He Jiong
Hong Kong racing continues on Sunday exciting 10-race fixture, highlighting the Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy.
The race, over 1600m, features a highly competitive field with intricate collateral form lines, making it likely that any contender could emerge to claim victory.
Heading the list is Group 1 winner Voyage Bubble, who was last seen finishing 17th in the G1 Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo Racecourse. While he may have a class edge, the top weight of 61.5kg is a significant concern. Beauty Eternal, with Zac Purton up, and Galaxy Patch both won feature races in their last outings, so they need to carry more weight than most rivals this time, making things a bit tricky, although they have the ability to defy it.
Beauty Joy and Happy Together both have the chance to turn the tables on Galaxy Patch, thanks to weight swings, while Red Lion, who finished just 1.5o lengths behind Beauty Eternal, could reverse the result. Last but not least, the talented four-year-old Chancheng Glory is ideally weighted to secure his first Group victory.
Highly promising four-year-old Wunderbar is set to extend his purple patch of form in the Class 2 Handicap over 1200m at Sha Tin on Sunday.
With an impressive record of five wins from six starts, Wunderbar enters the race on a three-win streak, highlighted by a remarkable first-up victory three weeks ago. Under the confident guidance of champion jockey Zac Purton, the Rich Enuff gelding displayed his typical tactical speed, leading from start to finish and securing a 0.50-length victory over this track and distance.
Wunderbar's strong form lines, particularly against Group 3 winner Ka Ying Rising, indicate that he remains well-positioned to maintain his winning momentum, even as he steps up to Class 2 for the first time this week.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Circuit Jolly a newcomer who has trialled well for his debut, he looks a strong winning chance with Purton on board. Etalon Or produced an eye-catching first-up run when flashing home late into second. He remains a chance despite another wide draw. Patch Of Cosmo stormed home strongly for a nice win first-up and now aims for a double. However, the big weight is a concern. Santorini with Bowman taking the reins, he can improve second-up from an inside draw. Northern Fire Ball turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability.
Race 2: Super Infinity scored an easy win in Class 4 last time out and can continue his winning ways despite rising to Class 3. Captain Win recent runs have been encouraging and should play a key role in this field. Candlelight Dinner boasting strong form in Australia, his recent trial suggests a big debut run is imminent. Savvy Brilliant looked unlucky when held up at a crucial stage last start and could make amends with better luck in running. Galvanic caught the eye last start when running home well, and he could surprise at value despite an unfavourable jockey booking.
Race 3: Ensued has a great record over this distance and will find this easier than the 4YO series. He should be a strong contender with Purton aboard. Awesome Fluke his last start placing was full of merit and the extra distance will suit him even better. Supreme Agility caught the eye flashing home late last start, he should map well from a low draw and go close to winning. Universal Horizon finished powerfully with the fastest sectional time ranking last start and looks a knockout chance here. Packing Hurricane should be highly suited by the rise in distance, especially with the apprentice claim.
Race 4: Charmander has been in great form and looks hard to oppose from a low draw. Medic Elite turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and is well weighted to return to the winner’s list. Joyful Life recent runs have been encouraging and should run well again despite the wide draw. Yoda’s Choice backing up quickly from a good last star effort, he could be hard to run down if he can cut across and find the lead early. So Awesome cannot be ignored in Class 5, where he has a 50% strike rate.
Race 5: Master Of All sat on the speed and stuck on well for a nice second last start, he looks the standout in a race without much depth. Thriving Brothers recent runs in Class 3 were honest, and he will appreciate the drop in class, ranking among the better contenders with Purton on board. Endeared looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start. Awesome Treasure a fast beginner who can run well if allowed a soft lead. Classic Century has trialled well for his debut and should endure a nice trip from a low draw. Watch for betting support.
Race 6: Family Jewel scored a tenacious win in this class last time out and he looks to have more ratings in hand. Devas Twelve an- other last-start winner who remains in the same class and could go back-to-back. Satirical Glory turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and looks one to follow. Gallant Hero generally getting back in the running but dashing home strongly, he can make his presence felt if the pace suits. Californiatotality resuming from a break and trialled well recently.
Race 7: Beauty Eternal Group 1 winner resuming from a break, he boasts an impressive first-up record and looks a strong contender from a decent draw. Galaxy Patch possessing an explosive turn of foot, he should run well if it turns into a sit-sprint race, which looks likely here. Beauty Joy a proven performer at this level, he looks well placed at the weights to run a big race from pole position. Chancheng Glory a smart 4YO who is ideally weighed and should deliver a commendable first-up performance despite drawn awkwardly. Voyage Bubble another Group 1 winner aiming for a winning return, but it won’t be easy for him to defy the wide draw and heavy weight.
Race 8: Celtic Times resuming from a break and having trialled well recently, he looks one to watch first-up with Teetan on board. Stellar Swift turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and remains a winning chance despite carrying top weight. Jubilant Winner has trialled well since finishing a slashing third at his first-up run, so it is no surprise to see Purton taking the reins. Dragon Four Seas was narrowly beaten last start and should be highly competitive in this wide-open field. Sunny Da Best can upset some more fancied rivals and surprise at odds if given a soft lead.
Race 9: Young Achiever couldn’t have been more impressive with a big win last start and looks an exciting horse to follow this season. Lucy In The Sky has been racing consistent lately and should run well again if he can handle the rise in distance. Beauty Crescent down in class here and he may sneak into the placings, not out of it. Gracious Express looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start, he can make amends with a smoother run in transit. Speed Dragon resuming from a break, he should run well with fresh legs, though the 1400m trip is a bit below his best.
Race 10: Wunderbar a highly promising 4YO, he boasts strong form lines around Group 3 winner Ka Ying Rising and looks primed to extend his winning streak despite rising to Class 2. Superb Capitalist a fast beginner who has been in great form and can run well if he finds an easy lead. Call Me Glorious drops back from a Group race and this will be easier, while the extra distance also suits him. Bottomuptogether conceded his first defeat last start, but looks ideally weighted to make amends after the rise in class. Gorgeous Win won well in Class 3 last time out and remains