Fresh off a Happy Valley winner just before Christmas, David Eustace is hoping to keep the festive celebrations rolling into Saturday with a strong squad set for the Sha Tin meeting.
The British trainer watched Sports Legend record a facile success at the city circuit on Tuesday and after some downtime to enjoy the festive period, his attention now firmly turns to a pair of second-up horses who had luckless debuts.
Perhaps his biggest chance of a Saturday winner is Greater Bae, who runs in the Class Three Shui Long Wo Handicap (1,200m) after an eye-catching local debut at Happy Valley last month.
A winner in Australia before making his first Hong Kong start in a tough Class Three, he made up huge amounts of ground in the straight from last and finished on the bridle after having no room at the most crucial part of the race.
The run was not a surprise for Eustace and he is looking forward to getting the promising four-year-old back on the track.
“He didn’t necessarily surprise us when he ran here on debut, he’d been trialling well and I was hopeful of a big run,” said Eustace.
“He got stopped at the most crucial part of the race. I think he’d have ran into the money but it’s impossible to know where.
“I think both tracks will suit him, but while he’s still learning his craft, Sha Tin will suit him a bit more. I’m looking forward to getting him to the races again – he’s definitely come on from his debut.”
Another horse who caught the eye on debut was Happy Boss, who bids to make it second time lucky in the Class Four Tai Tan Handicap (1,400m).
He turned in towards the rear over course and distance last month and ate up the ground in the straight, finishing sixth in an encouraging performance.
“He’s a nice horse and his first run was pleasing. He’s definitely come on again for that,” said Eustace. “He’s had a nice trial and quickened up well. He’s definitely more professional at home.
“Hopefully he can bring that to the track and I think this stiffer test will suit him.”
Another big chance for Eustace on the day is Hailtothevictors, who runs in the Class Five Yung Shue O Handicap (1,800m) under Luke Ferraris.
He made his all-weather debut over the 1,650m trip this month and was unlucky to bump into a ready all-the-way winner, as he was forced to make his challenge from last.
Still unexposed after just eight starts, Eustace is hopeful of a big performance that can see him shed his maiden tag.
“We thought he would like the all-weather but you just never know until they try it. I think he just found the softer surface that bit easier and was more inclined to let down on it,” said Eustace.
“That was nice to see and his owner has been very patient. The step up to 1,800m will certainly suit and we’re hopeful.”
