Hong Kong Horse Racing Tips: Ka Ying can Star for Cruz and Co at Happy Valley
LEGENDARY trainer Tony Cruz will be licking his lips in anticipation when he arrives at Happy Valley this afternoon.
The former six-time HK champion jockey and dual champion trainer is an iconic figure within racing circles, and undoubtedly one of the most popular figures on the race-track.
Cruz, who currently lies fourth in the trainers’ championship with 44 winners, leads the trainers’ table for the most winners at the course this season, having saddled 18 winners.
He sends a handful of horses there, including a couple of contenders who have already contributed five wins to his present tally.
Last start winner Waldorf and course and distance specialist Blitzing are both probable market leaders.
The former has improved 16lb in the official ratings while the latter has spiralled up the handicap by 27lbs.
Waldorf looks the most vulnerable of the pair in the six-furlongs dash at 1.15pm, having picked up a 5lb penalty for a fast diminishing neck victory over C&D late last month.
A better proposition could prove to be the Richard Gibson-trained NORDIC WARRIOR, who made a piece of HK racing history last month.
The striking chestnut gelding became the first horse to win at the newly developed £370million HKJC racing facility at Conghua Racecourse in China.
His record over this trip is two wins and a place from four runs. He is again reunited with jockey Matthew Chadwick, who has won on him both times.
With possible showers and thunderstorms forecast in the territory, which would further enhance his prospects, having won on rain softened conditions in China, and in receipt of 7lbs from Waldorf, he could be hard to beat.
Blitzing, who again showed his dislike for the dirt surface when unplaced earlier this month, will be expected to bounce back to form on turf when carrying top-weight in the 2.15pm over six furlongs.
He looks guaranteed to lead and will be hard to peg back. But lightly-raced Ballistic King, who was an eye-catcher on his debut behind Fat Turtle last month, and well-handicapped Endearing represent potent threats.
Cruz also saddles highly progressive KA YING STAR who drops back to his optimum distance, while failing to stay the trip in the HK Derby.
He lines up in the 3.15pm over the extended mile. With an inside draw in his favour, and a good recent track trial behind him, he looks sure to go close.
Keep an eye on main danger Turin Star, who looks to have improved from his last start.
Not a week goes by without jockey Zac Purton making the headlines.
The reigning champ, who is associated with one of the best milers on the planet in Beauty Generation, completed his fastest-ever century at Sha Tin on Sunday.
He will now be going all out to surpass his best ever total of 136 wins.
In the 2.45pm, he again climbs aboard ORIENTAL ELITE, who won with his head in his chest when out-pointing rivals over the six-furlong trip last month.
An 8lb penalty should make life tougher for the five-year-old.
Such was his comprehensive victory, however, that it is hard to see him not following up successfully here, especially with a favourable inside draw.
POINTERS
Nordic Warrior 1.15pm Happy Valley
Oriental Elite 2.45pm Happy Valley
Ka Ying Star e/w 3.15pm Happy Valley