logo
Hong Lok Golf steps into the unknown: ‘If you never try, you never know'

Hong Lok Golf steps into the unknown: ‘If you never try, you never know'

Chris So-trained galloper's winning streak goes on the line at Happy Valley this Wednesday night
Hong Lok Golf will put his winning streak on the line when he faces a tricky test on Happy Valley debut this Wednesday night.
Victorious in five of six career starts – all at Sha Tin – including the past three on the bounce, Hong Lok Golf will step into unfamiliar territory for the Class Two Cheung Sha Handicap (1,650m).
Fresh from a successful Sha Tin Sunday thanks to the victory of Perfectday, trainer Chris So Wai-yin is confident his stable star will take to the city circuit despite having never even trialled there.
'We didn't have too many options for him but owner [Jackie Wong See-sum] really wanted to race him again, so we picked Happy Valley,' said So.
HONG LOK GOLF makes it five from six! 🔥
Chris So's rising star continues his red-hot form with a Class 2 win at Sha Tin under @HarryBentley_!#HKRacingpic.twitter.com/V6KVQIagyw — Hong Kong Racing (@HongKong_Racing) May 4, 2025
'It seems like he will handle the track but we don't know yet – we have to take a chance. If you never try, you never know.
'I told the owner that many things are unknown but he said 'we have to try'. I think it might suit him.'
So was thrilled to see Hong Lok Golf draw barrier four for his first appearance at the tight-turning Valley track, ensuring regular jockey Harry Bentley has options.
'It's a small field and having that good draw is most important. The horse is flexible – he can go in front or come from behind – and his form is still good,' said So of Hong Lok Golf, who coasted into second in a recent dirt trial. 'His trial was OK. It was just a soft trial and he looked good.'
After Hong Lok Golf's most recent victory in a Class Two on May 4, So put May 31's Group Three Lion Rock Trophy (1,600m) on the table for his galloper.
Four wins from five starts! 🤯
Hong Lok Golf just keeps getting better as Chris So lands a 400th Hong Kong win as a trainer... 👏 @HarryBentley_ #LoveRacing | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/O1DDJQPbRM — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) April 13, 2025
He eventually decided against throwing the son of Grunt in the deep end in a race won by Pray For Mir from 17lb out of the handicap.
Cody Mo Wai-kit's charge, who Hong Lok Golf defeated in that Class Two in early May, was hit with a 21-point ratings hike for his troubles.
Should Hong Lok Golf win again on Wednesday night and lift his rating well into the 90s, however, So will consider backing him up in the Group Three Premier Plate (1,800m) at Sha Tin on June 22.
'For the Group Three on the 31st, the handicap was no good for us. Cody's horse went up 21 points. That's no good – it's tough to win again,' said So.
'Maybe, we will see [whether we go to the Premier Plate] – let's see how he runs this week first. I want to give him a chance to run at Happy Valley and then we will see.
'I think the 1,650m is suitable for him now but eventually he may need further.'
Hong Lok Golf is one of four runners for So at the fourth-last Valley meeting of the season. He also saddles up Young Striker, Our Lucky Glory and Know At Heart.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

SCMP Best Bets: Punters can stand Witness to victory at the Valley
SCMP Best Bets: Punters can stand Witness to victory at the Valley

South China Morning Post

time2 hours ago

  • South China Morning Post

SCMP Best Bets: Punters can stand Witness to victory at the Valley

Sam Agars CHATEAUNEUF - R9 (1) Is racing in strong form and will enjoy the benefits of Ellis Wong's claim Jay Rooney SMART FIGHTER - R4 (2) Returned to form last time out with a close third and strikes a winnable race Trackwork Spy GALAXY WITNESS - R7 (1) Big run for second last start and looks set to break a long winning drought Phillip Woo SOARING BRONCO - R3 (8) Deserves another win after filling the frame in four straight Valley runs HK Racing News Get updates direct to your inbox Sign up Best Bets Racing News By registering you agree to our T&Cs & Privacy Policy Error: Please enter a valid email. The email address is already in use. Please login to subscribe. Error, please try again later. THANK YOU You are one the list. Shannon (Vincent Wong) FLYING TING LOK - R2 (1) Looks to have dropped into a suitable race and can score with Bowman aboard Racing Post Online SOLEIL FIGHTER - R6 (5) Had excuses last start and should bounce back at his preferred C&D Tom Wood GLORIOUS JOURNEY - R5 (1) Well rated for this assignment and trialled brilliantly

Hong Kong v India: boos ring out for Westwood ahead of crucial Asian Cup clash
Hong Kong v India: boos ring out for Westwood ahead of crucial Asian Cup clash

South China Morning Post

time4 hours ago

  • South China Morning Post

Hong Kong v India: boos ring out for Westwood ahead of crucial Asian Cup clash

Ashley Westwood has doubled down on his belief in Manuel Bleda, picking the newly naturalised striker to the lead the line in his side's Asian Cup qualifier against India on Tuesday. The decision was met with a chorus of boos from the home fans, who called for the Englishman to be sacked after his side's 0-0 draw with Nepal last week. Westwood, though, has turned to the Spanish-born 34-year-old as he looks to break Hong Kong's struggles in front of goal. Also in the starting XI was Raphael Merkies, another player who has qualified through the residency rules that have so riled Westwood's counterpart Manolo Marquez. The India boss is also looking for goals, after his side's first game against Singapore ended goalless. He has recalled Sunil Chhetri to the squad, but the veteran striker only starts on the bench. Much will rely on the form of attacking midfielder Brandon Fernandes and forward Liston Colaco.

National Games ticketing to start in August for Hong Kong, 3 months before event
National Games ticketing to start in August for Hong Kong, 3 months before event

South China Morning Post

time4 hours ago

  • South China Morning Post

National Games ticketing to start in August for Hong Kong, 3 months before event

Tickets for the National Games will be available in Hong Kong from August, three months ahead of the event, to synchronise with sales in Macau and on mainland China, the head of the local coordination office has said. Yeung Tak-keung, head of the National Games Coordination Office, said on Tuesday that the tickets would be sold on a unified platform to ensure easier management. 'We are preparing to sell souvenirs from July, and in August, tickets will go on sale in the three places at the same time,' Yeung told a radio programme. Further details would be announced in due course, he said. Ticket sales will open about three months before the 13-day top national sports event starts on November 9. It will be held in Hong Kong, Macau and parts of Guangdong province. This year's Games mark the first time Hong Kong has co-hosted the event. The city will hold eight of the 34 sporting contests, including the men's under-22 basketball, track cycling, fencing, golf, men's handball, rugby sevens, the triathlon and beach volleyball. Asked whether the launch of ticket sales was too close to the start of the Games, Yeung said a similar arrangement was done in the past.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store