Last Sunday, Japan earned their best results in our LONGINES Hong Kong International Races since their famous hat-trick in the 2001 running, thanks to Maurice’s victory in the Hong Kong Mile and A Shin Hikari and Nuovo Record’s stunning one-two finish in the Hong Kong Cup. It was also the first time in more than four years that Japanese runners secured a one-two in a major overseas race – the last being Victoire Pisa and Transcend’s one-two in the 2011 Dubai World Cup.
With the great success of Japanese horses in worldwide racing, they will be facing a similar issue to us in Hong Kong in that racing fans will want to follow their heroes participation in overseas races. Japan has had a more restricted framework than we have, in that Hong Kong can cover around 15 overseas race meetings. So far, the Japanese have not been able to cover any overseas races for betting purposes. It seems the Japanese government is considering a change which will bring Japan in line with some international practices, and allow wagering on these key races. I am sure that, with the great participation of Japanese horses in our international races, these events will be included in Japan's future offerings.
Back to our races, we will have another Saturday meeting at Sha Tin this afternoon, with seven turf races and three dirt races on the card. The 9th race today is the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals 145th Anniversary Challenge Cup for Class 3 horses over a mile.
This race lacks a genuine pace maker and as a result, the pace will be slow. Happy Placehas turned in his best work over the mile distance and comes into the race in good form. He figures to get a good run from just behind midfield carrying a light weight and looks to be a solid each way chance.
Joyful Moments has been a model of consistency, having finished in the top three in each of his last seven outings. He goes up in trip to a mile for the first time this season but has shown that he can handle the trip and is a place chance. Invincible Fresh, Good Good View and Too Fast are also place chances. The latter draws a better gate and has the services of Joao Moreira for the first time.
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