THE HONG KONG LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEY'S CHAMPIONSHIP RACENIGHT PREVIEW

By Darren Winningham | Tuesday, December 7, 2021

HAPPY VALLEY RACES – WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 8, 2021

THE LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS CHAMPIONSHIP 2021

Wednesday night will see the running of the Hong Kong Longines International Jockeys Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley.

The jockeys participating in this year’s series are:

Alexis Badel (Hong Kong), Mickael Barzalona (France), Hollie Doyle (Great Britain), Lyle Hewitson (South Africa), Vincent Ho (Hong Kong), Yuga Kawada (Japan), Damian Lane (Australia), Tom Marquand (Great Britain), James McDonald (New Zealand), Ryan Moore (Great Britain), Joao Moreira (Hong Kong), Zac Purton (Hong Kong)

The Happy Valley track is one of the wonders of horse racing venues! Located on Hong Kong Island in amongst skyscrapers, financial working buildings and has sporting facilities in the middle of it – it is an amazing and unique venue!

If we ever get a vaccine and can travel again soon – you must visit this glorious facility maintained by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Plus get down along the trackside close to the running rail to see the horse racing up close and if you want to meet the locals of racing look for the man with the awesome sketched artworks – Vieri Chan – a local legend at the track and a wonderful talent – grab a photo with him – tell him WINNO sent you!
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Race 1

A Class 5 race to start off the program – these are always tough.

Looks like Joao “The Magic Man” Moriera has a nice mount here to start off the night at Happy Valley. The only drama is that he has drawn barrier 10 and he will need some of Moreira’s “magic” not to get caught three or four wide from out there. This runner normally jumps cleanly and takes up a forward position which is always an advantage here at this tight turning track that favours on pace runners. So … Mister Arm (8) hopefully can find a nice place in behind the leaders and then Moreira will do the rest late!

All You Know (4) will be ridden by Alexis Badel for Richard Gibson. This runner has been working well in Class 4 races and has dropped back to Class 5. There has been some mail from the locals that this runner is the one to beat. I am just worried he may have to go back as this is the way he normally races. If there is no pace in the race this may affect his chances.

Oh Bravo (7) is a Zac Purton ride. Last run he stepped up to the 1800 metres here and was working home nicely late into the race with Badel aboard. Look for an improved effort this week dropping back in distance. He could finish late to run them down.
Down in the weights are Super Kin (11) – ridden by James McDonald and Happy Jai Jai (12) to be ridden by Keith Leung. Both have chances to fill the placings.

Selections:

8 – Mister Arm
4 – All You Know
7 – Oh Bravo
11 – Super Kin
Rough chance – (12) Happy Jai Jai

Race 2

A middle-distance race over 1650 metres at Class 4 level.

Fearless Fire (3) has Aussie Blake Shinn aboard for David Hayes – I suppose you could hope that the Aussie connection will get the chocolates here on International race night! He drops from Class 3 to class 4 and I think, drawn in barrier 3, Shinn could take up the running. Can hold on with the large weight? Shinn has ridden this runner for three wins and the gelding does like this track.

Purton rides Zone D (2) for John Size. This is his second run up from a spell and last start here he raced over the 1650 metres and was flashing home late – it was an eye-catching run. Barrier 11 could be his downfall – he will have to go back and then come late but I just hope he can reel in the leaders late.

Bulletproof (8) was unlucky last start with the saddle shifting – I think he will show some improvement here. Mickael Barzalona from France will ride this runner for trainer P Yiu. Do not leave this runner out of your exotics.

V Chevaliers (4) raced well here behind Seaweed Fortune (1) last time out at the track and distance. He does like to settle towards the rear of the field. If the speed is on expect him to be flashing home late with Moreira in the saddle.

The top weight here is Seaweed Fortune (1) who has drawn the rails and has Vincent Ho in the saddle. This runner has been set a massive weight to carry and that is my only concern. If he jumps cleanly and takes up a position in behind the speed and gets out in the straight he represents great value in the race.

Selections:

2 – Zone D
3 – Fearless Fire
4 – V Chevaliers
8 – Bulletproof
Rough chance – (1) Seaweed Fortune

Race 3

A sprint race over 1200 metres – this time at the Class 5 level.

The lethal combination of John Size and Joao Moreira combine here with Touch Faith (1) who drops from Class 4 to Class 5 grade. He does get back in his races and will need some luck, but there is some solid speed in the race. I think that the recent barrier trial would suggest that he is ready to sprint well.

One Step Ahead (11) won last time out here over the distance. Matthew Chadwick will ride again. Drawn well in barrier 4, I think he will race handy. Could post two in a row for connections.

Sunny And Gold (2) has drawn well and will have Zac Purton riding. Was drawn wide last time out here and this week has drawn nicely in barrier 3. Looks a great chance from the nice barrier.

Alloy King (3) is a last start winner at the track and distance. He does go up in weights Anthony Hamelin will keep the ride. He has drawn badly in barrier 9 this week so this could be a drama.

