Fans at Sha Tin on Sunday enjoyed witnessing a landmark race meeting as Joao Moreira set a new mark for the most wins at a Hong Kong race meeting, bringing home eight winners from ten rides. While Joao has achieved this feat in both Singapore and his homeland of Brazil, our racing fans, and even international media commentators, readily acknowledged that accomplishing this in Hong Kong was a truly monumental achievement.
Those who do not follow Hong Kong racing closely sometimes seem to have the impression that Joao can ride any horse he wants at any time, that he is always on the “best” horse or the most-fancied runner in every race. Take a look at Sunday’s record-setting card as the perfect example of why that is not true. While his wins on Mr Stunning and Beat The Clock were all logical “top picks,” Joao produced some tremendously skillful rides on the likes of Victor Emperor, Cool And Neat and Mighty Maverick, not to mention his early move to stoke Prawn Baba towards the front. All of the adjectives used to describe Joao’s performance were much deserved and we are all so lucky to be able to witness his brilliance on a weekly basis.
Earlier today, the selected runners for next week’s BMW Hong Kong Derby were announced and we have a fantastic group assembled. There is always an added thrill that comes with Derby season, knowing that there is just one chance to participate, and hopefully win. There is always an edge of added prestige that comes with the HK$18 million race, and Rapper Dragon will be aiming to become the first horse to ever sweep the 4YO Classic Series. I’m also hopeful that Pakistan Star, who was purchased a year ago at our Hong Kong International Sale, will put up a big fight over a longer trip of 2000 metres. There are quite a number of other emerging talents in the race and I am certain you are all looking forward to the big race on 19 March.
Racing resumes at Happy Valley this evening and for the first of our Australian-themed celebrations. Tonight’s seventh race is the Gloucester Handicap, a Class 3 event over 1800 metres. The pace is likely to be good, which should give all runners an even chance. Club Life should go forward with Master Ceramibo and Jolly Gene in close attendance. Enreaching and Giant Turtle are likely to slot in next with Andoyas sitting behind them enjoying a rail run. Amazing Gold and The Sylph are likely to be near the rear.
With another good draw tonight, Giant Turtle is my main win and place chance for jockey Sam Clipperton. He won two races in Class 4 and had a very credible run last time when stepping into Class 3 and should be a prime contender yet again. Andoyas was a narrow winner last time over a longer trip and has two placings over this course and distance. He is also a good chance tonight. The Sylph has been running well late in his races this season and should appreciate the rise to 1800m, making him a good placing chance for me.
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