On Thursday we announced the latest phase of our youth football development programme as developed in collaboration with Manchester United. Hong Kong’s star boxer Rex Tso also came to our occasion and shared his personal experiences to all guests and attending young footballers.
I think we need no introduction to Rex as he has been one of our top sport stars in this city for the past two years, having just extended his unbeaten run to 20 bouts in his latest win last month. In my opinion Rex has a very different character from other top boxers as he’s relatively humble and down to earth, but he’s hugely dedicated and diligent. This also steered him to the success he has now and I believe many Hong Kong people would love to see him continue to extend his unbeaten record and attain further major achievements in boxing in the future.
As you have surely seen by now, on Wednesday evening we announced the star horses and complete line-up for the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin on 11 December. A key highlight is that all four HKIR winners last year will make their return and aim for another huge success at this big meeting. 24 Group 1 winners are among the invited runners and a record number of 13 Japanese horses were selected. We have a sizable contingent from France and the U.K. as well. The action is certainly heating up and I for one cannot wait for HKIR week to be upon us.
The first overseas runner will jet in to Hong Kong next Monday and soon after, a steady stream of top horses will be engaged in their final preparations. You can join me in following the related news regularly distributed by the Club to see how they settle into their new, temporary environment following their arrival to Sha Tin. In the meantime, tomorrow we will carry the Japan Cup simulcast. Apart from the performances of those top Japanese horses, we will also be closely following the performance of selected Vase runner Erupt.
Tomorrow’s seventh race is the Chevalier Cup, a Class 1 handicap over 1,600 metres of the C course. The pace should be good in this race with Friends Of Ka Ying, Precision King and Circuit Hassler all likely to race forward. Twin Delight, with blinkers reapplied, will also be close as will King Genki and Super Lifeline, who is at risk of being caught wide. Sergeant Titanium will likely be positioned in mid-pack with Solar Hei Hei behind on the rails.
Solar Hei Hei makes his third start of the season and should appreciate a slightly longer trip. He was a four-time winner last season, including over this distance on yielding going and makes his Class 1 debut with a very good draw. Carrying only 117 pounds and working well, he is my main win and place chance. Harbour Master was beaten only two lengths in the Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse and is already a Class 1 winner this season. Joao Moreira is back on board having been successful with him two starts back. Circuit Land missed all chance at the start last time and won in Class 2 off top weight earlier this season. He is a placing chance if he breaks with the field in this race. Newcomer Circuit Hassler is working well and could be one to follow in the coming months.
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