Ricky Yiu's Blazing Wukong is the standout bet on an exciting 11-race card at Sha Tin in Hong Kong on Saturday. The four-year-old bids to follow up last month's impressive course-and-distance victory in the mile-long Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Handicap (10.10am). Despite carrying a penalty, he looks hard to beat.
Blinkers Spark Improvement
The addition of blinkers for the first time clearly worked wonders on the son of Toronado, who produced a strong turn of foot in the home straight to outpoint his rivals. With a more favorable gate five to break from, having come from barrier 13 on his last start, he should enjoy a comfortable rail-hugging run throughout. Once jockey presses the go button, stopping him will prove difficult.
Chill Buddy Seeks Second Win
Earlier on the card, the Yiu stable has another chance with progressive sprinter Chill Buddy in the six-furlong Lei Yue Mun Park Handicap (9.05am). The Australian import got off the mark in Hong Kong with a clear-cut victory in February. He may have needed the run when finishing a close-up fourth behind smart handicapper My Mars two months later.
The booking of stable apprentice Nichola Yuen, with her valuable 10lb claim, is a major plus. From a favorable gate three, she is likely to attempt an all-the-way victory. The opposition is strong, with Gold Patch bidding for a hat-trick, last-start winner Jubilant Winner in the line-up, and the well-handicapped Spicy Standard also in opposition. However, provided Yuen gets her fractions right, the four-year-old should prove hard to catch.
