As we begin the festive season I am pleased to share some excellent news about the Club’s Charities Trust, which has been ranked number six in the World Charity Index 2015 for its charitable contributions – ranking just one place below the Ford Foundation in the United States. The Club is also the first Asian charity donor to be listed in the world’s top 10. This is a tremendous accolade for Hong Kong and a tribute to everyone who is working for the betterment of our community.
This news follows on from our record contribution of HK$3.87 billion to 189 charities and community projects last year. Such support is made possible by the Club’s unique model of world-class racing and betting entertainment, which enables us to generate the surpluses we need to support Hong Kong’s welfare and development. As we look forward to the Year of the Monkey, the Club will continue to work with dedication on behalf of everyone in Hong Kong.
It was an eventful midweek meeting at Happy Valley as we saw the impressive debutant Mr Stunning thunder home to take his maiden win in Hong Kong. But there was more drama on the night as Joao Moreira was dislodged from his mount Funny Fortune in the opening race, and Douglas Whyte endured the same fate when steering Noble Buddies to the starting gate before the third race. Despite Joao being hospitalized overnight, the most important of all is to see both jockeys returned safe and have not suffered any serious injuries. While Joao will miss Saturday’s meeting, he has said he will be fully fit for Wednesday’s big holiday meeting.
In another development, I believe many racing fans are thrilled to see Aerovelocity returning to his very best last week in the Centenary Sprint Cup. His trainer Paul O’Sullivan declared that the horse pulled up very well after the race, and they have decided he will go back to Japan to defend his crown in the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen in March. Aerovelocity demonstrated a devastating performance at Chukyo last year and I’m sure the connections and our fans will be very hopeful of his chances this time.
The HKG3 Centenary Vase is a highly exciting and competitive handicap which will be our last pattern race before we are to turn to the Year of the Monkey next Monday. It is run over 1800m and is a handicap race for horses with a minimum rating of 90. The highest rated horse is Gun Pit with a rating of 121 and has to carry 133 pounds while the lowest rated horse is Bubble Chic who is supposed to carry 113 pounds but may need to carry 115 pounds due to the fact that his rider Howard Cheng can only make a weight of 115. The same is likely to apply to Secret Weapon ridden by Douglas Whyte and Celestial Smile ridden by Silvestre de Sousa
It is interesting to note that Gun Pit achieved his high rating due to his outstanding performances on our dirt track, and I don't believe he can run to such a rating on the turf against very strong proven turf performers.
Romantic Touch is likely to go forward, while Khaya and Helene Super Star should be close to the pace, which is expected to be good to slow. Flame Hero and Top Act should slot behind them with Celestial Smile, Secret Weapon and Helene Happy Star in midfield. Packing Llaregyb should be near the back with Dominant and Gun Pit. The pace should favour horses closer to the pace and I expect Romantic Touch wants to control the pace and makes it a strong sprint for the last 400m.
Romantic Touch is in great form and is for me the horse to beat being placed perfectly and his ability to run a fast last 400m. My next choice is Celestial Smile who is one of the most consistent horses in Hong Kong with winning five times and being placed another 11 from his 16 starts. He tries the distance of 1800m for the first time and will have to carry two pounds more than required, but I still see him as a win and place chance. Top Act is a place chance for me because carrying only a weight of 114 and being a course and distance specialist. Packing Llaregyb seems to have been prepared for this race and is ridden by his favourite rider Zac Purton and has a good chance to be placed too. Secret Weapon is working well and even he has not a proven 1800m record in Hong Kong is an interesting outsider.
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