Ng’s banner to fly high at Happy Valley

Luke Middlebrook

Arguably one of the most competitive Class 2 contests of the season is staged at Happy Valley in Hong Kong on Wednesday as a small but talented field of eight lines up in Race 5, the 1650m Handicap.

Let's start with the leading trainer Pierre Ng's thriving four-year-old, Drombeg Banner, who is chasing a hat-trick of wins after leading from barrier No 10 in both runs over 1400m at Sha Tin this campaign. Interestingly, he is trying Happy Valley for the first time, but his commanding front-running style obviously holds him in good stead to make his own luck out in front.

Then there's standout four-year-old Chill Chibi, trained by Danny Shum, the gelding chasing a fifth-straight win. This is his acid test: his first run in Class 2 against some seasoned campaigners. Contrary to Drombeg Banner’s pattern, he will be back in the run. With not much speed engaged on paper, Drombeg Banner might just pinch it.

After securing three victories across the card last Sunday at Sha Tin, making it 13 consecutive meetings with at least one winner, Ng heads to Happy Valley with a spring in his step.

In Race 1, four-year-old gelding Turin Mascot returns to his happy hunting ground as he tackles the Class 3 Handicap over 2200m.

Unbeaten from two starts at the course and distance, Turin Mascot's most recent triumph was just two starts back when he won smartly. Despite finishing seventh in his latest run at Sha Tin over 2000m, beaten only 2.50 lengths, indicates a passable performance. However, it seems evident the gelding's best form lies at this city circuit.

Similar to his latest victory, Turin Mascot has just seven rivals to overcome. Course-and-distance specialist Natural Storm looms as the main threat, alongside contenders Gallant Hero and Packing Hurricane.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Turin Mascot track and distance specialist who will be hard to beat as he returns to his happy hunting ground for leading trainer Pierre Ng. Hard to oppose. Natural Storm track and distance specialist and appears suited here for J-Mac. He has what it takes to spoil the party. Gallant Hero well-placed and looks a chance in race like this as a proven distance performer. Packing Hurricane blinkers have been added and must be a big chance if he settles well in the headgear. Majestic Victory runner-up to the favourite recently and has finished close up in general, can run well.

Race 2: Fighting Star had huge betting support last run and just failed to win, checking in a fast-finishing third. From barrier 1, he gets another chance. Charming Steed has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. His record of one career win speaks for itself, but with J-Mac in the saddle, he should go close. Rattan World recent runs have been encouraging and can run well with a clean jump. Wind Speeder down in class in this race and should perform better. Happily Friends will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well.

Race 3: Flying Phantom has been trialling well and comes from an astute stable in John Size. He appears good enough to win first-up but it’s never easy for debutants at the city circuit. Gallant Valour ran a cracker on his first start for Jamie Richards last start, with blinkers on first time. He can go on with it. Ballistic Win has been very well prepared with several trials, watch the betting. Super Eagle good performance when storming home for a nice second last start and should go close again. Winning Heart caught the eye last start running home powerfully. Getting close to a win since the class drop.

Race 4: Timestorm eased early before going on to make late ground in recent starts from two wide draws. He comes into barrier 1 here, which ticks plenty of boxes for his chances to score in a race with plenty of speed. Packing Prospect has been very well prepared with several trials, watch the betting. Sergeant Pepper a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Had vet excuses last start as favourite. Diamond Soars consistent performer of late and worth considering. Savvy Delight can bounce back a winner anytime in this class but the wide draw will make it tough.

Race 5: High-quality race with plenty of strong chances. Drombeg Banner nice four-year-old who appears to get to the speed map to suit his front-running style. Hails from the in-form Pierre Ng yard and is hard to oppose. Chill Chibi highly promising up-and-comer who faces his toughest test, rising to Class 2. Rising From Ashes had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race. Happy Together nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance. Galaxy Witness turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly, but he has not won for a long time.

Race 6: Simply Maverick sat outside leader, hit front and drew clear in a good win last start. A wide-open race but perhaps he has what it takes to win his way into Class 3. Red Hare King form is good and is getting close to another victory. A lower draw would be ideal but, on form, he is a live chance. To Infinity has a top jockey in the saddle and that will help his chances. Noble Win recent runs have been encouraging and can run well with luck from a wide gate. Master Tornado drawn well low, has early speed, and has dropped in the ratings to be a chance.

Race 7: Jumbo Legend can bounce back a winner anytime in this class and he will get his chance to do so stepping away from barrier 1. Talents Supremo had no luck last start but keep following. Purton will need to be at his best from the widest gate. Exuberant recent runs have been encouraging and can run well for J-Mac. Flaming Eagle video replay showed last run was very good and the Ng-trained runner has to be respected. Beauty Infinity has been trialling well and comes from an astute stable – watch the betting.

Race 8: Giddy Up turned in a very nice debut run – with excuses – and looks to have good ability. From barrier 2, and if he can keep up early, he appears hard to hold out. Healthy Healthy well supported last start and won accordingly in Class 4. He can take the next step. O’liner showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Purton taking the ride piques interest. Tomodachi Kokoroe good effort last start leading all the way to win. Excellent Peers has a top jockey in the saddle and that will help. He will relish a fast run race.