Tiger Legend for debut Hong Kong success

Luke Middlebrook.

Newcomer Tiger Legend looks all set to score a debut win for trainer Jamie Richards when he steps out in the Class 3 1200m Handicap in Race 9 at Happy Valley in Hong Kong today.

Tiger Legend arrives in Hong Kong a three-time winner with as many placings from 10 starts in Australia, with his biggest success occurring in the Grade 3 Vo Rogue Plate for three-year-olds over 1350m at Doomben Racecourse in January last year, scoring decisively by 2.75 lengths. Richards has the son of Better Than Ready well prepared with three barrier trials ahead of his local debut, and he has looked well in each, suggesting he has settled in nicely into his new surrounding and acclimatised quickly.

Champion jockey Zac Purton was aboard his two most recent outings and is back atop the four-year-old. They have come up with barrier No 1, which should be ideal as Tiger Legend has the gate speed to make full use of the low draw, while with the rail out widest in the C+3 position, it should provide all hope for him to get the win.

Elsewhere, four-year-old gelding Solar Winds can bounce back to his winning ways reuniting with in-form jockey Hugh Bowman in Race 8, the Class 3 1650m Handicap.

Solar Winds has shown ability in his 10-start Hong Kong career to date, winning once and finishing in the money a further two times. Often at the behest of wide barriers, it has left jockeys no choice but to ride for luck which has diminished his chances yet he has always been an eye-catcher late in a finish.

Last start, the Caspar Fownes-trained gelding was able to settle closer to the speed from barrier No 6, finishing well into second place behind smart up-and-comer, Beauty Eternal.

Coming into barrier No 1 should prove the winning factor for Solar Winds, while with Bowman fresh off winning the last three races at Sha Tin on Sunday, he looks hard to oppose.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: M M Johnny fair run last start as beaten favourite at Sha Tin but has a better chance on this track and should run well. Chiron will win in this grade very soon and barrier 3 should ensure all hope. Touch Faith has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade. Heavenly Thought looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form when ridden quieter. Happy Tango cannot be ignored at Class 5 level but the wide draw is the concern.

Race 2: Euromissile was eased early before catching the eye late into third last start. He comes into barrier 1 which will make all the difference. Happy Gathering has a great record in this class and must be respected with Bowman in the saddle. Le Plus Vite has had no luck recently and could run a cheeky race. Double Show drops down in grade and start following. Hunky Dory fair run last start when on his first race for a new trainer and place chance.

Race 3: Legion Of Merit showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight to hold down third. Barrier 3 should provide a smooth run in transit to get back to his winning ways. Right As Rain fresh up from a break and should run well, but barrier 10 means he’ll need more luck than others. Turin Warrior has a better chance on this track and should run well on his prior good runs. Young Life Forever looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. Iron Will ran the second fastest sectional time last start and is improving, each-way claims.

Race 4: E Brother good effort last start leading all the way to win and from barrier 2 this week, he can show them a clean set of heels again. Savvy Delight drops down in grade and start following, big chance on bets form and hard to ignore with Purton in the saddle. Lyrical Motion last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. He could run a big race from the low draw. Timestorm improving type and get- ting close to a win but draws widest in gate 12 is sticky. E Rainbow had genuine excuses last start when caught wide.

Race 5: Packing Succeeder go on solid previous effort where form looked good on debut. He raced too keen last start, which prob- ably explains why he faded in the straight. Purton sticks with him. Lean Hero last start winner who remains in the same grade and has trialled well for his return. Villa Fionn has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. Drawn well low, he should be in a good place to strike late. Copartner Fionn is capable of running a fast final 400m sectional time. River Views has finished close up recently and can run well.

Race 6: Happy Soul was an easy last start winner and must be respected to run well again from barrier 3, from where he should get another perfect run in transit. Publicist looks a solid good chance based on last start and is on the verge of a win. Kokushi Musou had excuses last start when racing wide without cover. Expect big improvement with Bowman taking over the reins. Allgreektome every chance last start when a beaten short-priced favourite but still ran a good race and is open to improvement. Top Top Tea go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here.

Race 7: Compassion Super form is good and must be rated a solid chance from barrier 3 under Bowman. Flying On The Turf winner of last two starts and is a big chance here to score a hat-trick of wins. Mega Bonus last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss, he can lead this race and prove hard to run down if rated well. High Cloud had excuses last start when racing wide without cover. Turbo Power drawn well and should gain a nice run in transit, each-way chance in a race like this.

Race 8: Solar Winds was not disgraced last start when beaten by a very smart horse while coming into barrier 1 should prove all the difference and he can get another win reuniting with Bowman. E Legend well supported last start and won accordingly in Class 4. Purton sticks with him on the class rise. Hava Nageela unsuited in a fast run race two starts ago, then was the victim of a slowly-run race last start. He can improve big time under the right circumstances. All Riches should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Gallant Crown surprise tactics adopted last run when being ridden forward last start.

Race 9: Tiger Legend newcomer who looks a winning chance in this race from barrier 1 under Purton after showing enough ability at the trials. Nordic Dragon has shown ability and gets his chance to win here, however his recent trials have been just okay. Barrier 12 is awkward. Mark The Moment looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form, he should be considered a genuine chance. Beauty Charge looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. Adios last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss.