This has been a notable week for a couple of our newer riders, with Aldo Domeyer riding five winners over two meetings and Alfred Chan marking his first night at Happy Valley with a winner on Wednesday.
However, the spotlight this weekend turns firmly in the direction of two notable issues which have so much in common with each other.
The first is the fascinating race for the Hong Kong trainers’ championship between John Size and John Moore, while the second is our annual Members Day which takes place at Sha Tin this Sunday.
Members Day is a hugely popular occasion which is underpinned by “Celebrating the Spirit of Champions” and it comes at a perfect time in the season this year.
John Moore moved within two winners of his old rival thanks to Smart Rocket’s midweek success and, just as last year’s battle for the jockeys’ championship went down to the final day, we could be in a similar scenario at the top of the trainers’ table this time around.
With a total of 31 races left there is still time for further drama and, given that the two men involved have a grand total of 17 championships between them, it is safe to say that whoever comes out on top will be a very worthy winner indeed.
Some of our leading trainers were on the lookout for future winners at our second Hong Kong International Sale of the year at Sha Tin on Friday night and the support they receive from owners across the board is something we never take for granted.
They make a huge contribution to the Club in so many ways year on year and their continued desire to invest in high-class young horses from all over the world helps us produce world-class racing which, in turn, provides significant economic value to the whole community.
The featured Class 3 Members Cup at 1000m will be a true test of speed with debutant winner Classic Unicorn and short-track specialist Multimillion matching strides early at what figures to be a fast tempo.
Classic Unicorn showed a lot of raw ability in an impressive win on his debut last month, though he did race greenly. He is a win and place chance to win again from his good draw carrying a light weight.
Multimillion is a four time winner over the course and distance this season and comes off a strong effort in his last start. He will be on the pace from the outset and is a solid place chance.
Lone Eagle returns from a five-month layoff, during which he has switched stables, and is fresh from a good trial where he showed improved early speed. He is a place chance. Goko is a course and distance specialist and has drawn a good gate to also merit place consideration. He has had a busy campaign this season but continues to race well.
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