Resilience in the face adversity is an abiding theme in Hong Kong and, over recent weeks, Vincent Ho has embodied the city’s ‘can-do spirit’ sentiment with his determination and discipline.
Vincent’s ambitions of enjoying successful Hong Kong off-season stints in Japan and Great Britain, where he was due to compete in the Shergar Cup, were cruelly scuttled by a race fall at Niigata Racecourse on 29 July. Vincent’s injuries were serious and he required hospitalisation after suffering a fractured vertebra, concussion and a rib fracture.
Anyone familiar with Vincent will not be surprised that, with the significant support of the Club’s medical staff, has done everything in his powers to return to race riding as quickly as possible. In fact, Vincent was urged to be patient during his rehabilitation and recovery – which is not always easy advice for such a driven character to heed.
It was great to see Vincent return to trackwork and trials over the past week or so and it will be wonderful to watch him ride in four races at Sha Tin on Sunday and I wish Vincent the very best of luck on his return.
The competitive nature of Hong Kong racing is an inherent strength and, from that perspective, it is heartening to see that after only two meetings and 18 races, 12 different jockeys have been successful.
On Wednesday night, the effort of South African Keagan De Melo to win on VALHALLA at his first ride around Happy Valley was excellent, while it was also very encouraging to watch Sardinian Andrea Atzeni win on MEGA BONUS.
Hopefully both Keagan and Andrea will continue to draw good support from trainers as the season unfolds.
Coincidentally, 12 different trainers have also saddled winners in the opening two meetings of the season and on Sunday we welcome another fresh – albeit familiar – face with Cody Mo saddling his first runner with BEAUTY NOVA. After a long and accomplished stint as an assistant trainer, I wish Cody the best of luck as he starts his trainer in his own right.
At Sha Tin Sunday the Causeway Bay Handicap is carded as Race 3 at 2pm for Class 2 horses over the straight 1000m course and carries prizemoney of $2,840,000.
It is always exciting to see a lightly-raced horse who is undefeated returning to the race track and the appearance of DREAM WINNER is one of the highlights of the meeting as Frankie Lor’s dynamic sprinter attempts to extend his unbeaten winning streak to four.
The pace in the race should be good with WHIZZ KID expected to lead from KURPANY, who is another horse with good early speed. DREAM WINNER should enjoy a nice run just off the pace, while WE ARE HERO and CARROLL STREET are likely to settle towards the tail of the field.
Vincent should have DREAM WINNER in a striking position from gate three. His three wins, which have seen him rise 33 rating points off his starting mark, have all come down the straight and he has shown he is capable of running fast times without having to lead from the front. DREAM WINNER rises in class and while he is a very talented sprinter, it is not easy for him to face proven Class 2 specialists like WE ARE HERO or CARROLL STREET. I still have him as my first choice to win due to his raw talent but first-up at the beginning of the season is always more challenging.
CARROLL STREET was a winner over this course and distance at his opening run last season on 19 February when he ran on strongly to beat TRILLION WIN in good time. Trainer Douglas Whyte has had CARROLL STREET at Conghua and won a trial back at Sha Tin and he is my second choice for Lyle Hewitson.
WE ARE HERO ran seven times down the straight last season, winning four of them. At his last run, he jumped awkwardly and was always well back over 1200m behind BEAUTY CHARGE on 25 June. WE ARE HERO trialled well behind LUCKY SWEYNESSE and VICTOR THE WINNER leading into this race and, with Hugh Bowman aboard, is my third choice.
Of the other runners, WHIZZ KID has plenty of natural speed and, while seen as a Happy Valley specialist, has won down the Sha Tin straight course. WHIZZ KID has spent time at Conghua and has champion rider Zac Purton in the saddle and will run well, as will KURPANY who has been working well ahead of his return to racing and beat WHIZZ KID in a trial at Conghua on 4 September. While KURPANY has never been placed over this course and distance, his best performance was when fifth, beaten two and a half lengths behind SIGHT SUCCESS in a Group 3 last season at a rating of 107. Now being rated 98, makes it slightly easier.
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