12/7: Sha Tin/HKIR Night ~ Luke Middlebrook

[Kasept]

Sha Tin Selections (Sunday, October 13, 2024)

Race 1: #2 Santorini, #5 Circuit Jolly, #1 Patch Of Cosmo, #9 Northern Fire Ball
Race 2: #8 Super Infinity, #5 Savvy Brilliant, #6 Super Fortune, #2 Captain Win
Race 3: #2 Awesome Fluke, #4 Supreme Agility, #1 Ensued, #3 Packing Hurricane
Race 4: #2 Super Wise Dragon, #13 Cheer For South, #6 Charmander, #3 Yoda’s Choice
Race 5: #3 Thriving Brothers, #5 Endeared, #1 Awesome Treasure, #9 Loving Vibes
Race 6: #14 Chater Gold, #13 Soaring Bronco, #4 Devas Twelve, #5 Family Jewel
Race 7: #4 Galaxy Patch, #8 Chancheng Glory, #5 Red Lion, #6 Straight Arron
Race 8: #7 Jubilant Winner, #2 Sunny Da Best, #11 Team Happy, #1 Stellar Swift
Race 9: #5 Lucy In The Sky, #2 Young Achiever, #3 Beauty Crescent, #6 Silo
Race 10: #6 Wunderbar, #13 Wonderstar, #7 Call Me Glorious, #8 Gorgeous Win



Race 1 - SWIMMING 1200M HANDICAP
#2 Santorini should receive every chance to bounce back and win, especially from barrier 1 with Hugh Bowman taking over the reins. He likely needed his first-up run, and the fast pace close to the lead didn’t suit him. He’s worth another opportunity. #5 Circuit Jolly, a debutant from the David Hayes yard, could make an immediate impact. His trial performances have shown promise, and Zac Purton in the saddle signals readiness for a strong first-up showing. #1 Patch Of Cosmo was ultra-impressive in winning a race of this nature, a Restricted Class 4 for three-year-olds, storming home from a wide draw to win on the line. He looks to have upside. #9 Northern Fire Ball ran boldly on debut, just missing an all-the-way win, and should be competitive again.

Race 2 - ATHLETICS AND JUDO 1200M HANDICAP
#8 Super Infinity steps up to Class 3 after an impressive first-up victory. He still has room for improvement, and his light weight will be an asset as he faces stiffer competition. #5 Savvy Brilliant ran a respectable race on debut over 1000m, finishing well despite early interference and being held up in the final stages. He should prove more competitive second-up. #6 Super Fortune holds a key advantage with his natural early speed, and as the likely leader on paper, he will be tough to reel in. #2 Captain Win brings solid form, having placed behind some talented runners recently, and should find this a slightly easier task.

Race 3 - THE HONG KONG, CHINA'S PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC TEAM CELEBRATION CUP (HANDICAP)
#2 Awesome Fluke returned in strong form when finishing a solid third over a mile, marking his first run for Ricky Yiu. He has proven form over longer trips, making the step up in distance ideal as he seeks a return to winning ways. #4 Supreme Agility is yet to place in five Hong Kong runs, which is surprising given his honest efforts and narrow defeats. Though untested over 2000m, he deserves consideration. #1 Ensued was last seen in the Hong Kong Derby where he raced wide and failed to fire, and resumes from a lengthy break but remains a high-class prospect. #3 Packing Hurricane, second-up over 2000m, will benefit from a more measured ride compared to his first-up effort, where he faded late after doing too much early.

Race 4 - BADMINTON AND CYCLING 1400M HANDICAP
#2 Super Wise Dragon is difficult to catch due to his breathing issues, but he attracts attention first-up for Cody Mo, dropping into Class 5 for the first time. His new stable and class drop could be key factors in sparking improvement. #13 Cheer For South has been underwhelming but hasn't had the best of luck recently. With barrier 1, he'll be afforded every chance to run a more competitive race. #6 Charmander has shown progress since moving to David Hall’s yard, and despite being beaten as the odds-on favourite last start, his second-place finish was solid. He’s a strong contender here back in trip. #3 Yoda’s Choice returns after a quick seven-day turnaround following a promising runner-up effort. While barrier 14 isn't ideal, he's capable of overcoming the wide draw and remains a strong winning prospect in this grade.

Race 5 - FENCING 1200M HANDICAP
#3 Thriving Brothers steps down to Class 4 for the first time in Hong Kong after a commendable first-up effort at the bottom of Class 3, finishing less than a length behind in sixth. While 1400m might be more ideal for him, the drop in class enhances his chances, and the booking of Zac Purton adds further confidence. #5 Endeared is another to consider when dropping in grade. His career has been hindered by poor draws, but he consistently puts in sound performances. #1 Awesome Treasure has drawn gate 10 with 10lb apprentice Britney Wong aboard. They are likely to roll forward and give sight, as usual. #9 Loving Vibes lines up for his second career start, and his debut last season was eye-catching from his wide draw. This time, with a better gate, he should find a handier position in the run and be within striking range to challenge.

