Packing Pins was our star runner last Saturday as he landed an impressive win, making it five consecutive handicap wins when taking the Lukfook Jewellery Cup. As for our jockeys, the spotlight of the day went to Kei Chiong, who earned her first local win partnering Hearts Keeper to a narrow score.
Although it took Kei seven race meetings before she successfully rode her first winner at home, I must say she has been close on several occasions with some good placing finishes before that. It was very encouraging and such a victory surely meant much to her. Hopefully Kei can build up from this win and continue to deliver more top performance. Coupled with the great start to the season from our other 10-pound claimer, Jack Wong, we hope these home-grown riders arouse further interest from our racing fans.
It was home-grown footballers who were my focus most recently as the Club has recently shared its strong commitment and support to local young athletes. In our latest move, we announced yesterday the third phase of our Jockey Club School Football Development Scheme, and I was quite happy to meet many school principals, teachers, coaches and students again at Happy Valley Racecourse.
This year not only have we seen this collaborative project between the Club and Manchester United extended to primary schools for the first time, three more team leaders earned accreditation as Manchester United Soccer Schools coaches. Adding to four other local MUSS coaches, these are the only squads to receive such an accreditation outside the UK. It’s our target to help further raise the standard of football, and I hope it could also enhance the chance for us to explore more talented young footballers from local schools.
Back to racing, tonight’s featured cup race is race 6, The Hong Kong Country Club Challenge Cup over 1,650m for Class 3 handicappers. Star Of Bond is well-drawn and should go out to set the early pace with Trump and Trendy Win attending just behind, also both with solid barriers in two and three, respectively. Great Charm, Flying Chaparral, and Robust Momentum have all raced in the first half of the field in their more recent races, but have been handed the three widest stalls with 10, 11, and 12. Speedy Longwah never wants to be too far behind, either and given all of this, I believe the pace should be quite fair. Meanwhile, Royal Partner, Beauty Lead, and First Sight Love should all settle well off the early speed.
Speedy Longwah tends to want to sit just off the lead and has been consistent in two starts this season, with a win and second over course and distance, and with unfavorable draws in 10 and 11. He seems to be ticking over in the mornings with that good work and a better draw in seven, could add to his early season tally. He will be my main win and place chance in our Wednesday feature. Both of Beauty Lead’s wins in Hong Kong came over the course and distance, and he returns here for the first time since May. Beauty Lead is not a frequent winner, but is deserving of consideration given the early speed in this race, and is one of my top three chances.
Another placing chance for me is Royal Partner, who was challenged by the widest barrier over 1,400m at Sha Tin two weeks ago. He was dropped way out of contention given the wide barrier and still ran on well. Happy Valley is his preferred course too, with nine total placings from 24 starts, while he has none from 15 at Sha Tin.
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