Ferraris hoping to seal IJC berth

Two spots remain on the sought-after Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) roster before the final line-up is confirmed following Wednesday’s nine-race fixture at Happy Valley.

Vincent Ho (11 wins) leads Jerry Chau (10) in the race for a prized berth available to the leading homegrown rider. Both Ho and Chau have four mounts on Wednesday, while Luke Ferraris (15) holds a slender one-win advantage over Hugh Bowman (14) in the place designated to the next highest-ranked Hong Kong-based jockey.

Bowman, who won the 2016 IJC, said: “It’s fantastic. I think it leads the way as far as jockeys’ challenges go around the world; it’s always a great night to be a part of, and I’ve had the privilege of being involved many times now.

“Hopefully, I can add another one to the list. It will depend on the results at Happy Valley.”

Ferraris is booked for four rides, while Bowman has five, led by Hakka Radiance in the Class 4 St Andrew’s Challenge Quaich Handicap (1800m). The British import is bidding for a fourth consecutive win for trainer Danny Shum.

“I’ve ridden him in a gallop between his last win and this start – he feels fantastic. He’s really in a great vein of form and hopefully he can continue his winning ways,” Bowman said. “He just looks really well and he’s enjoying his racing.”

The IJC is the most lucrative jockey challenge in the world for the winning rider, who receives HK$600,000 if successful on Wednesday, 10 December at Happy Valley. Second place takes home HK$250,000, while third collects HK$150,000.

Zac Purton returns to the IJC as last season’s leading rider. He will be joined by defending champion Mickael Barzalona, James McDonald, Christophe Lemaire, Joao Moreira, Umberto Rispoli, Hollie Doyle, Rachel King, William Buick and Ryan Moore (subject to fitness).

Ho, winner of the 2023 event, said: “You treat every race the same, you want to win races and that’s it. Of course, just to do my best and if it comes, it comes. If it doesn’t, I’m proud of myself after seven months off – I’m still competing with these guys.”

Renowned for Group 1 success with Golden Sixty, Loves Only You, Stronger and Southern Legend, Ho has 621 wins in Hong Kong. The highly respected rider returned from serious injury this season and has ridden three winners from his past eight rides.

Ho’s four rides finish with first-up winner King Miles for trainer Francis Lui in the Class 3 Culloden Bridge Handicap (1200m), from gate No 9.

“He’s fine. He’s a nice horse and last time, surprisingly, he was really quick with the blinkers, of course, in his last two starts. He’s showing freshness and he’s feeling well. Hopefully, he can do better on this occasion,” Ho said.

Karis Teetan is seeking consecutive wins aboard Kyrus Dragon for trainer David Hall in the Culloden Bridge Handicap. The chestnut galloper has won three times over Wednesday’s course and distance.

“He won a nice race. I think, when he’s fresh he’s a better horse. It’s been a while since his last run, but you can see even his second-up runs are pretty good. He’s got a nice gate again (No 4),” Teetan said.

If riders are locked on the same number of wins, selection for the IJC spots will then be decided on a countback of second placings, then thirds if required. – Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Always My Folks produced an improved effort on his Class 5 debut last start and looks one to follow, especially from an inside draw. Joyful Treasure caught the eye flashing home late last time out despite an awkward jump. With a clean getaway, he could show further improvement. Inno Century has run some decent races in Class 4, and the class drop could spring a surprise. Glory Cloud finished a solid fourth despite a wide trip last time out, and with a smoother run, he could make amends. Glorious Expert let down well in a slowly run race last start and looks a value pick.

Race 2: Draco appears overdue for a win after two consecutive placings, and Purton could be the last piece he needs. Star Brose finished strongly from a wide draw last start, and could finally break through if he can settle closer to the speed from a good gate. Panda Legend narrowly missed last start and his recent efforts suggest a win looks imminent. Windicator Family his last run was better than it looks, and he could cause an upset if things fall his way. Yiu Cheung Victory a slow start blunted his winning chances last start, and he’s worth considering as a value choice.

Race 3: Golden Luck narrowly beaten last start after displaying tactical speed. From an ideal draw, he shapes as a leading contend- er. Bits Superstar showed improvement last start, and the booking of Purton further enhances his winning chances. Fun Elite with added fitness, he could cause an upset second-up dropping to Class 4, even from a wide draw. Never Settle showed above-average ability on debut and looks poised to build on that effort. Tactical Command another runner who will relish the drop in class and should not be overlooked.

Race 4: Everstar charged home strongly from a wide draw last start, and with a favourable gate, he’s primed to make amends. Denfield has finally drawn a low gate and should be highly competitive in this field, as he is well below his last winning mark. Roman Crown turned in a nice effort last run and could finally break through for his first local win. Fatal Blow boasts a great record in this class and the return to turf ticks another box. New Power looks capable of bouncing back anytime in this class, and with the apprentice claim, he’s well placed to deliver a strong performance.

Race 5: Hakka Radiance has been in career-best form and looks primed to secure a fourth straight win, as he remains in Class 4. Supreme Agility overcame a wide draw to score a tenacious win last start and a double looks within reach. Northern Beast was far from disgraced last start and a Top 3 finish wouldn’t surprise. Ping Hai Comet a handy type resuming from a break, the betting market will be the best guide. Ocean Impact remans a maiden after nine starts but his recent efforts suggest a win is around the corner.

Race 6: Robot Lucky Star a promising 4YO, he has been consistent since day one and looks well placed to go one better after a narrow last-start defeat. Dan Attack led from start to finish last start and remains well weighted to secure a double. Meowth found the line well late from a wide gate last start, and with an inside draw, he should be highly competitive. Yee Cheong Spirit will make his presence felt if the pace suits, as his recent efforts suggest. Mega Bonus was used up early from a wide draw last start, and from a favourable gate, he could surprise at value.

Race 7: Amazing Gaze held up at a crucial stage last start, and with Purton aboard, he looks well placed to make amends from a good gate. Amazing Award ran flat inside the final 100m last start and could be right in the mix with a more patient ride. Fortune Star has been in consistent form of late and must be included among the better chances. Ace War appears well weighted to continue his strong run after two consecutive placings. Allcash stormed home to finish third last start and has since trialled well.

Race 8: Keen Molly heavily backed but underperformed last start. He has shown ability and is worth considering if he is not overbet. King Lotus has struck a purple patch of form recently, but the wide draw poses a challenge. Storming Dragon better than his recent form suggests and could cause an upset on his day. Embraces probably settled too close to the speed last start and could show improvement if ridden patiently as usual. The Boom Box will find this field more manageable on his Happy Valley debut and should run well if he sees out the extended mile.

Race 9: Akashvani scored a strong on-pace win last start, and from pole position, he’s poised to secure a double with Purton remaining aboard. King Miles has regained his form recently and must be considered a strong contender. Spicy Gold finished a slashing second last time out and could go one better under the right race shape. Kyrus Dragon made full use of an inside gate to score last start but the weight rise remains a concern. Prestige Always stormed home to finish third last time out and is worth considering if his odds still present value. - iRace Magazine