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

South China Morning Post

a day ago

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.