Sinba set for successive successes

Luke Middlebrook

Quality four-year-old Sinba is on target to post successive victories when he returns to Sha Tin on Tuesday in Race 11, the Class 3 1600m Handicap.

Sinba arrived in Hong Kong from Australia well credentialed, where he won four races from nine starts and looked like a horse with plenty of upside to come.

On his first local start over 1200m on 11 December, he was caught wide and without cover from the 900m but still ran a good race as he was only beaten 3.50 lengths into eighth. The gelding by Xtravagant trialled nicely in between his first-up and second-up runs, while he also relished rising to the 1400m on his second start, gaining a perfect run in transit from barrier No 1 and letting down with purpose to score comfortably by a length.

Sinba is out to further his credentials for the forthcoming Four-Year-Old Classic Series and would want to be winning easily again if to measure up. Trainer Jamie Richards has found a nice race for the up-and-comer and plenty of more wins are in store.

Elsewhere, trainer John Size can be confident of getting a win out of four-year-old A Americ Te Spesco in the Class 4 1200m Handicap (Race 4).

A Americ Te Spesco is at his fifth career start and has been a big improver on his two most recent outings. Two races ago over 1200m at Happy Valley, he closed off strongly into fourth in a slow-run race, beaten 2.75 lengths.

The Per Incanto gelding then switched to this week’s track and distance but drew wide and had to be ridden for luck from the rear. Still, he let down nicely to check home one-length into third place.

With Zac Purton sticking with the gelding this week, his winning chances looks strong, and Size has found a moderate Class 4 field where the opponents aren’t too strong.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Baby Crystal looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form after going close in several runs. Holds form with a good trial and finds a winnable race. Mr Valiant drops down in grade and start following. Brilliant Life blinkers made the difference last run and can go on with it. Snowalot racing well with good sectional time rankings recently and can run well in a race such as this. Call Me Dandy has been very well prepared with several trials, watch the betting.

Race 2: Medic Elite backing up quickly from last week, can run well again and is in with a winning chance. Team Goodluck ran the second fastest sectional time last start and with Purton in the saddle, he will be running well. Circuit Spiritanto a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, he will give a sight. Fortune President drops down in grade and start following. Zacian is capable of running a fast final 400m sectional time and will be closing off late.

Race 3: Turin Warrior has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. He finds a winnable race to break through in. Thunderboltaurus ran the third fastest sectional time last start when on debut for a promising run. He can improve further second-up. Singapore Spirit has shown ability and gets his chance to figure in the finish here. Spicy Grill is capable of running a fast final 400m sectional time but he may be dictated to by the wide draw. Lady’s Choice second start and will be fitter and improvement is likely.

Race 4: A Americ Te Specso last run suggested a win was very near and this looks his race to lose. Hard to beat. Nicetobemet holding form with recent good trial and looks well. Big second-up improvement seems likely and can run a race. Blue Marlin has trialled well for debut several times and should be rated an each-way chance. E Rainbow change of trainer recently and can improve after trialling well enough. E Brother a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, which he should.

Race 5: Go Go Sixteen caught the eye last start when running home well and he holds form with a good trial for a Class 5 horse. Superb Daddy has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. Purton is back in the saddle but has the widest alley to navigate. Owners’ Star has a chance based on past form in this class of race and keep safe. Baron Zee caught the eye last start running home powerfully and he is on the improve. Boys Party well supported last start and won accordingly.

Race 6: Boom Alliance had genuine excuses last start when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race. Worth giving him another chance from the low draw. Nicholson Returns was an easy last start winner and must be respected if he gets a good run from the wide barrier. Smiling Time looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form, have to consider. Super Hong Kong ran the fourth fastest sectional time last start and is always thereabouts in a finish. Forever Glorious last start winner who rises in class but can run well again.

Race 7: Joyful Genius last start placing was full of merit, nice effort and on the quick back up, he looks hard to beat again. Yellowfin looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form, he should be landing a win soon. Hero Icon had excuses last start and forget the run, consider again. Regent Glory had huge betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire. Wind N Grass second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve, each-way chances look okay here.

Race 8: The Irishman disappointing effort last start when beaten as the race favourite but he has since looked well in a recent trial and should be given another chance. Healthy Happy was not disgraced last start when beaten by a very smart horse in Lucky Sweynesse. The 135lbs is the obvious concern but he should be on pace for a long while under Purton. Blaze Warrior go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. The Golden Scenery always finishes close up and must be rated a chance at this level. Beluga ultra-consistent galloper and who can play a part in the finish first-up off a nice trial.

Race 9: Victor The Winner recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting a good run can be expected. He can take catching on the lead. Beauty Charge looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form and barrier 2 ensures a smooth run. Brilliant Way was not disgraced last start when beaten by a very smart horse, but Purton will need luck from barrier 11. Goko Win caught the eye last start when running home well and he is on the improve. Dinkum last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss.

Race 10: Marado winner of last three starts and looks a top chance to continue his winning ways. Drawn in barrier 1 and with Purton remaining in the saddle, he is hard to oppose. Red Lion showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight and he is overdue for a win. Atullibigeal well supported last start and won accordingly, he can run well again. Majestic Colour had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race. Solar Winds is capable of running a fast final 400m sectional time.

Race 11: Sinba scored a big win last start and it will pay to keep following, he clearly has bright future in Hong Kong. Super Sunny Sing winner of last two starts and is ultra-consistent in general. Tries the mile for the first time, but he should relish is. Gallant Waking generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. Sight Spirit should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and can run well. All Riches recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting a good run can be expected. He will give a big sight on the lead.