Ka Ying Rising to open Hong Kong season
Superstar Ka Ying Rising looks set to continue his remarkable winning streak when he lines up in Sunday’s Group 3 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup over 1200m at Sha Tin on the opening day of the new season.
With an outstanding Hong Kong rating of 142, Ka Ying Rising is rated 33 points clear of the next-highest runner in this feature, Copartner Prance, a significant advantage given that several of his rivals are out of the handicap. The David Hayes-trained champion has strung together 20 consecutive wins and claimed five Group 1 victories last season, including The Everest at Randwick in October, further cementing his status as the world’s best sprinter.
Resuming off two dominant trial wins by a combined margin of 11.75 lengths, Ka Ying Rising looks extremely hard to oppose. For most punters, the bigger question may not be whether he wins, but by how far and in what manner.
The Class 3 Handicap over 1400m a wide-open contest on Sunday, with three runners holding strong winning claims.
Aeroinvincible possesses tactical speed and could prove hard to run down if allowed to dictate on the front end. However, Circuit Champion, who finished just 0.25 lengths behind Aeroinvincible at their most recent meeting, is well placed to turn the tables.
Baby Sakura also commands plenty of respect after ending his last preparation with a win in this grade, while trainer Francis Lui has identified him as one to follow in the new season. – iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Sunny Q stormed home for second off a slow tempo on his Class 5 debut last start and looks primed to go one better with Purton remaining aboard. Rising Elite has honest form at the lower end of Class 4 and shapes as a strong contender dropping to Class 5. So My Folks will relish the drop to Class 5 and should enjoy a smooth run from a low draw. Yee Cheong Raider better than his last run suggests and is expected to show improvement with a favourable gate. Good Fortune well placed with the apprentice claim and is worth considering as a value pick.
Race 2: Lightness Of Music one from one in this class, he should be highly competitive dropping to Class 4, especially with Purton aboard. Rapid Phantom broke through in fine style last start and looks capable of securing a Class 4 double with Nichola Yuen’s 10lb claim. Ruby Thrive showed improvement with a fast-finishing third over this track and distance last time out. Run Run Sunrise suited by the drop back in distance and should not be ignored given his strong record over this distance. Oneshot has mixed form but could surprise at odds on his day.
Race 3: Ka Ying Rising the world’s best sprinter is primed for a 21st straight win and looks mighty hard to beat in this small field of six. Patch Of Stars ended last season with a Group 3 win and looks a strong contender to fill the runner-up spot. Lucky With You should gain a nice run from a low draw and looks a place chance. Copartner Prance has tactical speed and may sneak into a placing at odds if allowed to dictate off a slow pace.
Race 4: Amazing Duck a natural frontrunner, he boasts strong Class 4 form and should be hard to run down dropping to Class 5 despite the wide draw. Setanta has trialled well ahead of his first-up assignment and looks one to follow. Hailtothevictors can make his presence felt if they go too hard up front and must be considered among the better chances. I Excelle showed improvement in a recent trial and could place at long odds. Golden Fortune still a maiden after 11 starts but looks to have dropped to a winnable mark.
Race 5: Cava Pioneer has shown ability in trials and looks poised to run a big race on debut despite the awkward draw. Island Buddy the inside gate suits his positive racing style, and he will give them something to catch. Stunning Bundle finished a solid third on debut, though aided by a slow tempo, and is open to further improvement. Light Years Glory highly suited by the drop back in distance and should acquit himself well in this field. Virtus Glory held up at a crucial stage last start but still claimed a solid second. With a clearer run, he could make amends though the wide draw remains a concern.
Race 6: Harold Win has been knocking on the door since dropping to Class 4 and should play a key role with Bowman aboard from an inside draw. Matzden trapped wide but still finished well for fourth last start, and the booking of Purton adds further appeal. Spicy Standard comes off a solid third in Class 3 and looks ready to make amends after dropping into Class 4. Victory Champion has posted fast final sectionals in his last two starts and should make his presence felt late. Grouper a three-time placegetter from five starts, he is nearing a win, though the wide draw poses a challenge.
Race 7: Winning Ovation his impressive Class 2 record makes him hard to overlook, and the reunion with Purton is another positive. Invincible Shield underperformed last start but deserves another chance on the strength of his previous form. Six Pack boasts consistent form and will relish the drop in class following a solid fourth in a Group 3 feature. Max Que possesses a strong turn of foot and the expected slow tempo should suit his sit-and-sprint style. Soleil Fighter a one-dimensional frontrunner, he could be hard to peg back if allowed a soft lead, particularly with a 10lb claimer aboard.
Race 8: Positive Smile nearing his last winning mark, he has drawn well to deliver a bold showing with Purton taking the reins. Joyful Joy caused a huge upset on debut and proved that victory was no fluke with a solid third last time out. Grand Patch has trialled well since his last-start win and may still have a few rating points in hand. Golden Win placed at long odds last start and is worth following if his odds still represent value. Solid Car stormed home for third last time out and should be competitive with a further rating drop.
Race 9: Aeroinvincible has been in career-best form and should be hard to run down from the inside draw. Baby Sakura identified as a horse to follow by the trainer and shapes as a leading contender with Vincent Ho aboard. Circuit Champion has tons of ability but will need a good steer from Purton from the wide draw. Lucky Sam Gor has regained form and commands respect with Bowman aboard, despite carrying top weight. Yuen Long Elite tardy starts have blunted his winning chances in his last two outings, and he could finish in the money with a clean getaway.
Race 10: Gustosisimo appears to be on winnable mark and should play a key role from a good draw. Master Payment broke through easily in Class 4 last start and remains a strong chance despite stepping up to Class 3. Gold Patch flopped last start, but his recent trial suggests a bold first-up showing is imminent. Public Attention encountered traffic when a luckless fourth in Class 2 last time out and should be highly competitive dropping into Class 3. Super Strong Kid charged home strongly for second despite being held up at a crucial stage last start and could go one better with a smoother passage.