Sunlight Power to rule at Sha Tin

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 five-year-old Sunlight Power is poised to claim his fifth career victory in the Class 2 Handicap over 1400m.

With an impressive record of four wins and six placings from 18 starts, Sunlight Power showcased his class with a dominant first-up victory in Class 3 four starts ago. Since stepping up to Class 2, he has consistently performed at a high level, finishing close in his last three starts. His most recent effort, a strong third-place finish, was particularly noteworthy.

Despite a wide draw and a slow tempo, he settled off the speed and produced a sharp finishing burst. Adding to the merit of that run, the winner, Patch Of Theta, went on to underline the form with an emphatic win in the Group 3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup.

This week, Ricky Yiu-trained Sunlight Power faces competition from Packing Hermod and Rubylot, who finished first and second in their last meeting. However, all three horses finished close to each other in the same race on 9 November, with Sunlight Power standing out on their collateral form in terms of weights.

Progressive four-year-old Markwin is set to return to the winner's circle in the Class 3 Handicap over 1600m.

A lofty yearling purchase for A$550,000, Markwin broke his maiden with an effortless two-length victory in Class 4 three starts ago. He then showed his quality by successfully handling the rise in class to notch back-to-back wins. Last time out, the son of I Am Invincible was hampered by a slow tempo over 1400m but still managed a close third, showcasing his determination and ability.

Given his racing style, the step up to 1600m looks ideal, and he appears well-placed to be a major contender this week.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Sky Prophet has previously produced some honest efforts in Class 4 and looks ready to run a big race after dropping to Class 5, especially with the apprentice claim. Excellent Daddy stormed home for a brilliant win at this track and distance last time out and looks well placed for a double in a field with plenty of speed. Smart Leader will relish the drop to Class 5, where he can bounce back anytime. Fung showed tactical speed last start and must be respected with Purton aboard. Speed Sword has dropped a lot in ratings and could surprise at this level.

Race 2: View All Things a newcomer who travelled strongly in quiet trials, he should deliver a commendable performance in this shallow field. Groovy Feeling finished a solid third behind Super Legends on debut and it has since proven to be strong form. Inno Century is well prepared with several trials for his debut and should not be overlooked with Purton aboard. Positive Smile found the line well late in Class 3 last start and looks one to watch with the drop in class. Dragon Four Seas still a maiden galloper but has shown ability and gets his chance to win.

Race 3: Dragon Air Force ran on well for a decisive win in this class last time out, and a favourable draw gives him a good chance to secure back-to-back victories. Nebraskan had genuine excuses last start and deserves another chance here, based on his previous form. Vulcanus his recent runs have been encouraging, but the wide draw is a concern. Roman Crown has shown improvement since dropping to Class 4. Worth considering. Fun N Fun Together a natural frontrunner, he should run well with fresh legs first-up.

Race 4: Invincible Lucky flashed home late into second in a slowly run race last start. He is primed to break through with a good draw. Sunny Da Best showed good improvement last start and must be included among the better chances. Riding High possessing tactical speed, he could be hard to run down if allowed a soft lead. Triumphant Warrior weakened late over 1400m last start, and the drop in distance could work in his favour. Flying Double caught the eye with a fast-finishing sixth last time out. However, he has to cope with a wide draw again.

Race 5: City Thunder looks overdue for a win, and with Purton remaining aboard, his consistency could be rewarded. Lucky Fionn was narrowly beaten by Another World last start, who has since franked the form with a subsequent double. Juneau Pride has shown ability and gets his chance to win here. But he may find this field a bit tougher than his previous races under restricted conditions. Fashion Legend sliding down the ratings, he is well placed in Class 4 now and must be respected. Fatal Blow had genuine excuses last start (raced wide) and is worth considering if his odds offer value

Race 6: Must Go was narrowly beaten last start and looks a leading chance with Purton taking the reins. Mojave Desert scored a comfortable win in Class 4 last start and remains a strong chance despite rising to Class 3. Offroad Master as a lightly-framed horse, the lightweight should give him a significant advantage. He looks a strong contender in this wide-open field. Giant Leap was far from disgraced last start despite a wide trip, and could secure a Top 3 finish with better luck in running. Monta Frutta resuming from a break, he has trialled well and a strong performance wouldn’t be surprising.

Race 7: Sunlight Power a quality type with an explosive turn of foot, he stands out on collateral form and looks the one to beat. Young Champion finished strongly last start, and with a more favourable jockey booking, he could make amends. Rubylot with an inside draw, he should map closer to the speed and be highly competitive. Packing Hermod a promising galloper in good form, he remains a strong chance despite the wide draw and top weight. Divano comes off a double in Class 3 and could have more ratings in store, though he’s making his Class 2 debut.

Race 8: Masterofmyuniverse broke through with an emphatic win in Class 4 last time out. With plenty of upside, he is primed for back-to-back wins despite the rise in class. Young Superstar a fast beginner, he will be hard to catch if allowed to dictate the pace in front. Lucky Eight finished a meritorious third from a wide draw last start, and with a better draw, he is primed to make amends. Goko Win showed good improvement last start and appears well weighted to run another bold race. Great State attacked the line well late last time and could surprise at value with an inside draw.

Race 9: Markwin a highly promising 4yo with a strong turn of foot, he should be highly suited by stepping up to a mile for the first time. Mickley looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start, and with a smoother run, he should go close to winning. Top Gun finished well in his recent starts, and with a better draw, he should settle closer to the speed, as shown in his previous starts, making him a strong contender. Fast Network having his first try at this distance, the betting market will reveal the story. Steps Ahead a promising galloper in good form, he should play a part in the finish.

Race 10: Charming Legend has been in consistent form and looks ideally placed in this below-par Class 3 field to bounce back. Glorious Success his recent runs have been encouraging and he must be respected despite the awkward draw. Embraces scored an impressive win in Class 4 last time and he looks a lightweight chance. Fallon with a conservative racing style, he needs a genuine pace to produce a strong finish. Amazing Victory has not been beaten far in recent starts and is not out of it.