Lyle to stay a few Steps Ahead

Lyle Hewitson got off the mark last Sunday at Sha Tin with Metro Power and the South African will team up with Steps Ahead in Race 8 at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

Steps Ahead is trained by trainer Francis Lui and will jump from gate No 9.

“I rode him in the Four-Year-Old Classic Series and even then, I was of the opinion that he’s probably looking for blinkers and maybe even the 1650m at Happy Valley.

“Unfortunately, I wasn’t on him when he did go to Happy Valley, but he did acquit himself very well with the distance and headgear. There’s no reason why he can’t continue that vein of form because he’s a very consistent horse.

“His trackwork the other day, I thought he felt that he was pretty fit for a first-up horse and that he’d certainly come on from his barrier trial. He’s going into the race in good condition for a first-up run,” Hewitson said.

Five-year-old Steps Ahead goes into the race after a trio of top three finishes – each by under a length.

Jockey Vincent Ho is loving being back in competition and the resolute 35-year-old hopes last-start winner Jumbo Legend can kick off this season just as he ended the last in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Shek O Handicap over 1650m for trainer Caspar Fownes.

Ho, who is clear in health and mind following extensive rehabilitation after a fall last February, has already hit the board this campaign with a win. The rider has worked tirelessly to recuperate from neck fractures and a head injury he sustained in that mishap and is now focusing his attention on more success and better rides.

Jumbo Legend arrives at Happy Valley seeking a second straight win. He is one of three rides for Ho when he resumes from gate No 4 against Californiatotality, Voyage Samurai, Telecom Fighters, Encountered, La City Blanche, Soleil Fighter, Steps Ahead, Keefy, Lo Rider, Bravehearts and Woodfire Bro.

“I know the horse well – he always performs. Hopefully, he does the same as last season. He’s won over all distances at Happy Valley except for the 1000m. He’s an honest, decent horse,” Ho said.

Jumbo Legend is a seven-time winner at the city circuit for Fownes. The 85-rater found serious form last term by winning four times – including three from his most recent five appearances.

Mark Newnham got rolling last Sunday. The Australian expatriate scooped a double with Max Que and Same To You, form he hopes to carry into the midweek programme with six runners engaged, featuring Youthful Spirits and Spicy Gold in the Class 3 Repulse Bay Handicap (1000m).

Runner-up five times last season, on-pacer Youthful Spirits steps from draw 11 when he links with Luke Ferraris, while four-time winner Spicy Gold pairs with Hugh Bowman from No 9.

“He (Youthful Spirits) doesn’t change much. We know what to expect from him. He’s a very quick horse and you can’t hold him up too much – his head gets higher; he doesn’t breathe the best and you have to just work with him,” Newnham said.

Of the resuming Spicy Gold, Newnham said: “He’s really good fresh. I just thought a 1000m fresh off a fast pace might suit him early in the season. He’s been very consistent at Happy Valley but we haven’t tried the 1000m with him. There’s every opportunity that he’ll hit the line strongly.

“Looking at him and the way he races, he’s the most unlikely Happy Valley horse you’d ever see. He’s big, awkward and he gets back (in the run). All the things that generally don’t win you races at Happy Valley, but once he gets it together, he chases hard.”

Group 1 winner Red Lion tuned up along with Patch Of Theta and Light Years Charm in yesterday’s busy trials session. John Size’s galloper was untested at the rear as Light Years Charm edged Patch Of Theta by a short head in 1m 10.59s over 1200m on dirt at Sha Tin. – Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Silver Spurs down in grade and turned in an impressive trial win, suggesting a winning return is imminent, especially with the apprentice claim. Triumphant Warrior remains a maiden after 21 starts, but gets his chance to win in a race like this. Golden Friendship has tactical speed and could show improvement with Purton aboard on his Class 5 debut. Modest Gentleman finished strongly into third from a wide draw last time out, but faces an awkward gate again. Noble Deluxe has dropped in the rating and could surprise at odds.

Race 2: Always My Folks haunted by wide draws in recent starts, he should enjoy a smooth run from an inside gate and could finally break through. California Blitz has mixed his form but must be considered a strong contender in this weak field. Golden Luck will relish the drop back in distance and an improved effort wouldn’t surprise here. Know At Heart with a strong turn of foot, he can make his presence if the pace suits. Mighty Commander should sprint well fresh first-up, though the 1200m trip is a touch short of his best.

Race 3: Firefoot may have needed his first-up run, and with added fitness, he could secure a Top 3 finish with Purton taking the reins. Supreme Agility appears well rated in Class 4 now and must be respected after a fast-finishing third last start. Can’t Go Wong his last run was better than it reads, and he could cause an upset with a favourable draw. Samarkand a three-time winner in this class, he looks one to watch dropping to Class 4. Perfect Pairing the switch back to Happy Valley is a big plus, making him a value choice in this open field.

Race 4: Rocket Spade in a race lacking early speed, he could capitalise on his sit-and-sprint style to overhaul rivals. Romantic Laos from a low draw, he should map closer to the speed and prove a big winning chance. Excellence Value caught the eye running home strongly last time out, despite a slow start. Harmony Galaxy has posted two wins from his last five starts and must be rated among the better chances. Victor The Rapid based on his racing style, the step up to 1650m for the first time should suit him even better.

Race 5: Honest Witness his recent efforts suggest a maiden win is just around the corner, and he looks ready to deliver a strong first-up performance, following an eye-catching trial. Master Champion was narrowly beaten last week, when being held up at a crucial stage, and now aims for quick atonement. New Power raced well towards the end of last season, so he looks one to follow on his return. Exceed The Wish with a more conservative racing style, he needs a genuine tempo to unleash a strong finish. Patch Of Watch produced a fair effort last start and could give them something to chase if allowed a soft lead.

Race 6: Vulcanus scored an impressive win last start, and a double looks well within his reach remaining in Class 4. King Lotus ran on well late without being asked in a recent trial, suggesting he is raring to go first-up. Sky Song stuck on well for fourth in a fast run race last time out, and is well weighted to deliver another commendable performance. Nebraskan a dangerous frontrunner, he could be hard to run down if given an uncontested lead. The Perfect Match resuming from a long break, the betting market should reveal the story

Race 7: La Forza finds a more manageable field on his Happy Valley debut, and with Purton staying aboard, he could bounce back. Candlelight Dinner raced on the speed and finished a close second in this class last time out. He must be considered a strong contender. Romantic Son his recent trial suggests a commendable first-up run is imminent. Justifying previously a hyped horse, the bubble has burst; he may be a value choice in this field. Healthy Healthy held up in the concluding stages last start, and with a clearer passage, he could make amends.

Race 8: Lo Rider finished fourth in this year’s Derby and looks well placed to secure his first local win with the step up in distance. Bravehearts gets in well at the weights and will make a strong late surge under the right race shape. Steps Ahead has been consistent since day one and must be included in exotic bets. Soleil Fighter placed four times from five starts in this class, he commands respect despite the awkward draw. Woodfire Bro just missed last start but the wide draw remains a challenge this time.