy a smooth trip from a low gate and appears well weighted to make an impact. Storm Runner has been in consistent form and looks capable of securing a hat-trick despite the weight rise. Agenda will relish the drop to Class 4, where he meets a more manageable field, and the booking of Purton piques interest. Charity Together comes off a solid second in this class and will make his presence felt again if the pace suits. Star Brose a noted closer who is reliant on a solid tempo to bring his finish into play
Race 4: Pocketing boasting strong overseas form, he has trialled well ahead of his local debut and shapes as a leading contender. Sky Heart charged home strongly to finish third last start and commands respect. Max Que has struck a purple patch of form and remains a strong chance despite stepping up to Class 2. Beauty Eternal found the line well late from a wide draw last start and could cause an upset on his day. Packing Angel has performed below his best since returning from an injury-induced break and looks more of a place chance.
Race 5: Georgian Sigma boasts strong form around talented types and looks primed to break through first-up. Run Run Sunrise has shown marked improvement this preparation and a Class 4 double looks within his reach. Packing Phoenix resuming from a break, he is expected to sprint well fresh given his impressive first-up record. Ever Luck should be highly competitive on his return to Class 4, where he has yet to miss the frame from three attempts. Comet Radiance comes off a close second but may find this field a touch stronger than his last start.
Race 6: Nyx Gluck is suited by the rise to 1400m and, with a favourable weight swing, is well placed to turn the tables on likely favourite Circuit Fiery, who has been in career-best form. His positive racing style should also hold him in good stead to continue his strong run. Peridot stormed home for third last start and could prove a lightweight chance. Francis Meynell turned in a solid fourth last start and, now eased in the ratings, is open to further improvement. One More should deliver a strong on-pace performance against more manageable rivals with the drop to Class 4.
Race 7: Alabama Song was far from disgraced last start despite a wide trip, and from a low draw, he should map well and go close. Live Wire has shown ability and could finally break through with Purton aboard if things fall his way. Warriors Dream remains a strong con- tender in this wide-open contest after scoring a narrow win last start. Vigor Eye possesses tactical speed and could cause an upset if allowed an uncontested lead. Better And Better with a versatile running style, he should not be overlooked despite the awkward draw.
Race 8: Salon S a highly progressive 3YO, he has made all in each of his three career starts and looks set to keep his perfect record intact. Lucky Sam Gor is expected to deliver a much-improved performance after finding the competition too tough in the Classic Cup last start. Sunny Da Best attacked the line strongly late last start and could place at long odds. All’s Well remains a strong chance despite step- ping up to Class 3 after an emphatic Class 4 win. California Waves placed at huge odds from a wide draw last start, though repeating that effort remains a query.
Race 9: Bulb General resuming from an injury-induced break, he has trialled okay ahead of his first-up assignment, and the betting market should provide the best guide. Patch Of Stars has been ultra-consistent and his impressive recent trial suggests another encouraging run is imminent. Galactic Voyage comes off a facile double in Class 3 and appears well weighted to make an impact on his Class 2 debut. Magnifique a strong frontrunner, he could be hard to catch under the right race shape. Sky Trust finished a solid second in Class 1 last start and must be included among the better chances
Race 10: Rising Force has been in excellent form this preparation and must be considered a leading contender. Happy Index his re- cent runs have been encouraging and he looks the second-best in this field. Geneva comes off a strong first-up effort, and with added fitness, he is open to further improvement. Jubilant Winner made full use of a low gate to score his last start and could repeat the dose under similar conditions. Perfectday will make a strong late surge if they overdo it up front and is worth considering if his odds represent value.
Race 11: China Win narrowly beaten last start, and from a low draw, he should map well and go one better. Endued overcame a wide draw to score a tenacious win last start and has drawn well to secure back-to-back wins. Lovero his recent form has been encouraging but he will need a good steer from Purton to make an impact from the widest draw. Embraces will make a strong late surge if things fall his way and could prove a value pick. Rising Phoenix his last run was better than it looks and he could place at long odds in a genuinely run race.