Chris So’s stable is on fire at present and the trainer is optimistic of carrying forward his recent form when he takes five runners to Happy Valley on Wednesday.
So has six wins from the past four fixtures or six from his last 20 runners in Hong Kong. Unbeaten talents The Boom Box, Hong Lok Golf and Mask Rider have each pitched in with wins, vaulting So to 17 this term after 37 of 88 scheduled race meetings for season 2024/25.
“Since the start of 2025 everything is going smoothly with a few winners and some of the new horses have started to run and race well – I’m very happy,” So said.
“The Boom Box and Hong Lok Golf have had two starts for two wins each. Pakistan Legacy is another one running well, last time he ran second. The Boom Box will run again on the 26 January. The stable is doing well so far.”
Sporting the renowned red, white and pink colours of the Leung family, The Boom Box has dazzled across two appearances by weaving passages between runners from well back both times with jockey Vincent Ho at Sha Tin to maintain his perfect record.
So saddles Go Go Go, Jubilation, Panda Legend, Owners’ Praise and Turf Phoenix at Happy Valley. Panda Legend is a one-time winner for the trainer, featuring in the HK$1.17 million Class 4 Murray Handicap (1650m) under Keagan de Melo, who has four wins for So this campaign.
“We’ll see how he (Panda Legend) goes. We’re stepping him up in distance and it seems like he can handle it but we’ll see how he goes,” So said.
So’s highest-rated horse is the injured Super Sunny Sing, winner of the 2023 HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup over 1800m, who remains restricted to light work at Conghua.
“We’ll give him another month to rest and let’s see because he was injured (right fore ligament) last season. He’s still doing easy work. We’ll see how he is and is recovering – it’s hard to tell,” So said.
Positioned on 1,808 Hong Kong wins, just behind Douglas Whyte’s record 1,813, Zac Purton takes eight rides at Happy Valley after posting a double last Sunday (12 January) at Sha Tin.
Purton partners Kasa Papa, Me Time, Happy Daily, Bottomuptogether, Happy United, Northern Fire Ball, Pray For Mir and Aurora Lady. Bottomuptogether features with Purton in the HK$2.84 million Class 2 Jackson Handicap (1000m) for trainer Frankie Lor.
“Like a few horses he (Bottomuptogether) has just hit a little bit of a plateau. He’s been going quite hard in some of his races and maybe back to 1000m and at Happy Valley is going to suit him.
“He’s got plenty of speed and those type of horses are generally suited there. Hopefully he’s one of them,” Purton said.
Bottomuptogether breaks from barrier No 1 against Majestic Knight, Whizz Kid, Harmony N Blessed, Tomodachi Kokoroe, Brave Star, Stellar Express, Healthy Healthy and Youthful Spirits.
Bidding for a first HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) triumph on 31 January at Sha Tin, Purton has opted to ride Packing Hermod for trainer Francis Lui.
“He was always sort of right at the top of the list. I was just giving every horse their opportunity but on ratings he picks himself. He’s done nothing wrong and all of his runs have been good, I’ve been on him and I know him well,” Purton said. – Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Smashing Express found the line well late in his last two starts and should prove a big winning chance if he can settle closer to the speed from an inside draw. Kasa Papa was held up at a crucial stage last time out and could make amends with a smoother run and a more favourable jockey booking. Go Go Go a proven performer at this level, he is well placed with a seven-pound claimer and can upset some more fancied runners. Gold Tack he has dropped in the ratings and looks a value choice, especially from a good draw. On The Lash showed improvement last start and appears to be a chance.
Race 2: Me Time caught the eye flashing home late last start and is well placed in a field with plenty of speed to make amends. Can’t Go Wong will be suited by the switch back to the turf track, where he scored an impressive win two starts ago. Charity Gain needs a fast early speed to produce a big finish, which looks highly likely in this field. Dragon Delight a strong on-pace runner in good form, he is ideally weighted with the apprentice claim. Dragon Star possesses tactical speed and could secure a Top 3 finish with a low draw.
Race 3: Corleone with versatility in running, he looks a strong chance in a race lacking pace. Lucky Touch has been in consistent form of late and should play a key role in this wide-open race. Take Action stormed home for a solid third in a strong form race last start and appears well weighted to make his presence felt. Happy Daily ran on well in a slowly run race last time and can make amends with a genuine pace. Northern Beast likes this track and his recent form suggests another win is imminent.
Race 4: Bottomuptogether his strong Sha Tin form makes him stand out in this field, especially with Purton aboard. Brave Star has shown dominance in Class 3 and is now aiming for a fourth straight win, despite the rise in class. Stellar Express secured an overdue win in this class last start and a double looks within his reach. Tomodachi Kokoroe capable but unpredictable, he could surprise at odds. Majestic Knight boasts a strong track/distance record of three wins from four starts, and improvement is expected.
Race 5: A highly competitive 1000m race, where multiple contenders have strong claims. Happy United has a strong record in this class and looks poised to bounce back with the drop in class. Circuit Seven is near his last winning mark and should perform well from a decent draw. Super Sixty missed by a neck last start and is edging closer to a breakthrough. Harmony Fire the drop in both class and distance should work in his favour, and he is worth considering. Sweet Diamond stuck on well for a solid third last start and should run well again with a lightweight.
Race 6: Sky Jewellery from an astute yard, he has trialled well for his debut and has to be rated a strong chance in this shallow field. Smart Fighter has been on a winning streak of two but needs to cope with a wide draw this time. Telecom Dragon looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. But the wide draw is a major concern. Gimme Five still a maiden galloper but gets his chance to win in a race of this nature. Glory B showed improvement with a solid second last start, although the slow pace worked in his favour.
Race 7: Northern Fire Ball a progressive 3yo, he is primed to secure back-to-back victories following an impressive win in this class last time out. Ragnarr should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and could prove a knockout chance, based on his previous form. Telecom Power has shown improvement recently and should not be overlooked here. Yee Cheong Spirit was hampered by the slow tempo last start and deserves another chance given his strong form previously. Motoman his last run was much better than it looks and he could sneak in the placings at odds.
Race 8: Pray For Mir comes off a strong second at Sha Tin and will find this field more manageable on his Happy Valley debut. He should map well from a low draw and go one better here. Soleil Fighter his recent runs have been encouraging and he should play a key role. Beato showed improvement with a solid second last start and looks one to follow. Galaxy Witness has trialled well since a needed first-up run and could be a value chance. I Can scored a tenacious win in this class last start, but the big weight and wide draw raise concerns.
Race 9: Aurora Lady a winner of his last two starts, and with tactical speed as his best weapon, he is primed for a hat-trick despite carrying top weight. Wings Of War resuming from a break, he has trialled well and looks ready to deliver a commendable performance first-up. Spicy Gold on a seven-day backup following a close second, he could make amends if the pace suits. Chateauneuf was narrowly beaten last start and has been edging closer to another win. Nordic Dragon let down well to finish third last time out and is capable of bouncing back anytime as a three-time winner in this class.