Triple Crown champ headlines G2 Sha Tin Trophy
He Jiong
Read moreHe Jiong
Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday with an action-packed 10-race card headlined by the Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy over 1600m.
Another competitive feature, the Sha Tin Trophy contains several talented runners, led by Hong Kong Triple Crown winner Voyage Bubble.
After sweeping the Triple Crown for older horses last season, Voyage Bubble has proven himself over distances ranging from 1200m to 2400m. A sharp drop in trip shouldn’t be an issue first-up, though he must shoulder the top weight under handicap conditions, conceding 6kg to the second-highest rated runner, Galaxy Patch. Last season’s Derby hero Cap Ferrat has trialled well for his return and is attractively weighted, making him an intriguing contender.
Meanwhile, the Mark Newnham-trained My Wish looks set for further Group-level success after an impressive first-up win in the Group 3 Celebration Cup. Carrying just 52.2kg, he appears to be the one all others will have to beat.
After a luckless first-up run, evergreen galloper Fun Together shapes as a leading contender in the Class 4 Handicap over 1400m.
A four-time winner in this grade, Fun Together had his winning prospects badly compromised by a wide draw two weeks ago, which forced him to cover plenty of ground throughout. Despite being posted three-wide just off the speed for most of the trip, the honest seven-year-old stuck on gamely to finish fourth, beaten only 1.50 lengths over the same track and distance.
With a more favourable inside gate this time and the benefit of that first-up outing under his belt, Fun Together should enjoy a much smoother passage and looks poised to run a bold race second-up. - iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Ragnarr scored an easy win in this class last time out and looks poised to complete a double with Purton staying aboard. Riding High charged home strongly to finish third from a wide draw last start, but has to cope with another awkward gate this time. Viva Chaleur narrowly beaten when heavily backed last start, and looks one to follow. Tsuen Wan Glory led from start to finish last start, though aided by a slow tempo. Under similar conditions, he could repeat the dose. The Concentration caught the eye flashing home late last time out and will make his presence felt in a genuinely run race.
Race 2: Robot Lucky Star his recent trial was highly encouraging, and he looks set to break through first-up, especially with Purton aboard. Flowing Riches shed his maiden tag in fine style in this class last time out. He looks capable of securing a double in a race mixed with inexperienced runners. Prestige Hall showed ability last preparation and is well prepared with three trials for his return. Straight To Glory beaten by a smart type last start, and the drop in distance could spark further improvement. California Blitz appears to be edging closer to a win and is worth considering.
Race 3: Double Win let down well to miss by only 0.75 lengths last start, despite a wide draw and a slow tempo. He shapes as a leading contender from a low gate. Beauty Viva his recent efforts have been encouraging, and with Purton taking the reins, he could finally break through locally. Perfect Pairing has drawn well and could sneak into the placings at long odds. Mission Strike his last run was better than it looks, and with some early intent, he could spring an upset. Ocean Impact has found the line well late in his last two outings, and a Top 3 finish wouldn’t surprise here.
Race 4: Fun Together stuck on gamely for fourth despite a wide trip last time out. From an inside gate, he should enjoy a smoother run and go close to victory. Autumn Vibes showed tactical speed and found only one too good first-up. He must be considered a strong contender. California Moxie resuming off a solid trial, he should sprint well fresh, though the distance is slightly short of his best. Raging Rapids has been in consistent form of late but the wide draw could make things tricky here. Blazing Beam placed once from five starts and could produce an improved effort first-up.
Race 5: Smart Fat Cat had excuses (a tardy start) last time out and looks ready to make amends first-up after a couple of eye-catching trials. Victory Champion settled close to the speed and was disadvantaged by the fast tempo last time out. He could improve under more favourable conditions. Strange Alert ran on well late to finish second last start and looks poised to go one better from a low gate. Blazing Wukong possesses versatility in running and must be respected despite drawing wide. Lucky Sam Gor secured an overdue win last start and looks to have more to offer in Class 4.
Race 6: Packing Phoenix justified his lofty price tag with a narrow but impressive debut win three weeks ago. A double looks well within reach given his untapped potential. Emblazon scored an easy win last start and his odds could still present value facing some more fancied rivals. Savvy Warrior has dropped in the rating and could cause an upset at his second attempt in Class 4. Proud Box showed above-average ability on debut and is open to any amount of improvement. King Alloy gave a good sight and stuck on well for a solid second last start. Another bold showing appears on the cards.
Race 7: My Wish claimed a G3 feature in emphatic style first-up and is ideally weighted to secure back-to-back victories at Group level. Voyage Bubble a Hong Kong Triple Crown winner, his class holds him in good stead in this field, though shouldering the top weight remains a concern. Cap Ferrat reigning Hong Kong Derby winner, he has drawn well for his first-up assignment and should deliver a strong performance on his return. Galaxy Patch with an explosive turn of foot, he will make a strong late surge under the right race shape. Beauty Joy his first-up effort was encouraging and another bold run looks on the cards.
Race 8: Patch Of Stars may have needed his first-up run, and with added fitness, he should play a key role here. Infinite Resolve finished strongly into second behind the highly promising Bulb General last start. He has to be rated a strong chance. Star Rise flashed home late into second on his local debut and looks one to follow. Sky Joy a talented runner resuming from a break, he must be respected despite stepping up to Class 3. Chateauneuf likely to be overlooked in this field, but could produce an improved effort after a mediocre first-up run.
Race 9: Brilliant Express will relish the drop to Class 3, where he boasts a strong record, and the rise in distance ticks another box. Everyone’s Star has been competitive in this class, and with Purton staying aboard, a strong first-up showing looks imminent. Harold Win narrowly beaten last start, and with a favourable draw, he could go one better. Riding Together has turned in an impressive trial win ahead of his return. Commands respect. Flying Fortress could cause an upset on his day and is worth considering as a value choice.
Race 10: Yuen Long Elite a dangerous frontrunner, he could make amends with a smoother run after a luckless fifth last time out. Beauty Bolt has been consistent since day one and must be included among the better chances. Morgan Success looks well placed in a field with plenty of speed, which should suit his racing style. Mister Dapper raced in excellent form towards the end of last season and should run well first-up from pole position. Pope Cody caused an upset last time out and remains a chance, despite a weight rise.