July 5 Hong Kong (Sha Tin) form analysis
4 Motor looks ready to win after an unlucky second to The All Out last start over 1,000m, where he was held up for room late.
9 Field Marshal, now third-up, should get every chance and looks the likely leader from barrier 1.
12 Winning Champion is also having his third start and is heading the right way. Back to 1,200m looks ideal after a strong third over 1,000m.
1 Light Years Glory surprised with a debut win at big odds and is worth respecting again despite the draw.
Race 2 (1,200m)
1 Gimme Five looks ready to break through. He resumes off a pair of solid trials and returns to a course and trip where he has placed twice from two starts.
6 Lucky Generations is unplaced from 12 but has run some encouraging races. Freshened with 35 days between runs and a nice trial under his belt, he is worth a look at each-way odds.
12 Flying Phantom has not broken through in 22 starts but is often thereabouts. He will drop out early and look to finish over the top.
10 Sonic Boom was caught wide throughout first-up but was not beaten far. He is capable off this mark and in a race lacking tempo, he can roll forward and make his own luck.
Race 3 (1,200m)
1 Mr Energia returns to Class 4 after starting favourite in a deeper Class 3 contest, where he was shuffled back and did well to finish fourth. That form reads strongly for this and he should be ready to strike.
2 Fashion Legend is on the quick turnaround after a comfortable win over the extended mile. He now drops in trip, but two runs ago he stuck on well for third over this course and distance.
5 Sight Happy did not have the best run last start from a wide draw when seeing this track and trip for the first time. He can settle closer from a better gate and is worth another look.
3 Smart Fighter is on debut on the all-weather under race conditions but brings in solid-enough trial form to be considered.
Race 4 (1,600m)
1 Beautiful Win has the speed map in his favour and looks set to control things from the front. He has posted back-to-back placings over this course and trip since dropping to Class 5 and is well placed to break through.
6 Apolar Fighter was third in the same race and had excuses after being held up for much of the straight. With clear running, he can give this a shake.
5 Smart Beauty won that race and should map with every chance again.
9 Family Fortune closed well into sixth from a wide gate and the addition of blinkers for the first time catches the eye.
Race 5 (1,200m)
1 Lucky Symphony had excuses last start after working hard from a wide draw to sit outside the leader in a strongly run race. He faded late into seventh but was not beaten far. Drawn slightly better this time helps.
2 Aerovolanic impressed on debut after some sharp trial work and looks to have more upside.
3 Patch Of Time is usually thereabouts and is better placed back at Sha Tin following a solid fourth at Happy Valley.
8 Spicy Spangle drops into a slightly weaker Class 4 and could show something here. He was caught wide last time, but his prior efforts over 1,000m were sound and he is a past winner over this course and trip.
Race 6 (1,400m)
4 Endued has been trending the right way since the switch to Benno Yung and a slide in the ratings. From barrier 12 last start he gave away a big head start but closed off strongly for fourth. He is knocking on the door.
7 Amazing Duck is back from a break and while he is hard to catch, his recent trial was encouraging. He looks the likely leader and will give a sight first-up.
6 Strange Alert was green and held up briefly on debut. Showed enough to suggest he will improve with that run under his belt.
12 Colourful Winner adds more speed and, despite being a maiden, has put up back-to-back placings over this course and trip.
Race 7 (1,200m)
2 Szeryng made full use of barrier 1 to break through stylishly at his third start, doing it with a bit in hand. He maps for another soft run. Should be right in it again.
1 Igor Stravinsky produced his best effort yet with a close-up second following the drop in class and now gets Zac Purton aboard, which boosts his claims.
3 Tourbillon Golfer made the running on debut and was only collared late. A repeat performance looks likely from barrier 1.
5 Winning Cigar had the outside draw on debut at Happy Valley over 1,000m and was given a quiet ride, but he found the line well. With a better gate and the step-up to 1,200m, he is one to keep safe.
Race 8 (1,800m)
3 Fortune Boy is a three-year-old trending the right way and steps up to 1,800m for the first time. He tends to get back and hit the line, as seen when narrowly missing back-to-back wins last start.
