Colourful King could rule at Sha Tin
Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Thursday, for an exciting 11-race card, headlined by the Group 3 National Day Cup.
Raging Blizzard was badly held up in the concluding stages last start, but had performed well in his previous outings, including a fast-finishing third behind Ka Ying Rising at Group 1 level three runs ago. With better luck in running, he can make amends despite carrying top weight.
Crimson Flash ended last season on a winning note and should again run well first-up, particularly given his strong record over this distance.
David Eustace-trained Colourful King was a facile winner over this track and distance last start and appears well weighted to complete a cross-season double. Magic Control and Bottomuptogether have also gone close in recent starts and are capable of causing an upset if things fall their way.
Exciting four-year-old Hot Delight looks well placed to pick up where he left off last season when he returns in the 1400m Class 2 Handicap.
After opening his career with three consecutive wins, Hot Delight’s unbeaten run came to an end two starts ago when he raced on the speed off a blistering tempo and battled on gamely for fourth. Despite drawing wide again last time out, the son of Too Darn Hot bounced back in emphatic fashion, sweeping home from well back to score over 1200m at this track and underline his tactical versatility.
Hot Delight shapes as a serious contender for this season’s Four-Year-Old Series, although he faces a stern test first-up. Sky Jewellery and Chill Easy both performed well last season and pose significant threats on their return. – iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Good Fortune broke through in fine style last start and looks poised to secure a Class 5 double with the in-form Nichola Yuen staying aboard. Falcon Hunter has trialled well for his return and looks a good chance to give James Cummings his first Hong Kong win. Sunny Q on a competitive mark and should play a key role from a good draw. Groovy Feeling can produce an improved effort with added fitness if the race unfolds in his favour. Yee Cheong Raider caught the eye flashing home last start and should be right in the mix.
Race 2: Amazing Duck comes off a solid second first-up and should get every chance to go one better from a decent draw. General Smart heavily backed and duly saluted last start, and it may pay to follow the market again. The Concentration trapped wide last start and gets another look from a better draw with Nichola Yuen staying aboard. Fortune Kingo stormed home for second last time out but the wide draw could prove tricky. I Excelle appears to have dropped to a winnable mark but will need some luck from an awkward draw.
Race 3: Colourful King boasts a strong record over this track and distance and the booking of Purton adds further appeal. Bottomuptogether has been in consistent form and should make his presence felt in this field. Raging Blizzard suited by the drop in distance and could bounce back with better luck in running after encountering traffic last start. Magic Control should come on from his first-up effort, having finished a solid third behind Ka Ying Rising. Crimson Flash turned in an impressive recent trial and looks ready to pick up where he left off last season.
Race 4: Solid Car finished a meritorious third despite a wide trip last start and, with a smoother trip from a better draw, can finally break through. Voyage Boss should map well from a low draw and could be hard to run down with Nichola Yuen’s 7lb claim. Alabama Song capable but unpredictable, he could surprise at long odds on his day. Excellence Value will relish the drop in class and is worth considering as a value pick. Noble Patch may have needed his first-up run and is expected to show improvement as he strips fitter.
Race 5: Jedi Spurs highly suited by the drop back to 1000m, where he scored an impressive debut win, and looks one to follow first-up. Ka Ying Lightning has trialled well since his debut win and should still have some rating points in hand. Yee Cheong Glory showed marked improvement on his return to this grade last time out and must be respected. Handsome Hero had some excuses on debut but still produced a fair effort and is open to improvement. Precision Mind appears well weighted to make his presence felt again after storming home for second last start.
Race 6: Super Goldendragon has kept raising the bar, and his recent trial suggests another encouraging performance is on the cards. Victor Supreme flopped first-up but looks capable of bouncing back with added fitness given his impressive win two runs back. Star Brose a standout on collateral form, he shapes as a strong contender in this field. Romantic Fantasy scored a narrow win last start but this looks tougher with the weight rise and wide draw. Lucky Year has been knocking on the door and could finally break through if things fall his way.
Race 7: Spirited Steed should build on his solid first-up effort with Purton staying aboard, and this below-par Class 4 field gives him a golden chance to break through. Ka Ying Radiance has shown ability and should run well if he can settle closer to the speed from a low draw. Light Years Glory always a threat in Class 4, and a double looks well within his reach despite the wide draw. Victory Champion has a favourable weight swing over likely favourite Spirited Steed and should not be overlooked. Riding High will give them something to run down if able to cross early from the wide draw.
Race 8: Almighty Warrior broke through in emphatic fashion last start, albeit in Griffin company, and looks the one to run down with Purton aboard. Virtus Glory likely would have won last start but for a wide trip and has drawn well to go one better. Better And Better ran on well off a slow tempo last time out and could make amends from a better draw. Oldtown possesses a more conservative racing style and needs a fast pace to unleash a strong finish. Tycoon Express attacked the line strongly in a recent trial and is expected to show improvement first-up.
Race 9: Hot Delight a highly promising type, he is primed for a cross-season double despite the wide draw, given his tactical versatility. Sky Jewellery boasts a perfect first-up record and should run a big race if he doesn’t have any lingering health issues. Top Dragon the reunion with Purton piques interest, with the pair having an impressive strike rate. Chill Easy comes off two consecutive impressive wins in Class 3 and remains a strong chance despite stepping up to Class 2. Infinite Resolve showed improvement with a slashing third last start and commands respect.
Race 10: Aerovolanic has tactical speed and looks well placed to continue the strong run of Nichola Yuen and Pierre Ng. Superb Spirit already a two-time winner from only four starts, and his last-start effort suggests he remains competitive in Class 3. Flying Fortress was narrowly beaten last time out and may still offer value, with the two aforementioned runners expected to attract heavy support. Papaya Brose could still have some rating points up his sleeve and remains a chance despite rising to Class 3. Master Lucky may sneak into the placings if allowed to dictate under the light weight.
Race 11: Spicy Standard comes off a strong Class 4 win and looks well placed in a field with plenty of speed to complete a double despite stepping back up to Class 3. Effortless Win stuck on gamely for third in a fast-run race last start and looks poised to deliver another bold. Pi Legend has been a big improver and should run well again despite carrying top weight. Super Strong Kid an awkward jump dented his chances last start, and he can make amends with a clean getaway. The Heir has struck a purple patch of form and can make his presence felt late with a strong turn of foot.