Glorious finale to Hong Kong season

Francis Lui remains confident and positive of victory in the 2023/24 Hong Kong trainers’ championship as the veteran handler prepares to unleash a 10-strong team at Sha Tin’s season finale on Sunday (14 July) as Pierre Ng continues to lead the standings by one win with only 11 races left in the season.

Trailing 67-66, Lui will have runners in nine of Sunday’s 11 races, while Ng has nine entrants in seven races. As it currently stands, with Ng also slightly ahead on second and third placings, Lui effectively needs two more wins than his former assistant this weekend to clinch the trainers’ title for the first time.

With 11 minor placings and just one win across the past four meetings, Lui has repeatedly threatened to overhaul Ng, but he remains undaunted by the string of near misses and optimistic of overall success.

“It’s possible (winning the championship). Every race is important and anything can still happen,” he said. “Every race has a different situation – the draw, the pace. 

“I’m feeling confident and positive.”

Lui’s squad this weekend is led by Call Me Glorious, Chancheng Glory, Packing Hermod, Packing Treadmill, Forever Glorious, Packing Angel, Happy Park, Steps Ahead, Holy Lake and Patch Of Theta.

Ng’s arsenal is headed by veteran Duke Wai, I Can, newcomer Bits Superstar, Beauty Waves, Medic Elite, First Love, Fighting Machine, Prestige Always and Roman Crown.

Lui hopes Call Me Glorious can tilt the championship battle in his favour when the gelding bids for a third successive win in the Class 2 Joy And Fun Handicap over 1200m.

To carry 54kg under Zac Purton, the three-year-old faces six rivals, including stablemate Packing Treadmill and Ng’s Duke Wai and Beauty Waves.

“He (Call Me Glorious) keeps improving. I’m not sure whether he liked the (soft) ground last time, maybe he handled it and the rest couldn’t. He’s an up-and-coming horse,” Lui said.

“He still doesn’t know how to properly run and doesn’t know racing just yet. He just runs to give his best effort from the start.”

Purton, assured of a seventh Hong Kong jockeys’ championship, and Lui also combine with Chancheng Glory in the Class 1 Hong Kong Racehorse Owners Association Trophy Handicap over 1600m.

“He’s OK and I think Class 1 is good for him – he’s not a Group horse yet. I think he could be (the one to beat),” Lui said.

Lui hopes Packing Hermod remains unbeaten when the Rubick gelding jumps from gate eight under Purton in the Class 3 Pingwu Spark Handicap (1200m).

“He’s also a good horse, but he’s only had one run and he’s a three-year-old who’s up in class. I think next season he’ll be a good horse,” Lui said before reviewing his stable’s chances on a pivotal day.

“They’ve all gone up in the ratings recently, so it might be hard for them. It all depends on the situations, their draw and importantly a bit of luck.

“I think Call Me Glorious is the best chance – it’s the strongest.”

Famed for his association with Golden Sixty, Lui has twice finished in the top three of the trainers’ championship. In 2019/20, he produced 63 winners to finish third to Ricky Yiu (67) and Tony Cruz (65).

Last season, Lui saddled a career-best 67 winners to finish runner-up to 12-time winner John Size (79) with Ng completing an excellent first season in 10th place with 41 winners.

Sunday’s (14 July) season finale at Sha Tin starts with the Class 5 Mr Award Handicap over 1200m at 10am SA time. – Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Rattan World generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home, he appears well placed in a field with plenty of speed and should run a big race. Good View Glory last start winner who remains in the same grade, he draws well and looks on track for a double. Joyful Life making class 5 debut and watch the betting, he could be hard to run down if given a soft lead. Super Elite failed last start but trialled well since, has to be included with Bowman jumping on board. Cervin down in class here and can surprise, his last start in Class 4 was eye-catching.

