He Jiong
Consistent sprinter Gorgeous Win looks on track to secure his second win for the season, when he lines up in the Class 2 Handicap over 1200m at Sha Tin this Sunday.
After a dominant win in Class 3 on his seasonal debut in early September, Gorgeous Win has shown he can compete at the higher level. While he has yet to secure a win since stepping up to Class 2, his recent performances indicate another success is within reach. The son of Press Statement has been in strong form, finishing second in his last two starts, including a narrow defeat by just a neck in his most recent outing.
This week, Gorgeous Win, with Zac Purton up, stands out as the form horse in the field and faces a slightly less demanding line-up compared to his recent races. With conditions in his favour, he looks well-positioned to make a breakthrough at Class 2 level.
Promising four-year-old The Boom Box is poised to complete a hat-trick of wins in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Having shown promise in several trials before his debut, The Boom Box justified the late betting support with a narrow but impressive win, despite an awkward draw. The form of that race has since been validated by multiple runners, boosting his confidence as he was backed as the favourite in his next outing while still in Class 4.
Trained by Chris So, the gelding didn’t disappoint, scoring another commanding win with a blistering turn of foot. Now stepping up to Class 3 for the first time, The Boom Box 's untapped potential puts him in a strong position, making a third consecutive win very much within reach.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Aromatica his recent trial on the AWT was impressive and a forward performance is expected this week. Yoda’s Choice will relish the drop in class, and with Purton taking the reins, he is primed to break through. Sonic Boom has been racing well on the AWT surface and should continue his strong form if he handles the rise in trip. Sky Prophet showed improvement on his Class 5 debut last start and is well placed with the apprentice claim to run another bold race. Yeaboi scored a narrow win in this class last time out and is now aiming for a double.
Race 2: Gluck Racer highly competitive in Class 5, he appears poised to return to the winner’s list with a favourable draw. Regency Happy Star scored a strong on-pace win over this distance last start, and a double is within his reach if he can replicate that run. Ever Smart is edging closer to a win and must be respected with Purton board, though the wide draw is a concern. Flying Phantom finished powerfully from a wide draw last start and could secure a spot in the Top 3 with a better draw. Silver Destiny ran on well to finish third last time out and has to be rated a strong chance in this shallow field.
Race 3: Sunlight Power looked unlucky when held up at a crucial stage last start. With a smoother run and his explosive turn of foot, he should deliver a commendable performance in this small field. Karma appears highly suited by the drop back in distance and a win wouldn’t be surprising. Voyage Samurai failed last start but looks a chance here based on his previous strong form. He could be hard to run down if given an uncontested lead. The Golden Scenery
Race 4: Magnifique a newcomer who has trialled well for debut, he is primed to deliver a strong performance, especially with Purton aboard from a good draw. Enjoy Golf showed signs of regaining form last start and looks one to follow. Silver Spurs sat on pace and finished third in a slowly run race over 1200m last start. The drop in distance may suit him better. Alluring Laos has performed well in both starts to date, but carrying topweight raises concerns. Cosmo Navigator scored an easy win in Class 5 last time out and remains a chance despite the rise in class.
Race 5: Soaring Bronco is ideally placed with a good draw and a lightweight to break through, following a close second last start. Serangoon let down sharply from a wide draw to finish third last time out. With a genuine pace, he will run well again. Joyful Prosperity in career-best form, he secured a hat-trick last time out and now is aiming for a fourth straight win. Volcanic Spark caught the eye flashing home late last time out, and from pole position, he should map closer to the speed and enjoy a smooth run. Good Good did not disgrace at his last run and could surprise at value.
Race 6: Win Speed overlook his uncharacteristic performance last start and he could be hard to run down if he reverts to his usual positive racing style. Yuen Long Elite found the line well late despite copping a check in the concluding stages, and should play a key role with better luck in running. Lucky Man showed big improvement last start, and is worth considering if his odds still offer value. Monarch County ran on well in a recent trial and looks capable of causing an upset in this field. Team Happy has a better chance over this distance and is not out of it.
Race 7: Lucky Touch has been in consistent form recently, and from a decent draw, he should enjoy a conducive run with Purton aboard. Viva Chaleur though a bit erratic at times, he has the ability to cause an upset in this race and looks a value selection. Never Peter Out has shown a strong liking for the AWT surface and comes off an easy win over this distance. Sight Supreme possesses a strong turn of foot and will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Ariel led all the way to score a tenacious win last start, and should run well if allowed a soft lead again.
Race 8: Gorgeous Win his recent runs have been encouraging and he looks ready to return to the winner’s circle with Purton taking the reins. Gummy Gummy his last run was much better than it looks. From an inside draw, he could upset some more fancied rivals. Harmony N Blessed a moody horse, he could be the one on his day. Consider if his odds offer value. Full Credit a strong frontrunner, he has been in great form recently and will give them something to chase. Superb Capitalist should improve second-up and may surprise at value, as he has done in the past.
Race 9: Sparkling Fellow boasting solid overseas form, he is poised to deliver a strong performance on his local debut, following a few impressive trials. Super Fortune was an easy last start winner in this class and remains a strong chance against a below-par Class 3 field. Dream Winner looks highly suited by dropping to 1000m, where he is three from six. Crimson Flash scored his debut win by a clear margin in Australia. He looks to have scope and must be respected first-up. Grand Nova had genuine excuses last start (crowded early) and can improve into the placings with a smoother run.
Race 10: The Boom Box unbeaten from two starts, he has created a huge impression with his blistering turn of foot and remains a strong chance despite rising to Class 3. Aeris Nova finished strongly into third last start, and further improvement is expected as he gets acclimatized to Hong Kong racing. Lifeline Express holding form with a recent trial, he looks ready to deliver another bold run. Chateauneuf raced flat last start, so it is better to overlook that run and give him another chance. Swagger Bro let down well in a race dominated by the leader last start. He could prove a lightweight chance.
Race 11: Glorious Success just missed victory last start, and with a better draw, he can make amends with Teetan aboard. Fighting Machine looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Talents Ambition an All-Weather track specialist, his recent runs have been encouraging and he should play a major role. M Unicorn attacked the line strongly late in a slowly run race last start, and could surprise at odds if the race unfolds in his favour. Young Brilliant caused a surprise last start when winning at big odds, but the concern is whether he can replicate that performance.