Lyle looking for big finish in Hong Kong finale

Entrenched in the top five of the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship after a bumper season, Lyle Hewitson hopes to close out the campaign with a strong showing at the 2022/23 season finale at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Armed with 10 rides across 11 races, Hewitson is optimistic he can add to an impressive tally of 50 wins and 105 minor placings from 620 rides this season, a haul which has the South African occupying fifth place in the standings behind Zac Purton (176), Vincent Ho (94), Hugh Bowman (60) and Karis Teetan (55).

With 80 wins overall in Hong Kong, 25-year-old Hewitson continues to consolidate his position as one of the jurisdiction’s most sought jockeys after identifying the need at the start of the season to ride for more stables after forging strong relationships with Douglas Whyte and David Hayes.

“My target at the start of the year was to extend that support base. Of course, Dougie is a good friend to me but also my main supporter and I cannot thank him enough for putting me on the map,” Hewitson said.

“But to succeed, you need more than one guy to support you and I think this season that was my goal – to build more relationships and strengthen others – and that could lead to more winners and I think we have seen just that.

“I’ve had a lot more outside support and when you can repay them with the winners, that’s the most important thing. Having started to ride more winners, then it was more attainable to be setting goals and as I soon as I started getting closer to figures I could achieve, I started putting them out in front of me and 50 wins for the season was the target – and it was good to get there.”

Wednesday night’s (12 July) double for Me Tsui (Telecom Fighters) and Francis Lui (Joy Coming) was evidence of Hewitson’s widening appeal and this weekend he teams with five different trainers – Whyte, Hayes, Chris So, Francis Lui and Benno Yung.

Capable of riding at 53kg, Hewitson believes he has an even spread of mounts on Sunday, including Whyte-trained Flaming Rabbit in the HK$3.8 million Class 1 Hong Kong Racehorse Owners Association Trophy Handicap (1600m).

“I actually think my rides will be competitive. I think Flaming Rabbit could have a hard task and being the last day, everyone is throwing their last bullets out there and I don’t have anything that stands out on paper but maybe if I can give one or two a good ride, you never know,” he said. - Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Vamos will win in this grade very soon after a slashing second-place finish last start. Barrier 2 provides every hope here. Miracles should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. He could be hard to catch. Our Class Act drops down in grade and start following. On his Class 4 form, he could be hard to beat. Fingers Crossed should be highly suited by the drop back in distance. Soaring Tower second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve after a no-show last time.

Race 2: Vantastic Choice looks ready to run a big race in Class 5 down in grade and with Purton in the saddle. Fortune Master looks a solid good chance based on last start and is consistent. Master Of Luck last start winner who remains in the same grade, can run well again. Ernest Feeling caught the eye last start when running home well. The low draw should enhance his chances. Double Show ran the third fastest sectional time last start for an eye-catching run. Still a maiden, but has a winning chance.

Race 3: Baby Crystal caught wide last start and still ran well. Coming into barrier 4 should ensure a smooth run in transit and he can bounce back for a win. Nicetobemet had genuine excuses last start and consider again. Barrier 1 could see him run a cheeky race. Beato caught the eye last start when running home well. Cobhfield ran the second fastest sectional time last start. Hong Kong Hall emergency runner who gains a start. Can run a race under Purton with luck from the gate.

Race 4: Packing Succeeder had genuine excuses last start when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race. Prosecco has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. He is rated well enough now to secure a win. Super Hong Kong well supported last start and won accordingly, chance to win again. Billionaire Secret was an easy last start winner and could very well repeat the dose. Joyful Genius caught the eye flashing home late, nice effort and he’s in good form.

Race 5: Publicist has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Purton should get every winning chance from barrier 1. June Planet looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. However, his negative racing pattern costs him, so he needs a more positive steer. Wide Blue Yonder has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade, can bounce back anytime. Po On Way ran the second fastest sectional time last start and Bowman in the saddle suits here. Darci Legend was eased early before catching the eye late. He can run a race from barrier 2.

Race 6: Endeared backing up quickly from a good last start effort and looks hard to beat. Ariel will win in this grade very soon and Purton in the saddle enhance his chances. Copartner Ambition drops down in grade and start following. He could surprise at odds in true form. Speedstar eased early before going on to make late ground last start. His runs are encouraging. Karma third start here and chance to win after his good last-start third place.

Race 7: Packing Bole created a huge impression at local debut and looks talented. He rises in class, has a wide draw and will need luck, but his early speed should take luck out of equation. Dragon’s Luck goes well second-up from a break and should be respected. Mugen caught the eye last start running home powerfully on debut. It was a run full of promise. Solid Impact nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance from his late gate. Global Harmony good performance when storming home for a nice second last star.

Race 8: Tricky race. Plenty of good chances who are in top form. Flaming Rabbit scored a big win last start and it will pay to keep following. He will make his own luck out in front. Tuchel nice four-year-old who continues to impress and should be a leading chance again. Encountered winner of last two starts and has a big chance. He is flying. Circuit Stellar a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, which he should. The Irishman every chance last start but still ran a good race. He’s always a chance in a race like this. He will relish a fast-run race if it eventuates.

Race 9: Amazing Victory had genuine excuses last start and consider again. Down in class and with Purton in the saddle, plenty of boxes are ticked. Universal Horizon consistent form lately and can score here as he should benefit from the drop back in distance. E Legend showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight into second place when heavily backed late. Leading Fortune always finishes close up and must be rated a chance at this level. Chiu Chow Spirit caught the eye last start when running home well. He is nearing a win.

Race 10: Simple Hedge nice three-year-old who is rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. His last-start win was impressive to say the least. Happy Daily caught the eye last start when running home well, which is usual for him. He has drawn well low, but they need to be able to maximise it. Circuit Mighty consistent form lately and can score here. Big Red showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight for an improved effort. Quantum Patch best run to date was last start and appears to be improving and nearing a win.

Race 11: Golden Express had genuine excuses last start when beaten as a short-priced odds-on favourite and consider again. He has drawn awkwardly wide, but Purton should be able to slot in and be too strong late. Youthful Deal winner of last three starts and looks a top chance despite switching to turf. Flying Ace looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. Rock Ya Heart nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance. Adios backing up quickly from a good last star effort and can run well again.