Orman a 'superb guy' at Happy Valley

James Orman is a man in flying form and the Australian jockey, buoyed by an extension to his riding contract which sees him remain in Hong Kong until the end of this season, heads to Happy Valley on Wednesday with four mounts, including Superb Guy in the Class 4 Hong Kong Club Challenge Cup Handicap over 1650m.

Orman said: “I’ve had a fairly good start, so I have to try and keep the ball rolling. I’m happy to be able to stay for the rest of the season. I must thank The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and I just have to keep getting winners.

“From when I started out riding, to then winning a few Brisbane premierships, and then the next goal was to try and ride here. It’s good to be in Hong Kong, and to be able to be riding successfully, but obviously I want to get better and better.”

Orman has six wins from his past 37 rides, enhancing his tally this term to 12 after 34 of the 88 scheduled fixtures. Standing 177cm tall, the 28-year-old has 25 career wins in Hong Kong after initially relocating for a six-week introductory stint last February.

“It’s a lot more competitive getting rides here, but the racing is very similar. It’s fast and tight, but the competitiveness comes with the small pool of riders,” Orman said.

Yet to partner Superb Guy in a race, Orman – a three-time Brisbane Champion Jockey (2021/22, 2022/23 & 2023/24) – galloped the Francis Lui-trained four-year-old on Sha Tin’s dirt course in 54.4s (29.5, 24.9) on Monday.

“I rode him in trackwork; he went along nicely. He ran a nice third last start, so let’s see,” Orman said. “The good gate (No 1) is a help; it always does around Happy Valley.”

Superb Guy has placed third twice from seven appearances. Lui currently has 998 Hong Kong wins. Only John Moore (1,735 wins), John Size (1,628), Tony Cruz (1,583), Caspar Fownes (1,193) and Ricky Yiu (1,080) have surpassed Hong Kong’s 1,000-win milestone.

Orman also partners Another Zonda in the Class 3 Des Voeux Handicap (1650m).

“I’ve won on Another Zonda before. He’s drawn barrier No 10, but he can race on speed and he’s always there around the mark. He ran well when I rode him and then in the International Jockeys’ Championship (sixth place on 10 December) it was a strong race. He didn’t run too bad, but he’s capable of better than that and this looks a little bit easier,” Orman said.

Orman and Richard Kingscote’s contracts were due to expire on 18 February.

Kingscote said: “I have had a nice bit of support, and The Hong Kong Jockey Club has extended my contract – which is great. We’re enjoying our time here, and hopefully I can get a few more winners. We’ll just keep working – 15 seconds is a positive, but also frustrating.”

The 39-year-old links with Loch Tay in the Des Voeux Handicap for second-season trainer David Eustace, who is two shy of reaching the 50-win milestone in Hong Kong.

Kingscote said: “Loch Tay is back out (at this meeting) and he’s got a decent barrier (No 5). He trialled well the other day and seems to be going the right way.”

Maxime Guyon is also thriving. The 36-year-old takes six mounts, led by Hong Kong International Sale graduate Corleone’s hat-trick bid in the Des Voeux Handicap.

“He has a really good gate (No 5) and he’s in top form. I think it’s a good ride, and the weight is light, so everything is ok for him. I hope he can win this race,” Guyon said.

Jerry Chau reunites with two-time winner Flying Wrote in the Class 4 Jackson Handicap (1200m) for trainer Tony Cruz.

Chau said: “He’s in good form this season. We’re lucky he has a good draw (No 4) again. In his trials he shows he’s a bit lazy, but in races, he always tries really hard.” – Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Storm Runner looks ready to break through from a good draw this time after four consecutive placings in this class. Perfect Pairing drops to Class 5, where he finished a close second two starts ago, and must be considered a strong contender. Leather Master was narrowly beaten last start and remains well weighted to make an impact. Beauty Missile has dropped in the ratings and could cause an upset if he sees out the 1800m trip. Super Sicario possesses good early speed and could be hard to catch if he can cross early from a wide draw.

