Hong Kong’s challenges come in various forms at present and the latest is an outbreak of Wuhan pneumonia which has affected dozens of citizens this week.
Episodes such as this are always very worrying and it seems that further detailed tests are ongoing to identify what is believed to be a new coronavirus strain.
The Club has played an instrumental role in safeguarding community health for many years, notably with a HK$500 million donation to help the Government find longer-term solutions to disease control during the SARS outbreak in 2003.
Fast and efficient responses to subsequent health challenges have been invaluable in fighting incidents like this and we wish all those affected the very best as this important story progresses.
Back on the racing front, one of the more notable aspects of the last month in Hong Kong has been the way Zac Purton has gradually worked his way back into the jockeys’ championship race.
Joao Moreira moved 12 clear with a memorable five timer on HKIR Sunday but there was never any question that Zac would respond and his double at Happy Valley on Wednesday night means the gap is down to just two.
The fact that Zac starts a two-meeting suspension this weekend gives Joao a chance to assert again in another compelling title battle but it is also worth noting that a significant story seems to be developing in the trainers’ table.
Put simply, the evidence is building to suggest that John Size faces a serious challenge if he is to land his 12th championship and 5th in a row this season.
John’s team usually thrive from November onwards but that surge has yet to materialise this season and, despite the presence of proven stars like Beat The Clock and potential stars like Beauty Legacy, he approaches mid-January 10th in the table, 17 winners behind current leader Ricky Yiu.
Ricky’s horses have been in fine form all season and another midweek winner with World Famous took his total to 32 at an impressive 20 per cent strike rate.
Francis Lui is second in the table on 25 and continued his resurgent form when Doctor Geoff won the G3 January Cup, while Danny Shum is only one winner behind Francis and Douglas Whyte has moved up to fourth after averaging better than a winner a meeting over the last five weeks.
Of course, we all know things can change quickly and, with more than 50 meetings and well over 400 races left this season, these are still relatively early days.
However, it’s clear that Hong Kong’s homegrown handlers are thriving this season and, with Douglas also on the rise, the chance of a new name making a major run at the championship in 2020 is there for all to see.
Moving on to Saturday’s action, the Class 2 Lung Kong Handicap is the final race of the meeting and shapes up as one of the more interesting races of the season over the mile distance. Right Choice, Butterfield and Circuit Number Two will go forward to set a good pace with Private Secretary, Band Of Brothers and Hezthewonforus in close contention.
The Size-trained Nicconi Express looked a winner in his last start over course and distance but peaked on his run in the closing stages and finished fourth. He was the first to move that day in a race where the back markers prevailed and there was a lot to like from his performance. I make him a win and place chance with Silvestre de Sousa aboard.
Preciousship has drawn the inside gate but will go back to worse than midfield. He is in top form for regular rider Vincent Ho and will be storming home late as a place chance.
Private Secretary is a talented newcomer to Hong Kong and won first up in this grade at Happy Valley with a perfect run along the rail. This is a tougher test but he has quality and is a place chance on his way to the Four-Year-Old Classic Series.
Band Of Brothers is also a place chance as he returns to his preferred course and distance with a better draw. He should be in the mix from the outset, but this is very competitive. Columbus County’s trackwork has been good, plus he will be ridden by Moreira, so he is a place chance, too.
Comment
