Colours to shine in Hong Kong

In-form four-year-old Celestial Colours is poised to return to his winning form in the Class 3 race over 1200m at Happy Valley today.

Celestial Colours has shown consistency in his six local starts, rarely finishing far behind. After encountering some bad luck three starts ago, he secured his first Hong Kong victory with a comfortable 1.25-length win at this track and distance. Despite a quick turnaround, Celestial Colours couldn't replicate his success in his subsequent race, starting poorly and getting crowded for room between runners. Despite finishing fourth, 3.75 lengths behind, he showed promise in the late stages of the race.

Since then, Celestial Colours has delivered an impressive barrier trial win, clocking a slick race-like time, indicating readiness for a rebound after a brief rest.

It's nearing the pointy end of the season, and with Francis Lui closing in on his heels after a triumphant three-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday, leading trainer Pierre Ng must make every race count. Four-year-old gelding Ka Ying Cheer holds promise to secure victory for Ng in the Class 4 race over 1200m.

Under Ng's guidance, Ka Ying Cheer has made five appearances, contributing to Ng's lead of five wins over Lui, totalling 55 wins for the season. Although Ka Ying Cheer hasn't claimed victory since his debut success in early October last year, he has consistently delivered solid performances. In his most recent outing, he finished a close-up fourth to Raging Blizzard back in late December, which is strong form.

Ka Ying Cheer is set to benefit from the drop in class as he returns to Class 4 this week, and he has shown promising form in two trials leading up to his return. With Hugh Bowman aboard from barrier No 3, he is poised to seize the opportunity to secure another win.