Wunderbar looks best in Bauhinia Sprint

He Jiong

Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday for an exciting 11-race card, featuring the Group 3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy.

The Group 3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy over 1000m shapes as a wide-open handicap, with no obvious standout among the contenders.

John Size-trained Wunderbar has likely found the opposition too strong when chasing star sprinter Ka Ying Rising in his last two starts, but a drop back to Group 3 company could spark improvement.

The same may apply to Beauty Waves, who shares a similar form line. Magic Control caught the eye with a solid second over 1200m last time — a trip beyond his best — and should relish the return to 1000m, where he is a three-time winner.

Colourful King was most impressive when storming home from well back to score over this track and distance last start, and while that effort was aided by a fast tempo, he looks capable of repeating it if conditions suit again. Meanwhile, Baby Crystal, Stellar Express, and We Are Hero all have claims in what promises to be a highly competitive sprint.

Impressive debut winner Turquoise Velocity looks primed to go back-to-back in the Class 4 Handicap over 1000m at Sha Tin this Sunday.

The son of Zoustar had hinted at above-average ability through a series of strong trials prior to his debut two weeks ago, and it was no surprise to see him attract heavy support on the day.

He duly justified that confidence, settling just behind the pace before quickening sharply from the 200m and drawing clear to score by 1.75 lengths over this track and distance.

An A$180,000 yearling purchase, Turquoise Velocity appears a progressive type with plenty of upside, and he faces no tougher assignment this time. On the strength of that polished debut performance, another victory at this level looks well within reach. – iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Rattan Galaxy comes off a slashing second on his Class 5 debut, and with Purton aboard, he’s poised to go one better from a decent draw. Sterling Wongchoy has been knocking on the door recently and must be included among the better chances. Rewarding Twinkle overlook his uncharacteristic run last start, and he could surprise at odds, given his honest Class 4 form. The Concentration his recent efforts suggest a win is near, but he has to cope with another wide draw. Gale Saga a proven performer at this level, he could cause an upset on his day.

Race 2: Turquoise Velocity created a huge impression on debut and looks set to complete a double in Class 4 with more upside to come. Sight Hermoso has trialled well to hold his form since a fast-finishing second over this track and distance 35 days ago, and looks the second-best here. Justifying will relish the drop to Class 4, where he is one form one, and improvement is expected. Lahore suited by the drop back in distance, which could spark a surprise, and should not be overlooked. Conspirator stormed home to place at long odds last start, but repeating that performance remains a concern.

Race 3: Swagger Bro caught the eye with a solid fourth first-up, and with added fitness, he should be right in the mix. Notthesillyone an in-form frontrunner, he looks well placed to secure a hat-trick despite the weight rise. Lean Master capable but unpredictable, he is worth considering if his odds present value. Vulcanus attacked the line strongly late last start, and the switch back to the AWT enhances his winning chances. Goko Win boasts solid Class 3 form and could bounce back at any time in Class 4, despite recent underperformances.

Race 4: Thunder Prince on a highly winnable mark, he was held up at a crucial stage last start, and with a smoother run, he could make amends. Beauty Thunder was narrowly beaten last start, and with a favourable draw, he is well placed to go one better under Purton. Daily Trophy ran on well late last start, and with the apprentice claim, he should map closer to the speed and prove a strong contender. Monta Frutta suited by the return to the AWT and could run a cheeky race. Day Day Victory has been in career-best form this season and must be respected, though carrying top weight poses a challenge.

Race 5: Monarch County has not been beaten far in quality Class 3 races recently, and the drop to Class 4 should see him improve sharply, especially from a low draw. Gallant Epoch possesses tactical speed and could be hard to catch if allowed a soft lead. City Thunder encountered traffic in the straight last start, and with better luck in running, he could finish in the money. Smiling Falcon placed at huge odds last start and is worth considering if his odds still offer value. Lucky Man found the line well late last start but faces another wide draw this time.

Race 6: Flow Water Flow has found one better at both starts and looks ideally placed to break through against modest opposition third-up. Mr Cool had vet excuses last start and deserves another chance, given his solid previous form. Positive Smile flashed home late for third in a slowly run race last start, and from a better draw, he should enjoy a smooth run and be highly competitive. Invictus Dragon finished strongly into fifth despite a tardy start last time out. With a clean jump, he could secure a Top 3 finish. Fight Time better than his recent form suggests, and the gear change could spring a surprise.

Race 7: Soleil Fighter a consistent frontrunner, he should dictate the pace from pole position and could be hard to run down. Sagacious Life finished a credible sixth last start after a narrow yet impressive debut win, and the booking of Purton piques interest. Top Dragon with his blistering turn of foot, he will make his presence felt if the race shape turns into a sit-and-sprint. Karma likes to get back and charge home late. He could cause an upset with the rise in distance. Winfield a multiple G1 winner in Brazil, he has trialled okay ahead of his local debut and the betting market should provide the best guide.

Race 8: Colourful King scored a last-to-first win in Class 2 last time out, and remains a strong chance despite stepping up to Group 3 company. Wunderbar boasts an eye-catching record over this track and distance, and the drop from Group 1 company ticks another box. Beauty Waves will relish the drop in class and is expected to produce an improved effort. Magic Control showed improvement last start and the 1000m trip should suit him even better. Baby Crystal with his positive racing style, he could sneak into the placings under the right race shape.

Race 9: Victory Sky won a race with franked form last start, and appears well placed to secure back-to-back wins under Purton in Class 3. Swift Ascend the drop to Class 3, where he boasts a solid record, is expected to spark improvement, and he must be considered a strong contender despite carrying top weight. Super Joy N Fun his recent runs have been encouraging and he should be included in exotic bets. Blazing Wind did not disgrace at his last run but the wide draw remains a concern. Must Go has dropped in the rating and could finish in the money from a low gate.

Race 10: Loyal Bright finished a meritorious third despite a mid-race check last start, and looks primed to break through locally from pole position. Galactic Voyage caught the eye flashing home late into fourth on his local debut and is expected to show further improvement with added fitness. Igor Stravinsky gave a good sight and placed at long odds last start. He could repeat that effort if conditions suit again. Goldentronicmighty meets a below-par Class 3 field and could place at odds. Power Koepp has ability and can upset some more fancied rivals on his day.

Race 11: Everyone’s Star has been ultra-consistent at this level and shapes as a leading contender with Purton aboard. Lovero beaten by a smart type last start and should be highly competitive in this field. Smart Avenue stormed home to score a tenacious win last start and remains a strong chance despite the weight rise. Bucephalas held up for the final 300m last start and could finish in the Top 3 with a clearer run in transit. Wukong Jewellery won a Class 4 race in style last start and should not be overlooked despite rising back to Class 3.