Upbeat after a midweek double, Caspar Fownes will chase a third consecutive Grade 3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) triumph when the four-time Hong Kong champion trainer saddles last year’s winner Senor Toba and talented Straight Arron in the HK$4.2 million feature at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Fownes produced Zebrowski in 2022 before Senor Toba’s victory last season and he hopes his pair can again contend strongly this year in a capacity field of 14.
“Senor Toba appears to be well. I thought he had a nice trial last Friday. He comes with a nice galloping weight of 125 lbs (57kg) and he looks good, so we’re hopeful that he comes back and did what he did last year,” Fownes said of the grey, who will start from barrier No 11 under Keagan de Melo.
Hugh Bowman partners Straight Arron from barrier No 3 as Fownes plots a course towards the Grade 1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) with the five-year-old.
“He’s good. He’s got a big weight – 61.5kg – but it’s a nice way for Hughie to get acquainted with him before the big race three weeks later. I thought it was a nice way for him (Bowman) to get to know the horse and if things work out on Sunday, he has a chance to win.
“Either way, Hugh will just get a good feel for the horse and be cherry ripe for the big day,” Fownes said.
Fownes has delivered four wins with Straight Arron, who was excellent in finishing fourth to Romantic Warrior in the Grade 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on 10 December.
While Straight Arron has been nominated for both the Grade 1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2410m) and the Grade 1 Dubai Turf (1800m), Fownes is non-committal about to travelling to the middle east.
“He’s been entered for Dubai and if he comes out and runs really well at set weights (in the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup), that’s the only way you could look at it (travelling) because it’s just not feasible because the other horses – the international horses – are just too good and we have to be realistic,” Fownes said.
“His performance in December (Hong Kong Cup) was great. He was unlucky and he hit a new high there. His last race was a mile (sixth to Voyage Bubble in the G1 Stewards’ Cup), which we know doesn’t suit him but 1800m, he’s shown that he can perform at 1800m and over 2000m and up, so this race will tell us where we are with him.”
Francis Lui will bid for a second victory in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) when he unleashes Chancheng Glory and Speed Dragon in the first leg of the HK$52 million Four-Year-Old Classic Series.
Lui, who first struck in the Hong Kong Classic Mile with Golden Sixty in 2020, has secured Frenchman Mickael Barzalona to ride Speed Dragon, who stamped his credentials with a narrow 1600m win under James McDonald on 17 December.
“I think Mickael being a European jockey that his style will suit the horse. Hopefully he runs well,” said Lui, who retains Lyle Hewitson on Chancheng Glory.
“Chancheng Glory is in good form. Everything is good.”
John Size chases his fourth success in the Hong Kong Classic Mile with Helios Express, who jumps from barrier No 6 under Bowman and Howdeepisyourlove, who starts from gate No 9 under McDonald. Size previously scored with Sun Jewellery (2016), Nothingilikemore (2018) and Excellent Proposal (2021).
Helene Feeling, Moments In Time, Beauty Crescent, Fallon and Star Mac complete the Hong Kong Classic Mile line-up, all assigned 57.5kg. – Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: My Intelligent unbeaten in this class and must be a big chance with the aid of the 10lb claim. Daily Trophy second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve with a better jockey booking as Bowman picks up the ride. Fortune Master looks a solid good chance based on last start and Purton in the saddle should enhance his chances. Super Elite best run to date was last start and ap- pears to be improving. Beat Hollow last start winner who remains in the same grade and could take catching again with luck from gate 11.
Race 2: Lifeline Express form is good and is getting close to a win. Third-up now and gets J-Mac in the saddle and is the one to beat. Less Is More caught the eye last start when running home well on debut. If he can map closer to the speed, he is a winning chance. Panda had genuine excuses last start and consider again. He can run a race from a good gate under Purton. Metro Warrior faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. Packing Brilliant newcomer who has trialled well for debut.
Race 3: Young Champion newcomer from the John Size yard who has trialled well for debut and looks good enough to win first-up from barrier 1. I Give should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. He might not get his own way in front here but if he is left alone early, he will take catching. Ka Ying Victory can improve second-up from a break after needing the first-up run last start. Midori Beauty last start placing was full of merit, nice effort. Excellent Fighter has had no luck recently and could run a cheeky race.
Race 4: Sky Heart turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability. He has drawn widest but with early intent rising to 1400m, there is enough time before the turn for Bowman to find a position in running. I Can backing up quickly from a good last star effort and can run well again. Californiatotality recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Chater Gold having third start and may improve further here. Gold Tack turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly over an unsuitable distance. He should relish the extra ground.
Race 5: Simple Hedge looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He maps to get all the favours as he rises from the mile to 2000m. Escape Route can upset some more fancied rivals on best form, and he was favourite in his last race which was better than it reads. Swan Bay remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here and he can be in the finish. Elliptical has been steadily improving and do not dismiss. Intrepid Winner go on the win two starts ago and give a chance to improve here.
Race 6: Stellar Express newcomer for John Size who looks a winning chance in this race after showing plenty of promise at the trials. Drawn perfectly for the straight and looks handy. Ma Comet another newcomer who has trialled well for debut and should acquit himself well under Purton. Baby Crystal holding form with recent good trial and looks well placed here. Flying High ultra-consistent galloper and who can play a part in the finish. Victory Moments resuming from a break and the recent trial was okay. Betting market could be telling off such a long layoff.
Race 7: Helios Express highly promising 4YO who is the one to beat in the first leg of the Classic Series here at set weight and as the highest rated 4YO on a rating of 102. Beauty Crescent has had no luck recently and give another chance here. Helene Feeling quality galloper with a big chance here. Perhaps he will be more effective over more ground but his class will carry him a long way. Fallon racing in career-best form and must be rated a good chance. Howdeepisyourlove has shown ability and gets his chance to win here.
Race 8: Straight Arron will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well. He had no luck behind Romantic Warrior in the HK Cup two starts ago when a close up fourth, and that’s the form to go on here. Expecting him to rebound here. Happy Together changed stables recently and has improved big time. He can go on with it. Five G Patch last start placing was full of merit, nice effort and is a strong light weight chance. Sword Point well-placed and looks a chance in race like this. La City Blanche has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Another light weight chance.
Race 9: Joy Of Spring turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly. Top Scorer every chance last start but still ran a good race. Rates a strong winning chance but will need some early luck from barrier 12. Ariel narrowly beaten last start and goes close here from barrier 1. Patch Of Time best run to date was last start and appears to be improving with racing. Master Tornado looks a solid good chance based on last start when he returned to form. He is very well rated these days and can break through anytime.
Race 10: Open race here. Gummy Gummy nice 4YO with a good chance to win second-up. Ran very well first-up on turf but will love returning to the all-weather. Magniac was an easy last start winner and must be respected to run well again on the light weight. Wonder Kit ultra-consistent galloper and who can play a part in the finish. Chancheng Prince a proven performer at this level and rates in the chances but he would be better over 1650m. Seasons Wit has a top jockey in the saddle and that will help his chances. Has ability but can mix his form.