2 Beauty Viva has switched to Tony Cruz's yard and his close second over this course and trip two back is the run to go on.
9 Celestial Patch is improving with racing and his third over the extended mile at Happy Valley was backed up by a solid fourth. Drawn better, he maps to settle closer and see out the trip.
1 Wukong Jewellery backs up quickly, drops in grade, and comes off his best run yet when closing hard into fourth on the all-weather.
Race 9 (1,200m)
6 Magnifique had genuine excuses when his winning streak ended in March, but his recent trials suggest he has returned in top order and can bounce back first-up.
5 Righteous Arion has been holding form well with back-to-back thirds over this course and trip in stronger races. Key player.
3 Lifeline Express will drift back as usual and if they go too hard up front, he will be the one finishing over the top.
8 Akashvani was made to work from a wide draw in a fast-run race last start and faded late. Although drawn awkwardly in 10 again, he has the potential to improve.
Race 10 (1,200m)
4 Masterofmyuniverse steps into Class 2 after back-to-back wins that took his tally to four from nine, and he has trialled well between runs to suggest he can keep progressing.
5 Colourful King lost no admirers with a narrow defeat on his first 1,200m run. Back to Sha Tin presents a fresh test, but he is heading the right way.
2 Lady's Choice was not far away in Group 3 company behind Helios Express and now returns to a more suitable grade.
7 Call Me Glorious meets Masterofmyuniverse better at the weights and is worth another chance after a tough run wide throughout last time.
Race 11 (1,400m)
1 Patch Of Stars is a three-year-old on the rise looking to extend his winning streak to four, and remains the clear benchmark. He made light work of them last start and will take plenty of beating.
10 Victory Sky chased him home last time and boxed on honestly, and again looks well placed to run into the placings.
3 Another World is better suited returning to this course and distance after a fair effort at Happy Valley.
7 Armour War Eagle got too far back from a wide gate last time but closed in late. From a better draw, he can settle closer and improve.
Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
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July 5 Hong Kong (Sha Tin) form analysis
Race 1 (1,200m) 4 Motor looks ready to win after an unlucky second to The All Out last start over 1,000m, where he was held up for room late. 9 Field Marshal, now third-up, should get every chance and looks the likely leader from barrier 1. 12 Winning Champion is also having his third start and is heading the right way. Back to 1,200m looks ideal after a strong third over 1,000m. 1 Light Years Glory surprised with a debut win at big odds and is worth respecting again despite the draw. Race 2 (1,200m) 1 Gimme Five looks ready to break through. He resumes off a pair of solid trials and returns to a course and trip where he has placed twice from two starts. 6 Lucky Generations is unplaced from 12 but has run some encouraging races. Freshened with 35 days between runs and a nice trial under his belt, he is worth a look at each-way odds. 12 Flying Phantom has not broken through in 22 starts but is often thereabouts. He will drop out early and look to finish over the top. 10 Sonic Boom was caught wide throughout first-up but was not beaten far. He is capable off this mark and in a race lacking tempo, he can roll forward and make his own luck. Race 3 (1,200m) 1 Mr Energia returns to Class 4 after starting favourite in a deeper Class 3 contest, where he was shuffled back and did well to finish fourth. That form reads strongly for this and he should be ready to strike. 2 Fashion Legend is on the quick turnaround after a comfortable win over the extended mile. He now drops in trip, but two runs ago he stuck on well for third over this course and distance. 5 Sight Happy did not have the best run last start from a wide draw when seeing this track and trip for the first time. He can settle closer from a better gate and is worth another look. 3 Smart Fighter is on debut on the all-weather under race conditions but brings in solid-enough trial form to be considered. Race 4 (1,600m) 1 Beautiful Win has the speed map in his favour and looks set to control things from the front. He has posted back-to-back placings over this course and trip since dropping to Class 5 and is well placed to break through. 6 Apolar Fighter was third in the same race and had excuses after being held up for much of the straight. With clear running, he can give this a shake. 