Race 6 - SAILING 1600M HANDICAP
#14 Chater Gold showed plenty of merit last start, finishing fourth despite an early check and being held up for a clear run in the straight. From a wide draw, he'll need to be ridden with early intent but is trending towards a win. #13 Soaring Bronco benefits from an inside gate and drops back to a more suitable distance. His recent runs have been encouraging, and he should get the right amount of favours here. #4 Devas Twelve impressed with a first-up win and has plenty of upside. Proven at the mile, he is favoured to win again with some luck from the widest gate. #5 Family Jewel aims for back-to-back course and distance wins, still looking untapped after just four starts.

Race 7 - THE SHA TIN TROPHY (HANDICAP)
#4 Galaxy Patch had an outstanding season last term, culminating in back-to-back G3 Handicap wins. He kicks off this campaign with his sights set on December’s Hong Kong Mile and looks well-positioned to start with a victory. #8 Chancheng Glory benefits from carrying a light weight under handicap conditions, and his tactical speed should see him settle in a handy on-pace position in a race that lacks early speed on paper. #5 Red Lion is another well-placed runner under handicap conditions. While others may still be building fitness for bigger targets later in the season, this is the type of race in which he can figure. #6 Straight Arron makes his first appearance under trainer Ricky Yiu. While he will be looking for more ground, he may be one to spring an upset fresh.

Race 8 - ROWING AND TABLE TENNIS 1400M HANDICAP
#7 Jubilant Winner appears ready to win. He will be well-fancied with Zac Purton taking over after a first-up third and a handy trial in between runs. The rise to 1400m should suit. #2 Sunny Da Best showed promise last season in five starts, though he ended on a low note and was spelled afterward. His trials suggest he's ready to get back on track. #11 Team Happy won easily two starts ago but couldn’t repeat that second-up due to a hot pace. A softer early run should see him bounce back. #1 Stellar Swift produced a career-best effort first-up, charging home for a fast-finishing second. Hugh Bowman takes the reins this time.

Race 9 - TAEKWONDO 1400M HANDICAP
#5 Lucy In The Sky is tough to oppose from barrier 3. He was a game runner-up to up-and-comer Wunderbar first-up and has been highly consistent, recording two wins and four seconds from seven starts. #2 Young Achiever makes his seasonal return after showing promising form last term for the Jamie Richards stable, highlighted by his first local victory in his most recent race. He is one to follow as he progresses further into his campaign. #3 Beauty Crescent has yet to win in 19 Hong Kong starts but has placed behind some top-tier runners recently. With luck from his wide draw, he can figure. #6 Silo is showing steady improvement with more local experience, and his last-start effort pressing the lead was commendable.

Race 10 - ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS AND TRIATHLON 1200M HANDICAP
#6 Wunderbar made a striking return from injury, leading throughout to secure a first-up win in Class 3 carrying top weight. He is a rising talent and looks capable of winning again, especially as he will step away from barrier 1. #13 Wonderstar debuts for leading trainer Pierre Ng. The former Macau galloper has caught the eye in his trials and seems to have what it takes to measure up here. #7 Call Me Glorious needed his first-up run over an unsuitably short 1000m but still managed a close fourth. He should be much more effective stepping up to 1200m second-up. #8 Gorgeous Win resumed impressively, securing an effortless victory in Class 3 under top weight, and he has trialled well since. He appears to be a horse yet to reach his full potential.

[Kasept]

Happy Valley Selections

(Wednesday, October 16, 2024)

Race 1: #3 Falcon Court, #1 Hero Star, #5 Speedy Chariot, #12 Wind Speeder
Race 2: #1 Ma Comet, #7 Roaring Bebe, #11 Happy Horse, #5 Silver Spurs
Race 3: #2 Highland Rahy, #8 Foremost Teddy, #6 Can’t Go Wong, #4 Sure Joyful
Race 4: #5 Embraces, #11 Shinkansen, #6 Glory Cloud, #3 Joy Coming
Race 5: #2 Perfect General, #5 Top Scorer, #4 Storming Dragon, #3 Spicy Gold
Race 6: #6 Healthy Healthy, #11 Victor The Rapid, #3 Prawns Eleven, #4 Beauty Infinity
Race 7: #2 Simply Maverick, #3 Frantanck, #4 Chain Of Gold, #7 The Heir
Race 8: #6 Gustosisimo, #5 Kyrus Dragon, #7 Sweet Briar, #8 Young Arrow


Race 1 - SUCCESS HANDICAP
#3 Falcon Court made his Class 5 debut last start from the widest barrier (12) and was ridden back, finishing 10th, but it was a better run than it reads. Coming into barrier 1 here should allow him to race handier, and some of his previous Class 4 runs suggest he has the ability to win this. #1 Hero Star drops back into Class 5, where he has one win from two starts. With Hugh Bowman taking the reins, he poses a serious threat. #5 Speedy Chariot is ready to win since making the class drop; however, the transition from barrier 1 to 12 looks awkward. Still, with Zac Purton in the saddle, he has the right jockey to navigate him. #12 Wind Speeder will benefit from a hot tempo, and his last-start effort was commendable, finishing strongly in sixth.



