Hugh Bowman is optimistic Raging Blizzard has quality to cope with a rise in grade when John Size’s in-form sprinter bids for a third successive victory when tackling the HK$3.72 million Class 1 TVB Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (9 February).
Raging Blizzard has surged to a rating of 104 after successive Class 2 triumphs against talented opposition over Sunday’s course and distance and Bowman, who sits second with 38 wins behind Zac Purton (82) in the 2024/25 Hong Kong jockeys’ championship, believes there is no reason why the Per Incanto gelding will not be extremely competitive again.
“His last two runs, he’s won with authority and he’s a horse that does enjoy coming off the back of extreme speed and I’m not sure if the pace looks quite as hectic as it maybe was for his last outing, but it will be still be quick enough for him to find his comfortable running position,” Bowman said.
“I’d like to think he’s going to this race with the same sort of form. You’ve got to leave him alone early and if they go quick enough up front, he’s got an excellent finish on him and the gaps do appear if they’ve gone fast.
“Last time, was especially fast – the opposition – and let’s hope they do the same thing. His form is there for everyone to see and his last two wins have been really authoritative and let’s hope he can do it again.”
Raging Blizzard (131lb) faces seven opponents – Taj Dragon (135lb), Copartner Prance (130lb), Lucky With You (129lb), Magic Control (127lb), Gorgeous Win (123lb), Son Pak Fu (120lb) and Harmony N Blessed (115lb).