Gazely set for breakthrough success at Happy Valley
Francis Lui-trained four-year-old Gazeley looks poised to break through in the Class 4 Handicap over 1650m at Happy Valley on Wednesday.
Gazeley has taken time to find his form but showed marked improvement in his first appearance this season after signing off his previous preparation with a creditable sixth. Despite being drawn wide on that occasion, the son of Masar settled just off the speed and fought on bravely to finish second over this track and distance, beaten only a head by Happy Smile, who took advantage of the strong tempo to sweep home from well back.
Meeting a moderate Class 4 field this week, Gazeley shapes as the form choice and can prove hard to run down with a smoother passage in transit. His main dangers are last-start winner Akermanis Gold and proven Class 4 performer Casa Rochester, who will need a genuine tempo to unleash his strong finish.
In-form frontrunner Leading Dragon looks primed to secure his second career win in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.
Trained by Pierre Ng, Leading Dragon broke through in fine style at Sha Tin three starts ago before finishing fourth in each of his past two outings. Resuming from a two-month break 35 days ago, the D’Argento gelding made the running and only weakened late to be beaten 1.5 lengths over this track and distance, with the second and third placegetters both coming from well back.
In a field that appears to lack natural speed this week, Leading Dragon should be well placed to find the front and dictate on his own terms. With a well-timed ride, he can prove hard to run down. – iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Windicator Family comes out of a strong form race last start and looks one to follow. Our Lucky Glory resumes off a competitive mark and has drawn well to make an immediate impact at his second attempt in Class 5. Made For Life has dropped in the ratings and comes off a fast-finishing fourth at Sha Tin. The All Rounder his recent runs have been encouraging, but the wide draw may see him settle well back in the early stages. Cheerful Wongchoy should relish the drop in class, and the booking of Purton is another positive.
Race 2: Gazeley showed good early speed and narrowly missed in a fast-run race last start. He could be hard to run down if able to cross early from the wide draw. Akermanis Gold duly saluted after being heavily backed last start and should get every chance to repeat the effort from an inside gate. Vermilion Tempest has mixed form but looks capable of causing an upset on his day. Casa Rochester well below his last winning mark, he can make his presence felt late with a genuine tempo despite the wide draw. Sure Joyful possesses tactical speed and could be hard to run down from a favourable gate.
Race 3: Shooting To Top trapped wide but still finished a solid second last start and, from a low gate, looks poised to go one better. Decision Link on a seven-day turnaround off an encouraging effort, he must be considered a strong contender. Prestige Ricky is expected to map closer to the speed from a low draw and should figure in the finish. Family Knight may find this field more manageable on his return to Happy Valley and could prove a value pick. Red Brick Warrior made all in Class 5 last start and should run well again under similar conditions, though the rise in class remains a concern.
Race 4: Leading Dragon well placed in a field lacking speed and could be hard to run down with Nichola Yuen’s 7lb claim. Forerunner has been in career-best form and looks primed to go one better from a favourable draw after a slashing second last start. Find My Love badly held up last start and, with a smoother run, should show significant improvement. Country Pride caught wide but still found the line well last start and has to cope with another awkward draw this time. Dragon Four Seas may have needed his first-up run and should relish the drop to Class 4, where he boasts a strong record.
Race 5: In what appears to be an open contest, Victor The Rapid ran on strongly off a slow tempo first-up and, with added fitness, should be right in the mix. Dan Attack has been knocking on the door but will need some luck from a slightly awkward draw. Brownneedsfurther comes off two tenacious wins in a row and must be respected despite the top weight. Charming Babe suited by the return to Happy Valley and is expected to deliver a bold showing with the apprentice claim. Friends Of Shajing showed marked improvement last start but the wide draw and big weight pose a challenge.
Race 6: Massive Sovereign closed off strongly in a slowly run race last time out and, from a low draw, looks well placed to make amends. Silvery Breeze another runner who has drawn well to improve on his modest first-up effort. Le Zonda has recently completed a hat-trick and remains a strong chance, though he is not favoured on collateral form. Speed Dragon the rise in distance works in his favour, and he could improve into the money second-up. Helene Feeling possesses tactical versatility and should not be underestimated from a wide draw.
Race 7: Cloud Nine was narrowly denied last start and looks to have found another winnable race with Purton retaining the ride. Gameplayer Elite struck a purple patch of form towards the end of last season and looks one to watch first-up. Bits Superstar won easily under Purton last start but the jockey picks another runner this time. Speedy Smartie has been ultra-consistent of late and must be included in the exotics. Legend Star finished a slashing second last time out but his inconsistency remains a concern.
Race 8: Fortunate Son has won his last two starts in emphatic fashion, and a hat-trick looks well within reach if he can reproduce that form. Fivefortwo produced an eye-catching return and is expected to build on that effort with added fitness. Glittering Legend his last-start effort in a slowly run race is best overlooked, and he could surprise at value under more favourable conditions. China Win the reunion with Purton piques interest and his consistency could be rewarded. Violet Star encountered early traffic last start and gets another look given his solid previous form.
Race 9: Wukong Jewellery should benefit from his first-up run after a lengthy break and shapes as a leading contender. Robot Lucky Star overcame the top weight to score a tenacious win in Class 4 last time out and remains a chance despite stepping back up to Class 3. California Blitz was not beaten far last start and, from a better gate, could finish in the money. Ace Champion has trialled well since his last-start win and looks capable of securing a double despite the wide draw. All Out For Six suited by the drop back in distance and could sneak into the placings at long odds.