Super Express for winning comeback at Sha Tin

He Jiong

Promising four-year-old Super Express is well placed to score a first-up win when he returns to Sha Tin on Sunday in the Class 3 Handicap over 1400m.

Boasting a consistent record of one win and three placings from four starts, John Size-trained Super Express was last seen finishing a close second over this track and distance in June. The son of Ten Sovereigns has been narrowly beaten in both runs since stepping up to Class 3, clearly demonstrating his competitiveness at this level.

His form also stacks up well against quality opposition, having performed creditably around talented types such as Patch Of Stars and Top Dragon, both of whom have since gone on to perform strongly in Class 2 company.

Well prepared for his return with three trials, Super Express looks ready to produce a strong first-up showing and, as one of the better horses in this field going forward, he shapes as a leading contender and can prove hard to beat.

Impressive last-start winner Aurio looks set to continue his strong run when he steps out in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m.

After finishing a close second two starts ago, Aurio broke through locally in emphatic fashion last time out, easily accounting for a Class 4 field. Making it a one-act affair, the Capitalist gelding settled close to the speed despite a fast tempo, before drawing clear in the straight to score by three lengths over this distance. Notably, he was eased by the rider inside the final 50m.

While Aurio rises in class this week, he appears well placed in a below-par Class 3 field, and a double looks well within reach if he can reproduce his last-start performance.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Cool Blue finished strongly in a slowly run race last start and looks well weighted to make an impact with Purton aboard. Super Hong Kong charged home well to finish second despite a tardy start. With a clean jump, he could make amends. On The Lash scored two on-pace wins in a row and could complete a hat-trick if allowed a soft lead again. Chateau Le Peche caught the eye running home powerfully last time out and could prove a value pick. Perfect Pairing looks capable of bouncing back anytime in Class 5 and should not be overlooked.

Race 2: Vigor Eye stuck on well to finish fourth in a fast run race after showing tactical speed. From an inside draw, he shapes as a leading contender. Cool Boy caused an upset last start but the sectional data suggests that run may not have been a fluke. Genius Baby his recent efforts have been encouraging and he should be included in exotic bets. Ruby Sailing will find this field more manageable and could surprise at odds after a fast-finishing fifth last start. I Excelle produced a fair effort on debut and could improve with experience.

Race 3: Fast Responder boasts strong form around talented types in recent starts and looks overdue for a win after three consecutive seconds. Sight Hermoso two from four to date, he looks to have upside and remains a strong chance despite making his Class 3 debut. The Unique Star drawn well on his local debut, he looks well placed to deliver a strong performance. Casa Of Honor looks one of the stand- outs on collateral form and worth considering should his odds offer value. City Gold Banner with the booking of Purton on his local debut, the market should provide the best guide.

Race 4: Raging Rapids scored a narrow yet impressive win last time out and a double looks within reach in this below-par Class 4 field. Absolute Honour showed improvement with a solid third last start and looks one to follow. Embrace Aberdeen had excuses last start (raced wide) and deserves another chance from a better draw. Flying Amani likes to get back and charge home late, and with Purton aboard, he may show improvement. Namjong Kingdom his first-up effort was better than it reads and he could place at long odds with a better gate.

Race 5: Solid Car relished the drop in class and finished a solid third last start. He looks one to follow. Cloud Nine turned in an eye-catching debut run 22 days ago, and with natural improvement, he looks capable of breaking through this time. Conrad Patch has trialled okay ahead of his debut and a strong performance wouldn’t surprise given the low draw. Victory Champion let down sharply to finish third last time out and will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Mega Mastermind has shown improvement in a recent trial since a mediocre debut and could sneak into the placings at long odds.

Race 6: Nyx Gluck has been in strong form recently and looks poised to secure a double after an impressive last-start win in this class. Top Time looks capable of bouncing back anytime in this class and must be respected with Purton staying aboard. Amazing Partners has shown ability in both starts and looks to be edging closer to a win. Thousand Spirit had betting support last start but underperformed, and could run a cheeky race from a slightly awkward draw. Amazing Fun will make a strong late surge if they overcook it up front.

Race 7: Smart Fat Cat finished strongly for third in a slowly run race last start, despite bounding out. With a clean jump, he could finally break through. The Golden Knight looks overdue for a win after placing three times from six starts. Flow Water Flow has placed three times from as many starts and must be considered a strong contender. Amazing Gaze produced a fair effort last start but the widest draw poses a challenge this time. Amazing Duck his recent on-pace efforts have been encouraging and he could be hard to run down if allowed an uncontested lead.

Race 8: Aurio scored a strong win in a fast run race in Class 4 last start and remains a leading contender despite rising back to Class 3. Pi Legend was far from disgraced on his local debut and with Purton jumping aboard, he should be right in the mix second-up, despite the wide draw. Goldentronicmighty has drawn well again and another strong effort looks on the cards, following a solid second last time out. Lifeline Express showed improvement last start and should not be overlooked. Harold Win has not been beaten far in recent starts and a Top 3 finish wouldn’t surprise.

Race 9: Glittering Legend has trialled well ahead of his local debut and the booking of Purton piques interest. Emblazon has been in consistent form and looks well placed to continue the strong run, despite stepping up to Class 3. Juneau Pride was not beaten far from a wide draw last start and commands respect, given his strong record in this class. One More displayed tactical speed and stuck on well for a close third last time out. He is worth considering if his odds still offer value. Outgate his recent trial win has been eye-catching and he is expected to run well fresh first-up.

Race 10: Super Express a talented 4YO resuming from a break, he has trialled well and a strong first-up run looks imminent. New Future Folks found the line well late in a slowly run race last start and looks the second-best in this field. Do Your Part a versatile runner with consistent recent form, he should be highly competitive. Flying Fortress his recent efforts have been encouraging and the return to Sha Tin, where he has previously performed well, shouldn’t be a concern. Riding Together a natural frontrunner, he will give them something to catch under the right race shape.

Race 11: Patch Of Cosmo a proven performer in this class, he has trialled well for his return and shapes as a leading contender with Purton aboard. Ka Ying Attack made the running and was narrowly beaten last start. From pole position, he should receive every chance to go one better. Fortune Boy possesses a strong turn of foot and will make his presence felt if things fall his way. Stormy Grove comes off a slashing second last week and looks for quick amends. Aerodynamics flashed home late on his local debut 17 days ago and could show further improvement with added fitness. - iRACE Magazine