Sugar to sweeten HK meet

In-form five-year-old Sugar Sugar generates considerable interest with the quick turnaround for today's Class 3 race over 1200m at Happy Valley.

The Caspar Fownes trainee has been in sensational form recently, winning two on the trot two and three starts ago before finishing third at this track and distance last week. On that occasion, he had to navigate barrier No 9. However, usual rider Alfie Chan was unable to secure a conducive position in running, leaving him trapped three-wide throughout.

To the horse’s credit, he stuck on well in the straight and was only beaten 2.50 lengths by Raging Blizzard, which is strong form.

This week, starting from barrier No 1, Chan should secure a far more economical run in transit and can bounce back to his winning ways if he handles the quick back up. Last-start winner Colourful Emperor, starting from barrier No 2, will likely run his race from the front, while Wings Of War, starting from barrier No 3, should map with a chance.

Elsewhere, three-year-old gelding Gallant Valour is on track to secure a second career win when he steps out in the Class 4 race over 1650m.

Gallant Valour has shown ability for the Jamie Richards yard, recording one win and five minor placings from the nine times he has raced. In his last outing, Richards stepped the youngster up in trip for the first time, from 1200m to 1650m.

Drawn out wide in barrier No 12 was challenging, but Gallant Valour ran on strongly late to finish a close third.

Jumping from barrier No 3 and to be ridden by Zac Purton on this occasion, Gallant Valour appears to get more favours and he enters a race where he appears to have what it takes to improve on his last start and secure a win.