Hugh Bowman is optimistic Raging Blizzard has quality to cope with a rise in grade when John Size’s in-form sprinter bids for a third successive victory when tackling the HK$3.72 million Class 1 TVB Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (9 February).
Raging Blizzard has surged to a rating of 104 after successive Class 2 triumphs against talented opposition over Sunday’s course and distance and Bowman, who sits second with 38 wins behind Zac Purton (82) in the 2024/25 Hong Kong jockeys’ championship, believes there is no reason why the Per Incanto gelding will not be extremely competitive again.
“His last two runs, he’s won with authority and he’s a horse that does enjoy coming off the back of extreme speed and I’m not sure if the pace looks quite as hectic as it maybe was for his last outing, but it will be still be quick enough for him to find his comfortable running position,” Bowman said.
“I’d like to think he’s going to this race with the same sort of form. You’ve got to leave him alone early and if they go quick enough up front, he’s got an excellent finish on him and the gaps do appear if they’ve gone fast.
“Last time, was especially fast – the opposition – and let’s hope they do the same thing. His form is there for everyone to see and his last two wins have been really authoritative and let’s hope he can do it again.”
Raging Blizzard (131lb) faces seven opponents – Taj Dragon (135lb), Copartner Prance (130lb), Lucky With You (129lb), Magic Control (127lb), Gorgeous Win (123lb), Son Pak Fu (120lb) and Harmony N Blessed (115lb).
Fresh from a four-timer at Sha Tin on 31 January, Bowman’s seven-ride book this weekend includes Caspar Fownes-trained Sky Trust in the Class 3 TVB The Fading Gold Handicap (1400m).
Bidding for a berth in the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 23 March, the So You Think gelding is pressing for a third win from seven starts this season.
“He’s drawn barrier one which is a great asset but he’s a bit of a quirky horse, though. He’s quite an aggressive galloper and he needs to relax, so it’s just important that he gets smothered up,” Bowman said.
“He needs to relax and get in a rhythm and then he’s got a really strong finish. He’s a model of consistency, but he’s still improving mentally and continues to do so with each start. He will get further but it’s important that he learns how to race properly and once that happens, I can see him climbing through the ratings points.”
Frankie Lor will combine with Zac Purton and Triumphant More, who chases a third victory when he contests the Class 3 TVB Heroes In White Handicap (1200m) against Chris So’s unbeaten Hong Lok Golf and Danny Shum’s last-start winner Blazing Wind.
“He (Triumphant More) is a big horse and even though he’s won twice, he’s still improving,” Lor said. “If the pace is not fast, he can go forward. If not, he can still be close.”
Sunday’s (9 February) Sha Tin meeting starts with the Class 5 TVB Lok Sin Tong Charity Corner Handicap (1400m) at 12.30pm.
By Leo Schlink
