David Eustace heads into midweek racing at Happy Valley with confidence, following a rewarding weekend performance. The young trainer is optimistic about the upward trajectory of Colourful King, who returns to the 1000m course in the Class 3 Hong Kong China Rugby Cup Handicap under jockey Andrea Atzeni. Eustace, already enjoying a productive debut season in Hong Kong, believes the three-year-old is still maturing but has displayed the potential to climb the ranks with further experience.
The son of Blue Point broke through in his most recent outing, narrowly edging out Youthful Spirits in a tight finish. Despite the slender margin, the performance hinted at a horse still learning the ropes, yet capable of handling pressure and finding the line when it matters. With only two local starts under his belt, there’s a quiet confidence from Eustace that the colt’s development will continue in the right direction.
Wednesday’s sprint contest features a competitive lineup, including familiar rivals and a few fresh threats. Youthful Spirits will break from gate eight, looking to reverse fortunes. Also entered are Harmony N Blessed, Eternal Fortune, Casa Of Honor, and Seasons Wit, among others, ensuring a fast tempo throughout the dash. Eustace is optimistic about Colourful King’s draw and believes the layout of the Valley may suit him as he stretches out in distance in future engagements.
After securing a treble last Sunday with Regency Happy Star, Good Luck Babe, and Sea Sapphire, Eustace has reached 23 wins in his first Hong Kong campaign. The Australian import credits the success to a consistent team effort behind the scenes, acknowledging the support staff and the horses’ wellbeing as key contributors to his strong start.
Elsewhere on the Wednesday card, Jerry Chau aims to extend his form aboard Super Joy N Fun for trainer Benno Yung in the Class 3 Ho Man Tin Handicap over 1200m. The gelding was narrowly denied last time out but returns to his preferred course and distance. Chau highlighted the horse’s tenacity and noted the advantage of returning to Happy Valley following an unimpressive attempt over longer at Sha Tin.
Karis Teetan, another standout performer from the weekend, takes the reins on Triumphant Warrior for Danny Shum in the third section of the Class 4 King’s Park Handicap. Teetan was encouraged by the gelding’s effort from a wide draw last start and reported positive signs after partnering the horse in a recent gallop.
Preparations are heating up for FWD Champions Day, with Lucky Sweynesse and Voyage Bubble stepping out in barrier trials on Tuesday morning. Lucky Sweynesse, targeting a potential run in the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize, looked sharp in his workout, finishing with authority and clocking under 58 seconds over 1000m. It marked another encouraging step in his return, having not raced since April last year.
Voyage Bubble, aiming for the G1 Champions Mile, also impressed with his composed yet commanding display over the Sha Tin mile. Matthew Poon, aboard both trial stars, was pleased with their efforts, particularly praising Voyage Bubble’s adaptability and readiness. With major Group 1 assignments looming, both horses appear to be trending toward peak condition at just the right moment.
Racing on Wednesday kicks off at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Yau Ma Tei Handicap, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting evening at Happy Valley.
