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New Paper
29-04-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
April 30 Hong Kong (Happy Valley) form analysis
Race 1 (1,600m) 3 Cervin proved difficult to ride out in the straight and faded late into sixth last time. A quieter ride - as seen five runs ago when he won well - can bring out his best. 1 Foremost Teddy makes his Class 5 debut and some of his Class 4 efforts would see him go closer. 6 Sky Prophet is off the back of a narrow defeat into second - albeit over 1,200m - so the rise in distance is the query, but his on-pace profile should serve him well. 5 California Moxie has disappointed in two runs in Class 5. He has been given a 42-day freshen-up and a good trial, and will likely present better value this time. Race 2 (1,650m) 2 Top Time got off the mark at this course and distance last start. The 3YO looks hard to hold out. 5 The Azure returned to form last start, closing in well for third over this distance. He will map well in the run from barrier 2 and launch his usual late bid. 8 Dragon Star turned in a promising second first-up. It has been 504 days between wins, but he can make his own luck up on the pace. 4 Satirical Fan is a one-time winner from 11 starts, but he ticked a few boxes on his third run back in Class 4. With a well-timed ride, he is not without hope. Race 3 (1,000m) 7 Glory Elite stuck on well for fourth last start over 1,200m at Sha Tin. There are plenty of in-form rivals to contend with at his second spin around the city circuit, but a measured ride on the lead could see him pinch it. 8 Colourful King has won back-to-back races in Class 3, and his last success was brilliant as he dashed clear by two lengths. He is up in Class 2 for the first time, but his swift turn of foot will make him hard to hold out late. 2 Aurora Lady boasts better form over 1,200m but the drop back in trip is not a big concern. His form is solid, including a last-start second, and he has the tactical speed to take up a forward position. 3 Red Elegance is a winner of his last two starts and tackles Class 2 for the first time. As a four-time track-and-distance winner, he cannot be ignored. Race 4 (1,200m) 5 Nebraskan was collared late last start, and he finished second two starts back. A good trial win suggests he is holding form. 2 Everstar has been catching the eye since dropping to Class 4 - drawn wide two runs back and closed off strongly into fifth, then a close-up fourth last time after racing wide. With a bit of luck, he is right in the thick of it. 3 Happy Trio won three starts back and backed that up with minor placings at his next two. He is drawn ideally in barrier 2. 10 Super Sicario has drawn no lower than barrier 10 in four starts. There was merit to his last-start 11th, and although drawn horribly wide again in barrier 11, it would not surprise to see him improve. Race 5 (1,800m) 6 Mission Strike may have found the 2,000m a stretch too far last start. But his previous run over 1,800m, where he charged home late into second behind Beauty Alliance, is the run to focus on. 1 Harmony Galaxy broke through last start with a drop in the ratings and a rise to 1,800m. He can do it again. 2 Prestige Good posted back-to-back thirds in Class 4. This is his second attempt over 1,800m and, with only five Hong Kong starts, there should be more improvement to come. 4 Can't Go Wong was swamped late by a head into second last start. He is a reliable track-and-distance performer that cannot be ignored. Race 6 (1,200m) 1 Giddy Up had his first start in Class 4 last time and finished second. Barrier 1 provides the perfect opportunity for him to win. 5 Endued is at his third attempt in Class 4 and his first run for Benno Yung's stable. The 3YO was impressive in a recent barrier trial and can improve further. 7 Crystal Powerful won two runs back at the top of Class 5 before returning to Class 4 and won twice over 1,000m. As a two-time winner over 1,200m, the trip holds no fear. 2 Perfect General ran third last time. Given a 42-day freshen-up, he has since won a trial heat and can bounce back. Race 7 (1,200m) 7 Solid Car is building towards his first Hong Kong win. Last start, from barrier 11, he was ridden for luck out the back before surging late into fifth, beaten 1½ lengths by Beauty Destiny. With a bit more luck, he can get his nose in front. 