WINNO'S WINNERS, HAPPY VALLEY, DECEMBER 6, 2023
By Darren Winningham | Wednesday, December 6, 2023
THE LONGINES INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS CHAMPIONSHIP 2023
The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s featured races of the year kicks off on Wednesday night with the running of the Hong Kong LONGINES International Jockeys Championship (IJC).
Defending champion Tom Marquand is looking for back-to-back wins in the IJC. He faces some stiff opposition in 2023.
The international jockeys participating in this year’s series are:
Mickael Barzalona (France), Hollie Doyle (Great Britain), Yuga Kawada (Japan), Rachel King (Australia), Tom Marquand (Great Britain), James McDonald (New Zealand – but we will claim him as an Aussie), Ryan Moore (Great Britain), and Bauyrzhan Murzabayev (Germany),
The local riders flying the flag for Hong Kong are:
Zac Purton, Karis Teetan, Vincent Ho, Lyle Hewitson.
They are riding for a prize pool of HK$1 million ... with the winner receiving HK$600,000.
The Longines IJC is held over four races with 12 points issued for a win, six for second and four for third. The jockey with the most points is declared the champion.
In recent years the jockey’s allocation has been streamlined with each jockey getting a horse ranked within the betting market across the four selected races.
This year the races allocated are: Race 4, Race 5, Race 7 and Race 8.
The Longines IJC is held at the Happy Valley track which is truly one of the wonders of horse racing venues! Located on Hong Kong Island amongst skyscrapers, financial working buildings and has sporting facilities in the middle of it – it is an amazing and unique venue!
The rail is in the normal position. Fine weather and a GOOD track – the best conditions possible for this amazing night!
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Race 1
A Class 5 race to start off the program – these are always tough.
Dragon Kingdom (8) has been trialling well after a two month freshen up. Derek Leung will ride, and he could sprint well fresh from barrier 9. He should race midfield, which is always an advantage at Happy Valley.
Goodmanship (6) has drawn poorly in barrier 11 for Douglas Whyte. James McDonald has been booked for the ride. He normally presses forward, but will need to jump clean and peel across from the wide barrier.
Valhalla (4) is a last start winner here. Casper Fownes and Vincent Ho combine again here with this gelding. He goes up 3 kilograms for that win – the increased weight may just tell late here for mine. Barrier 6 will assist him in running.
H Z Tourbillon (2) is trained by T P Yung and Tom Marquand will ride. He gets back in his racing and will need some luck. He has drawn barrier 12 – that won’t bother him as he will go back and make a final sprint at them late.
Hollie Doyle, Tom’s wife, rides Noir Rider (12) who is third up after a short break – maybe a roughie down in the weights that could show up.
Selections:
6 – Goodmanship
4 – Valhalla
2 – H Z Tourbillon
8 – Dragon Kingdom
Rough chance – (12) Noir Rider
Race 2
A middle-distance race over 1650 metres at Class 5 level.
Hang’s Choice (10) is a last start winner here for trainer W Y So and Karis Teetan retains the ride. He has had a freshen up since that win. Drawn in barrier 7 and will be competitive again.
Medic Elite (8) is trained by Pierre Ng and Hollie Doyle will ride. He has not got a great strike rate with 34 starts for 2 wins – maybe Hollie can work some magic. He does race well at this distance.
Loyal Ambition (7) is trained by Casper Fownes and James McDonald will ride. Drawn well here but no confidence with only 1 win in 32 starts.
Happy Jai Jai (3) has Zac Purton aboard and is trained by T P Yung. He is another runner who runs well when drawing an inside barrier – he has barrier 4 this week – so he must have a good chance to post another win.
Not a race I am keen on.
Selections:
10 – Hang’s Choice
3 – Happy Jai Jai
8 – Medic Elite
7 – Loyal Ambition
Rough chance – (12) Compulsory
Race 3
Another distance race over 1650 metres – this time at the Class 4 level.
Simply Maverick (10) is trained by P Yiu will have Andrea Atzeni riding. He drew terribly in his last start – barrier 10 – got caught wide after pushing forward and faded late. He has drawn much better here in barrier 5 and will race well.
Turin Warrior (7) was smashed in the betting in his last start and was narrowly beaten at this track and distance. Trained by Manfred Man and with Zac Purton aboard again the stable will be hoping for a win. He has drawn terribly in barrier 12 – Purton will need to ride for luck.
Fearless Fire (8), despite being a ten-year-old, still is racing in fine fettle. This David Hayes runner has drawn well in barrier 2 and Karis Teetan will ride. He should be handy throughout.
Looking Cool (4) is a Frankie Lor runner with Michael Barzalona aboard. His last few starts have been at Sha Tin. He comes to Happy Valley for the first time in a long while. Maybe the change of track will assist him here.
