There’s a Fast Network in action at Sha Tin

He Jiong

Progressive sprinter Fast Network is poised to go back-to-back in the Class 2 Handicap over the 1000m straight course at Sha Tin on Sunday.

With three wins from just four starts, Fast Network has already demonstrated well-above-average ability. After a commendable third on his Class 3 debut two starts ago—where he finished strongly in a slowly run race—the son of Wrote delivered a dominant performance last time out. Turning the race into a one-act affair, he unleashed an explosive turn of foot at the 200m mark, storming clear to win by an impressive 4.50 lengths over this track and distance.

While he steps up to Class 2 this weekend, Fast Network appears to have plenty of ratings in hand. Emerging as one of the most exciting prospects, he is the standout contender and will be extremely difficult to beat.

The Michael Chang-trained four-year-old New Future Folks is primed to break through in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.

A three-time placegetter from four starts, New Future Folks signalled his potential with a commendable third-place finish over 1200m at this track last time out. Despite a fast tempo, the Savabeel gelding stalked the leader and stayed on well to finish just 2.50 lengths behind. Had he not raced wide from the 600m, he likely would have finished even closer.

The form of that race has been further validated with the seventh placegetter, Packing Angel, securing an impressive win since, making New Future Folks one to watch this week—especially with the rise in distance.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Gluck Racer will relish dropping to Class 5, where he is one from one, and looks a big winning chance from an ideal draw. Hoss finished powerfully with the fastest final sectional time last start. With a better draw, he is poised to secure a Top 3 finish. Charmander a proven performer in this class, he should run well with Purton aboard despite the wide barrier. Gangnam Star has a great record in Class 5 and should improve with the drop in class. Gallant Crown making his Class 5 debut, he is well placed with a 7-pound claimer to be competitive.

Race 2: Yoda’s Choice likely led too fast and was narrowly beaten last start. With Purton jumping on board, he can be hard to run down. Aromatica resuming from a break, he has trialled well for his return and looks one to watch first-up. Mario will find this field more manageable after the drop in class, and could surprise at value if allowed a soft lead. The Khan a proven performer at this level and rates in the chances. Link was slow to begin but found the line strongly last time out. With a clean jump, he should be very competitive here.

Race 3: Colourful Winner a dangerous frontrunner, he has been edging closer to a win and stands out in this moderate field, despite the wide draw. Triumphant More ran on well to finish fourth last start after a narrow debut win. He must be included among the better chances. Newborn Miracle finished an honest fourth on debut and is open to further improvement second-up. Tactical Command let down well in a slowly run race last time out and can make his presence felt with a genuine pace. King Oberon likes to get back and charge home late. He could surprise at odds under the right race shape.

Race 4: Happy Shooter a newcomer who has impressed in his trials and is worth serious consideration for his debut. Circuit Jolly ran on well in a recent trial and is expected to show improvement with blinkers added for the first time. Grand Nova had genuine excuses last start and should deliver an improved performance with better luck in running. Fun Elite has not been beaten far in his recent starts and do not dismiss. Polaris has shown some erratic tendencies but possesses ability; worth considering if his odds offer value.

Race 5: Solid Win his last-start effort was better than it looks given the adverse conditions, and he could make amends if the race unfolds in his favour. Flying Luck his recent runs have been encouraging and he appears one to follow. Devas Twelve a proven performer at this level, he should secure a favourable trip from a low draw and go close to winning. Yee Cheong Raider generally gets back in the running but dashes home strongly. If the pace suits, he can launch a powerful late surge. Oriental Smoke showed improvement last time out and is worth considering.

Race 6: New Future Folks has been knocking on the door since day one and is ideally placed with a favourable draw to break through this time. Ballistic Win with a strong turn of foot, he will run well if they overcook it in the front. Yuen Long Elite had genuine excuses (blood in trachea) last start and consider again given his previous solid form. The Heir finished strongly last start, and with the ap- prentice claim, he looks a value choice. Amazing Run finished third in a race with strong form last start and cannot be overlooked.

Race 7: Fast Network a highly promising type, he appears to be the standout of the card based on his impressive last-start win. Stel- lar Express was narrowly beaten last start and should run well again given his reliable record over this course and distance. Healthy Healthy has been in great form recently and expect another good run. I Give possesses early speed and could finish in the money with a well-timed ride. Fantastic Treasure goes well first-up from a break and could surprise at value with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim.

Race 8: Armour War Eagle is suited by the drop in distance and could make amends with better luck in running. Mighty Stride let down well in his last two starts and could finish in the Top 3 with a genuine pace. Huge Wave his recent efforts were better than they look and he could surprise at value. Kaholo Angel has the ability and can surprise at odds in a race like this. Tourbillon Prince a fast beginner, he could place at value if given a soft lead.

Race 9: Swift Ascend won by a clear margin in this class last time out and remains the one to beat. Super Infinity his recent runs have been encouraging, and reuniting with Purton piques plenty of interest here. Majestic Express has been in consistent form recently and must be rated a chance. Meowth scored an easy win in Class 4 on debut, and with more upside, he should run well again despite the rise in class. Joyful Hunter a roarer with mixed form, should run well if the condition doesn’t flare up.

Race 10: Mickley turned in a very nice debut run and is primed to break through locally, stepping up to a mile. Sky Trust last start winner who remains in the same grade and is well placed to go back-to-back. Packing Turbine had genuine excuses (blood in trachea) last start and consider again. Lupo Solitario caught the eye flashing home late on his local debut, and with J-Mac jumping in the saddle, he shapes as a strong contender. Amazing Victory was narrowly beaten last time out and deserves another chance. - iRACE Magazine