5 Smart Beauty won that race and should map with every chance again. 9 Family Fortune closed well into sixth from a wide gate and the addition of blinkers for the first time catches the eye. Race 5 (1,200m) 1 Lucky Symphony had excuses last start after working hard from a wide draw to sit outside the leader in a strongly run race. He faded late into seventh but was not beaten far. Drawn slightly better this time helps. 2 Aerovolanic impressed on debut after some sharp trial work and looks to have more upside. 3 Patch Of Time is usually thereabouts and is better placed back at Sha Tin following a solid fourth at Happy Valley. 8 Spicy Spangle drops into a slightly weaker Class 4 and could show something here. He was caught wide last time, but his prior efforts over 1,000m were sound and he is a past winner over this course and trip. Race 6 (1,400m) 4 Endued has been trending the right way since the switch to Benno Yung and a slide in the ratings. From barrier 12 last start he gave away a big head start but closed off strongly for fourth. He is knocking on the door. 7 Amazing Duck is back from a break and while he is hard to catch, his recent trial was encouraging. He looks the likely leader and will give a sight first-up. 6 Strange Alert was green and held up briefly on debut. Showed enough to suggest he will improve with that run under his belt. 12 Colourful Winner adds more speed and, despite being a maiden, has put up back-to-back placings over this course and trip. Race 7 (1,200m) 2 Szeryng made full use of barrier 1 to break through stylishly at his third start, doing it with a bit in hand. He maps for another soft run. Should be right in it again. 1 Igor Stravinsky produced his best effort yet with a close-up second following the drop in class and now gets Zac Purton aboard, which boosts his claims. 3 Tourbillon Golfer made the running on debut and was only collared late. A repeat performance looks likely from barrier 1. 5 Winning Cigar had the outside draw on debut at Happy Valley over 1,000m and was given a quiet ride, but he found the line well. With a better gate and the step-up to 1,200m, he is one to keep safe. Race 8 (1,800m) 3 Fortune Boy is a three-year-old trending the right way and steps up to 1,800m for the first time. He tends to get back and hit the line, as seen when narrowly missing back-to-back wins last start. 2 Beauty Viva has switched to Tony Cruz's yard and his close second over this course and trip two back is the run to go on. 9 Celestial Patch is improving with racing and his third over the extended mile at Happy Valley was backed up by a solid fourth. Drawn better, he maps to settle closer and see out the trip. 1 Wukong Jewellery backs up quickly, drops in grade, and comes off his best run yet when closing hard into fourth on the all-weather. Race 9 (1,200m) 6 Magnifique had genuine excuses when his winning streak ended in March, but his recent trials suggest he has returned in top order and can bounce back first-up. 5 Righteous Arion has been holding form well with back-to-back thirds over this course and trip in stronger races. Key player. 3 Lifeline Express will drift back as usual and if they go too hard up front, he will be the one finishing over the top. 8 Akashvani was made to work from a wide draw in a fast-run race last start and faded late. Although drawn awkwardly in 10 again, he has the potential to improve. Race 10 (1,200m) 4 Masterofmyuniverse steps into Class 2 after back-to-back wins that took his tally to four from nine, and he has trialled well between runs to suggest he can keep progressing. 5 Colourful King lost no admirers with a narrow defeat on his first 1,200m run. Back to Sha Tin presents a fresh test, but he is heading the right way. 2 Lady's Choice was not far away in Group 3 company behind Helios Express and now returns to a more suitable grade. 7 Call Me Glorious meets Masterofmyuniverse better at the weights and is worth another chance after a tough run wide throughout last time. Race 11 (1,400m) 1 Patch Of Stars is a three-year-old on the rise looking to extend his winning streak to four, and remains the clear benchmark. He made light work of them last start and will take plenty of beating. 10 Victory Sky chased him home last time and boxed on honestly, and again looks well placed to run into the placings. 3 Another World is better suited returning to this course and distance after a fair effort at Happy Valley. 7 Armour War Eagle got too far back from a wide gate last time but closed in late. From a better draw, he can settle closer and improve. Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
