Flying Ace (NZ) has enjoyed a swift ascent and on Wednesday night at Happy Valley the Swiss Ace speedster will attempt to complete a five-timer and seal a berth in Class 2 when he contests the first section of the Class 3 Speedy Handicap (1200m).
Matthew Poon has been aboard for all four of his wins and tomorrow night the 28-year-old is in the plate again for trainer David Hall as the incredibly professional chestnut looks to maintain his unblemished record.
“He has a good heart, he’s very strong and he has the will to win. He’s not a small horse, he’s almost 1,200 pounds, so top weight is not too much of a worry – it’s just about what level his race fitness is at,” Poon said.
Flying Ace returns for the first time in seven months after having bone fragments removed from his right front knee.
“He trialled good but we need to see in a race whether he is the same, because it’s been a long time since he raced and I’m not sure of his race fitness,” Poon said.
Last start, the five-year-old nailed an almighty win for Poon after surging from last-to-first at Sha Tin in March.
The 78-rater boasts a pair of wins in both Class 4 and Class 3. He returns following two trials in preparation, firstly on the turf and secondly on the dirt when he crossed the line in second position under his own steam as Faulds was pushed to pass him.
“He was fresh, he jumped quite fast and in both trials he’s trialled pretty good,” Poon said.
Meanwhile, Sunday’s Hong Kong fixture sees the running of the HK$5m G2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) where Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) is looking to pass muster for trainer Manfred Man.
Ultimately chasing a start in December’s HK$24m Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), Lucky Sweynesse – last year crowned Hong Kong Champion Griffin – faces the might of Wellington (All Too Hard) for the first time.
“His form has kept very well, he’s good at home. We’re facing the top horses but I do think he still has a chance,” Man said.
Lucky Sweynesse returned five wins last season including two at Class 2 level.
“At this moment, he’s a very nice horse and he’s not difficult to train – he’s easy and quite honest,” Man said.
