Size has the aces for Premier Cup, Premier Plate

Trainer John Size holds a strong hand at Sunday’s (25 June) Sha Tin Group 3 double-header with a trio of talented four-year-olds: Beauty Eternal, Tuchel and Red Lion.

Beauty Eternal and Red Lion contest the HK$3.9 million G3 Premier Cup Handicap (1400m), with the former aiming to further rise and collect a second successive win in the grade after claiming the G3 Lion Rock Trophy Handicap (1600m) earlier this month.

Beauty Eternal – rated 112 – boasts six wins from nine starts and has continued to raise the bar each time he steps out after commencing his career rated 52 last October.

“He’s done everything probably expected of him from the beginning. He’s always shown plenty of potential and good ability, and he hasn’t disappointed us yet.

“I think that he’s probably going to run well again. He had a couple of interruptions in his programme throughout the year, so I don’t think it has been too taxing for him and hopefully he can run well again,” Size said.

The Starspangledbanner chestnut missed two starts earlier this term, firstly he was found to be lame before misbehaving pre-race in January – only to be withdrawn both times.

Third in the 2023 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m), Beauty Eternal was beaten home by stablemate Tuchel – second in the blue riband – who lines up in the HK$3.9 million G3 Premier Plate Handicap (1800m).  

The Redwood gelding has five wins from 14 starts in Hong Kong, including twice at Class 2 level. He finished third in his most recent start over Sunday’s course and distance.

“Rain affected tracks are always a bit tricky to assess horses on but I thought it was a sound effort (last start). He finished in the money and he seemed to run a normal race but with the weight that he had and the conditions that he had, maybe he could be forgiven for not winning but I thought he still raced very well,” Size said.

Jockey Zac Purton rides both Beauty Eternal and Tuchel this weekend. Tuchel faces seven rivals including Senor Toba, Panfield, Tourbillon Diamond, Spirited Express and The Best Peach.

“His (Tuchel) form suggests he has a little bit more in him. So we’ll trust him to do that and when he comes back as a five-year-old he might find a bit more strength.

“He looks well placed and it just depends on the circumstances in the race and on the day as to whether he’s disadvantaged on the day. On paper it looks suitable,” Size said.

Another significant improver, Red Lion is chasing a hat-trick of wins for Size when he steps up to Group 3 level this weekend for the Premier Cup under jockey Alexis Badel.

“The first day we raced him he ran really well at Happy Valley, he came from an outside gate and showed good speed. He stuck on, so he looked like a racehorse really from the first day and he’s developed and gone on with that.

“He’s been quite workmanlike but he still keeps stepping and going up in class – he’s done a lot of good things, he’s handled the wet tracks and firm tracks, so overall he’s been a very good horse for us,” Size said.

Red Lion faces five rivals including stablemate Beauty Eternal as well as Beauty Joy, Healthy Happy, Kurpany and Circuit Stellar.

Chasing a record-setting 12th trainers’ championship in Hong Kong, Size has entered 11 runners for Sunday’s fixture as he looks to repel the charge of Frankie Lor, who is currently positioned second just six wins behind his former mentor (68-62).

Golden Express – another swiftly emerging four-year-old – takes his place for Size in a red-hot Class 2 Topaz Handicap (1200m), bidding for a fourth consecutive win.

“He’s been good, it was a fairly wet track the last time he raced and he obviously handled the conditions very well, so it could be a little bit flattering.

“He’s done nothing wrong and in his last three starts he’s been perfect in every way. It was a long time between races to here but his couple of trials have been good. Hopefully he can keep improving,” Size said.

Purton also rides Golden Express and takes a full book of mounts across the 10-race fixture. - Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: It could be another big day in the saddle for Zac Purton. Compassion Spirit has a great record in this class and should get Purton off to the perfect start. River Views showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight, expect the same. Copartner Pudong blinkers have been added and can surprise after showing improvement in a recent trial. Diamond Flare has dropped a lot in the ratings and can improve from barrier 1. Atomic Beauty down in class here and can surprise at odds.

Race 2: Peak To Peak second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve. He was a noticeable drifter last start but, on true form, he is too good at this level. General Winner video replay showed last run was very good. Purton takes the ride and he will get his chance to score his first win. Beauty Nova looks a solid good chance based on last start; he’s knocking on the door. Medic Elite ran the second fastest sectional time last start. Boys Party can bounce back a winner anytime in this class.

Race 3: Beauty Eternal highly promising four-year-old who shows nice ability and is the one to beat. The small field of six runners does make it tactically awkward, but from barrier 1, he should get all the favours. Red Lion stable mate to Beauty Eternal and did beat him two starts ago. He enters this race a winner of last two starts and is flying. Beauty Joy winner of this race year who is a chance again. Circuit Stellar a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, which he should in the small field. Healthy Happy goes well first-up from a break and should be respected. However, it’s been 540 days between drinks for him.

Race 4: Perfect Peach ran on strongly from a wide draw last start but, coming into barrier 1, he can map handier. That should make all the difference to his chances. Ariel showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight in a fast run race. Purton takes the ride and he can improve big time here. June Planet has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Natural Gold looks a solid good chance based on last start. Brave And Bold from astute yard and watch betting support. He is open to improvement here.

Race 5: Super Hong Kong good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. As a two-time winner from four at the track and distance, he stands out from the rest. Sharpen Bright having third start and may improve here with Purton jumping in the plate. Go Go Sixteen well supported last start and won accordingly, chance to run well again. Billionaire Secret recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Wonder Years can upset some more fancied rivals on best form, each-way claims if he can jump with them early.

Race 6: Golden Express smart four-year-old who is the winner of last three starts and looks a top chance to make if four-straight. Clearly, he is on a fast upward trend and he is hard to tip against here. Beauty Charge fresh up from a break and should run well. He appears the only one who can test the favourite. Adios never far away from the winner and could sneak a place. Drawn well low to map a chance. Lucky With You turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly. Packing Treadmill has shown ability and gets his chance to measure up here.

Race 7: Tuchel nice four-year-old with a good chance here. He’s a model of consistency, which holds him in good stead to be the one to beat. He will map every chance from barrier 4. Tourbillon Diamond winner of this race last year and can run well again. The Best Peach has great advantage on light weight and consider here. He showed no interest last start, but prior form is good. Beluga showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Spirited Express is capable of running a fast final 400m sectional time. Each-way claims.

Race 8: Nicetobemet was eased early before catching the eye late over 100m at Happy Valley. He looks better suited at this week’s track and distance and is getting close to a win. Greenwich having second start and can improve with experience. He’s drawn widest, so may be ridden for luck under Purton. Hells Bells recent barrier trial was good, suggesting a good run can be expected. Hong Kong Hall narrowly beaten last start and goes close here. Hero Icon good performance when storming home for a nice second last start.

Race 9: Helios Express huge performance when storming home for a nice second last start on debut. Coming into barrier 1 will see him map closer to the speed and he should be winning this easily. Dragon’s Luck bled last start and has been rested. He should run a race first-up. Moduleconstruction last start winner who rises in class but can measure up. Golden Link ran the second fastest sectional time last start. Outgate resuming from a break and won a recent trial. He can improve in his second Hong Kong start.

Race 10: Taj Dragon consistent performer of late and worth considering as Purton takes the ride. From barrier 2, he will get the gun run in transit and looks the likely winner. Euro Rocks improving all the time with race experience but just needs luck from barrier 11. Chiu Chow Spirit has shown ability and gets his chance to win here. Wings Of War looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Seizing The Moment go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. Last run was better than in reads.