The countdown to LONGINES HKIR week continues and, with just two weeks to go, the important pieces are now in place.
Congratulations to Matthew Poon for securing the final place in the LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley on Wednesday.
It must have been a nervous night for Matthew, who was suspended as Douglas Whyte and Chad Schofield tried to pip him at the post, but neither managed a winner.
Matthew joins Zac Purton, Karis Teetan and Vincent Ho for a special night on 5 December and it is notable that Vincent and Matthew would both have qualified even without a place being reserved for leading Hong Kong rider.
That says a lot about the way Hong Kong develops young riding talent. Our equine stars are also gaining international recognition judging by the way Beauty Generation’s win in the Jockey Club Mile has been received and it was good to see another global star at Sha Tin in midweek as Sergio Garcia promoted HKIR and the Honma Hong Kong Open golf with a visit to see the stars at Tony Cruz’s yard.
There is another addition to the jockeys’ room on Sunday when Australian star Tye Angland returns for seven rides at Sha Tin and a strong card also has a Triple Trio jackpot which could reach $12m if there is only one winning unit.
The Class 1 Chevalier Cup over 1600m at 4.10pm is the feature with a moderate pace expected. There is no clear leader so Morethanlucky and Good Standing figure to show the way. Given a slow tempo on the C course, forwardly placed horses should have an advantage and that makes Morethanlucky and Good Standing place chances.
Rise High may try to cross over from his wide barrier to obtain a contending position. The field will be tightly bunched. He is a win and place chance as he drops down in class from his Group 2 race last month against Beauty Generation and the best milers in Hong Kong. He is working well and Purton takes the ride.
What Else But You is perfect in three races over the course and distance and should benefit from his first-up run two weeks ago. He is a place chance along with the in-form Rattan.
Northern Superstar is an interesting runner as he makes his Hong Kong debut on a rating of 98 on the strength of his Group 1 winning form. He is a selected runner in the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup in two weeks at the more appropriate distance of 2000m.
He has had a short prep for his return but is a horse with a lot of experience, having finished in the Quinella in 10 of his 15 races in South Africa. His international rating is 118, which is only two points behind Pakistan Star, but this is his first race in 11 months and he may be too far back to make any real impact.
We will also simulcast the Japan Cup where filly Triple Crown champion Almond Eye takes on the boys for the first time in her career. She is an exceptional filly known for her big finish and is a win and place chance for me and a real star in the making.
Cheval Grand won last year’s Japan Cup and he will be close to a moderate pace. He is a place chance along with Suave Richard and outsider Mikki Swallow.
Joao Moreira rides Satono Diamond, a last-start Group 2 winner at the 2400m distance but this is a much tougher assignment. I will keep a close eye on Capri for trainer Aidan O’Brien and jockey Ryan Moore as the talented runner is entered in the Hong Kong Vase.
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