Danny Shum will bid for a fourth victory in the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge at Happy Valley on Wednesday when six horses could potentially claim the series.
While Shum leads the series with Chill Chibi (49 points) from Pierre Ng’s Humble Star (46) – who are not running on Wednesday – five other horses remain in contention to clinch the series: Shum’s Copartner Ambition (45), Douglas Whyte’s Majestic Knight (42), Benno Yung’s Son Pak Fu (39) and Tourbillon Prince (37) and David Hayes’ Tomodachi Kokoroe (36).
The DBS x Manulife Million Challenge is for horses competing in Class 3 and above with the overall champion decided on a format where 15 points are awarded for first, six for second, four for third and three for fourth placings in races at Happy Valley between September and February.
The overall winner of the series will earn HK$1 million, with HK$350,000 for second and HK$150,000 for third.
Of the leading contenders today, Majestic Knight, Son Pak Fu and Tomodachi Kokoroe clash in the Class 1 Singapore Pools Handicap (1200m), Tourbillon Prince runs in the Class 3 Village Handicap (1650m) and Copartner Ambition contests the Class 3 Sing Woo Handicap (1200m).
With four wins – including three in Class 3 – at the city circuit this season, Copartner Ambition is best-placed to overtake stablemate Chill Chibi as Shum bids to match his previous series wins with Speedy Longwah (2015/16), Charity Glory (2017/18) and Grateful Heart (2020/21).
If successful, Shum would match the feat of Caspar Fownes, who has scored with Socrates – who tied with Easy in 2006/07 – Ocean Wide (2008/09), Twin Delight (2014/15) and Nearly Fine (2022/23).
Andrea Atzeni takes the ride on Copartner Ambition and the pair will start from barrier No 3.
Atzeni said: “He’s an improving horse and he’s obviously got a great draw (No 3), which helps, and he seems in good form.” - HKJC
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Savvy Chic down in class in this race and should perform better. This isn’t a strong race and he has drawn well low to map ideally from gate 4 under Teetan. Joyful Life had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire. He looks capable of improving from a lower draw. Yeaboi good performance when returning to form last start when flashing home late into second. Harmony N Home good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Glory Cloud showed improvement at a recent trial and can show more second-up.
Race 2: Happy Together had no luck last start when held up in the straight and overlook the run. Returns to Happy Valley, where he is well credentialed, and from barrier 3 in the small field of seven, he looks to take a power of beating. Dancing Code clearly appears to be the biggest danger to the favourite after contesting some strong form races at Sha Tin recently. Telecom Fighters has a better chance on this track and can give a sight as he appears the natural leader. La City Blanche drops back from a Group race and looks a good chance. Mr Ascendency looks a solid good chance based on last start.
Race 3: Great Achiever go on his solid previous effort where form looked good when he placed. Raced wide last start but can improve here from a much better draw and in a moderate contest. Happy Fat Cat good performance when returning to form last start and he may be able to go on with it here. Hayday drawn well and should gain a nice run in transit to suit his on-pace style. Jolly Companion has dropped a lot in the ratings and can improve at odds in a race like this. Enfolded down in class in this race and should perform better, but the betting market could be the best guide.
Race 4: Son Pak Fu highly promising horse who shows nice ability and looks the one to beat after his close-up fourth in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup last start. Returns to his happy hunting ground, where he looks hard to hold out. Adios appears nicely placed in this grade and should be rated a winning chance. Kurpany has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. He should be giving a good sight here. Bundle Of Charm is back in good form and must be considered a chance. Majestic Knight video replay showed last run was very good. Faces a tough test here but has been honest all season.
Race 5: Serangoon has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. From barrier 1, he should be afforded every conceivable chance to break through. Mr Aladdin looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He will need some luck stepping away from barrier 10 but has what it takes to win this. Kyrus Unicorn turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly first-up. Take Action simply had no luck last start and overlook the run. Pegasus General has dropped a lot in the ratings and can improve in a race such as this.
Race 6: Wide open race, which is the theme of the night, but Win Win Fighter has been ultra-consistent recently and can play a part in the finish once more. Perfetto last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. He could run a race at a price from a low draw for the in-form David Hall yard. Satirical Glory solid effort last start and must be rated chance here. Remains a maiden after many attempts but will give an honest sight here. Gallant Valour will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well. Galvanic bit erratic but has a chance from the low draw for Teetan and Fownes.
Race 7: Galaxy Witness unbeaten in this class and must be a big chance on the class drop. Has not won for a long time now but this looks a great opportunity for him to find the winning photo. Red Hare King ultra-consistent galloper and who can play a part in the finish once again. Tourbillon Prince can lead in this race and be hard to run down. Lovero rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up after an impressive last-start win in Class 4. Master Of Fortune placed last start and looks a chance to run well again.
Race 8: Winning Icey blinkers have been added and looks a good bet from the inside draw in another open contest. His last trial wearing the shades was in June last year, which we won well. Copartner Ambition racing in career-best form, winning four from six this term, and he is hard to oppose. Wonder Kit ultra-consistent galloper and who can play a part in the finish on the class drop. Bon’s A Pearla handy mare who generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. Harmony N Blessed placed last start and looks a chance to run well again from the low gate.
Race 9: Happy United capable of winning again in this race after a facile last-start victory at this track and distance 35 days ago. He has since trialled well and from barrier 2 he should receive all the favours. Heroic Master had excuses last start when racing wide over an un- suitable 1200m. Back in trip is key to his chances. Ma Comet having second start, can improve with experience. Atomic Energy overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Ka Ying Spirit goes well first-up from a break and should be respected. However, he is riddled with injuries, which is the query.