Viva Mama (8) is trained by Richard Gibson and has Ryan Moore riding. This runner looks the likely leader drawn in barrier 2. Has some gear changes and should be in front for a long way. He is only second up this preparation and I think he may need the run.

Selections:

1 – Touch Faith
11 – One Step Ahead
2 – Sunny and Gold
3 – Alloy King
Rough chance – (8) Viva Mama

Race 4 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (First Leg)

The first leg of our International races on the program - sponsored by LONGINES – long term sponsors and supporters of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

The jockeys will need some luck here – this race is over 1000 metres.

Awesome Treasure (8) is trained by David Hayes, and he will reunite with English rider Tom Marquand. Led them up for his first start in Hong Kong over 1200 metres and was run down late – I think with the freshen up and back in distance he is a serious contender here – in fact he looks the best bet of the night, and you know that Marquand can ride – he has been seen in Sydney on numerous occasions.

Charming Steed (9) is trained by Casper Fownes who has a tremendous strike rate with his runners at Happy Valley. Lyle Hewitson from South Africa will ride this runner. Again, second up in Hong Kong after a wonderful debut at this track and distance a month ago. He has had a little freshen up and an easy barrier trial a fortnight ago. Drawn well in barrier 1.

Circuit Seven (11) has Zac Purton – the defending champion jockey from 2020 riding for Tony Cruz. This runner has a very strong finish and did run some solid time last time out at Sha Tin over 1000 metres. I think that drawn well in barrier 4 watch for Purton to go to the lead and give them something to run down.

Fabulous Eight (2) is not without a chance with Alexis Badel aboard. He has run second at his last two outings here over the track and distance – due for a change of luck.

David Hall trains Oversubscribed (12) who raced in this race last time with Karis Teetan aboard – this year he has the services of Yuga Kawada. This runner is fresh – three solid hit outs in barrier trials – is drawn well in barrier 5 and will enjoy the light weight on his back. He will be right in this for a long way.

Selections:

8 – Awesome Treasure
9 – Charming Steed
2 - Fabulous Eight
11 – Circuit Seven
Rough chance – (10) Oversubscribed

Race 5 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (Second Leg)

The second leg of our International races on the program. This time over 1650 metres.

I like the chances of the David Hayes runner here – Ai One (4). Last start was drawn off the track in barrier 9 and was eased back to 12th early before unwinding late and storming home to be beaten by only 1 length. He has drawn barrier 1 this week – I expect that Ryan Moore representing Britain will not let him drift too far back and use that striking sprint late to round them up in the straight.

More Than Enough (3) will be ridden by local rider Vincent Ho for Tony Cruz. Led last time out and was overpowered late – but still a solid effort. Has drawn well in barrier 5 – could go forward again and whilst these other jockeys are dualling to get past each other could get all the favours in front.

Dr Winning (9) is maybe named after WINNO! Just must put this runner in somewhere. Will be ridden by Damian Lane representing Australia. Normally races best when he goes forward – has drawn barrier 10 – just hope that he doesn’t get caught wide here and can get in and sprint well late.

Viva Hunter (5) has been racing at Sha Tin. He seems to race close to the speed and that will suit him here. Just barrier 12 is a drama – will he get across without using petrol? Holly Doyle from Britain rides this runner.

Glorious Lover (10) will be ridden by Zac Purton. He has raced well previously at Happy Valley. Normally settles back and works home late – I just wonder with barrier 3 whether Purton may attempt to ride him close to the speed.

Selections:

4 – Ai One
3 – More Than Enough

9 – Dr Winning
10 – Glorious Lover
Rough chances – (5) Viva Hunter

Race 6

A break in our feature races – this one is over 1200 metres. Grab some food and get ready for the last two races of the LONGINES International Jockeys Championship which will follow this race.

Douglas Whyte combines with James McDonald with Xponential (2) who I think will probably lead here. He has run second his last three starts here in this grade and distance – ultra consistent and should be right in the finish.

Flying Ace (6) is trained by David Hall who seems to always post a winner or two over the International meetings. He is on debut here in Hong Kong, however, his trials have been good. His last trial here over the 1200 metres looked like he will be competitive. I think I may have put him on top if he had drawn a barrier – barrier 10 will be a problem for mine. Matthew Poon will ride this runner and his claim will be beneficial.

Sight Hero (7) is trained by David Hayes and Zac Purton will ride. He has had a four week freshen up since his last effort here when he worked home late. His previous win here in October at this distance was very strong. If he turns up with that form, he could win this race.

Cordyceps One (11) looks like he will start favourite after his last two efforts here where he has rattled home in each of them and finished third each time. He has drawn barrier 3 – I just have some concerns he may get too far back. Maybe I will be proven wrong.

Selections:

2 – Xponential
7 – Sight Hero
6 – Flying Ace
5 – Regency Star
Rough chance – (11) Cordyceps One

Race 7 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (Third Leg)

The third leg of our International races on the program. This time over 1650 metres – a Class 3.

