Tuesday 27 January 2026 4:53 pm
Bunta Baby Can Be Main Beneficiary of Pace Burn-Up
By: Wally Pyrah
Caspar Fownes secured a much-needed victory when Flying Luck won the final race at Sha Tin on Sunday, providing a timely boost for his stable. Known as the 'King of the Valley', Fownes had been struggling to find winners recently, making this success a crucial morale lifter ahead of his return to his favoured Happy Valley track.
Strong Raiding Party for Happy Valley
Fownes arrives at Happy Valley with a formidable team of seven runners, aiming to build on Sunday's momentum. Among them, last-start winners Perfect General and Mighty Commander are expected to feature prominently in the betting for the two divisions of the Southorn Handicap. Additionally, Jumbo Legend returns to his preferred distance in the O'Brien Handicap, where he could pose a significant threat.
Super Sixty Seeks Redemption
Better things are anticipated from Super Sixty, who appears better prepared this time around after a disappointing performance as the favourite in his last outing. He lines up in the Hong Kong Football Club Centenary Cup, a handicap over five furlongs, where the race dynamics could play to his strengths.
Speed-Focused Contest Favours Bunta Baby
The Hong Kong Football Club Centenary Cup is set to be a blisteringly fast affair from the start, with contenders like Fun Elite, Copartner Fleet, Beauty Thunder, and Star Performer all likely to charge aggressively from the gates to secure optimal positions before the first bend. This frenetic early pace creates ideal conditions for a closer—a horse that can come from behind to overtake tiring rivals.
Bunta Baby stands out as the prime candidate to benefit from this scenario. Last month, he demonstrated a devastating turn of foot to run down opponents over the same course and distance, showcasing his ability to thrive when others fade. With an advantageous inside draw in gate three, a recent encouraging preparatory trial, and the in-form combination of trainer Manfred Man and jockey Vincent Ho, all signs point towards another successful outing for this promising galloper.
Pointers for the Race
Bunta Baby – 12.10pm – Happy Valley
