Luke Middlebrook
The International Jockeys’ Championship kicks off the Hong Kong International Races week at Happy Valley on Wednesday.
One of many world-class riders in town for the big show, James McDonald can end the night with a winner in the Class 2 1800m Handicap.
It will be McDonald’s second steer aboard Rise Brethren after partnering him to second place in a 1800m Handicap at Sha Tin 17 days ago, closing off strongly late but no match for odds-on favourite Running Glory – who he defeated two starts ago – on that occasion.
The French import has in fact yet to miss the frame this preparation, winning once and placing second twice to bring his Hong Kong record to three wins and as many placings from 13 starts.
Rise Brethren should get the gun run from gate No 2 and standing out as the form choice over his competitors, will be favoured to get the job done under McDonald.
Elsewhere, Hong Kong champion jockey Zac Purton boasts a strong book of rides as he aims to chase a fourth International Jockeys’ Championship.
In the first Leg, Purton can kick off with a winner as he partners the Danny Shum-trained four-year-old Supreme Lucky in his second career start in the Class 4 1000m dash. Supreme Lucky made his debut over 1200m at Sha Tin 17 days ago, drawing wide in barrier No 10 under McDonald and looking in need of the run fitness wise. Showing good gate speed, however, he was on-pace for a long while and also had excuses as he was taken wide at the 600m.
He only faded late inside the 300m and was beaten just 2.50 lengths. Coming into barrier No 1 on this occasion, as well as getting blinkers on for the first time, he looks poised to score second-up.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Turin Warrior showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight but he might be better ridden with a sit as seen on prior good runs. So You Trust blinkers have been added and must be a big chance after showing big improvement wearing them at the trials. Happy Jai Jai nice run last start and looks good chance in this race from gate 1. Kowloon Great had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race. Killer Instinct fair run last start and place chance under McDonald.
Race 2: Murray’s Partners will win in this grade very soon. From barrier 3 under a returning Karis Teetan, he gets his chance. London Luckystar racing in career-best form, winning his last two races, and must be rated a good chance. Medic Elite showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Our Creed drops down in grade and start following. A bit of luck from barrier 12 and he’s right in this. Fortune Master fair run last start and place chance. Maps to get its chance from barrier 1.
Race 3: Touch Faith unbeaten in this class and must be a big chance to score again returning to the cellar grade. Hearty Wish showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. He can do the same from barrier 3. Sunshine Legendary drops down in grade and start following. Looks ripe for improvement under Purton. Little Player best run to date was last start and appears to be improving since a stable change. Handsome Guys looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. The wide barrier poses a concern however.
Race 4: Supreme Lucky ran out of condition last start and will be fitter now at his second start. He gets Purton on and wears blinkers for the first time, and from barrier 1 can get the run of the race. Forte has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. Big chance under Bowman from gate 3. Handsome Rebel every chance last start when beaten as a short-priced favourite but still ran a good race. Oversubscribed generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home, each-way claims. Valhalla best run to date was last start and appears to be improving.
Race 5: Copartner Era placed last start and looks a chance to run well again, especially as Purton gets the ride. He can bounce back for a win. Royal Pride last start winner who remains in the same grade and has drawn well low to be competitive again. Win Win Fighter last run suggested a win was very near and barrier 2 will ensure gets his chance. Yee Cheong Warrior go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here with McDonald steering from barrier 4. Star Contact good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Likely to get back from his wide gate but make a late bid.
Race 6: Mega Bonus well supported last start and won accordingly. Trialled well since and can map softly from gate 3 under Marquand. Gold Gold Baby racing well with excellent sectional time rankings and last start was still a huge run given the race shape was against him. Sixth Generation has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Howdeepisyourlove turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability. Allgreektome recent barrier trial was good, suggesting an improved second-up run can be expected.
Race 7: Nimble Nimbus looks a chance in a race like this, with McDonald riding from barrier 2. He can bounce back for a win as seen two starts ago. Packing Famous fresh up from a break and should run well with Purton picking up the ride. All Beauty was eased early before catching the eye late and looks primed for a big third-up run. Rising From Ashes ran the third fastest sectional time last start, when ridden quite from a wide draw, but coming into a low draw should enhance his chances. Storm Legend had genuine excuses last start when badly held up.
Race 8: Adios consistent form lately and can score here after solid placing in a fast run race last time. The lower draw can see him map softer. Xponential looks a solid good chance based on last start and has to be considered a serious chance with Purton riding. Happy Sharing should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way, but his stamina could be telling late. Gold Marquis blinkers made the difference last run and can go on with it. Red Lion debuted with a solid run on the pace, fitter now and should be more of an improver second-up from the John Size yard.
Race 9: Rise Brethren racing consistently of late and expect another big run. Drawn softly low and finds a weaker race than his last start when runner-up to Running Glory. Savaquin good performance when storming home for third place last start. He’ll prove the testing material under Purton. Packing Award winner of last two starts and is a big chance here but is an unknown at the trip. Flying Quest good performance when returning to form last start. Maps to get his chance under Jamie Kah. Fa Fa can upset some more fancied rivals on best form.