Jimmy Orman has ridden 25 winners in Hong Kong this season, and he could add another victory with Pope Cody in the ten-furlong Conghua Racecourse Handicap at Sha Tin on Friday.
Derby Form Boosted
The form of the BMW Hong Kong Derby received a significant boost when winner Invincible Ibis finished a close-up fourth to My Wish in the Group One FWD Champions Mile last weekend. This suggests the Derby is a form race to follow for the future.
Finishing sixth, beaten just over three lengths by Invincible Ibis in the HK Derby, was the Me Tsui-trained Pope Cody. The son of Showtime, who won over a mile earlier in the season, looks to have an outstanding opportunity to gain compensation in the Conghua Racecourse Handicap.
Consistent Performer
Pope Cody has raced several times since the New Year without his handicap mark changing, reflecting his consistency, but he has not visited the winner's enclosure. However, he proved the ten-furlong distance is his forte, coming from a mile back from an awkward draw in the HK Derby and producing the second-fastest closing sectional times in the race.
Equipped with blinkers for the first time, he wore them in an eye-catching trial behind Numbers and Romantic Warrior over a mile on turf recently. He looks ready to resume winning form and can be a welcome winner for the excellent pilot Jimmy Orman.
Dangers and Contenders
Dangers are aplenty. Top-weight Aerodynamics, who returned to form with a pillar-to-post victory from an inspired Zac Purton ride last month, is a notable threat. Lightweight Shamus Storm, representing the David Hayes stable, also catches the eye. Consistent Money Catcher and the John Size-trained Enthusiasm are others that make the shortlist.
However, Pope Cody, provided he is within a few lengths of the leaders turning into the home straight, will be hard to stop when making his bid for glory.
Pointer: Pope Cody, 10:10am, Sha Tin