Race 2: Call Me Glorious nice 3yo who scored an astonishing win in Class 3 last time out, he can defy the rise in class and win again with Purton remaining in the saddle. Beauty Waves ultra-consistent galloper who can play a part in the finish from a low draw. Packing Treadmill drops back from a group race and looks a good chance despite carrying the top weight. Duke Wai showed improvement last start when he was narrowly beaten, and can go close here.

Race 3: Invincible Missile form is coming good again and he looks a big winning chance making his Class 5 debut. Speedstar consistent performer of late and worth considering with Teetan on board from pole position. Perfect Peach looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form, his last start effort of flashing home late into second was impressive given the race shape. Aromatica recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Medic Elite caught the eye last start running home powerfully

Race 4: Good Good good effort when narrowly beaten last start, with Purton taking the reins, he can go one place better. Forever Glorious a proven performer at this level and rates in the chances. Storm Winner best run to date was last start and appears to be improving, he should be highly competitive from a decent draw. Gold Tack overlook the last start effort as there were genuine excuses, could surprise at value. Kasa Papa generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home, he needs the race to unfold in his favour.

Race 5: Ka Ying Warrior resuming from a break and trialled well recently. Despite drawn wide, he meets a below-par Class 4 field, presenting him with a golden chance to break through for the new stable. First Love did not disgrace at his last run and must be respected with Purton in the saddle. Happy For All had genuine excuses last start and consider again, he can make his presence felt if the pace suits. You’remyeverything He is better than his recent form suggests, can surprise at odds in a race like this. Fun N Glory last start placing was full of merit and he can go on with it.

Race 6: Brilliant Express holding form with recent good trial and he should map well from a low draw and looks well placed to shed his maiden tag. Fighting Machine caught the eye last start when running home well, he will need a good steer from Purton to overcome a wide draw. Affirm a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Happy Daily caught the eye last start running home powerfully. From a better barrier, he should show further improvement. Owners’ Praise likes to get back and charge home late, he needs a fast early speed to produce a big finish.

Race 7: Steps Ahead has shown consistent form since day one and looks the standout with the combination of Francis Lui and Purton. Foolish Heart had genuine excuses last start, and from a better draw, he could surprise at value. Circuit Mighty turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly, looks one of the major players here. Young Horizon his recent barrier trial was good, suggesting a good run can be expected. Great Spirit finished powerfully with the fastest final 400m sectional time in a slowly run race last time out, worth considering if his odds offer value.

Race 8: Chancheng Glory promising 4yo who looks the one they all have to beat from a good draw. He commands plenty of respect with the formidable combo of Lui and Purton. Moments In Time a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Atullibigeal ran the third fastest sectional time last start, he can work home strongly under the right race shape. C P Brave had genuine excuses last start and consider again. The Golden Scenery can upset some more fancied rivals on best form, not out of it.

Race 9: Packing Hermod turned in an impressive debut win and looks to have good ability. He should have some rating points up his sleeve and can defy the rise in class. Reward Smile has a great record in this class and must be respected as he drops to Class 3. Silo former Singapore galloper making Hong Kong debut, has trialled well and looks capable of running a big race first-up. Super Joy N Fun last run was much better than it looks and can bounce back if afforded a soft lead. Phoenix Light caught the eye last start running home powerfully, he is well-weighted with the apprentice claim.

Race 10: Holy Lake will relish the drop in distance and can go on previous solid form and give a chance. Bright Inheritance good performance when storming home for third place last start. Young Achiever recent barrier trial was good suggesting a good run can be expected, especially with Purton in the saddle. Pray For Mir was narrowly beaten last start, should run well again from a low draw. I Can likes to jump and run and will race handy, he could be placed at value under the lightweight.

Race 11: Patch Of Theta promising galloper who is in good form and should play a part in the finish, he looks another big winning chance for Lui on the card. Beauty Crescent was narrowly beaten last start and should go close. Golden Artie can upset some more fancied rivals on best form, he is well placed with the apprentice claim. Beauty Fit last start winner who remains in the same grade, draws well and looks on track for a double. Roman Crown stripping fitter second-up, he draws well and can improve.