WINNO'S WINNERS: DECEMBER 10: LONGINES HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL RACES
By Darren Winningham | Sunday, December 10, 2023
LONGINES HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL RACE DAY 2023
The LONGINES Hong Kong International Racing set down for Sunday 10 December is the culmination of some premier racing by the Hong Kong Jockey Club for 2023.
The stage is set for a great day of racing on Sunday. The overseas horses, trainers, jockeys, and connections have primed their horses to peak for this day. Bringing horses from all around the world to Hong Kong to contest the HK$110 million that is on offer for the feature races.
The feature races are:
The LONGINES Hong Kong Vase – race 4 (HK$24 million prize money)
The LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint – race 5 (HK$26 million prize money)
The LONGINES Hong Kong Mile – race 7 (HK$32 million prize money)
The LONGINES Hong Kong Cup – race 8 (HK$36 million prize money)
Sunday meeting features a ten-race program – let’s get into it!
Race 1
A Class 4 race to start off the program – over 1200 metres.
Gorgeous Win (6) is trained by Danny Shum and will be ridden by the Hong Kong champion Zac Purton. He led them up in his first race on Hong Kong soil and tired late. He will strip fitter for that effort and has had a three week freshen up plus the advantage of a recent barrier trial. He is drawn favourably in barrier 4 and should jump and lead.
Fighting Machine is trained by Hong Kong’s current premiership leader trainer Pierre Ng and will be ridden by Andrea Atzeni. Has drawn a wide in barrier 13. He raced in the same race as Gorgeous Win (6) first up for his new Hong Kong stable. He looks like he will be better for that run.
Patch Of Time (8) is trained by Jimmy Ting and Christophe Soumillon will be in the saddle. He had been trialling well prior to his debut run at Sha Tin when he tired late. He has been working well on the track – keep safe.
Storm Rider (10) makes his debut here for Australian trainer David Hayes. Derek Leung will ride. He has had several trials to get him ready for his first run in Hong Kong – the last trial at Happy Valley over 1200 metres when Zac Purton rode him was striking – I think this one may be one to upset some of the more fancied runners.
Selections:
6 – Gorgeous Win
5 – Fighting Machine
8 – Patch of Time
10 – Storm Rider
Rough chance – (4) Copartner Prance
Race 2
A 1400 metres clash at Class 4 level – tough field this one. The race is named after the Hong Kong Champion – Beauty Generation! WINNO would claim he is the NUMBER 1 fan and Chairman of his fan club in Australia.
Eight Light Years (5) is trained by T P Yung and will be ridden by Jerry Chau. He was racing in Class 3 races prior to dropping back in his ratings and being eligible to race in Class 4 grade. Despite the hefty weight of 61 kilograms, he gets in well here. He ran an excellent second last start over the track and distance covering it in 1.21:62. That effort will see him win this race. He normally races on the speed and jumps cleanly – barrier 10 should enable him to get across and take up a handy position in the running.
Star Club (5) has the Australian connection with David Hall training and Brenton Avdulla riding - they combined to win their last start here over 1200 metres running good time. He does go up in the weights for that win which was first up from a spell. He was powerful going to the line on that occasion – a repeat of that effort will see him right in the race.
Romantic Hero (6) is owned in similar interests to Romantic Warrior. Danny Shum and James McDonald will be attempting to get two Romantic victories with this runner being the first! He was smashed in the betting in his first up run at Sha Tin over 1200 metres – he just seemed to tire late and will be better for that run. I expect that they will back him again – if you bet around him, you may get some value here.
Circuit Nine (9) is trained by K Mo and Zac Purton will ride. He races towards the rear of the field and then must be ridden for luck in the straight. He is drawn barrier 14 – but this will not be any drama as he will settle towards the rear of the field. He will be suited by some good speed in the race. I think the other advantage is Purton taking the ride – he should ensure he gets out wide and is given every chance to reel in the leaders late.
Jumbo Fortune (2) and Winning Data (9) must be considered as rough chances.
Selections:
3 – Eight Light Years
5 – Star Club
6 – Romantic Hero
7 – Circuit Nine
Rough chances – (2) Jumbo Fortune & (9) Winning Data
Race 3
A race over 1400 metres – this time at the Class 3 level.
