This is a momentous week in Hong Kong as we host the Philanthropy for Better Cities Forum, the first meeting of its kind in the region focusing on metropolitan social issues. We will welcome some of the key forum partners and speakers tonight at Happy Valley Racecourse before tomorrow’s Opening Ceremony, kicking off the two day event. The Forum will offer more than 1,000 participants in the field the opportunity to exchange views of various social topics and cultivate long-term partnerships and engagement, all aiming to help create better cities. Our Charities Trust, acting as the conference convener, is hoping to stimulate fresh thinking in response to the pressing challenges of the day. Of course, we are uniquely positioned as Hong Kong’s largest charitable benefactor, contributing HK$3.9 billion to Hong Kong charities in 2015/16.
What a Sunday we had at Sha Tin with the debut of our 2016 Hong Kong International Sale top lot Jing Jing Win and the second consecutive amazing win from another of the HKIS graduates, Pakistan Star. I’m sure all of our racing fans were in awe when Pakistan Star debuted in July against fellow griffins, but it was incredible to see it happen again in such similar circumstances, but against much more seasoned Class 3 company.
In consecutive races, Pakistan Star has not just finished with an eye-catching run, but the sectional times have been remarkable. He recorded a final 400m split of 21.22 seconds in his first race, and came home with a sensational 21.44s on Sunday. This late race speed puts him in some elite company already, even though he has yet to face horses in higher grades. I outlined the history of his youth in my blog last week, and I am certain all of our racing fans will look forward to his next start. Believe it or not, a relative of Pakistan Star also won on Sunday – over 2,600 metres! Near England landed the Group 3 German St. Leger at Dortmund on Sunday. His third dam, Nightrockette, is the fourth dam of our new sensation. With Pakistan Star recording early wins over 1,200 and 1,400 metres, it seems quite clear there is also some significant staying ability still being proven in the pedigree even today.
Earlier on the card, we were also treated to the debut of Jing Jing Win. This son of Starcraft was playing up in the barrier before the race but settled well and moved away to an easy victory. He had looked special in his barrier trials and still showed signs of his youth with plenty more improvement in the offing. These two will be particularly fun to follow over the coming months as I know all racing fans are always in search of the next rising stars of our sport.
In the meantime, we are back at Happy Valley on Wednesday after a week off for the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations and there are a trio of Class 3 handicaps. The Cha Kwo Ling Handicap (2nd section) is run as race 6 and is a Class 3 over 1200m with the rail in the C position which tends to favour horses on the pace. The pace should be good with Excel Oneself, a first-up winner last season, likely going forward chasing Thor The Greatest, who is the probable leader. I’m A Witness is very reliable to go early too. Flying Tourbillon should also be in touch with a better barrier today and Presidentparamount, who could be caught wide, will be nearby.
Having made only two starts in Hong Kong, Super Turbo has won in Happy Valley and this horse has further potential, is working well and is a win and place chance. Flying Tourbillon has the benefit of a run this season at Happy Valley, resulting in a ground covering fifth place and is a win and place chance too.
The same applies to I’m A Witness when to run third and is a win and place chance for me. Fantastic Feeling did not enjoy the wet going in his season debut and has to come from the back but could surprise with a late run. Happy Surveys will be another closer, but he runs well fresh and being a three time winner should not be underestimated.
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