Lui looks to close gap on leaders

Francis Lui went a long way to boosting his trainers’ championship defence with a four-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday and the affable horseman takes a team of three to Happy Valley on Wednesday as he aims to keep the ball rolling.

Lui’s quartet sees him reach 16 wins from 144 runners across 27 of the 88 scheduled race meetings this term, with only five handlers currently ahead of him: Pierre Ng (23 wins), David Hayes (20), Mark Newnham (20), Danny Shum (19) and Caspar Fownes (18).

The 65-year-old – crowned Hong Kong Champion Trainer (2023/24) – won the first three races at Sha Tin with Happy Park, Packing Angel and Divano before star talent Packing Hermod posted a fourth win at only his fifth start in the last race.

“I’m very happy. Happy to win for the owners on Sunday,” Lui said. “He (Packing Hermod) has potential. We’re planning for the Four-Year-Old Classic Series with him.”

Sired by Rubick, Packing Hermod sits on a career-high mark of 93 after winning his first race in Class 2 last weekend. The HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series comprises the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) and HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m).

“I think I will give him one more race – there is a Class 2 over 1400m in the middle of January before the Classic Mile (on 31 January, 2025). He keeps improving,” Lui said.

Leading the handler’s trio at the city circuit is Hameron, who features in the HK$2.05 million Class 3 Sea Eagle Handicap (1650m) under Vincent Ho in barrier No 5, seeking a third win.

“He looks like he has improved a little bit. He’s not a big horse, he’s a little horse, and he always has a big weight,” Lui said.

Do Your Part features for Lui in the HK$1.86 million Class 3 Nightjar Handicap (1000m), while Brave Joy debuts in the HK$1.17 million Class 4 Albatross Handicap (1200m).

The midweek programme includes the HK$1.17 million Class 4 Hong Kong Golf Club Centenary Cup Handicap (1800m) where Kingly Demeanor rises in grade chasing a hat-trick.

Jockey Keith Yeung said: “He’s really good and he’s improved a lot this season. Seems he is a very easy horse to ride, just go forward and he will not stop. After (trainer) Tony (Cruz) took the hood off him he has been doing great ever since then.”

The 42-rater – bought out of the Hong Kong International Sale – breaks from gate No 4 against 11 rivals. He steps back in trip from 2200m last start where he scored by a head.

“I thought that the outside (horse) was going to catch me at the 200m but as he heard the other horse come, he just kicked again – he has a great heart,” Yeung said.

Yeung takes six rides at Happy Valley as he aims to build on a productive start to the 2024/25 racing season with eight wins under his belt.

“It seems like he (Kingly Demeanor) enjoys being out in front and he loves the challenge. He always gives his best,” Yeung said. “It’s always great when you have put so much effort into your training, study and preparation, and to be repaid in a good way. I’m always grateful for the people who support me and give me advice.”

Karis Teetan takes eight rides at Happy Valley, including Sturdy Ruby for trainer Manfred Man in the HK$1.17 million Class 4 Mesia Handicap over 1650m.

“It’s nice to get back on him. It seems like he’s ran pretty well this season,” Teetan said. “The draw gives him a chance. He’s always shown that he is a horse that was always going to get better. I think this season has shown that he’s taken a step forward.” - Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Palace Pal turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and looks a strong contender in a race of this nature with Purton remaining on board. Fury And Gold stormed home for a slashing second last time out and must be respected. On The Lash making his Class 5 debut, he could surprise at value with J-Mac aboard. Golden Fairy did not disgrace at his last run and is a proven performer over this trip. Mr Aladdin resuming from a break, he is well rated in Class 5 now and cannot be ignored.

Race 2: Ace Talent finally gets a decent draw and with a smoother trip, he should go close to winning. Dan Attack will relish the drop in class, and with a top jockey in the saddle, he should play a key role. Plentiful last start winner who remains in the same grade and is well placed to score a double from a low draw. Modest Gentleman ran the second fastest sectional time last start and could make his presence felt under the right race shape. Ruby Sailing a roarer with mixed form, should run well if the condition doesn’t flare.

Race 3: Telecom Dragon his recent runs have been encouraging and he looks the one to beat from an ideal draw, especially with the in-form J-Mac aboard. Bowser was narrowly beaten last time out and looks a strong contender despite carrying top weight. Thriving Brothers can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form and is suited by the drop in distance. Spicy So Smart a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Kokushi Musou is better than his recent form suggests and could place at value.

Race 4: Affirm has been knocking on the door and this below-par Class 4 field gives him a golden chance to break through. Fatal Blow scored a narrow win in this class and looks to have more ratings in hand. However, the wide draw is the major concern. Valhalla showed good speed to lead last start and could sneak into the placings. Ragnarr turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly into third. Worth considering if his odds still offer value. Happy Soul can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form, not out of it.

Race 5: Kingly Demeanor scored a double in Class 5 recently, and with tactical speed as his best weapon, he should continue to run well despite rising to Class 4. Can’t Go Wong racing well with good final sectional time rankings recently, he will make a late surge if the pace suits. Courier Magic his last run suggested a win was very near and must be included among the better chances. Northern Beast has a better chance on this track and should run well. Escape Route appears well placed with a top jockey aboard and should run well from a favourable draw.

Race 6: Ninja Derby a consistent performer of late and should be a major player with Purton remaining on board. Sturdy Ruby his recent runs have been encouraging, and with a favourable draw, he must be respected. Snowalot caught the eye last start when running home well and could surprise at value under the right race shape. Happy Daily scored an easy win in this class last time out and a double looks well within his reach. Firefoot showed good improvement last start and appears to be a chance.

Race 7: Heroic Master showed signs of regaining form last start. From a low draw, he should endure a nice trip and prove a big winning chance. Sports Legend returning from a break and must be respected in a race such as this. If he finds a soft lead, he could be hard to run down. A Americ Te Specso needs a fast early speed to produce a big finish, and with Purton jumping on board, he deserves respect. Atomic Force caught the eye last start when running home well and could surprise at odds. Youthful Spirits a fast beginner, he will run well if allowed an uncontested lead.

Race 8: Yee Cheong Spirit produced a nice effort last start when storming home for a brilliant win last time out. He looks to have scope and is primed for a double. Circuit Duffy has trialled well since his last-start win and is poised to secure back-to-back wins. California Deeply caught the eye last start running home powerfully, and from a better draw, he should map closer to the speed and run well. Shinkansen has not been beaten far in recent starts and do not dismiss. You’remyeverything turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and the drop in distance should work in his favour.

Race 9: Simply Maverick ran on well in a slowly run race last start and will make his presence felt with a genuine pace. Chain Of Gold go on previous solid form and give a chance, especially with Purton aboard. I Can a proven performer in this class, his last run suggests his form is coming good again. Hameron is better than his recent form suggests and could surprise at odds. Glorious Journey was narrowly beaten last start and should go close in this race.