Champions Way up in class, goes longer at Sha Tin

Champions Way began his Hong Kong career Jan. 30 as a 52-rated Class 4 handicapper at Happy Valley. Four races and four wins later, he is the leading light in the featured 11th race Sunday at Sha Tin.

Champions Way, on the strength of his four-for-four record, is up 10 points in the ratings to 90 as he steps up for the first time to the Class 2 level while stretching out from a quartet of 1,200 meter races to 1,400 meters. It’s a real challenge, and though Champions Way, with Joao Moreira up for trainer John Size, has yet to put a wrong foot forward, he is no absolute lock at a short price Sunday.

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Champions Way toted top weight of 133 pounds when he won a Happy Valley Class 3 in his most recent start, and in each of his last two races he has been forced to cope with a wide draw. A 3-year-old Australian-bred by Hinchinbrook, Champions Way has yet to flash a dazzling turn of foot, though he has come with sustained runs from a stalking position in all his races while pulling away through the late stages like a horse who ought to go 1,400 meters.

Champions Way is not the only promising 3-year-old on the card, as Big Party goes in race 9, a Class 3 handicap over 1,200 meters. Big Party is up 13 pounds off his most recent start – and for good reason. Pinned down at the rail in a race at this same class level and distance, Big Party delivered the sort of explosive turn of foot Champions Way has yet to demonstrate, and had his rider not turned his mount off with almost a furlong to run, there’s not telling by how much Big Party would have won.

The caveat: That start came way back on Jan. 1 and Big Party five weeks later had to be scratched from an intended start owing to a leg injury. Whether he’s able to pick up right where he left off is a tale for the ninth race Sunday at Sha Tin.