Luke Middlebrook
Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday for a nine-race fixture under the lights.
Trainer Douglas Whyte will be hoping the consistent five-year-old Wings Of War can finally break through for his first Hong Kong win in the Class 3 race over 1200m.
Whyte is Wings Of War’s third trainer in Hong Kong, following retired Tony Millard and Jamie Richards. Since joining the stables of the jockey-turned-trainer in early February, Wings Of War has been nothing but consistent.
In four runs for Whyte, Wings Of War is yet to miss a place, finishing behind the likes of Sugar Sugar, Raging Blizzard, Colourful Emperor and, most recently, securing second place to Kaholo Angel. On paper, this by far stands out as the strongest form to bring into this week’s race.
The speed map should favour Wings Of War, with a few runners who can press forward and set up a decent tempo, which he would appreciate. Among those, unbeaten three-year-old Super Joy N Fun will likely be a market fancy as he rises to Class 3 first-up and should lead from barrier No 1 under Zac Purton.
However, this race marks his acid test, as his last-start Class 4 win was set up perfectly for him under slow early sectionals on the lead without any pressure. Of course, he is open to any amount of improvement and warrants respect.
In-form five-year-old Can’t Go Wong will get his chance to post his second Hong Kong win for trainer Frankie Lor this week as he contests the Class 4 race over 1650m.
Can’t Go Wong is by no means a prolific winner, having saluted just once in 20 starts, which was three races ago when he dropped into Class 5 for the first time. However, he has been ultra-consistent in Class 4, especially in recent starts, where he has only missed a place on one occasion out of four attempts.
Cant’s Go Wong was last seen checking in as a close-up runner-up, the market favourite, two weeks ago, and now gets his chance to go one place better as he finds himself in a winnable race where he should be afforded every opportunity, stepping away from barrier No 2.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: H Z Tourbillon will win in this grade very soon and from barrier 2 here, he should map a chance. Double Show go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay. From barrier 1, he is a winning chance. My Intelligent consistent performer of late and worth considering. Barrier 10 is awkward on paper however. Youth Power down in class in this race and should perform better off the back of a good trial in blinkers which go on first time. Vamos fresh up from a break and should run well.
Race 2: Lean Master looks a solid good chance based on last start. From barrier 1 under the apprentice claim, he can bounce back to his winning ways. Mr Valiant has had no luck recently and could run a cheeky race. Chateauneuf last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Barrier 11 isn’t ideal but his form is good enough for a race like this. New Power faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. Win Speed showed improvement at a recent trial.
Race 3: Speedstar will win in this grade again very soon after two encouraging efforts since the class drop. Beau Gosse nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance to bounce back for a win as he rises to the extended mile. Charming Steed was an easy last start winner on the all-weather but should run well again having drawn well low in barrier 3. Medic Elite ultra-consistent galloper and who can play a part in the finish. Smart Beauty had genuine excuses last start, checked at the 200m, and can improve in this race.
Race 4: Denfield has dropped in the ratings and appears better suited this class and start to follow again. This is a winnable race and he is a leading chance. Dan Attack last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Vantastic Choice had excuses last start when racing wide without cover. Barrier 1 should provide a better trip and he can run a race from there. Valhalla consistent form lately and can score here. But he will need luck from out wide. Racingrace second start and will be fitter. Purton jumps in the saddle and expect improvement.
Race 5: Party Warrior changed trainer and trialled very well recently. He should be good enough to win this event. Sea Sapphire showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight, fading late into fifth. If he is rated better, he can improve into the money. Roaring Bebe having third start and may improve here from barrier 1 under Purton. Telecom Speed had excuses last start when racing wide without cover but still ran a good race into fourth. Righteous Arion caught wide last start and still ran well. Barrier 12 is tricky – he will go back and race for luck.
Race 6: Wide open race here with many winning chances. Kyrus Unicorn was eased early before catching the eye late from a wide barrier last start. From barrier 4, he could map closer and enhance his winning chances. Mr Aladdin recent runs have been encouraging and can run well as Purton takes over the reins. Flying Silver last start winner who remains in the same grade. Serangoon resuming from a break and trialled well recently. Forever Glorious a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, which looks probable here.
Race 7: Chain Of Gold good performance when storming home for third place last start. That was from barrier 12 on that occasion and now he comes into barrier 2 and looks ready to win. Red Hare King every chance last start but still ran a good race. Stepping away from barrier 1, he will be afforded every hope. Hameron caught the eye last start running home powerfully. Giddy Up form is good and is getting close to another victory. Star Contact good performance when returning to form last start and can go on with it.
Race 8: Can’t Go Wong form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Drawn well low, he appears to map as the winner and break through for a second local win. Sure Joyful good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. He comes into barrier 1 which will obviously enhance his chances. Sixth Generation has a good record over this track and distance which will hold him in good stead here. Atomic Beauty placed last start and looks a chance to run well again. The Khan recent runs have been encouraging and can run well from the low draw.
Race 9: Wings Of War looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Racing very well since transferring to Whyte’s yard and gets his chance to break through here after placing in much stronger races than this. Super Joy N Fun nice 3yo with a good chance to remain unbeaten here. First-up into Class 3 is the query but he should have more to come. Sports Legend has improved since e the blinkers were added. Humble Star can improve second-up from a break. Kyrus Dragon turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and again he should do the same.