Race 2: Gameplayer Elite it appears positive for the shadow roll to be reapplied, as he ran well with it previously, making an improved effort look imminent. Run Run Smart led most of the journey last start and should go close again with Purton jumping aboard. Loving Vibes has regained form recently, and from a low draw, he should enjoy a smooth trip and be highly competitive. Amazing Kid scored a tenacious win last start and a double looks within reach, as he may still have some ratings in hand. Lakeshore Hero has attacked the line well late recently, but the wide draw poses a challenge.

Race 3: Ace War has been knocking on the door of late, and with Purton taking the reins, he’s poised to break through from a good gate. Aeroinvincible a dangerous frontrunner, he could be hard to run down if allowed a soft lead, but the wide draw could make things tricky. Fortunate Son is always a threat in this class and should not be overlooked, despite carrying top weight. Prestige Ricky held up at a crucial stage last start, and with a clearer passage, he could make amends. Matsu Victor raced wide throughout last start and could cause an upset if things fall his way this time.

Race 4: Superb Boy endured a wide trip but was only beaten two lengths last start. With a favourable draw, he looks well placed to bounce back. Savvy Twinkle on a winnable mark, he appears ideally weighted to finally shed his maiden tag. Fortune Whiskey stormed home for third last time out and will make his presence felt again if the pace suits. Ace Power with a more conservative racing style, he will need a fast tempo to unleash a strong finish. Fatal Blow has to cope with a fifth straight wide draw, but looks capable of running a cheeky race.

Race 5: Bull Attitude let down well in a quality race at Sha Tin last start and will find this field more manageable on his return to Happy Valley. California Moxie scored an impressive win over this track and distance last time out, and looks primed for a double even under top weight. Quick Contribution heavily backed but encountered traffic in the closing stage last start, and deserves another chance . Fighting Machine caught the eye flashing home late in his latest outing and could prove a value pick. Stormi his last run was better than it reads and he could cause an upset on his day.

Race 6: Voyage Boss boasting strong Sha Tin form, he looks well placed to make an impact on his Happy Valley debut, despite the wide draw. Flying Wrote has struck a purple patch of form recently, and with a favourable gate, he’s poised to continue the strong run. Superb King making his Class 4 debut, he should produce an improved effort, given his honest form in Class 3. Straight To Glory was narrowly beaten last start and should be highly competitive from pole position. Peridot found the line well late despite an awkward jump last time out, and with a clean getaway, he should be right in the mix.

Race 7: Horsepower finished strongly for fourth at Sha Tin last start, and reuniting with Purton piques plenty of interest. Wonderstar likes to make the running and could be hard to catch under the right race shape. Love Together has recorded fast final 400m sectional times recently and will make a strong late surge if the conditions suit. Eternal Fortune the apprentice claim and the inside draw are both positives, making him one to watch. Metro Power has mixed his form and is worth considering only if his odds offer value.

Race 8: Perfect General was far from disgraced on his Class 3 debut last start, and with a low draw, he shapes as a leading con- tender. Spicy Gold has found the line well late in his last two outings and should play a key role. Wings Of War a proven performer at this level, he will make a strong late surge if they overcook it up front. Refusetobeenglish held up in the concluding stages last time out and could finish in the money with a smoother trip. My Day My Way posted the fastest final 400m sectional time from a wide draw last start, and could prove a lightweight chance.

Race 9: Corleone has completed a double in fine style in Class 4 recently and looks primed for a hat-trick despite stepping up to Class 3. King Lotus returning from a let-up, he has trialled well ahead of this race and must be considered a leading contender, given his strong recent form. Fantastic Fun from a low draw, he should map closer to the speed and be right in the mix. Young Achiever ran on well in a slowly run race last start and could sneak into the placings at long odds. A Americ Te Specso comes off a strong win in this class, but the top weight and the widest draw remain a major concern.