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Sabalenka dethrones four-times champion Swiatek to reach French Open final
PARIS :Four-times champion Iga Swiatek crashed out of the French Open after a 6-7(1) 6-4 0-6 semi-final defeat by world number one Aryna Sabalenka on Thursday, ending her 26-game winning streak in the tournament. Sabalenka's power was too much for the defending champion, who was looking to become the first female player in the Open era since 1968 to win four consecutive titles in Paris. The top seed will play either France's wildcard Lois Boisson or second seed American Coco Gauff in Saturday's showcase match. "Honestly, it feels incredible but I understand the job is not done yet. I'm just thrilled today with this win and the atmosphere," Sabalenka said. "She's the toughest opponent, especially on clay, especially at Roland Garros. It was a tough match it was a tricky match but I managed." Sabalenka, in her second French open semi-final and seeking her first title in Paris, powered into a 3-0 lead, twice breaking the Pole. Swiatek, who has not won a title this year but reached the semi-finals dropping just one set in five matches, looked completely out of sorts. With seven unforced errors in the first three games she was playing catchup from the start. The Pole, who late last year accepted a one-month doping ban, struggled with her serve and had racked up two double faults by the fifth game. She gradually, however, found her range and precision, countering Sabalenka's raw power with superb ball placement and levelled when her opponent double-faulted on break point. The Belarusian was furious, angrily shouting to her team in the box, before overrunning her opponent in the tiebreak. The pair traded breaks at the start of the second set before Swiatek earned another to level the match. But Sabalenka again broke the 24-year-old world number five at the start of the third to take control and she powered through the decider as the Pole ran out of steam. "It could not be more perfect than that," Sabalenka said of her third set performance.
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June 4 Hong Kong (Happy Valley) form analysis
Race 1 (2,200m) 9 Mr Aladdin has been in good form recently and looks poised to break through for his first win. Wide draws have hindered him in his past three starts, but he moves into a slightly better gate in stall 9, and Zac Purton taking the ride suggests he will get every chance. 6 Super Hong Kong will relish shifting into a low draw after jumping from barriers 12 and 11 in his last two runs, where he was taken back and ran on strongly. The step back up to 2,200m brings him right into contention. 10 Golden Fairy resumes from barrier 1 and looks the likely leader. He will give a good sight and can prove tough to run down. 2 Go Go Go faded late into fifth first-up and should strip fitter for this. With two seconds from as many starts at the trip, he is in with a shout. Race 2 (1,800m) 1 Lean Hero returns to Class 4, where three of his four career wins have come from, and from barrier 1, he can enjoy all favours. Forget his last start from gate 14 at Sha Tin where he was never in the race, but his prior runs at Happy Valley were encouraging. 2 Sunday's Serenade was chasing a hat-trick last start but had too much work to do from barrier 12. He moves into a better draw this time and should settle closer in the run. While unproven at the distance, his form has been on the up since switching to Happy Valley. 9 Firefoot ran a solid fifth after leading over 1,800m at Sha Tin last start, and his chances improve now that he returns to Happy Valley. He does not need to lead, but he should be on the pace. 6 Mission Strike is lightly raced and continues to hint at a win. He will get back from barrier 11 but is one to watch charging late. Race 3 (1,200m) 10 Good Prospect began fairly last time and settled further back than intended and had excuses in the run. He gets a likeable jockey switch with Andrea Atzeni taking over, and barrier 3 ensures every chance if he jumps on terms. 3 Beauty Thunder has been improving since sliding down the ratings. He ran second two starts ago and had some traffic issues last time when finishing eighth. Expect better with Purton in the saddle. 11 Vulcanus maps to get a similar run to last start from barrier 1, where he finished a close second. He is in the mix again. 