Super Baby (5) is trained by Mark Newnham and Luke Ferraris will ride. Has been racing consistently and Mark will relish a win on his first LONGINES Hong Kong International meeting night at Happy Valley.
Selections:
10 – Simply Maverick
7 – Turin Warrior
8 – Fearless Fire
4 – Looking Cool
Rough chance – (5) Super Baby
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 luck here – this race is over 1000 metres.
I like the defending 2023 IJC winner Tom Marquand to win this race on Galvanic (4). Trained by Casper Fownes – who has a superb strike rate on the track, he races on the speed and has drawn perfectly in barrier 3. Forget his last start failure here – he drew barrier 12 – got caught wide and knocked up late.
Gorgeous Vitality (5) is trained by Frankie Lor and will have German rider Bauyrzhan Murzabayev aboard. Again, last time out drew wide here in barrier 12 and I think from barrier 2 this week will be on the speed and given the run of the race. He stormed home last start from the rear of the field with some good sectionals late over 1000 metres. This is the German’s first look at Sha Tin – he may be saluting as he goes past the post in this first leg.
Diamond Soars (9) is trained by Ricky Yiu and will have local jockey Vincent Ho aboard. He has drawn well in barrier 4 and did perform well last time out – keep safe.
A rough chance to Harmony Fire (3) with Lyle Hewitson aboard and Oversubscribed (11) with Rachel King representing Australia riding for Australian trainer David Hall – go the Aussies!
Selections:
4 – Galvanic
5 – Gorgeous Vitality
9 – Diamond Soars
2 – Super Commander
Rough chance – (11) Oversubscribed & (3) Harmony Fire
Race 5 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (Second Leg)
The second leg of our International races on the program. This time over 1650 metres.
This could be an interesting finish – Hollie Doyle versus the husband Tom Marquand if my assessment of the race is on point. I wonder who will be buying dinner if one wins and pips the other on the post?
Club Soda (7) could be the toast of the Happy Valley track if he can win for John Size and Hollie Doyle. He is third up and has had no luck in his recent runs. Drawn the rails and I think that this race could pan out well for him.
Killer Instinct (8) is the danger for mine with Tom Marquand riding for Casper Fownes. Barrier 9 may be a problem as he should race midfield. Should be flashing home late.
M Unicorn (4) is a last start winner here for trainer Casper Fownes who could quinella the race with any luck!
M Unicorn will be ridden by the LONGINES International Jockey of the Year – Ryan Moore. He won last start here and got the job done in good fashion. His two career wins have been here at this track and distance.
Red Hare King (5) is trained by Tony Cruz and races on the speed. Has drawn barrier 3 and Lyle Hewitson will ride.
Selections:
7 – Club Soda
8 – Killer Instinct
4 – M Unicorn
5 – Red Hare King
Rough chance (12) To Infinity
Race 6
A break in our feature races. This race is over 1200 metres – Class 4. Grab a drink and get ready for the last two races of the LONGINES International Jockeys Championship.
Healthy Healthy (6) will be ridden by Aussie Zac Purton for trainer Pierre Ng. Is it not often that the leading trainer and jockey of Hong Kong racing have paired this season – must be respected.
He has drawn poorly in barrier 11. Purton will need to work his magic to get the chocolates. He led and won here on 18 October and then drew wide, went forward and was run down late last time out. I just hope that he can get in and get a trail and this should see him competitive.
Golden Rise (7) is trained by John Size and Brenton Avdulla is riding. A newcomer to Hong Kong racing – third up here he looks like he is ready to show his best. Barrier 12 is not advantageous for him, however, there is some solid speed in the race that should see the field string out.
Prince Chiswick (8) is trained by Ricky Yiu and Tom Marquand will ride. He has drawn well in barrier 7 and could get the run of the race with some of the more fancied runners drawn wide and needing some luck – this could be the value runner.
Party Warrior (4) will be ridden by Vincent Ho and has drawn barrier 1. He does race back in his races – but maybe since he has drawn well, they may consider riding him a little more aggressive.
Selections:
6 – Healthy Healthy
7 – Golden Rise
8 – Prince Chiswick
4 – Party Warrior
Rough chance – (5) Happy Trio
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 it – the penultimate race to decide the 2023 winner.
All Beauty (6), to be ridden by Lyle Hewitson and trained by Frankie Lor, is the way to go here. He has drawn better for this race in barrier 4 and should get a nice trail into the race.
Six Generation (3) is trained by Jamie Richards and Karis Teetan will be riding. I just think his past three starts he has been the victim of bad barrier draws and maybe should be forgiven. He has drawn barrier 2 here and should jump and run and get a nice run throughout. Teetan will be looking to post some points and repeat his IJC win of 2019.
E Legend (7), trained by Manfred Man, will have the German jockey aboard - Bauyrzhan Murzabayev. His only three career wins have been over the mile at this distance and track. He seems to always perform well here when he draws well – barrier 3 will be a huge advantage.
