Hong Kong racing continues at Sha Tin on Saturday (21 January) for a 10-race turf and dirt fixture.
There’s a decent amount of talent stepping out across the card and all eyes will be on promising four-year-old BEAUTY ETERNAL in the final race of the card as he aims for a first-up win in the Class 3 1200m Handicap.
BEAUTY ETERNAL created a huge impression after a smart debut win in early October, racing very wide and without cover from the 900m but still proving too good for his Class 4 rivals as he drew clear by two lengths.
Straight up into Class 3, the John Size trainee was sent off a $1.5 chance by punters, but he had excuses as he was checked and stumbled at the top of the straight before he began to close off strongly thereafter but was badly held up from the 100m and was unable to be properly tested. Beaten just a neck into third, he obviously should have bolted up with many deeming him “the best thing beat all season”.
BEAUTY ETERNAL has since trialled well on two occasions and finds an ideal race to get back to his winning ways as the majority of his opposition aren’t that good.
Another smart-looking four-year-old who is back for more is EXCELLENT FIGHTER in the Class 4 1000m Handicap (race 7).
EXCELLENT FIGHTER made his race track debut on 18 December, sent out a well-backed even money favourite after impressing in multiple trials leading up to his first start.
The Ricky Yiu-trained gelding was able to justify the piles of cash placed on him, however some pundits may be wary of the official winning margin reading just a head in the form guide.
It was a win full of merit, though, as he was inconvenienced at the off and began awkwardly, settling back. He also never found complete clear running until approaching the 150m, attacking the line strongly thereafter.
It was a likeable win and he was only penalised 5 points because of the narrow margin. Probably a blessing in disguise. The up-and-comer looked the goods in a trial since and he finds himself drawn perfectly for the straight course
