Lyle eyes big day at Happy Valley

Lyle Hewitson is hoping to turn some “frustrating” seconds into victories when he partners Samarkand, Oriental Surprise and Exceed The Wish at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

The South African has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign, saluting on nine occasions, but there is an element of ‘what could have been’, with 12 seconds and a further 11 thirds on the report card.

He rides three of those near misses at this meting and Hewitson is hoping to get back on the winning trail.

“It’s been a good start, albeit very frustrating, as a lot of the seconds I’ve had were very close,” said Hewitson. “It could be a lot better and I guess just having that competitive nature, you always seem to look at what could have been.

“Although it’s been a pleasant start, I’m hoping to turn a few of those into winners because I could be in an even better spot.”

The biggest chance on a busy night for Hewitson is undoubtedly Samarkand, who runs in the second section of the Class Four Caroline Hill Handicap (1650m) for trainer David Hayes.

He has gone close on his last two starts under Hewitson, most recently finishing second after breaking from the widest barrier and only being collared right on the line.

This time, Samarkand has drawn perfectly in stall No 1 and although he carries top weight of 61.5kg, Hewitson rates him a strong winning chance.

“He’s running well, in this grade he’s a very consistent and solid horse. In fact, all the time he steps on he runs a race,” said Hewitson. “The only thing against him is carrying a big weight, but besides that, I think he should be just about winning.

“This is a normal Class Four race and for me, he’s the best horse in the race. He’s my stand-out ride for the night.”

The 28-year-old has seven rides on the card and another of his recent seconds, Oriental Surprise, has a big chance in the Class Five Hing Fat Handicap (1200m).

Another runner from the Hayes stable, Oriental Surprise was beaten a neck by Speedy Smartie, who was on the quick backup following a near miss at Sha Tin, over course and distance on his latest start.

He has drawn barrier No 6 and is another runner that Hewitson is sweet on the chances of.

“I think the 1200m is more of a natural trip for him, so this should be right up his alley,” Hewitson said. “He’s coming off a good run last start – he was beaten by a horse who was basically in Class Four off it’s rating on the backup.

“That was a bit frustrating, but there’s no reason why he wouldn’t be in the finish again.”

Hewitson also partners the Mark Newnham-trained Exceed The Wish, who came from a mile back to finish second two starts ago and has not been disgraced either side of that run.

He runs in the first section of the Class Four So Kon Po Handicap (1200m) and Hewitson spies another chance at getting his name on the board.

“He’s a horse who doesn’t show tactical speed from wide draws and he keeps getting wide draws, which is very frustrating as he’s running home well,” Hewitson said.

“Stall No 8 can be tricky and isn’t totally ideal – we’ve just been wishing he could draw in gate one to five to give him a winning chance. That said, he’s running really well and does deserve his day in the sun.”

Hewitson also rides Call To Command, Splendid Force, Sovereign Fund and Storming Dragon on the nine-race programme. – South China Morning Post

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: A moderate Class 4 field with many out-of-form runners, where Sir Charge should relish the drop in class and show improvement with Bowman aboard. Win Method found the line strongly late in a slowly run race last time out, and appears well weighted to build on it. Basic Instinct should enjoy a smooth trip from pole position and secure a Top 3 finish. Up With Charm posted the third fastest final 400m last start and will this field more manageable. Snowthorn looks to be a lightweight chance and should not be overlooked.

Race 2: Courier Magic appears overdue for a win after three consecutive placings, and Purton could be the missing piece he needs. Apolar Fighter his recent form is excellent and he looks to get all the favours in this race, making him a leading contender. Sterling Wongchoy has gone close in Class 4 of late, and with the drop in class, he’s poised to make amends. Beauty Missile could have an edge over his rivals on his Class 5 debut and is worth considering. Strongest Boy could spring a surprise if he can settle closer to the speed from a low draw.

Race 3: Telecom Power has slid down the ratings and looks ready to run a big race after dropping to Class 5 for the first time. Run Run Timing his recent efforts suggest that he could bounce back anytime in the cellar grade if things fall his way. Club Ace with his tactical speed, he could cause an upset if allowed a soft lead against Class 5 rivals. Shotgun his recent performances in Class 4 are better than they read, making him a value pick with the drop in class. Sonic Boom from an ideal draw, he is well weighted to make an impact.

Race 4: California Moxie had genuine excuses last start (checked near the 300m), and a good gate could spark significant improvement, given his strong track-and-distance record. Samarkand a natural frontrunner in strong form, he shapes as a formidable contender from pole position. Absolute Awakened produced his best effort to date last time out and looks one to follow. Excel Wongchoy has never been consistent but is worth considering if his odds present value. Matsu Victor below his last winning mark, he could run a cheeky race under the right race shape.

Race 5: Mr Desira a progressive 4YO, he stands out as the top choice given his excellent form this preparation. Bunta Baby showed improvement last start, and with Britney Wong’s 7lb claim, another bold run looks imminent. Harmony Fire ran on strongly late last start and must be included among the better chances. Winning Machine finished a close fourth on the All-Weather surface last time out, and with a light weight on his back, he could show further improvement. Sergeant Pepper looks capable of causing an upset on his day and should not be overlooked.

Race 6: Exceed The Wish has let down well in his last two starts and will make his presence felt in a genuinely run race. Nebraskan a strong on-pace runner, he could finally break through locally after two consecutive thirds. Healthy Healthy showed sharp improvement on his return to Class 4 last time out and must be respected, though the wide draw poses a challenge. Von Baer received heavy market support and finished a creditable fifth last start. He deserves another chance in this wide-open contest. Lakeshore Hero resuming from a break, he should sprint well fresh back to the city circuit.

Race 7: Northern Beast stuck on well for fourth in a fast run race last start, and with Purton staying aboard, he looks one to follow. Smart City has drawn a good gate after being hampered by wide draws in his last two starts, and is expected to show improvement. Wukong Jewellery has shown ability, and the market should provide the best guide as he resumes from a break. Sunday’s Serenade placed at big odds last start and should run well again if he can repeat that performance. Glorious Journey caught the eye running home strongly last start, and the switch back to turf looks a big plus.

Race 8: Loyal Bright three from three in Australia, he has trialled well for his local debut and looks ready to pick up where he left off before the break. Cheaha finished a slashing fifth on his local debut, and with a more favourable jockey booking, he’s poised to secure a spot in the Top 3. Romantic Son his last run from a wide draw was better than it reads, and he could be right in the mix with a low gate. Bundle Of Charm underperformed last start but his previous form suggests he is capable of causing an upset. Silo resuming from a break, his recent trial was a pass mark, making him one to watch first-up.

Race 9: Highland Rahy possessing tactical speed, he can prove a big winning chance from an inside draw, especially with some of his main rivals drawn wide. Storming Dragon was far from disgraced stepping up to this distance last start, and should be right in the mix from a low gate. South Star scored a strong win in this class last start, but the wide draw could make things tricky this time. Star Contact with the apprentice claim, he looks well placed to deliver a strong on-pace performance. Solid Win likes to get back and charge home late, and will make a strong late surge if they overdo it up front.