Rising Stars Hot Delight and Mr Incredible Set for Classic Mile Preview at Sha Tin
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 6 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A mouth-watering clash between Hong Kong's two most exciting four-year-olds looms as the highlight of Sunday's Sha Tin undercard in what will serve as a preview of January's Classic Mile . Hot Delight and Mr Incredible will square off for the first time in the Class Two Santa Monica Handicap (1,400m), with connections of the rising stars predicting improvement second up after their seconds on return . Facing his first test at 1,400m, Francis Lui Kin-wai's Hot Delight overcame a wide run without cover to go down fighting, beaten a short head by Sky Jewellery last month . He started his career in a blaze of glory with four wins from five starts last term, while the Brett Crawford-trained Mr Incredible won three of his four appearances in his debut campaign .
Key Points
- Sunday's Class Two Santa Monica Handicap over 1,400m at Sha Tin marks the first meeting between the two rising stars
- Hot Delight finished second by a short head to Sky Jewellery on return, having started from a wide gate without cover
- Francis Lui Kin-wai's Hot Delight won four of five starts last season as a three-year-old
- Brett Crawford-trained Mr Incredible won three of four appearances in his debut campaign
- The Santa Monica Handicap serves as an early preview for January's prestigious Classic Mile
Why It Matters
The Santa Monica Handicap clash offers a crucial barometer for both horses' Classic Mile prospects, with the winner likely establishing themselves as the early favourite for January's HK$20 million feature . Hot Delight's step up to 1,400m will test his stamina, while Mr Incredible must prove he can transfer his South African form to Hong Kong conditions .
The Santa Monica Handicap clash offers a crucial barometer for both horses' Classic Mile prospects, with the winner likely establishing themselves as the early favourite for January's HK$20 million feature . Hot Delight's step up to 1,400m will test his stamina, while Mr Incredible must prove he can transfer his South African form to Hong Kong conditions .