Nearing 100 career wins in Hong Kong, championship-leading trainer Mark Newnham is hoping to convert at Happy Valley on Wednesday when Lunar Dash takes his place in the second section of the Class 4 Tai Tam Handicap over 1200m.
Expatriate trainer Newnham has adapted to Hong Kong racing easily, posting 98 winners in the city after arriving ahead of the 2023/24 season. He saddles seven chances at the meeting, led by lightly raced sprinter Lunar Dash’s pairing with Zac Purton.
“He’s been consistent this season. He gets around the Valley well; he’s done well since his last start, but he’s come up with a difficult barrier (No 9) again,” Newnham said. “He lost focus in the straight the other day – he wanted to run out under pressure, so hopefully this (first-time cheek pieces) straightens him up a little bit.”
Street Boss gelding Lunar Dash won first-up prior to finishing second behind Run Run Smart on 5 November. Newnham’s four-year-old has one win from four starts, while the trainer has an unmatched 23 wins this season, four clear of nearest rival David Hayes (19).
“There was a lot of interference in the race going into the first turn (last start), of which, he didn’t suffer a lot of that, but he did race fairly tight for a fair distance. He’s only a lightly raced horse, so he didn’t cope particularly well,” Newnham said.
Hollie Doyle is another readying for a busy night with six mounts, featuring Double Win in the Class 4 Shek Lei Pui Handicap (2200m) for trainer Manfred Man.
“He got up late last time around at Sha Tin. He’s taking on Happy Valley this time, but he has a bit of form there in his first season here. He’s up in distance by 200 metres as well, which will definitely help him – the further the better,” Doyle said. “Manfred’s been great – he’s given me plenty of rides and plenty of support.”
Vincent Ho is aiming to maintain his momentum when he links with Hong Kong International Sale graduate Perfect General in the Class 4 American Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1200m) for trainer Caspar Fownes.
“He trialled really well. He jumped well and his early speed was lovely, and then he finished off very nicely. He’s a nice horse to get on, for sure. Although the draw (No 11) isn’t too ideal, but he does have the form there with good ability,” Ho said. “I remember I rode him into third once and he gave me a good feeling.”
Ho has 13 wins this season, headlined by five from his past 18 rides. The local ace is striking at 11.3% as he aims to climb the championship table.
Renowned for an association with champion Ambitious Dragon, Maxime Guyon began a short-term licence last Sunday (30 November) with five rides, and he gears up for a further six at Happy Valley.
“The first year I came to Hong Kong I won the Hong Kong Derby (2000m) with Ambitious Dragon (in 2011). It was amazing to win,” Guyon said. “It’s been a very long time since I last came to Hong Kong. I’m really happy to come back.”
Guyon, 36, is chasing a third HK$26 million G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase (2400m) win on 14 December when he rides Sosie for the legendary Andre Fabre.
“I think I have a chance; I have Sosie. He has run really good twice in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1, 2400m). He has won two Group 1s this year, so he has amazing form and good ground is much better for him. He’s very easy to ride, and we know Mr Fabre doesn’t come for nothing,” Guyon said. – Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Happy Boys found the line strongly late from a wide draw last start, and with a low gate, he shapes as a leading contender. Sky Song better than his form suggests and could bounce back with the drop in distance. Golden Friendship has been far from disgraced in Class 4 and looks one to watch with Purton aboard after dropping to Class 5, though the wide draw is a concern. Cheer For South narrowly missed despite a wide trip last start, and with a smoother run, he could go one better. Ever Smart will make his presence felt late if they overdo it up front.
Race 2: Perfect Pairing should be highly suited by the rise in distance, and carrying only 117lb is another positive. Serangoon produced a fast-finishing effort at Sha Tin last start, and with Purton staying aboard, he’s poised to make an impact. Double Win stormed home to score a brilliant win in this class last time out, and with a favourable draw, a double looks within reach. Management Folks with a more conservative racing style, he will need a genuine pace to unleash a strong finish. Mission Strike still a maiden after nine starts, but the rise to 2200m could be what he needs.
Race 3: Ninja Derby the victim of an ill-judged ride last start, he could make amends with a more proactive ride. Star Brose on a seven-day back-up off a close third, he is edging closer to a win. Rosewood Fleetfoot has dropped in the rating and could surprise at value in this moderate field, especially with J-Mac aboard. Storm Runner appears overdue for a maiden win after placing four times from his last five starts. Cool Blue has produced two fast-finishing efforts recently and is well weighted to continue the strong run.
Race 4: Giddy Up will find this field more manageable on his return to the city circuit, and is expected to deliver a strong on-pace showing. California Deeply well below his last winning mark, he has drawn well to produce an improved effort with J-Mac aboard. Great State resuming off a long break, his recent trial was a pass mark, and the market will provide the best guide. Perfect General has trialled well for his return, and both his class record and first-up record make him hard to overlook. King Glorioso has shown significant improvement recently but the wide draw poses a challenge.
Race 5: Rewarding Buddy his last run was better than it appears, and from a low gate, he shapes as a value pick. Silver Spurs a strong frontrunner, he is likely to be the favourite given his eye-catching recent form. Victor The Rapid both the rise in trip and the return to Happy Valley are positives, which could spark improvement. Swagger Bro resuming from a break, he has trialled well and should run a strong race first-up. Genius Baby heavily backed but had no luck last start. However, he is only worth considering if his odds present value given his patchy form.
Race 6: Lunar Dash has been in great form of late and looks the standout in this below-par Class 4 field, especially with Purton staying aboard. California Blitz appears overdue for a win after four consecutive placings, and must be included in exotic bets. Super Universal has not been beaten far in recent starts and looks capable of causing an upset. Know At Heart ran on well in a slowly run race last start and is ideally weighted to make his presence felt. Von Baer posted the second fastest final 400m last time out and could sneak into the placings, though the wide draw remains a concern.
Race 7: Eternal Fortune is coming off an eye-catching first-up effort, and from pole position, he should enjoy a smooth trip and go one better. Wonderstar a tenacious frontrunner, he could hang in there all day if allowed a soft lead. Celestial Hero caused an upset before a 143-day break, and should run well fresh given his reliable first-up record. Love Together produced a fair effort on his local debut, and with added fitness, he is open to improvement. Lucky Xander finished strongly from a wide draw last start and has since trialled to maintain his form.
Race 8: Wrote A New Page was narrowly beaten in a slowly run race from a slightly awkward draw last start. With a smoother trip, he could make amends. Liveandletlive possesses tactical speed and could be hard to catch if allowed to dictate the pace. Charity Gain flashed home late into third first-up, and his perfect second-up record holds him in good stead this time. Star Contact capable but moody, he could cause an upset on his day. Joy Of Spring with the apprentice claim and an inside gate, he looks to get all the favours to produce a strong effort. -iRACE Magazine