He Jiong
The Group 3 Premier Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday features a small but wide-open field, with several runners holding genuine winning claims.
Leading the charge is Beauty Eternal, who produced a fast-finishing third in the G3 Lion Rock Trophy (1600m) three weeks ago. He now drops back to 1400m in search of his first win this season but will need to overcome the burden of top weight.
Invincible Sage signalled a return to form last time out when surging home for second in the G3 Sha Tin Vase (1200m). However, he remains unplaced from two previous attempts over this trip.
Patch Of Theta has found it tough in Group company under set-weights conditions, but his recent performances back in handicap races have been encouraging. Those efforts suggest he should be highly competitive this time.
Meanwhile, Packing Hermod, a four-time winner already this season, looks well treated at the weights and shapes as a serious contender for a breakthrough Group victory.
Talented three-year-old Super Express gets his chance to make amends for a narrow defeat when he lines up in the Class 3 Handicap over 1400m.
Boasting an impressive record of one win and two placings from just three starts, SUPER EXPRESS caught the eye when finishing a close second on his Class 3 debut 28 days ago. Despite being disadvantaged by a frantic early tempo, the son of Ten Sovereigns showed good gate speed and boxed on well, missing by only a head over this track and distance.
With a more moderate pace expected this time, Super Express looks primed to deliver another strong on-pace performance and can prove hard to run down. His main danger appears to be fellow three-year-old Dazzling Fit, who steps up in grade following a dominant win in Class 4 and looks to have plenty of upside.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Lightness Of Music from the Chris So yard; has trialled well under Purton, who sticks with him on debut—suggesting a bold showing is on the cards. Aurora Patch suited by the drop in distance, and with a 10-pound claimer aboard, he could cause an upset. Bowser a consistent performer in Class 4, he looks capable of securing a Top 3 finish. Grand Nova resumes from a break—worth monitoring any market moves, as both of his career wins have come at this distance. Ka Ying Warrior ideally drawn for the straight course and should not be overlooked.
Race 2: Golden Fairy raced on the speed and stuck on well for fourth last start. He could be hard to run down from a low draw. Storm Runner ran a slashing second on his Class 5 debut last time out, and with Purton taking the reins, he looks poised to go one better. Colourful Baron placed at huge odds last start but may need to confirm that form. Leather Master has found his best form recently and shapes as a strong contender in this field. Escape Route has dropped in the ratings and could surprise on his Class 5 debut.
Race 3: Lo Pan Spirit boasting competitive Class 3 form, he’s primed to return to the winner’s list dropping to Class 4 from a favour- able draw, especially with Purton aboard. Lucky Mcqueen went close on debut despite a wide draw. With a much better gate, he should be in the mix. Goldentronicmighty has won his last two starts in fine style, but the wide draw and weight rise pose a challenge this time. Awesome Treasure showed good early speed and finished a solid fourth last time out. Circuit Victory with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim, he will give them something to chase.
Race 4: Fight Time his recent runs have been encouraging and he looks to get all the favours this time. Fortune Boy scored a deter- mined win from a wide draw last start, and from a low gate, he’s primed to make it back-to-back. Mister Dapper a dangerous frontrunner, he comes off an easy win in this class and remains a strong chance. Bright Inheritance possesses an explosive turn of foot and could make his presence felt if the pace suits. Pearl Of Pang’s despite remaining a maiden after 11 starts, he could surprise with a lightweight on his back.
Race 5: Top Throne trialled well recently, and with blinkers added for the first time, he should deliver a strong on-pace performance in a field lacking speed. Blazing Wind down in class and drawn ideally, he is well placed to show improvement. Blazing Wukong an impressive debut winner, he looks on track to secure successive victories in Class 4. Invincible Ibis stormed home for a close second on debut, though favoured by a fast tempo. He should run well with a genuine pace. Flowing Riches caught the eye with a solid second on debut, and with a better draw, he could go one better.
Race 6: Patch Of Theta appears highly suited by stepping up to 1400m, where he is a five-time winner, following a fast-finishing third over 1200m last start. Packing Hermod has secured back-to-back wins in emphatic style recently and is well weighted to claim his first Group victory. Beauty Eternal showed improvement with a solid third last start, but the heavy weight is a major concern. Invincible Sage was narrowly beaten in a G3 feature over 1200m last time out, but rising to 1400m casts doubt. Happy Together has the ability and could place at long odds, though the 1400m trip is slightly short of his best.
Race 7: Do Your Part raced on the speed and scored a strong on-pace win last time out. He should be hard to beat if he can replicate that performance. Fun Together was beaten by a smart type last start and must be considered a strong contender. Prestige Hall turned in a nice debut, charging home strongly to finish second, and with added experience, he could go one better. The Auspicious let down well in a slowly run race last start, and with a more genuine tempo, he could make amends. Smart Fat Cat stormed home for a strong third on debut and looks one to follow
Race 8: Bundle Award caught the eye flashing home late into fifth in an Open G1 feature last start and looks well weighted to make amends this time. Cap Ferrat reigning Hong Kong Derby champion, he has performed well in Open G1 contests since and rates highly. Ensued a proven performer at this level and must be respected with Purton aboard. Chancheng Glory finished a close second from a wide draw last start and a win wouldn’t be surprising if he can repeat that effort. Pray For Mir made all in a G3 race last start and could be hard to run down if allowed a soft lead again.
Race 9: Super Infinity ran home strongly into fifth despite being held up in the concluding stages last start. He could make amends with a smoother trip, which seems likely from pole position. Savvy Warrior finished powerfully with the fastest final 400m sectional last start and could prove to be a value choice. Justifying has proven costly for punters since his sensational debut win, but is worth considering if his odds offer value. Lucky Eight his last run was much better than it looks and should not be overlooked. One Man Show making his local debut, he has trialled well but will need to overcome a wide draw.
Race 10: Morgan Success is edging closer to a win after a fast-finishing second last start, and from a good draw, he shapes as a leading contender. Flash Current a progressive 4YO, he should continue his strong run despite rising to Class 3. Magnificent Nine has been in consistent form of late and must be included among the better chances. Prestige Ricky attacked the line strongly late in a slowly run race last start and is worth considering. Yellowfin capable but unpredictable, he could cause an upset on his return to Class 3.
Race 11: Super Express showed early speed off a frantic tempo and stuck on well for second last start. He should be hard to run down with a gentler pace. Dazzling Fit a talented 3YO with plenty of ability, he should deliver another strong performance despite making his Class 3 debut. Shamus Storm scored an easy win in Class 4 last start and appears well weighted to continue his strong run in Class 3. Huge Wave always a threat in this class and can bounce back at any time. South Star has been in great form lately and should be included in exotic bets.