This has been another intriguing week on the news front in Hong Kong racing.
There was a great atmosphere at Happy Valley for the first of three French-themed nights on Wednesday and the growing influence of Conghua was on show like never before, with four consecutive winners travelling down from our Mainland Base culminating with Racing Fighter’s win in the France Galop Cup.
True Grit also came down from Conghua to give John Size a valuable winner as the race to be champion trainer continues, while Pakistan Star had his usual headgear left off for a significant barrier trial on Friday and powered clear in a fashion which suggests that he could be back to his very best as he bids to win next week’s Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup for the second year running.
It’s clear there is so much to look forward to during the final eight weeks of the season but this weekend the focus switches to our annual HKJC Community Day Race Meeting.
This is always a special day and one that is designed to celebrate the Club’s close partnership with many different sections of the Hong Kong community as we work together for the betterment of society.
Our world-class racing has helped the Club quadruple its charitable donations over the last decade – with our Charities Trust approving HK$4.26 billion in donations to 222 different projects last year – and this year’s theme is education.
For many years, the Club has been a staunch supporter of educational projects for all ages and levels, from kindergarten programmes right through to those in vocational schemes and higher education.
Providing people with the tools and skills for a brighter future is a high priority and I am delighted to say that the Hon Kevin Yeung, Secretary for Education, will be guest of honour for a day that celebrates the very best of Hong Kong’s community spirit.
Saturday’s Class 2 Sports For All 1600M Handicap features five young horses stepping up in trip and the pace will be good to fast as a consequence. Perfect Match and King Opie are two of the younger types that will establish the running along with Circuit Glory and Right Choice. Champion’s Way, Rivet, and Charity Go will be in close contention.
This race is particularly interesting as promising three-year-olds, Champion’s Way and Perfect Match, have advanced to this level so early in their respective careers. Champion’s Way is perfect from his five starts thus far and Perfect Match is a four-time winner this season. Both are making their first start over the mile distance.
Champion’s Way has already stamped himself as a Derby contender for next season. He has been incredibly impressive and the step up in trip to a mile seems well within his range. With the benefit of a good draw and the tactical speed to be close to the pace, he is a win and place chance to remain unbeaten.
Perfect Match won the Griffin Trophy earlier this season and was an impressive last start winner four weeks ago. He is another top three-year-old and should go well under the light weight. He is a place chance.
Rivet is second up after benefiting from a fast pace in his last start. He has been training at Conghua and is coming into this race in good order. He is a place chance along with Right Choice.
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