While I enjoyed watching this year’s Melbourne Cup from Happy Valley, in past years I’ve always taken great pleasure in visiting Flemington and the great city that is so enthusiastic about this national sporting event. The race result was not popular at the betting windows - won by outsider Prince of Penzance – who was dispatched at huge odds of 220-1 in our simulcast pool, but there was indeed a fabulous story associated with the win.
It was heartening to see the images of local fans cheering wildly as Michelle Payne, the first female jockey to win in the 155 years of history of the race, hoisted the Melbourne Cup. It was even more touching when everybody watched her celebrating such an important success with the groom – her brother Stevie – who has Down Syndrome, and has proved such a great guide for the horse.
Michelle Payne extended her family’s distinguished tradition in racing, as seven of her siblings have ridden as jockeys. I’m sure her brother Patrick Payne, who was based in Hong Kong for years and is currently one of our simulcast racing columnists, would be utterly proud of her achievements.
Certainly many of you were saddened to see the news of the career-ending injury sustained by Red Cadeaux during the race. Full credit goes to his long-time jockey, Gerald Mosse, whose swift actions likely contributed to his survival. I am glad to hear he is doing well after surgery and hope the Hong Kong Vase hero enjoys a great retirement at Living Legends, where is indeed one, and in great company.
All ladies will be in our spotlight at Sha Tin tomorrow as we will be hosting our annual “Ladies’ Day”, the Sa Sa Ladies' Purse Day. Again we have arranged various attractions and activities, from the best dressed competition to themed merchandise for all female racegoers. Everyone will enjoy plenty of fun and a first class experience from our 11 exciting races on the card, highlighted by the day’s feature, the HKG3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse.
This race, first run in Happy Valley in 1846, is the longest-running race in our programme. Eleven top-class runners will contest in this event this year. It is run as a local Group 3 which a rating band from 115 to 90 over the distance of 1800m. The most likely pacesetters are Khaya and Flame Hero. Khaya has a history of missing the start but Flame Hero having a visor applied for the first time is a reliable pace setter, with Bubble Chic and Fantastic Kaka likely racing handy, followed by Top Act. Packing Llaregyb, Got Fly and Ensuring are all get-back horses, with Romantic Touch and Harbour Master in the back too.
The pace should be good to slow due to the fact that the horses in the front will not get much pressure. This will offer slight advantage to horses who are running closer to the pace. Got Fly should be able to overcome this disadvantage especially because he is working well and his first start in the season was very good. He is my first pick for the race, with Ensuring and Top Act as my next choices. Khaya is another interesting horse for a place. And I would not underestimate Packing Llaregyb, even he has to carry more weight than he did here last year and his body weight is a little bit on the heavy side.
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