Brenton Avdulla is confident Bustling City can extend his winning run when the four-year-old contests the Class 3 Lau Fau Shan Handicap over 1,200 metres on dirt at Sha Tin on Sunday, October 11. Trained by David Hayes, Bustling City will bid for a third consecutive victory after producing two emphatic performances on the all-weather surface.
The chestnut has won his last two starts by a combined margin of 11½ lengths, announcing a significant improvement since switching from turf to dirt. His latest success, a seven-length victory against a competitive field on his Class 3 debut last month, has strengthened expectations ahead of another test over the same course and distance.
Avdulla, who will partner the 131lb runner again, believes the horse has found a new level of performance on the all-weather track.
“He won well, didn’t he? I’m not surprised that he won, but it’s probably surprising the way he’s done it,” Avdulla said. He added that both victories had been strong and that he was keen to see what the four-year-old could achieve at the weekend.
Bustling City had shown consistency during his three-year-old campaign on turf, recording two second-place finishes and a third at Sha Tin. However, his recent performances on dirt have transformed his prospects, prompting connections to take advantage of his current form while conditions remain favourable.
With only two weeks between races, Avdulla sees Sunday’s assignment as a timely opportunity to maintain the momentum.
“It’s only a two-week turnaround. So, the perfect race is there for him to go back again,” he said, emphasising the importance of making the most of the horse’s current condition.
Bustling City Expected to Set the Pace at Sha Tin
Bustling City’s natural speed could prove decisive in the Lau Fau Shan Handicap, particularly if another front-runner challenges for the lead. Lucy In The Sky, carrying 135lb and partnered by seven-pound claimer Britney Wong, is also known for racing prominently over 1,200 metres.
Avdulla expects the early stages to be brisk if the two runners contest the leading position. Bustling City has drawn barrier two, inside Lucy In The Sky, and a clean break could allow him to dictate the tempo.
“He doesn’t need any encouragement to go faster,” Avdulla said, explaining that his main task would be to control the horse’s natural enthusiasm.
The jockey acknowledged that Bustling City can be difficult to settle but remains encouraged by the way the runner has been performing. He also suggested that a direct contest for the lead could produce a notably quick time, with the horse’s speed regarded as one of his strongest attributes.
If Bustling City breaks cleanly and secures the front, the challenge will be to sustain that pace through the closing stages. His recent margins suggest that the switch to dirt has suited him exceptionally well, although Sunday’s contest will provide another opportunity to assess his progress against established opposition.
Titan Pegasus Begins New Campaign with Classic Series in Sight
Sunday’s programme will also see Titan Pegasus return to action in the Class 3 Shui Pin Wai Handicap over 1,400 metres. Trained by David Eustace, the four-year-old will make his seasonal debut with Jerry Chau taking the ride for the first time.
Titan Pegasus arrives in Hong Kong with an established record from Australia, where the Deep Field gelding won twice before his importation. One of those victories came in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude over 1,100 metres, in which he defeated Devil Night, who subsequently won the Blue Diamond.
His final appearance of last season offered further encouragement. Making his first start over 1,400 metres, Titan Pegasus finished strongly to claim third place, suggesting that the longer trip could suit him.
Rated 73, the four-year-old now has the Hong Kong Classic Series in view. Eustace believes the Hong Kong Classic Mile over 1,600 metres is within reach, provided the horse continues to develop and earns the necessary rise in his rating.
The trainer stressed that potential alone would not be enough, with Titan Pegasus needing to establish himself through his performances before becoming a genuine contender for the four-year-old series.
Eustace is optimistic about the prospect of stepping up to a mile, pointing to the horse’s late finish over 1,400 metres last season. Sunday’s return should offer a clearer indication of his readiness for the months ahead.
The Sha Tin meeting on Sunday, October 11, will feature 11 races, beginning at 12:30pm with the Class 5 Hung Shui Kiu Handicap over 1,200 metres. Bustling City’s attempt to extend his winning sequence and Titan Pegasus’ return will be among the notable talking points on an afternoon that could provide an early indication of their respective campaigns.
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