Last night I went to the Asia-World Expo to attend the opening night of the Longines Hong Kong Masters, which featured the Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy. The event drew a large attendance, and the crowd, combined with the exciting action, created a great atmosphere. I went along to not only watch some of the world’s very best equestrian riders competing, but also to see how four of our jockeys got on in the cross-over event, the HKJC 130th Anniversary Races of the Riders.
Joao Moreira, Neil Callan, Matthew Chadwick and Vincent Ho all visited the Expo for a practice session on Thursday to familiarize with the arena’s settings. They did not jump the full sized obstacles, of course, that takes years of practice to achieve, but they did guide their horses around the course, jumping 75cm high hurdles along the way. Believe me, this is not as easy as it sounds and horses may react differently to the environment.
In particular, I think Joao did very well in controlling the pace of his partnering horse, and he handled most of the turns smoothly. This reflected on his time results as he was the jockey who completed the course in the fastest time, six seconds quicker than Matthew who finished second among the four jockeys. It’s unfortunate for Neil though, as his partnering horse refused jumps twice and he was disqualified in the contest.
Although Joao was the fastest jockey to complete the course, there was a dramatic outcome as Vincent was benefitted from the fast time as made by his coach, French equestrian rider Kevin Staut, in the subsequent Speed Challenge, and the duo became the team combined in winning this interesting event.
In my view, even it’s just a cross-over event, carrying some entertaining elements; it undoubtedly shows the horsemanship and professionalism of our flat-race jockeys. The sport is very different to racing at high-speed around a racing circuit, but regardless of the results, all four jockeys appeared to find it a very enjoyable experience.
Talking about flat racing, on Sunday Joao will be hoping to add another top-class success to the three he has already secured this season with Able Friend and Designs On Rome, when he teams up with the fast-improving Redkirk Warrior in the HKG1 Hong Kong Classic Cup, and the solid and consistent grey Smart Volatility in the HKG1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize.
For Redkirk Warrior, the horse won both his starts in the UK at about 2000m, so it is likely that stepping up to 1800m this time is going to suit the horse. With Joao’s now in sizzling form, let’s see if he can challenge the likes of Beauty Only and Giant Treasure who have both already presented themselves as leading four-year-olds with their efforts last time in the Hong Kong Classic Mile, bringing its young home-grown trainer Chris So a first top-class success in Hong Kong.
In the day’s other feature, the Chairman’s Sprint Prize, the focus is on the face-off between the established top sprinters from past seasons against the emerging stars who are determined to push their way to the summit. For the veterans, Lucky Nine, winner of this race in the past two years, will be seeking to become the first horse to win this race three times since the local pattern system was introduced in 1991/92 racing season. As for the emerging crop, Aerovelocity and Peniaphobia, who finished one-two in the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, seem to be the pick of those on the upgrade. Both our Group 1 races will be fascinating contests so I’d encourage you to come to Sha Tin tomorrow to watch the great racing live.
Before then, let me also wish you all a very sweet and romantic Valentine’s Day with your loved ones this evening. Before heading out to celebrate tonight, I’ve also made in-depth analysis on tomorrow’s card. I think it sees an abundance of quality horses and besides the Chairman's Sprint Prize and the Hong Kong Classic Cup, there’s an interesting Class 2 with horses seeking an alternative route to the BMW Hong Kong Derby. The Chairman's Sprint Prize should be run at a good to slow pace and Aerovelocity and Peniaphobia are the likely leaders, with Peniaphobia probably taking the box seat to find some cover to avoid overracing. Lucky Nine may push early to get across from his awkward draw. Dundonnell, Eagle Regiment and Gold-Fun can be well placed on or near the rails with widely drawn Smart Volatility may be taken back. Aerovelocity and Peniaphobia are both working very well and there is not much between them, but I have a slight preference for Peniaphobia. Smart Volatility has the disadvantage to come from last but is still a place chance for me along with Dundonnell and Golden Harvest.
The Hong Kong Classic Cup is a Hong Kong Group 1 over 1800m and the expected pace is to be good, with strong pacesetter Twin Delight leading. Contentment can either join or ease off the pace along with Top Ace, Thunder Fantasy or Gonna Run. Giant Treasure, Beauty Only and Obliterator can be well placed, while Redkirk Warrior needs to ease back to avoid racing wide. Beauty Only was very impressive and is working well and is my first choice. Giant Treasure is working very well too and should not be underestimated, while Redkirk Warrior’s last run was most impressive and he is capable to run very fast last sectionals. Contentment was beaten only by half a length by Redkirk Warrior last time and Nash Rawiller seemed to be surprised by the late surge of Redkirk Warrior. He’s a horse with further potential. A horse who is likely to improve here is Golden Sleep.
In the last race the Class 2 Silent Witness Handicap I would recommend to have a close look at Luger who wants to get back on his winning track, as well as Romantic Touch who wants to qualify for the Derby.
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