There is seldom a shortage of news at any race meeting and Sunday at Sha Tin was no exception. Perfect weather created more of a buzz around the winner’s enclosure than we have been used to – providing a reminder of what we can look forward to in due course – but we are constantly aware of the bigger picture and therefore we continue to proceed with caution in regard to coronavirus measures.
Turnover remained amazingly strong considering we had the unusual situation of four single-figure fields and, with Joao Moreira and Karis Teetan still suspended, four riders seized their opportunities with both hands. Vincent Ho took a couple of weeks to hit top gear this season but he is off and running now and his latest double sets him up nicely for another important date with Golden Sixty this weekend.
Chad Schofield and Vagner Borges emulated Vincent with two winners apiece and Matthew Chadwick, whose renewed link with Tony Cruz could be very useful, continued the doubles theme when California Rad won the finale. Joao and Karis will be back as hungry as ever for a card with eight full fields at Happy Valley on Wednesday but everything this week builds to Sunday at Sha Tin and our first G2 races of the season.
Round two between Golden Sixty and Beauty Generation in the Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy, along with some of our best sprinters in the Premier Bowl, is sure to make for a high-class Sunday. However, there are also several other notable newslines to report, one with long term scope and the other more immediate.
Many customers have been looking forward to being able to participate in Mark Six at Off-Course Betting Branches again for some while and, having prudently reviewed events since the resumption of OCBB race betting services, it is good to report that tickets will go on sale again from Friday, 16 October.
The Club will continue to impose strict measures to protect health and safety at all outlets and it is important to note that customers can also set up HKJC eWallets at any OCBB. This enables the purchase of eTickets at self-vending terminals for a convenient cashless experience and prizes will be automatically credited to the eWallet thereafter.
News of the Club’s potential role in the growth of racing on the Mainland has been circulating this week and our position remains unchanged. Suffice to say that the ongoing success of Conghua makes the Club a natural partner but this is about the long-term development of a huge equine sporting industry and we will consult with all relevant bodies to see if we can use our expertise to make a positive contribution.
Wednesday’s final race is the Class 2 High West Handicap over 1650m with a good pace expected. Buddies, Solar Wai Wai and Bear Again will push forward to make the running with Alpha Hedge, Flying Quest and Green Luck in close contention.
Green Luck is first up and has had good success when running fresh in the past. He does his best work at Happy Valley and should get a good trip from behind the speed. Joao has ridden eight winners from just 18 mounts for Caspar Fownes this season and Green Luck is a win and place chance to extend their winning streak.
The freewheeling Buddies has never run or trialled at Happy Valley but his running style may suit the city track. He is working very well and I see him as a place chance with a low draw and Jerry Chau’s 10lb claim to assist.
Not Usual Talent returned from a long break to run a big race at Sha Tin two weeks ago. He will make his run from midfield and is also a place chance in his current form, along with Alpha Hedge and Flying Quest. Alpha Hedge steps up in grade but is a proven performer over course and distance.
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