It’s an exciting time for Hong Kong racing right now, which is loaded with fresh and exciting talent.
The Four-Year-Old Classic Series saw three emerging forces – My Wish, Rubylot and Cap Ferrat – rise, while the likes of Fast Network continue to make waves.
The Boom Box is a three-time winner at Sha Tin (Pic – HKJC)
David Hayes’ phenomenal four-year-old Ka Ying Rising has been the pin-up star this season with seven wins, headlined by three at Group 1 level. As well, further down the totem pole, Sky Jewellery and Crossborderpegasus have put their hands up, to name a few, much like The Boom Box – Chris So’s dazzling three-time winner.
Returning to action in Sunday’s Class 3 S.H. Ho And CW Chu Alumni Handicap at Sha Tin, The Boom Box – rated 75 – will once again shoulder top-weight as he aims to recapture his winning thread which was halted on 9 March by half a length at Sha Tin.
So said: “The horse keeps learning, he keeps improving and even last time it was quite tough and he was still so close. He’s only a four-year-old and he only started racing this season – he’s shown ability. I really hope he stays healthy and keeps improving.”
The Spirit Of Boom gelding has turned heads across four appearances with his explosive finish and conviction to weave between runners. So has booked championship-leading rider Zac Purton this weekend when his charge breaks from barrier two under 135lb.
“He’s won three times and finished third once. Last start he went up in distance with top weight and his draw wasn’t ideal, but he still ran very well. He was very close. Karis Teetan did a really good job. Zac is on this time. I hope everything goes smoothly and I think he can be competitive,” So said.
Keefy is one of 11 opposing The Boom Box on Sunday. Frankie Lor’s six-year-old gelding returned his first top three finish this season as an outsider on 15 March.
“Last time it was a big surprise. He kept going and he finished a close third. I hope he can be more consistent now and I think Class 3 is suitable,” Lor said. “He won last season in Class 2 with a light weight.”
Matthew Poon rides Keefy for Lor following his grinding third place. Lor also saddles Voyage Samurai against six opponents in the Class 2 Faculty Of Education Alumni Handicap. The reliable son of Dissident boasts four wins and five seconds from 12 starts.
“He looks better with the blinkers on. He still has a little bit of improvement. I hope we can win. It’s a small field, which I think is good for him,” Lor said. “I think he can go a little bit further, maybe 1800 metres. I just hope we can improve – he’s consistent.”
Derek Leung pilots Voyage Samurai. Mr Cool heads to Sha Tin for the first time for Lor in Sunday’s Class 4 Morningside Alumni Handicap. The Maurice three-year-old is raced by Maurice Koo, owner of Lor’s retired Group 1 sprinting star Mr Stunning.
“He ran well on debut at Happy Valley. This time we go to 1400 metres. Last time he had a good draw (5), but he didn’t jump very fast. He finished strongly but Happy Valley has a short straight, while Sha Tin has a longer straight, which might be better,” Lor said.
David Hayes indicates it’s all systems go towards 27 April’s HK$22 million Gr1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize for Ka Ying Rising – who won an 11th consecutive race last Sunday (30 March) in the HK$5.35 million Gr2 Sprint Cup at Sha Tin.
“He pulled up really well. He will just stay in routine and we’re looking forward to the big race – his last this season,” Hayes said.
Ka Ying Rising is a 12-time winner from 14 starts (Pic – HKJC)
Second to Ka Ying Rising five times this season, Helios Express also points to the Chairman’s Sprint Prize. Hugh Bowman commended the galloper’s fine effort behind the world’s highest rated sprinter last weekend.
“It’s always great to see a good galloper and it’s a shame for Helios Express that he’s come across such a tough competitor. I’d rather finish in front of him not behind him, but Helios can only do his job. I thought he was really fantastic again,” Bowman said.
“He continues to develop as a horse. I think he appreciated that little bit of moisture in the ground – I thought his action extended a bit better than maybe last time. He continues to do his job and that’s all we ask.”
Bowman heads to Australia on Saturday along with Zac Purton, Karis Teetan and Andrea Atzeni. Bowman’s key ride at Royal Randwick is Rivellino in the Gr1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes.
“I’m riding Rivellino again who I rode in the Golden Slipper (Gr1). I thought he could have won the race if things worked out a little differently. Take nothing away it’s not like he was a good thing beaten but I think he’s certainly more suited at Randwick and to the 1400 metres – it’d be a significant victory for him if could win the Sires’ Produce,” Bowman said.
Sunday’s 10-race fixture at Sha Tin commences at 06h45 with the Class 5 Graduate School Alumni Handicap.
