14-04-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Ricky Yiu puts faith in Eason and Giant Leap in bid to consolidate third place in championship
Giant Leap (outside) is one of Ricky Yiu's top chances at the Valley on Wednesday night. Photos: Kenneth Chan
Ricky Yiu Poon-fai is confident the consistent Eason and last-start winner Giant Leap will figure prominently at Happy Valley on Wednesday night as the veteran handler bids to consolidate third place in the trainers' championship.
In a tight battle behind title leader John Size (47 wins) and David Hayes (41), only five wins separate Yiu (37) and the 11th-placed Cody Mo Wai-kit in the premiership standings.
Yiu, who is tied on wins with Francis Lui Kin-wai but holds the ascendancy with more seconds than last season's champion trainer, will take a team of six runners to the city circuit on Wednesday night.
Eason continues his bid for a breakthrough win in the first section of the Class Three Violet Handicap (1,200m) after a pair of close seconds and a third from his six starts this term after switching from the Frankie Lor Fu-chuen stable.
The Written Tycoon gelding was only beaten a head when runner-up to Gustosisimo and Gallant Valour at the course and distance of his latest assignment.
He struggled on a rain-affected Valley track when fifth to Spicy Gold last month before backing up seven days later to run an eye-catching fourth to Happy Fat Cat.
'We've got a good jockey on in Hugh Bowman,' Yiu said.
'The horse has been running well and hopefully he finishes in the first three. He'll be close again.'
One tough customer!
Happy Fat Cat seals a Cody Mo double at Happy Valley with a determined victory under @AntoineHamelin... ✌️#HappyWednesday | #HKracing — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 12, 2025
After a wide draw in barrier 11 forced him back to last on his latest appearance, Eason should get a far more economical run from gate three on Wednesday night.
He strikes an incredibly even field featuring Bundle Of Charm, Nucleozor, Chateauneuf, Storming Dragon, Crimson Flash, King Miles, Shinyu Kokoroe, California Deeply and Up With Charm.
Giant Leap jumps back into Class Three in the second section of the Violet Handicap after a tough Class Four triumph under visiting jockey Richard Kingscote last start.
While the son of Capitalist tends to struggle at this level, Yiu is optimistic he can hold his form and take advantage of dropping 15 pounds to carry 119.
'He has a light weight this time. He's another genuine horse, especially at the Valley,' Yiu said.
'He's held his condition since his last start, so he'll go well. He can finish in the first three.'
In-form jockey Andrea Atzeni, who won on Giant Leap earlier this season, hops back aboard Yiu's charge on Wednesday night but he must overcome the outside draw in the field of nine.
Yiu's other Valley runners are Diamond Soars, Floof, Sure Joyful and Mega Bonus, who was elevated from first reserve for the second section of the Class Four Dianthus Handicap (1,200m) when Sunny Galaxy was scratched on Monday with a head injury.
Yiu is also preparing for a strong FWD Champions Day assault on Sunday week, with stable star Voyage Bubble set for the Group One Champions Mile and Straight Arron bound for the Group One QE II Cup (2,000m).
The 67-year-old had a change of heart after indicating Straight Arron would also tackle the Champions Mile after his last-start Group Three Chairman's Trophy (1,600m) victory over Galaxy Patch.
'Last time when he ran over the mile, it was a bit short and the second horse probably should have won. I think 2,000m is his best trip,' Yiu said.
