Hong Kong Preview: Storm Legend seeks elusive victory

#10 Storm Legend can score a well-overdue first Hong Kong victory in the Racing Spirit Handicap at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

The son of Night of Thunder was a dual winner in his Irish homeland before arriving in Hong Kong. In 15 Hong Kong starts, he’s gone close, taking second placing on three occasions, but a victory has proved elusive.

However, he was able to take advantage of the inside draw Oct. 5, running down all but Nimble Nimbus, and he’s again going to stay close to the fence with draw No. 2. Harry Bentley, who partnered him that day, returns to take the ride and should have him just off the speed.

#11 Super Mission presents an interesting poser for punters. He’s been incredibly consistent, putting up a 21-2-4-7 record. His last three efforts were all top-three finishes, including one at Happy Valley Sept. 21.

The big poser for the son of Super Easy is the distance of 1,650 meters (about a mile and 45 yards). All his racing in Hong Kong has been at 1,200 meters (six furlongs) to 1,400 meters, and he hasn’t raced over 1,400 meters since January of last year. Vagner Borges should be able to get him a chance to preserve his stamina from barrier one, so he should be respected.

#9 The Anomaly must be respected, as well, after winning here Sept. 21, but he is up five pounds in the ratings for a win by a neck and could face a tough task from gate nine. #2 Maldives should be considered, especially since Zac Purton has jumped off #4 King’s Capital (another decent chance) to ride him, though barrier 12 won’t help.

Also warranted for exotics is #5 Amazing One Plus, who normally runs well here and should improve after his first-up failure.

• $10 win/20 show: #10 Storm Legend ($30)
• $1.30 trifecta: 10, 11 with 9, 10, 11 with 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11 ($20.80)

Bonus play – New Zealand

Wingatui, Race 1, Grand Casino, Rating 75, 2,200 meters (about 1 3/8 miles)

• $10 win/$30 show, #4 Heidi Hi: In great form and is nominated for much bigger prizes in the next two months. Should go close to winning.