Turin Mascot to show his versatility

Luke Middlebrook

Pierre Ng-trained Turin Mascot will generate considerable interest in the Class 3 race over 1650m at Sha Tin on Wednesday as he ventures onto the all-weather track for the first time in Hong Kong.

Turin Mascot arrived in Hong Kong with an impressive record of three wins from five starts but what particularly catches the eye on paper is his all-weather record of two wins from three attempts.

However, in his 14 local races so far, the five-year-old has exclusively competed on turf, securing two wins and four placings. In his last three outings, Turin Mascot has been hindered by wide draws, starting from barrier No 11 on each occasion, which has forced the rider to rely on luck. Still, he has always been an eye-catcher late and is racing in a rich vein of form.

This week, drawing barrier No 2 should allow rider Karis Teetan to position the gelding more prominently, as seen in prior races when getting low number draws. He has since turned in a quiet but good-looking trial and looks a strong chance to bounce back to his winning ways.

Elsewhere, in-form four-year-old Gummy Gummy appears to be a strong contender to clinch victory in Class 2 as he competes in the 1200m event.

Gummy Gummy enters his fifth start of the season, aiming for his first win of the term after finishing runner-up on two occasions.

The Benno Yung-trained gelding returns to his favoured racing surface after two outings on turf, where he finished a close fourth in both races.

Nevertheless, Gummy Gummy's prospects seem much brighter this week, boasting a track and distance record of two wins and three second placings out of five attempts. Additionally, he reunites with Zac Purton, who has ridden him to victory in both of his previous local wins.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Superb Move faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. Barrier 3 should provide him the right run on the pace under the apprentice claim. Legion Of Merit has dropped in the ratings and appears better suited this class, start to follow. M M Nebula has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. He will get every winning chance here. Joyful Champion recent runs have been encouraging and can run well from the low draw. Nice Birdie has finished close up recently and can run well on an each-way basis.

Race 2: Super Joy looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He needs a clean jump as he has been slow to begin more often than not but he is itching to break through. Yeaboi down in class in this race and should perform better, start to follow . Beau Gosse has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Double Show last run suggested a win was very near. Any luck from the wide draw and he will be right there in the finish. Spangle Fortune can bounce back a winner anytime in this class.

Race 3: Must Go faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. Drawn nicely low to gain the gun run in transit and has dropped low enough in the ratings to pick up a win in Class 4 soon. Hinokami Kagura form is good and is getting close to a win. Vantas- tic Choice should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way from his low gate. Sergeant Pepper good performance when returning to form last start. Aca Power placed last start and looks a chance to run well again but the wide draw is the concern.

Race 4: Diamond Flare should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way from barrier 1 under apprentice Wong’s 10lb claim. He could pinch this from the front with a well-timed rider. Solid Shalaa last start winner who remains in the same grade and should run well again. Beauty Destiny has had no luck recently and could run a cheeky race. High Rise Power finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start and is improving all the time with more racing. Racingrace well prepared for debut and is worth considering.

Race 5: Gummy Gummy track and distance specialist and appears suited to bounce back for a win here. Drawn well to get the perfect run in transit as Purton jumps back in the saddle at seemingly the right time. Winning Icey last start placing was full of merit, nice effort and he should prove a chance from barrier 2. Wonder Kit looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Ping Hai Galaxy appears to be very well suited by the track and distance of this race. Can give a sight here. Bundle Of Charm looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form.

Race 6: Sing Dragon more than capable of winning again in this race after breaking through nicely last start with an all-the-way track and distance victory. Victory Moments form is good and must be rated a solid chance. If he can stay in touch early, he will get his chance to finish over the top late. Toronado Phantom turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly which is usual for him. Self Improvement had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire. Sky Forever generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. Light weight chance here.

Race 7: Wide-open race here with many chances. Triumphant Warrior has finished close up recently and can run well. He will need luck from gate 10 but has the form on the board to claim this. Mission Bravo turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly but he has what it takes to settle forward. Cordyceps One form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Galvanic faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. Mayhem looks a longshot chance in a race like this.

Race 8: Turin Mascot all-weather track specialist who will run well here as he tries the surface for the first time in Hong Kong. Draws a low gate for the first time in three runs and looks a great chance here. Adefill last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Tourbillon Prince backing up quickly from last week, can run well. Will lead from the low gate and give them something to chase. Apache Pass video replay showed last run was very good. Yellowfin had excuses last start when racing wide without cover but the wide draw is far from ideal here.