Streaking Remarkable steps up in Clear Water Bay

Remarkable is thriving this year on the all-weather surface at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong.

After losing his first five starts in Hong Kong, Remarkable is unbeaten in three starts on the all-weather track, which is essentially a dirt surface. Wednesday at Sha Tin, Remarkable will start in the $166,985 Clear Water Bay Handicap at a mile and 50 yards at Sha Tin.

The race will be a test for Remarkable, a 4-year-old Australian-bred gelding by More than Ready. Remarkable has an official rating of 64, considerably higher than his ratings of 41, 51, and 57 for races that he won earlier this year.

With the higher rating comes a higher class of competition – and a better purse. This will be the toughest race for Remarkable, who will be ridden by leading jockey Joao Moreira for leading trainer John Size.

In his three wins on the all-weather surface, Remarkable has one win at 1 1/8 miles and two at Wednesday’s distance. Remarkable has not raced since a win at Sha Tin on May 2 as the 5-2 favorite.

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A jump in class has led to a weight break. Remarkable will carry 116 pounds compared to 131 in his last start. Remarkable will carry 17 pounds less than topweight Royal Performer, who was a game second in a race at this level on April 21.

The Clear Water Bay Handicap drew a field of 14, including Glorious Artist and Biz Power who have solid credentials.

Glorious Artist won his last start on the all-weather surface at Sha Tin at 1 1/8 miles on April 21, his debut on the track and third start in Hong Kong. The presence of jockey Zac Purton, second in the standings, will give Glorious Artist significant support.

Biz Power was fifth in his first start on the Sha Tin all-weather surface on May 2. Biz Power did not have a clean trip and was beaten two lengths.