2 King Eccellente returns to Class 4 and, from a low draw, can be followed now that he is back in the right grade. Race 4 (1,650m) 1 Midori Fuji draws wide, but looks ready to win after back-to-back seconds. Despite the tricky gate, he still shapes as the one to side with. 6 Wrote A New Page makes his Happy Valley debut and brings solid Sha Tin form. His last-start fourth held merit given he raced wide without cover until mid-race over the Sha Tin mile. 7 Nebraskan steps up in trip for the first time, but barrier 1 ensures a kind run. He is still a maiden, but recent 1,200m efforts suggest he is getting close to breaking through. 2 Setanta is capable of bouncing back any time in this grade. This is his third run back in Class 4 and from a good draw at his preferred track, he is worth including. Race 5 (1,200m) 2 Bienvenue broke through with a dominant maiden victory last time. The 3YO looks capable of going back-to-back from barrier 2 where he maps to get every chance. 8 Loving Vibes fits a similar profile, having taken a few runs to break through but backed up his maiden win with a close third last time. He is hard to oppose given his consistency. 1 Denfield can improve on his recent moderate form now that he drops back into Class 4, with the apprentice claim also aiding his cause. 7 Tactical Command is on the quick seven-day turnaround from a solid fourth, beaten by just 1½ lengths, and is always worth some thought. Race 6 (1,200m) 4 Giant Leap looks to have turned a corner and now chases a hat-trick. He broke through for his first Class 3 win last start with a strong all-the-way effort and has since bolted in a trial. From barrier 1, he gets every chance. 5 Storm Rider has been in top form since switching to this course and distance four starts ago, reeling off three consecutive seconds. With barrier 2 and blinkers on for the first time, he can go close. 3 Beauty Infinity raced wide without cover last start when a close-up fourth and was a solid third to Chateauneuf two starts ago. He is generally around the mark, and is again worthy of consideration. 11 Storming Dragon will appreciate a solid tempo up front and can be charging home late, as seen when rattling into third behind Crimson Flash last time. Race 7 (1,800m) 7 Casa Rochester is finding his feet. After dropping in the ratings and breaking through on his third attempt in Class 4, he returned to Class 3 last start and posted a creditable fifth despite striking traffic late. He tries 1,800m for the first time, but the trip looks within reach. 9 Joy Of Spring deserves another chance after starting favourite last time but finding himself on the inferior part of the track. He should present better value this time and barrier 2 gives him every hope. 2 Cambridge surprised at long odds last start, winning on his first attempt at this course and distance. The 4YO is now further acclimatised and looks capable of building on that effort. 1 Flamingo Trillion has what it takes to sneak into the placings in this grade and at this trip. He maps well on the speed in a race lacking genuine tempo. Race 8 (1,650m) 2 Sky Trust returned to Happy Valley for his second try last start but again copped a wide gate, his third in a row. Ridden for luck from the back, he had too much work to do but still flashed into fourth, which was a strong effort. With a better draw and a more even run, he can bounce back. 3 Another World makes his first appearance at Happy Valley and is worth keeping safe. His Sha Tin form is solid, and that base should carry him a long way. 5 Excellence Value has built a handy record with one win and three placings from seven local starts. He has placed in three outings since his win and continues to run well. Hard to knock. 7 Prestige Good steps back into Class 3 after a commanding all-the-way win last week for his first Hong Kong success. The quick back-up is a positive for this improving 4YO. Race 9 (1,200m) 4 Gustosisimo won a Class 2 race at Sha Tin impressively two starts ago, but from barrier 10 last time, he found himself in a slowly run race and could not get into it from his position. He still ran well against the race shape, and returns to his happy hunting ground where the race will be run to suit. 5 Horsepower presents an interesting proposition as he tests himself over 1,200m for the first time. He is thriving with three wins from four locally, and will be finishing strongly late. 1 Aurora Lady will map perfectly from barrier 1 off a strong tempo, as seen two starts ago when a fast-finishing second to Beauty Destiny. Back up to 1,200m is key to his chances. 7 Kaholo Angel has won four times over this trip in Hong Kong, and two of the victories were secured in his last three starts, albeit by just a head both times. He has drawn another inside gate in three, and is not without a chance.
