Persistent rain did not dampen the strong enthusiasm of our fans in the season’s first meeting at Happy Valley. This was the first occasion since our modern recordkeeping began in the late 1990s that turnover for the first midweek meeting of the season topped the $1 billion mark, and overall, turnover was up more than eight percent on last year’s Valley opener. My thanks to our loyal customers for their support, and a special note to those who braved the rain and came to join us on course for what was a most festive atmosphere.
Most winners of the night were well-backed by racing fans, except Super Form who won a Class 4 mile event as a huge outsider in that race. It was a good omen for his connections – the same that will send Super Jockey to the barrier on Sunday, about to become the first Hong Kong-trained runner in Korea when he takes part in the KOR G1 Korea Sprint at Seoul Racecourse tomorrow.
Trainer Tony Millard’s wife Beverly has been in Korea over the past week to take care of Super Jockey, also riding him at trackwork. I learnt that the horse has coped with the surroundings very well and it’s a great sign for him prior to this big race. Of course, Super Jockey has shown great proficiency on the dirt, nearly landing the 2015 Dubai Golden Shaheen and running admirably in the race this March when fifth, having cut himself at the start. While I have had a schedule change and will only be in Korea for our Asian Racing Federation meetings on Saturday and cannot make the race on Sunday, I will still offer my great support to the horse from Hong Kong and you all can do the same during our simulcast tomorrow.
The action in Europe is also heating up and we will simulcast two major races from Chantilly – both quite respected in their own right – the G1 Prix Vermeille and G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp. Of course, as Longchamp is undergoing a significant renovation, these races and the Arc meeting are all to be held in Chantilly this year. The results from these Sunday evening races could serve as good indicators for the even bigger races to come in a few weeks.
Back to our races at Sha Tin, the Kwangtung Handicap Cup is a very competitive Class 1 event over 1400m of the C course and goes as the ninth race on a ten race card. The speed map for this race might not be that straightforward. Horse Of Fortune could go forward under Kei Chiong and a handy inside draw. I’m In Charge has been fairly close in some shorter races and that could see him vying for the early lead over this longer trip. Romantic Touch can also be handy to the pace on occasions, though rarely seems to be early in the season. Born In China should settle in midpack, coming back off a race last week, while All You Wish and Joyful Trinity should be well off the pace.
Joyful Trinity has been superb for John Moore in his last three starts, recording two wins in his first Hong Kong season. He might need the pace to heat-up to show his best, but is my main win and place chance for this. I’m In Charge has performed well early in recent seasons and could be quite fit after last week’s decent fourth placing behind Lucky Year, and is a placing hope for me. Horse Of Fortune was twice a Class 1 winner over longer last season and while he might prefer those distances, could land a placing.
Comment
