A war ace in action at Happy Valley
In-form galloper Ace War looks well placed to continue his strong run of form in the Class 3 Handicap over 1800m at Happy Valley on Wednesday.
Ace War has enjoyed a purple patch this year, recording two wins and three placings from his past five starts. After securing back-to-back Class 4 victories two runs ago, the son of Phoenix Of Spain produced another encouraging effort on his return to Class 3 last time out. Despite being disadvantaged by a slow tempo and a wide draw, he quickened well in the straight to finish second behind The Auspicious over this track and distance.
With a favourable weight swing and Zac Purton staying aboard, Ace War looks capable of reversing the result with The Auspicious this week. However, dangerous frontrunner Liveandletlive and quality four-year-old China Win also command plenty of respect.
Five-year-old sprinter Young Arrow looks primed to atone for his narrow last-start defeat when he lines up in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.
Young Arrow likely found Class 3 company a touch beyond him but showed marked improvement after dropping back in grade last start. Despite carrying top weight, the son of Showtime finished strongly in a race dominated by frontrunners, going down by just a neck in third. He was also held up between the 250m and 100m mark and may well have won with a clearer run.
With a strong record in Class 4, Young Arrow should prove hard to hold out with better luck in running. Lucky McQueen, who was disadvantaged by a wide draw in the same race last time out, shapes as the main danger. – iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Telecom Power an inside draw should allow him to settle closer to the speed, making an improved effort look imminent. Dragon Sunrise has found the line well late in recent starts, and with Purton staying aboard, he could finally break through. Podium won well in this grade last start and remains a strong chance from a good draw, despite carrying top weight. Setanta suited by the step up in distance and the return to Happy Valley is another positive. Zetta Force showed marked improvement last start and could be on a winnable mark now.
Race 2: Beauty Glory will relish the drop to Class 4, where he boasts a strong record, and could prove a value choice with a claimer aboard in this open contest. Forerunner appears to have returned to form and must be respected from a favourable draw. World Hero possesses tactical speed and eyes a hat-trick despite the wide draw. Charming Babe produced an honest effort at Sha Tin last start and is suited by the return to Happy Valley, where his best form lies. Healthy Healthy has slipped to a workable mark and can take advantage with Bowman aboard.
Race 3: Romantic Gladiator showed significant improvement last start, and from pole position, he looks poised to go one better with Purton aboard. All Round Winner comes off an impressive win in this class and remains well weighted to land successive victories. Fortunate Son was not beaten far last start, and with a better gate, he could finish in the money. Fivefortwo his recent efforts have been encouraging but the big weight is a concern. Stormi the inside draw suits his positive racing style, and he will give them something to catch if allowed to dictate with a soft lead.
Race 4: Romantic Laos looks well placed in a field with plenty of speed and will make his presence felt late. Noble Pursuit the drop in distance suits and the booking of Moreira adds appeal. Mighty Steed raced on the speed and stuck on well for second despite a fast tempo last start. With a kinder tempo, he can go one better. Mega Mastermind an in-form frontrunner, he could be hard to run down if al- lowed an uncontested lead. Dashing Maurison with blinkers applied for the first time, he scored an effortless win in Class 5 last start. Despite step back up to Class 4, he appears well weighted to build on that effort.
Race 5: Ace War has been in career-best form and shapes as a leading contender with Purton staying aboard, despite the awkward draw. Liveandletlive should capitalise on the inside draw given his positive racing style and looks set for a strong on-pace showing. Flying Luck finished a solid fourth over 2000m at Sha Tin last start, and the drop back in distance suits. The Auspicious overcame a wide draw to score impressively last start, and a double looks within reach from a low gate. Keefy looks capable of returning to the winner’s list at any time in this grade given his consistent recent form.
Race 6: Precision Hope his last-start effort in a slowly run race is best overlooked, and he has since trialled well and deserves another chance. Take Action with a strong turn of foot, he will unleash a strong burst if the pace suits. Harmony Galaxy returned to the winner’s enclosure last start but the wide draw and top weight pose a challenge. Run Run Timing has good early speed and can give a bold sight if able to cross from the wide draw. The Azure eased in the ratings and could cause an upset with Purton aboard if things go his way.
Race 7: Young Arrow narrowly missed last start after encountering traffic in the concluding stages, and with a smoother trip, he could make amends. Winning Now ran his best race to date last time out and looks primed to build on that effort from a low draw. Vigor Eye broke through with a narrow win last start and may repeat the dose under similar conditions. Lucky Mcqueen finished strongly off a slow tempo last start but drawing wide again remains a concern. Jumbo Blessing has shown ability and could feature in the placings if he handles the rise to 1200m.
Race 8: Aurio stands out as the form choice in this race and his consistency could be rewarded. Harmony N Blessed showed tactical speed and produced an improved effort last start, and looks one to follow as a proven performer in this class. Sovereign Fund has mixed form in Class 3 and is worth considering only if his odds represent value. Son Pak Fu well placed with Britney Wong’s 7lb claim, he should deliver a strong performance from a favourable draw. Motor has shown strong form in Class 4 and should not be overlooked despite rising back to Class 3.
Race 9: Packing Angel looks one of the standouts on collateral form and should be highly competitive after a commendable effort at Sha Tin 10 days ago. Soleil Fighter the return to Happy Valley looks a big plus, and he must be considered a strong contender with Bowman aboard. Helene Feeling was far from disgraced last start and is always a threat in this grade. Awesome Fluke has never been consistent but could cause an upset if things fall his way. Speed Dragon performed creditably in Group company and must be respected here despite the wide draw and top weight.