Lyle Hewitson is adamant Yellowfin can record a career-best win when the consistent galloper returns in Wednesday’s Class Two Deep Water Bay Handicap over 1650m at Happy Valley.
The Francis Lui-trained gelding was a model of consistency last season, racking up wins on each of Hong Kong’s three surfaces as well as five placings from his 12 starts.
After notching three wins at Class Three level, Yellowfin handled the leap to Class Two when running second in each of his final three starts last campaign.
He clashes again with most of the rivals he faced in his past two starts when runner-up to Outgate and Woodfire Bro over 1650m at the city circuit.
Hewitson has unwavering faith in Yellowfin, whose four career victories have all been with the South African jockey on board.
“You just know he’s going to show up every time,” Hewitson said.
“I think sometimes, myself included, you sort of underplay him a little bit and he raises his game and just runs a good race, no matter what course and distance. It’s always a pleasure to be aboard him and hopefully he continues on his good ways of last season.”
After firing fresh to start last campaign on a winning note over 1400m at Sha Tin, Yellowfin rose from a rating of 64 to 87.
“Unfortunately, he doesn’t get rewarded (for his consistency) because he keeps going up without winning,” Hewitson said.
“He’s deserved all of those points because he obviously just keeps performing. In his wake, he’s had some really nice horses behind him. He can certainly up his game when he’s required to, and I just hope he can get his nose in front once again.”
Hewitson is wary of Yellowfin’s rivals in what shapes as the highlight of the eight-race card at the Valley.
They include Danny Shum Chap-shing’s trio Moments In Time, Helene Feeling and Chill Chibi and the Tony Cruz-trained pair, Outgate and Red Hare King.
While he plans to ride Yellowfin on the speed from barrier No 6, Hewitson said the six-year-old’s versatility gives him options.
“I’ve won on him from behind them, from one-off, from in front,” Hewitson said.
“I think he’s a tempo-based horse, so he’ll be forward and ridden positively and then depending on how the shape of the race maps out, we’ll have to decide our position. It looks like there’s a bit of speed in there and it’s a very good race, very competitive. So, I think whoever gets the best run should get the best opportunity.”
Yellowfin warmed up for his return with a close second to Sing Dragon in a trial on Sha Tin’s all-weather track on 7 September.
Moments In Time drops in grade after running second to Chancheng Glory over 1600m in a Class One at Sha Tin’s season finale last campaign. He is a two-time Happy Valley winner.
Zac Purton jumps back on Helene Feeling, a two-time course and distance winner, while Chill Chibi scored three course and distance victories last season.
Outgate struck career-best form last term with three wins – two of which were at the course and distance of today’s race. Red Hare King steps up to Class Two for the first time after three 1650m victories at the Valley last season. – South China Morning Post
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Chateauneuf caught the eye last start at Sha Tin when running home powerfully. He will relish returning to Happy Valley with Purton remaining on board. Giant Leap was an easy last start winner and must be respected remaining in the same class. Happy Day a proven performer at this level and improvement is expected with the drop in class. Perfect General debut run was good and has trialled well since. With Bowman taking the reins, he should secure a spot in the Top 3. Shinkansen the lightweight will help and he could be placed at value.
Race 2: Golden Luck resuming from a break and trialled well recently. He is highly suited by dropping back to 1200m and has to be rated a winning chance in a below-par Class 4 field. Happy Soul caught the eye last start running home powerfully and from an inside draw, he should endure a perfect run and go close to winning. Savvy Chic goes well first-up from a break, and engaging the services of Bowman is a positive. Wood On Fire finished fourth behind Packing Hermod two starts ago, and the form has since held up well. Lightning Bolt second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve.
Race 3: Lucky Planet scored an easy win last start when leading all the way under fast splits, and can prove hard to run down again remaining in the same grade. Sweet Briar has a great record in this class and should deliver an improved performance dropping to Class 4. Gallant Valour narrowly beaten last start, he will map well from a low draw and could bring Teetan an overdue win. Sunny Darling showed improvement at a recent trial, worth considering with Vincent Ho jumping in the saddle. E Universe fast beginner who may be able to sneak a place.
Race 4: Parents’ Love looks to have an edge over his rivals after dropping to Class5, so it’s no surprise to see Purton taking the reins. Gorgeous Vitality down in grade and trialled very well recently, he is well placed to score in a race of this nature. Happy Tango can bounce back a winner anytime in this class where he has shown consistent form. Plentiful resuming from a break and trialled well recently. From a low draw, he could surprise at odds if given a soft lead. Ace Talent did not disgrace at his last run and must be rated a chance here.
Race 5: Simply Maverick had genuine excuses (disliked the going) last start and worth considering again based on his impressive record in Class 3. Star Contact a consistent performer of late and his form looks solid given his quiet but commendable recent trial. Supreme Agility was checked early last start and finished fifth, he should run well here with Purton retaining the ride. Beato last run was much better than it looks. From an inside draw, he has to be rated a chance. Setanta backing up quickly from a good last star effort, he can run well again with the lightweight.
Race 6: Winning Steps his recent runs have been encouraging, and the form of his last start has since held up well. Me Time produced an improved effort when storming home for a nice second last start, he looks one to follow. Serangoon has a style of getting back and surging late, so he needs a fast early speed to suit. Forever Glorious a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Storm Winner has not been beaten far in recent starts and do not dismiss, he could be placed at value in this wide-open race.
Race 7: Brave Star has a great record at this track and distance, and his recent trial suggests a big first-up run is imminent. Power Koepp showed good improvement last start and appears to be a chance from pole position. Kaholo Angel has a better chance at this track and should run well despite the top weight. Young Arrow former Singapore galloper who ran a close third last time out and has since trialled well. Healthy Healthy overlook the last start effort as there were genuine excuses (blood in trachea), and give another chance with Purton aboard.
Race 8: A tricky race with both Purton’s and Bowman’s mounts drawn wide. Outgate his recent barrier trial was good, and he looks a strong chance based on his solid win in this class two starts back. Chill Chibi turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly, the expected fast pace should suit him well. Yellowfin his recent runs have been encouraging, and he is always a chance with his tactical speed. Moments In Time is down in grade and trialled very well recently, he remains a chance despite the wide draw. Helene Feeling is a proven performer at this level and rates as a contender with Purton in the saddle.