Solid State prepped for second Hong Kong victory
Promising four-year-old Solid State looks primed to register his second Hong Kong victory when he returns to Sha Tin for the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m on Sunday.
Frankie Lor-trained Solid State, to be ridden by Zac Purton, made a striking impression on his local debut two starts ago, cruising to a commanding 5.25-length victory over this track and distance in Class 3 company. Unsurprisingly, he was sent off as the odds-on favourite on his return last time out, but the son of Snitzel may have needed the run, while the 1000m trip appeared a touch sharp as he had to settle for second over the Sha Tin straight course.
The step back up to his winning distance of 1200m looks ideal this week, and with added fitness second-up, Solid State shapes as a leading contender to return to winning ways.
His main dangers include Lucy In The Sky, who arrives off a convincing 1.75-length victory in this grade, and Helene Supafeeling, who boasts an unbeaten first-up record of three wins from as many attempts.
All-Weather specialist Chill Kaka can land a well-deserved win when he resumes in the Class 4 Handicap over 1650m.
A two-time winner from 20 starts, Chill Kaka has shown a clear liking for the alternative racing surface and signed off last season with three consecutive placings. He attracted strong market support in his most recent outing, where the son of Shooting To Win settled just off the pace in a strongly run contest before sticking on gamely for third over this track and distance.
Chill Kaka has trialled well ahead of his return and, with a favourable weight swing this time, looks well placed to turn the tables on Night Purosangue, who had him 3.25 lengths astern in their latest meeting.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Happydearhappydeer appears to be on a winnable mark, and his impressive recent trial suggests an encouraging first-up effort is on the cards. Double Bingo should map closer to the speed from a low draw, and the apprentice claim is another positive. Oriental Surprise looks overdue for a maiden win after four consecutive placings and must be respected. Hailtothevictors suited by the switch back to the AWT after underperforming on turf first-up. Viva Taste can make his presence felt late if they go too hard up front; worth considering as a value pick.
Race 2: Kol stuck on gamely for fourth in a fast-run race first-up and should prove hard to run down from a favourable draw with Purton aboard. Copartner A I encountered traffic on debut but still finished a meritorious third and, with a smoother run, could make amends. Trendy Rush stormed home to place at long odds last start, though aided by a fast tempo, and can run well again under similar circumstances. Lean Era produced a solid debut and is open to further improvement, though the wide draw is a query. Happy Special made all easily in a recent trial and is expected to show improvement.
Race 3: Gorgeous Win finished a creditable fifth in the G3 Korea Sprint in Seoul last start and rates highly on his return to Sha Tin. Talents Ambition has always performed well at this track and looks capable of securing a double despite the rise in class. Sky Vino ran on well in a slowly run race last time out and is well weighted to make an impact. Loch Tay possesses tactical speed and could be hard to run down if allowed to dictate. Chancheng Glory should relish the drop back from a G3 feature to Class 2, where he is one from one.
Race 4: Speedy Trident had genuine vet excuses last start and, from a decent draw, should get every chance to make it right. The All Rounder narrowly missed from a wide draw last start, and a good gate should give him every chance to go one better. Lightning Ace his last run was better than it reads given the wide trip and strong tempo, and he could cause an upset under more favourable conditions. Rattan Galaxy broke through in this class last start but the weight rise and wide draw raise concerns. Superb Guy is edging closer to a win after a fast-finishing third last start.
Race 5: Chill Kaka has been knocking on the door, and his consistency could be rewarded form a low draw. Vivacious Win trapped wide last start and gets another look on the strength of his previous form, especially with Purton aboard. Night Purosangue comes off an easy win over this track and distance and remains a strong chance despite the weight rise. Firefoot an in-form frontrunner, he will give them something to catch if able to dictate. Happy Universe underperformed last start but looks capable of bouncing back at any time in this class.
Race 6: Mr Cool has turned in an impressive recent trial and should run well first-up after a further drop in the ratings during the off- season. Grand Patch his recent efforts have been encouraging, and he must be included in the exotics. Positive Smile settled too close to the speed off a blistering tempo last start and could make amends with a more measured ride. Shotgun suited by the rise in distance and could place at value. Top To Sky well placed with Nichola Yuen’s 7lb claim and could sneak into the placings if able to cross early from the wide draw
Race 7: Lady’s Love showed marked improvement last start and looks primed to break through from a low draw with Purton aboard. Golden Win was far from disgraced in his latest outing and should not be underestimated. Happy Promise ran on well in a recent trial and is expected to show improvement as he gains more experience. Quick Contribution remains a maiden after 14 starts but appears to be edging closer to a win. California Waves finished strongly for fifth at his second attempt in this class last time out and warrants respect.
Race 8: Glittering Legend finished a slashing third in a quality race last start and has trialled well ahead of his first-up assignment. Flow Water Flow the step up in distance and the booking of Purton are both positives. Big Return should map closer to the speed from a low draw, and a top-three finish wouldn’t surprise. Call Me Magnifique overcame a wide draw to cause a huge upset last start but backing up that effort remains a concern. Hymnbook appears to be on a competitive mark and should run well despite the wide draw.
Race 9: In a wide-open contest, Quantum Legend has trialled well on the AWT and must be considered a strong contender under a light weight. Turin Mascot flashed home into third last start and appears well weighted to make his presence felt again. King Dance his last start is best overlooked as something went amiss, and he deserves another chance. Thriving Brothers boasts strong recent form, and the rise in distance suits him even better. Blossomy made full use of an inside gate to score comfortably in Class 4 last start, but the step up in distance and wide draw pose a challenge.
Race 10: Conghua Galaxy turned in an encouraging local debut and looks one to follow with added fitness. Metro Power has been in consistent form and looks poised to deliver a strong performance from a good draw. Alpha Strike returned to his best with a facile win in this class last time out and may have more rating points in hand. Lucky Candy crowded early last start and, with a smoother trip, could make amends given his consistent previous form. Celestial Hero better than his recent form suggests and could cause an upset if things fall his way.
Race 11: Solid State highly suited by the rise to 1200m, a distance at which he scored an emphatic win two starts ago, and looks the standout on the card with Purton taking the reins. Helene Supafeeling boasts a perfect first-up record of three from three and looks the second-best in this field. Packing Glory scored a tenacious win in Class 4 last start and should run well again with the apprentice claim despite the rise in class. Lucy In The Sky comes off an easy win in this class but the wide draw could prove tricky. Lifeline Express below his last winning mark, he may cause an upset after a 99-day break.