Golf to tee off in Sha Tin's January Cup

Prolific winner Hong Lok Golf faces his biggest test to date in Wednesday’s HK$4.2 million Grade 3 January Cup Handicap (1800m), and trainer Chris So is optimistic the seven-time victor can elevate his game to yet another level.

Hong Lok Golf is the January Cup’s least experienced galloper. Having kicked off his career rated 52 in late 2024, the five-year-old has surged to a mark of 102 across 10 starts as he takes aim at 11 rivals in Happy Valley’s sole Group race.

Raced by Jackie Wong, Hong Lok Golf steps from barrier No 8 under Harry Bentley when he makes his first appearance in the grade and over Wednesday’s distance.  

“I spoke to the owner Mr Wong, and while he is a miler, we don’t have many options for him, especially as his rating is over 100,” So said.

“We have to challenge him over different distances. He handles everything, but we don’t know how he will handle 1800m. I want to win the race, not just handle it. He handled Happy Valley last year. Let’s see how he performs.”

Hong Lok Golf has won once at the city circuit. He faces Beauty Joy, Chancheng Glory, Moments In Time, last year’s winner Helene Feeling, Ensued, Encountered, Speed Dragon, Kaholo Angel, Huge Wave, Awesome Fluke and Winning Wing.

Trainer Francis Lui saddles Chancheng Glory, Speed Dragon and Winning Wing in search of a second January Cup after Doctor Geoff’s win in 2020.

A Group 3 winner over 1800m, six-year-old Chancheng Glory has won eight times ahead of his first attempt at conquering Happy Valley’s unique contours.

“He’s an honest horse. I think this is his type of race – it’s his level. He trialled well, and Maxime Guyon knows him. He’s consistent, and in South Korea he performed,” Lui said.

Winning Wing slots in under Dylan Mo. The five-year-old, who has given away big margins during his races, seeks a third win this term.

Lui said: “He’s OK – he has a light weight, and I think he can perform with a light weight; it’s a big help, and he’s an honest horse, too.”

Regarding Speed Dragon, Lui said: “He’s good at Happy Valley, and I hope the handicap helps him.”

Jimmy Ting, trainer of Huge Wave, said: “This horse is funny because he is improving with age as a six-year-old and even at the end of last season – it’s amazing. He was so-so over 1800m last time, but we can ride him quieter. Hopefully he can run well.”

The HK$2.84 million Class 2 Cannes Handicap (1200m) tops the undercard, where Mark Newnham is represented by Crimson Flash and Youthful Spirits.

Emerging four-year-old Crimson Flash was crowded last start but goes for a fourth win tomorrow night when he makes his 10th start in Hong Kong.

“He didn’t have much luck the other day. He just got bottled away in a slowly run race. He didn’t really get a lot of clear room. He’s a good Happy Valley horse, and I think he’s capable in Class 2. It’s a good opportunity for him to get another win,” Newnham said.

Youthful Spirits chases a first 1200m win after twice prevailing over 1000m.

“He hasn’t won beyond 1000m, but there are limited races for him. I’ve put a hood on. Let’s see if that helps him settle a bit. He’s a fast horse and he’ll run it his usual style, whether he’s good enough to hang on at 1200m. Well, we’ll wait and see,” Newnham said.

So hopes The Boom Box can bounce back in the Class 3 APM Monaco Cup Handicap (1650m). He said: “I still think he can handle the 1800m, but last time he was very disappointing over it, so we’ve come back.”

Perfectday goes for a hat-trick in the Class 3 Saint Tropez Handicap (1200m).

So said: “He’s in good form. You can’t tell much about him, whether he’s improved or not, but he’s an honest horse, and his last win was amazing. I hope he runs a good race.” – Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Concorde Star scored an easy win in this class last time out and a double looks within reach, despite the wide draw. Nebraskan went close on his Class 5 debut last start and could be hard to run down if allowed to cross early from a wide gate. Podium his recent efforts have been encouraging and he will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Happy Boys stormed home for a strong third last start, and with Purton remaining aboard, he could be one to follow. Lucky Generations raced wide last start and is expected to show improvement from a low draw.

