Hugh Bowman has described Fast Network as one of Hong Kong’s most progressive horses as Dennis Yip’s emerging talent squares off against a highly-competitive field in the Class 2 Pok Fu Lam Reservoir Road Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on Saturday (10 May).
Chasing his fifth victory of the season, Fast Network (135lb) meets three fellow last-start winners – Bottomuptogether (132lb), Invincible Shield (126lb) and Gustosisimo (121lb) – as well as a host of other genuine contenders, including Wunderbar (130lb), the only horse so far to lower champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising’s colours.
Fresh from a Happy Valley double on Wednesday (7 May), Bowman is confident Fast Network can make it three wins in a row after a four-length romp over this course and distance on 30 March, when he easily accounted for Bottomuptogether when carrying 130lb.
“He (Fast Network) is one of the most progressive horses in the jurisdiction. He’s a sensible horse, he’s got a good brain and he’s got a good engine. It’s one step at a time, but I think we’re yet to see the ceiling with him,” Bowman said.
“(Last start) he enjoyed the fast tempo, it really set it up for him to finish the way he did. He’s trialled well at Conghua since his last run and he’s aided this time by an ace barrier, number one.
“There’s some very worthy opponents in this race and we’ve got to give them a few pounds but he won with authority last time and I don’t think this race is any stronger. He goes up a little bit in weight but he’s earnt that and if he gets the same sort of circumstances, I don’t think the weight will stop him.”