Lyle on 99 not out in Hong Kong

On the cusp of riding his 100th Hong Kong winner, Lyle Hewitson hopes Chancheng Glory can advance growing Four-Year-Old Classic Series claims when the gelding contests the Class 3 (restricted) Tin Shui Wai Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin on Saturday.

Rated 79, Chancheng Glory has been a revelation for Francis Lui since blinkers and a crossed nose band were added to the American-bred galloper’s gear, resulting in four consecutive 1600m wins – two for Hewitson and twice for Harry Bentley – to emerge as a likely contender for the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on 4 February.

Drawn in barrier No 7, Chancheng Glory will carry 59.5kg against solely four-year-old opposition in what shapes as a sighter for the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Series, which also features the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on 3 March and the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 24 March.

“He (Chancheng Glory) has been an absolute soldier throughout his career pretty much, but this season he’s taken it to new heights and hopefully he can do that again – which he will need to because he’s going to be giving away weight to his rivals and that makes it a lot tougher, but he’s in such good form but he keeps improving and I’m looking forward to it,” Hewitson said.

“I’ve always been of the opinion that he’ll get better with the extra ground, however that has to be seen to be believed so at this stage he’s been enjoying it (the mile) and hopefully he continues his fruitful ways.”

With 19 wins this season, Hewitson sits seventh in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship behind Zac Purton (50), Karis Teetan (35), Hugh Bowman (26), Angus Chung (21), Vincent Ho (21) and Andrea Atzeni.

The South African has a full book of 10 rides tomorrow and hopes to reach the 100-victory landmark before Chancheng Glory contests the penultimate race on Saturday.

“That (reaching the 100-win milestone) would be fantastic but I wouldn’t mind getting on the board earlier in the day, too. It’s a tough card but we’ll be working through it,” he said.

With Purton returning from approved leave of absence to take nine rides, including Four-Year-Old Classic Series aspirants Beauty Crescent and Simple Hedge, Karis Teetan hopes Pierre Ng-trained Galaxy Patch can successfully bridge a rise in grade when he contests the Class 2 Pok Oi Cup Handicap (1200m).

“He (Galaxy Patch) has got a good record this season, he’s done well so far. Everything that’s been asked of him, he’s produced so I’m looking forward to riding him again,” Teetan said.

“He’s kept getting stronger with his wins. Last time, with the heavy weight, he got a nice run through but just the way he quickened up and put them to sleep was really good. It is a big step (going to Class 2), but when they show improvement like that in Class 3 then, of course, they can hold their form in Class 2. If he gets a good run, he should be competitive.”

The winner of his only Australian start at Morphettville when known as Gulinga Spirit and trained by Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea in January 2023, Galaxy Patch has posted three wins from four starts in Hong Kong. – Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Dragon Delight last run suggested a win was very near, third in his first Class 5 start. Goes close here. Fire Ball well sup- ported last start and won accordingly. He remains well rated could repeat the dose. Smart Beauty remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here from the low gate and under the apprentice claims. Tsuen Wan Glory last run suggested a win was very near. Diamond Diamond down in class in this race and should perform better. Blinkers back on is a bonus.

Race 2: Top Scorer turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability. He should take beating second-up. Second To None debut run was good and has trained on well since, open to any amount of improvement second-up. Master Mastermind has trialled well for debut and should be rated a chance, watch the betting. Joy Of Spring fresh up from a break and should run well this preparation. Glorious Expert well prepared for debut and is worth considering in exotic bets.

Race 3: Run Run Timing holding form with recent good trial and looks well placed to break through third-up after checking in third in both runs so far. Sight Hero had excuses last week when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race, could run a cheeky race if he handles the quick back up. Copartner Prance best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. Must Go down in class here and can surprise, respect with Purton in the saddle for Size. Ruby Sailing last start placing was full of merit, nice effort.

Race 4: Plenty of chances here in a wide-open race. James Tak well supported last start and won accordingly, big win and might be headed higher. Lifeline Express turned in a very nice debut run for the John Size yard. Wasn’t in the betting, but looks to have good ability. Metro Warrior down in class here and should relish Class 4 on his first try, with Purton and Hayes combining. Deep Pursuit has trialled well for debut for the Fownes yard and should be rated a chance. Less Is More has been very well prepared with several trials, watch the betting.

Race 5: Volcanic Spark no luck last start when unable to secure clear running in the home straight, checking in sixth to Fighting Machine. Gets Bowman in the saddle from barrier 2, which should ensure every hope. Fighting Machine well supported last start and won accordingly. Barrier 14 looks awkward here as opposed to gate 3 last start. Top Peak last start placing was full of merit, nice effort. Glory Cloud well prepared for debut and is worth considering from barrier 1. Kasi Farasi old-timer who is backing up quickly from last week, can run well.

Race 6: Beato good performance when storming home for third place last start and he is overdue for a win since the class drop. Chateau looks a solid good chance based on last start when checking in his best finishing position yet, might just be able to go on with it now. Holy Lake looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form after he raced too keenly last start. Lucky Eternity had excuses last start when racing wide without cover. He has been costly, but a win seems near. Joyful Prosperity recent runs have been encouraging and can run well.

Race 7: Galaxy Patch highly promising horse who shows nice ability and looks the one to beat in this race. He rises to Class 2, which is never easy, but this isn’t a strong Class 2 field. Lucky Encounter nice 4YO with a good chance here after he had excuses last start when pulling up with mucus. Gummy Gummy talented galloper who is resuming from a break, may need the run but has class. Bundle Of Charm well-placed and looks a chance in race like this. Winning Icey can improve second-up from a break after a fair first-up effort.

Race 8: Cotton Fingers looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He was the victim of being close to a hot tempo last start and faded late. With a better-timed ride here, he can break through. Magnificent Nine turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability. From the Size stable, he should improve big time second-up. I Give should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Giddy Up had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire.

Race 9: Open race here with a full field of 4YOs competing for rating for the upcoming Classic Series. Chancheng Glory winner of his last four races who remains the one to beat. Showed tactical versatility last start when ridden off the speed, still winning well. Simple Hedge last start placing was full of merit, nice effort and he appears to be the next-best winning chance. Speed Dragon improved with blinkers last start, winning well. Star Mac good performance when storming home for third place last start. Ka Ying Generation having second start and can improve up in distance from a low draw.

Race 10: Joyful Hunter ultra-impressive first-up win over 1200m but was suited by a hot tempo. It seems the stable has high hopes for him, so he should be handling the rise in distance and winning again. Beauty Crescent has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Drawn well low in gate 2 and will be on-pace and out of trouble. Beauty Fit looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form, the wide draw isn’t ideal however. Leslie changed stables recently and has improved. I Can important gear change with blinkers being added, expect improvement based on his overseas form.