Yip runner has a Lucky Touch in Hong Kong

He Jiong

In-form four-year-old Lucky Touch looks well-positioned to claim his second career victory in the Class 4 Handicap over 1650m at Happy Valley this Thursday.

Since making his Happy Valley debut two starts ago, Lucky Touch has demonstrated significant improvement. After an impressive 1.25-length maiden win, the son of Sweynesse followed up with a commendable fourth-place finish over this track and distance. Despite contending with a slow tempo and a challenging wide draw, he unleashed a strong finish in the straight, closing within three lengths of the winner.

The sectional times from that race tell the story: the first 400m and 800m were clocked at 28.38 seconds and 52.29 seconds, notably slower than the Class 4 standard. With a more genuine pace expected this week, Lucky Touch should prove hard to hold out.

The Dennis Yip-trained three-year-old Northern Fire Ball looks well placed to break through in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.

With two placings from four starts, Northern Fire Ball comes off a strong effort at this track and distance 29 days ago. Despite an awkward draw that night, the son of Sooboog used his tactical speed to settle on pace and battled gamely in the straight, finishing third, just half a length behind the winner.

Since then, Northern Fire Ball has trialled well, maintaining his form. With his eye-catching early speed and a favourable draw, the synergy between these factors gives him a strong chance to shed his maiden tag.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Super Charizzard his last run was better than it reads, and with Purton jumping on board, he looks a strong contender, especially from a decent draw. Winning Heart he can bounce back anytime in Class 5, but the wide draw is a concern. Speedy Smartie caught the eye running home strongly last time out and commands respect. Wood On Fire making his class 5 debut, he could be hard to catch if allowed a soft lead. E Glory from an inside draw, he can surprise at odds in a race of this nature.

Race 2: A highly competitive field, where a few runners share close collateral form. Lean Master has been placed in all of his last three starts and his consistency could pay off from a good draw. Parents’ Love led and was caught in the final stride last time out. He could be hard to run down with a well-judged ride. Ka Ying Resilience holding form with a recent trial, he draws plenty of attention with Purton remaining on board. Club Ace newcomer from an astute yard, the betting market will be the best guide. Super Sixty let down well to finish just outside the placings last start. Worth considering.

Race 3: Winning Steps has been in great form this season and is ideally weighted to run a big race over this marathon distance. Rocket Spade scored a narrow but impressive win in this class last time out and remains a strong chance despite a slight weight rise. Sharpen Bright another contender who appears well placed at the weights and must be respected. Noisy Boy based on his overseas form, he is highly suited by the rise in distance and looks one to watch. Frantanck possesses tactical speed and will run well with an uncontested lead.

Race 4: Northern Fire Ball drew wide but still finished a close third last start. From a much better barrier, he is primed to break through. Telecom Power showed improvement with a fast-finishing second last start and is well rated in this class. Prime Mortar a proven performer in Class 4, his recent runs suggest another win is around the corner. Owners’ Praise he could surprise at odds over a distance that may be perceived shorter than his best. Excellent Peers had genuine excuses last start (slow to begin) and can improve with a clean jump.

Race 5: Classic Century has trialled well since finishing a close third last start, and looks ready to shed his maiden tag with a favour- able draw. Viva Graciousness scored a tenacious win last start and is well positioned to notch up a double with a low draw. Turin Warrior overcame a wide draw to score a strong win last start. He could be hard to hold out if he replicates that performance. Red Majesty relishes dropping to Class 4, where he is four-time winner, and cannot be ignored. Tradition has the lightweight advantage and could sneak into the placings.

Race 6: View Of The World boasts solid form at Sha Tin, and from an ideal draw, he should deliver a commendable performance on his Happy Valley debut. Sky Forever has a strong record in this class and looks one to follow with the drop in class. Lucky Generations ran on well late to finish fourth after a tardy start last time out. He could finish in the Top 3 with a clean getaway. Gimme Five still a maiden galloper but gets his chance to win in this wide-open field. Top Time flashed home late into second last start. Worth considering if his odds still offer value.

Race 7: Prince Alex a winner of his last two starts, he looks on track to secure a hat-trick from pole position. Smart City his recent runs have been encouraging and he should run well with Purton aboard, despite the awkward draw. Corleone sat on pace and was narrowly beaten last time. He could be hard to catch if given a comfortable lead. Embraces turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly, and being a son of Reliable Man, the extra distance should suit him better. Big Red with a seven-pound claimer aboard, he could surprise at value with the rise in distance.

Race 8: Lucky Touch let down well in a slowly run race last start, and he will make his presence felt with a genuine tempo. Youth Power justified the heavy betting support with a narrow win las time out. From a low draw, a double is within his reach. Good Good resuming from a break, he should run well with fresh legs, and a win wouldn’t be surprising here. Highland Rahy appears suited by the switch back to turf, where he has previously performed well. The Azure won well in Class 5 last time and remains a chance despite the rise in class.

Race 9: Beauty Destiny has won his last two starts in emphatic fashion in Class 4 and should be highly competitive, despite making his Class 3 debut. Kyrus Dragon has been in career-best form and should play a key role. Aurora Lady scored a strong on-pace win last time out, despite a wide trip. With Purton aboard, another bold run is expected. Nordic Dragon has the ability and can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form. Prawns Eleven capable but unpredictable, he could be a value choice against some more fancied runners.

Race 10: Romantic Laos he is better than his recent form suggests, and with in-form Jerry Chau aboard, he is primed to return to the winner’s list, especially with a good draw. Aestheticism with a conservative racing pattern, he will run well if the pace suits. Comet Splendido did not disgrace himself last start given the awkward draw, and improvement is expected with a better barrier. Soleil Fighter a last start winner in the same grade, he must be rated a strong chance again. Beato had genuine excuses last start (slow to begin) and could place at value.