He Jiong
Hong Kong racing continues on Sunday for a mixed turf and dirt 10-race fixture.
Promising four-year-old Super Infinity is set to secure his first career win as he contests the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m at Sha Tin Racecourse.
A two-time placegetter from three starts, Super Infinity made a strong debut with a flashy second-place finish at this track and distance in May. He followed up with a fast-finishing third in his next race, before finishing fourth last time out over 1400m. The Mark Newnham-trained gelding likely found the distance too long, as he ran one-paced in the final stages and was swamped late, beaten by only 0.50 lengths.
Super Infinity has since impressed in a recent trial, attacking the line strongly without being pushed, indicating he is ready for the new season and could prove hard to beat in his first race back. With his recent trial performance, he is expected to be a major contender for the win.
The Ricky Yiu-trained five-year-old Sunlight Power is primed to score a first-up win when he returns to Sha Tin in the Class 3 Handicap over 1400m on Sunday.
Sunlight Power has been in career-best form this year, with three wins and as many placings from seven starts. The son of Capitalist was far from disgraced with a fast-finishing third over this course and distance last time out.
Despite the slow tempo of the race, with the first 1000m run in 58.86 seconds — the slowest of all the 1400m races that day — Sunlight Power let down sharply in the straight, finishing just 0.75 lengths behind the winner. - iRACE MAGAZINE
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Family Jewel looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last week. With Bowman jumping on board, he should go close to winning. Special Hedge a proven performer in this class who appears well placed at the weights. Mister Dapper recent barrier trial was good and he could be hard to run down if allowed a soft lead. Smart Beauty has been racing well in Class 5 and should produce another encouraging run despite the rise in class. Soaring Bronco his last few runs were better than they read and he may place at value.
Race 2: Ho Ho Star caught the eye with a slashing second last start and he looks primed to break through stepping up to 1400m. The Khan showed improvement at his first attempt in Class 5 last time out and must be rated a chance, despite an awkward draw. Dragon Delight turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly. The apprentice claim will definitely help here. Super Joy ran the second fastest sectional time last start and he can make his presence felt if the pace suits. Chateau Le Peche was placed in Class 4 five starts ago, and worth considering as he drops to Class 5.
Race 3: Super Infinity ran on well in a recent trial and the drop to 1200m should be positive, commands respect. Affirm a fast beginner who should map well from an inside draw and could be hard to run down if given a soft lead. King Oberon turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly, though he was favoured by the pace. Omakase resuming from a break and trialled well recently. He should deliver an improved performance with Teetan aboard. Always Fluke clearly has a better chance over this distance and expect a better run.
Race 4: Perfect Peach flashed home to score a brilliant win in this class last time out, he remains a chance from a decent draw. Charmander showed tactical speed and stuck on for third last start. Despite the wide draw, a good steer from Purton could mitigate it to a certain extent. Medic Elite caught the eye last start running home powerfully, he should play a key role with a decent draw. Cool Blue changed trainer and may deliver an improved performance, watch for betting support. Cervin ran the second fastest sectional time last start. With Bowman taking the reins, further improvement is expected.
Race 5: Aeroinvincible had genuine excuses last start and worth considering as he drops to Class 4, where he has a great record. Enjoy Golf holding form with recent good trial after a fast-finishing third last start. However, the wide draw makes things tricky. Handsome Bomb last start winner who remains in the same grade and looks capable of landing a double. Vantastic Choice possesses tactical speed and should deliver a solid on-pace performance in a race that seems to lack pace. Mighty Strength has trialled well since a surprising win last time out.
Race 6: Amazing Fun let down well to score an impressive win on debut and has since trialled well. He is primed for a double with Purton remaining on board. Crazy Treasure caught wide last start and still ran well to finish third, commands respect. Regent Glory a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Shanghai Style caused a surprise last start when leading all the way to win at big odds. With Alfred Chan’s 5-pound claim, he may do it again. Mr Energia caught the eye last start running home powerfully and might find this race easier
Race 7: Lucky Impact met heavy market support on debut and was only beaten by a length after a tardy start, he can make amends with a clean jump. Top Peak consistent form lately and he should be highly competitive in this race. Devas Twelve go on previous solid form and he can upset with his best form against some more fancied rivals. Mission Voice led from start to finish last start and he should run well again if the race unfolds in his favour. Chater Gold good performance when storming home for a nice second last start and has to be included.
Race 8: Super Win Dragon should be highly suited by the drop back in distance, and it is no surprise to see Purton pick up the ride. Capital Delight last start winner who remains in the same grade, he can will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Self-Improvement will be suited by the switch back to the AWT track and expect an improved performance. Packing Bole has early speed and will benefit from returning to the AWT track. Talents Ambition was an easy last start winner and must be respected despite the drop in distance.
Race 9: Stellar Express has shown ability and is suited by dropping to 1000m, where he finished a close second five starts back. Carroll Street track and distance specialist and appears ready to run a big race. Flying High last start winner who remains in the same grade, so a double looks within his reach. Savvy Brilliant making local debut and has trialled well. Worth considering, especially with Purton aboard. Hasten Delight recent runs have been encouraging. Include among the better.
Race 10: Sunlight Power boasts strong form lines and is always dangerous in this class, he stands out as the one to beat despite the awkward draw. Sweet Encounter has a solid record in Class 3 and could secure a spot in the Top 3 with the drop in class. Lo Pan Spirit dangerous frontrunner who can be hard to run down if given an uncontested lead. The Heir has placed five times from eight local starts and could break through anytime in Class 3. Beauty Glory a bit erratic and hard to follow but has ability and can surprise.