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New Paper
03-05-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
May 4 Hong Kong (Sha Tin) form analysis
Race 1 (1,000m) 4 Quick Money was strong late into second behind odds-on favourite The All Out on debut, and he looks worth siding with as only a head separated them on the line. 1 The All Out looked to have the race won with ease as the $1.20 favourite but just held on late. He has again drawn the right part of the track, which always helps in these Griffin races. These youngsters are all open to plenty of improvement. 6 Babieca was third to The All Out and Quick Money on debut, racing greenly throughout, but his raw ability saw him finish close-up. Will come on for that experience. 8 Win Method has just the one trial leading into his debut. It was a pass mark, and while he will need time, he looks capable of being somewhere in the mix. Race 2 (1,200m) 2 Fairy Horse is still in search of a maiden win after 16 starts, but his form has been on the up this season, notching four placings from 10 outings. He now drops back into Class 5, and coming into a better gate this time, gives him his shot. 11 Speedy Smartie was trapped wide without cover last start and was entitled to weaken as he did. His prior third at this course and distance is a much better guide. 5 Flying Romantic settled too far back last time, though he was eye-catching late. His run prior was sound when he sat handy and stuck on well for second. 4 Circuit Victory resumes off a promising trial win, which brings him right into contention on his third attempt in Class 5. Race 3 (1,200m) 1 Call Me Gorgeous finished a close-up fourth after being held up for a portion of the home straight two starts back, and last time he drew wide in barrier 12 and was trapped without cover. 4 Better And Better makes his debut for the Frankie Lor stable and has shown enough in trials to suggest he can be competitive straight up. His two latest trials with Zac Purton up showed improvement. 7 Lucky Symphony recently ran second to Magnifique, who has since climbed the ratings, and to Crossborderpegasus, after being forced wide at the 700m and left without cover. On the up. 3 Dashing Dragon resumes for his second attempt in Class 4. While there is no form on paper just yet, his recent trials have shown improvement and he may be ready to bring that to race day. Race 4 (1,600m) 8 Pray For Mir was solid in his first Class 2 test, finishing a head away in third to Californiatotality over 1,800m. He has the option to lead this field if desired, and he is a tough horse to get past when conditions suit. Back to his winning distance enhances his prospects. 5 Hong Lok Golf has been a revelation for the Chris So yard this season, winning four from five, including his last two since stepping up to 1,400m. He is chasing a hat-trick here as he again enters new territory, Class 2 and the mile for the first time. 4 Steps Ahead has been a consistent standout four-year-old this season and comes through the same race as Pray For Mir, finishing second to Californiatotality. He will be up on the pace for a long while and is hard to leave out of the finish. 3 Mickley has been hard to catch, but with Purton in the saddle for the first time, he may be able to recapture some of his earlier form in a race of this nature. Race 5 (1,200m) 2 Crossborderpegasus was a good thing beaten last start after racing wide without cover throughout, but he fought strongly to miss by the barest of margins on the wire. He has trialled well twice since that second placing and looks set to bounce back in a big way. 3 Super Fortune profiles as the likely leader and may receive a soft-enough run on the pace to give a bold sight. 9 Ballistic Win can be forgiven for his last-start no-show over 1,400m. He raced too keenly back in the pack and lacked a finishing effort. His prior form holds up well in this grade, and the drop back in distance is in his favour. 6 Ka Ying Attack is a three-year-old on the rise who resumed off a four-month break making his Class 3 debut last start over 1,400m, where he faded late into seventh behind Hong Lok Golf. Second-up and back in trip, he looks primed to improve. Race 6 (1,600m) 7 Wrote A New Page has shown glimpses of ability in three starts so far. The rise to the mile for the first time could unlock further progression. 