Colourful King ‘getting better' as Andrea Atzeni aims for a big night at Happy Valley
Sardinian Atzeni, sitting third in the jockeys rankings with 45 winners for the season, has another strong book of in-form rides to enhance his tally.
Colourful King is his mount in the feature Class Two Seoul Handicap (1,000m), winner of both his starts at Happy Valley since a promising Hong Kong debut at Sha Tin.
He dived late to beat Youthful Spirit by a nose in a Class Three over 1,000m in March, but increased the margin by two lengths when flashing clear of him again in another course and distance Class Three.
Big win, Colourful King! 🚀@EustaceRacing's talented sprinter explodes to consecutive victories under @Atzenijockey in the Hong Kong China Rugby Cup at Happy Valley... 🏆#HappyWednesday | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/kynQ1BlRwG — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) April 9, 2025
His sights are raised today against some seasoned rivals, but David Eustace's charge – a dual winner at Sandown in Australia before shipping over – is totally unexposed and should have plenty more to offer.
'He's thrived since David [Eustace] switched him to the Valley,' said Atzeni.
'I thought he was really impressive again last time and he's definitely improved since his last run.
'He's going up into a Class Two and will need to improve, but he's a horse who has done nothing wrong and seems to be getting better.'
Atzeni also rides Crystal Powerful, who is on the hat-trick trail in the Class Three Yeongcheon Handicap (1,200m) for trainer Cody Mo Wai-kit.
Crystal Powerful won back-to-back races at the Valley last season and has repeated the feat this campaign.
He showed a very willing attitude to edge out Diamond Soars in a 1,000m Class Three in March, knuckling down after being outpaced at the top of the straight to win by a head.
It was a similar story over course and distance three weeks later, with Atzeni all action to get his partner up by a short head.
Crystal Powerful does it again! An in-form @Atzenijockey scores consecutive wins with Cody Mo's sprinter in the Japan Racing Association Trophy... 🔥 #HappyWednesday | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/0UpNrfimEc — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) April 2, 2025
Those runs have suggested a return to 1,200m – the trip he gained both his wins over last season – would be perfect and he gets that on Wednesday.
He has the ideal draw in stall seven and Atzeni is hoping lightening can strike for a third time.
'I think dropping to 1,000m was a good shout, as he's been showing a lot more speed lately,' said Atzeni. 'I think the key for him has been the draw – he's a horse who needs to be handy and we've been lucky with our barriers lately.
'Obviously his two recent wins have come over 1,000m, but he this trip suits him just as well and we've got another good draw to work from. I don't think another rise in the weights will stop him from going close.'
Atzeni has been enjoying another stellar season, with only Zac Purton (100) and Hugh Bowman (57) ahead of his 45-win haul.
The 34-year-old is just three winners away from last season's tally and after a slow start to the season, it goes to show just how well things have been going for Atzeni that he is so close already.
'Things couldn't have gone much better the last six to 10 weeks,' said Atzeni. 'We had a bit of a slow start, but it's great to finish strong and I'd love to get through the 50-winner mark and beyond.
'There's still plenty of racing left and I'm really grateful to all the support I'm getting. I'll just have to keep kicking and hopefully I can beat last season's tally at the very least.'
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