1 Spicy Gold is better suited to this course and distance where he has performed best, following a late-fading sixth to Another World over 1,400m at Sha Tin last time. Barrier 1 gives him every chance to secure a soft run. 5 Storm Rider lost by a head last start and the writing on the wall that another win is near. 9 Lo Pan Spirit will need luck from barrier 11, but he comes off two encouraging thirds. Race 8 (1,650m) 2 Hameron may have finished 2½ lengths away in fourth last start, but he was held up late and looked to have more to give. Zac Purton picks up the ride, and that key jockey booking adds plenty of confidence for a big run. 11 Sturdy Ruby ran from last to seventh from barrier 12 last time. He showed from an inside draw two runs back that he can settle much closer, and that second to M Unicorn reads strongly for this. 5 Definitive has the gate speed. He has just seven starts for one win and two seconds, but holds his form well with an impressive trial. 8 Flying Fortress posted his first local win last time. With only six local runs under his belt, he still has upside. Race 9 (1,200m) 6 Golden Rise closed in nicely for fourth last time in a slowly run race. This marks his third attempt in Class 3 and he looks on track to notch a win in the grade soon. Barrier 1 sets things up well for him. 1 Kaholo Angel contested a hot race at Sha Tin last start, following a win two runs ago. Back at the city circuit, he is a strong chance. 9 Victory Sky is nearing his first Hong Kong win after placing in two of his last three starts, including a promising first try at this course and distance last start. However, barrier 11 is not ideal. 4 Dragon Four Seas rises to Class 3 for the first time after back-to-back wins, both at this track and trip. His on-pace racing pattern ensures he maps well, if he can overcome barrier 10 early. Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
South China Morning Post
22-04-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Ben Thompson rates Fallon and All's Well strong chances at Happy Valley
Fallon 'ticks all the right boxes' for Ben Thompson as the pair bids for a second course and distance success in Wednesday night's Class Three Roselle Handicap (1,800m) at Happy Valley. Trained by Tony Cruz, Fallon came with a surging late run to win over the Valley 1,800m three starts ago, comfortably beating Charity Gain in the process. He has remained in good form since, finishing runner up twice at the city circuit including last start when beaten a neck by Jumbo Legend in a Class Three over 2,200m. Charity Gain was again no match for him in those two runs, but he will need to turn around form with Beauty Alliance, who beat him by three and a half lengths before running below par in the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m). Fallon gets a 10lbs swing on Beauty Alliance and that could make all the difference in a competitive race. 'He's in great form,' Thompson said. 'He's had a win and two seconds in his last three and he meets the same opposition he's been taking on. 'Whatever is to win that race, being such a strong field, needs everything to go right. He's really enjoying Happy Valley. 'To be back at Class Three 1,800 – his third time at the course and trip with a win and second at his previous two, he's ticking all the right boxes.' Thompson is also confident in the chances of All's Well, who bids to make it second-time lucky in the Class Four Geranium Handicap (1,000m). Dennis Yip Chor-hong's youngster made eye-catching late ground into sixth over the course and distance when sent off an unconsidered $20 outsider on debut this month. He has a much better draw on this occasion and Thompson is expecting an improved showing in what could be a frantic race. 'He backed up a really nice trial at Happy Valley with that good debut,' said Thompson. 'He's better drawn on this occasion, so hopefully that's what he needs to break through. 'There's nothing like race day, is there? Fully different pressure to what he previously felt there, but he coped really good, especially after he could have been vulnerable when the opposition had started their runs and most had a bit of a margin on him. 'He kept to the task and really rounded off well – better than anything else in the race. 'They're going to go lickety split, as they generally do over 1,000 at Happy Valley, but I think off nice trials leading into his debut and he's felt really nice and comfortable in his work since, he can run well. 'Hopefully a kind draw [barrier three] for his second time, it can be second-time lucky. 'In my short involvement with him, he's a horse that can travel quite strong, so I think the 1,000's a good fit for him.'