3 Etalon Or is ready to win when things fall into place. He has not had much luck from wide barriers. Once again he draws wide in gate 11 and will be ridden back, leaving him dependent on tempo and luck. 2 Gallant Epoch will press forward despite drawing out in barrier 12, and while no match for Top Dragon last start, it was a game effort and he remains competitive. 6 Carryon Smiling broke through at long odds two starts ago and backed it up with a better run than it reads into seventh last start, checked at the 200m when building momentum. Back up to the mile suits and he will run his usual honest race from there. Race 7 (1,400m) 6 Shamus Storm finished third to Mr Cool last start and had things go wrong, racing keenly early before copping interference at the 200m. Purton now takes the reins, and with a barrier advantage this time, he gets every chance to turn the tables. 3 Mr Cool ran on strongly into third on debut over an unsuitable 1,200m at Happy Valley, then took to this course and distance second-up and, despite drawing wide in barrier 11, won like a horse going places. Barrier 13 is a challenge, though. 5 Ka Ying Superb weakened to finish 11th last time after being used up early on the lead. He has improved since the class drop and looks ready to rebound with a more measured ride. 11 Autumn Delight should appreciate the step-up to 1,400m second-up after a sound fifth over 1,200m on the all-weather where he was beaten three lengths. Race 8 (2,400m) THE QUEEN MOTHER MEMORIAL CUP (G3) 6 Bravehearts boasts a strong second-up record with two wins from three tries and now rises to Group company for the first time in Hong Kong. He looks a knockout chance at the weights. 3 Winning Dragon is not without hope after several solid efforts over staying trips this season. He can be hard to catch but maps well in the small field and can give a sight. 4 Bundle Award has shown plenty of ability to suggest he has a bright future. Following a midfield finish in the Derby, he was strong from the back in an on-pace dominated Class 2 over 1,800m. The 2,400m trip is a query, but his class could carry him a long way. 5 Noisy Boy was disappointing in both the Classic Cup and the Derby, but prior to that, strung together wins over 2,200m and 2,000m. Has trialled well since. Race 9 (1,400m) 5 Dazzling Fit is a progressive three-year-old, third-up and ready to fire stepping up to 1,400m after two runs over 1,200m. Drawn wide on debut and catching the eye late into sixth, he moves into a mid-draw here and is hard to beat. 1 Spirit Of Peace knuckled badly and lost ground at the start last time, yet still stormed home from last into third for a massive effort under the circumstances. Barrier 12 does make things tricky, though. 11 Amazing Run has drawn horror gates which have not helped his chances. He lost ground at the start and was unable to be fully tested late. He shapes as a knockout chance at odds. 4 Max Que put the writing on the wall last time with a narrow second behind With A Smile, his second runner-up finish from six starts. He is improving with racing and remains in the mix. Race 10 (2,000m) 2 Family Jewel is very intriguing on the seven-day back-up after winning first-up over the mile with ease. At his only try over 2,000m four runs ago, he ran second to Bravehearts. So there are no queries about the trip. 7 Winning Wing finally broke through for a well-deserved first Hong Kong win over 1,800m last start after several encouraging efforts. He can be followed up on that win, especially from barrier 1. 9 Gold Master, on the other hand, draws out in barrier 10 but was a head away in second to Winning Wing in that race - his first attempt in Class 3 - and now meets him better at the weights. He, too, is a handy type with more to give and is firmly in the mix. 3 Enthralled steps back up to his winning trip, having won three runs back before two solid runs over 1,800m. With luck from barrier 11, he can bounce back. Race 11 (1,400m) 2 The Boom Box is looking to post a fourth career win after having a chequered run last start when beaten just under a length as the odds-on favourite, hampered at the 50m. He warrants another chance here. 1 Brilliant Express was the winner of that same race, ringing up his third career win in resounding fashion after racing wide without cover throughout. 9 Yuen Long Elite adopted different tactics last start by leading and was only nabbed late into second to Another World. He does not have to lead again, but being prominent will not disadvantage him. 7 Super Infinity is closing in on a Class 3 breakthrough after a third runner-up finish in the grade from six tries last time. He ran a close-up fourth at his first 1,400m test, beaten only half-a-length. Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
