Distance favours Nautical Force at Sha Tin
The Group 3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup over 2400m at Sha Tin has drawn a small but competitive field of seven runners, with several holding genuine winning claims.
One of the key talking points is the distance, with only Nautical Force having previously raced over 2400m. That leaves stamina as a major question mark for the rest of the field. In a staying contest of this nature, weight can often play a bigger role than it does in sprint or middle-distance races, which may leave both Stunning Peach and Winning Wing with a significant task despite bringing some of the strongest recent form after competing at Group level.
Gentlemen Legacy, to be ridden by Hugh Bowman, has enjoyed a standout season and enters this race in a rich vein of form. He rates as one of the leading contenders on collateral form, while Nautical Force and Fortune Boy also appear well weighted to make their presence felt.
Following an impressive first-up victory, talented four-year-old Sky Jewellery looks poised to complete a hat-trick in the Class 2 Handicap over 1600m.
Widely regarded as one of the leading contenders for this season’s Four-Year-Old series, Sky Jewellery was unfortunately unable to showcase his potential in the prestigious three-leg Classic series after a bleeding issue forced a lengthy spell.
Sidelined for over a year, the John Size-trained gelding made a striking return just two weeks ago, unleashing his trademark turn of foot to defeat a quality Class 3 field by 1.25 lengths over 1400m.
Despite stepping up to Class 2 this weekend, Sky Jewellery appears well treated at the weights, and a third consecutive victory looks firmly within reach. Reigning Hong Kong Classic Cup winner Stormy Grove and last-start Class 2 victor Max Que shape as his main rivals. – iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Autumn Vibes comes off a slashing third at the bottom of Class 4 and looks primed to break through on his Class 5 debut, especially with Purton aboard. Majestic Delight underperformed last start, but his strong win two starts ago suggests he deserves another chance from a good draw. Always Fluke has yet to miss the frame from two starts in this class and must be respected despite the awkward draw. Supreme Winner strong late support and delivered last start; remains well weighted. Triumphant Warrior should give a strong on-pace showing with a 10lb claimer aboard.
Race 2: Top Throne from pole position, he should map well under Purton and looks poised to make amends after two encouraging efforts, though his breathing issue is a concern. Leading Dragon showed tactical speed was narrowly beaten last start; he looks one to follow. Chiu Chow Golf has shown ability in trials and looks well prepared for a strong debut despite the awkward draw. Malpensa suited by the return to turf and appears to have found a winnable race. Master Lucky will give them something to chase if allowed to cross early from a wide draw.
Race 3: Rewarding Twinkle attacked the line strongly late in a race with franked form last start, and looks well weighted to break through. Yee Cheong Raider finished a close second from a wide draw last start, and with a favourable gate, he looks well placed to make amends. Winning Machine has been in consistent form and must be considered a strong contender in this open contest. View All Things posted a fast final 400m sectional last start and the booking of Purton adds appeal. Gale Saga better drawn, he can bounce back from a disappointing last start and cause an upset.
Race 4: In a wide-open affair with several winning chances, Sunny Q recorded the fastest final 400m last start; the form has since been franked, boosting his chances. Ka Ying Radiance ran on well in a recent trial and looks one to watch first-up with Purton aboard. Grand Patch has trialled well ahead of his debut and should be right in the mix. Gorgeous Victory ran his best race to date last start but repeating that effort remains a concern. Call Me Sparkle finished a creditable fourth last start after scoring at big odds on debut, but the wide draw and top weight pose a challenge.
Race 5: Gallant Design has been knocking on the door and shapes as a leading contender in this below-par Class 4 field. Circuit Fiery an in-form frontrunner, he is well placed with Nichola Yuen’s 10lb claim to make his presence felt. Come Fast Fay Fay can unleash a strong late burst if the pace suits and should not be overlooked, despite a less favourable jockey booking. Jubilant Star badly held up last start, and with a clearer passage, he could make amends with Purton aboard. Flying Knight eased in the ratings and could spring a surprise from a low draw.
Race 6: Gentlemen Legacy a standout on collateral form, he caught the eye with a strong late burst last start, and should be competitive if he handles the rise to 2400m. Winning Wing placed at G1 level two starts ago, but top weight in this marathon contest looks a challenge. Nautical Force caused an upset on his local debut and must be respected despite meeting a strong field. Fortune Boy with a strong turn of foot, he could surprise at odds if it becomes a sit-and-sprint. Stunning Peach likes to get back and charge home late, but doing so under top weight won’t be easy.
Race 7: Volcanic Spark was narrowly denied last start and warrants another chance from a favourable draw. Charity Together comes off a narrow yet impressive win in this class and remains a strong chance despite the weight rise. Mr Cool from pole position, his consistency can be rewarded after two consecutive thirds. Storm Runner weakened badly last start but his previous strong form suggests he can bounce back with a 10lb claimer aboard. Vermilion Tempest has dropped in the ratings and could cause an upset from a better gate.
Race 8: Sky Jewellery scored an impressive first-up win last start and looks primed to secure a hat-trick despite stepping up to Class 2. Stormy Grove has proven himself in the 4YO series and must be considered a leading contender. Max Que won comfortably on his Class 2 debut last time out and remains well weighted. Helene Feeling a proven performer at this level, he is better than his recent form suggests and should not be ruled out. Packing Angel once a highly promising type, he may struggle to return to his peak after a serious injury, but a Top 3 finish wouldn’t surprise.
Race 9: Prestige Good it pays to overlook his uncharacteristic last run, and he could surprise at odds if reverting to more positive tactics, likely with a 10lb claimer aboard. Aerodynamics made all in a slowly run race last start and could repeat the dose under similar conditions. Money Catcher has regained his form this season and is worth considering if his odds represent value. Enthusium showed improved at his third local start and looks one to follow. Shamus Storm finished strongly for sixth last start despite encountering traffic, and should run well with a smoother trip.
Race 10: Quantum Legend flopped after being heavily backed on his local debut, but deserves another chance with Purton retaining the ride. Baby Sakura has shown above-average ability and looks well weighted to make an impact on his Class 3 debut. Red Maestro has trialled well since his solid local debut and is open to further improvement. Fortune Link made all last start and can repeat if allowed to dictate a slow tempo again. King Of Fighters has mixed form due to his breathing issue but could spring a surprise on his day.
Race 11: Turquoise Velocity a dangerous frontrunner, he boasts consistent form and looks poised to go one better from a favourable draw. My Mars scored his local debut at long odds last start and has drawn well to secure a double. Smart Golf could be hard to run down if allowed to dictate, but the widest draw could prove tricky. Almighty Lightning a promising 3YO, he gets in well at the weights and must be respected despite rising to Class 3. Crossborderpegasus tends to lay in in the home straight, but has what it takes to win a race like this.