Weight drop should help Lyle

Lyle Hewitson is hopeful Highland Rahy can dispel a class rise query when the in-form galloper chases a hat-trick at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

A winner at Gowran Park in Ireland pre-import, Highland Rahy took 13 starts to break his Hong Kong duck and made it back-to-back victories at the city circuit when eclipsing the Class Four 1650m track record on his latest appearance.

However, the Francis Lui Kin-wai-trained gelding faces a tougher test rising to Class Three in the Chamomile Handicap (1650m). He bumps into several proven performers in the grade, headlined by last-start winner Aestheticism and consistent Embraces.

Hewitson believes Highland Rahy has to elevate on his two all-the-way victories at the course and distance for this race.

“I have my reservations of what he’ll be like in Class Three but with that said, he’s clearly started to acclimatise to Hong Kong as we’ve seen in his recent two runs,” Hewitson said.

“You can’t take away from the fact that he’s just run the class record last time out. It was a solid effort and I think one thing that will benefit him is being a strong galloper down in weight.

“There’s a couple in there with chances and it’s quite an open race. The difference between Class Three and Class Four for a horse like him is they are going to have a turn of foot and enjoy the pace that he sets, so it makes his task harder.

“But the fact he’s got a lighter weight, he should be able to keep running. I think it will be a tough task, but I think he’ll acquit himself well.”

Highland Rahy drops 6kg to carry 53.5kg and jumps from barrier No 7.

Of his other seven rides at the midweek meeting, Hewitson fancies Lui-trained King Miles to run a bold race from gate No 9 in the first section of the Class Three Violet Handicap over 1200m.

“If I had to single one out on the night that can maybe take a step forward, it would be him,” Hewitson said.

“He’s always getting bad barriers, always going back and looking quite good in the finish. I think we’ve got to start taking luck out of the equation and be more positive on him.

“He gives me a really nice feel. If he had an inside draw, I would think he’d be a leading chance. If he overcomes that, he could be one of the horses to keep an eye on.”

Meanwhile, trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai was fined HK$75,000 on Monday for failing to ensure Dragon Air Force was free of any prohibited substance when he ran second on the Sha Tin dirt on 12 February.

An illegal level of omeprazole, which is used to treat gastric ulcers, was detected in Dragon Air Force’s post-race urine sample.

“A comprehensive joint investigation conducted by Racing Security and Integrity Assurance and the stipendiary stewards, which included a detailed review of the stable close circuit television, interviews with stable staff allocated to Mr Yiu and a review of treatment and medication records, did not identify the cause of the detection of omeprazole in the post-race urine sample,” chief steward Marc van Gestel said in a statement.

Dragon Air Force was disqualified from his second placing on 12 February. – South China Morning Post

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Spicy So Smart boasting an impressive record of two wins from three starts in this class, he should play a key role dropping to Class 5. Patch Of Watch a dangerous frontrunner, his recent runs have been encouraging and must be respected with Purton aboard. Ragnarr a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Modest Gentleman with a fast tempo expected, he looks well placed in this field and can make his presence felt late. Day Day Victory mixed up his form but could place at odds on his day.

Race 2: Rosewood Fleetfoot has been improving with the step up in distance and comes off a solid third over 2000m at Sha Tin. Management Folks stormed home for a close second last start and is ideally weighted to perform well again. Romantic Fantasy appears highly suited by the rise in distance, and from a low draw, he should enjoy a smooth trip and secure a spot in the Top 3. Serangoon capable but unpredictable, he is worth considering if his odds offer value, which seems likely as he draws wide. Midori Giant will relish the drop in class and improvement is expected.

Race 3: Thesis has regained his form recently and must be considered a strong contender in this wide-open field. Lucky Sam Gor will likely find this easier compared to his recent runs at Sha Tin, and should produce an improved effort. Amazing Award charged home strongly to finish third last time out and will make a strong late surge if the pace suits. Von Baer has been steadily improving with his rating drop, and could finish in the money. Iconical could place at long odds with the rise in distance, especially with Purton aboard.

Race 4: Power Koepp travelled just off the speed to score a dominant win in Class 4 last start. He remains a strong contender despite rising to Class 3. Wings Of War likes to settle back and charge home late. He can make a strong surge if the race unfolds in his favour. Ro- mantic Son had genuine excuses last start and could make amends with better luck in running. Denfield resuming from a break, he should map closer to the speed from an inside draw and run well with fresh legs. Ka Ying Victory a fast beginner, he could sneak into the placings if allowed to dictate the pace.

Race 5: Sunday’s Serenade shed his maiden tag in fine style last start and looks poised to secure back-to-back victories as he remains in Class 4. Soaring Bronco finished a close second on his Happy Valley debut last time out and must be respected. Mighty Commander a proven performer in Class 4, he will relish the drop in class and weaker opposition, though the wide draw and top weight may pose a challenge. Forever Glorious is capable of causing an upset and should not be overlooked. Dragon Star showed improvement last start and is suited by the drop in distance.

Race 6: Bundle Of Charm the drop to 1200m is a big plus and he should map well from a low draw and play a key role here. Eason clocked the fastest final 400m last time out, and with a favourable draw, he should get every chance to make amends. King Miles looked unlucky when held up at a crucial stage last start. He could surprise at odds with better luck in running. Nucleozor was not beaten far on debut and could show improvement second-up. Chateauneuf will find this filed more manageable on his return to Happy Valley and should not be underestimated.

Race 7: Know At Heart has performed well at the bottom of Class 3 and looks ready to run a big race, dropping to Class 4. Loving Vibes edging closer to a win after three consecutive seconds, he could finally break through with Purton in the saddle. Glory B was narrowly beaten last start and looks poised to go one better in this below-par Class 4 field. Fatal Blow resuming from a break, his recent trial was a pass mark, so watch for betting support. Everstar finished strongly in a slowly run race last start and could prove to be a knockout chance.

Race 8: Our Lucky Glory nearing his last winning mark, he should map well from an inside draw and make a strong impact in this race. Lucky Planet caused an upset when making all at Sha Tin last start. He can repeat the dose if allowed a soft lead again. Never Too Soon caught the eye running home powerfully last start but the wide draw remains a concern. Great Spirit his recent runs have been encouraging and he may still have more ratings in store. Goko Win making his Class 4 debut against weaker opposition, he could run a cheeky race.

Race 9: Embraces boasting strong Sha Tin form, he’s primed to return to the winner’s list, following a fast-finishing second behind the talented Patch Of Cosmo last time out. Aestheticism scored an easy win in this class last start and a double looks well within his reach. Highland Rahy having made all in his last two outings, he should still be competitive despite stepping up to Class 3. Lovero showed improvement with a solid third last start and is worth considering if his odds still present value. Noble Pursuit the drop in class and his solid first-up record are both positives, making him an intriguing runner to watch.