New Paper
26-04-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
April 27 Hong Kong (Sha Tin) form analysis
Race 1 (1,800m) Race 1 (1,800m) 2 Beauty Viva had a go at Class 4 last time and was well-supported into favourite. He mapped against the race shape but still ran on well into fifth. He has trialled well. 3 Oriental Smoke will map perfectly from barrier 3 and has been threatening to win since returning to Class 4. He comes out of the same race as Beauty Viva, where he closed off nicely for third. 1 Matsu Victor also comes through that race, finishing a head away in second. With Joao Moreira in the plate, his chances look strong. 5 Volcanic Spark draws perfectly in barrier 4 with James McDonald engaged to ride. Back to 1,800m from 2,000m suits his chances. Race 2 (1,200m) Race 2 (1,200m) 3 Top Throne was a luckless fourth on debut, where he raced wide without cover but showed plenty of promise. He broke through stylishly, looking like a horse going places. 8 Diriya draws perfectly in barrier 1 for his debut and his trials have been encouraging. Zac Purton in the saddle only boosts confidence. 11 Runjeet caught the eye on debut when given a quiet time out the back before closing strongly late. He has trialled well between runs up on the pace. Second-up improvement is expected. 2 Parterre always warrants respect in this class as a three-time winner in the grade. He can go close under Moreira's guidance. Race 3 (1,400m) 1 Super Express remains the one to beat after winning with plenty in hand at this course and distance on debut for the John Size stable, backing up a series of impressive barrier trials. He should only improve with more racing. 5 Monarch County looks to have turned a corner and has improved since stepping up to 1,400m. He broke through stylishly last time and has trialled well between runs. 2 Super Love backed up his maiden win on his second start with a closing third to Crossborderpegasus after being slow away. A promising trial in between suggests he will enjoy the extra ground. 4 Forerunner was drawn wide last start, but his previous two efforts are key - winning over Brilliant Express two starts back before a close second to Magnificent Nine. Race 4 (1,400m) 2 Divano scored an impressive Class 1 victory at this course and distance over Patch Of Theta last time. Drops into Class 2 and carries more weight, but he is a progressive four-year-old who looks to map ideally from barrier 3 and has the services of Purton. 6 Invincible Shield is shooting for a hat-trick after two dominant 1,200m wins in Class 3. This is his first try at 1,400m and first time in Class 2, but he has drawn one. 5 Dancing Code rolled forward and led at a strong tempo last start, before fading late into fourth. His form reads well and barrier 4 ensures the right run again. 4 Young Champion was runner-up to Packing Hermod in the same race as Dancing Code and has improved since the blinkers went on. Race 5 (1,200m) THE CHAIRMAN'S SPRINT PRIZE (G1) 1 Ka Ying Rising is Hong Kong's star galloper and the world's highest-rated sprinter has swept all before him in his past 11 starts, breaking the track record twice in his last three appearances. A slightly different set-up this time with international contenders back in the mix, but as he showed in December, he has their measure. 6 Helios Express has been the bridesmaid in five of his six runs this season - each time behind Ka Ying Rising - and third on the other occasion. If anyone is to get close again, it is him. 2 Satono Reve returns to Sha Tin after finishing third in December's Hong Kong Sprint. He has since landed the Takamatsunomiya Kinen in Japan and comes back to Hong Kong in peak form. 3 Lucky Sweynesse is a 16-time winner who has not been seen since his Sprint Cup victory in April 2024 due to injury. While it is a huge ask to return in a race like this, McDonald rides, which only adds to the fascination. Race 6 (1,200m) 4 Masterofmyuniverse was reluctant to jump, settled last in running before charging home into third after briefly being held up. The hood comes off, he moves into barrier 2 from 11, and Purton is back on. 3 Geneva broke