Gone for a roughie here who has progressed from a Class 4 win into this grade - Lost Child (12). He won last time out here over this distance in a solid time. He drops 7 kilograms to 54 kilograms. He is trained by CW Chang and Brenton Avdulla will ride him again. He has drawn a sticky barrier in number 10, however, he will race midfield and then unleash his powerful sprint late.
Global Harmony (9) is trained by David Hayes and Karis Teetan will ride. They combined last time out to run third over 1200 metres after settling to the rear of the field and racing home late. On that occasion he drew terribly in barrier 12 and was forced to go back. In his previous races he has always raced midfield. I would expect that, from barrier 7, Teetan will be positive from the barrier and position midfield in the running.
Tamra Blitz (3) will be looking for consecutive wins after winning in this grade at the track and distance last time out. Despite going up in the weights he does look well placed. Barrier 3 will be of importance with the big weight – he will need to get an uninterrupted run to get the job done here again.
Simple Hedge (7) is trained by John Size and Zac Purton will ride. He resumed over 1200 metres in a Class 3 race and looked like he needed the run. He does drop 2 kilograms for that effort and has drawn better in barrier 5 – expect an improved effort. Size seems to get his runners to fire second up often.
Selections:
12 – Lost Child
9 – Global Harmony
3 – Tamra Blitz
7 – Simple Hedge
Rough chance – (6) Chiu Chow Spirit
Race 4 LONGINES HONG KONG VASE
The first leg of our International feature races on the program. The 2023 LONGINES HONG KONG VASE – Group 1.
The Japanese have dominated this race in recent years with three wins out of the last four years.
Only a small field of 9 runners.
I think it is a race between Japan versus the United Arab Emirates.
Zeffiro (3) and Lebensstil (8) are the Japanese runners that command respect.
The exciting three-year-old Lebensstil (8) faces his toughest task to date taking on seasoned Group 1 runners in an international event for the first time. Joao Moriera will ride him again after winning on him last start in Japan. He looks like an exciting proposition - just the rise in class may be tough this time around.
Zeffiro (3) is trained by Y Ikee and Aussie Damian Lane will ride. He rode Win Marilyn to victory in this race last year – can he win it in consecutive years? Zeffiro too has not won at Group 1 level, however, his last start win in Japan at Group 2 level over 2500 metres would suggest he will be competitive here. His track work has been solid – looks well placed.
The United Arab Emirates runner who has exposed form out of Group 1 racing recently in Australia is West Wind Blows (5), who is trained by S & E Crisford and James McDonald will ride him.
He was runner up in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup behind Without A Fight who went on to win the Melbourne Cup. He did then drop back to 2000 metres and finished ninth. His fresh form is always good. He will appreciate the 2400 metres and his track work at Sha Tin all week has been exceptional. Whilst he hasn’t won a Group 1 race yet he probably deserves a win in this race.
Warm Heart (9) comes from Ireland with some solid form. Trained by Aidan O’Brien and will be ridden by Ryan Moore. Moore is wasting hard to make the weight – which is a solid sign that he must consider this runner a true chance. There is plenty of late mail in Honkers to say this is the one to beat in this race.
Selections:
5 – West Wind Blows
8 – Lebensstil
3 – Zeffiro
9 – Warm Heart
Race 5 LONGINES HONG KONG SPRINT
The second leg of our International races on the program – on paper it looks a very even field.
At Group 1 level over 1200 metres.
Ten world class sprinters engaged here in the 2023 edition.
The Hong Kong sprinters have a hometown advantage here for mine. Lucky Sweynesse (1) is trained by Manfred Man and will be ridden by Zac Purton. He has drawn well – back to set weights for the first time this preparation as well. On his previous season’s form, he would win this easily, however, he has been out of sorts this season. He has struggled in his races and not really shown the brilliance of his last preparation where he dominated all the Hong Kong feature sprints.
The other local horse that has been racing well is Wellington (2) – trained by Jamie Richards with Alexis Badel to ride.
I note the blinkers are going on for his Group 1 race. He is here defending his 2022 title when he was trained by Richard Gibson. There is a lot to like about this local runner. His work all week into the lead up to this race has been sharp.
Victor The Winner (5) could see a Hong Kong trifecta in the race. James McDonald will ride for Danny Shum. They like to lead with this runner and if he jumps clean and gets some cheap sectionals in the running, he could get away with the race. This is his first Group 1 race. He may be ready to show something on this world stage.
