There is something about early-autumn Group competition which sets pulses racing. At Sha Tin last Sunday, two G2 contests arrived with a strong sense of anticipation as minds and dreams drifted forward to 12 December and the LONGINES Hong Kong International Raceday showpiece.
Tony Millard and Francis Lui left Sha Tin at the weekend with detectable springs in their step following the victories of Panfield (Oriental Watch 60th Anniversary Sha Tin Trophy Handicap) and Lucky Patch (Premier Bowl Handicap) – and deservedly so.
In any contest, fortune plays an integral part- and there are always plenty of hard-luck stories – but Tony’s effort to have Panfield, last season’s Champion Stayer, primed to win over 1600m for the first time in Hong Kong represented a preparation master-class from the dual Hong Kong Derby-winning trainer.
Given the horse’s undoubted staying capacity, notably the ability to run out a strong 2400m at elite level, he stands as a formidable obstacle to all-comers regardless of whether he contests the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) or the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m) in December.
Karis Teetan was effusive in his post-race praise for Panfield, pointing to the BMW Hong Kong Derby place-getter’s improved strength and maturity since spelling. Based on his performance on Sunday, Karis and Tony have much to be excited about as Panfield stretches over more ground.
Hong Kong’s ultra-competitive sprinting ranks remain in a state of flux ahead of the return of G1 winners Hot King Prawn and Wellington, but nothing can be taken away from Lucky Patch in the wake of his G2 Premier Bowl (1200m) triumph for Zac Purton and Francis Lui.
While it would be wise to overlook the performances of Courier Wonder and Naboo Attack, given the way the race panned out for both, nothing can be taken away from Lucky Patch, who started from the outside barrier of 12 and recorded the equal-best final 400m section of the race with a split of 22.52s with Stronger, who was an eye-catching third.
With focus building already around the LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint, it will be fascinating to watch the progress of horses from last Sunday’s race, especially Courier Wonder who simply had no luck.
Momentum is so important in any pursuit and Zac continues to build telling impetus and is clearly riding with enormous confidence. Even though we are only 11 meetings into the season, Zac’s 21 victories so far have come at a strike rate of 25 per cent from his 84 rides, while his first-three strike rate sits at 48.8 per cent.
There is still a long way to go in the season – and the wheel invariably turns in racing – but the four-time champion, leading the championship by eight, has certainly laid down a clear marker to Joao, Karis Teetan and Alexis Badel.
The battle for supremacy among our jockeys and trainers will continue at Happy Valley on Wednesday night with the Class 3 Telecom Fighters Handicap, which caps off our nine-race card with three last-start winners returning among a full field of 12 in the 1650 metre test.
Meaningful Star has drawn the inside barrier with Joao Moreira, which is an advantage on the C course. He won his last start four weeks ago over 1800 metres when he benefited from a perfect trip behind the leader. He should get a similar run here and I make him a win and place chance to repeat against a very competitive field.
Parterre with Karis Teetan and Farshad with Matthew Chadwick are the likely leaders to set an honest pace with last-start winner Piano Solo and Matthew Poon also in the early mix.
Jockey Vincent Ho is the regular rider of Fa Fa, a winner of three of his last four starts over the course and distance, and it is interesting that he chose to stay with Fa Fa over Meaningful Star in this race. There is very little between them. Fa Fa came home with a very strong closing section of 22.62s to win his seasonal debut five weeks ago and has spent time in Conghua to prepare for this race. He is a strong place chance in his current form.
Total Power is another coming down from Conghua and his recent trial there was promising. He is first up this season, a scenario that produced a successful outcome last year over this course and distance. He is well drawn with Dylan Mo and is a place chance.
Surrealism is second up this season off an excellent try behind Fa Fa last month for Team Ferraris and is also a place chance coming from the back.
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