his Class 3 duck impressively last start after a couple of run-on efforts from wide draws since the class rise. 9 Akashvani finds himself in Class 3, but he will appreciate a kinder draw this time after jumping from gates 12 and 14 in both career runs. 5 Super Legends, from barrier 3 and with McDonald aboard, should not be overlooked. Race 7 (1,600m) THE FWD CHAMPIONS MILE (G1) 1 Mr Brightside, Australia's superstar miler with 19 career wins, nine at Group 1 level, brings elite credentials into this race, including a close-up second to Romantic Warrior in the 2023 Cox Plate. Having been the first overseas runner to arrive in Hong Kong, he has had ample time to settle in. He has the form to win this. 2 Voyage Bubble has stamped himself as Hong Kong's premier miler-middle distance horse and sets the benchmark in this field. Drawn out in barrier 10 while some of his key rivals are drawn inside sets things up for a highly intriguing tactical battle. 12 My Wish was a good thing beaten in the Hong Kong Derby, drawing the outside gate, settling last, and unleashing a devastating final 400m sectional to miss by a short-head. While this is a tougher assignment in open company, Mark Newnham's star four-year-old is as genuine as they come. 6 Galaxy Patch has tested patience this term but gets cheekpieces and the tongue tie on for the first time. He is talented, but his racing pattern requires things to go his way in the run. Race 8 (2,000m) THE FWD QEII CUP (G1) 2 Prognosis has finished runner-up in this race the past two years behind Romantic Warrior. With Romantic Warrior absent this year, McDonald now sides with him as he chases a first Group 1 success on his seventh try. His global form stands up, most notably a second to Via Sistina in the 2024 Cox Plate. 11 Liberty Island, Japan's Triple Tiara winner, was wide throughout when eighth to Soul Rush and Romantic Warrior in the Dubai Turf. That was her first run since a strong second to Romantic Warrior in December's Hong Kong Cup. Can improve sharply second-up. 3 Tastiera returns to Sha Tin off the back of a brave third in the same Hong Kong Cup, where she was caught wide early and rolled forward to settle second. That effort sets her up well for this. 5 El Vencedor arrives in career-best form from New Zealand, chasing his fifth win on the bounce after leading and holding off a fast-closing La Crique in back-to-back Bonecrusher Stakes. His on-pace pattern and Purton are positives. Race 9 (1,600m) 10 Family Jewel resumes at a track and distance where he is two from two. With Moreira aboard from a mid-draw, he may not have to settle as far back as he has in the past. 11 Magnificent Nine has had 17 attempts to win in Class 3 for seven placings, but he has been trending upwards this season. He should enjoy a soft run in transit. 6 Star Mac ran a strong third behind Sky Jewellery at this course and distance, which reads well. 14 Good Luck Babe steps back into Class 3 after an all-the-way win over this trip in Class 4. The four-year-old still has more to come. Race 10 (1,400m) 3 Silvery Breeze resumes off a 77-day break following a last-start fall in the home straight. Drawn no lower than gate 11 in three of his five Hong Kong starts, he resumes from an inside draw this time. 7 Stellar Swift is on the seven-day turnaround after closing well for third behind the up-and-comer South Star. Barrier 11 is tricky, but his form is strong. 4 Endeared reunites with Craig Williams, who steered him to victory two starts ago. From a mid-draw, he can settle closer in the run like he did when winning. 5 Eighty Light Years has not won in more than a year but has been showing a return to form of late. Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
South China Morning Post
15-03-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Unbeaten Crossborderpegasus highlights John Size's treble as he extends championship lead
