After passing his first Class 3 test with flying colours, in-form five-year-old KARMA can go one place better as he returns to Sha Tin in the Class 3 Handicap over 1600m on Sunday.
Under the tutelage of Caspar Fownes, KARMA has been steadily carving out a commendable track record, boasting two wins from six starts. After an impressive second-up win lumping top weight in Class 4 two starts ago over 1400m at Sha Tin, he was subsequently sent to Happy Valley for his first foray into Class 3.
From a wide draw, KARMA was shifted across behind runners in the early stages to obtain cover and traveled well throughout until the turn for home, where he got lost. Once balanced, he charged home late into second, beaten by 0.75 lengths, by CHILL CHIBI, who, arguably, has been the standout around the city circuit this season.
Chill Chibi nails a hat-trick of wins! He's going places for @JerryChau15 and Danny Shum, denying a brave Karma in the Happy Valley nightcap… #HappyWednesday | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/xMhPVUVErb
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) November 15, 2023
KARMA will be better suited back at Sha Tin this week, as his record suggests, and he is the one to beat.
Out to spoil the party is Pierre Ng-trained MASTER OF FORTUNE, who is three weeks between runs after a better run into fifth than it reads.
Despite being drawn well low in barrier 2, he was further back in the field than anticipated in a slowly-run race. This led to him facing traffic problems in the home straight, and he never really got a clear crack at them.
Doing his best work late, he checked in 2.75 lengths off the all-the-way winner, CHANCHENG GLORY. With a better-judged ride, he should be in the finish.
Race 3 presents an interesting contest for the Class 4 gallopers over the 1000m straight, especially considering trainer Frankie Lor’s recent breakthrough at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.
Lor had entered the meeting on a 55-run losing streak, which came to an end when the smart-looking debutant GOLDEN LONG won stylishly in a Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.
On Sunday, four-year-old LOYAL BO BO could potentially keep the momentum going for Lor in his second outing.
There was considerable hype surrounding LOYAL BO BO during his debut three weeks ago, owing to the promise he showed in trials. However, he disappointed in the way he finished the race, visually appearing as though he hit a brick wall in the concluding stages, crossing the line 2.5 lengths behind in fourth place.
It might be worth giving him another chance this week. Not only will he be a fitter horse, but he should also benefit from the experience gained in his first race. Additionally, stepping away from barrier 14 is advantageous.
