Chancheng Glory has found his groove and trainer Francis Lui hopes the American-bred gelding can lift his game again at Sha Tin.
Unbeaten across three starts since switching to the mile and also eligible for the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series, Chancheng Glory has been a revelation this season, with two wins in Class 4 and one in Class 3 – the latest returned at the end of November.
“He's good. If he can win, of course, at this moment his rating is a little low (for the Four-Year-Old Classic Series),” Lui said.
The Four-Year-Old Classic Series comprises three races: HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on February 4, HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on March 3 and HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on March 24.
“He can go a little bit further, he seems a little bit one-paced but he can handle a bit more (distance),” Lui said.
A three-year-old son of Mor Spirit, Chancheng Glory faces quality opposition, including Billionaire Secret (126lb), Let's Do It (123lb) and Accolade Start (132lb). Lyle Hewitson rides Chancheng Glory from barrier five.
Lui declared Golden Sixty to be in good condition. Hong Kong's champion will chase an 11th Group 1 win in the HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards' Cup (1600m) on January 21 at Sha Tin, in what shapes as potentially his second last run before retirement.
“He's doing normal work. We're happy with him, he galloped on Thursday (December 21),” Lui said. “He's the same, but actually, I think his condition is a little bit better.”
Baby Crystal will make his second start for Lui on Tuesday after a dazzling barrier trial earlier this month with jockey Vincent Ho.
“He's ok – blinkers are on this time. I think he'll like them,” Lui said.
Meanwhile, Hugh Bowman returns from injury with a trio of rides, booked to partner Phoenix Light, Pleasant Endeavor and Flagship Warrior on Tuesday afternoon.
“The body isn't where it was when I left off, but we've got to start somewhere and I'm pleased to be back. I've got a few rides on Boxing Day and I'll be slowly progressing into a busier schedule as January approaches,” Bowman said.
The Australian was sidelined falling a fall on November 11 at Sha Tin.