Whyte and Hewitson on fire at Sha Tin

Luke Middlebrook

Trainer Douglas Whyte can be confident four-year-old Flaming Rabbit can shed his maiden tag when he contests Race 8, the Class 2 Handicap over 1400m at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong on Sunday.

Flaming Rabbit, with Lyle Hewitson up, is fourth-up in Hong Kong after arriving a three-time winner from eight in Europe and the UK.

Wasting no time to measure up, Flaming Rabbit checked in a promising third on debut to Red Lion - which has proven to be good form - before going on to finish a fading seventh second-up after doing a lot of hard work early from a wide draw, only beaten 2.25 lengths to the talented Beauty Eternal.

Last start, when third-up, Flaming Rabbit again drew horribly wide but utilised his early speed to find the front and give a solid sight, going down by a neck to Tuchel - again, solid form.

Finding a highly winnable race this week, while victorious in a trial smartly in between runs, Flaming Rabbit finally gets his chance to score an overdue win.

One race prior, three-year-old gelding Simple Hedge can bounce back for a win in the Class 4 Handicap over 1400m.

The John Size-trained gelding has raced on just three occasions and has demonstrated plenty of potential, winning once and placing third.

Simple Hedge’s last-start fourth place finish had plenty of merit to it, as he was checked early out of the gates and was forced to settle back further than they probably wanted to.

Still, he let down well late, crossing the line just 1.50 lengths from the winner. Trialling nicely but quietly in between runs; Simple Hedge has what it takes to get back to his winning ways and win his way into Class 3.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Ka Ying Victory newcomer who has trialled well for debut and can win. Worth noting, he was scratched behind the gates on his intended debut after he hit his head on the gates when a well-backed favourite. Chancheng Glory every chance last start but still ran a good race. He is in good form. Sonic Boom video replay showed last run was very good after he bombed the start. Kaholo Angel had genuine vet excuses last start and can improve in this race. Gallant Valour having third start and may improve here.

Race 2: Lucky Ruby unbeaten in this class and must be a big chance to keep that record in tact on the class drop here. Turbo Power showed no interest last start on his first try in Class 5, forget the run and give a chance to improve as Purton takes the ride. Aca Power good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. He is in top form. Handsome Rebel drops down in grade and start following. Always a chance at this level. Jazz Steed can bounce back a winner anytime in this class, and the apprentice claim should be beneficial to his chances.

Race 3: Sunlight Power trialled well after a good run last start when difficult to ride and Purton takes the ride. Super Highway winner of last two starts and looks a top chance to go close to a hat-trick of win from barrier 1. Lucky Banner had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire. He has trialled well in between runs. Oriental Spirit showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight, expect the same. King Of The Court fresh up from a break and should run well.

Race 4: Packing Bole newcomer who looks talented, after trialling impressively multiple times, and must be rated a good chance to win first-up from barrier 3 under Purton. Speedy Fortune well supported last start and won accordingly. He has since trialled well and looks to have more to come. Golden Samurai holding form with recent good trial and looks well. The drop back in distance suits. Awesome Treasure can bounce back a winner anytime in this class. California Vanes has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade. Better chance back on turf here.

Race 5: Flying Mojito good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. He reacquaints with Purton, who knows him well, and is ready to win again. Master Of Fortune consistent form lately and can score here. He is the biggest threat to Flying Mojito’s chances. Prince Alex down in class here and can surprise. His last run at the bottom of Class 3 was good. Lucky Eternity improving type and getting close to a win. Gold Tack had excuses last start – vet excuses as well as being on-pace in a fast run race – and can surprise at odds.

Race 6: Universal Horizon last start winner who remains in the same grade. He only has to handle the rise in distance to win again. Jumbo Fortune backing up quickly from a good last start effort and can run well again. Still a maiden after 17 starts but Purton does remain on board. Round The Earth last run suggested a win was very near and the light weight helps. Perfect Team looks a solid good chance based on last start. Beautyverse down in class in this race and should perform better. He is the class horse here but needs to improve on recent form.

Race 7: Simple Hedge recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting a good run can be expected after he raced with excuses last start. Ready to bounce back for a win. Yellowfin remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here after going close on recent starts. Blue Marlin consistent performer of late and worth considering. He just needs more luck than others from a wide gate. Chilli Baba holding form with recent good trial and looks well. Lost Child has shown ability and gets his chance to win here. Go on prior good form.

Race 8: Flaming Rabbit last run suggested a win was very near when narrowly beaten by Tuchel. The drop back in distance suits and he is ready to score his first local win having won a recent trial smartly in between runs. Amazing Victory nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance to upset the favourite. Beauty Live fresh up from a break and should run well. He looked well in his recent trial. Erimo backing up quickly from a good last star effort and can run well again. Flagship Warrior had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire. Fitter now second-up.

Race 9: Gummy Gummy handy three-year-old who is a last-start winner and who trialled well since. He should be winning again now that the penny seems to have dropped. More to come from him. Mark The Moment remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here after going close in recent starts. Sugar Sugar consistent form lately and can score here first-up, solid each-way claims. Man Star can upset some more fancied rivals on best form. Sunny Boy will be suited by the switch back to AWT track. Longshot chance here.

Race 10: Flying Ace reaching peak form now, third-up from a break, and can bounce back for a win with Purton in the saddle. Hard to hold out. Allgreektome a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, which he should from barrier 1. He will give a big sight. Colourful Emperor showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight and he’s another pace influence here. Bundle Of Charm last start winner who remains in the same grade. Northern Beaches best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. Consider him for exotic bets.

Race 11: Beauty Inspire last run suggested a win was very near when only narrowly beaten. Returns to the races off a 56-day break, trialled nicely since and finds a winnable race if good enough. Good Buddy last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. He rises to 1400m, his best distance, and can prove a winning chance. Shining Gem video replay showed last run was very good. He has each-way claims with the apprentice claim. Beauty Champ go on solid previous effort where form looked okay. Beauty Glory goes well first-up from a break and should be respected.