Hong Kong Racing Tips: Tango to leave rivals in a spin
WITH a public holiday in Hong Kong on Thursday to celebrate Reunification Day with China, racing has moved from its regular Wednesday slot at Happy Valley, to an exciting ten-race programme at Sha Tin.
The feature race of the day is a clash between strong stayers and middle-distance performers in the £200,000 Hong Kong Reunification Cup Handicap (9:05am).
Legendary trainer Tony Cruz saddles three in the field, including Helene Leadingstar and Delightful Laos, both of whom may find the trip on the short side, and also fast-improving BERLIN TANGO.
This former Andrew Balding galloper, whose claim to fame in the UK was beating Pyledriver in a Classic Trial at Kempton, was bought primarily to run in the Hong Kong Derby.
As with the majority of racehorses that come from Europe, it took Berlin Tango around six months to acclimatise to his new surroundings, missing the Derby, before showing any signs of ability.
An eye-catching effort when a strong finishing fourth to the useful Charity Fun over this trip at Happy Valley in April was then followed by an equally encouraging performance when runner-up to the region’s top dirt specialist Hongkong Great the following month.
A recent impressive trial win indicates he is now at the top of his game, and he could be hard to beat off his present rating.
Principle threats include Sunny Star, Charity Go, and long-shot Lakeshore Eagle but Berlin Tango can finally show his true ability.
POINTERS
Berlin Tango 9.05am Sha Tin