To the delight of his fans, Joao Moreira again rode a magical five-timer during the Sha Tin meeting last Saturday. It took the reigning champion jockey a single race day to double his season’s winning tally. With this emphatic performance Joao gave a clear message to his opponents that he’s more than ready to defend his crown in his quest for another premiership title this season.
In his 145-win record-breaking season last year, 40 of those tallies came from Happy Valley, including one four-timer and a hat-trick of wins on three other occasions. It will be interesting to see if Joao can maintain the momentum and replicate his sizzling form to the Valley tonight.
There is plenty of fun for all our racegoers at Happy Valley this evening, as it will be the opening night of our annual Oktoberfest-themed meetings. Oktoberfest was one of the first themed races we introduced under our Happy Wednesday brand. Combining elements of Bavarian tradition and culture, authentic Oktoberfest performances, great food and beverage options, exciting games, and fascinating races, it remains a fan favourite at our city racetrack.
Oktoberfest has had over 200 years of history. As a German I feel proud to see so many locals and racegoers soaking up and enjoying themselves in this traditional event from my home country.
The CITI Sprint Challenge Cup (Handicap) is the racing highlight at Happy Valley this evening. It’s a class 3 over 1200m and has attracted a very competitive field. It is good to see an expansion of the partnership between CITI and the Club. They began title sponsorship of the CITI Hong Kong Gold Cup in the 2007/2008 season, which means this will be their ninth season with the Club. Now that the CITI Hong Kong Gold Cup is an international Group One event, we are hopeful it will land in the World’s Top 100 races at the next update in January. From that big race day to Wednesday’s sponsorship at Happy Valley, it is great to see CITI entertaining their customers at Happy Valley.
The race itself is a very open affair and the tempo and how the race unfolds will be the key for the result. Excel Oneself is expected to lead but he may come under pressure from Longwah Amber, who was not fully tuned up in his seasonal debut. Secret Agent with his favourite jockey Gerald Mosse on board should be quick into stride and take up a position just behind the leaders. Blocker Dee, judging from his barrier trial, should sit up close on the outside of Both Lucky. General Iron is well positioned just behind midfield, with Seasons Star who likely goes forward as he is risk to be trapped wide, something which is also of concern for King Of Mongolia too. Imperial Rome always comes with a late run from the back and the solid pace should help him.
Excel Oneself is my first choice with Imperial Rome, but in this very open race there are a lot of other chances like Blocker Dee, Both Lucky, Secret Agent and King Of Mongolia, who all have the chance to come close in this event.
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