Normal service resumes at Happy Valley this Wednesday following the spectacle of last week's International Jockeys' Championship, with all eyes on the stables of two champion trainers heading in opposite directions.
Size Seeks a Spark After Slow Start
The Hong Kong racing community is still waiting for the customary surge from 13-time champion trainer John Size. Renowned for slow seasonal beginnings, his current record of just eight wins from nearly 200 runners after three months has even his most loyal supporters questioning when the fire will be lit.
Hope springs eternal at the city track this week, however, as Size unleashes a six-strong raiding party. Several hold genuine winning chances, suggesting a market move for any of his runners near race time could be significant.
Perfect Pairing appears poised for success in the Heron Handicap (10.40am), dropping into Class Five company and racing off his last winning mark after an unlucky run a fortnight ago. The same grade provides a chance for the in-form Noble Deluxe in the Robin Handicap (11.10am), though his inconsistent nature and an awkward draw are concerns.
Flow Water Flow the Standout Prospect
The stable's best chance of the day arguably lies with Flow Water Flow. This galloper made a huge impression on debut last month, beaten only a whisker over the same course and distance of six furlongs. His closing sectional times ranked among the meeting's quickest.
Now, with a favourable gate and the renowned Hugh Bowman in the saddle, he is the one to beat in the first division of the Albatross Handicap at 11.40am. A victory here could be the catalyst Size's season desperately needs.
Fownes' Valley Dominance Continues
In stark contrast, trainer Caspar Fownes cannot stop saddling winners. The 'King of the Valley' has fired in six winners in the past fortnight, including a treble at the city track last week. He is currently joint-top of the Trainers' Championship with 24 wins, but his 16 victories at Happy Valley put him in a league of his own there.
With seven runners on Wednesday, his strongest contender looks to be the progressive Love Together. This well-bred son of Capitalist finished with a powerful late rattle behind Blue Illusion recently and, with Vincent Ho aboard from gate five, is strongly fancied to secure his first Hong Kong win in the Nightjar Handicap (2.15pm).
Wednesday's nine-race card at Happy Valley marks a return to the domestic rhythm after the international festivities, offering pivotal clues in the trainers' championship battle and potential turning points for out-of-form giants.
