Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Saturday for an exciting 10-race fixture with highly competitive action expected throughout the day.
The Class 3 Handicap over 1400m promises an exciting clash between two talented gallopers, sure to capture the attention of racing fans.
Trained by John Size, Sky Jewellery made a strong impression with a debut win in January, followed by a luckless fourth in his second start. He was badly held up for much of the straight at Happy Valley. However, the son of The Autumn Sun bounced back in impressive fashion, scoring a narrow yet stylish win over this distance on his Sha Tin debut 20 days ago.
It won’t be a walk in the park for Sky Jewellery this week, though, with the exciting four-year-old Hong Lok Golf posing the biggest threat. The Chris So-trained gelding easily won his first two starts in Class 4 before finishing second on his Class 3 debut. In that race, he was hampered for room from the 300m to the 150m. With better luck in running, he’s well-positioned to make amends.
Impressive debut winner Crossborderpegasus looks well-placed to secure back-to-back victories in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m at Sha Tin this Saturday.
Heavily backed on debut after a series of eye-catching trials, the son of Rick Enuff justified the support, overcoming an awkward draw and producing a sharp turn of foot to score in emphatic fashion.
Crossborderpegasus remains in Class 4 and shapes as the one to beat, though newcomer Dazzling Fit looms as a potential threat. Trained by David Eustace, the gelding has shown promise in trials but will need to overcome a wide draw on debut. - iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Fairy Horse finished a slashing third at Happy Valley last start, and with an inside draw, he’s poised to go two better under Bowman. Bulb Emperor comes off a creditable sixth in Class 4 last time out and looks ready to run a big race on his Class 5 debut. The Concentration scored a narrow but impressive win in this class last start and remains a strong chance from a favourable draw. Gallant Goody has the ability and could sneak into the placings at odds. World Hero was not beaten far on his Class 5 debut last time out and is expected to improve.
Race 2: Soaring Bronco has performed well at the bottom of Class 4, and with the drop in grade, he is primed to break through in the cellar grade. Ivictoriam let down sharply to finish second last time out and looks one to follow. Chateau Le Peche returning from a break, he has what it takes to cause an upset in a race of this nature. Smashing Express still a maiden galloper, he could finally break through if the pace suits his more conservative racing style. Manythanks Forever badly held up last start and could make amends with a much better draw, based on his previous form.
Race 3: Super Strong Kid caught the eye with a fast-finishing second on debut despite being held up at a crucial stage. He looks the standout in this race. Thunder Prince will relish the drop to Class 4, where he faces weaker opposition. Cheval Valiant appears highly suited by returning to the Sha Tin 1000m straight course and could be hard to run down with the apprentice claim. Honest Witness a newcomer who has trialled well for his debut, he is worth considering as Teetan takes the reins. Alluring Laos can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form and should not be overlooked.
Race 4: Crossborderpegasus an impressive debut winner, he looks to have plenty of upside and is primed for back-to-back victories in Class 4. Dazzling Fit having trialled well for his debut, he looks the biggest threat to the favourite and is worth considering if the favourite is overbet. Lucky Symphony showed improvement with a solid second last start and should be highly competitive in this field. Happy Park is suited by the drop in distance and could surprise at value. Circuit Duffy his last run was much better than it looks, and he deserves another chance from a low draw.
Race 5: Volcanic Spark stormed home late from an awkward draw to miss by a narrow margin last start and looks poised to go one better from a decent draw. Gold Master finished a solid third last start, proving that his win two starts ago was no fluke. Serangoon was an easy last-start winner and must be respected as he remains in Class 4. Good Good possesses tactical speed and will be hard to catch if allowed a soft lead. Kasa Papa ideally placed at the weights, he should be in the mix over 1800m, a distance where he has a 50% strike rate.
Race 6: Win Speed was used up early from a wide draw last start and should enjoy a smoother trip from a low draw and produce a much improved effort this time. Monarch County holding form with a recent trial, he will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Excel Wongchoy finished strongly into third last start and must be respected. Good Luck Babe sat on the speed and stuck on well to finish a close second last time out. He could go one place better if given an uncontested lead. Fun Together ideally placed with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim, he is expected to run a big race up front.
Race 7: Sunlight Power this quality five-year-old has been in tremendous form this season and should prove hard to hold out with his explosive turn of foot in this small field. Karma the small field is likely to shape the race in a way that suits his sit-and-sprint style. Voyage Samurai a fast beginner, he could be tough to run down if he dictates the pace in his favour. The Golden Scenery is better than his recent form suggests and could surprise at odds. Awesome Fluke has the ability and may sneak into the placings, though a mile is slightly below his best.
Race 8: Know At Heart looks to get all the favours in this wide-open field and it appears to be a good chance for him to break through in Hong Kong. Lifeline Express has been in consistent form and could finally return to the winner’s list if the race unfolds in his favour. Moduleconstruction resuming from a break, the betting market will be the best guide. Fun Elite showed improvement last start and should enjoy a smooth trip from pole position. Lo Pan Spirit capable but unpredictable, he will perform well on his day.
Race 9: Kaholo Angel overlook the last start effort as there were genuine excuses (raced wide) and could make amends with better luck in running. Juneau Pride comes off a strong win in this class and looks on track for a double. Victory Sky his form is coming good and he could prove to be a knockout chance against some more fancied rivals. Master Of All a fast beginner, he has been in consistent form and remains a strong chance despite the rise in class. Ching has drawn well and could place at value.
Race 10: Hong Lok Golf a talented four-year-old, he finished a luckless second last start, when badly held up, and can go one better with even luck in running. Sky Jewellery another promising 3YO from John Size’s stable, his untapped potential holds him in good stead to deliver another commendable performance despite making his Class 3 debut. Beauty Crescent has been knocking on the door and deserves respect. Sky Trust has a great record in this class and should be included in exotic bets. King Miles caught the eye flashing home late last start and is worth considering.