With so much going on here at home in Hong Kong and at the Asian Racing Conference in Cape Town, this has been the sort of week to make you wish to be in two places at once.
Technology has not yet extended to creating a Jockey Club Time Machine but it has enabled us to keep on top of all the stories emerging at home and abroad as the Hong Kong season moves past halfway and towards next month’s BMW Hong Kong Derby.
For obvious reasons there has been a lot of negativity surrounding Hong Kong in recent months but I hope a little light is beginning to appear at the end of the tunnel and the key theme from the 38th ARC – namely Unlocking Potential – seems highly appropriate on various levels.
The 500 delegates and 50 speakers in Cape Town will head home this weekend, perhaps after a celebratory drink or two, with the clear message that racing has huge potential if it continues to collaborate and act globally.
As was outlined in the auditorium on Wednesday, international commingling provides our sport with a golden opportunity to harvest the full potential of global racing.
The advent of 5G technology will be a game changer for wagering and widening our fan base and racing can ensure its standards remain as high as possible by learning how other sports have enhanced intelligence protocols.
The Asian Racing Federation is committed to equine welfare and the ongoing fight against illegal betting and I am sure that all who attended this week will join me in thanking the Organising Committee for its exceptional efforts.
It is also good to report that the theme of Unlocking Potential certainly hasn’t been restricted to events in South Africa.
Manfred Man needs just one more success to reach 500 winners in Hong Kong and could be heading for an exciting trip to Dubai after Big Time Baby’s impressive win in the finale at Sha Tin on Wednesday night.
It will be great to see Victor Wong – who rode 38 winners despite missing the last seven weeks of last season – back in the saddle with two rides at Sha Tin after a long injury absence this weekend.
And a look through the recent history of Sunday’s HK$10 million Hong Kong Classic Cup tells the story of a race with a wonderful record of producing horses with genuine star potential.
Ambitious Dragon, Designs On Rome and Rapper Dragon all used the Classic Cup as a springboard to Derby glory in the last decade, while the list of stars who were beaten in the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series includes Furore, Exultant, Werther, Able Friend and Beauty Generation.
This year’s race looks well up to standard, with the first four from the Classic Mile all back in action, and it also has an extra layer of intrigue because of its tactical possibilities.
The race lacks a clear leader which will result in a moderate pace. World Famous and Reliable Team will go forward with Private Secretary and Playa Del Puente in close attendance from their good draws.
More Than This and Golden Sixty, both trained by Francis Lui, have combined for eight wins from nine starts this season. They ran 1-2 in the Classic Mile with Golden Sixty prevailing. More Than This will go back from his outside draw and the step up in trip should be to his liking. Jockey Zac Purton picks up the ride and I expect More Than This to close off strongly as a win and place chance.
Golden Sixty has been a gem of excellence and consistency this season, successfully moving up in trip from 1200m to 1400m and then to 1600m. Despite a setback with a mild fever, he will take his place in this important race and must be respected as a solid place chance under Vincent Ho. The distance is a slight question mark. I spoke to Ryan Moore after the Classic Mile. He feels Golden Sixty could be a top miler and I agree. His class could get him through but More Than This will enjoy the extra 200m and he is my first choice.
Champion’s Way is improving and will get every chance from his good draw with the globetrotting Ryan Moore in to ride. He was a bit sluggish at the start of the season but may now be peaking at the right time. He will be very interesting to watch and is a place chance, while the expected slow pace could be an issue for Beauty Legacy if Joao Moreira cannot find cover to relax him.
Reliable Team has been very consistent this season while rising in the ratings and has the benefit of a solid effort over the course and distance. He is also a place chance and Enjoying is another interesting competitor being a G2 winner over 1800m and 2040m in Australia.
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