Ho searches for 600th Hong Kong win

Bidding to become only the 11th jockey to ride 600 winners or more in Hong Kong, Vincent Ho believes a solid tempo in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Chevalier Cup Handicap (1600m) will enhance Karma’s winning chances at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Trained by Caspar Fownes, Karma was one of several backmarkers caught out after the field split into two divisions in the G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin on 3 November and eventually finished ninth, beaten 3.75 lengths, behind Ensued.

But Ho hopes this weekend’s race will pan out more favourably for long-striding Karma, who has drawn barrier No 13, with Ho looking to gradually improve into the race behind an expected good pace set by Telecom Fighters, Healthy Happy, Voyage Samurai and Top Gun.

“The draw is not the most ideal, but it is what it is but let’s see how the race pans out. He always comes from back, but it’s not really necessary to be too far back. Let’s see how the speed is in the race,” Ho said.

“He’s a decent horse and back to a mile, he will perform. He needs time to be more mature, mentally. He’s still doesn’t know what his limit is, he keeps improving.

Headed by veteran Healthy Happy, a dual Group 3 winner and Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) victor, the Chevalier Cup features an intriguing mix of seasoned gallopers including Atullibigeal and Telecom Fighters and progressive horses such as Green N White, Helene Feeling, Karma, Patch Of Theta, Young Champion, Sunlight Power and Voyage Samurai.

Adding another dimension to the race is Romantic Thor – a Listed winner in England where he raced as Capulet for Aidan O’Brien – who makes his Hong Kong debut for Danny Shum and Andrea Atzeni. Twice placed at Group 2 level over 1600m in Ireland and England, the Kentucky-bred son of Justify is raced by Romantic Warrior’s owner Peter Lau.

The three-year-old is on a potential BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) path and finished second in a 1650m barrier trial on dirt at Sha Tin on 7 November. He will jump from barrier seven on Sunday.

With 599 Hong Kong victories, Ho is on the cusp of joining a select band of riders to reach 600 wins – Douglas Whyte (1,813), Zac Purton (1,780), Joao Moreira (1,235), Tony Cruz (946), Brett Prebble (806), Karis Teetan (704), Gary Moore (694), Basil Marcus (671), Gerald Mosse (659) and Felix Coetzee (652).

Ho has 16 wins this season and, apart from Karma, will attempt to add to the total aboard So Awesome, Jolly Companion, Super Win Dragon, Devas Twelve, Star Glow, Endued and Amazing Victory.

Seven-time Hong Kong champion jockey Purton will partner Frankie Lor’s emerging talent Savvy Brilliant in the Class 3 Chevalier Property Management Handicap (1200m) but is concerned at the Toronado gelding’s barrier manners.

Winner of his past two starts, Savvy Brilliant will jump from gate No 3.

“He’s not getting the start right, though, which is a concern. He’s been lucky he’s been in two races where they’ve run along and set it up for him and helped him but if he gets in a race where they go standard speed, he’s going to make it hard for himself so he needs to sort himself out,” Purton said.

“It doesn’t matter what barrier he’s coming out of at the moment, he’s coming out really awkwardly and really slowly – he’s actually getting worse, which is a bit of a concern.

“(Overall), he’s improving all the time, his last win was very good, he had to make up a lot of ground and I thought he was quite strong through the line.”

Atzeni also partners Ricky Yiu-trained Solid Win Class 4 Chevalier Lifts & Escalators Handicap (1600m) but has to contend with barrier No 13.

“He’s been very consistent, he should run well again. The last day, he hit the front and I thought he was going to come and win the race but obviously the horse on the inside (Flying Luck), got me late,” Atzeni said.

“He’s stepping up in trip, which I think will suit him but we could have done with a better barrier. I’ll have to speak to Ricky to see what he wants to do. We’ll have to see what happens from that gate.” - Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Hoss making his Class 5 debut, he should be highly competitive based on his record in Class 4, especially with James McDonald aboard. Super Wise Dragon forget his last start due to genuine excuses; he should be a strong winning chance, provided the roarer condition doesn’t recur. Chilli Baba he let down well in a slowly run race last start, however, he has to cope with a wide draw this time. So Awesome has the ability to bounce back anytime in the cellar grade and should not be ignored. The Khan a proven performer at this level and rates among the better chances.

