Corleone to strike for Moore at IJC

He Jiong

The Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) returns to Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday, assembling 12 elite riders from around the world and Hong Kong.

Across four fiercely competitive races, they will battle for the coveted title awarded to the jockey who accumulates the highest points on the night.

Quality galloper Corleone looks primed to record back-to-back victories when he lines up in the Class 4 Handicap over 1650m.

Resuming from a 10-month break, Corleone was heavily backed into favouritism first-up 35 days ago and duly justified the support. The son of Dundeel travelled sweetly behind a strong tempo, cruised into contention from the 350m, and lengthened impressively in the straight.

He put the race to bed inside the final 150m, stretching clear to win by 2.25 lengths over this track and trip.

With that dominant performance under his belt, Corleone, who will be ridden by Ryan Moore, appears well placed to continue his progression as he remains in Class 4. His main challengers look to be Star Mac, who could improve dropping to Class 4 for the first time, and Quantum Patch, who has been holding his form consistently at this level.

Boasting strong Sha Tin form, five-year-old Max Que looks poised to return to the winner’s enclosure when he tackles the Class 3 Handicap over 1650m.

Max Que has been in excellent form this season, producing two wins and two placings from four starts. After completing a double three runs ago, the Akeed Mofeed gelding has continued to hold his shape despite clashing with some smart performers, including Beauty Bolt, in his past two outings. On both occasions he stuck on gamely to finish third, beaten not more than a length each time.

Now making his Happy Valley debut, Max Que is expected to find this contest more suitable, and he shapes as a leading contender on the strength of his consistent recent form.- iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Sterling Wongchoy was narrowly beaten in a fast run race last start. From an inside draw, he’s poised to go one better. Windicator Family caught the eye flashing home late in a slowly run race last time out. With J-Mac taking the reins, he should be right in the mix. Rewarding Twinkle held up at a crucial stage last start, and he shapes as a strong contender dropping to Class 5. Tsuen Wan Glory has mixed his form recently, but from a low draw, he should secure a smooth trip. Strongest Boy with a more conservative racing style, he will need a genuine tempo to make his presence felt.

Race 2: Telecom Power showed significant improvement on his Class 5 debut last start, and from an inside gate, he should prove hard to hold. Riding High comes off a close second over this track and distance. He appears to be edging closer to a win. Podium stormed home to cause an upset last start, and looks capable of repeating that performance if they overcook it up front again. Lucky Generations his last run was eye-catching and Moreira could be the final piece he needs. Good Prospect the drop in class sparked improvement last time out, and he looks close to breaking through in the cellar grade.

Race 3: Aeroinvincible stuck on well for third in a fast run race last start. With a well-timed ride, he could make amends. Stormi adopted a more positive tactic and found only one too good last time out. He is well weighted to produce another encouraging effort. Bull Attitude narrowly missed last start but the wide draw remains a concern this time. Prestige Ricky placed at long odds last time out and is worth considering if his price still presents value. Sunday’s Serenade badly held up last start, and with Barzalona jumping aboard, he could finish in the money.

Race 4: Cap Liner has shown ability in both runs at Sha Tin, and the switch to Happy Valley gives him a good chance to break through. Zeta Hedge showed tactical speed and finished second on debut. He could go one better with natural improvement. Beauty Thun- der travelled wide last start, and with better luck in running, he could secure a Top 3 finish. Honest Witness has trialled well for his return, and the drop in distance looks a positive first-up. Super Sixty held up in the straight last start, and should not be overlooked with Moreira aboard, though the wide draw poses a challenge.

Race 5: Corleone comes off an effortless first-up win and looks primed to go back-to-back with champion jockey Ryan Moore aboard, especially from a low draw. Amazing Gaze underperformed without a tangible reason last start, but his previous form suggests he could bounce back anytime. Quantum Patch has been knocking on the door lately and rates a major player as Moreira takes the ride. Star Mac could have an edge over his rivals dropping to Class 4, making him a value pick. Youth Power his last two runs have been encouraging, and he looks one to follow with Purton aboard.

Race 6: Argento Ocean broke through in fine style last start, and with a favourable draw, he’s well placed to secure a double in Class 4. Sky Cap resuming off a break, he should run well fresh first-up after dropping to Class 4. Flying Wrote has struck a purple patch of form recently and must be included among the better chances. Savvy Twinkle finished a hard-earned third despite a wide trip last start. With a more economical run, he could shed his maiden tag. Free Pony with the drop in rating, he produced a much-improved effort last start. From a better draw, he should map well and be highly competitive.

Race 7: Max Que boasting strong Sha Tin form, he should find the field more manageable on his Happy Valley debut, making him a leading contender. Flying Fortress charged home strongly to finish second last start, and with Purton in the saddle, he looks on track to go one better. Silvery Breeze has been narrowly beaten in his last two starts and appears overdue for a win. Another Zonda possesses tactical speed and could be hard to run down with a well-timed ride. Samarkand made all in Class 4 last start, and from a low draw, he should run well again despite returning to Class 3.

Race 8: Power Koepp on a competitive mark, he has drawn well and must be considered a strong contender in this open contest. Akashvani is likely to be the favourite, and his positive racing style holds him in good stead. Bundle Of Charm an underrated type, he could cause an upset against more fancied rivals. Mr Desira a progressive 4YO, he made all easily in Class 4 last time out, and with more upside to come, he remains a strong chance despite rising to Class 3. Wonderstar likes to dictate the pace and will give them something to chase if he can cross early from a wide draw.

Race 9: Johannes Brahms had genuine excuses last start and is expected to improve sharply on his Happy Valley debut. Helene Feeling likely settled too close to the speed from a wide draw last start, and with a more patient ride, he could make amends. Sky Heart with a positive racing style, he should continue his strong run if he handles the step up to 1800m. Numbers a Group 1 placegetter Down Under, he has trialled well ahead of his local debut and is worth watching closely. Huge Wave scored a tenacious win in this class last time out, but the widest draw could make things tricky this time.