Hong Kong Racing Spotlight: Maestro and Aurio Set for Sha Tin Showdown
ALL EYES will be focused on the David Eustace-trained Helene Supafeeling as he aims to reaffirm his high reputation in division one of the Yue Yee Handicap, scheduled for 9.15am over six furlongs at Sha Tin. This former UK-trained galloper recently disappointed when attempting to build on his debut victory over the course and distance in December. While clearly better than his latest form suggests, he is expected to return to winning ways but faces a challenging task against several potentially useful competitors.
Hot Delight and Red Maestro Lead the Charge
HOT DELIGHT made a significant impact with an impressive debut win from the outside draw in gate 14, posting a fast time over the track and trip last month. Following another eye-catching trial, this three-year-old appears to be on an upward trajectory and is likely to perform strongly off bottom-weight. In the same race, RED MAESTRO makes his debut for the John Size stable after an easy victory in his only start in Ireland. He has shown promise in a series of encouraging trials, indicating readiness for his first outing in Hong Kong, and benefits from an ideal draw in gate four.
Size Stable Targets Quick-Fire Double
The John Size stable, which has secured the Trainers' Championship in Hong Kong twelve times, will be confident of a quick-fire double when saddling Super Express in the Kut Cheong Handicap at 9.50am over seven furlongs. The four-year-old finally achieved an overdue victory over the course and distance earlier this month but incurred a six-pound penalty, which may hinder his ability to concede weight to AURIO. The five-year-old Aurio was desperately unlucky from an outside draw last month, and the step up in distance combined with a favorable draw in stall two should work to his advantage.
Thursday's Key Pointers
- Hot Delight – 9.15am at Sha Tin
- Red Maestro e/w – 9.15am at Sha Tin
- Aurio – 9.50am at Sha Tin
