Ng launches three-pronged Sprint Cup assault

Acknowledging the magnitude of the challenge of competing against the world’s top-rated sprinter Lucky Sweynesse, Pierre Ng hopes his three starters – Duke Wai, Taj Dragon and Super Wealthy – can defy expectations in the HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Conceding his trio faces a monumental task to upstage Lucky Sweynesse, Ng nevertheless is keen to add even more lustre to an already phenomenal season with an unmatched 45 wins – 14 more than nearest rival Francis Lui in the Hong Kong trainers’ championship.

Ng, 40, celebrated his first Black-Type victory in Hong Kong on 1 January when Taj Dragon won the G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m) and the ambitious second-season handler is eager to add loftier spoils.

“Hopefully, getting more and more runners going to those races like these (Group 1s) – I want to try my luck,” Ng said. “Taj Dragon, the distance might be a little bit short and I’m just hoping for a good run from him. Of course, the top sprinter (Lucky Sweynesse) is there and it’s a bit difficult.

“So, we’re looking for a good run from Taj Dragon and getting ready for the 1400m race (G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup) next month (10 March).

“Duke Wai and Super Wealthy, we’re hoping for good runs. We’ll see if they can get something out of it.”

Ng’s trio faces 10 rivals in the Centenary Sprint Cup, including Lucky Sweynesse, Wellington, Sight Success, Courier Wonder, Lucky With You, Victor The Winner, Packing Treadmill, Whizz Kid, Flying Ace and Son Pak Fu, with each runner assigned 57.5kg.

Seeking his second win in the race, Lucky Sweynesse jumps from barrier five under Zac Purton, while Ng’s charges are spread across the line with Super Wealthy in barrier No 1, Taj Dragon in gate eight and Duke Wai in the outside alley of 13.

Manfred Man is confident Lucky Sweynesse has retained the form which saw the gelding convincingly land the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) on 10 December.

“Of course, in the ratings, he’s the best horse and with a good draw, he would be a very good chance,” Man said. “His form is okay, no problem. He helps me a lot, the horse.”

The Centenary Sprint Cup is the first leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, which also includes the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on 10 March and the HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 28 April. – Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Nicholson Returns good performance when returning to form last start, returning to Class 4. He is the one to beat from barrier 3 under Purton. Special Hedge good effort last start leading all the way to win and he could very well repeat that dose here. Wonder Years last start placing was full of merit after a mid-race move, nice effort and should run well again. Jubilation consistent performer of late and worth considering. Winning Steps backing up quickly from a good last start effort on the all-weather on Wednesday night and can run well again.

Race 2: One Heart One will win in this grade very soon after his narrow last-stat defeat into third. A wide-open Class 5, but he should receive every chance here. Diamond Diamond good performance when storming home for third place last start. Drawn well and should once again be making a late bid. Charmander nice effort last start when finishing strongly. Gate 11 is awkward, but his form is good enough here. Starship Eighty form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Angels Hunter has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon.

Race 3: Second To None more than capable of winning again in this race breaking through stylishly last start. From barrier 1, he re- mains the one to beat. Loyal Bo Bo had no luck last start but keep following. Comes into a much lower drawn and only needs a better-timed rider to improve. Ace Victory down in class here and can surprise. Phoenix Light has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Must Go second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve with gear changes.

Race 4: Celtic Times looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Gets gate 1 with Purton in the plate and should get every chance. Amazing Run dropping in class and will find this much easier than last start. Start to follow. Happy Daily drops down in grade and start following. Will get back and be running on from the wide draw. Can’t Go Wong has dropped a lot in the ratings and can improve. Barrier 14 is tricky, but he has been steadily improving. War Of Courage a proven performer at this level and rates in the chances from barrier 3 under the 10lb claim.

Race 5: Beato had no luck last start when checking in eighth place as the $2.9 favourite. He has been knocking on the door and gets another chance here. Horse Of Good Luck solid performance last start and must be a chance here. Only faded late in a fast run race which Fallon one, which is good form here. Owners’ Praise can bounce back a winner anytime in this class. No excuses from barrier 1. Beer Pal- ace turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly in his first run in Class 4. Chilli Baba made up ground last start and is racing well.

Race 6: Super Legends every chance last start but still ran a good race when beaten as the odds-on favourite. Trialled well since and give another chance. Patch Of Theta last start placing was full of merit, nice effort and with any amount of luck from barrier No 10, he can easily win this. Fast Buck last start winner who remains in the same grade, should run well again. Telecom Dragon form is good and must be rated a solid chance. Champion Instinct holding form with recent good trial and looks well placed here.

Race 7: Gorgeous Win highly promising horse who shows nice ability and looks the one to beat in a much weaker Class 3 than his last contested. Eighty Light Years rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. He is the testing material. Colourful Emperor solid effort last start and must be rated chance here. He will jump, run and be on-pace for a long while. Enterprise Attack created a huge impression at local debut and looks talented, but he is first-up off a long break here. Show Respect change of trainer recently and watch betting. Could run a race here.

Race 8: Lucky Sweynesse champion sprinter who is hard to oppose. If there are any chinks in his armour, it is that he pulled up with blood in the trachea in the HK Sprint last start. Wellington clearly appears to be the biggest danger to the favourite and he has always been a solid third-up performer. Lucky With You changed stables recently and has improved, as seen last start when runner-up in the HK Sprint. Packing Treadmill well-placed and looks a chance at odds in race like this. Victor The Winner clearly has a better chance over this distance and expect a better run after failing under top weight over 1000m last start.

Race 9: Flamingo Trillion last run suggested a win was very near. With a good steer, he can win this. Aestheticism should be highly suited by the drop back in distance after failing over 1800m last start. Sweet Encounter good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Seemingly back in form and can be followed. Flagship Warrior turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly, improving with racing this prep after a stable change. Powerful Wings drawn well and should gain a nice run in transit which will enhance his chances.

Race 10: Green N White ran out of condition last start when first-up from a wide draw and will be fitter now second-up. Drawn much better in gate 5 and should be hard to beat. Beauty Fit looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Maps ideally from barrier No 4. Amazing Victory simply had no luck last start and overlook the run. Master Of Fortune can upset some more fancied rivals on true form. With a clean jump from barrier No 3, he will run race. Sinba change of trainer recently and can improve. Could be a very good bet at a price.