Size runner is in the Zone

Luke Middlebrook

In-form six-year-old Zone D can score back-to-back wins when he lines up in the Class 3 1650m Handicap on the nine-race card at Happy Valley in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

It was just last Thursday when the John Size trainee scored a fourth career win for the yard, drawn in barrier No 1 in the field of nine that night and being able to place himself well midfield.

The pace was only moderate but letting down with his trademark turn-of-foot proved him too good over the concluding stages and he won comfortably by a neck under the urgings of a strong Zac Purton ride.

Zone D has raced on the seven-day back up once before in his first season of racing, which yielded a third placing. In his favour this week as he vies for a fifth career win at start number 26, is the fact that he has landed a low draw and will start from barrier No 3 while the race should be run to suit with a few who should press forward. Purton remains in the saddle which is also a positive.

Elsewhere, three-year-old gelding E Universe looks on track to shed his maiden tag third-up in the Class 4 1200m Handicap.

The Manfred Man-trained youngster has done little wrong in his first two career starts after checking home a closing fourth over 1000m on debut in early February, beaten 1.25 lengths. In his next start he went on to cross the line a neck into second place when rising to 1200m.

E Universe has since trialled satisfactorily in between runs and draws perfectly in barrier No 2 for his third-up assignment. Thriving jockey Hugh Bowman retains the ride and this looks an ideal race for him to strike.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Natural Storm generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. A track and distance specialist who can win this from his low draw. Escape Route form is good and must be rated a solid chance with Purton and Size combining. Having his first try at this distance is the obvious query. Above has a good record over this track and distance and is well placed to improve here. Round The Earth place chance at value in a race like this, consider. S J Tourbillon could sneak a place in a race like this.

Race 2: Over The Moon good performance when storming home for third place last start on his first try in Class 5. He is ready to win. Jolly Honour last run suggested a win was very near. Barrier 10 will require ample luck, but his form is good enough to take this out. Charizard looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Barrier 1 provides all hope. Faithful Trinity old-timer who has placed on his last two runs and has drawn well low. To Infinity caused a surprise last start when winning at big odds. Questions remain if he can go on with it.

Race 3: Wood On Fire was an easy last start winner and he has drawn well low to be able to repeat the dose if good enough. He remains well-rated on a rating of 52. Island Surprise go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay. From barrier 1, he has to be a chance. Prime Mortar winner of last two starts and looks a top chance fresh. Telecom Speed ran the third fastest sectional time last start. Spicy So Smart last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Each-way chance at odds.

Race 4: Zone D backing up quickly from a good last-start win here last Thursday. Purton remains in the saddle from barrier 3, from where he appears hard to hold out again. Rattan Kingdom well placed at the weights and can be in the finish, he will be closing off strongly. Loyal Baby should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. All Riches a fast beginner who can run well if they don’t overcook it. Maldives placed last start and looks a chance to run well again having drawn pole position.

Race 5: Plenty of in-form runners here makes for a competitive race. G One Excellent racing in career-best form, winning his last three races most impressively, and perhaps the handicapper hasn’t caught up with him just yet. Nicetobemet resuming from a break and showed improvement in a recent trial. Purton rides and expect improvement. Hearty Wish consistent form lately and can score here stepping away from gate 2. Atomic Energy more than capable of winning again in this race after breaking through nicely last time. Diamond Soars showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight.

Race 6: Another wide-open Class 4 race here. Splendid Living should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Coming into a much lower draw than last time should make a world of difference to his chances. Holy Power every chance last start but still ran a good race for second place. He remains a top chance. Sturdy Ruby turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability. He is open to any amount of improvement second-up. Happy Angel form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Eighteen Palms looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. Blinkers go on first time here.

Race 7: E Universe holding form with recent good trial and looks well placed to get his first career win third-up here. Bowman rides from barrier 2, from where he should secure the run of the race. Savvy Chic drops down in grade and start following again. He can bounce back anytime at this level. A Americ Te Specso ran home in fast sectional times last run after being set a task. Won well two back but needs to map closer here. Harmony N Home looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Barrier 1 provides all hope. Righteous Arion nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance.

Race 8: Nimble Nimbus winner of last two starts and is a big chance here despite the rise in class. From barrier 2, he should gain the gun run and gets his chance. Rise Brethren change of trainer recently and can improve. Savaquin well supported last start and won accordingly and remains a leading hope. Gorytus form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Every- one’s Delight faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. Barrier 1 suits his pattern.

Race 9: Magniac last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. He should relish racing at Happy Valley for the first time. Gold Gold Baby talented galloper who gets back in the run and comes home à la Golden Sixty. High in the ratings now but his turn-of-foot is too good when he shows up. Xponential looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He can relish a low draw for once. Act Of Faith has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Phoenix Light racing well with good sectional time rankings recently and can surprise.