WINNO'S WINNERS: THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS' CHAMPIONSHIP NIGHT AT HAPPY VALLEY
By Darren Winningham | Wednesday, December 7, 2022
THE LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS CHAMPIONSHIP 2022
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UPDATE ON THIS PREVIEW - The HKJC Stewards have been advised that a polymerase chain reaction (“PCR”) test undertaken by visiting Jockey Mickael Barzalona this morning has tested positive to COVID-19. Accordingly, Jockey Barzalona has withdrawn from this evening’s LONGINES International Jockeys’ Championship (“IJC”). In accordance with the provisions of the IJC prospectus, Jockey Derek K C Leung has been substituted for Jockey Barzalona at the IJC meeting. Further, Jockey Barzalona will not be eligible to be declared for race riding engagements at the Sha Tin racecourse at the LONGINES Hong Kong International Racemeeting to be conducted at Sha Tin Racecourse on Sunday, 11 December 2022.
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The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s features races extravaganza for the week kicks off on Wednesday night with the running of the Hong Kong Longines International Jockeys Championship (IJC).
The jockeys participating in this year’s series are:
Zac Purton (Hong Kong), Silvestre de Souza (Hong Kong), Vincent Ho (Hong Kong), Matthew Chadwick (Hong Kong), Hugh Bowman (Australia), Jamie Kah (Australia), Mickael Barzalona (France), Ryan Moore (Great Britain), Hollie Doyle (Great Britain), Tom Marquand (Great Britain), James McDonald (New Zealand – but we will claim him as an Aussie) and Lyle Hewitson (South Africa).
The rail is in the normal position. Fine weather and a GOOD track – the best conditions possible for this amazing night!
Race 1
A Class 4 race to start off the program – these are always tough.
Happy Jai Jai (7) raced at this exact meeting last year – just some trivia for you. Keith Leung will ride him second up over the 1650 metres. He is drawn perfectly in barrier one and should get the run of the race.
Cordyceps One (9) has had a one month freshen up. Drawn in barrier 9 is the only problem I have, however, it appears there is some speed in this race, and he should get a nice trail and be able to place two or three pairs back in the running – Silvestre De Sousa will ride. His only two career wins have come at Happy Valley so you must respect this runner.
It is ironic that James McDonald the newly crowned world's best jockey has the mount of Killer Instinct (2). His successes over the past 12 months are based on his aggressive riding and wonderful instinct in a race. Killer Instinct is trained by Casper Fownes who seems to have a very good record at this track - this runner must be respected third up from a spell with Jay Mac aboard.
Turin Warrior (3) is trained by Richard Gibson and will
be ridden by Zac Purton. I think you can safely forget the last run out where he was drawn wide and was forced to go forward which is not his go. I expect that from barrier 10 Purton may try to let him settle midfield before unleashing him in the straight to try to run down the leaders.
Keep your eye on Winning steps (5) who raced on the dirt track at Sha Tin on Sunday and is on the quick backup. Slow away there, but put in a huge performance over 1650m.
Selections:
9 – Cordyceps One
7 – Happy Jai Jai
2 – Killer Instinct
3 – Turin Warrior
Rough chance – (5) Winning Steps
Race 2
A middle-distance race over 1650 metres at Class 5 level.
I just cannot go past winning form and London Luckystar (3) has won his past two starts at this track and distance. Both times he has been ridden by Silvestre De Sousa and he will ride again. I cannot see why he can’t get the job done again. In fact, he beat Mister Arm (4) in their last clash here and maybe history may repeat itself four weeks later.
Mister Arm (4) has a 2-kilogram weight pull for that defeat. He is third up – maybe time for some more improvement with Lyle Hewitson will ride.
Moonluck (9) gets back in these races and may need some luck in the straight. He is third up and if there is some speed on, he could be the one to storm over the top of them late. Holly Doyle rides.
Medic Elite (7) is still a maiden and has been sent out at short prices in his past three starts – I cannot have him – however, he could run a cheeky race – a senior rider has been booked - Michael Barzalona.
Our Creed (1) is back in class here – Zac Purton to ride – keep safe.
Selections:
3 – London Luckystar
4 – Mister Arm
9 – Moonluck
7 – Medic Elite
Rough chance – (1) Our Creed
Race 3
A sprint race over 1200 metres – this time at the Class 5 level.
It is possible that we might get to see two of the best female jockeys battle out the finish here in Jamie Kah from Australia and Hollie Doyle from Britain!
Kah will ride the Douglas Whyte trained Hearty Wish (4) which has been heavily supported in his past three starts. He led them up last time out here and just seemed to fade late. With that run under his belt, I expect him to be very fit. He has the perfect draw from barrier 3 to be prominent throughout running and maybe with Jamie Kah's magic can get the job done.
Doyle will ride U W Brother (9) who has barrier 10. Always very speedy out of the gates – but from barrier 10 may have to be used up to get across and be left vulnerable late. However, if he keeps going, he may just win.
