Sept 22 Hong Kong (Sha Tin) form analysis
Chiu Chow Spirit ready to fire
Race 1 (1,650m)
9 Lucky Banner may find himself in front controlling the tempo. He may not get a better chance to break through for another win than in this week’s assignment.
1 Billionaire Secret resumes first-up for his new trainer, Jimmy Ting. He is always a contender at Class 4 level and can be competitive.
7 Hakka Radiance has slipped down the ratings and steps out for Danny Shum for the first time. His trials suggest he can improve.
4 Excel Wongchoy was showing improvement late last season. Looks ready to take the next step.
Race 2 (1,650m)
6 Precision Goal was a gallant third upon resuming after setting the pace. He will receive a gun run from barrier 2.
1 Go Go Go finally broke his long-standing maiden first-up. Tough to see him out of the finish, especially with Purton sticking from barrier 1.
8 Medic Elite will relish the step-up to his best distance after a solid late effort first-up.
2 Viva A La was a dominant winner first-up over 1,200m, leading comfortably to score. This is a good opportunity for apprentice Britney Wong to figure in the finish.
Race 3 (1,200m)
5 Storming Dragon went close to breaking through several times last season, placing in three of his four starts. This looks his race to lose.
4 Fun N Fun Together ended last season with a strong third behind up-and-comer Courier Aladdin and should be knocking on the door for a win soon.
7 Sugar Ball dropped in the ratings last term and finished with his best run yet when third to First Love.
6 Pearl Of Pang’s was backed on debut but needed the experience.
Race 4 (1,200m)
1 Santorini looks poised to continue his winning form after a strong breakthrough victory last start.
2 Run Yes Run struggled on a rain-affected track last time but is better than that.
3 Northern Fire Ball makes his debut for the Dennis Yip stable and has caught the eye in his trials.
7 Cashiscash made headway in his recent trial after an eighth-placed finish on debut last season. Expect him to take a step forward.
Race 5 (1,000m)
5 Dragon Air Force caught the eye with a promising fourth on debut late last season. His recent trial win suggests he will go well first-up.
4 Panda secured a nice win two starts back before a disappointing run, but a strong trial suggests he can bounce back fresh.
2 Cheval Valiant will give a bold sight out in front under Wong’s 10lb claim.
9 Run Run Cool was held up late when ninth first-up, but with a clear run this time, he could spring a surprise second-up.
Race 6 (1,600m)
4 Illuminous will need to make early use of barrier No. 1 and race handier than in previous runs to enhance his chances. He could be set for better things this campaign.
5 Eighteen Carat will benefit from the blinkers again, and an on-pace position gives him an edge.
8 Turin Starspangled did not fire last season but closed out with his best run yet. Trial form suggests a stronger second season.
1 Awesome Fluke switched to Ricky Yiu late last season and showed improvement. Fresh over this distance.
Race 7 (1,400m)
THE CELEBRATION CUP (G3)
6 Chiu Chow Spirit is in career-best form and looks the one to side with as he chases a hat-trick, in spite of the widest draw (7).
1 Taj Dragon is high-class and can start his season in promising style, even with the top weight.
3 Healthy Happy aims for back-to-back wins in this race after scoring from the front in 2023 and will look to repeat the dose.
4 Packing Treadmill was ridden too conservatively first-up but can make his presence felt second-up with earlier intent.
Race 8 (1,400m)
3 Ballistic Win lost no admirers with a solid third first-up. With a favourable draw in gate No. 3, he can hit back.
7 Master Mastermind had a testing first-up run from a wide draw but ran on strongly into fourth. The 1,400m should suit him better second-up, and barrier No. 1 can turn his luck around.
2 First Love was disappointing first-up but showed ability last season. With a tongue tie applied, he deserves another chance to atone.
5 Highland Rahy will be fitter for his second run.
Race 9 (1,200m)
1 Wunderbar has won four of five in his debut season before an injury sidelined him. He is the only horse to have beaten Ka Ying Rising – twice.
8 Storm Rider had genuine excuses for his last three runs. The summer break will have freshened him up. He can return with promise.
5 Lucy In The Sky has strong form. Looks set to build on it this season.
9 Captain Win finished third behind Gorgeous Win first-up, which bodes well for his chances.
Race 10 (1,200m)
6 Young Champion won two of his three starts. Though he is first-up since mid-March, he has the class to overcome fitness concerns.
5 Superb Capitalist was solid in third behind Ka Ying Rising first-up. Strong chance.
2 Copartner Prance’s impressive rise in ratings last season was built on a streak of six straight wins.
11 Full Credit is progressing well and the light weight should benefit him in his first Class 2 assignment.
Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
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