Sha Tin’s final meeting of 2019 this Sunday has a lot to live up to following our Boxing Day fixture at Happy Valley.
The party was in full swing and there was much to learn from the action on the track with three of our best young jockeys – namely Alexis Badel, Grant van Niekerk and Vincent Ho – responsible for eight of the nine winners between them.
It was a very significant night for Alexis, who enjoyed a golden hour by winning races three, four and five. Dor Dor’s win was his first for John Size, which is a notable event for any young rider. And Victory Power’s success in race five means Alexis now has an impressive four wins and three places from just 11 rides for Douglas Whyte.
Winning Method’s all-the-way win in the finale meant that Grant emulated Alexis by riding a treble to cement his place in the top five of the table.
Vincent remains a clear fourth after his latest double and, given that he, Grant and Alexis are all still in their late 20s, it’s clear to see that there is much more depth and potential to the Hong Kong riding roster than some people have suggested of late.
Thoughts always begin to turn to the BMW Hong Kong Derby as we approach a new year and Vincent completed his double aboard a horse who could make a firm impression on the road to our Classic next March.
Private Secretary joined Tony Cruz with a fine pedigree and smart UK form for John Gosden and he made a highly encouraging Hong Kong debut, travelling powerfully on the inside and needing just one tap with the whip to beat a strong field impressively over 1650m.
History shows that any horse who can make a winning debut in Class 2 at the Valley is a potential Group race contender. Private Secretary won’t be the biggest horse on the Derby trail – he weighed in at just 1002lb on Thursday night – but he is clearly an exciting prospect and the fact that he is already proven over 2000m plus is a bonus with 2020 in mind.
The G3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap (R7) is Sunday’s sporting highlight as a handicap at 1000 metres with Premiere making his first start in nearly two years over his preferred trip. He is one of the most decorated horses over the minimum distance with seven wins and three seconds from 13 starts and has improved since his last start, which was after a one-year break over 1200m. He is a place chance.
Thanks Forever is a win and place chance after a sharp effort three weeks ago. He is a three-time winner over course and distance who is working very well and should get every chance from just off the pace. Big Time Baby is working well and is also a place chance, while Big Party was impressive at the Valley on his latest start.
Sunday’s Chek Keng Handicap is a Class 2 over 1650 metres on the All-Weather Track and is the ninth race of the day.
Buddies is a track and distance specialist and will push forward to help make the running with pace pressure from Circuit Glory, Raging Blitzkrieg and Turin Redstar. Gunnison, Ugly Warrior and Morethanlucky will also be in close attendance to ensure a good tempo.
Gunnison and Ugly Warrior are making their first starts around two turns whilst Playa Del Puente, a Derby prospect, has never trialled or raced on the surface.
Buddies has been freshened up for this and has been working well. He is very consistent on the dirt and is a win and place chance under the light weight.
Elusive State is a six-time winner over the track and distance. His running style has changed from a deep closer to a horse that prefers to be midfield or better. The pace of this race will have him a bit further back than he has been accustomed but his class and proven success make him a solid win and place chance, too.
Green Luck makes his first start on the surface and his barrier trial in August and his pedigree suggest that he can handle it. He is a place chance along with Turin Redstar.
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