David Eustace is looking to return to Sha Tin straight in Saturday’s Grade One Pearce Memorial Challenge Cup (1,000m) to help the brilliant Colorful King bounce back from an early start.
A victim of bad luck in many races this season, Colorful King had his only win of the campaign against Sha Tin 1,000m in November but enters Saturday’s feature on the back of a good 11th beating by Victor The Winner at Happy Valley last month.
The Blue Point four-year-old was dropped back to second from gate 12 and struggled to win under 134lbs, with Eustace also claiming the early pace did not suit his runner.
“Hopefully he can come back from the start. He hasn’t had a chance to run straight for a while and he’s done his best straight, so hopefully he can get back to his best,” Eustace said.
“He’s been very consistent, so hopefully he can be again.”
Colorful King followed up his only win of the season by a few seconds for Stellar Express in the Group Three Bauhinia Sprint Trophy (1,000m) and Grade Two to go straight to Sha Tin when they were unlucky both times.
He has a 5lb swing support on the Stellar Express on Saturday and jumps from gate six with Andrea Atzeni returning the ride.
Despite the weight, Stellar Express will be one of the main players in the race as a five-time course and distance winner.
Eustace has seven other runners at the Sha Tin meeting, including first-year glory Light in the Grade Four Sha Tau Kok River Handicap (1,400m).
The Advertise gelding recorded one win and four placings for Cody Mo Wai-kit and has tested brilliantly ahead of his first race at Eustace.
“He’s been consistent and he’s arrived in good order – I haven’t had to do too much with him,” Eustace said.
“Hopefully a little step in the journey can bring that little bit more that he needs to put his head forward.”
Glittering Legend is another good chance for Eustace as he bids for his first Hong Kong win in the Grade Three Beas River Handicap (1,650m) on dirt.
The Englishman from abroad won Sky Vino on debut at Sha Tin weather in May and was also unbeaten in third to Le Zonda at Happy Valley last start.
“He runs really well – his form on the dirt is good. He was very good in the Valley the other day,” Eustace said.
“Hopefully another good sequel.”
Glorious Ryder, Charity Together, Fashion Legend, Obea Haki and Continent Express are Eustace’s other hopes to add to his 34 wins in the season.
“Fashion Legend’s had no luck this season, but he’s done well,” Eustace said.
“He’s a good handicapped horse. Pray for Justice will be a good horse next season – he’ll need time and he’ll develop into good form, but his trials have been really nice on the dirt, so I thought it was worth going underweight.
“Continent Express was very caught and I think we can forgive him his debut. He is a horse for next season but hopefully he can have a good outing and we will plan for next year.”
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