Every owner in Hong Kong dreams of having a runner in the HK$26 million 148th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and trainer Mark Newnham is aiming to fulfil the wishes of the Talentogether Syndicate when Talents Ambition (61.5kg) contests the Class 3 Ap Lei Chau Handicap over 1800m on Wednesday at Happy Valley.
The grey son of Into Mischief is rated 80, which could see him miss selection, but Newnham is aiming to boost Talents Ambition’s rating in the HK$2.05 million finale – where he begins from barrier 10 for his city circuit debut – to lift his chances of securing a spot in the Classic.
“It’s his last-ditch effort to get a berth in the Derby. He was probably just a bit too close the other day as he’s a horse you have to ride quietly. The early pace in the race and the fact that he jumped quickly put him in a position probably where he couldn’t win,” Newnham said.
Andrea Atzeni rides Talents Ambition in this event. The pair face four last-start winners: Hameron (58.5kg), Fallon (58kg), Beauty Alliance (54.5kg) and Northern Beast (53kg).
Talents Ambition finished under three lengths from stablemate My Wish in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m), the first leg the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series, which also comprises the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m).
“I think he’s going well and his run in the Classic Mile was very good. This 1800 metres around Happy Valley should suit – it’ll give him his chance to qualify. They (owners) want to have a Derby runner and this is the most appropriate race to get him there,” Newnham said.
Staged on 23 March at Sha Tin, the 14 horses selected for the BMW Hong Kong Derby are announced this Friday (14 March). Hong Kong Classic Mile winner My Wish and Hong Kong Classic Cup hero Rubylot – the highest rated entrant on 100 – should top the line-up.
My Wish is Newnham’s best performer in Hong Kong with four wins and HK$13.48 million in earnings. The Flying Artie gelding weighs under 455kg and was second last start in the Hong Kong Classic Cup.
“He’s (My Wish) perfect, he has come through it really well,” Newnham said.
Newnham also saddles Youthful Spirits in the Class 3 Cheung Chau Handicap (1200m) from barrier two with Luke Ferraris up tomorrow night. The five-year-old bay was second over 1000m at Happy Valley on 26 February.
“He’s going up to 1200 metres but his last run at 1200 was very good. He was only beaten by less than a length,” Newnham said.
“It might just mean that he doesn’t have as much pressure early, we know he’ll lead and we know he’s very fast, it’s just a matter of whether he hangs on or not. I think it’s time to test him again at 1200.”
Tactical Command represents the trainer in the Class 4 Peng Chau Handicap (1200m) after securing last-start victory over the course and distance under Alexis Badel.
“He’s been consistent all season. He’s probably getting up to a rating where it’s going to be difficult – it has been for him previously, but he’s in good shape,” Newnham said. – Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Ace Talent returning to Happy Valley with a favourable draw, he looks well-suited for a smooth trip and should deliver a strong performance. Crystal Powerful has performed well at the bottom of Class 4 and looks primed to run a big race dropping to Class 5. Happy Horse a proven performer at this level, he could be hard to run down if allowed an uncontested lead. Ever Smart still a maiden galloper but gets his chance to win in this shallow field. Modest Gentleman looks a solid good chance based on his last-start effort, but the wide draw makes things a bit tricky.
Race 2: Courier Magic stormed home for a slashing third last start and is ideally weighted to produce another encouraging effort this time. Snowalot dislodged the rider last start and is worth giving another chance based on his previous form. Atomic Beauty returning to Happy Valley should enhance his chances and could cause an upset with his best form. Good Luck Win has been in consistent form, but the awkward draw remains a concern. Midori Fuji did not disgrace at his last run and may sneak into the placings.
Race 3: Club Ace has shown ability and finally finds a highly winnable race, where he is primed to break through from a good draw. Motoman his recent runs have been encouraging and he should be highly competitive in this field. Yee Cheong Spirit with a racing style of getting back and charging home late, he needs a genuine pace to perform well. Great Spirit showed improvement with a fast-finishing third last time out and looks set to build on that form. Lucky Generations with a lightweight and an inside draw, both positive factors, he’s one to watch for improvement.
Race 4: Bowser finished a luckless second last week after being held up in the closing stages, and can make amends with better luck in running. New Power sat on pace to finish a close third last time out and could be hard to run down with a well-timed ride. Find My Love making his Class 4 debut, he has drawn well to produce an improved effort, especially with Bowman aboard. Triumphant Warrior flashed home late into second from a wide draw last start but he has to cope with another awkward draw this time. Ka Ying Power has not been beaten far in his recent starts and could secure a Top 3 finish.
Race 5: Viva Graciousness comes off a solid fifth in Class 3, and with the drop to Class 4, he’s primed to return to the winner’s list. The Azure found the line well late in a slowly run race last start and should be in the mix if the pace suits. Thesis scored a narrow win in this class 21 days ago, and from pole position, he should have every chance to repeat the dose. Firefoot had genuine excuses last start (raced wide) and could make amends with a smoother run. Amazing Award with a blistering turn of foot, he will make his presence felt if they overcook it up front.
Race 6: Mr Cool looks to be a talented three-year-old from Frankie Lor’s stable. He has trialled impressively ahead of his debut, and a strong showing is imminent. Giant Leap will relish dropping to Class 4, where he is a proven performer. Fortune Whiskey has been in great form recently and must be considered a strong contender. Karate Express dropping to Class 4 for the first time, he could prove to be a value choice as he faces weaker opposition. Glory B broke through in fine style last start and remains a strong chance.
Race 7: King Of Fighters produced an improved effort on his Happy Valley debut last start and is well placed to go one better from an inside draw. Prince Of Porty returned to his best with a tenacious win last start, and a below-par Class 3 field gives him a good chance to secure back-to-back victories. Happy Fat Cat a fast beginner, he will run well if given a soft lead. Circuit Jolly looks to be a progressive 3YO and should run well despite rising to Class 3. Eason has the ability and could cause an upset on his day, despite the wide draw.
Race 8: Beauty Infinity backing up quickly from a strong last-start effort, he’s poised to go one better against a weaker field this time. Sports Legend was caught in the final stride after showing tactical speed last time out. He will be hard to run down with a well-timed ride. Chateauneuf attacked the line strongly off a slow pace last start and should be highly competitive if he can settle closer to the speed from a good draw. California Touch goes well second-up from a break and should be respected. Young Arrow can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form and could prove to be a value choice.
Race 9: Beauty Alliance overcame a wide draw to secure a dominant victory in Class 4 last time out and remains a leading contender, despite stepping up to Class 3. Romantic Laos always a threat in this class and can bounce back at any time. Star Mac has shown improvement since switching to Happy Valley and must be respected. Charity Gain a genuine pace looks to be key for him to perform well, given his conservative racing style. Jumbo Legend another galloper who largely relies on a genuine pace to deliver a strong finish, he’s worth considering if his odds offer value.