He Jiong
Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday for an exciting 10-race fixture with highly competitive action expected throughout the day.
Rising three-year-old Sky Jewellery is well-placed to make amends for his narrow defeat last start when he returns to Sha Tin in the Class 3 Handicap over 1600m.
Another promising youngster from the John Size stable, Sky Jewellery has built an impressive record with two wins and a placing from just four starts. After a determined victory in Class 4 two runs ago, he stepped up to Class 3 last time out and produced another strong performance, charging home late to finish just a neck behind the winner.
Notably, that race was run at a slow tempo, which played into the hands of front-runner Hong Lok Golf, making Sky Jewellery’s effort all the more creditable.
Since then, Sky Jewellery has trialled well to maintain his form, and with his undeniable talent, he shapes as the horse to beat in his second attempt at this level.
The Class 4 Handicap (1200m) looks set to be a showdown between two promising contenders, with the race shape likely to be the decisive factor in determining the winner.
Akashvani, an impressive debut winner, showcased his tactical speed to overcome a wide draw and score a dominant victory, though he was aided by a slow tempo. He has since trialled well and appears to be ahead of the handicapper, making him a strong contender to secure back-to-back wins in Class 4.
His main rival, Flash Current, caused an upset two starts back but had little luck last time out. Crowded early, he was forced to settle off the pace before producing a strong late surge, ultimately finishing two lengths behind Akashvani. With a genuine pace and a smoother run, he has every chance to turn the tables this time.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Super Hong Kong has shown improvement in recent starts, and with Purton aboard, he can score an overdue win, despite the wide draw. Chateau Le Peche a maiden runner, he is suited by the rise in distance and can finally break through if he makes full use of the inside draw. Ivictoriam if the paces suits, he can produce a strong late surge and finally break through. Chilli Baba possesses a strong turn of foot but can be detached from the field early at times. Perfect Pairing will relish the drop to Class 5 and improved is expected.
Race 2: Manythanks Forever appears suited by the drop in distance and should enjoy a smooth run from a low draw, especially with Purton taking the reins. Regency Happy Star in career-best form, he is poised to continue his strong run in the cellar grade. Lucky Man had genuine excuses last start (raced wide), and with better luck in running, he can show improvement at his second start in Class 5. So Awesome has the ability to bounce back anytime in Class 5, but the wide draw remains a concern. Flying Phantom stormed home for a strong third last time out and is worth considering if his odds still offer value.
Race 3: Dazzling Fit had no luck on debut when held up at a crucial stage. With a smoother trip, he could make amends second-up. Top Throne finished a meritorious fourth on debut despite travelling wide. He should secure a spot in the Top 3 from an inside draw. Mount Everest outperformed expectations to score on debut and has since trialled well. A double is within his reach given the favourable draw. Pejibaye a newcomer who has trialled well for his debut, he should perform strongly if he can cross from a wide draw early. King Oberon with a lightweight on his back, he could surprise at odds.
Race 4: Beato well-rated in Class 4, he looks one to follow after a fast-finishing third last start, despite encountering minor traffic is- sues in the straight. Oriental Smoke has good early speed and could deliver a strong performance on his day. Beauty Viva the drop in class and the engagement of Purton are both positives, making him an intriguing runner to watch. Matsu Victor with a favourable draw, he may surprise at long odds, as he has done before. Smiling Collector showed signs of regaining form last start and must be respected as a proven performer in Class 4.
Race 5: Akashvani created a huge impression on debut and is poised to secure back-to-back victories in Class 4, despite the wide draw. Flash Current attacked the line strongly in a slowly run race last start and looks the second best here. Affirm a handy type resuming from a break, he could be hard to run down if allowed a soft lead. Golden Luck with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim, he could sneak into the placings at odds. Sight Dreamer his last run was better than it appears, and while the wide draw is a major concern, he could still cause an upset.
Race 6: Geneva charged home strongly to finish second despite being held up from the 400m to the 300m. He is primed to go one better with better luck in running. Lifeline Express with an inside draw, he looks on track for a double, following a facile last-start win. Lo Pan Spirit endured a wide trip but still finished third last time out. However, he faces a tough draw again this time. Gracious Express overlook his last start as he had health issues. He looks a value choice in this field. Moduleconstruction with added fitness, he is expected to show improvement second-up, following a luckless first-up run.
Race 7: Helene Feeling ran on well to finish third despite a wide trip last start. He looks the leading contender in this small field. C P Brave is likely to cause an upset if it turns into a sit-and-sprint race, which will suit his strong turn of foot. Winning Dragon it remains a mystery that he often races well at big odds. So he is worth considering if he is overlooked. Voyage Samurai as a fast beginner, he is likely to lead from start to finish for an all-the-way victory. The Golden Scenery is better than his recent form suggests and could be placed at value.
Race 8: Shamus Storm a change of tactics didn’t work out last start and he can bounce back if he reverts to his previous racing style. Ka Ying Superb has shown improvement since dropping to Class 4, making him a strong contender here. Mr Cool finished third on debut while heavily backed, and could break through as he gains more experience. Raging Rapids has not been beaten far since day one and could secure a Top 3 finish with a good draw. Fun Together with a 10-pound claimer aboard, he is likely to set the pace and give them something to chase up front.
Race 9: The Boom Box conceded his first defeat last time out, and with Purton in the saddle, he is primed to make amends. Brilliant Express his last start, where he travelled wide, is excusable and he can bounce back with a smoother run, given his impressive win two starts back. Solid Impact his last start with a strange change of tactics is best overlooked and he deserves another chance. Silo returning from a break, he has trialled well and is worth considering with Bowman aboard. Eighty Light Years stuck on well to finish second off a fast tempo last start and should not be overlooked.
Race 10: Sky Jewellery another exciting youngster from the John Size stable, he is well placed to go one better after flashing home late into second in a slowly run race last start. Glorious Success has been knocking on the door and could finally break through locally if the race unfolds in his favour. Star Mac likes to get back and charge home late and will run well if the pace suits. Solid Win caught the eye running home strongly last start and could place at odds. Dragon Joy should enjoy a smoother run from a much better draw and could spring a surprise at odds.