Untapped three-year-old headlines master trainer's three-timer at Sha Tin on Saturday, adding to his premiership advantage over David Hayes A pair of progressive three-year-olds and a perennial placegetter helped deliver John Size a treble as the master trainer extended his championship lead again at Sha Tin on Saturday. Continuing his onslaught after bouncing back from a slow start to the season, Size moved to 42 wins – four clear of nearest rival David Hayes – after Crossborderpegasus, Lifeline Express and Juneau Pride saluted. Crossborderpegasus became the first leg of Size's three-timer when he maintained his unbeaten record at start two in the Class Four Azalea Handicap (1,200m) under Hugh Bowman. Sent off the $1.3 favourite after an impressive debut win last month, the Rich Enuff three-year-old again showed his inexperience when laying in over the concluding stages but he still proved half a length too slick for Lucky Symphony. Crossborderpegasus remains unbeaten! 👌@HugeBowman guides John Size's Rich Enuff speedster to a second straight win at Sha Tin... #LoveRacing | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 15, 2025 'He's going well. He's certainly got a bit of ability and it's just a matter of developing that,' said 12-time champion trainer Size. 'If he can improve on that, it will be promising for his future.' Lifeline Express snapped a streak of six placings – including four seconds – since his last victory when he broke through in the Class Three Angelonia Handicap (1,200m). Ridden by Andrea Atzeni, the Shooting To Win gelding stormed home from the second half of the field to comfortably beat Geneva by a length and three-quarters, justifying $3 favouritism. Three-year-old Juneau Pride capped Size's treble when he made it back-to-back triumphs in the Class Three Cosmos Handicap (1,400m). 'I don't know how far he'll go but everything he does is workmanlike and he's been a very honest horse, right from the first day,' Size said. Despite rising eight pounds on his last-start win, Juneau Pride took advantage of a soft run in midfield from gate two and ran on solidly between runners in the straight. The Pride Of Dubai gelding accounted for Eighty Light Years by three-quarters of a length as the $1.75 first elect. John Size extends his championship lead! 🔥 The Australian Racing Hall of Famer scoops a treble as Juneau Pride impresses once again... @brentonavdulla #LoveRacing | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 15, 2025 He boasts a strong record of three wins and four placings from seven starts and capped a Saturday double for in-form jockey Brenton Avdulla. The Australian rider was also successful aboard Pierre Ng Pang-chi's Soaring Bronco in the Class Five Dahlia Handicap (1,600m). Elsewhere on Saturday's card, Hayes bagged his 38th victory of the season when World Hero made all in the Class Five Snapdragon Handicap (1,200m) under Luke Ferraris. 'He's only three, so I'd expect him to have his better seasons next year and the year after,' Hayes said after World Hero scored his maiden win at start 10. 'It just seems like he's been here a long time as he came here as a two-year-old. Physically he'll get better as he matures. I've always thought he's a 1,400m [horse] and a miler.'
South China Morning Post
23-02-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
John Size takes lead in trainers' premiership with Sha Tin four-timer
John Size has surged to the top of the trainers' premiership with his first four-timer of 2025 at Sha Tin on Sunday. While he was forced to settle for placings in both of the afternoon's Group Ones, Size enjoyed victories with Sky Jewellery, Crossborderpegasus, Juneau Pride and Brilliant Express. The haul moved Size to 32 winners for the season and above David Hayes in the title race by virtue of having more seconds than his fellow Australian. It was Hugh Bowman in the saddle for the wins of Sky Jewellery and debut winner Crossborderpegasus, with the jockey atoning for his luckless last-start defeat on Sky Jewellery to celebrate his 200th Hong Kong win aboard the promising youngster. Super win, Sky Jewellery! 🚀 John Size's young gun secures a second victory to see @HugeBowman reach 200 career wins in Hong Kong... 🍾#LoveRacing | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) February 23, 2025 The Australian ace made amends after Sky Jewellery was fourth as the $1.5 favourite at Happy Valley, when he was badly held up for clear running from the 250m to 100m. Biding his time near the tail of the field, Sky Jewellery stormed home in the straight to run down South Star by a neck in the Class Four Citigold Private Client Handicap (1,400m). 'He was obviously unlucky last start and he's shown a lot of potential,' Bowman said of the three-year-old, who is already being touted as a 2026 Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) prospect. 