The Japanese runner that has continually got my attention at track work all week is Mad Cool (3), trained by M Ikezone and will be ridden by Christian Demuro, who will make his debut on the Sha Tin surface. He hasn’t raced in Group 1 company, however, he has been running some exceptional times in Japan.
The English runner Highland Princess (10) is trained by John Quinn. They have been talking up her chances all week on and off the track – she is only lightly raced as a six-year-old – 11 Group 1 starts for 4 wins – impressive.
Selections:
1 – Lucky Sweynesse
2 – Wellington
5 – Victor The Winner
3 – Mad Cool
Rough chances – (10) Highland Princess
Race 6
A class 3 race over 1800 metres.
Awesome Fluke (1) is a Casper Fownes runner and Joao Moreira takes the ride. He raced last Sunday over 1400 metres and was climbing over them late – a little bit further and he probably wins this race. The stable must be confident with him backing up just a week later. He is drawn well in barrier 6 to get the run of the race. Despite the 61 kilograms, I think he will be right in this race.
Nicholson Returns (14) is trained by David Hall and Alexis Badel will ride. He got too far back last start over 2000 metres prior to working home nicely late – I just think that the shorter distance and the speed engaged in the race may assist him here.
Billionaire Secret (9) is trained by Pierre Ng and Zac Purton will ride. They combined at Happy Valley to post a win – hopefully they can replicate that effort here. Last start he raced at 2000 metres and drew wide – got caught at the rear of the field and really wasn’t tested fully late in the straight. He has drawn barrier 13 here – he will need some luck, but is of tremendous value.
Ensued (2) is a last start winner here over 2000 metres. Has had a three week freshen up – drawn well in barrier 2 with Brenton Avdulla riding again for John Size – keep safe.
Selections:
1 – Awesome Fluke
9 – Billionaire Secret
14 – Nicholson Returns
3 – Silver King
Rough chance – (2) Ensued
Race 7 LONGINES HONG KONG MILE
The third leg of our International races on the program. A full field of 14 to face the starter here.
This is easy. It is all about the Hong Kong Horse of the Year – the Hong Kong Champion – probably the best miler in the world – Golden Sixty (1). First up in over 200 days – drawn barrier 14 – I am going to say he cannot win! In saying that we are all here to see champions win and the local Hong Kong race goers cheer and scream for their champions – in a way I hope I am wrong. He is trained to the minute by Francis Lui and will be ridden by the latest LONGINES International Jockeys Championship winner at Happy Valley on Wednesday night – Vincent Ho.
I like the Japanese runner Namur (13) who will be ridden by William Buick. He has won his past two starts over the mile in Japan – the times have been good. Just have some concern with him racing too far back in this race if they go slow up in front – that will hinder his chances.
Beauty Eternal (7) is a John Size trained runner who won last time out – Zac Purton remains aboard. Has drawn perfectly in barrier 5 – will jump and be placed on the fence and be given the run of the race probably no further than three pairs back. It is his first Group 1 race, but on his recent efforts he deserves a chance at these. Beauty Joy (8) is raced in similar interests – except trained by Tony Cruz – will be a rough chance.
Soul Rush (5) is the other Japanese runner that could race well here. He is trained by Y Ikee and Joao Moreira will ride him again after riding him last time in Japan to run second to Namur (13). His best efforts are when he is ridden forward – he will have to jump clean and get in from the wide barrier 11.
Selections:
13 – Namur
7 – Beauty Eternal
1 – Golden Sixty
5 – Soul Rush
Rough chance – (8) Beauty Joy
Race 8 LONGINES HONG KONG CUP
The last leg of our International races on the program – I just love this race each year!
Who can even go past what I consider to be the next Hong Kong pin-up champion – Romantic Warrior (2) trained by Danny Shum and with Aussie James McDonald in the saddle.
He has done well since returning to Hong Kong from Australia. He has eaten up, returned to his normal race weight and James McDonald has reported to the connections that he feels better presently than what he did prior to winning the Group 1 Cox Plate.
The Japanese pair that look well placed and who have been working well on the track are Rousham Park (4) and Prognosis (5) who did run second back in April to Romantic Warrior (2) in the FWD QEII Cup.
Rousham Park (4) has Damian Lane riding for H Tanaka. He has won his past two starts in Japan in Group 3 and Group 2. He is now looking for his first Group 1 victory – sadly, I think he will be filling the placings here.
