We all saw two highly talented young jockeys taking their chance with both hands, riding some impressive winners at Happy Valley this week. Damian Lane was one of those as he made a huge impact by scoring a double that evening, while Oisin Murphy added another win, his second in consecutive meetings. I believe many fans are happy to see them hit the ground running.
Some of our key hopefuls in the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races also geared up their preparation, taking part in their final barrier trials yesterday ahead of the big races. I’ve spent some time to recap the footage and thought the work from Able Friend was particularly encouraging, as he looks to be rounding into top form. Despite Joao Moreira’s tight hold after they straightened, the champion horse still tried to surge to the front. It’s terrific to see that and is a clear sign that the horse is somewhat near top condition.
His stablemate and another Mile local hopeful Helene Paragon also looked in great form when he ran mid-pack in another batch, with Amazing Kids being first to pass the post after pulling off a strong run at the front. Generally they all looked prime and ready for the challenge. But with the well being Able Friend and Helene Paragon, it appears to me that John Moore is in with a big shout for the top prize of the HK$23 million Mile contest.
We have one more local meeting before the big week commences and you will be able to stay apprised of all the news and notes from the week on our website. We will be live streaming trackwork on our website on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and you can also tune into the Barrier Draw for the HKIR on Thursday morning.
For tomorrow’s meeting, the tenth race is the Salisbury Handicap, a Class 2 event over the all-weather track and features a streaking Team Fortune, aiming for four consecutive wins on the surface, and to be our first four-time winners this season. The pace is projected to be good to fast with Malmsteen, Wah May Friend and Triumphant Jewel all expected to go forward. Blocker Dee will likely be behind them with Team Fortune getting a good tracking spot and a potentially wide Perpetual Treasure. Happy Meteor should not be too far behind. Dragon General might be caught wide. Mr Genuine and Archippus are two likely to be near the back along with a widely drawn Charity Joy.
Despite this first step into Class 2, Team Fortune looks to really enjoy our dirt track and the solid pace should be an advantage. He is working well and with Chris So’s stable in such a good form, I will make him my main win chance. Happy Meteor draws our leading jockey Joao Moreira, and should have some more fitness after his first run of the season. He is a progressive type on this track after two wins at the end of last season and is also a win and place chance. Perpetual Treasure could end up covering extra ground, but he is a course specialist with three wins and four placings from eight starts on our dirt track. He is another horse who is working well and is a place chance for me.
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