Whyte fires an Arrow in Hong Kong

Trainer Douglas Whyte is predicting a bright future for Young Arrow’s racing career in Hong Kong as the Singapore import is pointed towards the first section of Wednesday’s Class 3 Flying Handicap over 1200m at Happy Valley.

A fast-closing third first-up this season in September, the HKJC Racing Club Limited-owned Young Arrow won once from two starts in Singapore before arriving in Hong Kong. Whyte feels the four-year-old, sired by Showtime, has what it takes to thrive in his new surroundings.

“He’s a thorough gentleman and he looks like he’s going to be a very nice horse. He could possibly work his way into Class 2. That’s the feel he gives you in the morning and mentally he has settled down,” Whyte said.

The 66-rating Australian-bred has placed third twice from three starts in Hong Kong, both times over tomorrow night’s course and distance. Karis Teetan rides again from gate No 6, assigned 56kg against 11 opponents.

“He’s doing things the right way and that’s all you can ask of him at the moment,” Whyte said. “I think that he is probably going to be a lovely 1400m horse.”

Young Arrow’s sole pre-import win came on the Polytrack at Kranji over 1100m for trainer Daniel Meagher. The gelding is one of nine horses currently in training for the HKJC Racing Club Limited, a subsidiary of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, which was introduced in 2007 with the view of promoting horse racing to young enthusiasts of the sport.

“He came here very raw and immature, he didn’t know what he was doing. I can see why they put him on the Polytrack, jumped and went (forward) – because he can do that but in Hong Kong there’s a bit more pressure in the early stages, so he’s doing things differently and more professionally,” Whyte said.

Young Arrow’s dam, Hediard, is a half-sister to Group 1-placed Ready For Victory and five-time winner Exocet. He was purchased at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast 2YOs In Training Sale to race in Singapore for AU$230,000 (R2.7 million).

Whyte saddles eight runners at Happy Valley, spread across all races. This is the second time this season he has saddled as many horses. He is also represented by Speedy Chariot, Brave Of Friends, Prince Alex, Shinkansen, Sterling Wongchoy, Victor The Rapid and Ivy League.

Shinkansen is a one-time city circuit winner. Whyte’s chestnut heads back to his preferred course to contest the second section of the Class 4 Speedy Handicap (1200m) under Teetan.

“He’s going good. He was probably a bit unlucky last time but he’s running well. He loves the Valley. Getting away from Sha Tin settles him down a bit and he loves a bit of speed in races, so it certainly suits him,” Whyte said.

Shinkansen carries 55kg and steps away from gate one against 11 rivals. Teetan rides three for Whyte, also pairing with Victor The Rapid in the Class 3 Longines Cup Handicap (1200m), a race Whyte nearly captured in 2021 after Harmony Fire was second by a nose.

Sporting the same silks as Group 1 hero Victor The Winner, Victor The Rapid returns first-up this week after two barrier trials, the first of which came at the Valley with Teetan, where the duo finished first over 1200m in 1m 11.73s on 20 September.

Hong Kong’s all-time leader for wins as a jockey (1,813), Whyte has three victories, eight seconds and seven thirds from 68 runners this term.

“Not bad. Too many seconds but as long as they’re running well that means they’re healthy,” he said.

Now without his banner horse Russian Emperor, twice Hong Kong Champion Stayer (2021/22 & 2022/23) who recently retired to Living Legends in Australia, Whyte is on the search for another of his calibre to fly the stable’s flag at home and abroad.

“I haven’t found one just as of yet. They’re very pricey. It’s been a bit tough trying to find one, they’re very hard to come by and they do cost a lot of money,” Whyte said.

Majestic Knight is entered to run for Whyte in Sunday’s Grade 2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin. – Hong Kong Jockey Club

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Falcon Court clocked the fastest final 400m last start, and from an inside draw, he should map closer to the speed and prove a strong winning chance. Verbier still a maiden galloper but has shown improvement in recent starts, so a win wouldn’t be surprising. Hero Star drops to Class 5, where he is one from two, and improvement is expected. Speedy Chariot looks a solid chance based on last start, but it will take a good steer from Purton to overcome an awkward draw. E Glory ran on well for fourth in a slowly run race last time out and could surprise at value.

Race 2: Ma Comet looks overdue for a win and enters in good form, with Purton possibly the key to securing that overdue victory. Roaring Bebe resuming from a break and having trialled well recently, he should receive every chance from a favourable draw and go close to winning. Modest Gentleman finished powerfully with the fastest final sectional time last start and should secure a Top 3 finish if he makes full use of the inside draw. E Universe fast beginner who may be able to sneak a place at odds. Miu Fa Fa last run was much better than it looks and the drop in distance could play to his advantage.

Race 3: Prince Alex made a mid-race move from a wide draw to secure second last start. Now ideally weighted to go one place better from a decent draw. Foremost Teddy recent runs have been encouraging, and he looks capable of winning anytime in this class. Can’t Go Wong looks a chance if you go on his consistent form previously. Worth considering. Courier Magic turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly. He remains a strong contender despite the awkward draw. Highland Rahy should be highly suited by the rise in distance and could place at odds.

Race 4: Embraces had genuine excuses last start when crowded near the 700m. With Purton taking the reins, he looks ready to break through second-up. Shinkansen stormed home for a nice second last start and must be rated a top contender from pole position. Glory Cloud has been placed three times from his last five starts and include among the better chances. Golden Luck last start winner who remains in the same grade and should run well again from a low draw. Champion Method should be highly suited by the drop in distance and could sneak into the placings.

Race 5: Perfect General scored a tenacious win in a strong form race last start. He looks the one to beat again, despite facing quality rivals. Greenwich has a great record in this class and must be respected dropping to Class 4. Storming Dragon a consistent performer of late and worth considering, provided his odds aren’t too short. Spicy Gold winner of last two starts and now aims for a hat-trick. New Power a proven performer at this level and rates in the better chances with an inside draw.

Race 6: Healthy Healthy has been gallant in defeat in both starts this preparation despite drawing wide on each occasion. Reunited with Purton, he’s primed to make amends. Victor The Rapid resuming from a break, his recent trial was good enough to suggest a com- mendable performance. Lucky Archangel has ability but is inconsistent. Consider if his odds offer value. Brave Star last start winner who remains in the same grade, but it won’t be easy this time with a draw wide. Beauty Infinity should be highly suited by the drop in distance and could finish in the money.

Race 7: Simply Maverick looks a solid good chance based on his close second-place finish last time out. Chain Of Gold recent runs have been encouraging and will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Aestheticism likes to get back and charge home late, so he could overcome a wide draw and score if the pace is hot up front. Frantanck possesses tactical speed and could be hard to run down if allowed an uncontested lead. Red Majesty often underrated in Class 3, he could surprise with the lightweight.

Race 8: Young Arrow has performed well since relocating to Hong Kong from Singapore and is edging closer to a win. Kyrus Dragon last start winner who remains in the same grade and is primed for a double from a low draw. Nordic Dragon caught the eye last start when running home powerfully. Despite drawing wide, he can’t be ignored as a three-time winner in this class. Sweet Briar rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. Armour Eagle racing well with good final sectional time rankings recently, he looks like a knockout chance.