King looks superb at Happy Valley
Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley on Wednesday for an exciting nine-race card, with competitive action expected throughout the evening.
Consistent sprinter Superb King looks primed to break through for his first career win in the Class 4 Handicap over 1000m.
With six placings from 16 starts, Superb King has finished in the top three in three of his past five outings and resumed with an encouraging effort over this track and distance two weeks ago. Drawn awkwardly, the Francis Lui-trained gelding was caught wide throughout but still fought on bravely to finish second, 0.75 lengths behind Jumbo Blessing, who he meets again on 2kg better terms this week.
Stripping fitter second-up, Superb King appears to be on a winnable mark and, with a more economical run in transit, should get every chance to go one better.
After breaking his maiden in emphatic fashion last start, Amazing Glaze looks well placed to make it back-to-back wins in the Class 4 Handicap over 1650m.
Amazing Glaze took 13 starts to break through, but did so in convincing style last time out. Despite drawing wide, the son of Wrote settled around two lengths off the leader before producing a sustained run around the home turn. He put the race to bed near the 150m and drew away to score by a decisive 2.5 lengths over this track and distance, suggesting he has returned in improved form this season.
Remaining in the same grade this week, Amazing Glaze shapes as a leading contender from a low draw and should prove hard to beat on the strength of that last-start victory.
His main danger is Shooting To Top, who was trapped wide throughout last start and is expected to show marked improvement with better luck in running and Zac Purton aboard. – iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Red Brick Warrior trapped wide on his Class 5 debut last start and, with a smoother trip, could make amends. Telecom Power comes off an encouraging first-up effort and looks well placed to make an impact again with the rise in distance. Oriental Surprise has been knocking on the door and shapes as a strong contender from a low draw. Soaring Bronco caught wide but still finished well last start and should be right in the mix with a better gate. All Are Mine stormed home for third last start but has to overcome the wide draw.
Race 2: Good Luck Babe has performed well recently despite drawing wide and could secure an overdue win from a favourable gate. Matzden looks poised to build on his eye-catching first-up effort with added fitness. Bits Superstar the reunion with Purton piques interest, with the pair boasting a reliable record together. Looking Bright strips fitter second-up and could be hard to catch if able to dictate on his own terms. Silver Spurs the inside draw suits his positive racing style, and he could sneak into the placings at odds.
Race 3: Amazing Gaze broke through in emphatic fashion last start and looks primed to land a Class 4 double from a low draw. Shooting To Top had genuine excuses last start (raced wide) and should figure in the finish with better luck in running. Decision Link found the line well in a slowly run race last time out and can make his presence felt with a genuine tempo. Rainbow Seven possesses a strong turn of foot and could show improvement if he handles the rise to 1650m. Casa Rochester appears to be on an advantageous mark but will need some luck from the wide draw.
Race 4: Cloud Nine demonstrated his tactical versatility last start, finishing strongly from a wide draw, and has drawn well to break through with Purton aboard. Leading Dragon has good early speed, and the trainer believes he can develop into a nice horse if he learns to race more tractably. Invictus has shown ability and looks to be edging closer to a win. Brownneedsfurther scored a narrow win in this class last time out but the weight rise may pose a challenge. Friends Of Shajing travelled wide throughout on his Class 4 debut and is expected to improve with a more economical run in transit.
Race 5: Ivy League well below his last winning mark, he should run well fresh from a low draw and could prove a value pick. Vermil- ion Tempest may not be that consistent but could cause an upset on his day. Inno Super his recent efforts have been solid, and he must be included among the better chances. Viva Firecracker overcame a wide draw to lead all the way last start and remains a strong chance, despite drawing wide again. Dashing Maurison has been a big improver, and a top-three finish wouldn’t surprise.
Race 6: Superb King caught wide but still finished a meritorious second last start and, with a favourable draw, looks poised to go one better. Jumbo Blessing comes off a Class 4 double and looks capable of completing a hat-trick despite carrying top weight. Harmony Fire well placed with Britney Wong’s 7lb claim, he should produce a bold showing. Georgian Sigma has placed five times from seven starts, and a maiden win looks imminent. Flying Ting Lok can make his presence felt late if the pace suits; should not be overlooked despite the wide draw.
Race 7: Wukong Jewellery resumes off an impressive trial following a bleeding attack and should play a key role with Atzeni aboard from a low draw. Akashvani caught the eye flashing home late first-up and may adopt more positive tactics, as he has done before, despite the wide draw. Flying Wrote has trialled impressively for his return and commands respect, though he may have reached his rating ceiling. Young Emperor his recent efforts have been encouraging, but the widest draw is a query. Symbol Of Strength has not been beaten far in recent starts and keep safe.
Race 8: Star Rise boasts strong Sha Tin form and is likely to find this field more manageable on his Happy Valley debut. Danica’s Choice narrowly denied stepping back up to Class 3 last start and looks one to follow. Leading Agility a progressive 4YO, he has shown excellent form in Class 4 and should remain competitive despite rising to Class 3. King Lotus has posted fast final sectionals in recent starts and should not be underestimated. Sky Cap capitalised on an inside draw to secure a narrow win last start, but the weight rise makes a repeat effort more difficult.
Race 9: Seraph Gabriel finished fifth in the Hong Kong Derby in March and has trialled well ahead of his first-up assignment. Without Compare has been racing in career-best form, and a Class 3 double looks within reach. Ka Ying Generation drops back from a Group 3 feature and is expected to show improvement against more manageable opposition. The Auspicious finished strongly for fourth in a race with franked form last start, and can make his presence felt late. Fivefortwo boasts strong recent form, and his consistency may soon be rewarded following three consecutive placings.