Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley on Wednesday night (11 October) for an 8-race fixture under the lights.
Four-year-old LEAN HERO has a good chance to secure his third career win in the Class 4 Handicap over 1650m (race 7).
The David Hayes-trained galloper enters this week’s race second-up after resuming at Sha Tin over 1400m following a three-month break 24 days ago. Eased back early to settle near-last from barrier 5, LEAN HERO caught the eye late, finishing fifth, beaten by 1.25 lengths. His performance was one of the highlights of the race, especially considering the on-pace dominated race shape. The form since then has also proven strong, with the second-place finisher, Copartner Ambition, winning easily.
LEAN HERO returns to his preferred track and distance this week, where he has secured his two career wins. He has also trialled impressively between runs, suggesting he is in excellent form. Under Hugh Bowman, he seems difficult to beat in the final stages.
The speed map is intriguing. Trainer Pierre Ng’s fast beginner, Dragon Star, loves to jump and run, only just beaten over concluding stages in two runs this preparation. Once again, he is expected to find the front and attempt to lead throughout. It remains to be seen whether he will be challenged by Fastpass, who led and weakened in the last run, or if he will be allowed to dictate the pace on his own terms.
In another race, Hayes also send out six-year-old gelding AWESOME TREASURE who has conditions that favor his chances of clinching an overdue win in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m (race 6).
With only one win from 19 starts, AWESOME TREASURE is not a world-beater, but his first-up run, finishing second at this track and distance two weeks ago, showed promising signs. The Charm Spirit gelding vied for the lead throughout that night and was only overtaken late, finishing a head behind, with a healthy gap of two lengths back to third.
Starting from barrier 1 this week, AWESOME TREASURE will have every opportunity, especially with leading jockey Zac Purton taking over the reins.
