Eroico seeks third straight win in Egret Handicap

Eroico has had a steady ascension in class in all-weather races in Hong Kong in recent months, winning consecutive races on the infield track at Sha Tin. On Wednesday at Sha Tin, Eroico faces a stern test in the $225,489 Egret Handicap at six furlongs on the all-weather surface. To win a third consecutive race, Eroico will carry 132 pounds, the second-highest assignment in the field of 12.

The Egret Handicap is the final race on an eight-race program. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

Trained by John Size, Eroico ended a 21-race losing streak dating to March 2015 with a win on the all-weather track in a minor handicap at about a mile Dec. 17. He followed with a nose victory in a six-furlong race on the surface Jan. 18.

Eroico is a 6-year-old Australian-bred gelding who has won 6 of 30 starts. He tends to race from just off the pace and has won two of five career starts on the all-weather track.

In Wednesday’s race, Eroico will be ridden by Karis Teetan, who was aboard in the January race.

Born in China, the 133-pound highweight, was sixth behind Eroico on Jan. 18. Born in China is winless in three starts in the current Hong Kong season.

The major threats to Eroico include Archippus, Fight Hero, and Love Shock.

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Archippus, who has won three times on the all-weather surface, was a troubled fourth in a minor handicap on turf Feb. 15.

Fight Hero won a minor handicap against a lower class of competition on the all-weather Feb. 5 for his first win of the current Hong Kong season in his third start. Fight Hero is likely to race near the front.

Love Shock, also trained by Size, is taking a jump in class after a fourth-place finish on turf Feb. 15. Love Shock is a threat from off the pace.