Champion’s Way streaking into Sports For All Handicap

Champion’s Way is unbeaten through five starts, and the manner of his latest wins suggests the streak may continue in Saturday’s $248,417 Sports For All Handicap at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong.

Trained by John Size, who leads the standings this season, Champion’s Way began his career in January and has won his four most recent starts by at least 1 1/4 lengths, racing at distances of six to seven furlongs. The Sports For All Handicap is run at a mile, which is a one-turn race at Sha Tin.

A 3-year-old Australian-bred gelding, Champion’s Way has developed a come-from-behind style. On April 14, Champion’s Way closed from sixth to win a seven-furlong handicap by 1 1/4 lengths under jockey Joao Moreira, who has the mount on Saturday.

:: Hong Kong: Free PPs, picks, and analysis

The Sports For All Handicap will be Champion’s Way’s longest race and toughest assignment to date. The gelding has risen steadily through Hong Kong’s rating system and has a rating of 99. Champion’s Way was rated at 60 as recently as Feb. 20.

With the higher rating, Champion’s Way will carry more weight. On Saturday, Champion’s Way will carry the top weight of 132 pounds. Doctor Geoff, winless in three starts during the current Hong Kong season, was assigned 133 pounds, but apprentice jockey Victor Wong claims five pounds.

Circuit Glory, a 5-year-old gelding trained by Tony Cruz, is expected to set the pace. The style worked against a tougher field at Happy Valley Racecourse on Feb. 13. Circuit Glory, who will carry 127 pounds on Saturday, was sixth and 11th in his last two appearances.

Right Choice, who will carry 122 pounds, is well suited to the conditions, having won five of seven starts. Trained by Frankie Lor, Right Choice won four consecutive starts from mid-January to late March before finishing third in a solid field in a one-mile handicap at Sha Tin on April 28.