Apprentice Britney Wong is relishing the competition riding in Hong Kong and the season’s leading jockey on Sha Tin’s dirt course is aiming to extend her buffer with eight rides at Wednesday’s nine-race all-dirt programme.
Indentured to trainer David Hall, Wong has an unmatched seven wins on the dirt this term ahead of Luke Ferraris (five wins), Matthew Chadwick (four) and Vincent Ho (four). The 25-year-old is the first female apprentice to ride in Hong Kong since Kei Chiong.
Wong is a product of The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Apprentice Jockeys’ School. After completing overseas training in Australia and New Zealand, she returned to Hong Kong, where she has ridden 12 winners from 135 rides in the city’s intense racing cauldron.
“As a 10-pound claimer, I am very happy with the results that I have so far and all of the opportunities I have been given – I really appreciate it,” Wong said.
The affable Wong partners four last-start winners at Sha Tin: Patch Of Watch, Shanghai Style, Natural High and Ariel. Hong Kong racing is a steep learning curve for young jockeys, but Wong feels it sparks motivation and continually pushes her to new highs.
“In Hong Kong if you give an inch, they will take an inch. One decision can ruin your race, so it’s a big step up,” Wong said. “Working in a high-pressure environment will hopefully develop me faster. The main thing is to not try and take on too much pressure but see it as a learning process.”
Natural High was a first win for Wong in tandem with Hall. The duo teams up with the Power gelding in tomorrow’s second section of the Class 4 Kestrel Handicap over 1200m.
“I won’t say it was surprising but it was a breakthrough for him. It was his first win on the dirt and it was the first win for me with my boss. It means a lot and hopefully we’ll keep the ball,” Wong said. “It’s really special.”
Natural High goes from barrier No 11 of 12 in the sprint contest worth HK$1.17 million.
“He pulled up really well. He’s feeling nice and fresh now. I galloped him the other day. He’s sort of a horse who knows what to do and he knows how much he needs to put in, so he’s a smart horse and he won’t put any extra into it unless you make him.
“I think that’s how he stays fresh. Last time when he won, the morning before when I rode him, he actually had a little bit of attitude in him and I can feel it again this time. I’m looking forward to tomorrow,” Wong said.
With her 10lb (4.5kg) claim in use, Natural High carries 56.5kg, while Ariel is expected to carry a featherweight 49.5kg in the Class 3 Flamingo Handicap (1650m) from gate No 7 under Wong for trainer David Hayes.
“He (Ariel) goes for the same speed for a long period of time, so again, we will try to jump and be positive and see where we land. Also, it’s not necessary that he needs to lead. He can be lovely sitting off the leader or anywhere close to the lead. He’s a pretty genuine horse to ride,” Wong said.
Wong also pairs with Speedy Fortune, Flying Silver, Fun N Glory and Sing Dragon.
Ben Thompson is aiming to improve on a last-start second with Forever Folks in the first section of the Class 4 Peacock Handicap (1650m) for trainer Michael Chang.
“He went really well (last start). He’s very fond of the all-weather track and more often than not he’s a permanent fixture when there’s a Class 4 over 1650m – it’s just a pattern that’s become a happy pattern for him, and he’s very consistent over the course and trip – hopefully he goes one better than last time,” Thompson said. – Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Chater Gold looks ready to run a big race on his Class 5 debut, given his recent solid efforts in Class 4. Yoda’s Choice a fast beginner, he resumes off an eye-catching trial and could be hard to run down with a well-timed ride. Meepmeep will relish the drop in class, and from a decent draw, he should enjoy a nice run and go close to winning. Yeaboi has been in career-best form and should play a key role in this field. Colourful Baron had genuine excuses last start (raced wide) and could sneak into the placings with better luck in running.
Race 2: Yeah Buddy both the drop in class and distance are positive factors, making him an intriguing contender to watch. Patch Of Watch scored a strong on-pace win last start, and with Britney Wong remaining aboard, he is poised to repeat the dose. Modest Gentleman finished strongly into fifth last time out and could secure a spot in the Top 3 with a genuine pace. Falcon Court appears suited by the return to the AWT, where he scored a facile win two starts ago. The Prime gets back and charges home late, and with the right race shape, he can make his presence felt on his Class 5 debut.
Race 3: Chill Kaka the rise in trip should suit his racing style, and with key rivals drawn wide, he gets a golden chance to break through. Thesis his recent runs have been encouraging but the wide draw may make things tricky here. Von Baer showed improvement on his Class 4 debut last time out and is worth following if he goes off at value odds. Shanghai Style caused a surprise last start when winning at big odds, and now aims to repeat that performance with Britney Wong’s 10-pound claim. Roman Crown has trialled well leading up to this week’s race and could cause an upset.
Race 4: Sky Prophet overlook his last start, where he travelled wide throughout, and he can bounce back with a smoother run, which looks likely from a better draw. Hinokami Kagura despite being a 15-start maiden, the drop to Class 5 could be a catalyst for him to break through. Flying Romantic narrowly beaten last start, he is well placed to go one better from a low draw. Cheer For South caught the eye running home strongly into second last start and appears ideally weighted to run another bold race. Sonic Boom has the ability and is capable of bouncing back anytime in the cellar grade.
Race 5: Natural High made all to win by more than three lengths last start and looks primed to secure back-to-back victories, with Britney Wong staying aboard. Patch Of Time finished a close second last start after showing good early speed, and looks to get all the favours to make amends this time. Silver Spurs did not disgrace in his last run and is worth considering, though the wide draw remains a concern. Solid Shalaa posted the fastest final 400m sectional time last start and can perform well if the pace suits. Sunny Darling has tactical speed and could sneak into the placings at odds.
Race 6: Forever Folks boasting a great record over this track and distance, he must be considered a leading contender from a decent draw. Precision Goal has been in great form and could be hard to catch if allowed to dictate the pace. Viva Chaleur is likely to settle off the speed from a wide draw and can make his presence felt if they overcook it up front. Flying Silver the 10-pound claim from Britney Wong may spark a surprise, especially with the favourable draw. Charming Steed has ability but is inconsistent, he can cause an upset on his day.
Race 7: Fun N Glory gave a good sight and stuck on well for a close third last start. From pole position, he looks primed to make all with a 10-pound claimer aboard. Fortune Warrior has regained his form recently and must be included among the better chances. Vulcanus has been knocking on the door but will need some luck from a wide draw this time. Jolly Jumper has not been beaten far in his recent starts and should not be overlooked. Monta Frutta returning to Class 4, where he is one from one, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him improve into the money.
Race 8: Fighting Machine should settle closer to the speed from a favourable draw and could finally secure an overdue win. Never Peter Out an All-Weather track specialist, he still looks to have some ratings in store and must be respected. Yellowfin capable but unpredictable, he is worth considering for a contrarian bet. Lucky Touch may cause an upset with a lightweight on his back, despite rising to Class 3 for the first time. Ariel made all, though favoured by a slow pace last start, and could repeat the dose if allowed another uncontested lead.
Race 9: Gummy Gummy should get every chance to go one better under Bowman from an inside draw, following a close second last time out. Mask Rider has shown a great liking for the AWT and must be considered a strong contender. Glory Elite given his positive racing style, the switch to the AWT should suit him even better. Dragon Air Force has been in career-best form and another bold performance is expected, despite the awkward draw. Sing Dragon Boasting a 66% strike rate on the AWT, he should perform well with a 10-pound claimer aboard as he drops to Class 3.