He Jiong
Although there are no feature races at Sha Tin on Sunday, the 1200m Class 2 Handicap is drawing plenty of attention, with a strong field of sprinters competing for glory.
Leading the charge is Wunderbar, trained by John Size. With an impressive record of six wins and two placings from eight starts, he is a formidable contender, despite carrying the top weight. Another runner from Size’s stable, Raging Blizzard, has been consistent this preparation, even though he hasn’t won in three starts. His strong performances could pay off if luck is on his side.
Call Me Glorious, trained by champion trainer Francis Lui, will likely appreciate the return to turf, where he has shown his best form. He comes off a solid third on the All-Weather surface in his last outing. Meanwhile, Bottomuptogether, trained by Frankie Lor, may not have been suited by the rise to 1400m last time, but he should be much more competitive dropping back to 1200m, a distance where he boasts a perfect top three strike rate.
Four-year-old City Thunder is poised to make a breakthrough in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.
The Starspangledbanner gelding has shown marked improvement this season, delivering strong performances in both of his starts. After an unlucky fourth in his first-up run, where he was held up for the final 300m, City Thunder came even closer last time, finishing just a neck behind the winner in third place.
This week, he benefits from a favourable draw and will be partnered with champion jockey Zac Purton. With a perfect run expected and a below-par Class 4 field to contend with, City Thunder looks well-placed to claim victory.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Special Hedge looks ready to run a big race in Class 5 with Purton aboard, following a series of solid performances at the bottom of Class 4. Charmander has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. With a decent draw, he should be a strong contender. Gold Tack making his Class 5 debut, improvement is expected as he may have an edge over his rivals. Chilli Baba overlook his last start where he was slow to begin. With a clean jump, he could surprise at value. Invincible Missile likes to get back and charge home, and will make his presence felt if the pace suits.
Race 2: California Moxie has been improving with each run and will find this restricted Class 4 field more manageable, especially with a light weight. Juneau Pride has trialled well since his narrow last-start defeat and looks ready to break through, despite the wide draw. Lucky Statement a newcomer who has trialled well for his debut, he is worth considering from pole position, especially with Purton aboard. Etalon Or has shown ability and gets his chance to win, though the wide draw remains a major concern. Ka Ying Attack scored a narrow win last start but the wide draw and top weight make things tricky here.
Race 3: City Thunder was narrowly beaten last start, so it is no surprise to see Purton take the ride this time. Super Legends a proven performer at this level, he is capable of bouncing back to the winner’s list anytime. Hayday a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, which looks likely with a low draw. Island Buddy showed good improvement last start and remains a strong chance, despite the wide draw. Patch Of Stars his debut run was encouraging, and further improvement is expected as he gains more experience.
Race 4: Lucky Fionn finished a solid second behind Sky Trust, who is already a Class 3 winner. He is primed to break through given the strong form line. Win Speed a competitive on-pace runner, he could be hard to run down if he crosses easily in the early stages from the wide draw. Triumphant Warrior produced an improved effort last start and could finally break through in this wide-open field. Super Goldi could show improvement after dropping to Class 4, where he has a solid record. Sunday’s Serenade has been far from disgraced in his recent outings and could place at value.
Race 5: Bling Bling Genius looks like a talented newcomer after winning his recent trials easily. A strong performance is expected on debut. Blazing Wind ignore his disappointing last start and give him another chance based on his previous form. Sunny Da Best has the ability but is inconsistent. However, he could surprise at odds if given a soft lead. Happy Park last start winner who is well placed to go back-to-back in the same grade. Sky Joy turned in a strong debut run and looks to have good ability. However, he needs to cope with a wide draw this time.
Race 6: Charity Gain looks like a quality stayer in the making and should play a key role, despite carrying top weight. Serangoon caught the eye last start when running home well, and with Purton aboard, he is worth considering. Joyful Prosperity a winner of his last two starts, he remains a strong chance despite the rise in weight. Jubilation has shown great form in Class 4, and from an inside draw, he should map well and deliver a commendable performance. Soaring Bronco rising back to Class 4 on a 3-day backup, he could prove a lightweight chance in this staying contest.
Race 7: Young Superstar stuck on well for a gallant third under a frantic tempo last time out and looks hard to run down from a favourable draw. Lady’s Choice ignore his last run and focus on his previous solid form. He deserves another chance with J-Mac taking the reins. Riding Together making his local debut, he has trialled well and looks a strong chance with Purton aboard. Karate Express has shown above average ability in both starts. However, rising straight to Class 3 from Griffin company could be a challenge. Magnificent Nine appears well placed at the weights and can finish in the money
Race 8: Divano scored an easy win last start and a double looks well within his reach as he remains in Class 3. Romantic Son failed last start but has since trialled well. From a decent draw, he has to be rated a strong chance. Lifeline Express appears well-weighted to run a big race and commands respect. Victory Sky has ability but could be hard to catch. He is worth considering if his odds offer value. Righteous Arion looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start and could show improvement with better luck in running.
Race 9: Johannes Brahms attacked the line strongly late after copping a check last start. He can make amends with a smoother run. Glorious Success finished a solid second on his local debut, and from a low draw, he is well placed to go one better. Lucy In The Sky despite the wide draw, he should be highly competitive if he reverts to his positive racing style. Ka Ying Superb displayed tactical speed last start and could be hard to run down if allowed an uncontested lead. Superb Boy has a great record in this class and must be respected with the drop in class.
Race 10: Wunderbar a highly promising sprinter, he boasts an impressive strike rate and remains a strong chance despite the wide draw. Bottomuptogether should be highly suited by the drop back in distance, and from pole position, he looks to be the biggest threat to the favourite. Raging Blizzard has been in consistent form this preparation and worth considering. Gorgeous Win has had no luck recently and could run a cheeky race and surprise at odds. Superb Capitalist possessing good early speed, he could sneak into the placings under the right race shape.