South China Morning Post
17-03-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Caspar Fownes backs son of Epsom Derby winner to make an impact: ‘he'll eat it up'
Lo Rider (right) runs second at Sha Tin last month. Photos: Kenneth Chan Lo Rider may have the second-lowest rating in the field but Caspar Fownes is confident his son of Epsom and Irish Derby winner Harzand can make an impact in this weekend's BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m). While the 78-rated Lo Rider is one of nine Derby runners yet to be tested over 10 furlongs, Fownes believes the 2,000m of the city's most prestigious race will be ideal for his four-year-old. 'He'll eat it up, no worries. It's going to be a nice race. I think this year's Derby is quite open,' Fownes said. 'There's no superstar and you'd have to think 30-40 per cent of the field are going to be suspect at 2,000m. Ultimate prize! 🏆 14 horses will take their only chance at securing once-in-a-lifetime glory in the 148th @BMW Hong Kong Derby… 👀#4YOSeries | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 14, 2025 'He certainly deserves his spot in there and I believe he'll make his presence felt if the conditions suit, he gets a nice draw and has a good run.' A winner over a mile and 1,800m in Ireland pre-import when known as Sharinay, Lo Rider has yet to salute in five Hong Kong starts. But there's always been a belief among Hong Kong racing circles that he's capable of a big performance and Fownes hopes it all clicks when it matters most. 'I'm sure he'll beat at least half the field home and anything he does above that would be very nice,' he said. 'He's had excuses. One day he blew the start and didn't get a run and another day he over-raced a bit and still ran enormous. He's a nice horse whose future is all ahead of him.' A two-and-a-half-length fourth behind Bundle Award under Karis Teetan last start, Lo Rider will be ridden by Hugh Bowman this weekend. Bowman has twice ridden Lo Rider, managing only a fifth and a seventh earlier this year. Lo Rider shapes as Fownes' only Derby runner in 2025, with Sky Heart second reserve and Sky Trust fourth emergency despite having a higher rating than Beauty Alliance and Lo Rider. 'It's fair enough that he's on the reserve list. I agree with that,' Fownes said of Sky Trust, who could only manage 12th in the Classic Cup (1,800m). 'He's obviously better at 1,400m to a mile, in my opinion, but you give them their chance and hope that they're good enough to give the owners a chance to have a runner in the race.' Before chasing a third Derby win to go alongside those of Super Satin (2010) and Sky Darci (2021), Fownes will head to Happy Valley on Wednesday night hopeful of tasting success. The 57-year-old, who sits seventh in the premiership with 30 winners, saddles up Verbier, Perfect General, Super Contented, Super Sixty, M Unicorn and Sugar Sugar. 'I've got a couple of nice runners and Perfect General gets his chance from a nice gate, so fingers crossed,' said Fownes. Perfect General jumps from barrier four under Brenton Avdulla in the Class Four Craigengower Cricket Club Challenge Cup (1,200m).
