Ratings-riser Encouraging gets topweight in Tolo Harbour Handicap

Hong Kong bettors were skeptical of Encouraging’s chances when the Australian-bred made the transition from Happy Valley Racecourse to a start in a tougher race at Sha Tin on March 17.

Encouraging handled the rise in class without difficulty, winning by 2 1/2 lengths at 19-1 for his third consecutive win for trainer John Moore.

Encouraging was boosted nine points in Hong Kong’s rating system, from 90 to 99, and will be the 133-pound topweight in Sunday’s $248,410 Tolo Harbour Handicap at seven furlongs at Sha Tin. This time, he will attract more support.

A 5-year-old gelding, Encouraging closed from well off the pace to win twice in races at about a mile and 50 yards at Happy Valley on Jan. 30 and Feb. 13. He finished in a dead-heat in the Feb. 13 race. At Sha Tin on March 17, Encouraging was near the front throughout before pulling clear through the stretch.

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Encouraging has carried weight successfully in the past, having won on Feb. 13 as the 133-pound highweight. Derek Leung rode Encouraging on March 17 and has the mount on Sunday.

There are several other runners in the field of 13 with leading chances.

World Record, who will carry 130 pounds, was a winner in a seven-furlong handicap at Sha Tin in November. He has not raced since a fifth behind the highly regarded Waikuku in January.

Lean Perfection, the mount of leading rider Zac Purton, will carry 121 pounds and can win for the second time in three starts. Lean Perfection won a six-furlong handicap at Sha Tin on Feb. 10 and was third on March 17.

Tornado Twist, second to Encouraging on March 17, has top connections in leading trainer John Size and former leading jockey Joao Moreira. On March 17, Tornado Twist was beaten 2 1/2 lengths, but had a troubled trip.

Tornado Twist will carry 118 pounds. The presence of Moreira guarantees betting support.