Race 2: All Round Winner boasts solid Sha Tin form and looks poised to make an impact on his Happy Valley debut. Setanta on a highly winnable mark, he has drawn well to go one better after a fast-finishing second last start. Absolute Awakened broke through in fine style last start and remains a strong chance, despite the weight rise. Fortunate Son attacked the line well late despite encountering traffic in the straight last start, and should be right in the mix. Prince Alex well weighted and from an inside gate, he could sneak into the placings at long odds.

Race 3: Never Settle has been placed at both starts and looks primed to break through from a favourable draw. Lucky Planet made the running and stuck on well to finish third in Class 3 last start, and with the drop in class, he shapes as a strong contender. Good Luck Happy turned in an eye-catching debut run and looks to get all the favours to go one better. Sonic Pursuit had excuses last start (raced wide) and could improve into the money with better luck in running likely from a good draw. Giant Ballon comes off a slashing second but the wide gate remains a concern.

Race 4: Glorious Journey has regained form recently and must be considered a leading contender with a favourable draw. Incanto Star has been improving with each run and looks well placed to break through with Purton taking the reins. Shinkansen produced an eye-catching first-up effort and remains well weighted to build on it. Forerunner pulled up with vet excuses last start and deserves another chance if his recent trial is something to go by. Fortune Star suited by the drop back in distance but the wide draw streak seems to continue.

Race 5: Max Que charged home strongly to finish third from a wide draw last start, and with a better gate, he should map well and make amends. A Americ Te Specso will make a strong late surge if the pace suits, though his rating has reached a new high. Silvery Breeze stormed home to land a brilliant win last start but the widest draw could make things tricky. The Boom Box will relish the drop to Class 3, where he caused an upset two starts ago, though carrying 135lb poses a challenge. Chill Kaka showed improvement with a solid second last start, though aided by a slow pace.

Race 6: Rewarding Buddy is edging closer to a win after two consecutive seconds, and shapes as a leading contender from a good draw. Dan Attack narrowly beaten last start and his strong recent form suggests another encouraging effort is on the cards. Winning Money a dangerous frontrunner, he will give them something to chase if allowed to cross early from a wide gate. Leather Goods resuming from a break, his debut run was a pass-mark and a Top 3 finish wouldn’t surprise. Awesome Treasure capitalised on the slow tempo to make all last start and could repeat the dose under similar conditions.

Race 7: A wide-open Group 3 affair on the city circuit, where Hong Lok Golf has been ultra-consistent and looks well weighted to secure his first black-type win. Encountered won at this level two starts ago and will appreciate the drop from a G2 feature. Moments In Time finished a creditable seventh in the G1 Hong Kong Vase last start, and has since trialled well. Winning Wing has been in career-best form this season, though it’s a big test given he is out of the handicap. Huge Wave narrowly beaten in Class 2 last start and looks well weighted to make his presence felt, despite the rise in class.

Race 8: Storm Rider claimed his first Group feature last start and, now dropping to Class 2, has drawn well to chase a double despite a big weight. Magic Control boasts a great record in this class and will find this field more manageable. Gustosisimo better than his recent form suggests and could run a cheeky race at odds. Regal Gem suited by the drop back to 1200m, where all of his five career wins have occurred. Crimson Flash produced a fair effort last start and is more of a place chance given the widest gate.

Race 9: Sports Legend won by a clear margin last start and looks poised to secure back-to-back wins from a favourable draw. Friends Of Shajing finished a solid second despite a wide trip last start. With a favourable weight swing and a better draw, he could turn the tables on likely favourite Sports Legend. Perfectday comes off a double in Class 4 and is eyeing a third straight win despite the rise in class. California Blitz has shown tenacity in his last two wins and should not be overlooked on his Class 3 debut. King Miles commands respect as a proven performer in this class.