The G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse meeting is always one of the most eagerly anticipated race days on the Hong Kong calendar and last Sunday at Sha Tin (6 November) again marked a wonderful occasion with quality horse racing and an incredible atmosphere.
The enthusiasm and engagement of a stylish crowd created an ambience which showed Hong Kong is returning to normality in the same week this amazing city celebrated the return of the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens.
Sport is deeply embedded in Hong Kong’s identity and I hope that last weekend’s events – as well as the success of the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit – can serve as an important stepping stone towards the full relaunch of Hong Kong with the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) in December.
The presence of 12,692 racing fans at Sha Tin to watch Money Catcher win the G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1800m) as part of Silvestre de Sousa’s four-timer made already compelling racing even more enjoyable with their passion and involvement. Total turnover of HK$1.704 billion set a new record for Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Day.
We hope to be able to build on Sunday’s crowd number for next month’s LONGINES HKIR when Hong Kong’s best horses take on the might of the international brigade in the ‘World Turf Championships.’
The Rugby Sevens showed what is possible in terms of crowds, health and safety and, given the Club’s unstinting efforts to ensure the successful continuation of racing during the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with HKSAR regulations, I am hopeful we can soon accommodate walk-in customers without bookings at our tracks.
Plans for LONGINES HKIR are well advanced and there is a keen desire to bring back our racing fans and make their return to the racetracks as smooth as possible. The vibe created last Sunday at the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse meeting proved Hong Kong has lost none of its appetite for quality racing and I am excited for what will unfold next month.
While the effort of Frankie Lor’s Money Catcher to break through for the first time in Hong Kong in Sunday’s feature was a highlight, very few horses are able to achieve what Beautyverse did by winning in Class 2 on debut in Hong Kong.
Winner of the G1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at his previous start in May, Beautyverse defied barrier 14 and belied his Australian racing style by leading under Zac Purton over 1600m in a masterly training performance by Tony Cruz.
With Tony now aiming Beautyverse at the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) in March, Sunday’s victory also delivered a HK$2 million PP bonus for the horse’s owners as a first-time winner in Hong Kong at Class 2 or above while rated 80 or above before turning five years of age and I look forward to following the Beautyverse’s progress.
At Happy Valley on Wednesday night, the Po Yan Handicap for Class 2 horses over 1000m is carded as Race 7. The race carries prizemoney of HK$2,640,000 and Whizz Kid is also chasing a $1 million PPG bonus for his owners if he wins the race.
The majority of runners in the field have natural speed and a preference to either lead or be close to the pace, so the race will be run at a fast tempo throughout.
Classic Unicorn has drawn the rails for Matthew Chadwick and if he is able to hold the lead as he did when winning over this course and trip on 6 July, he is a place chance.
Whizz Kid has drawn gate eight and Zac Purton will look to drive him forward early and sit outside the lead. The four-year-old has won three times over this course and trip and will have benefitted from some time at Conghua since his close fourth over the straight course at Sha Tin on 18 September when resuming. I make Whizz Kid a win and place chance.
Equaletta Blitz for Lyle Hewitson looks to have the perfect draw to stalk the pace as he did when winning twice here at the end of last season. He was not beaten far when fifth on 5 October when resuming. He has been working well since that run and is a place chance.
Seizing the Moment is a Happy Valley specialist and although he is yet to win over the 1000m trip, the race will be a high-pressure contest and he can run home strongly if the leaders are stopping. His first-up run behind Ping Hai Galaxy here on 5 October was excellent and he is a place chance with Antoine Hamelin taking over.
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