Matthew Chadwick may upset the girls party on Little Player (11), trained by Jamie Richards. The gelding has drawn well in barrier 2 and should sit a few pairs back as the leaders go hard in front. His last start effort would suggest that he is ready to win.
Ryan Moore will ride Handsome Guys (10). He has been racing at Sha Tin his past few starts. However, the Happy Valley master Casper Fownes trains him. He has drawn terrible in barrier 12 – if he had drawn better, he would have been my first selection – keep him safe – maybe Moore can pull out something extra and get the job done.
Selections:
4 – Hearty Wish
10 – Handsome Guys
11 – Little Player
9 – U W Brother
Rough chance – (6) Le Plus Vite
Race 4 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (First Leg)
The first leg of the IJC races on the program - sponsored by LONGINES – long term sponsors and supporters of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
This race is over 1000 metres.
Zac Purton – the defending IJC champion jockey from 2021 rides Lucky Supreme (7) or Danny Shum. The blinkers go on for the first time. He is second up – ran well in his first start in Hong Kong with several trials prior to that debut. He looks a great chance for Purton to post points in the first eature event!
David Hayes trains Forte (1) who will be ridden by Hugh Bowman first up. Has a massive weight but always races well fresh and is always clean away from the barriers. He will trail in behind the speed – his fitness may tell in the final fifty metres.
Faribault (10) is second up from a spell with Matthew Chadwick to ride. He is drawn well in an inside barrier. He did seem to strike some trouble in his first up run and given any luck here could show up for the Hong Kong riders.
Valhalla (9) is drawn poorly in barrier 11 for Casper Fownes. James McDonald will ride the gelding and will need some luck from out there. His first up run was impressive and, given that effort, I think he could upset the more favoured runners in this race. The blinkers go on for the first time here as well.
Circuit Seven (7) could show up at huge odds.
Remember the IJC points allocation is 12 for a win – 6 for second – 4 for third.
Selections:
7 – Lucky Supreme
10 – Faribault
9 – Valhalla
1 – Forte
Rough chance – (4) Circuit Seven
Race 5 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (Second Leg)
The second leg of our International races on the program. This time over 1650 metres.
Sunny Delight (9) won last time here at this distance. On that occasion he was ridden by Lyle Hewitson - who by good fortune has replaced the Japanese rider and will partner him again. On his last start he will be very difficult to hold out here again.
Royal Pride (3) also is the last start winner at this track and distance, however there is a jockey change here with the Australian Hugh Bowman going aboard. He is drawn ideally and should get the right of the race. He is the favourite in the early markets. Barrier 1 can be a blessing and a hindrance as he will race midfield and need to get some gaps in the straight.
Win Win Fighter (1) was beaten by Sunny delight (9) in his last outing here. the French rider goes aboard – Michael Barzalona. He has drawn well in barrier 2 and will be working home late.
Spicy Grill (4), as his name suggests, could heat things up for these more favoured runners. He gets back in his racing and will require an enormous amount of luck to win the race – but he has the right rider aboard to get it te job completed – Tom Marquand.
So that is the second leg over and done with – no clear winner of the IJC for mine yet!
Selections:
9 – Sunny Delight
3 – Royal Pride
1 – Win Win Fighter
4 – Spicy Grill
Race 6
A break in the IHJC races. Time to grab a drink and get ready for the last two races of the LONGINES International Jockeys Championship.
This one is over 1200 metres – Class 4.
Zac Purton and Jamie Richards pair up here with Sixth Generation (12) who was solid first up over 1000 metres flashing home light in a very auspicious way. I think stepping up to the 1200 metres will suit him and look for a bold run with such a lightweight on his back.
Gold Gold Baby (4) is trained by Francis Lui and Vincent Ho will ride again. I think that he may be much better placed over 1000 metres where he seems to excel. In saying that he does get back in his races and with the extra strong speed I anticipate in the race – he could be the one to upset the other runners. They back him every time he goes around.
Island Surprise (10) won easily last start here when heavily supported late - led all the way to get the job done. I think in this race there will be a lot of pressure on, and it may favour the runners that will swoop home late. However, he looks ideally placed and has a great barrier – Silvestre De Sousa retains the ride for trainer Manfred Man.
Allgreektome (7) and Howdeepisyourlove (8) are the runners that I expect may lead and put some solid tempo into the race. If they do this, it could set it up late for something to swoop and win the race.
Selections:
12 – Sixth Generation
4 – Gold Gold Baby
10 – Island Surprise
7 – Allgreektome
Rough chance – (8) Howdeepisyourlove
Race 7 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (Third Leg)
The third leg of our International races on the program. This time over 1650 metres – Class 3.
Back to business!
Winning Dragon (7) can he win again is the question? I think he can!
Trained by Tony Cruz and will have Tom Marquand aboard from a handy barrier 3. I think there will be speed in the race and this should suit this runner and allow him to sit in behind the leading runners. Just must get luck in the straight and he should be winning – was strong to the line last time out when he won.