'Up in distance today was fine but he had to overcome [barrier 13] and he did it in style.' Bowman didn't have to wait long for his 201st victory in the city, with three-year-old Crossborderpegasus prevailing in the very next race, the Class Four Citigold Handicap (1,200m). 'He did enough to get home and that's the main thing. It was good,' Size said after Crossborderpegasus backed up his impressive trial form to beat fellow debutant Ahren by three-quarters of a length. After Brenton Avdulla booted Juneau Pride home in the Class Three Citi Wealth Advisory Services Handicap (1,400m), Alexis Badel delivered the goods aboard Brilliant Express in the Class Three Citi Insurance Services Handicap (1,400m). 'He's starting to work it out and there seemed to be no competition for the front today, so it looked like they gifted it to him,' Size said after Brilliant Express led throughout to notch his second consecutive success. John Size caps a treble! 🔥 The Master trainer wins his third race this afternoon as Juneau Pride is all out for victory with @brentonavdulla at Sha Tin...#LoveRacing | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) February 23, 2025 'Still, he did it and he's run some time, so we'll go forward confidently.' Size confirmed Howdeepisyourlove will head to Dubai for the Group One Al Quoz Sprint (1,200m) down the Meydan straight on April 5. 'They ran well,' Size said after stablemates Helios Express, Howdeepisyourlove, Beauty Eternal and Red Lion filled the four spots behind Ka Ying Rising in the Group One Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (1,400m). 'Those four horses seem to turn up all the time, but as is the case, we have dominant horses here in Hong Kong and they're expected to win and mostly they do. 'I think Howdeepisyourlove can go to Dubai. He looks OK for that.' Avdulla and Badel joined Bowman with doubles on the day, with Avdulla also snaring the Class Four Citi Ultima Handicap (1,600m) aboard Mister Dapper and Badel taking out the Class Three Citi Investment Services Handicap (1,200m) atop Triumphant More. Shinn works his Magic A patient ride by Australian jockey Blake Shinn helped Magic Control score his third victory down the Sha Tin straight in the Class Two Citi Private Bank Handicap (1,000m). Known for racing on the speed in his Hong Kong career so far, the Cody Mo Wai-kit-trained gelding settled second last under Shinn and launched a strong run down the centre of the track to easily account for James Tak by a length and a half. Smart sprinter, Magic Control! 🔥@blake_shinn's on the board early at Sha Tin as Cody Mo's speedster roars to a third win in Hong Kong ahead of a quality Class 2 field... #LoveRacing | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) February 23, 2025 'That wasn't the plan to sit back but the speed was fast and he wanted to settle and with the weight [135 pounds], he needed all the favours and we had a good run and he displayed a great turn of foot,' Shinn said. A Group Three winner when known as Archo Nacho in Australia pre-import, Magic Control added to his strong 1,000m record at Sha Tin which also includes seconds in the Group Three National Day Cup and Group Three Bauhinia Sprint Trophy. Mo said the four-year-old would step back up to 1,200m in a Class One sprint on March 9, while the Group Two Sprint Cup (1,200m) on March 30 is another possible target. Blowout victory leaves So smiling Punters were reeling early at Sha Tin on Sunday as Carryon Smiling left his trainer Chris So Wai-yin grinning from ear to ear with a knockout victory at $84.7 in the second section of the Class Four Citi Wealth Handicap (1,400m). The second-roughest winner of the season, Carryon Smiling broke his maiden at start six after an uninspiring start to his career. Carryon Smiling kicked off a superb day of racing action at Sha Tin with a shock 83/1 victory in the opener under @kdemelo01! 👏#LoveRacing | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) February 23, 2025 'Well that was a big improvement,' said So after Carryon Smiling sliced through traffic from near the back of the field under Keagan de Melo. 'But for me, I thought he should run better. Two runs ago when he was sixth he was only beaten about three lengths and in his last trial you could see he was improving. 'Honestly, I think the horse needs further and he needs some equipment to help because Keagan said he is still very green.' It wasn't all doom and gloom for punters, with the following eight favourites winning on the 10-race card.
