He Jiong
The exciting Four-Year-Old series kicks off on Sunday with the opening leg, the Hong Kong Classic Mile over 1600m, which has attracted a full field of 14 contenders.
Under level-weight conditions, higher-rated runners are expected to hold a natural advantage on paper, and Sagacious Life fits that profile perfectly. The only runner in the field with two Class 2 victories to his name, he stands out as ideally placed to deliver a bold showing.
That said, talented Invincible Ibis shapes as the chief threat. The Mark Newnham-trained gelding arrives in peak form, having strung together four consecutive wins, although his latest success came at Class 3 Restricted level.
Also firmly in the mix is Little Paradise, whose record of five wins and two placings from just seven starts commands respect. He made a strong statement last time when comfortably accounting for a quality Class 2 field and remains a major contender again. Others with legitimate winning claims include Top Dragon, Patch Of Cosmo and Beauty Bolt, ensuring a highly competitive opening to the series.
Impressive last-start winner Smart Golf looks well placed to continue his winning ways in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.
The son of Needs Further was heavily backed on debut in November but failed to deliver, finishing a disappointing fifth over 1000m. He made swift amends last time out, however, producing a dominant performance to demolish a Class 4 field. Despite a wide draw, Smart Golf pressed forward to make the running before drawing clear in the straight, scoring a comfortable two-length victory over 1200m.
That form has since been franked, with runner-up Speedy Smartie going on to win by a big margin at his next start, which further enhances Smart Golf’s prospects of securing a Class 4 double this week. - iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Bustling City has won all of his four local trials and looks poised to run a big race on debut, especially with Purton aboard. Conspirator finished strongly for fifth despite encountering traffic last start. He should be right in the mix with a smoother trip. Comet Radiance his debut run was a pass-mark, and with natural improvement, he could finish in the money. Alsonso had vet excuses last start and his strong recent trial suggests an improved effort looks imminent. Silver Spurs well placed with the apprentice claim, he will give them something to chase, given his positive racing style.
Race 2: Only U let down sharply from a wide draw to finish second last start, and with a favourable gate, he’s primed to go one better. Rewarding Twinkle appears to be on a winnable mark and must be considered a strong contender. I P O Bros looks one to follow with Bow- man aboard after a solid fourth at his second attempt in Class 5 last time out. General Smart attacked the line strongly late last start despite being held up at a crucial stage. Gangnam Star had genuine excuses last start and could surprise at value with better luck in running, though the wide draw remains a concern.
Race 3: Patch Of Theta his recent efforts at Group level have been encouraging and he has drawn well to bounce back after dropping to Class 1. Light Years Charm the small field should suit his sit-and-sprint racing style and engaging James McDonald ticks another box. Drombeg Banner has a lightweight advantage and could be hard to run down if allowed a soft lead. Healthy Happy from pole position, he could cause an upset if he re-adopts a more positive tactic, which has worked for him previously
Race 4: Crossborderdude looks well placed in a below-par Class 4 field to break through despite the wide draw. Brownneedsfurther will likely find this field more manageable compared to his recent starts and should not be overlooked. Mabubu made all on debut, though aided by a slow tempo, and could repeat the dose under similar conditions. Chill Partners his last-start sixth carried hidden merit given the wide trip, and he could sneak into the placings with a kinder run. Call Me Success showed improvement at a recent trial and is worth considering if his odds offer value.
Race 5: Smart Golf easily accounted for a Class 4 field last start and the form has been franked with second placegetter scoring an impressive win subsequently. Cloud Nine copped a check in the straight last start, and with better luck in running, a Top 3 finish looks within reach. Happy Shooter showed improvement with solid second after making the running last start. Prestige Hall held up at a crucial stage last start and could cause an upset if things fall his way. Joy Capital made all to cause an upset last start, but whether he can do it again from the widest draw remains a query.
Race 6: We Are Hero will relish the massive drop in class and appears well placed with the apprentice claim to make an impact in Class 3. Wonderstar a natural frontrunner, he could be hard to run down if allowed to dictate. Together We Value has trialled okay for his local debut and the booking of Purton piques interest. Sight Hermoso produced a fair effort when stepping up to Class 3 for the first time last start, and is expected to show further improvement. Alpha Strike suited by returning to this track and distance, where he is one from one.
Race 7: Robot Star scored a narrow yet impressive win last start, and with Purton staying aboard, he looks capable of securing back-to-back victories. The Golden Knight looks overdue for a win after placing four times from his last five starts. Smart Fat Cat with a more conservative racing style, he will need a genuine tempo to unleash a strong finish. Blazing Wukong has a great record in this grade and must be respected with the drop in class. Young Horizon ideally weighted but his Class 4 record suggests he is more of a place chance.
Race 8: Sagacious Life as the highest-rated horse, he is ideally placed under the level-weight conditions and shapes as a leading contender. Little Paradise a five-time winner from eight starts, he has drawn better than most of his main rivals and must be respected. Invincible Ibis has been on a winning streak of four and remains a major player despite facing a strong field. Top Dragon blessed with an explosive turn of foot, he could steal the show if they overcook it up front. Beauty Bolt possesses versatility in running, but looks more of a place chance, given the depth of the field and awkward draw.
Race 9: Thousand Spirit stormed home for third despite a tardy start last time out, and with a clean jump, he could make amends. Star Satyr his recent runs have been encouraging and he should play a key role with a more favourable jockey booking. Circuit Fiery possesses tactical speed and is well weighted to continue his strong run. Nyx Gluck encountered traffic in the straight last time out and could bounce back with a smoother run. Rising Phoenix was far from disgraced last start and should map well from a good draw and be highly competitive.
Race 10: Wrote A New Page the drop in distance and the booking of Vincent Ho are both positives, making him an intriguing runner to watch. Lucky Sam Gor broke through in this class last time out and could still have more ratings in hand. The Red Hare finished strongly into third despite being held up in the straight last time out. With a cleaner passage, he could make amends. Beauty Crescent will relish the drop in class and engaging Purton ticks another box. Chiu Chow Spirit a proven performer at this level, he should run well if the roarer condition doesn’t recur.
Race 11: Super Express has yet to miss the frame, and with added fitness, he looks poised to build on his solid first-up effort. Everyone’s Star underperformed last start but his previous strong form suggests he could bounce back anytime in this class. Six Pack has drawn well to complete a double after a narrow win last start, despite the weight rise. Mid Winter Wind his recent runs in Class 2 have been solid and the return to Class 3 should see him play a key role. Without Compare placed at huge odds on his local debut but repeating that performance remains a concern.