Harry Bentley looking forward to plum ride on ‘very competitive' Lo Rider at Sha Tin

South China Morning Post

9 hours ago

The 33-year-old is hoping a drop in distance will be a masterstroke by Caspar Fownes
Harry Bentley is relishing the chance to get on board the unexposed Lo Rider in the Class Two Hong Kong Reunification Cup (1,400m) at Sha Tin on Tuesday as he looks to end the season on a high.
The Harzand galloper was last seen running a massive race to finish fourth in the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) back in March, defying odds of $19.
Ridden that day by Hugh Bowman, he set out to make all the running and only begrudgingly gave up the lead at the 200m pole, ultimately finishing less than two lengths behind Cap Ferrat.
While he is yet to break through from six starts in Hong Kong, Lo Rider was a two-time winner in Ireland when known as Sharinay and went close to a win when a neck second to Steps Ahead at Sha Tin in February.
HISTORY AT SHA TIN! 👏👏@CWilliamsJockey wins the 148th @BMW Hong Kong Derby aboard Cap Ferrat for trainer Francis Lui over a fast-closing My Wish... #4YOSeries | #LoveRacing | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/OHHfz0JKlE — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 23, 2025
The four-year-old has been absent since his Derby run, but he trialled well on the Sha Tin all-weather surface two weeks ago and Bentley thinks a drop in trip by trainer Caspar Fownes could be the key to a first local success.
'He's a good ride to have picked up, there's no question about that,' said Bentley. 'I think he's in this class as well. Obviously he's dropping in trip, which is something to consider.
'But he's definitely a great ride to have picked up from Caspar and looks to be a very competitive runner.
'Having not had any experience on the horse up until this point, I can't hand on heart say whether he'll love the drop in distance. Clearly Caspar thinks it's the right option and I totally trust his judgment.
'He's a really solid horse bringing good form into the race and he has a light weight too – he has to be considered.'
Bentley has six rides on Tuesday's programme, including a pair of debutants, but he is particularly hopeful in the chances of Happy Universe in the Class Four Riding High Together Handicap (1,600m).
The Jimmy Ting Koon-ho-trained five-year-old was a dual winner in New Zealand but is yet to add to his tally in Hong Kong, though it is not through a lack of trying.
The Zacinto galloper has finished second on two occasions, most recently over Tuesday's course and distance back in April where he was only beaten a length.
'He's been a horse that's been a bit unlucky. Last time he didn't get drawn overly well but he's a consistent runner,' said Bentley.
Bright Inheritance gets his second win! Dennis Yip's Star Witness galloper is the recipient of a superb @LukeFerraris drive... 🙌#LoveRacing | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/efzZbuRHyv — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) April 20, 2025
'I think the draw [gate two] is a massive plus this time and he can get into a nice position and run another solid race.'
British-born Bentley is in his fourth full season in Hong Kong and sits on the 30-winner mark for the campaign.
Matching his career-best haul of 39 winners is a bridge too far this campaign, but the 33-year-old is satisfied with another solid season that he hopes he can end on a successful note.
'Obviously you're always striving for more but I'm happy enough to get 30 winners up,' said Bentley. 'I'll just keep getting my head down and hopefully add to that tally before the season is up.'