Trainer Manfred Man hopes star sprinter Lucky Sweynesse can recapture his winning thread in Sunday’s (22 October) HK$5.35 million G2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin.
The reigning champion sprinter’s six-race unbeaten streak was halted first-up by the runaway Victor The Winner. Carrying 20lb more than his winning rival, Lucky Sweynesse could only manage second position on yielding ground at Sha Tin last month.
“Happy – at this moment his form is good, he’s fine. His last run showed that he still wasn’t fit enough, and he carried 135 pounds,” Man said.
The earner of HK$51.88 million, Lucky Sweynesse once again faces a hard task as the race’s top-weight (135lb) contender – a disadvantage that comes with being the sprint division’s standout performer.
“The winner (Victor The Winner) controlled the pace, we sat behind him and it was difficult to catch him over the final stages – the winner clocked 21.40s in the finish.
“Lucky Sweynesse carried 135 pounds, not 115, so it made a big difference. He’ll carry 135 again this weekend, but the winner will carry a different weight,” Man said.