Aurora Lady and Beauty Destiny are two of this season’s success stories at Happy Valley and on Wednesday the duo clash for a second time in a hotly contested HK$2.84 million Class 2 Sports Handicap over 1200m.
Both four-time winners at the city circuit this term, Aurora Lady and Beauty Destiny have consistently raised the bar throughout the 2024/25 campaign. The pair met last December for the only time with Aurora Lady successful over a fast-closing Beauty Destiny by a short head.
Pierre Ng trains Aurora Lady, who will be ridden by James Orman from barrier No 1. Beauty Destiny pairs with trusted accomplice Andrea Atzeni for trainer Frankie Lor in stall No 10.
Atzeni, who coincidentally rode both horses to their last-start victories, said: “They’re two completely different horses. Aurora Lady has beaten me before but only because the two of them race differently – one goes forward and one goes back.
“Aurora Lady is obviously going to get his chance because he jumps and gives himself that opportunity by going forward to lead or sit second. With my horse, Beauty Destiny, he’s a horse who you can’t force early and he needs luck in running. He might be the better horse, but he does need more luck than Aurora Lady.”
Son Pak Fu, Full Credit, Brave Star, Superb Capitalist, Swift Ascend, Harmony N Blessed, Gustosisimo, Stellar Express, Bundle Of Charm and Wings Of War complete the quality line-up, which has collectively accumulated 21 wins this season from 10 of the 12 runners in total.
Since reverting to being ridden conservatively, Beauty Destiny has thrived and he will aim to continue a productive season when he makes the leap in class in this event.
“Beauty Destiny has been very consistent but he’s up into Class 2 now and against a very competitive field. Stepping up to Class 2, I was thinking hopefully there aren’t too many runners but it’s a very tough field – horses who are competitive and winning at the level,” Atzeni said.
“He’s going to have to up his game again but he’s done nothing wrong so far and he’s entitled to take his chance.”
Hailing from Sardinia, Italy, Atzeni partners Ng’s Johannes Brahms in Sunday’s HK$26 million 148th BMW Hong Kong Derby over 2000m at Sha Tin. Atzeni and Ng teamed with Ka Ying Generation to finish third in the 2024 running of the race.
“He’s (Johannes Brahms) a good ride to get. It looks like a very competitive field and a very open race but he has the form in the book,” Atzeni said.
Johannes Brahms is a two-time winner in Hong Kong. The 95-rating Siyouni gelding finished third in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) last start behind Rubylot and My Wish, both of whom reoppose in Sunday’s blue riband at Sha Tin.
Lyle Hewitson rides Full Credit from barrier No 7 in Happy Valley’s finale. Mark Newnham’s consistent Va Pensiero galloper has won once this season and placed six times over a variety of course and distances.
“I think he’s shown his versatility – he’s run well at Happy Valley and Sha Tin, on the turf and the dirt, and over the 1000 (metres) or 1200,” Hewitson said.
“His only go at Happy Valley, I thought, was a decent effort. He was pressured getting to the lead and he had to do quite a bit of work. He was there for a long time, he looked good at the top of the straight and he was only collared late.
“He should be better for that experience and he’s maintained a good level of form.” - Hong Kong Jockey Club
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: California Moxie likely stretched by 2200m last start, now drops to the extended mile and looks ready to break through, given his solid Class 4 efforts previously. Tradition will relish the drop to Class 5 and can make his presence felt if the pace suits. Mr Aladdin showed signs of regaining form last start when finishing strongly into third. En Perfecto making his Class 5 debut, he should map well from a good draw and improvement is expected. Superb Move checked into a close fourth despite racing wide last start, but the awkward draw remains a concern.
Race 2: Celestial Colours resuming off an eye-catching trial, he is suited by the drop in distance and should play a key role with Bowman remaining aboard. Colourful King can show improvement after a decent first-up effort and should not be overlooked. Youthful Spirits another galloper who is suited by the drop in trip, he could be hard to run down with a well-timed ride. Sparkling Fellow caught the eye running home late last start, and the small field may suit his sit-and-sprint racing style. Heroic Master likely to settle off the speed from a wide draw and can charge home if they overdo it up front.
Race 3: Power Koepp has regained his form recently and should enjoy a smooth trip from a low draw and can prove hard to beat with Bowman aboard. Excellent Peers attacked the line strongly late from a wide draw last start and is worth considering with a better draw. Telecom Dragon with a conservative racing pattern, he needs a genuine pace to deliver a strong performance. Good Prospect his recent runs have been encouraging, but the wide draw could pose a challenge. Young Horizon stormed home into third last time out and should not be ignored, though winless from 30 starts in Class 4.
Race 4: Our Lucky Glory ran on well to find only one too good in a slowly run race last time out, and the form has since been vali- dated. Perfect General a proven performer in Class 4, he finds a highly winnable race and must be considered a strong contender. Telecom Power was narrowly beaten last start and should be included among the better chances. Flying Wrote appears suited by the drop in distance and could cause an upset. My Flying Angel will find this easier than his recent outings at Sha Tin and could surprise at odds.
Race 5: Sunday’s Serenade had genuine excuses (raced wide) last start and can make amends with a smoother run, especially facing a more manageable field on his Happy Valley debut. Jumbo Fortune is overdue for his second local win but the awkward draw makes things tricky here. Red Majesty has what it takes to bounce back anytime in this class and deserves respect. Ninja Derby produced an improved effort to finish third last time out and appears well weighted to run another bold race. U S S Constitution ran his best race in Hong Kong last time out and could sneak into the placings at odds.
Race 6: Plentiful an easy winner of his last two starts, he has been in career-best form and is primed for a hat-trick in Class 4. Parents’ Love with tactical speed as his main weapon, he could be hard to catch if allowed a soft lead. Harmony Fire is now below his last winning mark and should run well from a favourable draw. Northern Fire Ball a strong front-runner, he will relish the drop to 1000m for the first time, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him return to the winner’s list. Country Dancer the expected fast pace should suit his racing style, making him a value choice.
Race 7: Quantum Patch finished a meritorious fourth despite a poorly judged ride last start and looks a leading contender. M Unicorn found one too good last time out, and with a decent draw, he is well placed to go one better despite carrying top weight. Excellence Value scored a tenacious win in Class 3 last start and a double looks within his reach. Flying Fortress appears a lightweight chance despite returning to Class 3. A Americ Te Specso making his first try over the extended mile, he should perform well given his racing style.
Race 8: Gallant Valour has struck a purple patch of form and must be considered a strong contender. Prawns Eleven flashed home late into second last start and is worth considering if his odds remain attractive. Healthy Healthy is always a threat in Class 3 and can cause an upset with Bowman in the saddle. Nordic Dragon charged home late into third despite a wide trip last time out. He could make amends with a smoother run. Golden Rise has been in consistent form this season and remains a chance despite making his Class 3 debut.
Race 9: Beauty Destiny looks unstoppable at Happy Valley now and is poised to score his fifth win this season, despite rising to Class 2 for the first time. Aurora Lady secured a strong on-pace win in Class 3 last start and could be hard to run down again if allowed to dictate the pace. Full Credit his recent runs have been encouraging and he should be included in exotic bets. Swift Ascend boasting strong Sha Tin form, he could prove a knockout chance upon his return to Happy Valley. Bundle Of Charm has drawn well and could place at long odds.