Quantum Patch (4) is a last start winner for trainer Pierre Ng. Mickael Barzalona (France) will take the ride. He has gone up sharply in the weights for that victory – he did run standard time to win last time out. Maybe he may be weakening late due to his weight allocated.
Ivy League (5) trained by Douglas Whyte and with Ryan Moore to ride could be a rough chance.
I still think no jockey may claim the HK$600,000 at this point – we will need to go to the last leg!
Selections:
6 – All Beauty
3 – Six Generation
7 – E Legend
4 – Quantum Patch
Rough chance – (5) – Ivy League
Race 8 LONGINES International Jockey Championship (Fourth Leg)
The fourth leg of our International races on the program - over 1200 metres at Class 3 level.
Now we get serious – if my calculations are right there several jockeys in the mix coming into this race to win the big prize – Tom Marquand, Lyle Hewitson, Bauyrzhan Murzabayev, Hollie Doyle, James McDonald and maybe Karis Teetan may be still flying the flag for the locals.
Gameplayer Eilte (9) will be ridden by an elite jockey James McDonald and trained by Douglas Whyte. He has drawn poorly in his past two starts here and has drawn well here in barrier 4 for this race. He has been ridden back in his past few starts and had no luck. He will probably be ridden a little further forward and will finish off the race strong.
Sinba (3) is trained by Jamie Richards and Hollie Doyle will ride. He resumes from a let up and has won two barrier trials in preparation for this race. He just may sprint well fresh. Drawn wide in barrier 10 will mean he will need to come from back in the field – which is his normal pattern of racing.
Lightning Bolt (1) is trained by Danny Shum and will be ridden by Karis Teetan. The barrier draw favoured him in barrier 3 and he will race on the speed. At his best, despite his huge weight, he could slay this field.
Kaholo Angel (11) is an interesting runner to be ridden by Zac Purton - trained by Casper Fownes. He is a lightly raced four-year-old. A winner last time out at Sha Tin and having his first look at the Happy Valley track he does look like he has plenty of ability. He has run time and has drawn well in barrier 2. He will get the run of the race – Purton will get him out and he will be in the finish when the whips are cracking. It is a tough race to finish off the Championship!
If I get it right – Tom Marquand wins from James McDonald and Lyle Hewitson with the Bauyrzhan Murzabayev a threat.
What jockey will reign supreme in 2023? It will all come down to this race for mine!
Selections:
9 – Gameplayer Elite
11 – Kaholo Angel
1 – Lightning Bolt
3 – Sinba
Rough chances – (5) Tomodachi Kokoroe & (7) Beauty Glory
Race 9
The last race of the night – then the big dance on Sunday – with the LONGINES Hong Kong International Race Day.
A class 2 over 1800 metres.
Helene Feeling (6) produced a huge barrier trial behind Romantic Warrior last week – a bit hard to miss that effort to be honest. He is trained by Danny Shum and his go to jockey James McDonald will ride. He is drawn well and has won here previously – he may be a short-priced favourite.
Rise From The Ashes (5) is one that has had a freshen up since his last win at Sha Tin around seven weeks ago. Prior to that he did win here over 1650 metres. He will be ridden by Lyle Hewitson who has a 100% strike rate on him with two rides for two wins. He will race midfield and he does possess a powerful finish. His time at Sha Tin would see him winning the race here – so maybe play each way at a huge price – could be a value runner.
Tourbillon Diamond (1) is trained by Mark Newnham and will be ridden by Brenton Avdulla. He had an excellent second last time out here. Narrowly defeated – a repeat of that effort and he could win this race despite the huge weight. He has drawn barrier 1 here – that will be a huge advantage.
Selections:
6 – Helene Feeling
5 – Rise From The Ashes
1 – Tourbillon Diamond
2 – All For St Pauls
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Early Quaddie (races 2 to 5 only)
7,8,10 / 7,8,10 / 4,5,9 / 4,5,7,8 - cost is $108 to $1
Quaddie (races 6 to 9)
4,6,7,8 / 3,4,6,7 / 1,3,9,11 /1,5,6 - cost is $192 to $1
Value Quaddie
6,7,8 / 3,6,7 / 9,11 / 5,6 - cost is $36 to $1
Treble (races 7 to 9)
3,4,6,7 / 1,3,9,11 / 1,5,6 - cost is $48 to $1
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Best Bet – Race 4 – 6 – Galvanic
Best Bet – Race 9 – 6 – Helene Feeling
Each way – Race 8 - 9 – Gameplayer Elite
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Jockeys Challenge
Tom Marquand to get the job done for a second year in a row. This year he will not be sharing the prize of HK$600,000. Unless the German Unless the German debutant Bauyrzhan Murzabayev gets some luck with his rides.
Do not discount Hollie Doyle either – Tom said he was happy to tie with her!
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