Prognosis (3) will be ridden by Japanese jockey Y Kawada. Has been racing consistently without setting the world on fire since resuming from the FWD QEII Cup second here in April.
Luxembourg (1) is the Aiden O’Brien runner. He has a few Group 1 victories. Has not won since winning a Group 1 race in May over 2100 metres. He will run the distance out without any problems and does have the services of the newly crowned LONGINES World’s Best Jockey for 2023 – Ryan Moore.
Selections:
2 – Romantic Warrior
4 – Rousham Park
1 – Luxembourg
3 – Prognosis
Race 9
Class 3 race over 1200 metres. Some nice runners here with some ability.
Raging Blizzard (14) is a last start winner in a Grade 4 race where he lumped 59 kilograms and ran good time for the John Size yard. He goes up in class, however, down in the weights dramatically. I think he is up to this class of race and did look progressive winning in his last effort. Andrea Atzeni will ride him for the first time in a race.
The Heir (4) is trained by Casper Fownes and debuted for his first run after being purchased from Australia. His first run was solid - after several trials he was tardy out of the gates – then settled too far back and flew home for a barnstorming second. Vincent Ho will remain aboard and if he jumps on terms with them this week he should be in the finish.
Beauty Waves (5) is trained by Douglas Whyte with Zac Purton to ride. He is third up this preparation. He drew wide last start and raced on the lead and was run down late. He has had a solid barrier trial since that run, and I think poses a definite threat here.
Galaxy Patch (1) is a last start winner. Karis Teetan retains the ride for trainer Piere Ng. He ran time in his last start win here at this distance – however, has been penalised and he has gone up in the ratings – a huge weight impost of 4.5 kilograms - to carry 61 kilograms in this race. He is drawn well in barrier 3 to get a cosy run – just that huge weight may tell late.
Selections:
14 – Raging Blizzard
4 – The Heir
5 – Beauty Waves
1 – Galaxy Patch
Rough chance – (8) Lady’s Choice
Race 10
The last race on the day – then the fireworks and music kick in after the horses have left the track – a true spectacle finale from the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
This is a Class 2 race over 1400 metres. The race has popped up some talented runners over the years.
Sauvestre (4) is a Frankie Lor runner. He has booked Luke Ferraris to ride. This runner was not backed last time out here over 1400 metres. Raced in the lead and kept going on a day where leaders seemed to fare well. He has drawn handy again in barrier 7 and should be prominent in the running. He has got some weight to contend with, however, if he gets left alone in front and gets some slow sectionals, he may just keep going in the straight.
Helios Express (7) is trained by John Size and Brenton Avdulla will ride him again after a solid last start win over 1200 metres. The way he won that race and finished off late, the extra 200 metres of this race should not be a problem. He has drawn wide in barrier 12 – but, if he gets luck in the running, he will be hard to hold out late.
Fantastic Treasure (5) looks like another solid ride for local champion jockey Zac Purton. David Hayes trains this runner who is second up here. Has won second up previously and will be suited by the extra distance.
The Golden Scenery (3) is a last start winner over 1600 metres. He drops back in distance. I think he is a better proposition over the mile. He is trained by Tony Cruz and James McDonald will ride him again.
Rough chances to (8) Atullibigeal & (10) Alacrity who have been racing consistently.
Selections:
7 – Helios Express
4 – Sauvestre
5 – Fantastic Treasure
3 – The Golden Scenery
Rough chances – (8) Atullibigeal & (10) Alacrity
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Jockey’s Challenge
Looks like an easy win to Zac Purton. The other likely contenders are Ryan Moore, James McDonald and Brenton Avdulla.
Early Quaddie (races 3 to 6 only)
3,7,9,12 / 3,5,8,9 / 1,2,5 /1,2,3,9,14 - cost is $240 to $1
Value Early Quaddie (races 3 to 6)
9,12 / 3,5,8 / 1,2 / 1,9,14 - cost is $36 to $1
Quaddie (races 7 to 10)
1,5,7,13 / 1,2,4 / 1,4,5,14 / 3,4,5,7,8 - cost is $240 to $1
Value Quaddie (races 7 to 10)
1,7,13 / 1 / 4,5,14 / 4,5,7 - cost is $27 to $1
Treble (races 8 to 10)
1,2,4 / 1,4,5,14 / 3,4,5,7,8 - cost is $60 to $1
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