Amazing One Plus (4) will be ridden by Vincent Ho. I think despite what it looks like in the race book the run was solid last time out. They crawled in front, and he was working home late – he did win his previous start here the run prior to that and I expect that, with the breakneck speed, he will be well suited.
Nimble Nimbus (6) won two starts ago here. Always is well supported in his races. Was heavily supported last time out and had no luck in the running – if you forgive that effort he should race well here with James McDonald to ride. He does have an affinity for this Happy Valley circuit.
Packing Famous (9) has had an extended break away from the track – nearly 10 weeks – does race well – Danny Shum trains this one and Zac Purton will ride.
Rising From The Ashes (3) may just do that and burn them – Hollie Doyle will ride. He gets back in his races and needs a solid speed – he should get those conditions in this race – could cause a major boilover at huge odds.
I still think no jockey may claim the HK$500,000 at this point – we will need to wait until the last leg!
Selections:
7 – Winning Dragon
4 – Amazing One Plus
6 – Nimble Nimbus
3 – Rising From The Ashes
Rough chance – (9) – Packing Famous
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 several jockeys in the mix coming into this race to win the big prize – James Mc Donald, Lyle Hewiston, Tom Marquand and Zac Purton.
Here Comes Ted (6) could see Lyle Hewitson win two of the feature races and win the Championship! He is trained by David Hall and his first run up was enormous, drawing barrier 11 settling at the rear of the field and storming home late to just be beaten by a narrow margin. Since then, he has had a barrier trial where he wasn't asked to do too much - he comes to the races fresh - drawing a barrier (barrier 2) and with the jockey in form I think he could win this race.
Red Lion (5) is trained by John Size and will be ridden by Jamie Kah. He went to the races first up and led them up and just seemed to run out of fitness. Since then, he has been back to the trials and won the trial impressively. He has drawn midfield and barrier 7 and should not be disadvantaged from there.
The topweight is Gold Marquis (1) who ran some serious time in his last start victory when he resumed from a spell. This week he has barrier 12 to contend with and a massive weight - things just look against him. However, he is the quality horse in the field. Matthew Chadwick will ride.
Adios (3) is trained by Frankie Lor – will be ridden by Silvestre De Sousa – drawn barrier 4. Has a solid record at Happy Valley with some good results – is drawn well to go well and be competitive.
You must give rough chances to Xponential (7) and California Vanes (10).
Xponential (7) is trained by Douglas Whyte and Zac Purton is aboard. Loves this Happy Valley track with 3 wins and 7 placings on the circuit. He always jumps cleanly and will race handy from barrier 6 – that puts him right in contention.
It is a tough race to finish off the Championship!
If I get it right – Lyle Hewitson wins from Zac Purton and Tom Marquand – with James McDonald the threat..
What jockey will reign supreme in 2022 – it will all come down to this race for mine!
Selections:
6 – Here Comes Ted
5 – Red Lion
3 – Adios
10 – California Vanes
Rough chances – (7) Xponential & (1) Gold Marquis
Race 9
The last race of the night – then it will be on to the big dance on Sunday with the LONGINES Hong Kong International Race Day.
A class 2 over 1800 metres.
We may get to see Zac Purton and James McDonald go head-to-head here – I like both of their rides – in fact, it was difficult to separate the two.
Rise Brethren (6) is trained by Danny Shum with James McDonald to ride. He rode him at his last start at Sha Tin when he worked home nicely and just got beaten. He will need to race a little handier here – however, there looks to be some good speed in the race with Telecom Fighters (2) in the field. He has won at the track and will be hard to hold out.
Zac will ride Savaquin (7) for John Size – another that gets back normally in his races, but can finish them off strongly.
Telecom Fighters (2) will lead this lot – with Lyle Hewitson to ride. He won here at 1650 metres two starts ago and was a gallant second over the same distance last time out – if he can run the 1800 metres out and he gets left alone in front he may take catching late.
Spirited Express (12) goes up to Class 2 grade after racing in Class 3 grade last time out. He does have a solid winning record with 18 starts and 7 wins and 3 placings to his credit. Hollie Doyle will ride. He has a massive drop in weight from his last start in Grade 3 company where he carried 59.5 kilograms – the weight reduction will see him being extremely competitive and I think they will come for him late.
Packing Award (4) has drawn terribly – he has a wonderful record at the track with 9 starts – 5 wins – 2 seconds – it may pay to include him in your exotic bets – but barrier 12 is of concern.
Selections:
6 – Rise Brethren
7 – Savaquin
12 – Spirited Express
2 – Telecom Fighters
Rough chances – (4) Packing Award
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Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5 only)
3,4,9 / 4,10,11 / 7,9,10 / 1,3,9 - cost is $81 to $1
Quaddie (races 6 to 9)
4,10,12 / 3,4,6,7 / 3,5,6 / 4,6,7,12 - cost is $144 to $1
Treble (races 7 to 9)
3,4,6,7 / 3,5,6 / 4,6,7,12 - 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 consecutive win in the Championship?
If he doesn’t win look for – Lyle Hewitson to get the victory after a late call up to replace the Japanese rider!
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