John Size has enjoyed a successful month and will look to capitalise on it with four quality chances at Happy Valley on Wednesday, spearheaded by Stellar Express in the Class Two Seoul Handicap (1,000m)
Reflecting on a prosperous April that has produced eight winners so far, including a Sha Tin four-timer, Size will be looking to strike again at the city circuit.
“We’ve had a lucky run. The horses have been running well. They’ve finally hit the line. They’ve run too many seconds, of course, but normally you get rewarded in some way. Eventually they turn into winners,” Size said.
Stellar Express will be seeking his fourth win for a season which has already seen him secure Group Three glory over Wednesday’s rival Colourful King when winning the Bauhinia Sprint Trophy (1,000m) at Sha Tin by three lengths.
Wednesday will see Brenton Avdulla jump aboard and while he is yet to win at Happy Valley, the son of Zoustar was impressive when leading all the way to win a recent trial.
“He’s been good – he’s won five races at 1,000m [at Sha Tin]. The rating band suits him, so we’ll have to go to Happy Valley and try him again, see if he likes it this time,” Size said.
“I think that he’s become a specialist at that course and distance. I think that’s why he’s been able to win those races and come up in the ratings so high. We’re hoping he’s not a complete one-trick pony and we can do some good at Happy Valley.
“He’s been in very good shape. This season he’s become stronger and stronger, and he’s put that on the racetrack as well. We’ve been very pleased with the way his health’s been and his soundness. He’s been in really good shape.”
The six-year-old’s recent runs have seen him dominate the lead, but Wednesday will be a test when jumping from barrier nine carrying top weight of 135lb.
“It’ll be difficult for him to lead but we’ll probably try. He’s drawn nine, so he’s got a fair bit to do to cross them but he’s a pacy horse,” Size said.
“You never know, we might get some sort of track condition. There’s a bit of rain around and there are a few things that could come into play on the night.”
The genuine Crossborderdude will return to Happy Valley for the second time when he takes on the first section of the Class Four Yeongcheon Handicap (1,200m) with Zac Purton in the saddle.
“He’s been consistent. He doesn’t win very often at this point, but he certainly puts himself in the finish all the time and seems pretty well suited at Happy Valley – he seems to get around there OK,” Size said.
“Later on we might ask him to run 1,650m, at the moment I think he’s going to be pretty competitive in the 1,200m races – in this class he’ll be fine.”
The El Roca galloper will once again carry the top weight of 135lb.
“He’s a strong horse, so I think he’ll handle that [top weight] OK. There might be a track condition of some type. Whether that suits him or not, I don’t know. He’s healthy and well, and he’s a strong horse, so he’s going to have a chance of winning,” Size said.
Spirit Of Peace has been running home consistently without winning and will be looking for a breakthrough score for the season with Karis Teetan aboard in the Class Three Busan Handicap (1,200m) after proving to be competitive in the grade.
“He’s at the bottom of Class Three at the moment and he gets a light weight, he might have a chance,” Size said.
“He’s drawn nine, so he probably goes back a little bit on this track, but I think he’ll get home pretty well. He works his way home all the time. He’s not a horse that sprints or shows a lot of acceleration in the finish, but he always seems to work up to the line.”
Perfect Pairing caps off Size’s contenders on Wednesday night when stepping back in trip in the Class Five Daejeon Handicap (1,800m) with Hugh Bowman in the saddle.
“He’d be looking for a wet track it seems. His best form recently has been when we’ve had some rain so if it rains on the night, he might appreciate that. He seems to be running well in this class, and at 1,800m-plus he always seems to run a good race,” Size said.
