Opportunity has long been one of the key themes of Hong Kong life and it remains relevant to so many aspects of racing as we move into the final two months of the 2019/2020 racing season.
We are currently halfway through our latest four-meeting cycle of measures which have enabled various members and guests to come racing provided they have a prior booking and observe all health precautions.
Hong Kong’s coronavirus strategy has won international praise, and rightly so, but this week’s local community infection shows nothing can be taken for granted and our opportunity to relax further measures in weeks to come has to be balanced against what is happening in wider society.
One notable change at home this weekend is that cross betting for Sunday’s Sha Tin fixture will be available at Happy Valley. And one notable update from abroad is that Ascot are planning to run all five days of their royal meeting from 16 June provided racing gets permission to resume behind closed doors in the UK.
Again, what happens in wider society is key but the World Pool remains one of our most exciting opportunities and we will be ready to react promptly and efficiently depending on developments.
Last but not least, the opportunities for several Hong Kong riders in the next few weeks are clear for all to see. Zac Purton leads the title race by two from Joao Moreira after a double at Happy Valley on Wednesday, while our new 10lb claimer Jerry Chau has clearly been in demand since his debut day double as he has rides in nine of the ten races on Sunday’s card.
But one of the growing stories in Hong Kong racing relates to Antoine Hamelin, who continued his fine form with a double at the Valley and has now ridden 11 winners from just ten meetings since arriving at short notice from France just over a month ago.
French riders have a proud record in Hong Kong and our latest recruit is thriving. The faster pace of races here seems to be bringing out the best in him, as is having the chance to compete with world-class riders like Zac and Joao, and it was also notable to hear Antoine praising the respect our jockeys show for fellow riders.
John Size becomes the 21st different handler to employ Antoine when he uses him for Enrichment and Ping Hai Bravo this weekend. Our Champion Trainer has clearly been taking note and, at a time when most sportsmen have been in lockdown mode, it is great to see someone seizing an opportunity in a way that makes a huge career difference.
Enrichment has finished second in each of his last four races, moving up eight rating points in the process, and has played a supporting role with Moreira to Dances With Dragon and Purton in two sensational races at Happy Valley over the past month. He returns to Sha Tin as one of the top contenders in the Class 2 Hoi Ha Handicap over 1800m, which is featured as the eighth race.
A better draw this time will put Enrichment in an ideal position, just inside of midfield behind a moderate pace, and he will get every opportunity as a place chance. It should be noted that he has won only once from his last 28 starts between here and Australia.
Super Oasis makes his first start for leading trainer Ricky Yiu and adds blinkers. He will be closer to the pace than usual after drawing the rail and comes off a good barrier trial earlier this month, where he skipped clear of some useful horses in the new headgear. He is a win and place chance with Purton taking the ride.
Moreira rides top rated Butterfield, a class, course and distance winner in February. He will get a nice run from inside of midfield and is a place chance along with Uncle Steve.
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