Shum eyes a gorgeous win at the Valley

He Jiong

The Danny Shum-trained four-year-old Gorgeous Win is set to continue his strong run this season as he lines up for the Class 2 Handicap over 1200m at Happy Valley this Sunday.

Since day one, Gorgeous Win has demonstrated consistent performance, achieving four victories and securing six additional placings from 12 starts. The son of Press Statement has shown strong form against top-class sprinters, including Ka Ying Rising, last season, making his exceptional performance this preparation no surprise. He resumed with an effortless win in a Class 3 race in early September and followed it up with a commendable third-place finish behind Wunderbar in this class last time out.

While Gorgeous Win stands out as the form choice this week, the race remains competitive, with multiple contenders in the mix. Raging Blizzard scored a double before a long break and poses a threat if fit enough for his return. Meanwhile, Copartner Prance has an impressive record at this track (6-5-0-1) and benefits from the distance drop, although he will need to carry the top weight.

Fresh off an impressive first-up win, five-year-old gelding Noble Pursuit looks well-positioned to secure back-to-back victories in the Class 3 Handicap over 1650m.

Noble Pursuit had trialled impressively leading up to his return, so it was no surprise that he was heavily backed that night. Despite covering extra ground mid-race, he surged strongly in the straight, drawing away to win by 1.25 lengths. The form from that race has been franked, with the runner-up, I Can, winning subsequently. This strengthens Noble Pursuit 's case for continuing his winning ways, even with top weight this week.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Country Dancer making his Class 5 debut, he has trialled well for his return and looks ready to break through with Purton aboard. Cheer For South suited by the drop in distance and ratings, he should run a big race from an inside draw. The Khan let down well to score an easy win last start and remains a strong chance despite carrying top weight. Same To You has ability but is inconsistent, consider if his odds offer value. Spicy So Smart drops to Class 5, where he has a great record, cannot be ignored.

Race 2: Noble Pursuit scored a convincing first-up win despite covering extra ground. He’s one to follow as he remains in Class 3. Winning Steps defied a slow pace to score a last-to-first win in Class 4 last time out. He is ideally weighted to score again despite rising to Class 3. Romantic Laos had genuine excuses last start and could run a cheeky race with better luck in running. Sharpen Bright his recent form is commendable and appears a lightweight chance here. Red Majesty did not disgrace at his last run and may sneak into the placings.

Race 3: Courier Magic settled too far back last time out, and with a good steer from Purton, he could make amends in this wide-open field. Capital Legend suited by the rise in trip, he appears ideally placed to score as he drops to his last winning mark. Sturdy Ruby performed well at the end of last season and must be respected as he resumes in a highly winnable race. Gallant Crown showed good improvement last start and appears to be a chance. Tradition has recently transferred to a new stable and is looking for improvement.

Race 4: Lucky Planet led but weakened late at his first-up run. With added fitness, he should produce a much-improved performance based on his easy win in this class two starts ago. Denfield his last-start fast-finishing second suggests that a win is imminent. Keep safe. Almighty Kick caught the eye last start when running home well and include among the better chances. Valhalla from an inside draw, he could place at value with the apprentice claim. Yeah Buddy has dropped in the ratings and will find this easier than his last start.

Race 5: Gimme Five has been improving with each run, and Purton could be the final piece for him to secure an overdue win. Smart Fighter his recent runs are encouraging and he must be rated a strong chance from a favourable draw. The Perfect Match handy type resuming from a break and watch for betting support. Telecom Dragon resuming from a break and having trialled well recently, he could surprise at odds. Golden Darci dropping to a sprint distance first-up, he should run well with fresh legs.

Race 6: Dragon Star was narrowly beaten two starts ago before an uncharacteristic run last time when failing to show tactical speed. He should be highly competitive if he regains his early speed. Jubilation recent runs have been encouraging and should run well. Volcanic Spark drops in class here and finds a suitable race. Forever Glorious a natural frontrunner in great form, he could be hard to run down if the race unfolds in his favour. Arthur’s Kingdom rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up.

Race 7: Ma Comet has been placed in four consecutive starts and is overdue for a win. Grand Nova a last start winner who remains in the same grade, he is primed for a cross-seasonal double as he draws well first-up. Victorythirtythree caused a surprise last start by leading all the way to win at big odds. He is worth considering if his odds remain attractive. Colourful Prince showed good improvement last start after dropping to this class and commands respect. Sight Happy looks suited by the drop in distance and may sneak into the placings.

Race 8: Romantic Son an impressive debut winner in Australia, he has trialled well since relocating to Hong Kong and looks ready to run a big race first-up. Celestial Colours was narrowly beaten last start and is edging closer to another win. Righteous Arion ran home strongly last start and will surge late into the picture if the pace suits. Reward Smile a proven performer at this level and rates in the chances despite carrying top weight. Find My Love may find the rivals more manageable after switching to Happy Valley and improvement is expected.

Race 9: Healthy Healthy he can bounce back anytime in this class, and he may offer better odds as Purton has chosen to ride another contender after they finished a strong third last start. Red Elegance racing in great form and is primed for a double remaining in Class 3. Youthful Spirits a dangerous frontrunner who could be hard to run down if allowed an uncontested lead. Eternal Fortune showed big improvement last start when flashing home late into second. Horsepower making his local debut and having trialled well, the betting market will be the best guide, especially with Purton taking the ride.

Race 10: Gorgeous Win has been in excellent form this preparation and looks ready to return to the winner’s list after a solid third behind Wunderbar last start. Copartner Prance should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and must be included among the strong chances, especially with Purton taking the reins from gate 1. Lucky Encounter boasts an impressive strike rate over this distance and war- rants respect. Dancing Code appreciates returning to Happy Vally where he is two from three. Raging Blizzard a talented type resuming from a spell, he will make his presence felt if fit for his first-up run.