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.
Talented four-year-old Super Strong Kid looks well placed to extend his winning streak in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m.
After a bold second on debut in March, he quickly made amends with a dominant 1.75-length victory down the Sha Tin straight, barely shifting out of second gear. That effort came at a cost — he bled and was sidelined for six months — but the spell seems to have done him good.
First-up last month, the Brutal gelding bounced back in style, rolling forward and proving far too slick to land a Class 4 double under Zac Purton.
Now stepping into Class 3 for the first time, Super Strong Kid faces his toughest test yet, but his upside is evident. In a below-par Class 3 field, he looks well poised to make it three wins on the bounce. His main danger comes from Yee Cheong Glory, who disappointed last start after an impressive debut win, though his recent trial suggests a strong first-up effort is imminent.
Impressive last-start winner Jubilant Winner looks primed to make it back-to-back victories in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.
After a winless 10-start campaign last season, a three-month spell appears to have worked wonders, as the Capitalist gelding resumed with an effortless win four weeks ago. Relishing the drop in distance, he unleashed a blistering turn of foot in the straight, drawing clear to score by 2.5 lengths over this trip.
Given the authority of that performance, Jubilant Winner must be considered the leading contender once again. Remaining in Class 4 this week, a double looks well within his grasp. – iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: He Was You was heavily backed in Class 4 last start but failed. With the drop in class, he could be hard to run down from a low draw. Noble Deluxe appears to be edging closer to a win after a strong on-pace second. Sky Song boasts a perfect record in Class 5, and with the apprentice claim, he should show improvement. Shine Bright placed once in Class 4 and must be respected with Purton aboard on his Class 5 debut. Sonic Boom could place at long odds, though he generally performs better on the All-Weather track.
Race 2: Jubilant Winner scored an easy win last start after dropping to this distance. He looks poised to secure back-to-back victories in Class 4. All’s Well caused an upset last time out and is worth considering if his odds still present value. Circuit Victory has a reliable second-up record and is expected to improve with Britney Wong’s 7lb claim. Bowser had genuine excuses last start (raced wide) and has since put in a solid trial. Incredible Moment has tactical speed and could sneak into the placings if the conditions suit.
Race 3: Bits Superstar has trialled well on the All-Weather track since transferring to David Hall’s stable. With a 7lb claimer aboard, he’s primed for a strong on-pace showing first-up. California Star with a strong turn of foot, he will make a powerful late surge if they go too hard up front. Gimme Five had genuine excuses last start and can improve with better luck in running. Hinokami Kagura caught the eye running home late last start but the wide draw remains a concern. Robot Knight has mixed his form but could surprise at value on his day
Race 4: Bling Bling Genius ran on well to finish third from a wide draw last start, and is expected to adopt a more positive racing style with a low gate this time. Winning Machine was heavily backed last start and finished a credible fifth. He looks one to follow. The Heir has been in career-best form of late and commands respect despite the wide draw. Tier Fly will relish the drop in class and could secure a Top 3 finish after two strong finishing efforts in Class 3. Good Luck Babe just missed last start, and from a low gate, he should map well and go one better.
Race 5: Good Fortune has not disgraced himself in both starts despite being hindered by wide draws. With a favourable draw, he looks ready to break through against modest opposition. Oldtown his recent trial was okay, and with Purton aboard first-up, improvement is expected. Von Baer his recent efforts suggest that a first local win is just around the corner. Lucky Mcqueen with added fitness, he could improve into the money in a race of this nature. Giddy Up has dropped in the rating and could cause an upset first-up.
Race 6: Glorious Success has gone close in Class 3 and looks primed to break though locally after dropping to Class 4, especially with Purton aboard. Pearl Of Pang’s an in-form frontrunner, he could be hard to run down under the right race shape. Fight Time finished a close second last start despite an ill-judged ride. With a more measured approach, he could make amends. Happy Universe his recent runs have been encouraging and he must be included among the better chances. Bull Attitude has finally drawn a decent gate, which could spark improvement.
Race 7: Super Strong Kid a promising 4YO, he has won his last two starts in fine style and remains a strong chance despite stepping up to Class 3. Yee Cheong Glory heavily backed last start but disappointed. However, he has trialled well for his return and is worth considering at decent odds. Alsonso has been in consistent form recently and should run well. Golden Empire has the ability to cause an upset, and the low gate ticks another box. Power Koepp a proven performer in this class, he could prove to be a value choice, though his best form comes at Happy Valley.
Race 8: Mr Energia based on his recent efforts, it seems only a matter of time before he breaks through in Class 3, so it’s no surprise to see Purton aboard this time. Gummy Gummy better than his last two starts suggest and could run a cheeky race. Solid Shalaa held up at crucial stage last time out and could improve into the money with better luck in running. Fatal Blow has turned in an impressive trial win recently, making him one to watch first-up. Must Go suited by the return to the AWT surface and could improve.
Race 9: Dancing Code well placed with the apprentice claim, he’s poised to go one better after a solid second last start. Lady’s Choice possesses good early speed and his reliable first-up record holds him in good stead to run a big race. Masterofmyuniverse a talented runner resuming from a break, he looks to get all the favours this time after a mediocre last-start effort. Tomodachi Kokoroe scored an easy win in this class last time out, but the wide draw and added weight may make it a tougher task this time. Gorgeous Win will make his presence felt with a genuine pace.
Race 10: Another World ran on well in a recent trial and looks raring to go first-up over his favourable distance. Juneau Pride given his ultra-consistent form, he is likely to be the favourite in this race. Master Of All made all in an extremely slowly run race last start. If conditions work in his favour again, he could secure a double. Tin Fook showed improvement first-up and should run well again if he handles the rise in trip. Sky Heart resuming from a break, he should run well fresh and could surprise at odds with the apprentice claim.