Have Super Joy N Fun in Hong Kong

A quality Class 3 dash winds up Happy Valley’s eight-race fixture on Wednesday, where Super Joy N Fun and Reward Smile face off again along with 10 others in the HK$1.86 million Pottinger Handicap over 1200m.

First and second, respectively, last month over the course and distance, Super Joy N Fun denied a fast-closing Reward Smile by a neck. Aided with gate five that evening, Super Joy N Fun instead steps away from the widest of 12 barriers under jockey Jerry Chau.

“He showed his potential last time. He always runs well fresh and after the race he improved, and he’s settled down a bit more. But this time we have the worst draw over 1200m at Happy Valley,” Chau said.

“Hopefully, he can find a nice spot with cover and it’ll be good for him to settle and then finish off the race well.”

Super Joy N Fun is one of the brightest talents in Benno Yung’s stable. The 72-rater has won three times from seven starts, racing in the same silks as 2010 G3 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) winner Joy And Fun.

Hugh Bowman is yet to triumph aboard Reward Smile, although under top weight the pair charged from last into second position behind Super Joy N Fun.

“His first-up run was outstanding and he’s had a nice trial since then. With a bit of luck, if I chose to go out and not in, he might have won first-up,” Bowman said.

Reward Smile is a two-time winner in Hong Kong for trainer John Size.

“He’s drawn wide (No 10), so we’ll adopt the same tactics again. We’ll let him settle in the second half of the field and try to get a clear passage through,” Bowman said.

Bowman has ridden five winners at Happy Valley this season from 17 rides, striking at 29%. Reward Smile finished midfield in a recent trial at Sha Tin on 27 September.

“My gut feeling is that he’s a horse who likes being a bit on the fresh side. So, I didn’t ask a great deal of him in that trial,” Bowman said.

Scotch Tycoon seeks consecutive wins in the same contest, pairing with Lyle Hewitson as he returns to Class 3.

“It’s been a long time since he’s done anything in Class 3. But he’s been in good form and bouncing off a win, hopefully he can just carry that through to this lighter weight in Class 3,” Hewitson said.

David Hayes saddles Star Contact, also a last-start winner, in the Class 3 Pedder Handicap (1650m). The 78-rating Star Turn gelding pairs with jockey Karis Teetan.

“He’s gone right through the grades and he’s just improved with age. He’s a big, strong horse with a good constitution. I think his trackwork suggests he’s holding his form,” Hayes said.

Hayes has been in fine form this season with seven wins. His earnings of HK$11.1 million are only bettered by Pierre Ng (HK$15.2 million) in the trainers’ standings.

Teetan has seven rides at the Valley, including Talents Supremo in the Class 4 Harbour View Handicap (1200m) for trainer Cody Mo.

“He ran a really good race last time. He made up a lot of ground. The winner got away from us, I think it’s a competitive field this time. But I think there’s a lot of things in his favour with the good draw (No 1) and we might find ourselves tracking a few good horses, so that might help,” Teetan said.

Teetan is one of four riders, along with Zac Purton (Land Legend), Ben Thompson (Sayedaty Sadaty) and Andrea Atzeni (Zardozi), with bookings in the Grade 1 Caulfield Cup over 2400m in Melbourne on 19 October.

“It’s a great opportunity. We don’t always get called up like that, but with that light weight they called me up and I took the opportunity with both hands. I just feel like every opportunity is a good thing, so I’m looking forward to going there,” Teetan said. - Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: : Go Go Go his recent runs have been impressive and looks capable of returning to the winner’s list anytime in Class 5. Yeaboi turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and he is well weighted to score. Tattenham let down well from a wide draw last start, and the extra distance should enhance his chances of winning. Right Honourable an old-timer with a racing pattern of getting back and charging home, so he can make his presence felt if the pace suits. Running Ahead finished powerfully last time out, and from pole position, he will be a strong contender if he can map closer to the speed.

Race 2: Speedy Fortune has performed well since dropping to Class 5, and his recent trial suggests he can make a commendable first-up run for Eustace’s stable. Ace Talent caught wide last start and still ran well. He can make amends with a better run in transit. Parents’ Love last run indicated that a win is near, but it will take a good steer from Purton to defy the wide draw. Goodmanship needs a fast early speed to produce a big finish, which looks likely with a few frontrunners drawn wide. Double Show had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire.

Race 3: Super Unicorn was narrowly beaten last start, and with Purton remaining on board, he can go one place better from an inside draw. Kimberley resuming from a break and having trialled well recently, he is one to watch first-up. Northern Beast is highly suited by returning to Happy Valley, where he previously scored a double However, the wide draw is a concern. Strongest Boy finished powerfully with the fastest sectional time ranking last start and could place at value. Fairy Horse having his first try at this distance, he should run well with the lightweight if he can see out the trip.

Race 4: Golden Rise a handy type resuming from a break, he boasts strong form lines and should run a big race first-up. Aurora Lady showed tactical speed last start and he could be hard to run down if allowed a soft lead, especially with Purton aboard. King Eccellente drops to Class 4, where he has a solid record, and improvement is expected. Never Peter Out resuming from a break and having trialled well recently, he could be a knockout chance based on his solid last-start performance. Yee Cheong Spirit stormed home for a nice second last start. Keep safe.

Race 5: Hayday was an easy last start winner and looks on track for a double in Class 4 despite drawn wide. High Percentage bled last start and has since trialled well, he should be a strong contender in this race, given his solid form previously. Glory B ran on well to finish second in a slowly run race last start. Worth following. Gallant Valour a consistent performer of late, he must be respected with Bowman aboard from a good draw. Happy Soul turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly, and remains a chance in this race.

Race 6: Talents Supremo let down well to finish third first-up. Now fitter, he looks a strong chance from pole position. Swift Ascend making his Class 4 debut, he could show improvement with Purton taking the reins. You’remyeverything has dropped in the ratings and looks well placed in Class 4 now. Consider if his odds offer value. Smart Fighter best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. Gimme Five can upset some more fancied rivals on best form and is not out of it.

Race 7: I Can his recent runs have been commendable, and he is well placed at the weights to score. Rocket Spade rises in class and faces better-quality horses, but he can measure up, having run well in Class 3 in the past. Setanta turned in a good performance when storming home for third place last start. Star Contact last start winner who remains in the same grade and looks capable of going back-to-back, despite the wide draw. Jolly Ruler had genuine excuses last start when caught wide. He could surprise at value with better luck in running.

Race 8: Golden Empire will find this easier than his last run at Sha Tin, and with his main rivals drawn wide, he could seize the chance to return to the winner’s list. Reward Smile stormed home into second last time out and remains a chance, as he boasts a great record in Class 3, despite drawn wide again. Super Joy N Fun scored a tenacious win in this class first-up and remains in great form, a double looks within his reach. Wings Of War won well in this class two starts back and should play a key role first-up. Sovereign Fund did not disgrace at his last run and may sneak into the placings.