Caspar Fownes is brimming with excitement as he prepares to unveil a familiar face as his retained stable rider at Wednesday’s Happy Valley fixture.
Reuniting with ‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira, Fownes is hoping to strengthen his trainers’ title push when the four-time Hong Kong Champion Jockey (2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17 & 2020/21) and winner of 1,242 races in Hong Kong returns with nine rides.
Currently second in the trainers’ championship, Fownes said: “It’s good to have him back. I’m sure he’ll be well received by his massive fan base in Hong Kong. It’s nice to have him riding everything for us on Wednesday and, hopefully, we can snag a winner.”
Moreira initially moved to Hong Kong from Singapore in 2013. He rode 97 winners to finish second in his first season and clinched his first title in 2014/15 (145 wins). He excelled again in 2015/16 (168) and 2016/17 (170), while his great championship rivalry with Zac Purton has produced some of Hong Kong racing’s most memorable moments.
Moreira partners Decision Link, Vermilion Tempest, Elegant Life, Golden Brilliant, Monarch County, Sky Cap, Sky Vino, Perfect General and Mighty Commander as he commences his retainership, which runs until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
Fownes said: “There’s a long way to go (in the championship). I’ve been there, I know what it takes, and I’ll just be chipping away. Good luck to everyone but as along as everyone gets a fair go – it’ll come down to a bit of luck, good rides and handicaps.”
Hong Kong International Sale graduate Perfect General contests the first section of the Class 3 On Lan Handicap over 1200m, while Mighty Commander faces the second section, one race later.
Fownes said: “I think he’ll (Perfect General) be competitive. He’s drawn in gate No 4, and he’ll get his own luck. Another one (Mighty Commander) – he’s drawn in four as well, he’s coming off a nice trial, he’s an honest horse, he always runs well and he’ll be doing the same again. He’s had a nice freshen up – they both have waiting for Joao.”
Highly successful around the world, Moreira has three times posted eight winners in a single race day at Sha Tin (5 March 2017), Kranji (6 September 2013) and Cidade Jardim (March 2006). He was four times Singapore Champion Jockey (2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013).
Together with Fownes, Moreira won the 2021 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) aboard Sky Darci – his second win in the race after Rapper Dragon, who became the first to win all three legs of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series in 2017.
Moreira’s famously been associated with Hong Kong stars Able Friend, Designs On Rome, Beat The Clock, Hot King Prawn, Peniaphobia, Time Warp, Military Attack and Waikuku, among others.
The 42-year-old Moreira has enjoyed a successful association with Japan racing as well, winning Group 1s aboard Maurice, Satono Reve, Lys Gracieux, Museum Mile, Stellenbosch, Embroidery, Glory Vase, Satono Crown and Neorealism.
He has also won top-level races in Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Uruguay and his native Brazil. Moreira also won the 2012 Longines International Jockeys’ Championship at Happy Valley before his permanent move to Hong Kong. – Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Concorde Star has finished strongly from wide draws in his recent starts and looks well placed to make amends from a favourable gate. Rewarding Twinkle his recent efforts at Sha Tin have been encouraging and he could finally break through on his return to Happy Valley. Decision Link will relish the drop in class and the booking of Moreira, though the wide draw remains a concern. Always My Folks remains a maiden after 16 starts but may sneak into the placings if allowed a soft lead. Legendary Impact with his honest form in Class 4, he looks capable of causing an upset dropping to Class 5.
Race 2: Vermilion Tempest attacked the line strongly late from a wide draw in a slowly run race last start, and with Moreira aboard, he shapes as a strong contender. Vivacious Win has been in consistent form and appears ideally weighted to score an overdue win. Beauty Viva adopted more positive tactics to win last start and remains a chance despite the weight rise. Celtic Times produced a fair effort last start but is only worth considering if his odds represent value, given his patchy form. Fortune Star a situational closer, he needs a genuine tempo to make his presence felt.
Race 3: Beauty Show has trialled well ahead of his debut and looks primed to run a big race with Purton aboard. Superb King showed marked improvement on his return to Class 4 last time out and appears one to follow. Beauty Thunder is edging closer to a win after three consecutive seconds, though the awkward draw could prove tricky. Elegant Life finished a meritorious third despite a wide trip last start, and with Moreira aboard and a smoother run, he could make amends. Tycoon Resources well prepared with several trials for his debut, he has shown tactical speed recently and looks one to watch.
Race 4: In what appears a wide-open contest, Amazing Award was far from disgraced with a solid fourth despite covering extra ground last start, and with a more economical trip, he should be right in the mix. Mighty Steed a proven performer at this level, he must be respected with Purton staying aboard. Golden Brilliant scored a tenacious win last start and a Class 4 double looks within his reach. Incanto Star draws well and deserves another chance after underperforming last start. All Round Winner will find the field more manageable on his return to the city circuit.
Race 5: Bright Day his last two runs were better than they read given the adverse conditions, and from a low draw, he should map well and be highly competitive with a 7lb claimer aboard. Monarch County resuming from a break, he is expected to sprint well fresh, and the booking of Moreira is another positive. Forerunner placed at long odds last start but repeating that performance is a query. Smart Fighter suited by the drop back in distance and will give them something to catch under the right race shape. Star Figure will make a strong late surge if they overdo it up front.
Race 6: Lucky Mcqueen defied a wide draw to score an impressive win last start and looks poised to secure back-to-back victories. Crossborderdude boasts consistent Sha Tin form and shapes as a leading contender on his Happy Valley debut. Sky Cap comes off a strong on-pace win and remains competitive with Moreira aboard, despite the weight rise. Gameplayer Elite heavily backed and duly saluted last start. From pole position, he should get every chance to secure a double. Falcon Hunter outperformed market expectations to finish third last start and should run well again with a light weight.
Race 7: Viva Graciousness an awkward jump blunted his chances last start, and with a clean getaway, he could cause an upset with Purton taking the reins. Silvery Breeze has been in consistent form and must be included among the better chances. Sky Vino boasts a strong record over this track and distance and the booking of Moreira ticks another box. Super Unicorn will appreciate the rise to 1650m after a fast-finishing sixth over 1400m last start. Noisy Boy went close on the AWT surface last week, and the return to turf should suit him even better.
Race 8: Perfect General possesses good early speed and should acquit himself well in this open contest. Spirit Of Peace with a more conservative racing style, he will need a genuine tempo to unleash a strong finish. Power Koepp finished a solid fourth despite encountering traffic at a crucial stage last start, and with a smoother passage, he should be in the mix. King Miles near his last winning mark, he could cause an upset with the in-form Jerry Chau aboard. Ace Champion narrowly missed last start, but the shift from barrier 1 to 12 poses a challenge.
Race 9: Sight Hermoso overcame a wide draw to break through in Class 3 last start and appears to sit on an upward trajectory. King Of Fighters with a favourable weight swing, he looks the main threat to likely favourite Sight Hermoso. Mighty Commander has been in consistent form of late and the booking of Moreira piques interest. Red Sea a one-dimensional frontrunner, he could be hard to catch if allowed to dictate from a wide draw. Meowth endured a wide trip yet still went close last start, and with better luck in running, he could make amends. - iRACE Magazine