Hong Kong Preview: Lucky Sweynesse to stay unbeaten

#12 Lucky Sweynesse can keep his unbeaten record intact despite a rise in class for his second Hong Kong assignment March 2.

The New Zealand-bred three-year-old steps up to Class 3 company in the 1,200-meter (about six furlongs) Baker Handicap at Happy Valley, three weeks after easily winning his debut on the same track.

Lucky Sweynesse’s 2 1/2-length victory earned him a nine pound jump in the ratings but it looked a fair call and he appeals as a horse that has a good future in Hong Kong.

The only significant negative is that Zac Purton, who rode him on debut, won’t be aboard this time, but he loses nothing in horsemanship with Joao Moreira taking the reins. From gate 5 he should be on the speed and get a nice run.

Purton will be aboard Lucky Sweynesse’s main rival on form, #2 Toronado Phantom. He produced an impressive performance to win in Class 3 company Feb. 6, coming from near last to win easily despite a slow tempo up front.

The son of Toronado has won three of his seven starts and should get every opportunity from gate four.

For multiple players, #1 Shining Gem should be kept in mind. He has run well in Class 2 most of this season without winning. Jockey Harry Bentley should be able to get a midfield spot just off the fence from gate 8 and come home strongly.

#9 Prance Dragon and #11 Happy Daily are both in very strong form, though both have wideish draws to deal with and the latter is racing at the tricky Happy Valley circuit for the first time. They should be included in exotics, as should Hong Kong debutant #8 Ace One, a three-time winner in Australia when known as Levi’s Storm.

BEST HONG KONG PLAY

Happy Valley, March 2, Race 9, Baker Handicap (1,200 meters)

• $10 win/$30 show: #12 Lucky Sweynesse.
• $1.30 trifecta: 2, 12 with 1, 2, 9, 11, 12 with 1, 2, 8, 9, 11, 12

BONUS PLAY – NEW ZEALAND

Arawa Park, Rotorua, March 2, Race 5, TW Moore 1560 (1,560 meters)

$10 win/$30 show, #1 Rocabury: Two solid efforts at Hastings and should be a strong chance of getting a deserved victory.