Open look to Premier Cup at Sha Tin
Hong Kong racing roars back to Sha Tin on Sunday, with an exciting 11-race card, headlined by the Group 3 Premier Cup and the Group 3 Premier Plate.
The Group 3 Premier Cup over 1400m shapes as a wide-open contest under handicap conditions this Sunday, with several runners holding genuine winning claims.
Regular Group 1 performers Galaxy Patch and Raging Blizzard may have a slight class edge on their rivals, but both face the challenge of carrying big weights. Patch Of Theta will relish the drop back to 1400m, a distance at which six of his seven career wins have come, and should produce an improved effort first-up.
Copartner Prance possesses the tactical speed to make his presence felt, though his inconsistent form suggests he may represent better value than confidence. The same could be said of Tomodachi Kokoroe, who endured a wide trip before finishing a creditable third in a Group 3 feature last time out.
Lightly weighted runners are difficult to overlook in a handicap of this nature, with Winning Ovation, Crimson Flash and Six Pack all fitting that profile. Another intriguing runner is Zac Purton ridden Little Paradise, who has disappointed since capturing the Hong Kong Classic Mile in February, but the drop from Group 1 to Group 3 company, coupled with a favourable weight, could see him bounce back and surprise.
Three-year-old gelding Absolute Heart looks primed for a first-up victory in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.
Absolute Heart defied a betting drift to score an impressive debut win in March, showing good tactical speed to lead throughout and score by 1.25 lengths over this track and distance. However, things did not go to plan at his following start, as he was only fairly away and had to be ridden along to find the lead.
The early effort took its toll in the straight, where he weakened to finish eighth, 7.25 lengths from the winner.
Returning from a 56-day break, Absolute Heart has tuned up for his first-up assignment with an effortless trial victory and looks capable of making full use of a decent draw. If able to dictate terms, he could prove difficult to reel in. Oldtown, an impressive last-start winner at this level, shapes as the main danger. – iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Victory Champion resuming from a bleeding attack, he boasts strong form around some talented types and has trialled well ahead of his first-up assignment. Invictus has been improving with each run and should get every chance to break through from a favourable draw, especially with Purton aboard. Bustling City is likely to be favourite based on his recent form and commands respect. Rapid Phantom with Nichola Yuen’s 10lb claim, he looks well placed to make an impact. Noble Superior has shown tactical speed in trials and looks one to watch on debut.
Race 2: Draco resuming from a break, he appears well weighted to run a big race first-up given his strong previous form in this class. Superb Guy has been knocking on the door and could finally break through from a low gate. Winning Machine looks overdue for a win and is worth considering at the right price. Double Bingo was narrowly beaten last start and the booking of Purton adds appeal, though the wide draw could prove tricky. Team Happy his recent form has been consistent, and he rates among the better chances.
Race 3: Ace Eagle has shown above-average ability in trials and is expected to deliver a strong performance with Purton aboard on debut. Forerunner a double looks well within his reach after a strong win at Happy Valley. Packing Glory well placed with the apprentice claim, he could be hard to catch if allowed to cross early from a wide draw. Super Dragon disappointed last start despite strong market support, but may represent value this time. Goldentronicmighty on a winnable mark and should adopt more positive tactics with the gear change.
Race 4: Absolute Heart underperformed when heavily backed last start, after causing an upset on debut. He has since trialled well and warrants another chance. Oldtown looks poised to secure a double after scoring a strong win in this class last time out. Hot Air Ballon resuming from a long break, he has trialled well and looks one to watch first-up. Master Phoenix caught the eye flashing home late last start and can make his presence felt under the right race shape. Casa Primo given his racing pattern, the step up to 1200m may bring further improvement.
Race 5: Lucky Year charged home strongly to finish a close third last start and looks capable of making amends from a better draw. Flying Knight his recent runs have been encouraging and he should map well from a good draw and be highly competitive. Packing Fighter eased in the ratings and could cause an upset with Purton aboard despite the wide draw. Sky Deep stuck on well for second last start, though aided by a slow tempo, and should be right in the mix from a favourable draw. Master Trillion will relish the drop to Class 4, where he boasts a strong record.
Race 6: California Waves has honest form at the lower end of Class 3 and shapes as a leading contender after dropping to Class 4. Tin Fook showed improvement on his Class 4 debut last time out and looks one to follow. Happy Promise is holding form with a solid recent trial and could finish in the money. Come Fast Fay Fay made all in a slowly run race last start and could repeat the dose under similar conditions. Quick Contribution narrowly denied first-up and looks well placed with the apprentice claim, though the wide draw and his inconsistency remain a concern.
Race 7: Little Paradise badly held up last start, and with the drop to his favourite trip and a smoother run, he could bounce back despite meeting a strong field. Galaxy Patch boasts a perfect record at this level and rates highly even under top weight. Raging Blizzard has strong form in G1 company and should run well if he handles the rise to 1400m. Winning Ovation has been a revelation this preparation and the booking of Moreira is another positive. Patch Of Theta has drawn well and could surprise at odds if things fall his way.
Race 8: Shamus Storm endured a wide trip but still finished strongly last start, and appears well weighted to make amends with Purton aboard. Mighty Strength scored an easy win in this class last time out and remains a strong chance despite the weight rise. Nucleozor should map closer to the speed from a low gate and show improvement. Enthusium settled too far back off a slow tempo last start and warrants another chance. The Boom Box has posted fast final sectionals and may cause an upset if he sees out the 2000m trip.
Race 9: Beauty Joy stormed home for a close second in a slowly run race last start and rates highly on collateral form. Cap Ferrat has never been consistent but could cause an upset if he brings his A-game to the track. Light Years Charm surprised at long odds last time out and should get every chance to repeat that effort from a good draw. Nautical Force should relish the drop back in distance and looks well weighted to make his presence felt. Californiatotality showed signs of regaining form last start and should not be overlooked despite the rise in grade.
Race 10: Crossborderpegasus is edging closer to another win and must be considered a strong contender even under top weight. Packing King well weighted and looks capable of continuing his strong run following back-to-back victories in Class 4. Chicken Dinner showed significant improvement second-up and could go one better with added fitness and Purton aboard. Titan Pegasus copped a nasty check on his local debut and could sneak into the placings with better luck in running. Majestic Valour the low draw suits his positive racing style and he is expected to improve.
Race 11: Red Maestro has shown ability and looks well placed to land his first local win with Purton jumping aboard. Galactic Voyage let down well to claim fourth last start and looks a strong contender in this field. All’s Well his recent efforts have been encouraging, and a win wouldn’t surprise here. Cool Boy recorded the fastest final sectional last start and should be right in the mix with a favourable draw. Monarch County won by a clear margin in Class 4 last start and remains a chance despite stepping up to Class 3.