Tony Cruz is confident Beauty Joy can continue a prodigious rise after the emerging talent propelled Zac Purton to a confidence-boosting treble with HK$3.7 million G3 Lion Rock Trophy Handicap (1600m) victory at Sha Tin on Sunday.
The son of Denman became a cult figure in Hong Kong due to his ability, colour and name, and steps away from racing with HK$37.58 million banked from 12 wins, five seconds and three thirds.
Setbacks have impeded Lucky Patch’s (NZ) (El Roca) ascent this season but trainer Francis Lui believes the speedster can take a step towards reaffirming himself as one of Hong Kong’s premier sprinters in Sunday’s HK$3.7 million Gr.3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m).
Frankie Lor is expecting much the same from Reliable Team (NZ) (Reliable Man) in Sunday’s HK$12 million Gr.1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) at Sha Tin but admits he won’t be afraid to see things change up if the go-forward grey doesn’t get his own way.
Teaming with John Size in the absence of Joao Moreira, Alexis Badel is confident Running Glory (NZ) (Kermadec) can continue an impressive debut season in the Class 2 Alnwick Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday with a fifth victory in six starts.
Already considered a Hong Kong racing immortal, John Size became only the second trainer in the jurisdiction to prepare 1,400 winners after teaming with Joao Moreira and Seizing The Moment at a sodden Happy Valley on Wednesday night.
Golden Sixty will remain in Hong Kong with a view to winning a third G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) at December’s 2022 LONGINES Hong Kong International Races.
Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) will attempt to cap a stunning first season in Hong Kong when he lines up in the second section of the Class 3 Kam Tin River Handicap (1200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.
New Zealand-bred gelding Sakewin (NZ) (Burgundy) extended his unbeaten streak in Hong Kong to two at Sha Tin on Sunday when winning the Game Spirit Handicap (1200m).
Franking imposing BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) form, Senor Toba has earned a tilt at the G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) with a resolute triumph in the G3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Handicap (2400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.