Spotlight Race of the Week-Hong Kong
Trying to pick up a third in a row boxed trifecta last week but came up short and I knew it too. Things started off very nicely as top choice Turns me Crazy got to the wire first with a career best speed of 107 and paying a cool $7.30.
Second choice Shelving Rock ran an even second throughout the race and connected for a decent $33.10 exacta, which I’m more than pleased to pocket away.
I was hesitant in making my third pick Blazing World, but I did and commented “Not sure if the 107 number was a fluke or not, if it was, watch out for a long shot getting the third spot.” He finished some 6 strides in fourth behind 7-1 Tueur and a $240.70 trifecta.
This week we are focused on a 2-year maiden special weight race. This race is open to all horses but is restricted to local breds and is held in the first race in Hong Kong.
The race will be competed at a distance of 5 ½ furlongs and will be run on a dry, fast dirt track.
1. French Guest 16-1-Has been on the board once in six starts which came in last race on turf, albeit, a four horse field. Top speed was two back going a mile on dirt with a SP of 56. Doesn’t look to be much on paper, but drops quite a bit in distance which could make a difference.
2. Hiflying 5-1–Comes off good effort on dirt, finishing second in small 4-horse field with speed of 64. Breeding seems to lean towards turf but this effort was much better than his sole grass effort was. Has early speed and could be a factor.
3. Rock Lizard 8-5-Has two starts, both on dirt. Last race is a throw-away as he ran in 20-horse field stake race which was owner restricted, frankly, looked to be well overmatched. Speeds in both starts were 67 and 69. Moves to dirt race for his debut on the surface. Bred for turf and there is the uncertainty how this favorite will do with switching surfaces.
4. Gogh Red Gogh 13-1-In five starts, has missed board each time. Top speed of 55 came in last start at a mile on dirt. Drops in distance but not sure if that will help much as he has finished well back each time.
5. Electrical Impulse 9-2–Made first career start on turf and charted a speed of 56 while finishing 3rd. Makes switch to dirt and seeks improvement. Breeding, however, favors the grass. Still, this change could make a difference. Can only wait and see.
6. Cavalier Boots 10-1–A turf bred horse who has had no success on the grass in four starts. Top speed was charted at 60 when running 5 furlongs two back. Tries dirt for first time in hopes of a big turnaround.
7. Major Cause 2-1-Arguably, the best bred horse in this race. He has three starts, all on turf, with top speed of 61 in his first start. Another switching to try luck on dirt for first time. Chances as good as any other.
Open race in my mind as many are trying dirt for first time. Hiflying gets my choice for top pick coming off decent race on dirt in last and could run off with this one.
Rock Lizard has best speeds in field, but on turf. Gets second choice as he may like the dirt.
Best breeding is with Major Cause, again trying dirt for first time. Maybe things will go his way in this one, getting my third selection.