After just two winning favourites at last week’s midweek meeting, there will be plenty hoping for more punter-friendly results at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.
In Gorgeous Vitality, there is a horse who looks worthy of attracting lots of cash in the Class Four Kennedy Handicap (1,000m).
Frankie Lor Fu-chuen’s three-year-old has improved his finishing position with every run, starting with a ninth on his debut over the straight 1,000m at Sha Tin and working up to his first career win last start.
That victory over course and distance was hugely impressive, with Gorgeous Vitality coming from a good position in midfield to sprint clear of his rivals and beat Viva Mama by an impressive three and three-quarter lengths under a motionless Zac Purton.
Purton is on board again on Wednesday night as Gorgeous Vitality bids to defy a 10-point rise in the ratings and he will carry top weight as he approaches Class Three company.
From a decent enough draw in stall six and with likely pacesetters Infinity Win and the reopposing Viva Mama drawn inside him, Gorgeous Vitality should get a good tow into the home straight and be in the perfect position to unleash his turn of foot.
One of Gorgeous Vitality’s more intriguing opponents is Yellowfin, trained by Francis Lui Kin-wai.
The three-year-old was well fancied on his debut on the dirt course at Sha Tin and was sent off at $5.6. After going straight to the lead under Purton, he faded tamely during the final stages to finish 10th.
With Purton opting to ride Gorgeous Vitality, Lui has enlisted the services of Joao Moreira for the ride and expectations will be high ahead of this switch to turf.
Lui could be in for a fine night if Yellowfin does fire on his second start as he will be entertaining high hopes of another big run from Win Win Fighter in the Class Three Caine Handicap (1,650m).
Yiu out to continue strong end to the season as he sends improvers to the Valley
Twice successful in Ireland before arriving in Hong Kong, the four-year-old took his time to find the winner’s enclosure, saluting for the first time on his last start at his 12th attempt.
That win came under Blake Shinn but the Australian rider will miss this fixture while he serves a three-meeting careless riding ban.
Shinn is replaced by Karis Teetan and the Mauritian will be hopeful of a big run from Win Win Fighter, who has been raised seven points for that victory and is now up in grade off a low weight of 117 pounds.
That rise in class means Win Win Fighter may well have his work cut out as a few of his rivals have far superior form.
En Pointe has won three of his seven starts and is yet to finish out of the first four. A winner on his penultimate start, he finished third behind the unbeaten Galaxy Witness last start and will again be partnered by Purton.
The race looks a hot one, with Nimble Nimbus a five-length winner last time and Maldives and Crossford also holding valid claims of saluting.
Comments
