Luke Middlebrook
Trainer Jamie Richards will be hoping to put an end to a lean spell with thriving three-year-old Seasons Wit chasing a winning hat-trick in Race 8, a Class 3 Handicap over 1000m, at Happy Valley in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
The up-and-comer arrived in Hong Kong as a one-time winner and four-time placegetter from five starts in Australia but has quickly improved his winning strike rate by winning two from five locally while also picking up a further two second placings. If not for a luckless run into second place three starts ago, Seasons Wit’s winning record may be even better, but he turned the tables quickly by winning his next two starts stylishly.
Seasons Wit’s last start win 35 days ago was easy, stalking the speed and cruising clear in the straight and going away to win by one length. Richards has kept Seasons Wit ticking over with a usual trial in between runs and will be no doubt be hoping to bag his first winner since Seasons Wit’s win on 7 June.
Impressive debut winner Fast Serve returns to the scene of the crime in search of back-to-back wins in Race 4, the Class 4 Handicap over 1000m.
Fast Serve had trialled smartly numerous times leading into his first race, so the market expected him to perform well, although there was a late drift on him from $2.6 out to $3.5 and subsequently jumping as second favourite.
The three-year-old gelding defied the market, leading from the 400m to stave off any challengers and win by a neck.
The form has since stood up as second placed Sergeant Pepper won easily last week. Trainer David Hall has been in red-hot form and Fast Serve is the type of horse who can add to his already impressive statistics before season end.
Luke Middlebrook’s Selections
R1. 1-6-2-3
R2. 4-5-7-1
R3. 9-11-1-2
R4. 3-6-4-1
R5. 12-4-6-2
R6. 6-2-3-7
R7. 5-7-4-8
R8. 2-3-11-10
R9. 2-11-3-5
Betting Strategy:
R3 #9 Each-Way
R5 #12 Each-Way
R7 #5 Win
R8 #2 Win
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Chiu Chow Brother has a great record in this class and must be respected. Jazz Steed has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. From barrier 4, he should secure the right run. Circuit Seven making Class 5 debut and must be respected. Barrier 12 is the concern. Har Har At Heart was strong late last start. Building up towards a win in the grade. Goodmanship is a solid chance on his last run.
Race 2: Vincy last run suggested a win was very near. On his second try in Class 5 from barrier 3, he has to get every chance under Purton and should be hard to beat. Classic Archi looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form after a string of placings. Fortune Triple well supported last start and won accordingly. He could be hard to beat again if maintained form. Dazzling Fellow will win in this grade very soon. Loyal Ambition a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, he can give a sight.
Race 3: Wind Speeder has a top jockey (Purton) in the saddle and that will help. He ran home strongly last start after excuses in the run and now comes into barrier 2. He has dropped low in the ratings can finds a winnable race. Charming Steed looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. Barrier 3 is ideal. Compassion Super has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. Flaming Passion winner of last two starts and is a big chance here from barrier 4. Joy Coming last run suggested a win was very near. He’s ready.
Race 4: Fast Serve turned in a very nice debut run when winning impressively and looks to have good ability. He can win again. Ace Talent ultra-consistent performer of late and is always worth considering. King Eccellente showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Expect a similar run and he could be hard to chase down. Flying Dragon good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. King Invincible tongue tie added again after he pulled up as a roarer last start. Purton remains in the saddle.
Race 5: Cordyceps One had excuses last start when he reared at the start. Massive run late into sixth and he can bounce back from a low draw. Snowalot will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well for Purton. Gold Tack has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Barrier 1 will provide every hope. Villa Fionn drops down in grade and start following. He can bounce back anytime at this level. Fortune President racing consistently of late and expect another big run.
Race 6: Aestheticism nice effort last start when finishing strongly. Third-up now and in race where there is good speed engaged on paper, he looks hard to hold out. One For All should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Hero Star had excuses last start and forget the run. He’s another who likes to begin fast. Hearty Wish caught the eye last start running home powerfully. Suited by a strong tempo here. Togepi has improved since the blinkers were added. A win is nearby.
Race 7: Hameron looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. From barrier 1, he should be very hard to beat. S J Tourbillon was an easy last start winner and must be respected if he shows up in the same vein of form. Jumbo Fortune remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here. Purton rides and he’ll gets his chance from barrier 2. Above had no luck last start but keep following. Majestic Victory looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form.
Race 8: Seasons Wit smart three-year-old who is the winner of last two starts and is a big chance here to land a winning hat-trick. Harmony N Blessed nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance to test the favourite. Northern Beaches has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. A first local wis is near. Super Vince bled last start and has been rested. First-up from barrier 2, he should run a race. Equaletta Blitz placed last start and looks a chance to run well again if he has maintained form.
Race 9: Savaquin drawn well here and should be in the finish for Purton and Size. He does need to make use of the low draw, however. Winning Dragon always worth considering in a race like this and include in your chances. Telecom Fighters has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. Stepping away from barrier 1, he should get the lead easily. Packing Award showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight to hold down fourth place. Nimble Nimbus model of consistency and is a chance.
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