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David Hall is cautiously optimistic Invincible Sage can extend a meteoric rise when the emerging speedster contests the HK$4.2 million G3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap (1000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (7 January).
Unbeaten in three starts this season over the course and distance, Invincible Sage (115lb) faces nine rivals under Alexis Badel as the gelding rises from Class 2 company to take on seasoned opposition in the most serious test of his career.
Victor The Winner (135lb) heads the weights from Super Wealthy (129lb), Duke Wai (128lb), Packing Treadmill (116lb), Kurpany (115lb), Seasons Wit (115lb), Flying Ace (115lb), Invincible Sage, Whizz Kid (115lb) and We Are Hero (115lb).
Hall has plotted a conservative path with Invincible Sage since the gelding arrived in Hong Kong in January last year after winning three times in Australia as Thron Bone and believes the four-year-old's form warrants a tilt at Group company.
"He's had three (wins) for three (starts) this season and he's becoming a bit of a straight track specialist and each of his wins have had different sort of merit in it. He's had to overcome an awkward spot (first-up), the pace wasn't as we thought it would be the next time and he's carried the big weight (135lb) and then the light weight (120lb) and up in grade, but he kept answering the call," Hall said.
"He's got another big step to take now but it's the perfect race for him in that he carries the light weight and it's his favourite track and trip, where his stats look exceptional – I'm looking forward to seeing how much of a step he can take."
Invincible Sage has risen 20 points in the ratings after his trio of 1000m wins, winning twice under Hugh Bowman and last start for Zac Purton. With Bowman unable to ride at 115lb and Purton on a short leave of absence, Badel takes the plate for the first time.
Hall is also represented by Flying Ace , a four-time Sha Tin 1200m winner who makes his debut over the 1000m straight course on Sunday under Matthew Poon.
"He's another who's had winning performances without winning so he does deserve a win," Hall said of the gelding who has slotted three seconds and a third from four starts this season.
"It's a bit of a different game for him – the straight 1000 as against getting out the back in 1200 metre races, but that's probably been because of the barriers he's been drawing.
"His performances are there for everyone to see – they've been quite eye-catching and he also deserves his place in the field. It's going to be an interesting race for him. His form is good, he's trialled well since and I expect him, with a good speed on down the straight 1000, to be very strong late again."
Victor The Winner reappears after a last-start fourth behind Lucky Sweynesse in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on 10 December and reunites with Bowman for the first time this season.
"He's doing well. Everything is okay," trainer Danny Shum said. "The only thing is the weight, that's the worry but he's got a good jockey and hopefully he can run well."
Shum has previously won the feature with Scintillation (2007) and Little Bridge (2012).
Sunday's (7 January) 10-race card at Sha Tin starts with the Class 5 Wan Tsui Handicap (1200m, dirt) at 1pm.
