Tourbillon Golfer to drive home a win at Happy Valley

He Jiong

Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley on Wednesday for an exciting nine-race fixture with highly competitive action expected throughout the evening.

Trainer Ricky Yiu will be confident that four-year-old Tourbillon Golfer can finally shed his maiden tag in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.

Tourbillon Golfer finished second in his first two career starts last season and was heavily backed first-up two weeks ago. However, from a wide draw he was forced to press for the lead early, and the early exertion eventually told in the straight. Still, the son of Cosmic Force showed determination and stuck on fairly to finish fourth over 1200m at Sha Tin, given the fast tempo of the race.

Stepping into a moderate field on his Happy Valley debut this week, Tourbillon Golfer shapes as the form runner, and with a smoother run in transit, he can prove hard to run down.

Five-year-old gelding King Miles looks on track to kick off his new campaign with a first-up victory in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m.

The Francis Lui-trained runner hasn’t been seen since finishing eleventh over this track and distance in June, when he was crowded early from a wide gate – a run best forgiven. Before that, he had notched three consecutive seconds, underlining his consistency and readiness to return to the winner’s list in this grade.

After trialling impressively ahead of his return, King Miles finds a winnable race here. His main danger looks to be Super Infinity, who brings solid Sha Tin form and could make his presence felt on his Happy Valley debut. – iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Courier Magic boasts a great record in Class 5, and with Purton aboard, he shapes as the leading contender. Gold Tack scored a strong on-pace win last start and has drawn well to secure a double. Apolar Fighter with a more conservative racing style, he needs a fast tempo to deliver a strong finish. The Way We Win showed tactical speed and stuck on well for second last time out. From a low draw, he should map well and be competitive. Ninja Derby heavily backed and made all last start, he remains a chance if he can cross early from a wide draw.

Race 2: Northern Beast suited by the switch back to Happy Valley, he should enjoy a smooth trip from a low draw and could prove to be the horse to beat. Samarkand was used up early from a wide draw last start, and with a more measured ride, he could show improvement. Glorious Journey better than his recent form suggests and could cause an upset on his day. Prince Alex has had no luck recently and could run a cheeky race if things go his way. Chain Of Gold has shed a lot of ratings and must be considered a chance, despite the wide draw.

Race 3: A wide-open field with several winning chances, where Fortune Warrior ran on well late from a wide draw last start, and a low gate should see him go close to victory. Jolly Companion capable but unpredictable, he could surprise at value with a more experienced jockey aboard. Dancing Classics is likely to find this field more manageable and appears well placed with the apprentice claim. Awesome Treasure a natural frontrunner, he could hang in there all day if allowed a soft lead. Argento Ocean has not been beaten far in recent starts and could sneak into the placings at long odds.

Race 4: Thunder Prince ideally rated in Class 4, he looks ready to break through after a fast-finishing seventh first-up. The Perfect Match resumed with a solid second four weeks ago, and with added fitness, he could go one better. Fortune Whiskey a proven performer in Class 4, his last two efforts have been encouraging and he could run well fresh first-up. Sight Happy appears suited by the return to Happy Valley, where he notched his only career win. Incanto Star has found the line well late in both starts to date and could secure a Top 3 finish if the pace suits.

Race 5: Forever Glorious well prepared with several trials for his return, he looks capable of causing an upset in this open contest, especially with the favourable draw. Youth Power given his positive racing style, he is expected to deliver a strong showing up front in a field lacking speed. Sunday’s Serenade will appreciate the extra distance and could show improvement on his return to Happy Valley, where his best form lies. Smart City raced well towards the end of last season and must be considered a strong contender first-up. Fortunate Son resuming from a break and the market will provide the best guide.

Race 6: Tourbillon Golfer boasts strong Sha Tin form and looks ready to shed his maiden tag on his Happy Valley debut, where he meets a weaker field. Mr Desira showed significant improvement last start and looks one to follow. Find My Love one from two in this class, he could make amends with a smoother run after encountering traffic last start. Zetta Force the drop in distance could spring a surprise and is worth considering as a value choice. Golden Fortune displayed good early speed in trials, and a strong debut performance wouldn’t surprise.

Race 7: Encountered stormed home to finish second first-up, and from a favourable draw, he’s poised to go one better. Lo Rider broke through for his first local win in fine style last start and a double looks within his reach. Chill Chibi his strong second-up record suggests a much-improved run is imminent after a mediocre first-up effort. Californiatotality the inside draw suits his positive racing style, making him an intriguing runner to watch. Winning Dragon often underrated, and with a lightweight on his back, he could surprise at odds.

Race 8: King Miles with three placings from last five starts, and a pole position draw, he looks set to win first-up. Super Infinity faces a more manageable task on his Happy Valley debut and his strong Sha Tin form makes him hard to overlook. Justifying his impressive debut win has made him a hyped horse, and he’s worth considering if his odds present value. La Forza showed improvement last start, but the rise in trip and the wide draw remain a major concern. Thriving Brothers Class 3 may be slightly beyond him, but a placing is still possible from an inside draw.

Race 9: Excellence Value crowded at the start but still finishing a credible fifth last time out, he could make amends with Purton staying aboard. Highland Rahy a dangerous frontrunner, he has been in career-best form of late and looks set to continue his strong run. Wrote A New Page his recent form has been consistent and he must be included among the better chances. Cambridge the return to Happy Valley is positive, and improvement is expected. Joy Of Spring posted the fastest final 400m last time out, and with the apprentice claim, he could prove a knockout chance.