Have a Hot Delight at Sha Tin
The first twilight meeting of the season will be held at Sha Tin on Sunday, and three-year-old gelding Hot Delight looks well placed to make amends for his last-start defeat in the Class 2 Handicap over 1200m.
Although his unbeaten streak ended after three consecutive victories, Francis Lui-trained Hot Delight still produced a commendable effort when finishing fourth on a rain-affected track last time out. The performance was better than it appears on paper, as the son of Too Darn Hot was caught in an early speed battle from a wide draw before stalking the leader and fighting on gamely to be beaten just 1.25 lengths.
Notably, both the winner and runner-up came from well off the pace, while the form received a further boost when pacemaker Victor The winner went on to cause an upset at Happy Valley.
Hot Delight has since trialled well and remains favourably weighted at his second attempt in Class 2 company. With a more measured ride, he looks capable of securing his fourth career victory, although the progressive four-year-old Rising Force looms as the main danger.
Last-start winner Little Monster looks poised to make it back-to-back victories in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.
Despite being hampered by wide draws in recent starts, Little Monster comes into this assignment off a narrow but impressive victory over this track and distance 21 days ago. Jumping from barrier No 11, the son of Pride Of Dubai used his tactical speed to cross and lead before showing plenty of determination in the straight, holding off his rivals to score by a neck.
In what appears a below-par Class 4 field mixed with unraced runners, Little Monster looks ideally placed to complete the double from a favourable draw. His main danger appears to be Virtus Glory, who produced a solid fourth last start and should be aided by the services of a 4.5kg claiming apprentice.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Firefoot has been knocking on the door and looks primed to score from a low draw after dropping back to Class 5. Hailtothevictors suited by the switch back to the AWT and is expected to show improvement. Meepmeep scored a facile win at this track last start and remains a strong chance despite the weight rise. General Smart let down well to finish fourth last start and could finally break through if he handles the rise to 1800m. Viva Taste with a more conservative racing style, he will need a genuine tempo to make an impact.
Race 2: Carryon Smiling has trialled well ahead of his first-up assignment and the booking of Purton adds appeal. Mazing Grace eased in the ratings and should deliver a strong performance from a low draw. Winning Machine looks overdue for a win after placing three times from his past four starts, and should play a key role with Moreira aboard. Double Bingo possesses a versatile racing style and must be respected with a good draw. Windicator Family has mixed form but capable of causing an upset on his day; worth considering if his odds offer value.
Race 3: Better And Better ran on well in a slowly run race last start and looks poised to go one better against moderate rivals. Master Payment has found one too good in both starts and looks ready to break through from a favourable draw with Purton staying aboard. Sky Deep resuming from an injury-induced break, he should be competitive first-up if he returns in the same form as before the setback. Trendy Rush encountered traffic last start and could place at odds with a smoother trip. Hyannis Star well placed at the weights and may sneak into the placings.
Race 4: Strathpeffer finished a solid fourth from a wide draw last start, and with a better gate, he shapes as a leading contender. Solid Car in consistent form and must be included among the better chances in this below-par Class 4 field. Gor Gor may produce an improved effort from an inside draw after drawing wide in his last three starts. Master Lucky stalked the speed and finished a solid third last start and must be respected in this lineup. Polar Patch placed at long odds last start but repeating that performance from a wide draw is a query.
Race 5: Perfect Team looks well placed in a field with plenty of speed and should make his presence felt late with Moreira aboard. Allcash should settle closer to the speed from a favourable draw and be competitive. Ariel based on weights, he is one of the standouts on collateral form and will give them something to catch despite the wide draw. Night Purosangue scored an easy win last start and remains well weighted to repeat the dose. Chill Kaka the apprentice was warned by the stewards after leading too fast last start. The switch to a senior jockey could help, though the significant weight rise may prove tricky.
Race 6: Victor Supreme caught the eye finishing strongly from a wide draw last start, and with a better gate, he should be right in the mix. Reliable Dad resuming from a break, he should map well from a low draw and make his presence felt. Bling Bling Genius overcame a wide draw to make all last start, and a double looks within reach. Flying Boom a proven performer in Class 4, he should settle closer to the speed from an inside draw and figure in the finish. Amazing Duck a natural frontrunner, he could be hard to peg back if allowed an uncontested lead.
Race 7: Little Monster overcame a wide draw to score a tenacious win last start, and from a good gate, he should get every chance to secure back-to-back victories. Virtus Glory improved with a solid fourth last start, and with Nichola Yuen’s 10lb claim, he looks primed to deliver a strong showing. Navas G hindered by an early check last start and could finish in the money with a kinder run. Leading Dragon has shown ability and could secure a spot in the Top 3 in a race of this nature. Flying Sniper has posted fast final sectionals and could surprise if things fall his way.
Race 8: Lucky Candy has drawn well to make it right following three consecutive placings over this track and distance. Lightness Of Music comes off a solid fourth over this track and distance despite an awkward jump, and with a clean getaway, he could make amends. Super Strong Kid has trialled well for his return and is worth considering if he is not overbet. Sparkling Fellow stormed home for third last start and appears well weighted to make an impact again with the apprentice claim. Mickley could surprise at odds if they go too hard in front and should not be overlooked.
Race 9: Gustosisimo showed marked improvement dropping back to Class 3 last start and, with Purton aboard, looks poised to score from a favourable draw. Thriving Brothers narrowly missed last start after being held up at a crucial stage, and with a smoother run, he could go one better. Effortless Win comes off a narrow win on his local debut and remains a chance despite the weight rise. Lady’s Choice the form of his last start has been franked, and he could prove a value pick. Chill Buddy failed to show his usual tactical speed last start and deserves another chance.
Race 10: Hot Delight his last run was much better than it reads given the frantic tempo, and with Vincent Ho back aboard after steering him to all three of his wins, he could make amends. Rising Force has been ultra-consistent and should play a key role from a low draw. Public Attention showed improvement last start and looks one to follow. Magic Control has dropped in the ratings and could surprise at odds if things go his way. Victor The Winner made all and caused a huge upset last start, and could repeat that performance under similar conditions.
Race 11: Chill Easy looks well placed to break through locally from a favourable draw, with some of his main rivals drawn wide. Fit For Beauty has been in career-best form and rates highly with Purton staying aboard, despite the wide draw. The Unique Star made the running and stuck on well for third last start, and with a softer tempo, he could be hard to run down. Thunder Action finished strongly on his local debut and the step up in distance works in his favour. Make You Smile flashed home late from a wide draw last start, and with a better gate, he could finish in the money.