South China Morning Post
14-03-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Christophe Soumillon to ride Noisy Boy in Hong Kong Derby – if he gets his new passport in time
Dennis Yip Chor-hong is hoping Christophe Soumillon can iron out some passport issues in time to ride Noisy Boy in next Sunday's BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) at Sha Tin. Soumillon, who won the 2006 Derby aboard Viva Pataca, rode Fast Network for Yip in January's Classic Mile and the duo will combine again provided the Belgian can travel. 'He needs to do some immigration first – he lost his passport. He's checking, but if he can come he will ride Noisy Boy. His agent said he can come,' said Yip. Noisy Boy was ridden by Andrea Atzeni in the Classic Cup (1,800m), travelling far too quick in the lead before fading into 13th. Yip is chasing a second straight Derby victory after the win of Massive Sovereign 12 months ago, while John Size saddles up three runners as he looks to add to victories of Fay Fay (2012), Luger (2015) and Ping Hai Star (2018) in the city's most prestigious race. The 12-time champion trainer tackles the Derby with Mickley and last-start winners Bundle Award and Beauty Alliance. 'Two of them posted very impressive wins at their last start, so it's a very exciting race for us,' he said. '[Mickley has] done well. He's had a bit of tough racing and he's come through it OK. His last start was disappointing but things didn't go his way in the run. Bundle Award punches his 2025 @BMW Hong Kong Derby ticket! 🔥@BenThompson2102 gets John Size's galloper home from the back of the field for a first Class 2 win at Sha Tin... #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 9, 2025 'Since then he's had a little bit of an ease up, I've changed his routine and he's gone up to Conghua for a freshen up. '[Bundle Award] was ridden back in the field and allowed to finish the race off the other day. He adapted to that very well and he gets into the race with a live chance. '[Beauty Alliance's] improvement has been massive since the beginning of the season. He's one of those horses who has run into form at the right time and that can be extremely important on the day. 'He's one of the horses who does extremely well and he's always been very tough. He probably just needed some racing and a bit of distance to show up.'
South China Morning Post
14-03-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Lo Rider and Beauty Alliance sneak into Hong Kong Derby field as Mondial misses out
Swashbuckling Happy Valley winner Beauty Alliance and the improving Lo Rider have made the field for Sunday week's BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) at Sha Tin, earning selection ahead of higher-rated pair Mondial and Sky Trust. While Mondial sits on a mark of 80 and Sky Trust 79, the pair finished 11th and 12th, respectively, in the recent Classic Cup (1,800m) and officials opted to give the nod to those in better form. Beauty Alliance improved his rating to 77 thanks to his three-and-a-half-length midweek romp over 1,800m, while Lo Rider sits on a mark of 78 after performing well without winning in recent starts, including a fourth behind Bundle Award last week. Classic Mile 11th placegetter Markwin will re-enter the Classic Series after a last-start second behind Bundle Award improved his rating to 81. Beauty Alliance smashes them! 🤯 Big win from John Size's charge in the finale at Happy Valley to give his trainer and @AlexisBadel a double each on tonight's programme... @Beautystablehk #HappyWednesday | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 12, 2025 The field, which was announced by Jockey Club officials at Happy Valley on Friday morning, is headlined by Classic Cup winner Rubylot, Classic Mile hero My Wish and Johannes Brahms. 'At the end of the day, I think if Mondial made his way into the race, he would have improved on his Classic Cup run and run well, but he needed to show us a little bit more in his first-up run,' said Greg Carpenter, the Jockey Club's head of racing product. 'The case for Beauty Alliance was compelling after Wednesday night. He ran really well and beat a very good field with a lot of last-start winners in it, so there was depth and quality. 'Lo Rider lost his position before the turn and ran really well last start, almost snatching third. The other supporting argument behind Lo Rider was that he was narrowly beaten by Steps Ahead at his previous run and Steps Ahead came out and ran really well in the Classic Cup.' Also in the field are Stunning Peach, Bundle Award, Packing Angel, Mickley, Noisy Boy, Cap Ferrat, Steps Ahead and Californiatotality. Mondial, Sky Heart, Pray For Mir and Sky Trust are the four reserves, with the latter stepping out in this Saturday's Class Three Cosmos Handicap (1,400m). 'I would like to congratulate all the owners of the 14 horses selected to run in the BMW Hong Kong Derby next Sunday, which we celebrate as the Hong Kong race which offers once-in-a-lifetime glory,' said Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. 'BMW Hong Kong Derby Day is one of the great sporting events and attractions in the city for our Hong Kong racing fans and our racing fans from around the world, with the race being broadcast in 26 countries. 'The Derby has a rich history stretching back more than 150 years to 1873. To have a runner in the Derby field is an ambition for every horse owner, trainer and jockey in Hong Kong and is already a great achievement. To win the BMW Hong Kong Derby is the ultimate.'
