It was great to see Hong Kong represented on the world stage for the first time this season when our dirt sprinter Fight Hero featured in the Korea Sprint, which the Jockey Club simulcast from Seoul on Sunday. I must say he produced a terrific run in defeat as he went toe to toe against Japanese galloper Moanin, himself a G1 winner in Japan. Their stretch-long battle was captivating but unfortunately Fight Hero came out on the wrong end of the photo.
I believe many of you would agree with me that Fight Hero’s performance was well above our expectations. Few would have thought that he could get that close to clinching a victory. After all, it was a very difficult feat, especially as the horse had to start from the widest gate of all, needed to settle behind midfield early and coped with the deep and loose sand surface in Seoul. The horse fought his heart out and we couldn’t have asked for a better effort.
I learnt from my colleagues that jockey Derek Leung had a look at the replay after weighing in and considered lodging an objection, as his mount was bumped twice on the turn. Nevertheless, the incident shouldn’t undermine Fight Hero’s achievements and I congratulate the connections – especially trainer Me Tsui and his owners, Mr & Mrs Lam – for achieving such a great result abroad.
We shall turn our attention back to our races at Happy Valley tonight, with the Happy Wednesday party set to continue at the city track. The Class 2 Wah Fu Handicap is the last of our eight races on the card with a competitive field of 12 at 1650 metres. Blocker Dee, Circuit Glory and Turin Redstar are the likely leaders in what is expected to be a moderate pace. Turin Redstar ran well in his only Happy Valley race at the end of last season and will need to overcome his wide draw but looks to be a place chance at the course and distance.
Winning Faith looks to be a win and place chance from his favourable draw, light weight, box seat trip and good performance over the track. He won his last trial and seems well prepared for his first run of the season. Litterateur is also well drawn and is a specialist over the course and distance where he has won four of ten races. He can also handle a rain affected track if required. Limitless is a last start winner and is working well for his return. He is a place chance along with Circuit Glory.
Comment