Race 2: Ka Ying Resilience has trialled well for his return and looks a big winning chance with Purton remaining on board. Fun Elite resuming from a break, he should play a key role in this field mixed with inexperienced runners. Super Sixty showed improvement with a close third last time out and looks one to follow. Flying Dragon won a recent trial by a clear margin and improvement is expected. Dan At- tack appears well placed with a 10-pound claimer and could surprise at value despite rising to Class 4.

Race 3: Packing Angel has been improving with each run and is edging closer to a win after a close second last start. New Future Folks with two placings from three starts, he is holding form with a strong recent trial. Great Spirit should be very competitive in a race without much depth based on his recent form. Roman Crown showed good improvement last start, but will need a good steer from J-Mac to navigate the wide gate. Another World made a late surge on debut, though the fast pace worked in his favour, and may show further improvement.

Race 4: Offroad Master stalked the speed and stuck on well for a solid fourth on debut. With natural improvement, he looks a strong contender here. Golden Long ran on well to finish second despite travelling wide last start, and could make amends with a smoother trip. Dragon Air Force had excuses (raced wide) last start and the booking of Purton looks a big plus. Shanghai Style enjoys the AWT surface and is always a threat in Class 4. Woth considering. Robot Knight scored an easy win in this class last time out and a double is within his reach.

Race 5: Must Go turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly into second. From a decent draw, he is primed to go one place better. Packing Bole a fast beginner who could be hard to run down with a well-judged ride, which looks likely as Purton takes the reins. Self Improvement could upset some more fancied runners if he finds his best form. Super Win Dragon scored a tenacious win two starts ago and could atone for a troubled run last time out. Victory Moments boasts a great record on the AWT surface and typically performs well when supported on the tote.

Race 6: Soaring Bronco has been knocking on the door recently and looks a strong winning chance in this open field, especially with Purton aboard. Flying Luck last start winner who appears to have ratings in hand and is primed for a double. Jumbo Fortune is overdue for a win and his consistency could be rewarded as James McDonald takes the reins. Satirical Glory should be highly suited by the rise in distance and could prove a knockout chance. Golden Darci resumed with a fast-finishing fourth over 1200m, and the rise in distance should suit him.

Race 7: Patch Of Theta has been ultra-consistent since day one and can bounce back to the winner’s list anytime with better luck in running. Green N White has been in career-best form and is aiming for a hat-trick despite meeting a strong field. Voyage Samurai a dangerous frontrunner, he could be hard to catch if allowed a soft lead. Sunlight Power with an explosive turn of foot, he can make his presence felt if the pace suits. Young Champion found the line well late last start, and from a better draw, he could secure a spot in the Top 3.

Race 8: Winning Gold is highly suited by dropping back to 1400m where he boasts a perfect Top 3 strike rate. Lucy In The Sky scored a strong on-pace win last start, though under a slow tempo, and should run well again if allowed to dictate from the front. Mickley winner of this year’s Britannia Stakes – a race that has produced many runners who perform well in Hong Kong. First Love racing well with good sectional time rankings recently and must be respected despite the wide draw. Alsonso showed promise on his local debut and is expected to improve further second-up.

Race 9: Savvy Brilliant unbeaten in two starts since stepping up to 1200m, he looks poised to secure a third consecutive win. Swift Ascend was narrowly beaten last start at Happy Valley but faces a stronger field upon returning to Sha Tin. Full Credit has a great record in this class and could give them something to chase if allowed a soft lead. Lady’s Choice his recent runs have been encouraging and must be included among the better chances. Sky Forever having attacked the line strongly in his last two starts, he could surprise at odds if the race shape suits.

Race 10: Prestige Always a consistent performer of late, he should map well from a low draw and go close to winning, especially with James McDonald aboard. Sky Trust has been in great form and remains a strong chance despite the awkward draw. Lo Pan Spirit had genuine excuses (raced wide) last start and could make amends with a better run in transit. Stellar Swift has shown significant improvement recently and cannot be ignored. Armour War Eagle flashed home late into second last start and is well weighted to one place better.