Race 2 - SWIFTY HANDICAP
#1 Ma Comet looks ready to break through after a solid third-place finish first-up, where he raced wide without cover but still finished less than a length behind the winner. His trial win in between runs was particularly eye-catching, and despite drawing barrier 10, Zac Purton should position him well to ensure he gets a favourable run. #7 Roaring Bebe has been trialling well leading into this race and should enjoy a sweet run under Brenton Avdulla from barrier 3. #11 Happy Horse returns to Happy Valley, where he is more suited, after a respectable effort at Sha Tin. Although his Class 4 record is a concern, his early speed should keep him in contention. #5 Silver Spurs appears to have trained on during the off-season, as his trial performances showed improvement, and from barrier 1, he will have every chance to find the necessary luck in running.

Race 3 - RACING SPIRIT HANDICAP
#2 Highland Rahy should find the switch to Happy Valley beneficial, having produced solid performances in his first two runs this preparation at Sha Tin. He appears ready to take another step forward. #8 Foremost Teddy gets another opportunity here after being defeated as an odds-on favourite last start. Zac Purton retains the ride, which is a positive sign. #6 Can’t Go Wong can improve on his first-up effort, where he was held up for a considerable time in the straight. #4 Sure Joyful, drawn in barrier 1, is well-placed to gain an ideal run, improving his chances in what shapes up to be a highly competitive race.



Race 4 - SPEEDY HANDICAP (Section 2)
#5 Embraces encountered a challenging race last time, finishing less than three lengths behind in seventh place. With Zac Purton taking over the reins and drawing barrier 4, the Jamie Richards-trained four-year-old looks ready to break through. #11 Shinkansen benefits from barrier 1, from where an ideal run just off the pace beckons. His last-start second showed promise. #6 Glory Cloud is ready to win, although barrier 12 will prove tricky. The partnership of Hugh Bowman and Caspar Fownes is always one to respect. #3 Joy Coming steps into this race third-up. Despite a fading 10th last start, he had excuses in running and has the ability to improve here.



Race 5 - SPEEDY HANDICAP (Section 1)
#2 Perfect General secured his first win at his second start last month, and the form held up strongly after the runner-up, Chateauneuf, scored a win in a higher class last week. He appears to be on the rise and should progress beyond Class 4 in due course. #5 Top Scorer makes his Happy Valley debut, while his form at Sha Tin reads well here. Jumping from barrier 3 will also strengthen his chances. #4 Storming Dragon, though overbet first-up, ran a commendable race into third and should offer better value this time, and a win seems imminent. #3 Spicy Gold is chasing a hat-trick of wins for the Mark Newnham stable, but he will need a bit of luck early from a tricky draw, though he remains in good form.

Race 6 - THE LONGINES CUP (HANDICAP)
#6 Healthy Healthy looks poised to return to winning ways third-up. Last time, from a wide draw, he was ridden conservatively but finished strongly into fourth. If positioned closer to the speed as he has in the past, he should be tough to beat. #11 Victor The Rapid had just two runs last season, placing third on debut before a no-show from a poor barrier second-up. His trial win at Happy Valley two trials ago was eye-catching, and a low gate here should serve him well. #3 Prawns Eleven makes his Happy Valley debut and has been running competitively against stronger opposition at Sha Tin, which makes him a contender in this field. #4 Beauty Infinity showed promise during his debut season and, while he may need this run first-up, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him figure in the finish.

Race 7 - SONGS OF VICTORY HANDICAP
#2 Simply Maverick just missed out on victory first-up, finishing second to Star Contact, who franked that form with another strong showing last week. He's maintained his fitness with a quiet trial since and, in a competitive field, looks to be a key player. #3 Frantanck should get a soft lead in this race, which could set him up well to finally secure his first Happy Valley win on his fifth attempt. #4 Chain Of Gold has been the model of consistency, though, his challenge remains his tendency to settle too far back in the field. #7 The Heir is an intriguing runner switching to Happy Valley for the first time after racing solely at Sha Tin, where he has shown ability without winning.

Race 8 - FLYING HANDICAP
#6 Gustosisimo only had two starts last season and performed reasonably well on each occasion, though his second-up run came with a built-in excuse due to mucus in the trachea. Now under the care of Tony Cruz, he seems to have come on over the off-season, and improvement is expected. #5 Kyrus Dragon broke through for his first local win in his final run of last season. He remains a horse with further potential, and Zac Purton taking the ride from barrier 2 stands him as a key contender. #7 Sweet Briar has struggled to win in Class 3 from 11 starts in the grade without success, but his chances are boosted by drawing barrier 1. #8 Young Arrow continues to make progress with each run in Hong Kong after arriving from Singapore, and his last-start third to Brave Star suggests he’s trending in the right direction for this contest.