Third-time luck for Swyenesse

All eyes will be on unbeaten threeyear-old Lucky Sweynesse come Race 8 at Happy Valley in Hong Kong today, a Class 3 1200m Handicap, as he aims to extend his winning streak to three after two very impressive wins so far.

Lucky Sweynesse debuted at this track and distance in early February after stringing together a handful of decent barrier trials in which he showed potential.

Sent off as second favourite, Lucky Sweynesse didn’t get all the favours in running under Zac Purton, but class prevailed as he scooted away to win by 2.50 lengths.

Second-up off a nine-point hike in the handicap, which saw Lucky Sweynesse step out at the bottom of Class 3, luck was taken out the equation as he led from pillar to post under Joao Moreira (Purton unable to make weight), again beating his rivals by two lengths in an excellent time. It was an impressive effort.

Though he will get less weight off rival Toronado Phantom this time, Lucky Sweynesse appears to have more to come and does boast tactical versatility. Reuniting with Purton will also stand him in good stead.

John Size-trained Seizing The Moment can score a double in Race 7, the other Class 3 1200m Handicap.

A two-time winner from three in New Zealand, Seizing The Moment had been consistent without winning in seven starts in Hong Kong, finishing third on three occasions.

At start number eight, however, Size called on blinkers for the first time locally, and that was the winning difference as Seizing The Moment bolted in by 1.25 lengths.

Now the penny has seemingly dropped, Seizing The Moment looks capable of going on with it, and this race is a winnable contest against moderate opposition, with Smart Idea the next-best winning chance after a luckless last-start effort.