The Hong Kong football team commenced their Asian Cup qualifier campaign on Tuesday but they suffered a 0-2 loss away to Lebanon in Beirut. Despite not getting the best start as they would have wished, I’m sure fans will be supportive and hopeful for their upcoming matches.
For the Club we also hosted a football-related event today – a series of special workshops featuring some star sports figures as part of our Jockey Club Youth Football Leadership Scheme. This year we have a total of 44 youngsters admitted for the scheme, which is aimed at nurturing their physical, mental and social skills via various workshops and a football coaching course.
I’m sure the attendees would draw plenty of inspiration and insight from star boxer Rex Tso, who won another bout to extend his winning streak to 21 victories in Hong Kong last month, Guinness world record holder and Eastern Long Lions’ head coach Chan Yuen-ting, and also Paralympic fencing gold medallist Yu Chui-yee. They all shared their personal stories and tips for success to our participating youngsters. It’s definitely an invaluable occasion and we hope this can help in developing potential amongst Hong Kong’s next generation of future leaders.
Getting back to racing, we’ve entered April and are just weeks away from those exciting international racing action. Most of our elite local runners will build up for that in our two G2 events next week. But before that, we will again host another race meeting at Sha Tin tomorrow, which features 10 races on the card.
Race 9 is the Tolo Harbour Handicap which is a Class 2 over 1400m. The pace is good which should give every horse a good chance to perform. Lucky Girl led and weakened last out and is back in a week with 10-pound apprentice Dylan Mo astride, so he seems likely to go forward. New Asia Sunrise and Jolly Banner should both be tracking the pace with People’s Knight probably aiming to race closer with a tough barrier. Western Express should settle midfield, similar to his last race, and newcomer Nassa will likely be wide. Simply Invincible could also be wide from his high draw.
Western Express, Jolly Banner and Simply Invincible are working well, but the draw might be too much for Simply Invincible to overcome. Western Express is my first choice for a win and place. Jolly Banner had no room in his last run for about 100m, but should get a good run from just off the speed this time and is at least a placing chance. New Asia Sunrise is an interesting upcoming 4YO and is, in my view, another place chance.
Despite likely being wide, one should not underestimate Simply Invincible for a place. Nassa and Beauty Way are interesting newcomers with potential, but likely need a run. Beauty Way should be respected, even at his first local run, for a placing.
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