Shum and copartner McDonald have ambition

Luke Middlebrook

Trainer Danny Shum and jockey James McDonald could secure success in the final race of today’s nine-race fixture at Happy Valley in Hong Kong on Wednesday with in-form six-year-old Copartner Ambition.

Shum has handled the gelding for only 11 of his 33 starts but appears to have revitalized its form lately by reintroducing blinkers. Additionally, it's worth noting Copartner Ambition encountered wide barriers for most of its starts under Shum, until it drew in barriers No 4 and No 2 in its second-up and third-up runs this season, resulting in consecutive wins.

The performance in Copartner Ambition’s last start, finishing fifth, was better than it reads, as it suffered a check at the 200m and lost all momentum.

Nevertheless, once balanced up the horse finished strongly, crossing the line two lengths behind the winner. With the advantage of gate No 1, McDonald should get the sweet run just off the pace which should be genuine.

Speaking of barrier No 1, in the race prior, a Class 3 1650m Handicap, five-year-old Hoss piques plenty of interest as he steps out for his first run for leading trainer Pierre Ng.

Formerly trained by Jamie Richards, Hoss raced 12 times for three wins and a couple of placings, all over 1200m. However, five starts ago, he turned in a good run into fifth over 1400m at Sha Tin after racing wide for 700m, suggesting he has what it takes to get over more ground.

It’ll be interesting to see if Ng can turnaround Hoss’s form as he has done with plenty of other stable changes during his short time as a trainer in his own right. – HKJC

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Vamos remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here as blinkers go on for the first time. Purton rides from a good gate and this is his chance to break through. Happy Horse good effort last start leading all the way to win. The speed map appears to be in his favour again here. Multimore had excuses last start when racing wide without cover, chance to improve with better luck. Magic Traveller down in class in this race and should perform better from barrier 1. Double Show well-placed and looks an each-way chance in a race like this.

Race 2: Regency Happy Star has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. There’s been merit to those placings after mid-race moves, so a better-timed ride here could make a world of difference. Cordyceps One has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade, can bounce back anytime. Charmander backing up quickly from a good last start effort and can run well again with luck from out wide. Medic Elite another on the quick back up and he always rates a chance. Viva A La showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Can do the same here and may hold down for a place.

Race 3: Invincible Missile has ability and is always dangerous in this grade with a record of two wins from three starts. Requires a bit of luck being a backmarker but he should go close. Splendid Star last start winner who rises in class but can measure up. Whyte has him flying. Samarkand well supported last start and won accordingly, chance to run well again if he gets the speed map to suit. Forever Glorious should relish the drop back in distance after a fair effort over longer. Palace Pal generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home.

Race 4: Beauty Destiny bit erratic but has a chance here as the tongue tie goes on first time as well as cheek pieces. Expecting those gear changes to improve his form this time. Run Run Timing debut run was good and has trialled well since. He should be going close to winning. Joy Coming looks a solid good chance based on last start and is always good enough for a race like this. Golden Luck form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Shining Fortune can bounce back a winner anytime in this class and he should get a good run from the low gate.

Race 5: Atomic Energy looks a solid good chance based on last start when runner-up to Humble Star. Fitter now second-up and drawn well low. California Deeply generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. He, too, should be better now second-up. Explosive Witness surprise tactics adopted last run when being ridden forward, can improve with a quieter ride. Happy United last start winner who rises in class but can measure up.

Race 6: Scotch Tycoon changed stables recently and has improved. He should be able to go on with it. Young Life Forever has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. He will receive every chance from the low gate. See U Again looks a solid good chance based on last start and should measure up again in a moderate race. High Rise Soldier can bounce back a winner anytime in this class. Looks the type of race where he can recapture form. Travel Golf narrowly beaten last start and goes close here but the wide draw is the concern.

Race 7: Beato has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Gets JMac in the saddle from a low gate and this is his chance to break through. Dragon Star should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way again. If left alone, he’ll be hard to get past. Smart Fighter had no luck last start but keep following. Strongest Boy remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here but the wide draw is awkward. Win Win Fighter can bounce back a winner anytime in this class.

Race 8: Hoss change of trainer to Pierrer Ng recently and can improve. Should receive every hope from barrier 1. Tourbillon Prince had genuine excuses last start and consider again. Romantic Laos gains a start. He is racing consistently since the move to Cody Mo and will go close. Gallant Waking generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home and is hand will be forced from the wide draw. U S S Constitution well prepared for debut and looks big chance to run a race first-up for John Size.

Race 9: Copartner Ambition last run was better than it reads as he copped a nasty check at the 200m. Coming into barrier 1 is key to his chances and he can bounce back in a big way here. A Americ Te Specso good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Yet to win in Class 3, but he is good enough to do so. Happy Day has improved since the blinkers were added and can handle the rise in class. Prince Of Porty resuming from a break and trialled well recently. Nice horse but the wide draw makes it tricky first-up. Brave Star has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon.