Luke Middlebrook
Trainer John Size’s consistent three-year-old Howdeepisyourlove looks on track to break through in Class 3 when he contests the 1200m Handicap at Happy Valley on Wednesday.
Howdeepisyourlove is one-time winner and three-time place getter from five starts. After shedding his maiden tag impressively in Class 4 three starts ago, he has placed in both Class 3 runs on the class rise but had plenty of excuses in the run on his most recent effort at this track and distance 28 days ago.
Drawn widest in barrier No 12 he was already up against it, while in the home straight he was checked at the 150m and lost the running to which he was entitled.
It was a big run into third under the circumstances and as he comes into barrier No 2 for this week’s assignment, that should provide far more luck as he is has the gate speed to race handier. Holding form with a nice and quiet trial since his last run, the up-and-comer looks to take a power of beating.
Trainer Jamie Richards’ good form can continue and he will be confident of getting a win out of four-year-old Casa Cosmo in Race 8, the Class 3 1650m Handicap.
Casa Cosmo in on his fourth Hong Kong start this week and has been a steady improver each and every time he’s stepped out since making his local debut in early December.
Checking home an eye-catching fifth two starts ago at this track and distance, he then raced over 1600m at Sha Tin and was held up for a good portion of the straight but managed to edge through late to hold down third place, beaten just 0.50-lengths.
That run suggests he’s ready to win this week and he has found the right type of race where he looks suited.
With Zac Purton remaining in the saddle, they are the ones to beat.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Smiling Face has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Barrier 1 provides every chance. Quorum remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here as Purton jumps in the saddle on the back of a series of good runs. Charizard has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade. All Is Ready badly checked last start and then weakened. Jolly Honour has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon, but barrier 12 is awkward.
Race 2: Sixth Generation was an easy last start winner and must be respected to repeat the dose. Barrier 11 is the concern however. Chater Pins generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home, but perhaps he can make use of barrier 1 and he is on the verge of a win. Robot Warrior was eased early before catching the eye late into sixth last start. Cordyceps One clearly has a better chance over this distance and expect a better run. Exuberant racing well with good sectional time rankings recently and could sneak a place.
Race 3: A Americ Te Specso well-placed and looks a chance in a race like this as Purton is back in the saddle and has drawn well low in barrier 2. Ready to win. H Z Tourbillon has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. Happy Trio faded late last start into fourth, chance to improve under right race shape. Lucky Gold had genuine excuses last start when caught wide and could improve in a race such as this. Loriz last start winner who rises in class but can measure up.
Race 4: Wonder Years was an easy last start winner over this track and distance and must be respected again. He stays all day and should gain a soft run from barrier 1. Reach Goal caught the eye last start when running home well into second, the rise in distance should be right up his alley. Management Folks good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Forever Glorious ran the third fastest sectional time last start after being slow to begin. Vincy looks a solid good chance based on last start and stays the trip.
Race 5: Joy Coming newcomer who looks talented from the Francis Lui yard and must be rated a good chance on debut with Purton in the saddle. Righteous Arion last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss, go on his win two starts ago. Further Forward had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race with luck from barrier 10. Telecom Speed will win in this grade very soon and barrier 2 should ensure a good run throughout. Snowalot go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay, he’s racing well after a stable change.
Race 6: Victory Scholars drawn well here and should be in the finish. He’s racing well after a stable change and only faded late last start. Hoss holding form with recent good trial after a nice maiden win last start, but barrier 11 is never easy over Happy Valley. King Eccellente consistent form lately and can score here. Fortune Carrier finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start. Miracles could sneak a place in a race like this as he steps away from barrier 1.
Race 7: Seasons Wit newcomer who trialled impressively for debut and, from barrier 3, should get his chance to score first-up. California Deeply nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance if he can stay in touch early, that has been his biggest problem in his last two runs when finishing in the placings. Gorgeous Vitality looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form and expect improvement. Special M last start winner who retains good form and can run well again. Classic Unicorn has a chance based on past form in this class of race, he can run a cheeky race from barrier 1.
Race 8: Casa Cosmo last start placing was full of merit, nice effort and he’s ready to win fourth-up in Hong Kong. Gallant Waking good performance when storming home for a nice second last start, which is his usual pattern, and look for him making a late bid here. All Beauty had excuses last start and forget the run, he can bounce back with luck from barrier 11. Happy Daily finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start and barrier 2 ensures a good run. Star Contact nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance.
Race 9: Howdeepisyourlove last start placing was full of merit, nice effort and coming into a low draw means he can map handier and is ready to bounce back for a win. Armour Eagle showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Barrier 12 is awkward, but his form is strong. California Cible had excuses last start when racing wide without cover, he can improve with a better run. Majestic Knight looks a solid good chance based on last start. Seizing The Moment has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade, he could sneak a place with a good run expected from barrier 1.