Some of Hong Kong racing’s biggest stars have been in the headlines over the last few days, with Zac Purton riding a brilliant six timer at Sha Tin and Pakistan Star on the move from Tony Cruz to Paul O’Sullivan.
Fans will rightly be fascinated by both stories but, as we approach the 50th meeting of the season, a new chapter in a story with greater longer-term implications for our sport was written last Saturday at Conghua.
The weather for the dress rehearsal for our Exhibition Raceday on 23 March tried to put a damper on things but I think everyone who took part – including owners, trainers, riders and various Club officials and team members – were all in agreement that things went very positively.
Of course, the state of the track is fundamental to any new racing venture and it was great to hear such positive feedback, with Chad Schofield describing the turf course is one of the best he has ever ridden on.
All the non-wagering elements of a normal raceday were in place for the five barrier trials, including pre-race paddock parades and post-race presentations, and with that important stage behind us can now look forward to the big day next month with real optimism.
For me, our Exhibition Raceday has huge potential for the development of sport in the Greater Bay Area and, with the wagering angle put to one side, we have a great opportunity to project racing as world-class sport with the focus firmly on the human and equine stars.
There are so many fascinating aspects about the Conghua facility – from the equine swimming pool to the spelling paddocks and the equine hospital – that will be of great interest to people watching both from Hong Kong and in Mainland China.
We are less than four weeks away from a unique day in sporting history. Our next task is to ensure that those present and those watching on television go away with the best possible impression of every aspect of Hong Kong racing and I am confident that the plans we have in place will do just that.
Wednesday’s card at Happy Valley is on the C+3 course, which has a tendency to favour horses who race on the pace, and the Hoi Yuen Handicap, a Class 3 at 1200m, has been split into two sections as race six and race eight.
In the sixth, Blitzing will establish a good pace with Telecom Puma and Lucky Dollar applying token pressure. Blitzing had a hard run earlier this month at Sha Tin but should have a much easier time from his good draw. He is my favourite here and is a win and place chance.
Breeders’ Star is a place chance coming from midfield, while Telecom Puma is a four-time winner in NZ who has worked well in preparation for his local debut. He has his first look at the Valley, while the fast-finishing Mr Genuine and Shimmer And Shine, in blinkers for the first time, may have to come from the back.
In the eighth race, the second section of the Hoi Yuen Handicap, Ambitious Heart, Gentle Breeze, Water Diviner and Forza Angel will go forward to set a good pace.
Gamechangers returns from Conghua in great form and should go very well again but, along with Lady First, Navas and Split Of A Second, he may have to come from towards the back of the field.
That should help the speedy Ambitious Heart, who is in good form with a low draw and Silvestre de Sousa aboard for the first time. He should get to the front and is an attractive place chance along with Gentle Breeze, who steps up from 1000m to 1200m.
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