Luke Middlebrook
Beauty Tycoon stands out as the best bet on Wednesday’s card at Happy Valley in Hong Kong and he comes up in Race 9, the Class 3 1200m Handicap, where the rising four-year-old will aim for back-to-back successes at the city circuit.
Beauty Tycoon only tried this track and distance for the first time in his career last start, sent out a heavily backed 12-10 chance and proved too good as he scooted clear by 1.75 lengths. It was the John Size trainee's second career win at start No 9, while he has a further five placings to his name.
Drawn in barrier No 2 for this week's assignment, Beauty Tycoon looks to get the run of the race again, which can prove him hard to hold out over the concluding stages.
His biggest danger is trainer Caspar Fownes’ four-year-old Jumbo Legend, who was far from disgraced at his first Class 3 last start and gets blinkers on for the first time this week.
Another four-year-old who stands out on the card is progressive four-year-old Gallant Waking, who can bounce back to his winning ways when he steps out in Race 8, the Class 3 1650m Handicap.
The Francis Lui-trained gelding has earned an honest record from his light nine-race career to date, posting three wins and two placings since he made his racetrack debut in early February last year. By far, though, he has been in career-best form this preparation since resuming off a gelding operation, after his form tapered off last season as a three-year-old.
Last start Gallant Waking drew widest in barrier No 12 over 1200m at Happy Valley, ridden for luck but charging home hard and fast for an eye-catching second place. He has since trialled very well and looks ready for the rise in distance, which is a first, while on paper, it's not the strongest of races for him to contest.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Superb Daddy more than capable of winning again in this race after he has improved big time because of a stable change. Sky Gem track and distance specialist and appears suited here at best form. Management Folks finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start and is open to improvement now he’s down in the ratings. Smiling Face ran the third fastest sectional time last start and has placed at the trip before. Oh Bravo video replay showed last run was very good and can surprise.
Race 2: Circuit Spiritanto go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here after he was used up on the lead last start. Flash Famous finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start and is overdue for a win in the grade. Red Impact drops down in grade and start following. On prior good Class 4 form, he has to be a serious chance here. Amazing News recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Sure Win Win good performance when returning to form last start and can go on with it.
Race 3: Exuberant should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and from a good gate, gets his chance to bounce back for a win. Melbourne Hall form is good and must be rated a solid chance on recent runs. Yellowfin still a maiden galloper but gets his chance to win after going close recently. Act Of Faith second start and will be fitter. Purton rides. Shadow Runner could sneak a place in a race like this after an okay fourth last start.
Race 4: Durham Star can upset some more fancied rivals on best form and, importantly, he comes into a better gate for once. He can map handier and prove too strong late. E Brother has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon, trialled well recently. Turtle Again has been very well prepared with several trials, watch the betting. Happily Friends last start winner who rises in class but capable of going on with it as the stable change seems to have worked. Happy Soul turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and is now on the improve.
Race 5: Savvy Chic more than capable of winning again in this race as he has drawn barrier 1 and should get the run of the race. Hero Star had excuses last start and forget the run, chance to improve. Gallant Hero finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start and recent runs have been encouraging. Our Class Act placed last start and looks a chance to run well again. Lyrical Motion can improve second-up from a break, but needs more luck than others from a wide gate.
Race 6: Happy Angel turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly into second when first-up. Drawn well low to get the gun run and can win. Flying Silver well supported last start and won accordingly, he can go on with it. Packing Monkeyking best run to date was last start and appears to be improving, holding form with decent trial. Smiling Time ran the third fastest sectional time last start and is a chance. Rainbow Light last start winner who remains in the same grade, chance to run well again if holding form.
Race 7: Gorgeous Vitality talented galloper who is resuming from a break and bounce back to his winning ways. California Deeply more than capable of winning again in this race after winning nicely at his second Hong Kong start last time. Circuit Ten having third start and may improve here under the apprentice claim. Metro Warrior an on-pace runner who could finish in the placings from his low gate. Talents Supremo newcomer who has trialled well for debut, but the betting market could be the best guide.
Race 8: Gallant Waking holding form with recent good trial and looks well. He’s appears ready for the rise in distance and can score his fourth career win at start nine. Dynamic Spirit racing well with good sectional time rankings recently and no surprises to see Purton jump aboard. Good Buddy well supported last start and won accordingly, he can run well again. Master Delight last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Gallant Crown a last start winner who trialled well since, demands respect.
Race 9: Beauty Tycoon more than capable of winning again in this race given he has drawn well low and has points in hand. Jumbo Legend nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance to prove the testing material with blinkers on first time and afforded a low gate. Our Lucky Glory finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start. Naboo Legend resuming from a break and trialled well for his return, can run well at his second Hong Kong start. California Cible had excuses last start and forget the run.