Red Majesty (12) is another David Hayes runner who will be ridden by Joao Moreira. Has five wins here at the Valley and has drawn well in barrier 2. He will be on the speed so should be difficult to beat.

Invincible Missile (7) will be ridden by New Zealand’s representative James McDonald for Casper Fownes. Fownes’ horses always run well at Happy Valley and Invincible Missile was unlucky last start here when he came from well back, was checked and had to be steadied, and still finished a close up second.

Amazing One Plus (1) – I just give it a chance as Zac Purton is on it! He is fifth up this preparation and has been doing all his racing at Sha Tin. Has limited form here at Happy Valley. He recently has come down from Class 2 to Class 3 grade and this will be his second run in Grade 3 – I hope that Purton can get the best out of him.

Romantic Combo (9) has been consistent in his recent efforts at the track. He does have the Japanese rider Yuga Kawada aboard and he has a solid record at this distance – maybe could cause an upset.

Mercurial (10) ran a close third to Fa Fa (Race 9 – 12) last time out. He was beaten by a nice type last start. Is third up here and has the South African Lyle Hewitson to ride. Drawn in barrier 6 - maybe he will push forward and get the job done.

This is a tough race – many chances.

Selections:

12 – Red Majesty
7 – Invincible Missile
1 – Amazing One Plus
9 – Romantic Combo
Rough chance – (10) Mercurial

Race 8 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (Fourth Leg)

The fourth leg of our International races on the program. This time over 1200 metres.

Now we get serious – if my calculations are right there are a few jockeys in the mix coming into this race to win the big prize – James Mc Donald, Tom Marquand or Zac Purton.

Hong Kong Bet (6) has drawn well in barrier 3 – Ryan Moore will ride. Did chase home California Cible (7) last time out. Does meet him better at the weights. Could be value in this field.

Winning Method (2) is dropping back from Class 2 to a Class 3 race. Hollie Doyle from Britain to ride. The British riders seem to have drawn some nice rides over the four International races. This gelding has drawn perfectly in barrier 2 and although he gets back does have a very good sprint when he gets room and is able to let down.

Elon (11) is a John Size runner who will be ridden by the French jockey Mickael Barzalona. This runner has dropped in the weights here and his best form is when he gets down in the weights. Barrier 10 may be a drama, however, he has been well supported in his last three starts being in the market in each of those runs. A little luck here and he may post a win for connections and the Size stable.

Shining Gem (1) is another runner dropping back from Class 2 to a Class 3 race. Does get back and storm home and does have a very strong finish – Zac Purton will be attempting to get this runner home – can he defend his title from 2020? He will be giving this runner every chance!

Classic Posh (3) gets back as well and gets home strong. David Hall trains with Joao Moreira to partner this runner. If there is solid speed in the race look for this one to be getting home late.

What jockey will reign supreme in 2021 – it will all come down to this race for mine!

Selections:

6 – Hong Kong Bet
1 – Shining Gem
11 – Elon
3 – Classic Posh
Rough chances – (2) Winning Method & (3) Classic Posh

Race 9

The last race of the night – then the big dance on Sunday – with the LONGINES Hong Kong International Race Day.

Two champions combine here in the last race. Douglas Whyte trains Savvy Nine (1) whilst Ryan Moore, who will be announced as the 2021 LONGINES International Jockey of the Year, rides. This runner drops back from Open Class to Class 2 here. A solid record at Happy Valley – despite the large weight he could be the one on the speed and hard to beat.

Fa Fa (12) has won his past four starts for Frankie Lor – he looks very dynamic and steps up to Class 2 for the first time. Vincent Ho will continue his association on this horse – he has ridden him in all five career wins. Looks one of the better bets on the program for me.

Zebrowski (4) is trained by Casper Fownes and Damian Lane will ride. He won two starts ago here over the distance before an exceptional effort last time out at Sha Tin when narrowly beaten. He could run well at odds if this superstar Fa Fa (12) does not show up.

Sunny Star (4) won last start here over 1650 metres and will step up in distance to 1800 metres in this race. Down in the weights and with Alexis Badel aboard, this runner could cause an upset.

Selections:

12 – Fa Fa
1 – Savvy Nine
4 – Zebrowski
8 – Sunny Star
Rough chances – (10) Beluga
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Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5 only)

2,3,4,8 / 1,2,11 / 2,8,9 / 1,3,4,9 - cost is $144 to $1

Value Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5)

2,3,4 / 1,2,11 / 8,9 / 3,4,9 - cost is $54 to $1
Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

2,6,7 / 1,7,9,12 / 1,3,6,11 / 1,4,12 - cost is $144 to $1

Value Quaddie (races 6 to 9)

2,7 / 1,7,12 / 1,6 / 1,12 - cost is $24 to $1

Treble (races 7 to 9)

1,7,9,12 / 1,3,6,11 / 1,4,12 - cost is $48 to $1

Jockeys Challenge

Can Zac Purton defend his title against these amazing jockeys from around the world? He is always competitive every year – can he create history and post his third win in the Championship?

If he doesn’t win look for Tom Marquand – James McDonald to get the victory.

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